Neil was always that student who stood out in school. He was the class topper, always ahead in studies, and well-liked by both teachers and students. His teachers often praised him in front of the whole class, and many students looked up to him. He had a lot of friends and was quite popular. He lived with his single mother, who worked hard to support him and his younger brother. His mother was his biggest motivation, and he had promised himself that he would make her proud one day.
Neil studied day and night, sacrificing fun and distractions. When others were watching movies or relaxing, he was solving mock tests and memorizing medical facts. His efforts paid off. He scored a top rank and got admission to one of the best medical colleges in the city. Everyone around him celebrated—relatives who never called suddenly became emotional, and his neighbors told everyone about his achievement. Neil felt proud but stayed focused. He had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. Along with studies, he also had an interest in solving mysteries. His uncle was a detective, and Neil had learned a few observation and investigation tricks from him during summer holidays. It made him feel sharp and adventurous.
On the first day of college, he walked in with full confidence. He thought it would be like school again—making friends easily, impressing teachers, and being at the top. But reality was very different. Everyone there was as smart or even smarter than him. Some students already had deep knowledge, and others had skills he didn't. For the first time, he felt average. It was a strange feeling. He struggled to keep up with lectures, practicals were tough, and the pressure kept increasing.
Soon, the boy who was always active and cheerful became quiet. He stopped socializing, avoided events, and focused only on books. His routine was simple: study, eat, sleep, repeat. He didn't talk much to his school friends either. He didn't know how to tell them that things had changed, that he wasn't the "topper" anymore. He wasn't failing, but he was no longer the best. Slowly, this started affecting him. His personal life disappeared, and the only people he talked to were his professors or group partners. He and his brother had a special been bond. Although Neil's brother was notorious and pulled pranks on Neil, he never once compained about it. He lived his family and they were now all he had.
His hostel room slowly turned into his world. Walls filled with sticky notes, textbooks piled up like mini towers, and one white coat hanging on the door like a reminder of the pressure he was under. Sometimes, he would just sit and stare at his uncle's old detective diary he brought along—wondering when life would be exciting again, when he'd stop feeling like he was just surviving. Even though he didn't say it out loud, deep inside, he missed the version of himself that used to smile without stress.
Soon the bond between Neil and his new friend grew deeper and their friendship grew stronger. They both shared their stories and adventures. They talked for hours how their lives used to be. They became comfortable with each other. Neil one day returned back to his dorm room and lied on his bed. He was happy to make a new friend. He thought that this friendship would last 5 years of his degree and that they would graduate together, but things took a wild turn.