Raj stared into the mirror.
It wasn't a dream. It wasn't a hallucination. The face staring back at him was undeniably his — but younger, fresher, with the awkward softness of a boy barely into his teens. His fingers trembled as they traced the edge of his jaw, still untouched by stubble.
He wasn't 17 anymore.
He was back.
Back in time.
[System Activated.]
Regression Successful.
Current Age: 13 Years, 11 Months
Timeline: 4 years before original failure
System Host: PAVAN RAJ
Mode: Cricket Growth System
Stage: Beginner (Locked)
Note: Certain memories may remain hazy to preserve natural decision-making.
Raj stumbled backward and sat heavily on the dormitory bed, the old spring creaking under his weight. He remembered this room. The flaking walls. The wobbling fan. The way sunlight entered through the half-torn curtain in the morning.
But this wasn't nostalgia. This was real.
The universe — or something far beyond it — had actually answered his prayer.
A second chance.
The door creaked open, and a familiar voice called out.
"Raj? You awake?"
He turned.
It was Uday.
His old friend. His future best supporter. The boy who would later ride 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 lump rise in his throat.
"Yeah," he said, voice shaky.
"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 skin us!"
Raj shook his head. "I just need a minute."
As Uday left, Raj sat still, absorbing 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 during trials. And eventually, he drifted into a dull job, bitter and lifeless.
But not this time.
This time, he had the system.
[System Task Unlocked: First Step]
Objective: Rekindle your passion. Touch your first bat again with intention.
Reward: Activate Stat Panel + Mini Buff: Focus Boost (1 day)
Raj stood up and dug into the cupboard. At the bottom, covered in dust, was his old wooden bat — thinner than regulation, the grip nearly torn.
He wiped it gently with his sleeve and placed his palm 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 lane, the small shops, the smell of fried snacks in the air. It was all the same… yet different.
He passed by Ramesh Uncle's tea stall, where he used to stop for free chai when his stomach growled.
"Raj? You're walking slow today!" Ramesh called out.
Raj smiled. "Just soaking it all in."
He reached his house. It looked older than he remembered. The outer wall hadn't been painted yet. The tulsi plant was still alive in the front corner. A thin trail of smoke came from the kitchen.
And then he heard her voice.
His mother.
"Raj, that you?" she called.
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 broke down.
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 lit up.
Money… early in the story?
He smirked.
"Let's go."