The morning sun spilled softly through the curtains as Vinna sat with her laptop, heart pounding.

Today was the day.

The JEE Advanced results were out.

She hesitated, fingers hovering over the mouse.

Then, with a deep breath, she clicked.

The screen loaded — slow, deliberate.

Then the numbers appeared.

Rank: 562
Score: 528 / 720

Tears welled up.
This was more than she'd dared hope.

Her phone buzzed instantly.

Rishi:
"Did you check?"

She typed back, "Yes."

Rishi:
"?"

She sent a picture of the screen.

His reply came almost immediately.
"🔥🔥🔥"

Almost as if on cue, his own results popped up on his phone — a similar screen, similar joy.

They called each other, laughing and crying at the same time.

"Remember the first mock test?" Vinna whispered.

Rishi chuckled. "Yeah. We were a mess."

"And now?"

"We're a little less messy," he smiled. "And a lot stronger."

Later that evening, their families gathered — laughter filling the rooms, plates overflowing with food, blessings flowing like the music in the background.

Their parents, who had quietly watched their journeys, exchanged knowing smiles.

"We always knew they'd make it," Mrs. Basu said softly.

"Together," Mr. Samtani added.

Vinna looked across the room at Rishi — the boy who had become so much more than just a study partner.

She squeezed his hand.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"For what?" he asked, surprised.

"For not letting me give up."

He smiled, eyes sparkling. "And you, me."

The night ended with the promise of a future — not just as aspirants or competitors, but as partners in every sense.

Dreams fulfilled, love blossomed, and a new chapter waiting to be written.