Unlikely Friendships Formed

Hari, Ryan, and Alok, three freshmen at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), form an unlikely friendship. Hari is the narrator, a middle-of-the-road student who struggles with self-confidence. Ryan is the charismatic leader, full of ideas and disdain for the rigid academic system. Alok, the most studious, is burdened by family responsibilities. Their bond is cemented when Ryan saves them from a humiliating ragging session. Despite their differences, they become inseparable, navigating the pressures of IIT together.

Academic Struggles Begin

The trio quickly realizes that IIT's academic pressure is overwhelming. They struggle to keep up with the relentless workload and competitive environment. Ryan, disillusioned with the system, proposes a plan to study less and enjoy college life more. Alok, worried about his grades and future, is torn between his friends and his responsibilities. Hari, caught in the middle, tries to balance his desire for fun with the need to succeed academically. Their grades suffer, leading to tension and self-doubt.

Rebellion and Consequences

Frustrated with their low grades, Ryan devises a plan to steal the major exam paper from the office of their strict professor, Cherian. Hari, motivated by his desire to impress Cherian's daughter, Neha, agrees to help. Alok reluctantly joins, fearing the consequences. The plan goes awry when they are caught, leading to a disciplinary hearing. The incident strains their friendship and jeopardizes their academic future. They face suspension, and their dreams of graduating on time are shattered.

Love and Deception

Hari's relationship with Neha, Cherian's daughter, becomes more complicated after the exam theft incident. Neha is initially unaware of Hari's involvement but is devastated when she finds out. Hari struggles to maintain their relationship while dealing with the fallout from the disciplinary action. Neha's father's disapproval looms large, and Hari must navigate the delicate balance between love and loyalty to his friends. The tension between personal desires and academic pressure intensifies.

The Turning Point

Alok, overwhelmed by family pressures and academic failure, attempts suicide by jumping off the institute's roof. Miraculously, he survives with multiple fractures. The incident serves as a wake-up call for the trio, forcing them to reevaluate their priorities. They realize the importance of friendship and the need to support each other through difficult times. The experience brings them closer, and they commit to making the most of their remaining time at IIT, focusing on their studies and future careers.

A Leap of Desperation

Alok's suicide attempt is a pivotal moment that highlights the immense academic pressure students face at IIT. His recovery is slow, but it brings the friends back together, united in their determination to overcome their challenges. They support Alok through his rehabilitation, and the experience strengthens their bond. The incident also prompts a change in their approach to academics, as they begin to take their studies more seriously and work towards a brighter future.

Redemption and Realization

With renewed focus, the trio works hard to improve their grades and secure their futures. Ryan channels his energy into a research project, while Hari and Alok prepare for job interviews. Their efforts pay off, and they manage to secure job offers, despite their past academic struggles. The experience teaches them valuable lessons about resilience, friendship, and the importance of staying true to oneself. They realize that success is not solely defined by academic achievements but also by personal growth and relationships.

Graduation and Goodbyes

As graduation approaches, the friends reflect on their journey at IIT. They have grown and changed, learning from their mistakes and triumphs. The convocation ceremony is a bittersweet moment, marking the end of an era and the beginning of new adventures. They say their goodbyes, promising to stay in touch and support each other in their future endeavors. The bonds they formed at IIT will last a lifetime, and they leave with a sense of hope and optimism for what lies ahead.

Characters

Hari Kumar

Hari is the protagonist and narrator of the story. He is an average student who struggles with self-confidence and academic pressure. Caught between his desire for fun and the need to succeed, Hari often finds himself in difficult situations. His relationship with Neha adds complexity to his life, as he navigates love and loyalty. Throughout the story, Hari learns valuable lessons about friendship, resilience, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Ryan Oberoi

Ryan is the most confident and charismatic of the trio. He is full of ideas and disdain for the rigid academic system at IIT. Ryan's rebellious nature often leads him and his friends into risky situations. Despite his low grades, he is intelligent and resourceful, eventually channeling his energy into a successful research project. Ryan's journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns to balance his ambitions with the realities of life.

Alok Gupta

Alok is the most studious of the trio, driven by the need to support his family. He is torn between his responsibilities and his desire for friendship and fun. Alok's suicide attempt is a turning point in the story, highlighting the immense academic pressure students face at IIT. His recovery and renewed focus on academics demonstrate his resilience and determination. Alok's journey is one of growth, as he learns to balance his personal and academic life.

Neha Cherian

Neha is Hari's girlfriend and the daughter of Professor Cherian. Her relationship with Hari is complicated by her father's disapproval and the academic pressure at IIT. Neha is supportive and understanding, but her loyalty is tested when she discovers Hari's involvement in the exam theft incident. Her character adds depth to the story, highlighting the challenges of balancing love and academic responsibilities.

Professor Cherian

Professor Cherian is the head of the Mechanical Engineering department at IIT and Neha's father. He is a strict disciplinarian who values academic excellence above all else. His high expectations and rigid approach create tension for the students, particularly Hari and his friends. Cherian's character represents the pressures and challenges of the IIT system, and his eventual realization of his mistakes adds depth to the story.

Plot Devices

Academic Pressure

The intense academic pressure at IIT is a central theme in the story. It drives the characters' actions and decisions, leading to both conflict and growth. The pressure to succeed academically is a constant presence, influencing the characters' relationships and personal growth. The story explores the impact of this pressure on students' mental health and well-being, highlighting the need for balance and resilience.

Friendship and Loyalty

The friendship between Hari, Ryan, and Alok is a key plot device that sustains the characters through their challenges. Their bond is tested by academic struggles, personal conflicts, and risky decisions. Despite these challenges, their friendship endures, providing support and strength. The story emphasizes the importance of loyalty and camaraderie, showing how true friendship can help overcome adversity.

Personal Growth

Personal growth is a central theme in the story, as the characters navigate the challenges of IIT and their own personal struggles. Each character undergoes a journey of self-discovery, learning valuable lessons about resilience, responsibility, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The story highlights the transformative power of adversity, showing how challenges can lead to growth and self-awareness.

Analysis

"Five Point Someone" offers a candid look at the pressures and challenges faced by students at IIT, one of India's most prestigious institutions. The story explores themes of academic pressure, friendship, and personal growth, highlighting the impact of a rigid educational system on students' mental health and well-being. Through the experiences of Hari, Ryan, and Alok, the story emphasizes the importance of resilience, loyalty, and staying true to oneself. The narrative also critiques the emphasis on grades and academic achievements, advocating for a more holistic approach to education that values personal growth and relationships. The story resonates with readers, offering valuable insights into the complexities of student life and the journey of self-discovery.

Last updated: April 4, 2025