[Big City Office – Late Evening]
The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as Pavan Raj sat at his cramped desk in a big city office, his eyes burning with exhaustion. The endless stack of papers felt heavier by the minute, as he typed reports and did menial tasks that made his once-vibrant dreams feel like distant memories. Every day felt the same — long hours, no recognition, and the grinding pressure of a city that cared more about profits than people.
Pavan had moved to this city, hoping for a better life. A job at a small firm seemed like a fresh start. But now, at 25, he was buried in work that drained him emotionally and physically. His heart felt heavy from the unfulfilled dreams of his youth — cricket, a passion he could never chase, always sidelined by his family's financial struggles. The pain in his chest wasn't just physical; it was the weight of regret, of a life never truly lived.
He glanced at the clock. It was midnight, and the office was nearly empty. A few co-workers were still around, typing away, but Pavan felt isolated, lost in a sea of strangers who would never understand his struggle. His thoughts wandered to Spandana, the girl he had loved in college, who had left him with no explanation, gone off to enjoy life abroad. That chapter of his life was now a painful memory, but it never stopped haunting him.
He ran a hand over his tired face, wishing for the peace that had been stolen from him years ago. His boss called out from the other side of the room, snapping him back to reality. It was time to keep pretending everything was fine.
But inside, Pavan felt the crushing weight of his own failure and disappointment.
He thought of cricket again. The world he had given up on. His heart tightened.
"Is this my life now?" Pavan asked himself quietly, but no answer came.
His breathing grew heavy as the physical pain in his chest grew sharper.
Suddenly, everything went black.
[System Activation Detected]
Host: Pavan Raj – Status: Deceased (Cardiac failure due to emotional and physical stress)
Regression Protocol Engaged…
Loading: Cricket System – Stage 1: Batting | Reflex Enhancement | Stamina Boost
[Eturnagaram – Morning, 2011 – Age 16]
Pavan's eyes opened, and he gasped.
The room was familiar — his childhood home in Eturnagaram, where he had lived with his parents and younger brother. The faint smell of his mother's cooking filled the air. His body felt different — lighter, younger. He was 16 again.
His fingers twitched. A cricket bat was lying on the floor beside him. He stood up, disoriented, and hurried to the mirror.
"I'm… I'm back." Pavan thought, running a hand over his face.
He was back to the time when he had still dreamed big, still had hope in his heart.
[Cricket System Activated]
Welcome back, Player.
Goal: Become a legendary cricketer.
Starting Point: District-Level Trials – 2011.
Pavan swallowed hard, his heart racing. He couldn't believe it. He was young again — with a second chance. He could pursue cricket again, step by step, and fulfill his dream.
His phone buzzed in his pocket, a message from Uday, his school friend:
"Are you ready for the cricket match trials tomorrow? Let's show them what we've got, man!"
Pavan smiled faintly. Uday had always admired his cricket style and his intelligence. He had supported him through thick and thin.
Pavan stood up, feeling the rush of determination flowing through him. He had a second chance. This time, he wasn't going to waste it.
He grabbed the cricket bat and looked out the window. His journey had just begun.
"I won't let my dreams slip away again."