Book excerpt: A 19-year-old, young man comes to the capital of India from a violence-ravaged district of Bihar, thinking that in Delhi, the rules of the game will be different, climbing up will be easy, opportunities will be, too many, and the journey will be exciting and pleasant. He aimed high and thought there was nothing that he could not achieve. It was just a matter of time before success and medals would be at his feet. As he steps into the capital, he realises that the path is tough. He thinks hard work, studying and courage are enough to take on the world. Constant efforts to improve oneself, and hunger for recognition will change everything in his life. It would get him money, status, fame, and everything that he aspired for. But he has no resources, no precedent, no money in his pocket, average talent, a sick body, and alluring distractions. Difficulties, failures, deprivation and despair weaken the flame of his ambition. However, he stands in the arena and continues with his efforts. He extracts maximum return from every passing moment, enriches himself with the best books, decodes the secrets of success, and finally one day he wins. The character Hameed Akhtar gives an account of this difficult and painful journey in the first person.