"In densely populated areas of Earth, you can find many wonders. One such wonder is a metropolitan area, filled with pedestrians walking on busy streets and the loud horns of cars. Among these wonders are MNCs or multinational companies, which provide jobs and a certain lifestyle. However, the cost can sometimes be very high. For me, it cost me my friends, family, and dreams. I don't have anything against MNCs they are just doing their job. It's me who hasn't achieved anything meaningful in my life."
Sighing, a man writing in his diary stands up from his workbench. He touches the surface of the table, recalling the first time he started working on it. After feeling the texture, he picks up other items in his cabin. Sometimes, he gazes out the window at the view. Other times, he sits in his chair.
He seems like an old man reminiscing about his youth, reflecting on memories before death. But that isn't the case. From his appearance, he looks about 25 years old, in the prime of his life. He doesn't resemble someone on their deathbed.
He has a handsome face with a strong jaw, black hair, black eyes, and some untrimmed facial hair that might improve his look. His body is healthy and athletic, with an average amount of muscle.
The only unusual thing is his eyes. They reflect someone who feels they have lost everything. His eyes move restlessly, observing everything yet they don't focus on anything. It seems he lacks interest in what the world has to offer.
After touching everything in his cabin with trembling hands, he walks out. There, he sees a familiar man—his last remaining friend. "Hi Lakshay, it's good to see you," he says casually, as if they were in a meeting.
Lakshay responds, "Vikanshu, are you sure about this? Think differently, my friend. Life has much more to offer. Don't lose hope. There will always be people who need you more than you realize. If you can't find them, create new connections, a new life. I can introduce you to many girls who might bring happiness back into your life."
Vikanshu hardly takes in Lakshay's words, as if he has heard them countless times before. After another sigh, he replies, "Lakshay this is the last time I'll say this. I can see my path, good or bad; you don't need to worry." With that, he leaves hisoffice. His friend tries to stop him, but Vikanshu keeps walking.
After covering some distance on a busy street, he turns back toward the office, glances at it, and says, "Sorry, my friend but this is my dream. I can't forget it. I have nothing that ties me to this city it makes more sense for me to pursue it."
After speaking, he calls someone. Soon, a car arrives. He opens the door and gets in. Once inside, the driver appears to ask him something, but Vikanshu interrupts and asks, "Rawat ji, did you get my things?" The driver, Rawat, replies, "Yes, but Vikanshu I still don't understand why you don't want to go home."
Vikanshu explains that it's not his home anymore he sold it. Deep down, he knows he can't face the memories associated with it. He doesn't wish to return.
Everything that made the place feel like home is gone; it's just a building now. After sorting through his belongings in the car's trunk, he takes out his laptop and an empty bag to carry it. Then he sits back in the car. "Rawat ji drive the car. I need to leave this city as soon as possible," he says. Soon the car drives away from the bustling streets of New Delhi. Inside, Vikanshu feels uncertain about his future.
He focuses on his dream of living in the Himalayas, becoming a scholar or a saint, and seeking spiritual enlightenment. It all started when he was a child. Like every kid, he learned about India, its culture, geography, and more. However, what fascinated him most were the stories of saints and scholars like Buddha and Mahavir. These figures earned immense respect for their depth of knowledge.
He wanted to be one of them, but his dream shattered, not from the challenges of finding enlightenment, but from a slipper thrown by his mother. After that, he did what his parents asked him to do.
He wasn't a brilliant student, but he worked hard to rank in the top three of his class. He didn't enjoy making friends like other kids. Perhaps it was due to his simple nature or introverted personality.
After school, he pursued engineering at his parents' insistence and eventually became an engineer. That's when the problems began. He struggled to find a job during college placement and job hunting due to the overwhelming number of engineers in the country. Yet, he managed to secure a position after greatly improving his programming skills.
To make his parents proud, he continuously worked on himself and became a senior developer at an MNC, earning a salary of 1 million INR (Indian rupees) per year. Then, his life took a darker turn.
The pandemic struck and took everything from him: his parents' lives and the reasons for his success. He found himself alone, without a girlfriend, close friends, or relatives who even remembered his name.
Remembering his life, Vikanshu stares out the window. After what feels like a seven-hour drive, the city landscape fades. In front of him are the vast ranges of the Himalayas, and the car is now on a mountain highway.
Suddenly, the car stops at a roadside restaurant. He asks, "Rawat ji, why did you stop? Our destination is still hours away." Rawat replies, "sir we should rest and eat something. I'm tired from driving for so long."
Hearing this, Vikanshu agrees, and they both exit the car to grab a bite to eat. At the same time, a group of teenagers hikes up in the mountains. One of them reaches the summit first, followed by the others.
Upon reaching the top, they set up camp. One person from the group gazes into the valley below. Admiring the beauty, he bends down, picks up a rock, and throws it over the edge.
Meanwhile, Vikanshu, walking toward the restaurant, suddenly halts, feeling unwell. He tries to call Rawat, but suddenly, his mind goes blank as if struck by a speeding car.
A sharp pain courses through his head, then everything fades to black. This marks both an end and a new beginning.