His sister, who was chatting with her boyfriend on the phone, said, ‘I hope you’re well prepared,’ without even looking at him.

‘Yes, better than you. You should focus on getting married,’ snapped Madhav, as he turned on the television. She threw him a scathing glance.

‘Will you have breakfast? I have left some on the table upstairs,’ his mother said gently. Madhav nodded.

‘Yeah, I know. I forgot to eat it. I’ll have some here,’ he said, rearranging his certificates.

His mother went to the kitchen and mixed some crushed antidepressants into his milk, the way she had been doing for a long time now. His family had been secretly treating Madhav with medication as per a psychiatrist’s advice. According to the doctor, Madhav had suffered mental trauma in the past, which had manifested in a psychological disorder.

‘Just be calm. You will breeze through it,’ his mother said, mustering all the love she had for her son as she handed him the glass of milk. She touched his cheek as her eyes teared up. She had seen him prowling on the streets, abusing people, fighting with strangers and talking to his reflection in the mirror. She missed the boy her son used to be years ago.

Madhav left for college feeling confident. He knew his credentials could easily get him this job. He had not quite noticed his transition from wannabe poet to overachiever in college, but over the years, he had somehow lost the ability to express himself on paper.

In the metro, he sat and observed people, their conversations, their happiness and their worries. He wanted to express himself too but felt intensely stifled in the crowd. He sighed and looked out of the window.

Madhav finally reached his campus where plenty of final-year students were waiting, dressed for the interview. They all walked towards the auditorium for the company orientation.

The panel introduced itself to the eligible students and described the selection process. Madhav’s meritorious grades were a great advantage for him and his professors already knew he would top the university in the final exams.

At the end of the orientation, the students were asked to report at the admin block for the interview.

‘All the best, bro,’ said Tanmay.

He was Madhav’s only friend, although hardly so any more. They had met in first year and Tanmay had patiently endured Madhav’s fluctuating temperament. He knew there was something disturbing Madhav deeply, and yet he had supported him in his silly fights, but Madhav, ungraciously, had always ignored his support. Tanmay wanted to help his friend get better, but Madhav never shared his thoughts or issues with him. Instead, he would shout or insult Tanmay whenever he asked about his past. As time progressed, Tanmay, too, started retreating from his life, just as everyone else around him had.

‘I wish you all the best for whatever comes your way.’ Tanmay was going to Germany for further studies. Madhav looked at him and said, ‘Thanks. Take care. Fuck some Germans!’