Raghav didn’t make the cricket team. How did he handle the disappointment, and what valuable lessons did he learn along the way? Dive into this week’s edition to explore Raghav’s journey as he shares a heartfelt page from his diary.

Dear diary, 

Today was tough. I mean, seriously tough. Life feels like one of those crazy rides at the fair, where you’re spinning in all directions, your hair flying everywhere, and your heart racing a mile a minute.

So, here’s what happened. I didn’t make the school cricket team. Yeah, you read that right. I’ve been practicing every single day, pouring my heart into it, and still didn’t make the cut. I feel like someone just burst my dream bubble with a giant needle. It sucks, big time.

A for Adversity

When my dad saw my mood, he sat me down and told me how this is just a bump in what’s a very long road ahead of me and this might actually end up making me stronger and better. And you know what? I’m starting to agree that maybe that’s all this is — a bump, an adversity. Fancy word, I know! Basically, it’s anything that messes with your plans and makes life tough. And guess what? Everyone faces them. Like, literally everyone, even the people who seem to have it all together.

Adversity can come in all shapes and sizes. It could be failing an important exam, losing a friend, or not getting selected for something you really wanted, like my cricket team. Sometimes, it’s more personal, like dealing with family issues or health problems. It’s like playing a video game where each level gets harder and harder, but you get better at playing it over time. Just when you think you’ve mastered one level, boom! Here comes another boss fight.

Everyone faces these challenges. Look at our history books—India itself has faced countless adversities. From the struggle for independence to overcoming economic crises, every setback has made us stronger. It’s like how every Bollywood hero has to face a villain, a heartbreak, or a tragedy before they dance in the rain and everything turns out fine in the end.

All you need is this…

But what matters at the end of the day is how we respond to it right? Take Arjun for example. He’s one of my best friends. He wanted to get into the best fashion designing college in India and prepared  like crazy for the entrance exams. But despite putting in all his time and hard work, he didn’t get the rank he needed for it. He was devastated, just like me. I remember how he felt, he was sad for a while but he didn’t give up. Instead, he embraced it. That’s what his mom told him to do. Basically, it means acknowledging that things are tough and it’s okay to feel down. Crying, talking to someone, just feeling bad—it’s all part of the process.

I realize now how all of the friend group was so supportive for Arjun. We cheered him up, reminded him why he loved what he did, and at times just listened to him vent. I guess that’s something I need to remember for myself too. It’s so important to have a support system. My friends and family are my squad. They listen to me, offer advice, or sometimes just distract me with funny videos or a quick chat over chai. They make everything a little more bearable.

Moving forward 

And Arjun didn’t just stop at feeling bad though. He asked his teacher for feedback and worked on his weaknesses. It made him a better student and person. Maybe I can do that too. There’s always something to learn from every setback. Maybe this is my chance to become more resilient or discover something new about myself.

Adversities are like the plot twists in a Bollywood movie. These twists make the story interesting and ultimately lead to the hero’s growth. Without them, the movie would be pretty boring, right? The same goes for life. Without challenges, we wouldn’t learn, grow, or become stronger.

So, here’s the plan. I’m not just going to sit around and mope. I’m going to take action. I’ll ask the coach for feedback and work on making things better. I’ll set small, achievable goals for myself—like improving my batting skills, increasing my stamina, and maybe even joining a local club to get more practice. Small steps, but they will help me feel like I’m moving forward, not just stuck in a rut.

The funny side 

And you know what? Sometimes, you just have to laugh. When things go wrong, humor can make everything seem a little less serious.Maybe I can find the funny side of this too. Laughing, even when things are tough, can lighten the mood and reduce stress.

At the end of the day, Arjun got into an amazing college and grew so much as a person. He didn’t make it to his dream college but he found a silver lining. Maybe I can find mine too. This setback doesn’t define me; it’s just a part of my journey.

So, here I am, hanging on tight to this wild ride called life. There will be more ups and downs, more twists and turns. But I’m stronger than I think, and every bump in the road is shaping me into the person I’m meant to be. And just like I was there for Arjun, I’ll be kind to myself too. Kyuki agar end mein sab kuch theek na ho toh… Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost!