I like you," she confessed, her voice trembling slightly.

"What?! No way!" He exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"Please, stop yelling," she retorted, clearly irritated by his reaction.

"I've known you since I was in 12th grade, and never in a million years did I think you'd have feelings for me," he said, still struggling to process her words.

"Girls are pretty good at concealing their emotions, you know," she said, casually twirling a strand of her hair with an air of confidence.

"But I don't feel the same way," he said, attempting to sound indifferent.

"Come on, stop pretending. I overheard you talking to your friends. I know how you feel," she said firmly.

"But-" he began to protest, but she interrupted him by stepping closer, closing the distance between them. She placed her lips gently against his, the touch soft and tentative at first.

Their breaths mingled as he hesitated for a moment, then his lips moved against hers with a growing intensity. The kiss deepened as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. She responded with equal fervor, her hands finding their way to his hair, tugging him nearer. The world around them seemed to disappear, leaving only the sensation of their shared warmth and passion. Their kiss spoke of longing and affection, a silent conversation of emotions that words could not fully capture. As they finally parted, their eyes met, the unspoken promise of more lingering in the space between them.

"I love you..." he whispered, his voice barely above a breath.

"I love you too," she replied, her voice filled with sincerity.

In that moment, they closed the distance between them and embraced tightly. Their bodies pressed close, the warmth of their shared emotions enveloping them. He buried his face in her neck, breathing in her comforting scent, while she nestled her head on his shoulder, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the solace of their embrace. It was a tender, intimate moment, filled with the promise of a future shared together.

But to truly grasp how this moment came to be, we need to take a step back.

15 hours ago (Two days after Durga Pooja)

"That is so not my fault, mister!" I whined for what felt like the hundredth time.

"And I'm late because of you, but it's not your fault? Seriously? Just... wow," Bhai shot back, his tone dripping with sarcasm as the early sunrays streamed through the windshield. His frustration was palpable, every word laced with the annoyance he was trying—and failing—to keep in check.

We were on our way to the Howrah Bridge, where everyone was gathering before heading out for the much-anticipated camping trip. The plan had been in place for weeks, and the last thing I wanted was to start the day with an argument, especially with Bhai. But here we were.

"I wasn't the one belting out tunes in the shower for exactly 37 minutes and 23 seconds," I snapped, my irritation bubbling over. I couldn't help but roll my eyes as I spoke, my patience wearing thin. Bhai’s morning concerts were nothing new, but today, of all days, it seemed especially irritating.

"Tell me one thing, Ms. Anabella—what's your problem with my beautiful voice? Why do you always feel the need to insult it?" Bhai’s eyes narrowed as he glanced at me, clearly trying to push my buttons. His voice took on that mock-serious tone he used when he was trying to rile me up, and it was working. I could see that little smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, which only made me more determined not to give him the satisfaction of seeing me lose my cool.

"My problem?—Oh God, why am I even wasting my time with you?" I huffed, dramatically rolling my eyes in exasperation. It was a question I often found myself asking, especially when Bhai was in one of these moods. He had this uncanny ability to turn the simplest conversations into full-blown debates, especially when he was irritated.

"Could you just keep quiet until we reach our destination, please?" I added, injecting as much arrogance as I could muster into my voice. I knew I was being petty, but in that moment, it felt justified.

Bhai simply rolled his eyes in response and, without another word, directed his attention back to the road. The silence between us was tense, filled with the unspoken words that neither of us were willing to say aloud. The only sound was the low hum of the car engine as we drove through the quiet streets of Kolkata, the city still waking up around us.

As we neared the Howrah Bridge, the tension began to slowly dissolve, the first rays of dawn gently illuminating the river below. The serene glow of the early morning light was almost calming, a stark contrast to the heated words we had just exchanged. It was as if the beauty of the scene before us was working its magic, softening the strained silence between us.

By the time we arrived, the gentle glow of the early morning casting a soft light over the iconic bridge, everyone was already waiting for us. Their faces were etched with quiet anticipation, the excitement for the trip evident in their eager expressions. The sight of our friends, all gathered together, seemed to lift the weight of the argument from my shoulders.

We got off the taxi, and while Bhai paid the driver, I found myself running toward our friends, my earlier irritation forgotten in the rush of excitement. My mood brightened instantly at the sight of familiar faces, the thought of the fun that lay ahead pushing all other concerns to the back of my mind.

A few moments later, Bhai joined the group, his expression composed but still tinged with the remnants of his earlier annoyance. He greeted everyone with a nod, his usual cool exterior back in place, though I could tell he was still a bit wound up.

That’s when I noticed Viaansh making his way over to me. My heart did its usual flip-flop, a familiar sensation that I was beginning to associate with him. There was something about the way he moved, so casual yet deliberate, that always seemed to capture my attention. As he leaned in close, his voice dropped to a whisper, "What's wrong with your brother?"

The unexpected closeness sent a shiver down my spine, and I had to remind myself to breathe as I felt the soft warmth of his breath on my shoulder. For a brief moment, it was like the world around us faded, leaving just the two of us in that intimate bubble. I could feel the pull between us, something unspoken but undeniably strong.

But I wasn’t about to lose my composure—not this time. I turned slightly to meet his curious gaze, managing a small smile. "Nothing serious," I replied, doing my best to keep my voice steady despite the fluttering in my chest. "Just some arguments with me. Bhai can be a bit stubborn when he's upset. He surely knows how to hold grudges."

As I spoke, I noticed a slight frown of concern on Viaansh's face, as if he was already thinking of a way to make things right. But before he could say anything, I quickly added, "Don't worry, he'll cool down soon enough." Though I tried to sound light, I couldn’t shake the lingering tension between us, one that had little to do with my brother and everything to do with the unspoken connection that sparked whenever Viaansh was near.

Our bubble burst when Varun called out, "Come on, let's go! The van is here." The sudden interruption jolted us back to reality, and I had to step away from the magnetic pull of Viaansh's presence. I glanced over at Bhai, still distant, as everyone began moving toward the van. The moment between Viaansh and me was gone, but the warmth of his words stayed with me as we joined the rest of the group.

Soon, we all settled down in the van. Mishri and I sat together, with Viaansh and Bhai beside us, while Varun and Shyam took the seats in front of us. The van, a cheerful picnic vehicle bustling with anticipation, was filled with the sounds of chatter and laughter as everyone eagerly settled into their seats, all of us heading toward the same exciting destination.

As the van rumbled to life, I glanced out the window, the city gradually giving way to open roads and greener landscapes. Despite the lingering tension from earlier, I felt a growing sense of excitement. The day was just beginning, and with Viaansh so close, I couldn’t help but wonder what other moments might unfold before the day was over.

"Guys, let's play 'Would You Rather,'" Shyam chirped, breaking the silence that had settled in the van. His voice was light, filled with that infectious energy he always seemed to carry, and it instantly pulled everyone out of their thoughts.

"OMG!!! Shyam, aren't you going to study?" Varun said mockingly, his tone dripping with playful sarcasm. Shyam rolled his eyes dramatically, as if he’d heard it a thousand times before, and everyone in the van burst into laughter.

"I am here sacrificing my study to enjoy. If I had to study, I’d be at home, not here. Okay?" Shyam replied with a grin, clearly enjoying the playful banter. His response only fueled the laughter.

"How do we play that, Shyam bhaiya?" Mishri asked, her curiosity piqued.

Shyam grinned, clearly pleased to explain. "It’s pretty simple," he said. "I’ll start by asking a question where you have to choose between two options. For example, 'Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?' Everyone takes turns answering, and you can explain why you picked your choice. It’s a fun way to get to know each other better and spark some interesting conversations. Ready to start?"

"YESSS!!!" everyone screamed in unison, except for Adrit, who remained stoically silent. The sudden outburst caught everyone's attention, and they turned to look at him.

"I am not playing," Adrit said nonchalantly, closing his eyes and resting his head against the headrest. But as soon as he felt my glare boring into him, he reluctantly opened his eyes and sighed.

"What are the choices, Shyam?" Adrit asked, trying to sound casual but clearly unable to resist the group's enthusiasm.

I nodded proudly, a small smile tugging at my lips, and everyone chuckled at the shift in Adrit's attitude.

"Would you rather spend an entire day alone with your crush or have an unexpected, deep conversation with someone you admire from afar?" Shyam asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he looked around at the group.

There was a moment of silence as everyone considered the question, the atmosphere charged with curiosity and anticipation. The question seemed to hover in the air, its implications stirring up a mix of thoughts and emotions among the friends.

As soon as Shyam asked the question, my heart skipped a beat. *Spend an entire day alone with my crush?* The idea of being with Viaansh for a whole day, just the two of us, made my pulse race. I could imagine it so clearly—walking through art galleries, sharing little jokes, and maybe, just maybe, getting to know each other in a way we never had before.

But then the other option played on my mind: *an unexpected, deep conversation with someone I admire from afar.* In many ways, that’s what I have with Viaansh already. Those fleeting moments when our conversations dip below the surface and I catch a glimpse of the thoughts and feelings he usually keeps hidden. That connection, however brief, feels so profound that sometimes I wonder if it's better to keep things as they are, to cherish those rare conversations instead of risking the awkwardness of a full day together where I might accidentally reveal too much of how I feel.

I could feel everyone’s eyes on me, waiting for my answer. I didn’t want to give anything away, didn’t want to make it obvious that this question hit a little too close to home. But deep down, I knew the truth: I wanted both. I wanted the chance to be with Viaansh, to have that day, but I also treasured those quiet, unexpected conversations that made my heart flutter and left me thinking about him long after they ended.

For a moment, I considered how my answer might reveal more than I intended, how it might give away the feelings I’ve kept hidden for so long. My gaze flickered over to Viaansh, wondering if he could sense the turmoil inside me. But I quickly composed myself, determined to keep my thoughts and emotions in check, at least for now.

"I would rather have a deep conversation with someone I admire from afar."

"Oooo... That means there is someone huh?? By the way why so?" Viaansh said.

Mishri poked her arm into my side. I glared at her.

Bhai gave me a criminal offensive bombastic side eye for having someone I like. I ignored him and answered Varun.

"I think I'd prefer having a deep conversation with someone I admire from afar over spending an entire day with them," I said, my voice trailing off as my eyes drifted into the distance. "Being around them for too long might make me feel overwhelmed, maybe even a little out of place. The day could turn awkward, filled with empty moments where neither of us knows what to say."

I paused, letting the thought settle, and then my gaze found Viaansh's, his eyes holding a quiet curiosity. "But a deep conversation," I continued softly, "that would be different. It would strip away the illusions I’ve built around them, force me to see them as they truly are. It would ground me in reality, and maybe... just maybe, it would reveal that they’re not so different from me after all."

Everyone nodded thoughtfully, but Viaansh's eyes lingered on mine a little longer, as if searching for something unspoken, something buried beneath the surface.

I can’t quite grasp what’s changed in him since I enrolled at the same university. It’s as though he’s caught me red-handed in some unspoken transgression and is now determined to uncover the evidence. The way he looks at me, it’s like he’s trying to read the secrets I’ve carefully tucked away. But he doesn’t realize that I’ve mastered the art of hiding in plain sight, committing my so-called sins without leaving a trace.

With that thought, I tear my gaze away from his, unwilling to let him see any more than I’ve already allowed.

"Come on Varun Bhaiya. You got my answer no? Now everyone should give their answers." I said.

"Miss Chaterjee everyone has already answered only you are left to answer but here you are making unrealistic fantasies with your non-existent future husband. I request you to stay on Earth for once Adhu." Adrit said mockingly.

"Huh?" I looked at everyone shocked.

Everyone chuckled.

"I don't think I want to play anymore," I murmured, my voice tinged with a weariness I couldn't quite disguise.

"Why?" Viaansh asked, one brow arching slightly, his eyes narrowing in that curious way of his, as if silently probing, 'Is something off?'

I forced a smile, though it felt more like a mask than an expression. "I'm just tired," I replied, trying to sound casual. "I woke up at 4:30 a.m., for God's sake."

But beneath the surface, I wondered if he sensed the real reason—the one I wasn’t ready to admit, even to myself.

As if on cue, Shyam yawned, playing along with my excuse. "Even I’m sleepy," he said, glancing at everyone in the van before closing his eyes and leaning against the window. "I’m going to take a nap," he mumbled, already letting himself relax.

"Me too," Varun added, sinking back into his seat.

"Me three," Mishri chimed in, her voice soft as she closed her eyes, pretending to succumb to the sudden drowsiness.

Viaansh and Adrit exchanged bewildered glances, clearly puzzled by the abrupt wave of sleepiness that seemed to sweep over the van. The whole scene was almost absurd, yet somehow believable. But even as the others feigned sleep, I could still feel Viaansh’s gaze on me, lingering as if he suspected that there was more to my sudden weariness than I was letting on.

"Even I’m going to take a nap," I said with a playful grin. "You both are lucky—now you can make out freely while the rest of us are asleep." With that, I closed my eyes, letting the weight of exhaustion pull me under.

The last thing I heard before drifting off was Shyam, half-asleep, chuckling softly at my remark. Viaansh and Adrit’s simultaneous scoffs followed, tinged with a mix of amusement and disbelief, but I was already slipping away into the comforting darkness of sleep, the banter fading into the background.

Darkness and crowds have always intrigued me, though perhaps not for the reasons most might think. To many, the absence of light or the press of bodies in a crowd can be suffocating, even terrifying. But for me, they offer a refuge, a place where I can find a peculiar sense of safety. Darkness conceals, allowing me to vanish from prying eyes, to hide in plain sight. It’s in the shadows that I feel most secure, as if wrapped in an invisible cloak that shields me from the world’s harsh scrutiny. The crowd, with its chaos and noise, serves the same purpose. In its vastness, I become just another face, another body—unnoticed, unremarkable, free to blend in without anyone truly seeing me. These are the spaces where I can breathe, where I can let my guard down, and begin the quiet work of healing, rebuilding myself in the solitude they provide.

This is why I’ve come to cherish sleep. The act of closing my eyes is like stepping into a sanctuary, where the only thing I’m aware of is the comforting embrace of darkness. It’s a place where my thoughts can drift, where the worries and expectations of the day dissolve into nothingness. In that void, I find solace, a chance to let go and simply exist without the need to perform or pretend.

And when I wake, if I find the world still cloaked in night, it’s like a gift—a sign that the universe is offering me a bit more time. Those moments feel almost sacred, as if God, or fate, or some higher power understands my need for this darkness, this stillness. It’s in those early hours before dawn, when the world is quiet and the shadows are long, that I feel most at peace. It’s as if the darkness itself is whispering, "It’s okay, take your time. You’re safe here."

In those moments, I feel connected to something greater, something that knows the value of healing in silence, of gathering strength in solitude. It’s in these hours that I realize darkness isn’t something to fear but something to embrace, a space where I can come to terms with who I am, and who I want to be, before stepping back into the light, renewed and ready to face the world.

This time was no different. My eyes began to flutter open as a cold breeze caressed my face, gently nudging me out of the depths of sleep. The faint sounds of a distant horn and the soft murmur of voices drifted into my awareness, pulling me further from my slumber. The atmosphere felt peaceful, almost serene. I braced myself, expecting to struggle against the harshness of bright lights piercing through the darkness as I adjusted to the world outside my dreams.

But when I finally opened my eyes, I was met with a comforting dimness. The van was bathed in just enough light to make out the faces of those around me, but it was far from overwhelming. Outside, the full moon hung in the sky, its glow muted, as if it, too, had grown weary. Though it was a full moon night, the moon’s light wasn’t as bright as I had anticipated. It seemed as though even the moon had grown tired of shining for others, yearning for a moment of rest, a chance to retreat into its own quiet solitude.

That thought brought a smile to my lips. There was something comforting in knowing that even the moon—a symbol of beauty, worship, and divinity—could grow weary, could desire a reprieve from its endless task of illuminating the night. If the moon, revered and adored, could allow itself to dim its light, then perhaps it was okay for me, a mere human, to feel tired too.

In that quiet moment, I felt a surge of motivation, a reminder that even the most radiant forces in the universe need time to rest, to gather strength. It’s okay to step back, to take a moment for yourself. And just as the moon would inevitably shine brightly again, I too would find my light when the time was right. For now, it was enough to simply be, to exist in the soft embrace of the night, where even the moon had permission to pause and catch its breath.

The first person to notice I was awake was Adrit. His voice cut through the tranquil atmosphere with a note of surprise. “Oh! You’re awake? I thought something was wrong. You fell asleep at 5:30 a.m. and now it’s 6:30 p.m.”

I glanced at my wristwatch, the numbers confirming the passage of time. Turning back to Adrit, I offered him a reassuring smile, trying to convey that there was no need for concern. “I’m fine, don’t worry,” I said, my voice steady and calm. “Last night was just one of those long stretches. I had a mountain of assignments to finish and drank way too much coffee to keep going. I couldn’t sleep because of it.”

Adrit nodded, his expression softening as he absorbed my explanation. "Got it," he said, his voice reflecting understanding. "Just make sure to take it easy; you need to balance those late nights with some rest."

He gave me a reassuring smile, and I appreciated the concern behind his words. Even though I had been buried in work, it was moments like these—simple gestures of care—that reminded me of the importance of looking after myself amidst the chaos.

Mishri handed me a pack of Bingo Mad Angles, her voice gentle but insistent. "You should eat something, Aadhu."

I nodded, a genuine smile of gratitude spreading across my face. “Thanks, Mishri,” I replied.

I tore open the packet, the crisp rustle of the plastic breaking the stillness. As I lifted a chip to my mouth, the satisfying crunch echoed, a small but comforting sound that signaled a return to normalcy. Each bite was a simple pleasure, grounding me in the present moment and offering a brief respite from the fatigue that had lingered.

Breaking the comfortable silence, I asked, “What were you guys doing?”

“Watching a movie,” Varun replied, his voice brimming with excitement.

“What movie?” I inquired, my own anticipation rising with each word.

“Munjya,” Shyam answered nonchalantly, as if it were the most ordinary choice.

“Eww...” I scrunched up my nose, unable to hide my distaste.

“I know, right? No one except Varun seems to be enjoying it,” Viaansh chimed in, a hint of concern in his voice.

Without a second thought, I reached over and snatched the laptop from Varun’s lap. “Varun Bhaiya, if you like that movie, maybe you should watch it alone,” I said with a playful firmness.

Varun merely shrugged, not particularly fazed by my intervention.

I started browsing through Netflix, my fingers moving with purpose as I searched for something more appealing. My eyes landed on Mr. and Mrs. Mahi. I looked up at everyone, gauging their reactions. “How about Mr. and Mrs. Mahi?” I suggested.

A chorus of enthusiastic “Yesss!!!” erupted from the group, their unified response making me smile.

I chuckled softly, the atmosphere lightening as I clicked to start the movie. The screen flickered to life, and as the opening scenes played out, I felt a sense of satisfaction. The shift from a lackluster film to one that everyone could enjoy felt like a small victory, and I settled back, ready to immerse myself in the new story unfolding before us.

“He’s being selfish,” Adrit whined, his frustration clear in his voice.

“But Mahima isn’t blameless either,” Mishri countered. “She almost forgot her husband once she became famous.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “You guys should decide who’s right and who’s wrong before diving into the movie,” I suggested, my tone light but with an undertone of amusement.

Adrit shot me an annoyed glance, his eyes still locked on the screen as if missing a single frame might cost him the entire plot. “Shut up, Little Demon,” he mumbled, his focus unwavering. The screen's glow reflected in his eyes, making it clear that he was entirely absorbed in the unfolding drama, as if the climax might slip away if he dared to blink.

Everyone was completely engrossed in the movie, their attention riveted to the unfolding story. Yet, despite the collective focus, I couldn't shake the feeling that Viaansh's gaze kept finding its way back to me. Each time our eyes met, a smile would spontaneously spread across both our faces, a silent exchange that felt both reassuring and charged.

I glanced at my wristwatch, noting the time, and as soon as I turned my attention back to the screen, I found Viaansh’s eyes on me once more. This time, he offered a sheepish smile, a subtle acknowledgment that spoke volumes.

Cute.

I couldn’t help but return his smile, not out of any sense of obligation but because his presence had a natural, effortless way of brightening my mood. Looking at him, in that quiet, shared moment, made me smile without even trying. It was as if his mere gaze had the power to lift my spirits, creating a silent connection amidst the clamor of the movie and the laughter of friends.

The park was specially designed for camping, a perfect blend of lush greenery and natural beauty without the hazards of wild animals or unforeseen dangers. It simulated the essence of a forest but with all the comforts and safety we needed. High network coverage ensured that we had full access to our phones, bridging the gap between nature and technology.

As we ventured further into the park, we encountered a series of meticulously crafted statues that added to the immersive experience. A tiger was captured mid-leap, its powerful muscles tensed as it pounced on its prey. Nearby, a serene scene depicted a deer drinking from a tranquil lake, while a majestic lion rested in its den, embodying the regal calm of its species. In the lake, swans floated gracefully, their elegant forms suggesting a romantic, almost ethereal dance.

These statues, though static, brought the park to life, providing a vivid portrayal of forest scenes and adding to the park’s authentic ambiance. It was a place where nature’s beauty could be enjoyed without its potential dangers, offering the perfect backdrop for our camping adventure.

We made our way to the counter, where Varun took the lead. “Umm… We booked an area for camping,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with anticipation.

The man behind the counter responded with the kind of smile that was meant to be welcoming but came across as practiced—sweet, but unmistakably fake. “May I know your name, sir?” he asked politely.

“Varun Mehta,” Varun replied.

The man’s fingers began dancing across his keyboard, the rapid tapping of keys filling the brief silence as he pulled up our reservation. After a moment, he looked back up at us. “Sir, I’ll need you to sign here to register your entry. I’ll provide you all with maps, and a personal guide will take you to your area. If you encounter any issues, you can reach out to your guide directly.”

Varun signed the paper without hesitation. Just as he finished, a young man, about the age when I first started crushing on Viaansh, stepped forward. He introduced himself as our guide, his demeanor professional yet friendly. But before I could fully process the introduction, I felt that familiar sensation again—Viaansh’s gaze on me, intense and unyielding.

It wasn’t just a casual glance; it was as if he was expecting me to do something drastic, like commit a crime the moment he looked away. His scrutiny was beginning to wear on me, the unspoken tension building with each passing second.

Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I shot him a sharp, pointed look, determined to break whatever strange spell he seemed to be under. The suddenness of my glare caught him off guard, and he quickly averted his eyes, suddenly very interested in the surroundings. But even as he looked away, I could feel the lingering unease between us—an unspoken understanding that something had shifted, though neither of us seemed willing to address it.

"Hello shobai ke!!! Ami Sundar. Ami apnader camping trip er guide." (Hello Everyone!!! I am Sundar. I am your guide for the camping trip.)

The boy who introduced himself to be Sundar joined his hand as a gesture of welcoming us. His smile was genuine and very cheerful. His love for Bengali culture and tradition dripping in his every action.

We all joined our hands and greeted him back.

We all began walking deeper into the forest, following Sundar’s lead. As we moved forward, he started briefing us about the dos and don'ts of the area. His voice carried a mix of authority and friendliness, underscored by a charming Bengali accent that added a unique twist to his English.

"This place is one of the safest for camping, but if you ever feel in danger, you can immediately call the helpline number on your map. My number is there too, so if you get lost or need any help, don't hesitate to reach out," Sundar explained, his words clear but softened by his accent, which somehow made even the most mundane information sound endearing.

While Sundar continued to share important details, my attention was captivated by the beauty surrounding us. The park was adorned with vibrant LED lights that twinkled like stars, casting a warm, colorful glow on everything they touched. The atmosphere was serene, yet alive with energy.

As we walked, I observed other campers scattered throughout the park. Some were laughing and dancing around their tents, their joy infectious. A few couples sat on benches, lost in deep conversation, their whispered words filled with intimacy. Others expressed their love more openly, stealing kisses under the soft light.

In the distance, I caught sight of a man kneeling on one knee, proposing to a woman whose face radiated pure happiness. She seemed to be on cloud nine, her laughter echoing through the night as she accepted his proposal. The scene was heartwarming, a perfect embodiment of the joy and connection that filled the air.

Everywhere I looked, there was life, love, and a sense of peace that made the park feel like a world of its own, a magical place where all kinds of stories could unfold.

Soon, we arrived our designated camping area. Our camping area was nothing short of picturesque, like a scene straight out of a storybook. The spot was carefully chosen, surrounded by a natural canopy of towering trees that seemed to embrace us in their protective shade. Their leaves, still lush despite the late hour, whispered softly in the evening breeze, adding a soothing soundtrack to our preparations.

The ground beneath our feet was soft, carpeted with a mix of grass and fallen leaves that crunched lightly as we moved around. It was an ideal surface for laying out our tents—firm enough to hold the stakes securely, yet soft enough to promise a comfortable night’s rest. The area was spacious, allowing each tent to be positioned just right, with enough distance for privacy but close enough to maintain a sense of togetherness.

We began setting up camp, and the area gradually transformed into our temporary home. The tents were vibrant in color—deep blues, earthy greens, and warm oranges—that contrasted beautifully against the natural tones of the forest. We arranged them in a semicircle, facing a central spot where we planned to build our campfire later. This central space was like the heart of our setup, waiting to be brought to life with the warmth of flickering flames and the shared stories of the night.

Above us, the sky was a deepening indigo, with the first stars beginning to twinkle faintly. The LED lights we had brought with us added a touch of magic to the scene. We strung them between the trees, creating a canopy of tiny, twinkling lights that bathed our campsite in a soft, ethereal glow. The lights cast gentle shadows on the tents and illuminated the surrounding area just enough to make everything feel cozy and inviting.

To one side of the campsite, there was a small clearing that led to a clear view of the night sky. It was a perfect spot for stargazing, and we couldn’t wait to lie back on our sleeping bags later and watch the constellations slowly drift across the heavens.

As the final touches were put in place, our camping area felt like a little haven in the middle of the forest. It was beautiful in a way that felt both natural and carefully crafted, a perfect blend of nature’s splendor and our own small touches of comfort and light. The scene was set for an evening of laughter, stories, and the kind of memories that would linger long after we packed up and left.

We all settled down around the campfire, the flickering flames casting warm, dancing shadows across our faces. The night had already been filled with laughter and energy—after a hearty meal, spontaneous dancing, and a little impromptu party, we were finally ready to wind down with our favorite camping tradition: the infamous game of “Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire.”

Mishri, always the one to bring a twist to the fun, had packed a lie detector with her. It wasn’t anything high-tech, just a quirky gadget she’d found online, but it added an extra layer of excitement to our game. The anticipation in the air was palpable as she set it up, everyone glancing at each other with playful suspicion, wondering who would be caught in their lies tonight.

Shyam, ever the instigator, reached into his backpack and pulled out an empty Coke bottle. He held it up with a mischievous grin before placing it in the center of our circle, ready to spin it and let fate decide who would go first. The bottle gleamed in the firelight, its glass reflecting the flames as it waited to be set into motion.

The atmosphere around the fire was electric with a mix of anticipation and lighthearted tension. We all knew this game had a way of revealing secrets, sparking friendly rivalries, and creating moments of pure hilarity. As we settled into our spots, with the crackling fire warming us from the outside and the thrill of the game heating us from within, it was clear that the night was far from over. We were about to dive into a round of playful deceit, bold truths, and uncontrollable laughter—a perfect way to cap off our evening under the stars.

Shyam gave the bottle a quick, decisive spin, and as it whirled around, my heart began to race, each beat echoing in my chest. I could feel the anticipation building, a mix of excitement and dread coursing through me. My fingers instinctively crossed, and my mind kept repeating the same silent plea: Not me, not me, not me.

The bottle continued its dizzying dance, teasing us all as it slowed down. The tension was almost unbearable, and I held my breath, waiting to see who it would point to. Finally, as if fate—or maybe even the universe—decided to grant me a small mercy tonight, the bottle came to a stop, its neck pointing directly at Adrit.

For a split second, there was silence, a collective intake of breath, and then the air erupted with cheers and playful shouts. Everyone began hollering, the energy around the fire ramping up as we all zeroed in on Adrit.

He groaned dramatically, but there was a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, showing that he was both amused and resigned to his fate. The spotlight was on him now, and we all knew this was just the beginning of a night filled with secrets, revelations, and a whole lot of laughter.

"Adrit, out of all of us here, who would you trust the least with a secret, and why?" Viaansh asked, his voice carrying a playful challenge as the question hung in the air.

I felt a smirk tugging at the corners of my mouth, already knowing what Adrit’s answer would be. There was no doubt in my mind that he’d choose me—I could see it coming from a mile away. The anticipation was almost amusing, and I braced myself for the inevitable.

Adrit took his time, his gaze slowly sweeping across the group, pausing just briefly on each person. When his eyes finally landed on me, I met his stare with a sarcastic smile, daring him to say what I knew he would.

"Aadhira Chatterjee," he declared, a hint of mischief in his tone.

The group erupted into laughter and mock gasps, everyone reveling in the fun of the moment. I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help but laugh along with them, knowing this was just the beginning of a night full of teasing and playful banter. Adrit’s answer wasn’t surprising, but it definitely set the tone for the game—one where no one was safe from being put on the spot.

"Why though? She is your sister," Mishri interjected, clearly taking my side in the playful debate.

Adrit shrugged, his expression a mix of amusement and resignation. "That’s the problem—she’s my sister. Siblings are often the biggest enemies, you know how it is."

His response elicited a round of laughter from the group. The playful banter continued as everyone enjoyed the back-and-forth, the firelight flickering in their eyes, and the warmth of the night adding to the camaraderie. It was clear that the game was setting the stage for a night of fun revelations and shared laughs.

The lie detector, a quirky little gadget Mishri had brought, buzzed with a startling crackle and delivered a small electric shock to Adrit. I gasped, genuinely taken aback by the revelation that he actually trusted me more than he let on.

“Looks like someone’s been caught trying to hide his trust and affection for his sister,” Viaansh teased, his tone light and playful as he enjoyed the unexpected turn of events.

Adrit, clearly flustered, picked up the lie detector and began tapping it in frustration. “I think this machine might not be working properly,” he muttered, trying to dismiss the outcome with a hint of disbelief.

I, still processing the shock and feeling a mix of surprise and amusement, agreed with a nod. “I think you might be right.”

“No way in a million years,” Mishri insisted, shaking his head. “I recently bought this thing, and it’s supposed to be reliable.”

The group burst into laughter, reveling in the playful chaos of the moment. Despite his protests, it was clear that the lie detector had added an extra layer of fun to the game, and Adrit’s attempt to save face only made the night more entertaining.

The game continued with everyone thoroughly enjoying the lively atmosphere. Laughter and playful banter filled the air, punctuated by the occasional crackle of the campfire. As the clock ticked past 1:25 a.m., Adrit’s phone rang sharply through the night.

He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting to one of concern. "Sorry, I need to take this call. It's important," he said, excusing himself from the circle.

He stepped away from the fire, his voice becoming a low murmur as he moved further into the darkness. The rest of us exchanged curious glances, the sudden interruption adding a touch of mystery to the night. As Adrit’s voice faded into the distance, the game and the warmth of the fire carried on, but a subtle intrigue lingered in the air, hinting at a story yet to unfold.

The bottle spun once more, its slow, deliberate rotation making the moments stretch out, filled with tension. This time, however, my luck seemed to have run out as the bottle came to a stop, its neck pointing directly at me.

I felt my heart skip a beat as I met Viaansh’s dark, intense gaze. His smirk only heightened the sudden rush of self-consciousness that washed over me. My palms grew clammy as I placed my hands on the lie detector, the device now feeling like a heavy weight pressing down on my nerves.

The campfire crackled softly in the background, the warmth and light contrasting with the cool night air. The group watched with rapt attention, the atmosphere charged with anticipation.

Viaansh’s voice cut through the night, casual yet laced with curiosity.

“Do you like a boy in this group?”

●●○○《~•¤•~》○○●●

Oops!! Looks like someone is caught?🙄

But is she really caught?😉