Alex got up, cleaned up, and felt energized. Today was going to be busy, so he’d risen early.
On his way downstairs to make some breakfast, he pulled up the real estate application on his phone, he had made the decision that it was time to purchase a home.
He already had a vehicle and sufficient funds. He just needed a place to live.
Alex had only three demands: it would have to be comfortable to reside in, large enough, and private.
Privacy was essential—due to his regular trips he made back to the ancient world, he couldn’t afford to have other folks become aware of his arrivals and departures. He also required room to keep what he traveled back and forth.
When he opened his bank account, he found almost ₹8 crore in it—enough for a villa or a luxurious apartment.
"Money iss made to spend," Alex was grumbling to himself with a smile.
He recalled what Rishi and his friends mentioned the day before yesterday—there were some new villas available for purchase around there.
"Let’s go see them today," he decided, more resolute than ever.
After breakfast, Alex drove directly to the real estate office.
Since he’d made a reservation, the staff was waiting for him when he got there.
A young salesman, neatly dressed approached him with a friendly smile. His name tag said Rajesh Sharma.
Unlike in the books that Alex had read, no one here was arrogant or snobbish. Villas that they sold were not for everybody as most customers were rich or influential, and the sales agents knew better than to antagonize anyone who set foot in the place.
Rajesh didn’t waste time getting down to business, his manner friendly but professional.
"Good morning, sir. The largest plus point of our villa project is that it is private and luxurious. It is meant for those who appreciate peace and elitism."
He pointed to a big display map at the back.
"Our villas are situated on the shores of Pawai Lake, within the National Eco-Zone. The land spans approximately 8 kilometers of lakeside natural area, with water all around it on three sides. The air here is pristine, something not easily found in Mumbai.
"Also, it’s just a 40-minute car ride from South Mumbai. We also have clearance for a private helipad for those residents who want to fly in."
Rajesh’s presentation was slick and assured. He knew precisely how to play up what was important.
"If you’d like, sir, I can give you a tour of our luxury villa. It’s open for viewing today."
"Okay, let’s do that," Alex replied.
Privacy was just what he currently required.
A couple of minutes later, Alex entered Rajesh’s company car, and they drove deeper inside the gated estate.
As they arrived at the villa, Rajesh got out first and pointed with pride to the view.
"Opinions, sir? The lake view here cannot be matched, and the air is so clean you can taste it."
He indicated the villa ahead of them.
"This is Villa No. 1, or ’Lotus Crown Villa’. It’s our flagship property. It was designed by a Pritzker-award-winning architect, and the house employs a suspended glass façade that has a 270-degree panoramic view of the lake. Wake up to misty mornings and sleep under the stars."
They entered inside, where the interiors were contemporary but warm.
"All rooms have a fresh-air floor heating system. The walls incorporate natural river pebbles and have received LEED Platinum certification for sustainability."
Alex accompanied him from room to room, silently absorbing it all. Rajesh served him a cup of Darjeeling tea while he spoke.
"The garden on the roof can be opened or shut for cultivating tropical flowers and plants. The security system was specifically designed by a Swiss company. Biometric access, AI-based alerts, and daily drone surveillance within a 10-kilometer radius around the lake are what we employ."
He paused for effect.
"A few years ago, sir, the price for this villa would’ve been much higher. But with the recent slowdown in the global market, we’re offering it at a very attractive rate now."
Rajesh made sure Alex experienced every feature: the automated curtains, the smart kitchen, the quiet study overlooking the water. The service was flawless.
Alex was convinced already. He looked again at the view, then at Rajesh with a serene smile.
"Let’s book this one. I’ll take the Lotus Crown Villa."
Rajesh’s eyes went wide.
"Sir... are you certain? The last price of this villa is approximately ₹7 crore, inclusive of taxes, so the total is about ₹7.1 crore."
He could scarcely believe it. People typically took days to negotiate, going on several tours. But this young man was deciding here and now!
"It’s perfect. I’ll pay the full amount today. I have to move in right away for personal reasons."
Rajesh’s jaw dropped almost.
"You mean... you’re going to pay the full amount upfront?"
Alex nodded again, unmoving.
Rajesh had sold numerous villas previously, but hardly any customers ever paid cash down, most opted for large home loans, regardless of their wealth.
To pay ₹7.1 crore in full? It was virtually unheard of.
Rajesh’s professional grin transformed into a radiant smile.
"Sure thing, sir! I’ll get the agreement prepared immediately. If we act promptly, you may move in today itself."
They signed the deal, wet-stamped the documents, and Alex paid the full amount there and then. Rajesh’s tone became even more courteous.
"Mr. Alex, in case you ever need anything whatsoever, here’s my direct number. I am also on WhatsApp. Just call me anytime."
Alex nodded respectfully.
"Thanks. I’ll be in touch."
Following Alex’s purchase of the villa, he had a quick lunch at the KFC nearby.
Just when he was done eating, his phone rang yet again—Mrs. Lata was calling for the third time this week.
On the line, Mrs. Lata’s voice was full of urgency. She reminded him over and over about the blind date she’d set up for him that afternoon. She talked about how he needed to take his future seriously, find a good match, and hopefully give the family two grandchildren within three years.
Alex could only nod along helplessly and keep replying, "Hmm... okay, Auntie... I’ll go."
Alex timed his arrival perfectly at the meeting place—a serene Star Café au Lait tucked in a bustling lane in Bandra.
He got a seat near the window and had a black coffee ordered.
When he was just about to stir some sugar, the café door opened—and in came someone who made everyone in the café turn their heads.
She was dressed in a smartly fitted navy JK-style jersey, her feet light, posture erect, and her presence serene yet striking.
Cafés in Mumbai had witnessed all sorts of college fashion, but if a person carried off a JK look so smoothly—elegant, clean, tailored-fit—the spotlight was all hers the moment she walked in.
Some girls at a table nearby whispered amongst themselves, sneaking glances at her.
"Oh my god, look at that outfit! She’s so pretty!"
"Right? She looks like an actress... in fact, even film stars don’t possess this classy look."
"I swear, I also desire a JK like her. It’s so adorable and chic-looking!"
"Forget it, that’s custom-made. Did you notice the gold embroidery around the collar? That’s Ono Designs, no? One piece can cost more than 1 lakh!"
"1 lakh?! For one outfit? That’s my whole annual internship stipend!"
Several other patrons who had been quietly sipping cappuccinos felt instantly shabby by contrast. They cast down their eyes, fidgeting awkwardly in their plain T-Shirt and jeans.
It couldn’t be denied, however—at that instant, the girl in black JK uniform was the belle of Star Café au Lait.