The cold morning air hung over Delhi as Aryan and Smith stepped out of the cab, their eyes fixed on the imposing structure of the UPSC building. The streets bustled with life, but for Aryan, everything felt distant. Time had passed swiftly since the Mains results were announced, and the months of intense preparation seemed to blur together. It felt like just yesterday they had boarded the train from Trivandrum, bags packed with books and hopes, embarking on the journey that would lead them here.
The night before their departure, Aryan's grandfather had placed a firm hand on his shoulder, offering a few quiet words of encouragement. "No matter the outcome, Arya, you've already made this family proud." His mother had packed extra snacks, as if he were still the young boy leaving for his first school trip. Even Aditi had thrown in her teasing remarks, though her eyes betrayed how much she wanted him to succeed.
Now, as they approached the final stage of the Civil Services examination, Aryan adjusted his collar, feeling the slight tug of nerves creeping in. Beside him, Smith exhaled dramatically, his usual grin creeping onto his face. "Well, here we are. The lion's den."
Aryan smirked. "You make it sound like we're about to fight for our lives."
Smith shrugged. "Aren't we, though? I'd say impressing senior officers and political minds is just as tough as any battlefield."
They walked up the marble steps, passing by other candidates who sat quietly in the waiting area, their faces a mix of tension and focus. Aryan spotted a few familiar faces from previous stages, nodding in acknowledgment as they entered the registration hall. Timmy and Jimmy had been left in the care of Aryan's mother back in Trivandrum—a rare occurrence, but necessary for the occasion.
"It feels strange not having them around," Aryan said quietly as they signed their names at the reception desk.
Smith chuckled. "You think Timmy would've perched on top of the UPSC building, watching your every move?"
"Knowing him, probably."
They settled into the waiting room, a long, sterile hallway lined with chairs and quiet murmurs. The clock ticked away slowly, dragging each second. Aryan leaned back, his eyes scanning the ceiling. His mind drifted, recalling the early mornings spent training under the soft light of Meenangadi's sun, his grandfather's stories, and the distant gaze of his father in photographs.
"Thinking too hard?" Smith asked, nudging him gently.
Aryan smiled faintly. "Just remembering how far we've come."
"We're almost there. You ready for this?"
Before Aryan could answer, a staff member stepped into the room. "Smith Thomas."
Smith grinned. "Showtime. Wish me luck."
"You won't need it," Aryan replied, watching as Smith straightened his jacket and followed the staffer down the hall.
As the door clicked shut, Aryan found himself alone with his thoughts. The room seemed quieter without Smith's lighthearted comments. His gaze drifted toward the window, where the faint silhouette of Parliament could be seen in the distance.
An hour passed.
Smith emerged from the interview room, his expression neutral but his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Not too bad. They tried to catch me off guard with a question about policy reform, but I turned it into a joke about bureaucratic red tape."
Aryan chuckled. "You're impossible."
Smith sat beside him. "Your turn, hero. Go make history."
A staffer reappeared. "Aryan Menon."
Taking a deep breath, Aryan rose to his feet, smoothing the creases on his shirt. Smith gave him a thumbs-up.
The hallway felt longer than it should have. With each step, Aryan reminded himself of the years of effort and the sacrifices that led him here. The interview room loomed ahead, a large, wood-paneled chamber where five senior officials sat waiting. Their expressions were calm but sharp, eyes dissecting him the moment he entered.
"Good morning, Mr. Menon. Please take a seat," the lead interviewer said, his tone measured.
Aryan nodded politely and lowered himself into the chair. His palms pressed lightly against his knees to steady himself.
The questions started gently—background, education, and reflections on public service. Aryan answered each with ease, drawing from personal experiences and hours of study. But the tone shifted subtly as one of the panelists leaned forward.
"Mr. Menon, if you were leading a district facing rising corruption within its ranks, how would you address it without causing internal conflict?"
Aryan paused, formulating his response. "Corruption thrives in silence. I believe the key lies in transparency and setting a precedent. By creating independent oversight committees and encouraging whistleblowers through protected channels, we can reduce fear and increase accountability. Conflict might arise, but maintaining integrity is non-negotiable."
The panel exchanged glances, nodding slightly.
Another interviewer chimed in. "You speak of integrity. What inspired you to pursue this path?"
Aryan's throat tightened momentarily. He met the interviewer's gaze. "My father was a police officer. He dedicated his life to serving others, even when it put him in harm's way. His commitment to justice shaped me more than anything else. When he passed, I felt the need to carry forward what he stood for."
The room fell silent for a brief moment, the weight of his words lingering. The lead interviewer softened slightly, nodding in acknowledgment.
"A noble answer, Mr. Menon. One last question," the panelist said, leaning back. "In your opinion, what makes a great leader?"
Aryan's answer was immediate. "Empathy. A leader must understand the people they serve. Decisions aren't made in isolation; they ripple across communities. Balancing firmness with compassion creates trust, and trust fuels progress."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of the lead interviewer's mouth. "Thank you, Mr. Menon. That will be all."
Aryan rose, offering a respectful nod as he exited the room. His heart pounded, but a sense of calm settled over him. Smith was waiting outside, grinning ear to ear.
"You were in there forever. How was it?" Smith asked eagerly.
Aryan let out a breath, his smile growing. "I think I did all right."
The two walked out of the building, the sun hanging low in the sky. The final hurdle was behind them. Now, all that remained was the wait for the results.