Nick: At least I got a test drive before buying the car. Not like you guys…
Who'll regret it after buying it.
Abhi: (laughs) Bro… this is India.
If you try a test drive here—
you'll be dead the next second.
Get that straight in your head.
Nick: Why would I be dead? Isn't it better to see if you're… compatible before getting into something lifelong?
Abhi: Don't say stuff like that out loud.
If someone hears you, you will be dead.
Let it go. You won't get it.
Nick: (grinning) Alright, alright. So what's next?
She doesn't even like you?
Abhi: (sighs) I don't know...
Sophia:Wah!
Then what do you know?
Abhi: Hmm… I know that… I don't know.
Sophia: (sarcastically) Great.
Exactly what I expected from you.
Abhi: (half-laughing) Well, anyway…
Tomorrow is my engagement.
Daniel:Wait, what?! Tomorrow?!
You didn't tell us this in advance?
Abhi: (shrugs) Even I found out only three days ago…
Krish: What the hell, bro?!
What's even going on?
Isn't it awkward between you two?
Abhi: Yeah… it kinda is.
But I'm living in her house now, so… I've gotten to know her a little.
Nick: (raising an eyebrow) Now that's something interesting.
Abhi: Hmm...
– Ishana's POV
(Abhi had gone off to talk with his friends, and I was still looking for mine, trying to navigate through the crowd and music.)
[Phone rings]
Ishana: (picking up) Hello? Where are you guys?
Friend (on phone): We can see you! Over here—this side!
Ishana: Where? I don't see you.
Friend: Your left! Look to your left! We're waving!
Ishana: Oh—yeah, finally! I see you!
(I made my way toward them. As soon as I reached, they all pounced on me with their burning questions and playful accusations.)
Tia:Hey!
How could you not tell us you have a boyfriend—and that you're getting married?!
Sonali: Seriously!
We've been friends since childhood, Ishana.
You didn't even give me a hint?
Pooja: Life's so unpredictable…
Now she's getting married. Wow.
Rashmi: I know, right?
The girl who never wanted to talk about marriage is suddenly the bride-to-be.
It's a miracle.
Alice: I was waiting for you, Ishana!
And now you're telling me you're getting married?!
Just like that?
Luca: Me too...
I always thought one day you'd say, "Let's get married,"
Instead of ending up with a total stranger…
Pooja: At least tell us who this handsome mystery guy is!
We need to see who managed to steal your heart so easily.
And if he's got cute friends, you know... we're interested!
Maya: (smiling warmly) True that.
It's been so long since we all gathered like this.
I love it.
(I looked around at all their faces—my best friends. My heart softened. Their laughter, their teasing—it all brought back a flood of old memories.)
Ishana's Thoughts:
God, so many memories…
It feels like just yesterday we were running through school hallways, sharing tiffins during lunch, and rushing to the canteen for samosas.
Look at us now… all grown up. Lives heading in different directions.
Time really flies in the blink of an eye.