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Chapter 5 - 5. Good night

"3RD PERSON POV"

The sky had turned even darker, the last traces of evening light swallowed by the night. Inside the car, Suryakantham was driving through the rain-soaked streets, heading toward Aravind's house near his café.

The rain, which had slowed earlier, had now returned with renewed intensity. The rhythmic sound of raindrops hitting the car filled the air, creating a serene, almost hypnotic atmosphere. Inside, the two sat in comfortable silence, wrapped in their own thoughts.

Suryakantham, however, was humming softly—her happiness evident. After all, she was getting her money back tomorrow.

Noticing her cheerful mood, Aravind smiled and finally broke the silence.

"You look quite happy."

Suryakantham glanced at him and smiled. "Of course! And it's all thanks to you, Aravind."

Aravind chuckled, his voice warm. "Well, it's a pleasure to hear that."

Suryakantham hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "You know, Aravind, you already know so much about me. But what about you? Tell me about yourself."

Aravind's smile softened as he looked out at the rain. "There's nothing too interesting about me," he said casually. "No parents, no family, no friends. Just me, my café, and my peaceful life."

Hearing this, Suryakantham's smile faded, and she quickly said, "I'm sorry."

Aravind quickly waved his hand dismissively. "No worries. It's been so many years that I don't even remember my parents' faces anymore. I'm someone who lives in the present."

Hearing this, Suryakantham smiled softly. "Oh? And what about a girlfriend?" she asked, her tone teasing.

Aravind let out a hearty laugh. "Hahaha, very funny. What do you think? Who's going to fall for this face?"

Suryakantham blinked, surprised by his words. She studied him for a moment before speaking seriously. "Aravind… are you self-deprecating?"

Aravind turned to her, confused. "What do you mean?"

Suryakantham kept her eyes on the road but spoke firmly. "I mean, you're handsome. I'm not just saying this—you're really handsome."

Aravind raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at his lips. He leaned in closer to her, his voice turning teasingly sweet. "You think so?"

Suryakantham's breath hitched. His face was too close. The warmth of his presence, the slight smirk on his lips—it was all too much.

Her cheeks turned red, and in her flustered state, she lost control of the steering wheel for a moment.

"Ah—!" she yelped.

Before the situation could get worse, Aravind swiftly reached out and steadied the wheel. His hand lightly brushed against hers as he corrected the car's course.

"Be careful while driving," he said with an easygoing smile, as if nothing had happened.

Suryakantham gripped the wheel tightly, her face still burning. She refused to look at him, but she could feel his amused gaze on her.

Damn him.

Suryakantham, still blushing, turned her head slightly and muttered, "It's your fault." Her voice grew softer as she added, "Your face was too close."

Aravind chuckled, clearly amused. "My bad," he admitted with an easygoing smile. "Anyway, as I was saying… After getting my degree in hotel management, I opened my little café. I also dabble in the stock market now and then. It's nothing big, just enough to keep my life lazy, comfortable, and peaceful. That's me—just a simple guy with a simple story."

Suryakantham listened intently, then tilted her head playfully. "Your life is so simple and nice." A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes as she added, "You know, if life were a movie, your story would be about a powerful character secretly living a normal life… Or wait—are you?"

Before she could finish her teasing remark, Aravind rolled his eyes and smirked. "You got me. I'm actually the leader of a powerful and mysterious organization, living a normal life as a cover."

For a moment, they stared at each other, then burst into laughter.

Just as their laughter filled the car, a translucent screen suddenly appeared in front of Aravind's vision.

[Host, you are supe—]

Before the message could finish, Aravind's mind instantly reacted.

'Shut up, SYS.'

The screen vanished immediately, as if it had never been there.

Suryakantham, unaware of what had just happened, was still smiling. "You know, for a second, I almost believed you," she joked.

Aravind leaned back, his expression unreadable. "Yeah… almost."

Outside, the rain continued to pour, but inside the car, the atmosphere felt oddly warm.

As their laughter filled the car, a sudden growl interrupted the moment. The sound echoed in the quiet space, making both of them freeze.

Suryakantham's face instantly turned red with embarrassment.

Aravind, catching on, burst into laughter.

Her blush deepened. With a playful pout, she punched his arm lightly. "Don't laugh! I haven't eaten anything since morning because of this stupid breakup mess."

Still chuckling, Aravind raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, I get it." Then, with a thoughtful smile, he said, "How about this? Since you're already dropping me home, why don't you stay for the night? It's dark, the rain is getting worse, and for your information, I'm an excellent cook."

Suryakantham narrowed her eyes at him, a teasing smirk forming on her lips. "Oh? We just met today, and you're already inviting me to your place? Naughty boy."

Aravind rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on. Don't overthink it. The rain is heavy, your car might break down again, and it's already late. I'm just being considerate—as your new friend. And when I say I'm a great cook, I mean it."

She tapped her fingers on the steering wheel, pretending to think. "Hmm, I see, I see… Alright, I accept your offer. But let me warn you—I don't give fake compliments. If your cooking isn't good, I'll tell you straight up."

Aravind grinned. "As you wish, Miss Suryakantham. And thank you for trusting me and accepting my hospitality."

She shook her head with a smile. "You and your smooth words."

The car continued forward through the rain, but now, the air between them felt lighter—almost as if the storm outside didn't matter anymore.

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"3RD PERSON POV"

After driving for a while, they finally arrived in front of Aravind's house. Unlike the crowded neighborhoods of the city, this place was quiet and peaceful, surrounded by the gentle embrace of nature. The darkness of the night was softened by the warm glow of the house's exterior lights, casting a welcoming aura.

The house itself was a masterpiece of modern design, standing at the end of a gently curving driveway. Towering pines framed the property, their silhouettes swaying against the night sky. The structure had a sleek yet inviting charm—its pristine white walls contrasted beautifully with dark accents, creating a bold and sophisticated look.

Floor-to-ceiling windows illuminated the facade with a golden warmth, making the house appear alive in the midst of the rain-soaked night. A black, flat roof extended over the entrance, supported by stone-clad pillars that added a touch of natural elegance. To the left, a seamlessly integrated garage complemented the minimalist aesthetic, while a carefully manicured lawn framed the entire structure, vibrant and lush despite the weather.

Suryakantham's eyes widened as she took in the sight, a mix of admiration and surprise crossing her face.

Noticing her reaction, Aravind chuckled and said, "Beautiful, isn't it?"

Still staring at the house, she nodded slowly. "Yeah… it really is."

There was something about the place—serene yet grand, modern yet warm. It reflected Aravind perfectly.

Hearing Suryakantham's admiration, Aravind smiled and said, "I've been to many places before, but here... this place truly feels like home. And trust me, it's even more beautiful inside."

Suryakantham raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really?"

Aravind nodded. "Of course. You'll see for yourself in a moment. But first, let me open the garage shutter so you can park the car inside."

She gave a small nod in response. Without wasting any time, Aravind opened the car door, stepping out with a transparent umbrella in hand. The moment he exited, a cool gust of wind greeted him, carrying the scent of rain-soaked earth. Droplets cascaded from the sky, landing softly on his skin, while occasional flashes of lightning illuminated the dark sky, casting fleeting shadows over the quiet surroundings.

He walked toward the garage at a steady pace, his footsteps light against the wet pavement. As he reached the shutter, he pulled it open, revealing a well-lit, spacious interior. Flicking on the lights, the garage brightened instantly, revealing a sleek, modern space designed to accommodate multiple vehicles.

Stepping back outside, he turned toward the car and waved at Suryakantham, signaling her to drive inside.

Seeing Aravind's signal, Suryakantham nodded and carefully drove the car into the garage. As she entered, her eyes wandered around the spacious area, taking in the neatly arranged space. The garage was quite large, with enough room for multiple vehicles. In one corner, a car and a bike sat covered under protective cloths, their shapes barely visible beneath the fabric.

Parking the car smoothly, she turned off the engine and stepped out. The air inside carried a faint scent of motor oil and polished metal. Taking a deep breath, she looked around, absorbing the details.

Aravind, noticing her curiosity, chuckled lightly. "Impressive, isn't it? But let's go inside—it's getting colder out here."

Suryakantham nodded, pulling her gaze away from the surroundings. Aravind reached for the light switch and turned off the garage lights before stepping outside. As they emerged back into the rain, he handed her the umbrella, allowing her to stay dry while he quickly pulled down and locked the garage shutter.

With that done, they made their way toward the main entrance. The sound of raindrops pattering against the umbrella filled the silence between them. As they reached the front door, Suryakantham passed the umbrella back to Aravind with a small smile. He accepted it wordlessly, shaking off the excess water before placing it aside.

With practiced ease, he unlocked the door and pushed it open, inviting her inside. "Welcome," he said with a small smile, stepping aside to let her in first.

As Aravind stepped inside, the house was engulfed in darkness. Without hesitation, he reached for the light switch and flicked it on. A warm glow spread across the space, revealing a beautifully designed interior. The elegant decor, tasteful furniture, and cozy atmosphere immediately caught Suryakantham's attention.

"It's really beautiful," she said, her eyes scanning the room with admiration.

Aravind smiled, pleased by her reaction. "I told you," he replied casually.

They both removed their footwear near the entrance before walking further into the house. As they entered the main hall, Aravind suddenly stopped and turned to her.

"Wait here for a moment," he said before heading toward his bedroom.

Suryakantham frowned slightly. "What happened?" she asked, curious.

"Just wait a minute," Aravind repeated over his shoulder as he disappeared down the hallway.

A minute later, he returned, carrying a neatly folded set of clothes. As he approached, he extended them toward her with a small smile.

"I don't have any women's clothes, but these should be comfortable enough," he said.

Suryakantham looked at the clothes in her hands, then back at him. "Are you sure?" she asked hesitantly.

Aravind chuckled. "Of course. Don't worry about it. Come with me."

He led her down a short hallway, stopping in front of a door. Pushing it open, he gestured inside.

"This is the guest room. You can use it to freshen up. I'll be in the kitchen making dinner, so come over once you're ready, okay?"

Suryakantham nodded. "Alright."

Aravind flashed a brief smile before turning and walking toward the kitchen. Suryakantham watched his retreating figure for a moment, then glanced down at the clothes in her hands. A small, warm smile formed on her lips.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the guest room and closed the door behind her.

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"3RD PERSON POV"

The kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of spices as Aravind worked on dinner. His hands moved rhythmically, kneading the dough for the rotis, his mind focused on the task. But then, a subtle shift in the air made him aware of another presence.

Sensing someone behind him, he turned—and there stood Suryakantham.

She was wearing an oversized gray sweater that draped loosely over her frame, paired with black night pants. The soft fabric made her look cozy and relaxed. Seeing Aravind's eyes on her, she smiled.

"What do you think?" she asked playfully.

Aravind returned her smile. "You look good. I mean... beautiful in those."

Suryakantham chuckled as she stepped closer. "You think so? I feel like your clothes are a little too big for me."

Aravind simply shrugged and turned his attention back to the dough. "Nah, they look good on you."

She smiled at his response. "If you say so."

Her gaze shifted to his hands, watching the way he expertly kneaded the dough. "What are you making?"

Aravind glanced at her briefly before replying with a smile, "Mattar paneer and roti."

Suryakantham nodded in approval. "That sounds good."

As Aravind continued cooking, he glanced at Suryakantham and asked, "So, how do you like my house so far?"

Suryakantham leaned against the counter, looking around with a thoughtful expression. "It's really nice. There's a warmth here… it feels like a home. Unlike my apartment, which just feels like a place to sleep."

Aravind smiled at her words. "I'm glad you think so."

After a moment, she turned to him. "Need any help?"

He shook his head. "No, don't worry. You're a guest, and besides, dinner is almost ready."

Suryakantham nodded, respecting his decision, and they continued talking as the final touches were made. Soon, the kitchen filled with the rich aroma of spices, and dinner was ready.

She insisted on helping him set the table, despite his initial protests. Together, they arranged the dishes neatly on the dining table, and once everything was in place, they sat down to eat.

As she took her first bite, Aravind watched her expectantly. "So? How is my cooking?"

Suryakantham chewed thoughtfully before looking at him with a satisfied expression. "It's really good… no, wait—it's great! Your future wife is going to be very lucky."

Aravind chuckled, pleased by the compliment. "I told you my food was great."

She nodded, continuing to eat. The meal was warm, comforting, and exactly what she needed after the long, emotionally exhausting day.

As they ate, their conversation flowed easily. They talked about small things—favorite foods and random stories that made them laugh. The rain continued to pour outside, but inside, the atmosphere was cozy and lighthearted.

For the first time in a while, Suryakantham felt at ease, as if she were exactly where she was meant to be.

After dinner, Suryakantham insisted on helping Aravind clean the dishes, despite his protests. "You're a guest, you don't have to—" he tried to say, but she simply rolled up her sleeves and started washing.

"I'm not that kind of guest," she said with a small smile.

Aravind chuckled and let her help. Side by side, they worked together, the sound of running water and clinking dishes filling the quiet kitchen.

As the night deepened and it was time to sleep, Aravind walked Suryakantham to the guest room. He stood outside the door, offering her a warm smile. "If you need anything, just call me, okay?"

Suryakantham returned his smile. "Thanks for today. I had a lot of fun."

His expression softened. "Me too."

A comfortable silence settled between them as they looked at each other. There was something unspoken in the air, a quiet moment stretching between them.

After a beat, Aravind finally spoke, his voice gentle. "Good night, then."

Suryakantham felt her face grow warm. A thought crossed her mind, unbidden, making her heart race. 'For a moment, I thought we were going to kiss…'

She barely realized she had murmured it aloud until Aravind tilted his head. "Did you say something?"

Snapping out of her daze, she quickly shook her head. "Nothing! Just… good night to you too."

Aravind gave her a final smile before turning toward his room. Suryakantham watched his retreating back, an inexplicable happiness blooming in her chest.

Still smiling to herself, she stepped into the guest room, closing the door softly behind her.

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"3RD PERSON POV"

Lying on his bed in the darkness of his room, Aravind stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. The faint hum of the city outside barely reached his ears as he let out a deep sigh.

'SYS, my reward,' he thought.

A familiar translucent screen appeared before him, its golden letters glowing softly in the dark.

[Congratulations, Host, for making Suryakantham happy and solving her problem.]

[Reward Granted: ₹50,00,000 has been transferred to your bank account.]

Aravind barely reacted. Money had long since lost its novelty for him. Instead, he spoke in his mind again.

'SYS, show me my status.'

[Affirmative, Host.]

A more detailed screen materialized in front of him, listing his stats, abilities, and affiliations.

.....

"STATUS"

Host: Maheshwar / Aravind Chaturvedi

Current Name: Aravind Raghavan

Code Name: Dharma

[AFFILIATION]

Supreme Leader of Dharma Chakra

Owner of Coffee & Beans Café

[CHAIN OF COMMAND] (Key Subordinates)

▶ Rayyan Hussain | Code Name: Ghost

Supreme Commander of Dharma Chakra

The Arms and Shield of Dharma Chakra

▶ Jeevan Gandhi / Sanjay Raghavan | Code Name: Axiom

Supreme Commander of Dharma Chakra

The Brain, Eyes, and Ears of Dharma Chakra

[RELATIONSHIP STATUS] (NEW)

Girlfriend(s)/Wife(s)/Harem: None (For now…)

[HOST ATTRIBUTES]

(Peak Human Condition)

Strength: ★★★★★

Agility: ★★★★★

Endurance: ★★★★★

Reflexes: ★★★★★

Intelligence: ★★★★★★

Willpower: ∞ (Indomitable)

[CORE SKILLS & ABILITIES]

▶ Combat & Warfare

✔ Peak Human Condition

✔ Master Martial Artist

✔ Advanced Military Operator

✔ Master of Every Weapon (Instant Mastery by Touch)

✔ Master Spy & Espionage Expert

✔ Explosives Mastery

✔ Danger Intuition

▶ Tactical & Intelligence Operations

✔ Genius-Level Intellect

✔ Master Strategist & Tactician

✔ Disguise Mastery & Escapology

✔ Multilingualism

▶ Leadership & Presence

✔ King's Aura

✔ King's Voice

✔ Supreme Leadership & Tactical Influence

▶ Special Abilities

✔ Auto-Pilot (Unconscious Mastery)

✔ Normalcy (New)

✔ Harem Management (New)

✔ Sexual Calibration (New)

✔ Harem Luck (New)

▶ Technical & Utility Skills

✔ Master Physician & Medic

✔ Expert Driver & Pilot

✔ Machinery & Drone Mastery

✔ Cooking Mastery

✔ Swimming Mastery

✔ Meditation & Focus Control

...

Aravind exhaled slowly and muttered, "Close it, SYS."

The system screen disappeared instantly. Turning onto his side, he pulled the blanket over himself, letting the exhaustion of the day settle in.

After a quiet moment, he whispered into the darkness, "Thanks, SYS… for everything. I had fun today."

A warm notification blinked in response.

[You're welcome, Host. I am always here for you. 🥰]

A faint smile tugged at Aravind's lips as his consciousness faded, drifting into a deep, peaceful sleep.

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