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Chapter 2: The Scholarship📔

Dhruv's POV

I don't want to disappoint Mom and Dad, but it is my dream to serve my country. They worry about me constantly because of the risks associated with the army, but if everyone thought that way, who would take charge of our nation's security? Papa always says, "You can do anything as long as it doesn't put your life at risk." But I want to be selfless, just like the unsung heroes of our land. They want me to be more like Anant; he always puts himself first, and everything else follows.

It doesn't mean Anant cares less for his family; it's just that his priorities are rock-solid. Just as my priority is the army. Anant and I are unidentical twins. My brother is a total rock star-a champion who is always in the limelight. I am his exact opposite. I prefer subtle conversations and peaceful weather.

Maybe that's why he is known everywhere while I keep a limited social circle. While I was lost in thought, Mom came in. "Dhruv beta, dinner karne aajao." (Dhruv son, come for dinner.) I went to the dining hall where Papa was already waiting, eager to start another round of convincing me to change my career goals.

Before he could launch into the never-ending debate, I interrupted him. "Dad, not again." While Dad and I engaged in our usual banter, Mom asked about Anant, as he hadn't returned home yet. I chuckled. "Anant is out throwing another party for his friends to celebrate topping the class again. You know what a party animal he is. Let me call him."

"Anant kaha hai? Aur kab tak aayega ghar?" (Anant, where are you? And by when will you be home?)

Anant replied, "Ek ghante mein aajaoonga bhai, Mom ko batadena. Aur sun, ek aur baat-maine desk par saare NDA exam ke references rakh diye hain tere liye, woh dekh lena." (I'll be there in an hour, brother; tell Mom. And listen, one more thing-I've kept all the NDA exam reference materials on the desk for you; check them out.)

I thanked him, feeling a wave of relief. At least my brother supports me. We are different-he is the storm and I am the peace-but we have always been there for each other. Honestly, that's all that matters.

Anant's POV

Everyone at the party is praising me. I know I deserve the applause; after all, it isn't easy to stay at the top for ten consecutive years. I want to win every battle I fight. I am a chaser, and when I go after something, I win it-by hook or by crook. People sometimes judge me as self-centered, but why shouldn't I be? It is never wrong to put yourself first. If making myself a priority sounds selfish, then so be it. I don't care.

When I reached home, Mom served me dinner. As she moved around the table, she urged me to talk to Dhruv about his decision to join the army. I immediately rejected the idea and asked her to respect his choices. I know how passionate my brother is about the NDA Exam and how hard he is preparing. If he finds happiness in it, we have no right to force him to change his mind.

I know Dad thinks that because we were born with silver spoons, we shouldn't choose a harder path. But that doesn't matter. It's about the fire and the drive within you. I have seen Dhruv's fire; he is adamant and focused. I will support him no matter what.

Krithika's POV

"I hope we both have cleared the exam. Mannu gayi hai result ka pata karne. Please Bhagwan, yeh clear karwado mera aur Mannu ka." (I hope we both cleared the exam. Mannu has gone to check the results. Please God, let Mannu and me pass this.)

I know it's a prestigious school, but the scholarship opportunities are excellent, which is why we wanted to test our worth. While I was dwelling on these thoughts, Mannu came running toward me.

"Kittu! Tumhara clear ho gaya hai aur tum 100% scholarship ke liye eligible ho!" (Kittu! You cleared it and you are eligible for a 100% scholarship!)

I immediately asked, "Mannu, tera kya hua?" (Mannu, what about yours?)

Mannu replied, "Woh na Kittu... mera poora nahi hua, lekin main 50% scholarship ke liye eligible hoon." (Well, Kittu... I didn't get the full one, but I am eligible for a 50% scholarship.)

I felt a pang of worry. I knew a 50% scholarship was a massive achievement given how tough the entrance exam of PCMB was, but I was worried about the remaining fees.

When we got home, we told Mamma and Papa the news. Mannu quickly told Papa it was fine and that she would just join a smaller school with lower fees. But deep down, I knew she wanted to be in the same school as me. After all, she had skipped a grade years ago just to be in my class.

But Mannu has grown up; she doesn't want to stress Mamma and Papa. However, Papa looked at her and said, "No problem beta. Humein sirf tumhari fees bharni hogi, Kittu ke liye toh kuch dena hi nahi hai. Toh hum wahi paise tumhari fees mein use karenge. Aur tumhein 50% scholarship mili hai, woh bhi ek badi achievement hai." (No problem, daughter. We only have to pay your fees now, since we don't have to pay anything for Kittu. We will use that money for you. Besides, getting 50% is already an achievement.)

Mamma agreed. "Don't think much, Mannu. We can afford it."

Manvi's POV

Okay, I thought about sacrificing my spot at the school to ease the burden on Mamma and Papa, but they are adamant. Fine. Once I join this new school, I'm going to find a part-time job to contribute in my own fees. I know Mamma and Papa wouldn't agree if I asked, so I'll have to find a jugaad (clever workaround) to convince them. I need to be independent.

First, I need to take Kittu into my confidence. "Tabhi kuch baat ban sakti hai, warna Mamma-Papa kabhi nahi maanenge." (Only then can this work, otherwise Mamma and Papa will never agree.)

Mission Part-Time begins. "Hoja shuru Mannu, ab apna jalwa dikhane ka time aa gaya hai!" (Get started, Mannu, it's time to show your magic!)

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shiningstarwrites

A writer exploring the world of storytelling and shining in the world of fiction✨️✨️.