The Last Step

Outside the school gates, students huddled in groups, some laughing in relief, others sighing in disappointment. Aarav and Neil stood in different crowds, checking their names on the sheets pinned to the boards.

Aarav – 84.
Neil – 86.

For a second, Aarav froze. He had studied harder this time, he had improved more than anyone expected… yet he had still fallen short. Neil had won again.

But before the bitterness could sink in, a voice called his name. His teacher stood nearby, smiling warmly.
“Aarav, I’m proud of you. You’ve improved so much. This score isn’t just marks—it’s proof of your effort.”

Other teachers joined in, praising him for his sudden growth, his discipline, and his comeback.
Neil, too, was congratulated for his consistent hard work. But for Aarav, the compliments carried a different weight—he was no longer “the wasted kid” from before. He had shown he could change.

Aarav looked at Neil. Instead of frowning or sulking, he smiled faintly.
“Hah… I lost. But it’s fine. At least I gave my best.”

Neil simply patted his shoulder. “That’s all that matters.”

[On the Way Home]

The brothers walked side by side, the evening sun casting their shadows long on the road. Their steps were slow, but their hearts felt light.

When they reached home, their mom hugged them both tightly, tears almost in her eyes. “I’m proud of you two.”

That night, something rare happened. Both sides of the family came together—the parents of Neil, and the parents of Aarav—six people gathered around one dining table. The meal wasn’t fancy, but the atmosphere was priceless.

The room echoed with laughter, teasing, and memories of childhood. Old stories were retold, embarrassing moments were brought back, and the sound of clinking plates mixed with the warmth of family. For a moment, life felt whole again.

[The Last Words – Aarav’s POV]

In today’s world, we get lost so easily. Scrolling endlessly, chasing likes, comparing lives that aren’t even real. We forget how it feels to simply enjoy a meal with family, to walk home with a smile, to laugh at something silly. I was drowning in that emptiness once—tired, disconnected, and convinced nothing mattered. But Neil pulled me out. His stubbornness, his hard work, his belief in me… it reminded me of the simple joy of living. I recovered from it somehow… because I had Neil. But you?

[End]