Characters:
• Character 1- narrator- SWATI
• Character 2- Riya(victim) - ABHIPSA– who is sensitive and suffering
from depression and anxiety. she is insecure often insecure about
her body image, academic capabilities and constantly compares
herself to her more successful classmates.
• Character 3- Mr. Malhotra(father)-JANMEJAYA - strict, orthodox,
perfectionist. He believes success is achieved through hard work and
discipline. He struggles to understand riya’s mental health.
• Character 4 –Mrs. Malhotra(mother)- SWETA- gentle,
compassionate, intuitive. She values emotional well-being and
understands riya’s problem.
• Character 5- Mr Pratik Mandal(teacher)-DISHANT- friendly,
approachable, encouraging and a mentor figure for riya.
• Character 6- Ansh(riya’s best friend)- SOMNATH- all rounder, topper
but kind-hearted, supportive who values friendship and emotional
well- being over competition.
• character 7- Ayush(the topper)-OMM PRAKASH- competitive,
academically gifted, and somewhat arrogant. He prides himself on
his success and often lacks empathy for those who struggle
academically.
SCENE – 1: introduction by narrator
Today we explore a story of a hidden behind close doors: a young
girls struggle with mental health. While expectation and base at
the static surround her Riya fights are unset battle. This is a story
of despair awareness and resilience. Mental health is as real as
physical health. It's time to see it, to understand it, at to believe it
is importance.
SCENE-2: Riya struggles begins..
Setting: Riya is sitting on her bed, surrounded by open textbooks,
notebooks, and scattered notes. She looks overwhelmed, with
dark circles under her eyes and a stressed expression. The room
is dimly lit, with only her study lamp on, symbolizing her isolation.
Riya (murmuring to herself): "Why is this so hard for me? I’ve
gone over this chapter three times, and still, nothing makes sense.
Everyone else gets it so easily, but me… I just keep failing.
Acting- "She closes her book, frustrated, and buries her face in
her hands. A moment later, Ansh (her friend and classmate)
knocks lightly and enters. Seeing her upset, he sits down beside
her
.Ansh (softly):"Hey, Riya. You look really stressed. Is everything
okay? Need help with something?
"Riya (sighing deeply):"Thanks, Ansh. I don’t know… It feels like
no matter how hard I try, I can’t remember anything. It’s like my
brain just… shuts down.
"Ansh (reassuringly):"I know things can get overwhelming,
especially with all the pressure. But you’re not alone, okay? We’re
all in this together. What exactly are you stuck on? Maybe I can
help.
Riya (tearing up):"Thanks for saying that, but… it doesn’t feel that
way. I feel like I’m just disappointing [Link] I can’t stop
thinking about how my dad will react if I don’t do well. He’s always
so strict, and he expects the best. What if I fail? What if he’s
disappointed in me?
Ansh (looking at her seriously): "Riya, your worth isn’t defined by
your grades or how your dad reacts. You’re more than that. Have
you ever thought that maybe the stress you’re feeling isn’t just
about the exams? Maybe it’s about trying to meet everyone else’s
expectations all the time?
"Riya (nodding slowly, looking down): "I don’t know anymore. I just
don’t feel like myself. I can’t focus on anything. My heart races all
the time, and I can’t sleep. It’s like there’s this constant weight on
me.
"Ansh (gently, with empathy):"Riya, this sounds like more than just
exam stress. You might be going through something deeper. It’s
okay to admit it, and it’s okay to seek help. Mental health is just as
important as physical health. People go through anxiety and
depression, and it’s okay to talk about it.
"Riya (pausing, processing his words):"Anxiety? Depression? I
thought those were just words people use to get attention…
"Ansh (with a calm tone, explaining):"I used to think the same, but
mental health is real, Riya. It affects how we think, feel, and act.
And it’s okay to acknowledge it. there are professionals who can
help guide you through
this."
Riya (looking at him, hesitant but open):"Do you think I need help?
I feel like I’m just being dramatic sometimes… but then, I also feel
trapped. I don’t know how to handle all of this.
"Ansh (smiling gently):"It’s not dramatic, Riya. It’s real. I think
talking to someone who understands might really help. You don’t
have to go through this alone."
SCENE -3 : The classroom dilemma
Setting: A typical classroom. Students are sitting in rows. Teacher
Pratik Mandal , the friendly, supportive teacher, is at the front,
discussing upcoming exams and the school’s sports day. Riya is
sitting at her desk, looking anxious and overwhelmed. Ayush is
sitting nearby, calmly taking notes, while Ansh is trying to offer
some comfort to Riya.
Teacher Pratik Mandal (writing on the board):"Alright, class. The
exams are coming up in just a few days. I know many of you are
feeling the pressure, but remember, stress won’t help you perform
better….
"Remember, it’s not just about the exams. Sports Day is also
coming up, and we’ll be choosing participants for the athletic
events from next week. So, get your permission slips ready, and
let's celebrate our physical and mental well-being!
"Ayush ( raising his hand, confident as always):"I’m ready for
both the exams and sports day, sir! Can’t wait to take part in the
100m race and the long jump!“
Pratik Mandal (laughing warmly):"Of course, Ayush! You’re
always ready for everything, aren’t you?“
Ansh (, looking at Riya with concern):"Hey, are you planning to
take part in any events for sports day, Riya? It could be a nice
way to take a break from the stress of exams.
"Riya (visibly uncomfortable, shrinking in her seat):"Sports day?
I… I don’t think I’m in any condition to compete. I’ve been feeling
so tired and out of it lately. I don’t think I have the energy for it.
Ansh (softly):"You don’t have to push yourself, Riya. If you’re not
up for it, it’s okay. Just don’t add more pressure to yourself.
"Teacher Pratik Mandal (noticing the discomfort in Riya’s
voice):"Riya, I can see you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. It’s
important to keep a balance. Exams are stressful, but remember,
taking care of your health – both mental and physical – is just as
important.
"Riya (half-heartedly smiling):"Thanks, sir. I guess… I’ll just focus
on the exams then."
Setting - then Mr pratik mandal leaves the class..
Ayush:"Look at Riya, already giving up on the sports day events.
No surprises there, huh? Guess some people can’t handle the
pressure, not just in exams, but even in sports!
"Riya (quietly, her voice barely audible, trying not to show how hurt
she is):"Maybe you’re right… maybe I’m just not good enough for
this.
" Setting: then she rushes out of the class..
SCENE 4 – Parental Pressure at Home
Setting: The Malhotra family living room. It’s the day of Ansh’s
birthday party. Riya is in her room, looking at herself in the mirror,
nervously trying on different outfits. She is clearly uncomfortable in
her own skin, adjusting her clothes and glancing at her reflection,
as insecurities about her body start to surface. In the living room,
Mr. Malhotra and Mrs. Malhotra are having an argument about
Riya’s performance, unaware of the tension building in Riya’s
mind.
Riya (looking at herself in the mirror, tugging at her dress,
mumbling to herself):"Why can’t I look like everyone else?
Everyone’s going to laugh at me at the party. I don’t look good
enough… Maybe I should just skip it."She sighs, trying to hide the
growing unease inside.
---
In the Living Room:Mr. Malhotra (pacing the floor,
frustrated):"Riya’s been making excuses for everything lately. Her
grades are slipping, she’s losing focus, and now she doesn’t even
want to go to Ansh’s birthday party. She needs to get it together. If
she doesn’t pull herself up now, how will she survive in this world?
How will she face the challenges ahead? If she can’t handle this
now, her future is going to be a disaster.
"Mrs. Malhotra (sitting on the couch, worried):"She’s going through
something, and it’s not just about her grades. I’ve noticed she’s
been distant, quiet, and she doesn’t seem like herself. I think
there’s more going on
.Mr. Malhotra (irritated):"Emotions! What does that even mean? Life
is about hard work and dedication. All this talk about emotions and
mental health is nonsense. She just needs to put in the effort. She’s
too soft, too weak. This isn’t going to help her in the real world.
"Mrs. Malhotra (gently, trying to reason with him):"It’s not
nonsense. We’ve seen it happen with so many young people
these days. The pressure is too much, and they’re breaking under
it. Riya is clearly struggling. Maybe we should consider talking to
someone… a counselor, or—
"Mr. Malhotra (cutting her off, louder):"A counselor?! That’s just a
waste of time and money! She needs discipline, not someone
coddling her. I’m tired of hearing these excuses. I won’t let my
daughter become one of those who can't cope with
life’s challenges!"
SCENE-5:The night before exam, the exam
day..
Setting: Riya’s room, the night before her final exams. The room is
dimly lit, with the only light coming from her desk lamp. Papers
and textbooks are scattered everywhere. She is sitting on the
edge of her bed, exhausted, holding her head in her hands. The
pressure of the upcoming exam weighs heavily on her, and the
thoughts spiraling in her mind reflect the intensity of her anxiety.
---Riya (looking at her textbooks, barely able to focus, her voice
trembling):"Why can’t I remember anything? No matter how much
I study, it feels like it’s slipping through my fingers. I’ve gone
through this chapter five times, but it’s like none of it is sticking.
"She flips through her notes, her gaze unfocused. Her mind races,
filled with self-doubt.
*****
Cut to: The Exam HallSetting: The exam hall. The room is filled
with students, their papers in front of them. Riya sits at her desk,
her hands cold and clammy, her heart racing. She glances at her
classmates, who seem calm and focused. She feels completely
alone in the sea of students.
Riya (whispering to herself, trying to steady her nerves):"Just
focus. You can do this. Just read the questions carefully. Come on,
Riya, don’t mess this up."
She looks at the first question, but nothing comes to mind. Her
heart pounds louder in her ears as she flips through the pages,
desperately trying to recall the material. The clock on the wall
ticks loudly, each second feel like eternity
She looks at the first question, but nothing comes to mind. Her
heart pounds louder in her ears as she flips through the pages,
desperately trying to recall the material. The clock on the wall ticks
loudly, each second feel like eternity
Riya (thinking to herself, her breath shallow):"I should know this.
Why can’t I think? I should know this…
"Despite her best efforts, the questions on the paper blur in front
of her. She tries to write something, anything, but it feels like the
words are escaping her.
SCENE:6 – The violent fight – Post exam conflict
etting: The evening after Riya has returned from her exam. Riya is
sitting on the couch in the living room, nervously looking over her
papers, anxiety written all over her face. Her father, Mr. Malhotra,
enters the room, clearly tense, holding his briefcase. He notices
Riya's expression and, without asking how she did, begins
questioning her.
___
Mr. Malhotra (with an edge to his voice, walking towards her):"So,
how did it go? What’s your score going to be this time? I hope you
haven’t wasted another opportunity.
"Riya (looking down, her voice shaky):"It’s... it was difficult, Dad. I
tried my best, but I’m not sure how I did. I’m really tired
Mr. Malhotra (growing impatient, his tone sharp):"Tired? Tired of
what, exactly? I’ve told you a hundred times—don’t waste time.
You should’ve been studying. Why are you always so unprepared?
This isn’t a joke, Riya! Your future is at stake!
"Riya (shouting in frustration, her tears beginning to well up):"I’m
doing my best, but you never see that! You just expect me to be
perfect all the time, and I can’t! I’m not like everyone else! I’m
trying, but I can’t do it anymore! Why can’t you just understand
that?"
Mr. Malhotra (angry, his voice rising, now standing over
her):"Understand? I understand that you’re failing! You’re not even
trying to keep up. How many times do I have to tell you that your
grades will decide everything in your life? No one cares about how
you feel; it’s about your results! Why are you so lazy?"
Riya (standing up, shouting back, tears now streaming down her
face, her voice breaking):"I’m not lazy, Dad! I’m not! I can’t help
that it’s harder for me. You just care about your image, about how I
look in front of others. You don’t even care how I feel. I’m not okay!
I don’t know how to make you understand, but I’m breaking
inside!“
Mr. Malhotra (slams his hand on the table, his anger boiling over,
pointing a finger at her):"Breaking inside? Enough of this drama!
You’re just being emotional! This is the real world, Riya! There’s no
place for people who can’t handle pressure! You don’t understand
what’s at stake here—your future, your success. Do you want to
be a failure in life?!"
Riya (voice raised, tears pouring out of her eyes, trembling with
emotion):"Yes, maybe I am a failure in your eyes, but I can’t live
like this anymore! Every day is a battle, and I feel like I’m losing!
You never listen, you never care about how I feel. It’s like I’m
invisible until you see my grades. I can’t take this pressure
anymore! I’m just trying to survive!“
Mr. Malhotra (with frustration and a tinge of disbelief, still not
grasping the depth of the situation):"You are not a failure! You
need to stop acting like one. You just need to push yourself harder.
Do better. That’s all there is to it. I don’t want to hear these
excuses."
Riya (breaking down completely, collapsing into the couch, her
voice barely audible, exhausted from the emotional turmoil):"I
can’t... I can’t be what you want me to be. I’m not perfect, I don’t
have it all figured out. I’m not a robot, Dad. I don’t want to live like
this anymore.“
Mrs. Malhotra (entering the room, hearing the yelling and seeing
the tension, her face filled with concern):"Enough, both of you!
Riya, calm down. Mr. Malhotra, please, listen to her. This isn’t
helping anyone.“
Mr. Malhotra (snapping back at his wife, still angry, his voice
harsh):"No, she needs to hear this! She’s too soft! She’s not ready
for the world. She’ll never get anywhere if she keeps acting like
this!“
Mrs. Malhotra (pleading, trying to calm him down, stepping
between Riya and her husband):"Please, listen to me. She’s not
just struggling with her grades. There’s more going on. You can’t
just keep pushing her like this. She’s in pain, and we need to
support her, not tear her down. You’re not seeing it, but she’s
breaking inside, and you’re making it worse!"
Setting - then riya left from there trying to cover up her emotion
and locked herself in her room.
SCENE 7- A desperate cry for help
setting : Riya's bedroom late at night the room is dimly light with
the curtains drawn tightly Riya is sitting on the edge of a bed her
book scattered around her but she's no longer looking at them.
Her eyes are hollow lost in a thought her face pain. She holds a
sharp object, a pair of scissors in her trembling hands. She stares
at her breathing shallow, as if she's comptemplating something
irreversible
----
Riya: whispering two herself voice cracking- “I can't take this
anymore. Everyone's disappointed in me. Maybe this is the only
way to stop the pen... To stop being burden to everyone”
She brings the scissors closer to her wrist, her hand shaking
violently. Her eyes are welling with tears , but the desperation in
her expression shows she's past the point of listening to reason.
Riya(whispering through gritted teeth): - " why can't I be good
enough? why am I always so... so useless?"
As she moves to make the cut, the door to her room creaks open
the softly. Mrs. Malhotra enters quietly, her face still soft with
concern, having come to check on her daughter. She stops in her
tracks as she sees what Riya is about to do.
Mrs. Malhotra (hushed, desperate, rushing towards Riya):-
"Riya! What are you doing?! No! Please stop!"
Riya, startled by her mother's voice, freezes for a moment but
the scissors are still pressed against her wrist. Her eyes widen,
a mix of shock and shame. She tries to pull her hand away, but
the tears begin flowing uncontrollably
. Riya(sobbing, voice breaking):"I don't want to feel like this
anymore, Mom. I can't keep living like this, with all the pressure,
with all the expectation. I can't be perfect. I'm not perfect, and
I'm so tired of trying...I'm just so tired. "
Mrs. Malhotra (rushing to Riya's side, gently taking the scissors
from her hand, her voice trembling with emotion):"sweetheart, no,
you don't have to do this. You are not a burden, Riya. you're my
daughter. you are enough. you don't have to be perfect to be
loved, to be important. I love you so much. Don't you ever think
that you're not enough.
"Riya collapses into her mother's arms, shaking uncontrollably, as
if the weight of everything she's been holding in her chest is finally
breaking free. Her mother wraps her arms tightly around her,
holding her close not letting go.
SCENE-8 : PTM(result day)
Setting: A classroom at school, filled with rows of desks and
chairs. It's a typical Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) day, and the
room is quieter than usual, the only sound being the rustling of
papers and the occasional murmur of parents talking among
themselves. Riya's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Malhotra, are sitting
across from Mr. Pratik Mandal (Character 5), Riya’s class teacher,
who is reviewing Riya's performance reports.
Mr. Malhotra (nervously tapping his fingers on the table, his face
full of concern):"So, how is Riya doing in school? Her marks have
dropped drastically since last term. I’m really worried about her
future.
"Mr. Mandal (calmly, reviewing the report):"Well, Mr. Malhotra, let’s
discuss Riya’s performance. You’re right—her grades have been
declining over the last few months, but there are reasons beyond
just academic ability. Riya has been under significant stress, and
this has affected her ability to focus and perform well.“
Mrs. Malhotra (gently, with concern):"We’ve noticed that, too. She
seems more withdrawn lately. She’s not her usual self. But we
weren’t sure what’s going on.
Mr. Mandal (looking at them both, understanding their
concern):"It’s not uncommon for students to face challenges
beyond the classroom. But in Riya's case, the issue seems to be
deeper. It’s important to recognize that mental health plays a huge
role in academic performance. She might be struggling with
anxiety or depression. She’s constantly under pressure to perform,
and this has affected her well-being.
"Mr. Malhotra (in disbelief, frustration building):"Anxiety?
Depression? What are you talking about? She’s just being lazy,
not putting in the effort. I don’t see why she can’t just focus and
study. All her friends are doing fine. Why can’t she?“
Mr. Mandal (calmly but firmly, not backing down):"Mr. Malhotra, I
understand that you want the best for your daughter. But I think it's
crucial to understand that mental health issues are not something
a child can simply 'snap out of.' If Riya is struggling internally, no
amount of pressure or punishment will help her. Instead, it will only
make things worse. She needs support, not criticism.“
Mrs. Malhotra (softly, trying to make sense of it):"I think what Mr.
Mandal is trying to say is that the stress might be too much for her.
Maybe the expectations we have—especially from our side—are
overwhelming her. We don’t know how to help her through this.“
Mr. Mandal (nodding sympathetically):"Exactly. Mental health is
something we often overlook in academic settings. The pressure
of performing well in exams, coupled with personal issues, can
create a toxic environment for a child. In Riya’s case, she’s afraid
of disappointing you, and that fear is consuming her. She might be
battling self-doubt, anxiety about her grades, and even feelings of
inadequacy, but she hasn’t shared them with you.“
Mr. Malhotra (visibly frustrated, his voice rising):"But I’ve been
doing everything I can for her! I’ve enrolled her in the best school,
hired the best tutors! Why isn’t that enough? Why isn’t she taking
responsibility for her future?“
Mr. Mandal (in a calm but stern tone):"Mr. Malhotra, responsibility
is important, but so is understanding your child’s emotional needs.
Riya might feel like she’s disappointing you, but the truth is, she
might be too afraid to ask for help because she doesn’t want to
add to your pressure. You might be pushing her too hard, thinking
it’s for her good, but what she really needs right now is space and
support, not more expectations.“
Mrs. Malhotra (in a low voice, trying to understand):"So what
should we do? How can we help her? I don’t want to lose her.“
Mr. Mandal (with a compassionate look, leaning forward):"The first
step is recognizing that this isn’t about ‘failure’ or ‘laziness.’ This is
about her emotional and mental well-being. It might be helpful to
get her professional help—a counselor or therapist. Having
someone to talk to outside of school and family can really make a
difference. We also need to create an environment at home where
Riya doesn’t feel like she has to be perfect, where she feels safe
enough to express her feelings. Encouragement and emotional
support will go a long way in helping her rebuild her confidence.“
Mr. Malhotra (pausing, a bit taken aback, his tone softer now):"I... I
didn’t realize. I’ve been so focused on her grades that I didn’t see
what was really going on inside. I thought pushing her harder
would make things better, but I see now that it’s only making it
worse.“
Mr. Mandal (with a small nod, acknowledging the shift in Mr.
Malhotra’s mindset):"Sometimes, as parents, it’s easy to overlook
the emotional toll academic pressure can have. It’s not about
lowering standards, but rather creating a balance between
academic expectations and emotional support. Children,
especially teenagers, need both. They need to feel understood,
not judged."
Mrs. Malhotra (with tears in her eyes, relieved to finally
understand):"Thank you, Mr. Mandal. We didn’t know how to help
her. We only wanted what was best for her. I’ll talk to her… make
sure she knows we’re here for her.“
Mr. Mandal (offering a warm, supportive smile):"Of course. Just
remember, Riya is a strong young woman, and she has the
potential to succeed. But that success will look different for each
child. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about progress and well-
being. Keep communication open, and let her know she’s not
alone in this.“
Mr. Malhotra (his expression softening as he looks at his wife,
realizing his mistake):"We will, Mr. Mandal. Thank you. I didn’t see
it before, but I see now that we need to change our approach.“
Mrs. Malhotra (with gratitude, nodding):"Thank you so much for
your help, Mr. Mandal. We’ll do whatever it takes to help Riya feel
better.“
Mr. Mandal (standing up as the meeting comes to a close):"I’m
glad we had this conversation. If you need anything, don’t hesitate
to reach out. Riya is a bright girl—don’t let her feel like she’s
failing. Sometimes the biggest hurdle is realizing that it’s okay to
not be perfect."
SCENE-9- family realizes riya’s struggle
Setting: The living room, late evening. Riya (Character 2) is sitting
on the couch, looking distant and exhausted. Her parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Malhotra, are standing near the door. Ansh, Riya's friend, is
sitting next to her, trying to comfort her. There’s a calm
atmosphere, the tension from earlier has lessened.
Mr. Malhotra:Looking at Riya, his tone softer than before"I've been
thinking about everything… about what’s been happening. You
know, I’ve been so focused on the marks, the exams, and the
future that I never really saw what you were going through.
“He pauses, his voice cracks slightly“ ….
Riya, I never realized how much pressure I was putting on you. I
thought it was for your good… but maybe I was wrong.“
Mrs. Malhotra:Her voice full of warmth and understanding"We’ve
been pushing you to be perfect, to meet everyone’s expectations,
but we never stopped to ask if you were okay. We should have
listened to you earlier. We are so sorry, Riya.
"Riya:Looking down at her hands, voice shaky"I… I just wanted to
make everyone proud. I thought if I could get everything right, if I
could just perform well, then maybe everything would be okay."Her
voice breaks, and she wipes her eyes"But it feels like no matter
how hard I try, I always fall short… I feel like I’m disappointing
everyone, especially you, Dad."
Ansh:Gently, his voice filled with care"You don’t have to be perfect,
Riya. No one is. And those marks, that pressure—it doesn’t define
who you are. We all go through tough times, but it doesn’t make
us any less worthy."
“Riya looks up at Ansh, a mix of relief and disbelief on her face.”
Mr. Malhotra:- Sighs deeply, stepping closer to Riya“ I always
thought success was the only way forward… but I see now that
I’ve been wrong. Success doesn’t come at the cost of your
happiness, your health, your peace of mind.“
He gently places his hand on her shoulder..
“I’ve been so caught up in my own expectations that I never asked
you how you felt. I was so blind to your struggles.
"Mrs. Malhotra:Tears welling up in her eyes“- Riya, we don’t need
you to be perfect. We need you to be happy, to be healthy. You
don’t have to carry this burden alone. We are here for you, no
matter what.
"Riya- :Hesitating, she wipes her tears and speaks softly"I thought
I had to fight this alone… that I had to prove something, that I
wasn’t weak. I thought if I kept pushing through, it would get
better. But it didn’t.
"She takes a deep breath, her voice shaky but sincere
"I’m sorry, I should have told you how I was feeling.
"Ansh:- "You don’t have to apologize, Riya. It’s okay to feel
overwhelmed. What matters is that you’re here now, and we’re all
here to help. You’re not alone in this.
"Mr. Malhotra:Sits down beside Riya, his voice calm -
I’m sorry for pushing you so hard. I thought I was doing the
right thing, but I see now that I need to understand you
more. We need to be a team, not just a father and daughter
with expectations.
"Mrs. Malhotra: Gently touching Riya’s hand“ - Riya, you are more
than just your grades. We love you for who you are, not for what
you achieve. No more pressure, no more comparison.
"Riya:-(Finally smiling through her tears, her voice softer and more
at peace“)- I think… I’ve been so focused on what I’m not, that I
forgot to see what I am. I’ve been too harsh on myself, thinking I
had to be perfect… but maybe, it’s okay not to be. I’m still learning,
and I have time.“
She looks at her parents, Ansh, and the room“
I need help, and it’s okay to ask for it. I don’t need to do this
alone.“
Mr. Malhotra:(Hugging her tightly-) "We’re in this together, Riya.
And we will figure it out as a family.
"Mrs. Malhotra:(Kissing her forehead) -"We are so proud of you,
no matter what. You are enough, just as you are.
"Riya:Smiling for the first time in a while,( feeling a weight lifting
from her shoulders“)Thank you. I’m ready to start fresh, to find
balance, and to take care of myself. I’m not perfect,
but I’m enough."
CONCLUSION
"Riya’s journey, like many others, was one of hidden struggles—
unseen, unheard, and often misunderstood. But this is not just
Riya’s story. This is the story of countless individuals battling their
own wars with mental health every single day
"Did you know that nearly 1 in 4 people worldwide are affected by
mental health disorders at some point in their lives? That’s one in
every four of us. And yet, so many continue to suffer in silence,
believing they have to be ‘perfect’ to be worthy of love, respect,
and success.“
"Riya was overwhelmed by the weight of expectations, both from
others and from within. Like many of us, she believed that her
worth was measured by her grades, her appearance, her ability to
‘fit in’ with the world around her.“
"But in the end, it wasn’t the grades, the marks, or the outward
success that mattered. It was the love, the support, and the
compassion that helped Riya realize her true value."