Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Some stories inspire, stories that teach, and then there are stories like this — raw, unfiltered, emotional, and deeply human. In this heart-spoken monologue, Dr. Apurv Mehra takes us through the winding roads of love, failure, ambition, and ultimately, the discovery of a word that could change everything: care.
This isn’t a fairytale. This is a story of setbacks and self-reflection, of an aspiring student who didn’t get selected, a startup that failed, friends that stayed, and a grandmother whose words changed the course of everything.
1. A Grandmother’s Call and a Love That Waited
So, when she came to know about me and my relationship, and obviously, I was obviously not selected. I am talking about your love. My grandmother called Taruna’s mother, who is now my wife, requested, “Give one year to my grandson. Do not get him married for one year. He will take the seat of his choice.” Everyone was confused — the guy was not selected, but all his friends were. But my grandmother believed that if one corner of life (love) is fixed, the rest will follow. She said clearly — 50% is life partner, 50% is career.
2. First Startup Failure: MedMiracle
Conceptual was not my first startup. Before that, along with my friends Dr. Zainab Vora and Dr. Ravi, I created a company called MedMiracle. But it didn’t work. Why? Because we thought too much. It was not successful. My friends reminded me — you gave everything to it, and it failed. But what worked? What helped me? I didn’t stop learning. That’s the lesson. You need to learn from every failure.
3. The One Word That Defines It All
We had a discussion recently: What is one word that defines every relationship, every achievement? Some said love. Some said trust. But love alone is not enough. Trust is fragile. In India, trust is built and broken daily. Then came the respect necessary in every relationship. Without respect, love dies. Then commitment, honesty, and patience — all valid. But still, the right word didn’t come.
4. What Really Matters in a Relationship
When we like someone, we chase them, we promise the stars. The fire, that passion — it’s necessary. But what happens after commitment? Passion fades if there’s no respect, trust, and honesty. But even these words don’t fully capture what truly keeps everything alive.
5. The Word Is… Care
Finally, I realised the word is care. For me, that’s the most powerful word. Anything cared for never fails. Just like a mother, full of care. Care transforms love into strength. Care brings consistency, builds trust, keeps hope alive, and makes you responsible. Care is at the root of every good thing.
6. A Lesson from the 1996 World Cup
In 1996, Sri Lanka won the Cricket World Cup. Before the final, Ranatunga said, “We will take care not to make mistakes.” Steve Waugh only said, “We will defeat them.” That mindset was the difference. Care helped Sri Lanka win. Not aggression, but care. If you care for your dream, you win. If you only want to defeat others, you lose yourself.
7. Face Yourself — The Mirror Test
You want to test your intention?
Look in a mirror for 30 seconds.
Ask: “Am I giving my best?” and “Did I do better than yesterday?” Most can’t look for long. Because you can lie to the world, not to yourself.
8. Feedback & Responsibility
138 students in slot 1, 134 in slot 2, 124 in slot 3. Then only 90 in slot 5. Why? Some people didn’t come. You paid for the tests. Or your parents did. Why skip them? That’s not just irresponsibility. That’s a lack of care. Money respects only capable people. If you don’t care for your growth, it leaves you.
9. Saraswati & Lakshmi — Two Goddesses
My father taught me: Saraswati grows when shared (knowledge). Lakshmi (wealth) disappears if not guarded. Sit on your money like a snake. Guard it. Respect it. That’s care, too. Your parents worked hard. Don’t waste what they gave.
Final Words: No Compromise in 2025
This year, take care of two things: yourself and your dream. If you don’t, everything dies — relationships, hopes, trust, passion. And remember — the biggest enemy of your dream is the man in the mirror. If you can face him honestly, you can achieve anything.
