The morning of results day was like an exam for Aarav, and his heart was filled with a strange pounding.
He had woken up early, but he had no desire to open his books.
Every breath seemed to demand an answer, and his anxiety was growing. His mother was still sleeping, and Aarav didn't think it was right to wake her.
He didn't want his nervousness and fear to reach his mother. So he quietly went outside and sat in the courtyard.
The sky was clear, but his mind was clouded with fear and questions. The question of what would happen if he didn't get the scholarship kept lingering in his mind.He tried many times to remove that thought but every time it became deeper.
After some time, when it was time to go to school, mother just said that you should come early today.
Aarav nodded but for the first time today his voiceDidn't come out.As soon as he reached school, he felt the atmosphere had changed.
There were whispers everywhere about who would top the results today.
Who will do it and who will get the scholarship.Aarav quietly went and sat on his last bench.
But today that bench did not seem like the last one to him.The bell rang and the principal himself came into the class.
He had the file in his hand and the entire class became completely silent.He said that the result of the scholarship examination will be declared today.
Aarav's palms became sweaty. Names were called one after another.With every name, a smile would appear on someone's face.But Aarav's name did not come and his heart slowly started sinking.
The list was almost over now and only two names were left.The principal looked at the paper and then looked towards the class.He said the last name and at that very moment Aarav closed his eyes.
Then the name came Aarav Kumar.For a moment he thought perhaps he had heard wrong.
There was a slight commotion in the class as to who was the one on the last bench.
Aarav gasped when the principal said, "Stand up, Aarav." His feet seemed to stick to the ground. Then, with great difficulty, he pulled himself up.
The entire class was staring at the boy who never spoke.The principal smiled and said that you have got a full scholarship.
The words resonated deeply in Aarav's heart. The applause was genuine, some forced. Everything else faded from his ears, and all he could see was his mother's face.
After the holiday, he came running home, his breath was heavy but his steps did not stop.
As soon as he opened the door, he called out to his mother for the first time. Her mother panicked and asked, "What's wrong, son?" Aarav said nothing, just held her hand and started crying.
He was crying like a child and said in hiccups, "I got it, mother, I got the scholarship."At first mother could not understand but when she understood, her eyes filled with tears.
She hugged Aarav and kept thanking God again and again.
That day, for the first time, a slight sweetness came into the house.When Aarav bought fruits for his mother, his mother asked him where he got so much money from.
Aarav smiled and said, "Mother, I'll be back soon." Days passed, and Mother's medicines began arriving on time. Aarav's studies were no longer a burden.But life wasn't that simple.
One evening, Mother's health deteriorated again. Aarav took her to the hospital, where the doctor examined the reports. The doctor said treatment was necessary and would be expensive.
Aarav's triumph turned to fear in an instant. That night, he sat on a hospital bench while his mother slept. The sound of machines echoed in his ears.
He questioned whether the scholarship would be enough.The next day, he didn't go to school and stayed in the hospital.
When the teachers heard the news, the principal himself came to visit. He listened to Aarav's entire story and then said, "Son, you're not alone.
"The school extended a helping hand and the teachers collected money among themselves.
Treatment began, and Mother slowly began to recover. A heavy stone was lifted from Aarav's heart.
A few weeks later, Mother returned home. The house was the same, but the atmosphere had changed.Now there was less fear and more hope.
One day, the school held a speech competition, and the teacher asked Aarav to participate. Aarav was nervous and said, "I am." The teacher said, "Yes, everyone should hear your story.
"On the day of the competition, Aarav's hands were shaking while standing on the stage.The microphone was in front of him, and hundreds of eyes were fixed on it.
He took a deep breath and said, "I don't talk much." The entire hall fell silent.He spoke of his mother's illness, poverty, fear, and his own silence.
Each word seemed to flow from his soul. When he finished speaking, the hall remained silent for a few moments. Then, there was loud, sincere applause.
That day, Aarav won his first prize. But more than that, he found his voice.
One day, the school held a speech contest, and the teacher asked Aarav to participate. Aarav was nervous and said, "I am.
" The teacher said, "Yes, everyone should hear your story."On the day of the competition, Aarav's hands were shaking while standing on the stage.
The microphone was in front of him, and hundreds of eyes were fixed on it. He took a deep breath and said, "I don't talk much." The entire hall fell silent.
He spoke of his mother's illness, poverty, fear, and his own silence. Each word seemed to flow from his soul.
When he finished speaking, the hall remained silent for a few moments. Then, there was loud, sincere applause.That day, Aarav won his first prize. But more than that, he found his voice.
That night, his mother said, "You look so different today." Aarav smiled and said, "I'm the same, Mom, just not silent anymore.
"The sky was clear, and Aarav looked up. He felt as if life was listening to him for the first time.
Aarav's life was now slowly changing and this change was not sudden but came from every night when he tried to sleep with fear and every morning when he did not let himself lose.
Now everyone in the school started recognizing Aarav and the same boy who used to sit on the last bench with his eyes downcast had now become the hope of the teachers.
His copy now became an example and his words were now heard.But one worry was still alive inside him and that was his mother.
Mother's health was better than before but she had not completely recovered and was still taking medicines.The doctor had clearly said that complete treatment is necessary otherwise the disease may return.
Aarav carried this in his heart every day. One day, the principal called him into his room.Aarav was a little nervous and quietly went inside.
The principal smiled and said, "Sit down, Aarav." An envelope was on the table. He said, "You have an offer from a major school in the city.
"Aarav opened the envelope and his eyes widened.
The entire study expenses, accommodation and better education, everything was written down.
The Principal said that not everyone gets this opportunity and you can go a long way.Aarav remained silent as happiness and fear clashed together in his heart.
As soon as he read the name of the city, his mother's face flashed before his eyes, waiting for him alone and frail at home. Hesitantly, Aarav said, "Sir, I need some time to think.
"The principal looked at him and said I understand.Aarav's steps were very heavy while returning home.With every step, two voices were fighting in his mind that this was a dream and mother would be left alone.
When I reached home, mother was sitting near the stove and she asked me with a smile why I was late today.
Aarav did not say anything and just sat beside them.Dinner was very quiet, so quiet that every sound seemed louder.After dinner, Aarav placed the envelope in front of his mother.
When she asked what it was, Aarav replied, "This is an opportunity for me."
Mother read the paper slowly, her eyes filling with tears with each line.He asked Shahar and Aarav nodded.
Mother remained silent for a long moment, then said, "You will go." Aarav was startled and said, "Mom." Mother interrupted, "No, this is your dream.
" Aarav's voice broke when he asked, "And you?"Mother said that she would manage it but the lie was clear in her voice.That night Aarav could not sleep and kept looking at the ceiling.
He remembered the day when his mother had given him her share of food.I also remembered that night when mother went to work despite being ill.
He kept wondering if he could really go.Next day Aarav went to the hospital and showed mother's report to the doctor.The doctor said that care is necessary but if medicines are given on time then she can remain fine.
A path started forming in Aarav's mind.But the road was full of thorns. He asked about part-time jobs at school, such as library and
He wanted to save some money for his mother, and a few weeks passed in this confusion.The deadline for the offer was approaching.
One evening, his mother called Aarav over and held his hand. She said, "I raised you not for myself, but for your dreams." Aarav broke down in tears.
Mom said, "If you don't go, I'll always think I stopped you." That night, Aarav made his decision. The offer was accepted. Preparations for the city began.
Mother opened an old box and took out Aarav's clothes, stitched them, and cleaned them. Station day arrived, and there were crowds, noise, and whistles everywhere. Aarav and Mother stood on the platform, as the train was about to arrive. Mother placed a hand on Aarav's forehead.
She said, "Never underestimate yourself." The train arrived. Aarav gave his mother a big hug.
He said that I will fuck you.The train started, and Mom stood on the platform. Aarav watched her from the window until she disappeared.
That day, Aarav truly grew up for the first time.
(To be continued... in Chapter 4)END In the next chapter:City life, loneliness and Aarav's biggest test.
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