I had built a successful logistics business over fifteen years. My mistake was believing business success automatically made me a skilled trader. I started with large-cap stocks, then moved to pledged positions, futures and option selling. When losses came, I transferred more money from the business because I could not accept defeat.
The combined damage crossed ₹8.4 crore. We sold land, two commercial units and several vehicles. Relatives who once asked me for investment advice stopped answering calls. One school friend, who had no money to offer, came every evening and sat with me while I worked through documents. That friendship became more valuable than any asset I lost.