The victory at the school had shifted the energy in the Pathak Haveli. Raghunath was no longer just a spice merchant; he was the father of a prodigy. But for Ashutosh, the real work was just beginning. He had 1,000 Skill Points to spend, and a "Stage 2" physique that made him feel like he could run for miles without losing breath(Typical illusion).
'System,' Ashutosh called out mentally as he sat in the courtyard, watching Ansh struggle with a metal frame. 'Spend 100 points to unlock Cinematography (Lv 1) and 100 points to upgrade Director's Vision to Lv 1.'
[DING! Cinematography leveled up to Lv 1 (0/500)]
[DING! Director's Vision leveled up to Lv 1 (0/500)]
The world transformed. Suddenly, the way the afternoon sun hit the marigolds in the courtyard wasn't just "pretty." Ashutosh saw the "Golden Hour" lighting. He saw how the shadows of the pillars created a natural frame. His mind began to unconsciously storyboard every movement in the house.
"Savitri! Padma is here!" his Nani called out from the front gate.
Savitri's face lit up with a joy Ashutosh rarely saw. She dropped the ladle she was holding and rushed toward the door. "Padma! Oh, it's been too long!"
A woman entered the courtyard, radiating a certain grace that felt different from the traditional Varanasi vibe. She wore a sophisticated chiffon saree, and her mannerisms had a touch of the Bombay "glamour" world. This was Padma Sharma, Savitri's dear friend who had recently married into a family with deep ties to the film industry.
Ashutosh stood up, dusting his shorts. He looked at the guest, his Talent Appraisal Panel activating automatically.
[TARGET: PADMA SHARMA]
[POTENTIAL: B+ RANK (PERFORMING ARTS)]
[CURRENT STATE: NOSTALGIC / TIRED]
[NOTE: CARRIES A STRONG KARMIC LINK TO A FUTURE STAR]
Ashutosh tilted his head. 'Padma Sharma... Atmaprakash... wait.' He knew those names from his previous life's research into the history of Indian comedy and the Govinda family tree. But the memories were still a bit hazy regarding the exact timeline. He didn't find her "familiar" in the sense of a famous face, but there was a resonance in her aura that felt like a melody he had heard before.
"And this must be the little genius I've been hearing about!" Padma said, kneeling to Ashutosh's level. She smelled of expensive sandalwood perfume. "Savitri, the letters you sent... I thought you were exaggerating, but look at those eyes. He's looking at me like he's composing a painting."
"He's a special soul, Padma," Savitri said, pulling her friend into the kitchen area. "Come, tell me everything. How is Bombay? How is Atmaprakash-ji?"
Ashutosh followed them at a distance, listening.
"Bombay is... loud, Savitri. But exciting," Padma sighed, sitting on a wooden stool. "Atmaprakash is busy with the family, and there's always talk of films and music. It's a different world. But my heart stays here in these lanes."
As they talked, Ashutosh watched Padma. He saw the way she moved her hands—expressive, rhythmic. She had the "artist's touch" that would eventually be inherited by her son.
"Maa," Ashutosh interrupted, sliding a glass of cold water toward Padma. "Does Auntie Padma like movies? I saw a poster of a movie called Sargam in the bazaar today."
Padma laughed, charmed by the boy's politeness. "I love movies, beta. In my house, we eat, sleep, and breathe cinema. My brother is very keen on the industry."
Ashutosh's eyes sharpened. 'Brother... Govinda.' The pieces started to click, but Padma wasn't pregnant yet. The future "Krushna" was still a few years away from being born.
"I want to make a movie one day, Auntie," Ashutosh said, his voice dropping into that serious, charismatic tone that always stunned adults. "A movie that people in Bombay will watch and wonder... who made this in Varanasi?"
Padma stopped mid-sip, her eyes widening. She looked at Savitri. "He isn't joking, is he?"
"He never jokes about 'Big' things," Savitri said, though she smiled. "He's already redesigning his father's factory. He says he wants to build a 'Media Empire'."
Padma reached out and patted Ashutosh's cheek. "Well, if you ever come to Bombay, you have a home with us. Maybe you'll be the one to give my future children their first big break, hmm?"
Ashutosh smiled—a genuine, warm smile. 'If only you knew, Auntie Padma. Your son is going to be one of the funniest men in India. And yes, I will definitely give him a stage.'
[DING! SECRET BOND ESTABLISHED: THE SHARMA FAMILY]
[REWARD: 100 Skill Points]
As the women shifted to talk about family matters, Ashutosh walked back to the courtyard where Ansh was finally bolting the heating element to the frame.
"Ansh-bhaiya," Ashutosh said, his mind already racing. "Forget the packaging machine for a second. Can you build me a 'Dolly'? A platform on wheels that moves smoothly? I want to try a moving shot with a camera."
Ansh looked up, grease on his forehead. "A 'Dolly'? What's that? And where are you going to get a camera, Ashu? They cost more than a car!"
Ashutosh looked toward his Nana's room. "Nana has an old 16mm Bolex from his days in England. It's sitting in a trunk, gathering dust. I'm going to go 'borrow' it."
His first creative project was about to begin.