Chapter 1: The Grind Toward Greatness

The weight of expectations crushed Aryan's shoulders as he walked toward his coaching centre, his bag feeling heavier than usual. JEE Mains and Advanced were just months away, and every conversation, every glance, every breath felt like a countdown to judgment day. His parents had drilled into him the importance of these exams. "Your entire future depends on this," his father often reminded him. His mother, though gentler, echoed the same sentiment: "Beta, just one last effort. Once you get into IISc Bangalore, life will be easier."

Aryan was no stranger to pressure. His alarm blared at 5 AM, pulling him from his short-lived sleep. With a deep sigh, he freshened up and settled at his desk. The world outside was dark, but the glow of his study lamp illuminated the complex physics equations before him.

5:30 AM - 7:30 AM: Self-Study

Mornings were dedicated to physics and mathematics. Aryan tackled HC Verma's concepts and solved problems from Irodov. His hands worked tirelessly, filling pages with calculations as his mind raced against time.

7:30 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast & News

His mother always had breakfast ready—a plate of poha or paratha, accompanied by a glass of milk. As he ate, he skimmed through the news, a habit his father insisted upon to develop his analytical mindset.

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM: School

School felt like a formality. Attendance was mandatory, but his real studies happened elsewhere. He often zoned out, solving advanced problems while teachers covered textbook concepts. His best friend, Rohan, nudged him, "Dude, if you burn out now, what will you do in IISc?"

Aryan smirked. There was no room for relaxation. Not yet.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch & Power Nap

At home, lunch was a quiet affair. His mother urged him to take breaks, but he never really listened. A short power nap followed—no longer than thirty minutes.

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Coaching Classes

The real battle was here. Every student was a competitor, all vying for a top rank. Teachers bombarded them with high-level problems, and Aryan absorbed everything, his competitive spirit burning brighter with each passing day.

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Commute & Anime Break

His one guilty pleasure was anime. The Big 3—Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach—were his escape. On the bus ride home, he lost himself in Luffy's adventures, Naruto's struggles, and Ichigo's battles. Their unwavering determination fueled his own.

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner, Medico Books & Revision

Dinner was another quiet affair. His parents tried to engage him in conversation, but his mind was elsewhere, still analyzing the day's lessons. However, Aryan had another unique hobby—reading medical books. His sister was a general surgeon, and her collection of medical textbooks fascinated him. When he needed a change of pace, he found solace in understanding human anatomy, diseases, and treatments. Though he had no intention of becoming a doctor, the subject intrigued him, and he often impressed his sister with his ability to recall medical facts.

8:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Self-Study & Mock Tests

The final stretch. Chemistry was his weakest subject, so he focused on mastering organic reactions and memorizing inorganic formulas. At least three times a week, he took mock tests, simulating exam conditions. Every second mattered.

11:00 PM - 11:30 PM: Planning & Reflection

Before bed, Aryan reviewed his progress, planned the next day, and allowed himself a brief moment to dream—walking into IISc Bangalore, feeling the weight of his efforts finally pay off.

11:30 PM: Sleep

He collapsed onto his bed, exhaustion overtaking him instantly. Tomorrow, he would do it all over again.

Months passed. The JEE exams came and went. Aryan battled through stress, self-doubt, and exhaustion. And then, one fateful morning, his results arrived.

He had done it.

AIR-47. A rank high enough to secure his place at IISc Bangalore.

Tears pricked his eyes. Years of sacrifices, sleepless nights, endless revisions—it had all led to this moment. His parents wept with joy, his father patted his back with pride, and his mother hugged him tightly, whispering, "You did it, beta."

For the first time in years, Aryan allowed himself to breathe. The burden had finally lifted. He had won.

But fate had other plans.