A Family of Eternal Pride

Rahul Verma was born in a small village in the state of Bihar. His father, Mr. Rajesh Verma, is a high school teacher at the village school, while his mother, Mrs. Meena Verma, works as a farmer year-round.

From childhood, Rahul received strict guidance from his father in his studies, making him an excellent student and the family’s only hope for escaping poverty.

When he was admitted to a specialized high school in Patna with excellent results, Mr. Rajesh was confident that his son would pass the entrance exam to a prestigious university, opening the door to a bright future for him.

The Pressure Is Too Much

But the pressure of studies and the lack of mutual understanding within the family gradually exhausted Rahul. In his final year, the class teacher informed his parents that Rahul was failing in his studies and frequently went to internet cafes to play games.

Mr. Rajesh became angry and scolded his son in front of his friends. Rahul later admitted his mistake and promised to refocus.

Finally, Rahul was admitted to Delhi Technological University (DTU)—a rare honor in the village. In the eyes of neighbors, Rajesh’s family was famous. But his father was still dissatisfied, feeling the school wasn’t as prestigious and wanting his son to retake the exam to get into IIT Delhi.

Despite the pressure, Rahul decided to enroll to avoid wasting another year.

Lost Path

In college, Rahul rarely returned home, and as he grew out of his father’s control, he gradually became addicted to games. In his second year, the faculty advisor contacted him, informing him that Rahul frequently skipped classes, was failing subjects, and was in danger of not graduating.

Mr. Rajesh reprimanded his son severely, but Rahul remained unmoved.

When he failed to graduate on time, Rahul returned to his village and barely spoke to his parents. After some time, he requested permission to return to Delhi to “work part-time and complete his studies.” His father gave him some money and sent him off in a car.

But Rahul had no contact with him since then. A year later, when Mr. Rajesh went to school, he discovered that his son had never returned to take his final exams.

12 Years Missing

In fact, Rahul lived in an internet café in Delhi with the money his father gave him. He supported himself by playing games for rent and managing multiple accounts simultaneously. Thanks to his exceptional skills, Rahul gradually became well-known in the gaming community, and some people would come to the café to film him playing.

But the temporary life at the internet café caused Rahul’s health to deteriorate. For 12 years, he didn’t leave that cramped room, sleeping on a chair, and surviving on instant noodles and fast food. He ignored a persistent cough.

Finally, one day, Rahul fainted in an internet café. The café owner immediately called an ambulance. The Delhi Police helped locate relatives and finally contacted the family.

A Tearful Reunion
After 12 years, Mr. Rajesh and Mrs. Meena arrived in Delhi. When they saw their son in a hospital bed, they were both stunned: Rahul was gaunt, his skin was dark, and his breathing was weak.

The doctor diagnosed him with tuberculous meningitis, severe exhaustion, and several other ailments. The test results were replete with medical terminology, leaving his parents stunned and inconsolable.

In a rare moment of clarity, Rahul spoke his heart out:

—I left because I couldn’t handle the pressure of expectations, and I felt ashamed of not being as successful as my friends. The virtual world of games was the only place where I felt a sense of identity.

A week later, Rahul breathed his last. Only a few thousand rupees remained in his bank account – and that too after 12 years of wandering.

A Painful Realization

Rahul’s passing has caused an irreparable loss to the Verma family. Rajesh always believed that gaming took away his son, while Meena breaks down in tears every time she mentions his name.

This story is a reminder of the pressures of school, the lack of understanding within families, and the dark side of gaming addiction among Indian youth.