The days passed in a blur of studying, gaming, and reading. Shree spent hours each day buried in his textbooks, trying to focus on the future that his parents and teachers expected of him. The pressure to excel, to make something of himself, was always there, quietly nagging at the back of his mind. But in between the cramming, there were those brief moments of relief.
Every night, after his studies, Shree would unwind by diving into his favorite mangas and novels. He would lose himself in the stories, the worlds of fantastical heroes and mind-bending plots. He'd play his games, losing track of time as he climbed levels, unlocked achievements, and made his way through virtual worlds that felt more exciting than his own reality. It was a small escape, a way to silence the stress that built up during the day.
But as the hours passed, his mind would inevitably wander back to the real world. The cheating in the medical entrance exams... The thought would gnaw at him every time it crossed his mind. How could people do that? The hypocrisy was infuriating. Students who were supposed to be future doctors, saving lives, stooped to dishonest tactics just to secure their place in a prestigious institution. How could anyone trust them with people's lives? He'd curse under his breath, the anger bubbling inside him.
Despite these thoughts, Shree had his moments of peace. He'd sit on the couch with his parents and grandparents, enjoying a quiet dinner. His mother would ask about his day, and his father would talk about the latest news in the world. His sister, Vrushali, would share stories of her workout routines and her progress at the gym, jokingly complaining about how sore her muscles were. His grandfather would chuckle and tell tales from his youth, and his grandmother would hum softly, preparing her favorite dishes. They were a close-knit family, and their banter, though sometimes petty, was always filled with love.
On one of these evenings, as the sun set behind the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, Shree felt a wave of gratitude. This is what matters. Family, peace, and love. The distractions, the pressure—it was all a part of life, but in this moment, it felt like everything was in balance.
But the excitement of the trek was slowly building in him. The days seemed to stretch endlessly, each one merging into the next as he continued his studies and entertainment, until the much-awaited day finally arrived.
The morning of the trek was filled with energy and anticipation. Shree had already packed his bag the night before, checking his gear and making sure he had everything. His parents and grandparents had given their permission, and he had promised them he would be safe. As he met up with his friends—Karan, Shreyash, Prajwal, Prathmesh, and Rutu—there was a collective buzz of excitement.
The journey to the mountains was filled with laughter and chatter. They drove for hours, the landscape slowly changing from the flat, familiar terrain of the city to the rugged hills and valleys leading into the mountains.
When they finally arrived, Shree stood in awe. The sight before him took his breath away. The vast mountain range stretched high into the sky, their peaks covered in snow, their faces rugged and unyielding. A river cut through the valley below, its waters sparkling in the early afternoon light as it snaked through the land. Cliffs rose majestically on either side, and the air felt cleaner, fresher than anything he had ever breathed in the city.
"This is amazing," Rutu said, standing beside Shree, his voice full of wonder.
"It's unreal," Shree replied, his eyes scanning the landscape. He felt a deep sense of peace, something he hadn't felt in weeks.
The trek itself was both challenging and exhilarating. They climbed the rocky slopes, laughing, talking, and sometimes just enjoying the silence between them. As they reached a high point, overlooking a breathtaking view of the valley below, Shree stood still, taking it all in. The mountain air, the sound of the wind, the beauty of it all—it was like a different world. A world untouched by the pressures and the cheating and the expectations.
His friends gathered around, taking pictures, talking about future trips, and planning their next adventures. They shared stories of their childhood, of school, and of their dreams for the future. It was moments like this, Shree realized, that made everything feel worth it. The simple joy of being with friends, of sharing a moment of happiness without any worries.
As the day turned to evening, they set up camp by a small clearing near the river, the fire crackling as they roasted marshmallows and talked about everything and nothing. For a brief moment, Shree could forget about the medical exams, the cheating, and the looming expectations. He could just be present, here, with the people who mattered.
The mountains, the river, the cliffs—they all felt timeless, unbothered by the world below. It was exactly what Shree needed. A reminder that there was more to life than just striving for success. There was beauty, there was friendship, and there was peace.