It hadn't even been 24 hours since Sanya realized she was no longer in her own world, but trapped inside what could only be described as a never-ending Star Plus serial with a toxic joint family, melodramatic relatives, and a system that—up until now—offered more snacks than salvation.
She tiptoed down the stairs, still munching the last Kurkure chip. In the living room, a grand summit of aunties, Chiku Bhaiya, and the infamous would-be groom Vicky took center stage. A sari-clad grandmother sniffled dramatically, dabbing at her eyes.
> "Sanya! There you are, beta!" declared her Mummyji, eyes narrowed in a way that said more than any saas-bahu script ever could. "Come, meet your Vicky ji. He went to Delhi Polytechnic! He has his own motorcycle and… everything!"
Sanya eyed Vicky. He looked like someone who owned more fake Ray-Bans than brain cells.
"Hello," she said with a smile too polite to be real. "Heard a lot about you. Some of it from our local police board."
Aunties gasped. Vicky's grin twitched. Chiku Bhaiya coughed into his hand, suppressing a laugh.
Her system pinged—barely visible in the corner of her vision.
**[Daily Sign-In: Bonus Spin Unlocked! Reward: 'Beginner Swimming Skill' (activation possible at any pool); 1 x Plastic Keychain (Chhota Bheem edition); 50 rupees prepaid mobile top-up voucher.]**
Sanya blinked.
*"Chhota Bheem? System, you're just showing off now."*
Still, she pocketed the keychain. Family drama swirled around her like a cyclone. Her Mami sauntered up, whispering sharply, "Beta, think of the family's reputation. Say yes, or your Tayaji's heart might—"
Sanya cut her off gently, "Mami, I'd rather not be blackmailed with imaginary heart attacks before lunch. Isn't that reserved for post-dinner threats?"
Rekha, a distant cousin sitting in the corner, snorted behind her comic book, earning Sanya an unexpected ally.
Just then—a shout from outside. Some neighbor's scooter had been "borrowed" without asking, and people poured into the street. Vicky looked nervous. Sanya, catching his unease, filed that away, half-listening to the background shrieks.
She sighed. "I'm going for a walk," she announced, clutching her Kurkure, thirty rupees, and the Chhota Bheem keychain. Nobody tried to stop her—they were too busy arguing over stolen vehicles, dowry rumors, and who borrowed whose gold chain last Diwali.
As she reached the gate, her phone chirped.
> Rekha (text): "If you escape, come to the park. Bring snacks. I've got the good gossip."
Sanya grinned. "On my way. May or may not bring actual family gold."
Life in this universe was one brimming with drama, blackmail, and overacting—but with a system that liked to keep things unpredictable, Sanya decided maybe it wasn't so bad after all.
Tomorrow's reward might be useless—or it might just be her ticket to freedom.
**End of Chapter 2**