Story of Two Classmates – Muzammil and Murtaza

It was in a small town nestled amidst fields and hills that two boys, Muzammil and Murtaza, began their journey together. They met in class 6, when they both enrolled in the same school. Their first meeting was nothing special—a simple exchange of greetings in a shared classroom. However, over time, that ordinary beginning blossomed into a deep and meaningful friendship.

Both boys came from middle-class families, lived in the same neighborhood, and shared similar values. As days turned into months, and months into years, they started spending more and more time together, helping each other with homework, playing cricket after school, and even sharing lunch. Their classmates often remarked how inseparable they had become.

From the 6th grade, they moved up together, year after year, never breaking their rhythm. By class 8, their bond was unshakable. They had developed a habit of studying together and often sat beside each other in class. But their companionship went far beyond academics. They talked about everything—books, dreams, politics, and the condition of their country. Their conversations were filled with youthful passion and hope.

Murtaza was especially vocal about justice, leadership, and the flaws in the system. He admired great leaders and often said, “We need to fix this country, Muzammil. We need to take seats that matter.” Muzammil, although quieter, always listened with admiration and sometimes challenged Murtaza with insightful questions. Their friendship was a mixture of motivation and mutual respect.

In class 8, their goals started to shape. Murtaza was clear—he wanted to become a civil servant. Muzammil, on the other hand, was still exploring, but he was influenced by Murtaza’s clarity and commitment. They often spoke of sitting in powerful chairs to change the country for the better.

But as they entered class 9, things started to change. The academic pressure increased, and for the first time, Muzammil began to struggle. Murtaza was performing well, consistently among the top students, while Muzammil found it hard to keep pace. Despite studying together, their academic paths started to diverge.

Murtaza tried to support Muzammil, encouraging him and even helping him revise key topics. However, despite the support, Muzammil couldn’t match Murtaza’s performance. By the time the results of class 9 were announced, it was clear—Muzammil had fallen behind.

This shift created a slight tension. Muzammil, though still fond of Murtaza, began to feel inferior. He avoided group study sessions and stopped joining Murtaza in his usual discussions about national issues and ambitions. Murtaza noticed the change but chose not to confront it directly, hoping things would settle on their own.

In class 10, the gap widened. Murtaza secured a top position in school, earning praise from teachers and peers alike. Muzammil passed, but with average grades. People started seeing Murtaza as a future leader, while Muzammil quietly faded into the background.

Yet, something changed in Muzammil after that year. He started spending more time alone, reflecting on his failures and thinking deeply about what he wanted from life. Slowly, a fire ignited in him. He decided to stop comparing himself to others and focus on improving himself.

In the next academic year, Muzammil came back with renewed energy. He changed his study strategy, sought guidance from teachers, and started believing in his abilities again. Murtaza noticed this positive shift and resumed studying with him. Their bond, once shaken, began to strengthen again.

By the end of class 11, Muzammil surprised everyone—including himself—by securing a high position in school. Though he didn’t surpass Murtaza, he had found his own pace and path. More importantly, he had regained his confidence and his friendship with Murtaza was stronger than ever.

Their ambitions, though different in detail, remained aligned in spirit. Murtaza continued to prepare for civil services, while Muzammil leaned toward becoming a doctor, realizing that serving people’s health was also a way of serving the nation.

Today, years later, both boys are pursuing their dreams—Murtaza studying law and preparing for the CSS exams, and Muzammil in medical college. They still talk regularly, often reminiscing about their school days, their ups and downs, and the dreams that bound them together.

Their journey reminds us that friendship isn't about being at the same pace, but about supporting each other through every step—whether ahead or behind.

Lessons from this story:

The story of Muzammil and Murtaza contains several valuable lessons:

1. True Friendship Endures Challenges: Real friendship isn’t about always being equal in achievements; it’s about supporting each other through ups and downs, and remaining connected even when life paths diverge.


2. Success Comes with Consistency and Self-Belief: Muzammil’s journey shows that setbacks are not the end. With reflection, effort, and perseverance, one can bounce back and find their own success.


3. Comparison is Harmful: The story warns against comparing oneself to others. Growth happens best when we focus on our own progress rather than measuring it against someone else’s.


4. Diversity in Purpose Still Serves a Common Goal: Even though Murtaza wants to be a civil servant and Muzammil a doctor, both aim to serve society. The story teaches that there are many ways to make a difference.


5. Education is More Than Marks: Though academics play a role, values like ambition, justice, dedication, and compassion matter just as much in shaping a meaningful life.