Chapter 1: The Intense Pressure of Kota

Kota, a small city in India, is infamous for its rigorous coaching programs designed to prepare students for the highly competitive JEE (Joint Entrance Exams) — the gateway to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). I had a school friend who relocated to Kota early in his academic journey, remaining there for three years. I joined him two years later, and upon our reunion, he appeared to have changed significantly.

He expressed his frustrations, saying, “I wish there was an instant way to satisfy my hunger. I can’t afford to waste time on meals during breaks.”

He shared his study strategies, “When I start to feel drowsy studying chemistry, I switch to math problems to refresh my mind before returning to my chemistry notes.”

One night, he became so engrossed in a challenging problem from Halliday Resnick, a notoriously difficult physics textbook, that he didn’t realize it was morning until he looked outside.

His small room was adorned with images of all seven IITs, where he spent countless hours dreaming of attending IIT Mumbai. Everyone believed he would succeed, fueled by his passion and determination. However, after three years of hard work, he didn’t pass the exam. Just one more correct answer in chemistry could have changed everything for him.

They often say, “Students leave Kota after two to three years, but the experience stays with them for decades, or sometimes for life.”

During this time, he formed a friendship with a quiet competitor at the coaching center. More than his own failure, he was devastated that his rival had gained admission to IIT Mumbai.

For weeks, he isolated himself, consumed by despair. His parents grew increasingly concerned, with his mother even contemplating divorce, blaming his father for the pressure he placed on their son.

My friend eventually emerged from his room and enrolled in a modest engineering college in Pune, where I was also living. He became fixated on outperforming his rival in terms of career success and salary. Jealousy was palpable whenever they spoke, especially when discussions turned to IIT Mumbai.

For four years, he faced ridicule for neglecting social events and romantic pursuits, despite a girl who harbored feelings for him. To my astonishment, he remained oblivious to her attention, even as she consistently sat nearby in the library, often bringing him coffee.

One day, I counted eleven disposable coffee cups on his table, a testament to her efforts, with her bringing in the twelfth. He was consumed by his academic obsession, oblivious to her affection.

She was determined not to give up, having organized a surprise birthday party for him that he ultimately did not attend. Hurt, she sat in a corner, tears streaming down her face. I comforted her, acknowledging the situation.

He only engaged with her when he needed help, disregarding her calls otherwise. I admired her loyalty and wished for a similar connection in my life.

Ultimately, he landed a job offer that he eagerly flaunted to his rival, boasting of earning close to 8 million INR annually. His rival congratulated him, but my friend was struck by an unexpected wave of dissatisfaction.

The rivalry existed only in his mind. While his rival accepted a lesser-paying job, he was thrilled to be moving to Bangalore with his girlfriend. Meanwhile, the girl who liked my friend chose to distance herself and focus on healing her unreciprocated feelings.

Chapter 2: The Reality of Success

With my friend’s success came more familial strife. His parents continued to argue, unable to grasp the underlying issues affecting their son. His mother blamed his father once again, asserting that he was the cause of their son’s unhappiness.

The situation escalated, and my friend finally broke down, admitting to his parents how much he appreciated them. This was the first time he openly wept in their presence, shedding years of pent-up emotion.

Days later, he was at the airport, feeling a mix of anxiety and relief. As he prepared to board his flight, he encountered a girl struggling with her luggage, but his offer to help was met with rudeness.

Disheartened, he chose to sit in a cafe, sipping coffee while scrolling through social media. He stumbled upon a photo of Khushboo, the girl who had previously captured his heart.

As he headed to the boarding gate, a surprise awaited him: he was seated next to the same rude girl he had encountered earlier. She introduced herself as Mahek, and he couldn’t help but smile, sensing a new beginning.

Little did he know that this encounter would lead to a beautiful relationship, and two years later, they would tie the knot. Mahek's name, meaning "fragrance," reminded him of the lessons he had learned along the way — that true connections are more valuable than any job or rivalry.

Until next time,

Ciao!

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