Raj, do you still have our numbers?" Rahul asked.
"Yes."
"Then why did you never call us?"
Raj hesitated before answering. "You guys went into engineering, and I pursued medicine. My family also restricted my phone use, so I never really contacted anyone. Just when I finally thought of calling you guys for drinks, this reunion popped up. I figured it was a better opportunity to meet everyone."
"I miss those days when we used to buy snacks after class," Raj added nostalgically.
Rahul and Arjun looked at each other and burst into laughter.
"Why are you guys laughing?" Raj asked, puzzled.
"You haven't changed a bit, Raj."
"Anyway, let's go."
Everyone took their seats and started enjoying the reunion. The three of them picked up chairs, sat down, and greeted everyone.
"Let's wait a few more minutes for the rest to arrive. Then we can eat and play some games," someone suggested.
Arjun's heartbeat quickened. He lifted his head as the doors opened.
A girl walked in.
Emotions buried deep within his heart erupted. His breath caught, and before he could stop himself, he stood up abruptly and walked toward the washroom. Once inside, he turned on the tap and splashed cold water on his face.
"Her eyes shimmered like sunlight on water. That smile—effortless, disarming. And her face… timeless. A beauty that never fades."
Ananya.
A name he could never forget. A person he could never face.
After wiping his face, he returned to his seat. The room was lively, filled with noise, laughter, and people taking pictures. He noticed Raj and Rahul were missing. Looking around, he spotted them taking selfies with Ananya.
He sighed and pulled out his phone, distracting himself by applying for jobs.
After a while, they returned.
"Every time I tell people Ananya was my classmate, no one believes me. Now, I'll show them that I once studied with a goddess!" Rahul declared triumphantly.
"I went to show off. What about you, Raj?" he asked.
"Oh, I took a video for a colleague. She's a huge fan of Ananya."
"Why don't you go and ask for a photo, Arjun?" they both prodded.
Arjun shook his head. "You guys know me well. I never post on social media. After some time, all these pictures will be deleted anyway. There's no point in bothering her for something temporary. It's better this way."
"You never change. That's why no girl has ever proposed to you!" Rahul teased.
The three of them laughed.
Suddenly, Prakash took the mic. "Guys, please take your seats."
The room quieted down.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you. I honestly didn't expect such a great turnout. It makes me happy to see everyone again after so long. Nine years—it's been quite a journey. Some of us stayed in touch, while others lost contact."
As the class president, he took the lead in introductions. "I completed my master's degree in business from Harvard. Two months ago, I returned to take charge of one of my father's subsidiary companies, aiming to prove myself."
Applause filled the room.
"That's our class president!" someone cheered.
One by one, everyone introduced themselves.
"I'm Swapna, working at a law firm. If any of you ever have legal issues, I can offer advice."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. No one expected the most aggressive girl in the class to become a lawyer. It suited her perfectly.
Arjun turned and noticed Rahul acting strangely.
Tilting his head, he whispered, "What are you thinking?"
"I just realized… I know who I want."
Arjun and Raj exchanged glances, shocked.
"Don't tell me you like Swapna?" Raj asked.
"Rahul, she's the most aggressive person we know. And you're… well, timid," Arjun added.
"I'm pretty sure it won't work."
"How will we know without trying?" Rahul countered confidently.
Arjun smirked. "Alright. After dinner, there's a games session. You can approach her then. Ask for legal advice on your family's new mall construction."
"But my father is handling it. I'm just overseeing things," Rahul hesitated.
"That's exactly why I said it won't work!" Arjun chuckled.
"Believe me, once she gives you advice, you'll have a reason to talk to her again. Then, ask for her number. If you keep visiting her with legal queries, it might just work."
"Perfect!" Rahul beamed. "Why don't you give me some advice too, Arjun?"
Arjun and Raj laughed. "First, tell her you came through a connection. Then we'll think about it. But whatever you do, don't tell her that the hospital under your family's name belongs to you. If she finds out too soon, everything will be doomed."
Rahul nodded, determined. "Got it. Let's do this."