Section 1.1: The Pharaoh’s Challenge

An Egyptian pharaoh chooses his two nephews, Amir and Babu, for an important project: constructing two grand pyramids. He promises them abundant rewards of wealth and food upon completion. Aware that this endeavor will span many years, Amir decides to begin immediately. He starts stacking heavy stones in a square layout, and after several months, the foundation begins to take shape. Yet, it takes a year before it is fully established.

Amir grows puzzled as he notices that Babu has yet to place even a single stone, and he hasn't seen Babu working in the past year. The Pharaoh had emphasized the significance of this task.

Section 1.2: A Visit to Babu

Curious and slightly concerned, Amir takes a break from his work to visit Babu’s home. He finds Babu in the basement, tinkering with a peculiar device that resembles a medieval torture tool. Amir questions him, "What on earth are you doing? You're supposed to be working on your pyramid!"

Babu, with a smile, responds, "I'm constructing my pyramid, so please let me be." Amir retorts, "But you haven't laid a single stone in over a year!"

Babu, irritated, replies, "Amir, you are fixated on immediate results, and your desire for wealth has clouded your judgment. You build your pyramid your way, and I’ll build mine my way."

As Amir departs, he shouts, "You’re making a foolish mistake; the Pharaoh will punish you when he learns about this!"

Section 1.3: Strength Training

Another year passes, and Amir has perfected his foundation, preparing to construct the second tier of the pyramid. However, he struggles with the heavy stones. Realizing his physical limitations, he seeks the guidance of Egypt's strongest man for training.

For the next year, Amir rises at dawn, consumes a protein-rich diet, and exercises twice a day. After a year, he parts ways with the strongman, feeling prepared to resume his work.

Three years have elapsed, and Amir is slowly progressing, moving one stone at a time, sometimes taking a month for each.

Section 1.4: Babu’s Arrival

After 3.5 years, Amir hears a commotion in the city. A cloud of dust approaches, revealing a large wooden contraption with wheels, a steel cable, and a remote control. Babu is beside it, the inventor of this machine.

Babu dons work gloves and, for the first time in years, begins laying stones on his foundation. What took Amir two years, Babu accomplishes in 40 days with his device. He swiftly constructs the second tier in just 18 days. Although Babu faces unexpected hurdles, he finishes his pyramid in a year, totaling 4.5 years of work. The Pharaoh is pleased, and at 23, Babu enjoys the fruits of his labor.

Section 1.5: Amir’s Outcome

Meanwhile, Amir continues tirelessly, nearly completing his pyramid after 32 years of effort. Just as he imagines the joy of spending time with his family, tragedy strikes—a week before finishing, Amir suffers a fatal cardiac arrest.