I had always known for who I was in my college day.

I was the topper. I was the one whom professors remembered.

I was the one whom classmates quietly competed with.

And somewhere along the way, I built a belief within myself —

“If not me, then who else?”

Hard work pays off — that’s what everyone told me.

And my gold medal felt like proof that life worked exactly that way.

Until A Day…..

My first day at work wasn’t dramatic.

There was no big failure. No harsh criticism. But something within felt not comfortable.

I was in a conference room with a table full of people. The conversation moved much faster than I could catch up and get hold on.

I sat there prepared, with my notebook open, pen ready — just like how I was in class.

But this time, no one was waiting for my answer.

By the time I gathered my thoughts, someone else had already spoken. People Decided Fast and Moved on.

I smiled. I Nodded.…