Raj looked into the mirror.It wasn't a dream. It wasn't a hallucination. The face staring back at him was undoubtedly his but younger, fresher, with the softness of a boy barely in his teens. His fingers shaking as they traced the edge of his jaw, still untouched by beard.He wasn't 17 anymore.He was back in time.
System Window popped out:
[System Activated.]
Regression Successful.
Current Age: 13 Years, 11 Months
Timeline: 4 years before original failure
System Host: PAVAN RAJ
Mode: Cricket Tycoon Growth System
Stage: Beginner (Locked)
Note: Certain memories may remain not clear to preserve natural decision-making.
Raj crawled backward and sat on the dormitory bed, the old spring making creaking sound under his weight. He remembered this room. The walls with good posters. The fan which is moving slowly. The way sunlight entered through the half-torn curtain in the morning.
But this wasn't a dream. This was real.The universe ,The God or something far beyond it had actually answered his prayer.A second chance.
The door slowly opened with sound, and a familiar voice called out.
"Raj? You awake?"
He turned back.It was Uday.His old friend. His future best supporter. The boy who would later stay beside him on his hardest days. But right now, he was just a short, slightly chubby kid with big dreams and a cricket obsession.
Raj felt a sudden rise in his throat."Yeah," he said, with shaky voice."You okay?" Uday stepped closer. "You look like you saw a ghost."
Raj let out a shaky breath. "Maybe I did."
Uday raised an eyebrow. "Did you forget today's class? Teacher will punish us!"
Raj shaked his head. "I just need a minute to get ready."As Uday left, Raj sat still, trying to understand everything.
In his past life, this was the year he gave up.
His father had crushed his confidence. His bat had broken. He'd been mocked and bullied during trials. And eventually, he entered into a dull job, bitter and lifeless.But not this time.This time, he had the system.
[System Task Unlocked: First Step]
Objective: Recall your passion. Touch your first bat again with intention.
Reward: Activate Stat window+ Mini Buff: Focus Boost (1 day)
Raj stood up and started searching into the cupboard. At the bottom, covered in dust, was his old wooden bat thinner than dusty, the grip nearly torn.He wiped it gently with his shirt and placed his hand on the center.
[Task Complete]
Stat Panel Activated
Mini Buff: Focus Boost — Active (Expires in 24h)
[Host: Pavan Raj]
Batting: 31/100
Bowling: 20/100
Reflexes: 36/100
Stamina: 40/100
Strategy: 28/100
Charisma: 34/100
Growth Potential: High
Raj nodded slowly. "Not bad. But we've got a long way to go."That afternoon, Raj walked home alone. The familiar muddy street, the small shops, the smell of fried snacks in the air. It was all the same same yet different.
He passed by Ramesh Uncle's tea stall, where he used to stop for free chai when he get a head ache or hungry."Raj? You're walking slow today!" Ramesh called out.
Raj smiled. "Just thinking it all in."He reached his house. It looked older than he remembered. The outer wall hadn't been painted yet. The tualsi plant was still alive in the front corner. A thin cloud of smoke came from the kitchen.And then he heard her voice.
His mother called out.
"Raj, that you?".
He stepped inside, and there she was younger, less tired, but just as kind.Meenakshi wiped her hands on her saree and smiled. "You look like you saw heaven."Raj almost burst into tears.She was alive. Healthy. Standing. Smiling. Before her illness. Before the arguments. Before he lost her.He rushed forward and hugged her tightly.She was surprised. "What's gotten into you?".
"Nothing," Raj whispered. "Just missed you."She chuckled. "You saw me yesterday!"
That night, Raj sat on the rooftop, staring at the stars.He remembered the crushing guilt of his old life. How he'd let people down. How he'd drowned in regret.But not this time.This time, he had purpose. A mission.And he wouldn't waste it.
[System Alert: Hidden Side Quest Available]
Quest Name: Break the Cycle
Objective: Score 50+ runs in your first upcoming match and earn ₹1,000 in one week (without asking family)
Reward: Minor Skill Unlock + Unlock Tycoon Route Preview
Raj's eyes glow up.Money early in the story?He smiled.
"Let's go yeah."
To be continued...