As Aryan stepped into the group, his old friends immediately burst into exaggerated expressions and mock accusations. Though their tone sounded intense, Aryan could read their faces clearly—his mystical training had given him an uncanny ability to sense emotions and thoughts at a glance.
Without reacting harshly, he smirked and began walking toward the gate.
Aryan (in mock annoyance): "Alright, if you all don't want to talk to me peacefully, I'll take my leave."
As he turned, the group panicked and rushed to stop him.
All (shouting): "Wait! Wait, Aryan! We were just messing with you!"
Aryan paused mid-step, turned around with a sly grin, and said—
Aryan: "Well, so was I."
Laughter erupted among the friends. Soon, they all sat down on the benches nearby, finally settling into a heartfelt reunion.
Aryan: "Abhi, Biraj, Mondeep, Swaroop, Pushpita, and Priyanka—I know you all too well. That's why I could tell it was just a prank."
Pushpita: "Aryan, but how did you know we were planning something?"
Aryan: "If it was your secret, then it was mine too."
Abhi (grinning): "Alright then, let the secret remain… but it's time to reveal our surprise!"
Aryan: "Surprise?"
Abhi: "Yep. Just a minute… Biraj, Mondeep, go bring the bags!"
Moments later, Biraj and Mondeep returned carrying a cake and a couple of gift bags.
Abhi: "We wanted to celebrate your birthday."
Swaroop: "Yeah bro, we had to make this day special."
As Aryan cut the cake and they chatted, Mondeep, caught in the moment, blurted—
Mondeep: "This year, you'll find someone better than Smita—someone who truly loves you."
The name hit like a gong. Aryan's smile faded. His face turned solemn.
Abhi: "Don't be upset, man."
Swaroop: "You deserve way better."
Biraj: "Smita was ridiculous. Rejecting you and accepting that loser Manab's proposal? Big mistake."
Pushpita: "I don't think Smita is entirely at fault."
Abhi: "Oh, she is. She knew Aryan loved her. Meanwhile, that snake Manab—knowing Smita was about to propose to Aryan—spread false rumors and proposed to her himself. And she accepted."
Biraj: "And that wasn't enough for him. He even told her to stop talking to us, just because we were close to Aryan."
Back in 11th grade, Aryan had met this group of friends—and Smita—after enrolling at GC College. They had all grown close, even attending the same tuition classes. Everything was fine until Manab twisted the narrative and turned things sour.
Aryan: "Let it go. Back then, I truly loved Smita more than anything—her simplicity, her smile, everything. But now… she means nothing to me."
Abhi: "Even so, she helped us with today's surprise."
Abhi: "In fact, she called me yesterday. Said we're good friends and she wanted to send a gift for you. It's in that bag."
Abhi handed Aryan a small box. Aryan held it but looked distant.
Then he stood up.
Aryan: "Let's go to College Road. My treat."
They all hopped on Aryan's scooter while his chauffeur followed in the car. They reached a famous momo house and ordered food. As they waited, Priyanka spoke up.
Priyanka: "Aryan, is it true your family's financial condition has improved and Rohit da now owns Sagarika Regency and Sagarika Resort?"
Aryan: "Yes, it's true."
(Sagarika Regency and Resort were among Assam's top luxury destinations.)
Swaroop: "We also heard something about your family dealing with Six Flags Entertainment in Srikona?"
Mondeep: "If that's true, what's your gain in all this?"
(The group was tight-knit—they always shared both good and bad.)
Aryan: "Honestly, I had no idea. My family told me only yesterday. Uncle Arjun called me to handle some paperwork."
Biraj: "And then?"
Aryan: "As per my grandfather's will, they transferred a large sum into my account. They also gave me an equal stake in the company's equity."
Pushpita: "What company?"
Aryan: "Saha Roy Real Estate."
Their food arrived. While eating, Biraj broke the silence.
Biraj: "Now this is much better."
Abhi: "What're you talking about?"
Aryan: "Smita. He's talking about Smita, right?"
Biraj: "Exactly. Now she'll regret believing those lies and choosing Manab."
Priyanka: "Yeah, that's karma."
Biraj: "Aryan, now that you have money and connections, let's teach Manab a lesson."
Aryan: "No. I don't want revenge. I want a new life. But if someone dares to mess with me again—I won't stay silent."
Aryan (smiling): "Now forget all that and finish your food."
Swaroop: "Wait! Let's click a few pictures."
Pushpita: "Yes! I want at least one picture of this reunion."
They took several photos, laughing and posing. Later, Pushpita requested:
Pushpita: "Swaroop, please send me the group pic."
Aryan: "Send it to me too."
Ting, Ting... Aryan checked his WhatsApp and uploaded the photos to his social media accounts.
Biraj (teasing): "Dude, are you still using that broken old phone? Get a new one already!"
Aryan's phone was bent at one corner and full of dents.
Aryan: "Honestly, I never thought about it. But since you all insist, let's go buy one."
After finishing the meal, Aryan paid the bill, and they headed to a mobile store. He bought the latest iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Pushpita: "Aryan, why don't you get a DSLR camera too?"
Aryan: "Alright. I will."
Aryan didn't care for luxuries. But he knew what his friends were thinking. His mind-reading ability revealed their silent desire for him to live like the wealthy man he now was. He decided to meet their expectations, just so they could feel inspired to dream bigger for themselves too.
They visited a camera shop where Aryan bought an expensive DSLR and several high-end lenses. Then, they went to a mall.
Aryan: "Choose anything you like—my treat."
At first, everyone refused. But after Aryan insisted, they gave in and picked stylish clothes and accessories. Aryan paid for everything.
As they left the mall, they dropped Priyanka off at her home—she lived nearby. The others lived further in the suburbs. On their way back, they spotted Manab with a group of drunk friends and… Smita.
The men were smoking. Smita looked visibly uncomfortable. The smoke stung her eyes, and some of Manab's friends were trying to touch her shoulders and back inappropriately. But for some reason, she couldn't leave the group.
Sensing her discomfort, Aryan turned to Pushpita.
Aryan: "Pushpita, Smita wants to leave. Can you ask her to come with us? We'll drop her home."
Pushpita: "I'll go, but not alone."
Swaroop: "Don't worry, Biraj will go with you—your future husband."
Pushpita (blushing): "Stop it, Swaroop!"
Biraj (grinning): "I'm coming with you."
Aryan: "Don't mention my name."
Biraj: "Got it, bro."
They approached the group.
Pushpita: "Smita, we're heading home. Would you like to join us? We'll drop you off."
Smita didn't hesitate.
Smita: "Please, yes."
Suddenly, Manab's drunken voice cut through the haze.
Manab: "So you're leaving with your old pals, huh?"
Smita: "It's getting late, that's all."
Manab: "So what?"
Biraj: "She's not your toy, Manab. You can't treat her this way."
Manab: "Oh shut up, you clowns. Go ahead, take her. But listen—my lovely girlfriend and you fools—I'm heading to Delhi tomorrow with my family. When I get back, Smita, you better have an explanation ready."
Manab (threatening): "And don't think I've forgotten about the warning I gave you two."
Biraj: "Times are changing, Manab. Let's see what the future holds."
Without a word, Smita followed Pushpita and Biraj out of the smoke and stench. They dropped her home safely and returned to their own.
That night, Aryan rode back home to Udharbond—his heart filled with clarity, purpose, and a burning question:
What danger was Manab hinting at?
Why couldn't Smita speak out earlier?
And where will Aryan invest his newfound fortune?