Chapter 10: New Beginnings and Old Crushes
Jason could barely contain his excitement as he walked home from the security company. The entire experience felt surreal—he had landed a job as a bodyguard for Ruhi, one of the most famous actresses in the country. She wasn’t just any celebrity; she was his longtime crush, someone he had admired from afar for years. Jason had always admired her beauty and talent, but never in his wildest dreams had he imagined he’d be standing in her presence, protecting her.
Now, that dream was about to come true.
The walk home felt like a blur. The streets that had always seemed so ordinary were now buzzing with new possibilities. Jason couldn’t wait to tell his family the news. They had no idea how much things were about to change.
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When Jason stepped through the front door of his small home, the smell of dinner still lingered in the air. His mother, who had just finished her shift, was sitting with his grandparents, discussing their daily work struggles. They looked up as Jason entered, immediately sensing that something was different.
“Jason, you’re home late,” his mother said, her tone concerned but curious. “Where have you been?”
Jason grinned, unable to hold back his excitement any longer. “I have some news.”
His grandparents sat up straighter, their weary faces attentive. His mother’s brow furrowed as she set her cup of tea aside. “What news?”
Jason took a deep breath and began, “I got a job.”
There was a beat of silence, and then his grandfather spoke up, his voice cautious. “A job? At your age? What kind of job?”
Jason nodded, still smiling. “It’s a job as a bodyguard. I’ll be part of a security detail for Ruhi, the actress.”
His mother’s eyes widened in shock. “Ruhi? The famous actress?”
“Yes,” Jason confirmed, excitement bubbling in his voice. “The company hired me after seeing my skills. They said I’m fit for the job.”
His family was speechless, their eyes darting between each other as they tried to process this sudden news. Jason knew they had always worried about him, especially about how quiet and isolated he had become over the years. This was unexpected, to say the least.
After a long pause, his grandmother finally asked, “And what about your studies, Jason? You have school to focus on. How are you going to manage both?”
Jason had expected this question, and he was prepared for it. “I can manage,” he said confidently. “The job won’t interfere with my studies. I’ll work after school and on weekends. I’ll make sure I keep up with my classes.”
His mother, still processing the shock, leaned forward. “What’s the salary?”
Jason hesitated for a second, knowing this part would surprise them even more. “14,000 rupees a month.”
The silence in the room deepened. His mother and grandparents exchanged glances, trying to comprehend what Jason had just said. For a moment, no one spoke. His family, altogether, barely earned 20,000 rupees a month, struggling to make ends meet. And here Jason was, about to earn 14,000 rupees on his own.
“That’s… a lot of money,” his mother finally said, her voice filled with a mix of awe and concern.
“We never wanted you to have to work, Jason,” his grandfather added, his voice gentle but firm. “We always hoped you could focus on school, get an education, and have opportunities we never did.”
“I know,” Jason replied, his tone soft but determined. “But I want to help. I see how hard all of you work. This job is a chance for me to contribute, to make things easier for all of us.”
His grandmother sighed, her expression conflicted. “But bodyguard work, Jason… It’s dangerous.”
Jason’s gaze didn’t waver. “I’m ready for it. I’ve trained for things much harder than this. I can handle it.”
His family fell into a long discussion, weighing the pros and cons. His mother, though hesitant at first, began to realize how much this meant to Jason, how important it was for him to step up and contribute. The financial relief that his salary could bring was undeniable, and after a long talk, they reluctantly agreed.
“All right,” his mother finally said, her voice laced with both pride and worry. “But you have to promise us that your education comes first. No matter what.”
Jason nodded. “I promise.”
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That night, Jason lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. He was finally able to support his family, something he had wanted to do for a long time. The thought of earning more than half of what his entire family made combined was overwhelming, but it also gave him a sense of purpose.
He knew that balancing school and work would be difficult, but after everything he had been through in the time loop, this challenge seemed small in comparison. Jason’s body and mind had been trained for much worse.
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The next morning, Jason was up early, his mind clear and focused. He went through his normal routine, but this time with a sense of urgency. He completed his homework, ate breakfast with his family, and did a quick round of stretching and exercises. He wanted to be fully prepared for his first day on the job.
As the afternoon approached, Jason made his way to the security company’s headquarters, where he was to meet with the rest of the team. The moment he stepped through the doors, he felt a surge of energy. This was it. His new life had begun.
After a brief meeting with his team leader, Jason was assigned to the security detail that would protect Ruhi, the famous actress he had admired for so long. The excitement he had felt before was now amplified. He would be standing guard, protecting someone he had once idolized.
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Later that day, a sleek black car picked up Jason and the other bodyguards. As they drove through the bustling streets, Jason couldn’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and nerves. He had trained for this—he was more than capable—but being in such close proximity to someone as famous as Ruhi felt surreal.
The car eventually pulled up to a grand hotel, where Ruhi was staying. As Jason stepped out, he saw the usual chaos that followed celebrities—paparazzi swarmed the entrance, and a small crowd of fans had gathered, hoping to catch a glimpse of the actress.
And then, Jason saw her.
Ruhi emerged from the hotel’s entrance, her presence commanding the attention of everyone around her. She was even more beautiful in person, her poise and elegance almost unreal. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and Jason felt a strange surge of excitement. This wasn’t just some distant celebrity. This was someone he would now protect, someone who trusted him with her safety.
Jason stood tall, his gaze steady, as Ruhi approached, flanked by the rest of her security team. This was the start of something new—a chance for him to not only help his family but also carve out his own place in the world.
As the team began their duties, Jason couldn’t help but smile. He was ready.
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End of Chapter 10