Great Suspense of Room 402

- Ravi Ila Bhatt

The atmosphere at "Apex Excellence Academy" of Kota was usually thick with the smell of highlighter pens and canteen coffee. But today, a strange white flyer was taped to the main glass doors.

"The person who has been sabotaging your ranks and blocking your path to success passed away last night. Final goodbye ceremony at 4:00 PM in the Basement Seminar Hall."

At first, a heavy silence fell over the students. Who was it? Was it the strict Physics teacher who gave impossible assignments? Was it the topper, Ishaan, who never shared his notes?

By 4:00 PM, the basement was packed. Students like Rohan and Meera stood in line, whispering. "Finally," Rohan muttered, "if it was that toxic guy who always de-motivated us, maybe I’ll actually start liking Biology again." Curiosity had replaced grief. They were all eager to see the face of the "villain" who had been holding them back.

The Academy’s director stood by a sleek, closed casket. One by one, the students were asked to walk up, look inside, and pay their respects.

When it was Meera’s turn, her heart hammered against her ribs. She peered over the edge, expecting to see a face she hated. Instead, she froze. Her breath hitched.

There was no body. Propped up at the bottom of the casket was a large, crystal-clear mirror. As Meera looked down, she saw her own tired eyes, her own messy ponytail, and her own surprised expression. Taped to the side of the mirror was a small, laminated card:

"There is only one person capable of setting limits on your growth: The one looking back at you."

The room, usually buzzing with the sound of shuffling feet, became pin-drop silent. As each student walked away, they didn't look happy or relieved. They looked deeply thoughtful. They realized that the "enemy" wasn't the difficult syllabus, the competitive peers, or the strict parents. It was the voice in their own heads saying, "I can't do this."

Moral

World is like mirror. It gives back the reflection of the thoughts in which one believed strongly. So, you are the only person who can influence your happiness, success and only person who can help yourself.