Chapter 2: Turbulence Ahead

Chapter 2: Turbulence Ahead

Intro:

Teenage years brought new challenges for Aryan. The dream of flying remained, but the path ahead grew steeper. High school was not just about studies anymore—it was about survival.

Story:

Aryan entered high school with a burning ambition. He was determined to crack the national scholarship exams that could give him a way into aviation school. But his family’s financial condition worsened. His father fell ill and had to reduce his working hours. Aryan, now fifteen, took up a part-time job at a cycle repair shop after school.

He juggled studies and work, often burning the midnight oil with borrowed textbooks and a flickering lantern. Classmates mocked his ambitions. “You? A pilot? Maybe in a video game,” they would say. But Aryan didn’t let their words cut too deep. He remembered his father’s promise: “Harder than the rest of the world.”

One particularly hard winter, he saved up enough to buy a used entrance exam guidebook. He studied while fixing tires, memorized formulas while pedaling home, and wrote notes during his lunch breaks. His mother would often catch him asleep at his desk, face buried in books.

The real test came when he applied for the National Aviation Entrance Scholarship. The fee itself was a stretch, but his school principal, who had noticed Aryan’s dedication, covered it from his own pocket. On exam day, Aryan traveled to the city by bus, clutching a tiffin his mother packed with trembling hands.

The exam hall was filled with students from prestigious schools, armed with tablets and mock test experience. Aryan had only grit and a few sharpened pencils. But when the questions appeared, something clicked. He answered them with clarity, using every ounce of knowledge he had scraped together.

Weeks passed. Aryan tried not to think about the results. He continued working, studying, and dreaming. Then one morning, a letter arrived. It had the official aviation board seal. His hands shook as he opened it.

“Congratulations, Aryan Ramesh Kumar. You have been awarded a full scholarship to the National Institute of Aviation Science.”

He ran to his father, who was resting on the cot. Ramesh’s eyes welled up with pride. “You did it, beta. You built your wings.”

Outro:

That evening, Aryan stood outside, looking up at the sky. The stars twinkled brighter than ever. He whispered, “This is my runway. And I’m ready to take off.