The scene opens with a shot of students walking toward the examination center for their university entrance exam (NEET).
Narrator's voice:
"Everyone fought with everything they had for one destination,
Regardless of pace, they held their ground at every turn.
Life is strange, isn't it?
Because the journey to victory always begins with a race..."
The camera then shifts to students walking out of the exam hall — some smiling, some teary-eyed, some thrilled for the future, and others still haunted by their past mistakes.
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One Day Before Leaving for College
At Raghav's House
The scene opens with Raghav's mom finishing her morning prayer. She enters his room.
Mom: "Raghav?"
She looks around, sees the balcony door open, and instantly knows her son is already awake — the only one in the house besides her who wakes up on time.
She walks to the balcony. The camera pans to a boy in his twenties — young, sharp-featured, standing tall with a cup of coffee in his hand. Wearing a black t-shirt and white shorts, his face glows in the morning sun.
Mom: "So this is where you are! Have you finished packing?"
Raghav (smirking): "Come on, Mom. You know I'm not Adi — who packs thirty minutes before leaving."
Mom: "True, true. You're the 'Mr. Discipline' of the house. But coffee first thing in the morning? I've told you so many times—it's not good. You might be a topper, but all your habits are so off!"
Raghav: "It's just coffee, Mom."
Mom: "And coffee has caffeine, beta!"
Raghav: "Got it. Not like anyone has ever won an argument with you."
They both laugh.
Mom: "Now go wake your darling younger brother and come down for breakfast. Your dad must be on his way back from his walk, and you know how hungry he gets—especially when made to wait."
She begins to leave, picking up some of his clothes.
Raghav: "You go, I'll be there."
Just then, Bri enters the balcony — hair messy, slippers loose, and clearly half-asleep, dragged out of bed by her mom to start packing. Their friendship was a marvel in itself — an introverted guy and an extremely extroverted girl.
Bri: "Coffee this early?"
Raghav gives her the classic 'Not you again' face and ignores her.
Bri: "What's with the face? Just wait till we're in college. I'll show you my charm!"
Raghav nearly chokes on his coffee: "Anyone who falls for your charm... I can't imagine what they must be like."
Bri (grinning): "Time will tell. For now, come down. Breakfast's ready and I'm starving."
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At the Breakfast Table
Dad: "Madam Sahiba, would you please summon your royal offspring?"
Mom: "They'll be down. If you're hungry, eat. Why must you always fire from their shoulders?"
Dad: "See? No one appreciates goodness these days!"
Raghav, Bri, and Adi walk in. Adi is half-asleep, clearly woken against his will.
Bri: "Uncle's right — no one appreciates goodness anymore. Just look at this guy," (pointing to Raghav) "We've spent 20 years together and not once has he thanked me for all I've done for him."
Raghav: "What all you've done?! I got punished in school just because of you!"
Bri: "Exactly, bro! That's what makes life worth living. Everyone studies, but not everyone gets punished together!"
Raghav makes his signature fed-up face.
Dad (chuckling): "Bri's got a point. Rules are meant to be broken! What's school life without getting punished with your friends?"
Mom: "Yeah, yeah. Just pass on your rebel wisdom to the kids."
Dad: "I mean it! If I hadn't skipped school and climbed that wall that day, we'd have never met," (nudges his wife) "No rules, no romance, and certainly no Raghav or Adi!"
Adi (wide-eyed): "Wow! I didn't know you and Mom met like that. Maybe I'll try being late too. Who knows? I might find my soulmate!"
Mom (smacking his head lightly): "Just eat, will you? If I get even one complaint from your school, I'll pull you out and keep you home."
Everyone bursts out laughing.
Bri: "Don't worry, Uncle! I'll make sure there's a line of girls ready for Raghav in college!"
Mom: "And I'll make sure to call your mom right now. You all are going to college to study, have fun, live your life—not hunt for spouses!"
Bri: "Ugh, Aunty! You sound just like my mom now. I thought you were the cool one!"
Just then Bri's mom storms in, hearing her daughter's comment. She grabs Bri by the ear.
Bri's Mom: "Oh, I'll show you real cool, young lady!"
Bri: "Moooom! At least let me eat first! Ugh—ow! Fine! Raghav, Adi, be ready! Train's at 6 tonight!"
Bri's Mom drags her away while scolding her the entire time: "Don't act smart! You haven't even packed yet. They're ready—YOU are always late!"
Everyone at the table laughs.
Mom: "This girl... I wonder when she'll grow up."
Dad: "Let her be. Growing up only brings responsibilities. Let her enjoy being a child for now."
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At Siya's House
Siya and Shivansh are both packing for college. Shivansh, despite scoring high, chose a college in the same city—just to stay close to his sister. His intentions were pure, but Siya saw it as her fault. Because of her, he gave up better opportunities.
Life had betrayed both of them. In this story, they were both heroes—and a bit of each other's villain too.
Their mom walks in with snacks and places them in their bags. Dad follows and gives them each some cash.
Dad: "Look after each other."
Siya: "We're going to different colleges... might not even get time to meet."
Dad (mocking): "You're still free to meet, right? It's not like you're going to study MBBS."
A blow straight to Siya's chest.
She smiled weakly. Maybe he was joking. Maybe he didn't mean it. But it pierced her like a hundred daggers. Was she really that unwanted? So unworthy of praise?
Her mother noticed the change in her face but said nothing. Deep down, she wanted Siya to be a doctor too—but not at the cost of her happiness. She still remembered last year, when Siya begged her to let her choose something else. But relatives, society, and well-wishers convinced her to try for MBBS again. Siya never wanted it... but she tried. And fate didn't side with her.
Her mother silently pulled her father away from the room.
Shivansh: "Di, don't worry. I'll come visit."
Siya: "No need. Focus on your studies."
Shivansh looked sad. He remembered how his sister used to be — bold, sassy, full of comebacks. They fought like cats and dogs. Back then, he hated it. Now, he missed it more than anything.
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Preview of Next Chapter
On a busy street, a girl saves a boy.
Raghav tries to see her face… but misses it.
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