Swaroop: Aryan, did you make this mocktail?
Aryan: Yes.
Biraj: This is really, really good.
Manager: Yes, Aryan Sir. This is absolutely delicious. I've never had a mocktail like this in my entire life. I've been to many high-end restaurants and bars, but I've never tasted anything this exquisite.
Waiter: The manager is right. I worked as a bartender for nearly two years, and I've never tasted anything like this mocktail, nor have I even heard of such a recipe.
Abhi: Yeah, the taste is incredible.
Swaroop: Aryan, I noticed something else. Actually, I was very tired after driving the car all day, but after just one sip, I felt a surge of energy flow through me.
Aryan: Yes, I've used a lot of herbal plants while making this mocktail.
Waiter: Aryan Sir, what is the name of this mocktail? And why haven't we ever heard of such a drink?
Aryan: Because this mocktail is my own creation, made with my own recipe.
Smita: Aryan, why don't you give it a name?
At that moment, Aryan looked at Smita. But this time, there was a spark in Aryan's eyes, as though he was trying to read something in Smita's expression. Before Aryan could speak, Swaroop interrupted.
Swaroop: Yes, Aryan. Smita is right. You should give it a name.
Aryan: Alright, I'll name it Ocimum Sanctum Mix Mocktail.
Biraj: Aryan, do you know how to make any other kind of mocktail like this?
Aryan: Yes.
Waiter: Aryan Sir, would you mind sharing the recipe for this mocktail?
Manager: Waiter, what are you asking? This recipe is a secret! Do you have any idea how much money Aryan Sir could make once this is patented?
Waiter: My apologies, Aryan Sir. I got a bit too excited.
Aryan: It's alright. And after I get the patent, I'll share the recipe with you.
Waiter: Thank you so much, Aryan Sir. I'll never forget your kindness.
In fact, the taste of a mocktail depends on several factors, such as the quality and quantity of the ingredients, and sometimes even the maker's experience.
Then, the manager and waiter left Aryan and his friends alone so they could enjoy their time.
Later, Aryan and his friends ate their meals, and Aryan sampled a little bit of everything. Afterward, he paid the bill, which amounted to around 4500 rupees. He even tipped the waiter 2000 rupees. Then, he left the resort with his friends.
As the Sagarika Resort was located a bit outside Silchar town and it was hard to meet often, only Aryan and Swaroop had their own vehicles. Swaroop had his scooter, and Aryan had his brother's car.
So, they decided that Swaroop would drop Pushpita home, as her house was on the way. Aryan would take Abhi, Biraj, Priyanka, and Smita in his car.
Afterward, Swaroop dropped Pushpita off at her house and then went home. Aryan dropped Abhi and Biraj first, then Priyanka. Finally, he was driving toward Smita's house.
Abhi and Biraj's houses were on the outskirts of town, while Priyanka's was nearby. Smita's house was located in the heart of Silchar town.
The heavy traffic caused Aryan's car to stop at one place. Breaking the silence, Smita spoke.
Smita: Aryan, I need to talk to you about something.
Aryan: Yes, you can.
(After the incident at the cinema hall, Aryan hadn't spoken directly to Smita.)
Smita: I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to do what I did. It was just an emotional moment, and I grabbed your hand without thinking.
Aryan: I understand.
Smita: Does that mean you're not angry with me?
Aryan: No.
Smita: Then why have you been ignoring me?
Aryan: It's not like that. I've just been a little disturbed these days.
Smita: What's bothering you?
Aryan: Actually, I have a competition coming up in a few weeks.
Smita: What kind of competition?
Aryan: The Indian Martial Arts Competition.
Smita: Is it a martial arts competition?
Aryan: Yes.
Smita: So, why are you stressed? I've seen you practice, and you're very strong. I'm sure you'll do great in the competition.
Aryan: Doing well won't be enough. I want to win the whole competition.
Smita: Why? Don't think that if you lose, people will say something about you. Everyone knows you've only been training for two months.
Hearing Smita's words, Aryan smiled for the first time. Then he said,
Aryan: Do you know anything about this competition? Have you ever heard of it before?
Smita: No, I've never heard of it before today. But from its name, it seems like a national-level martial arts competition, probably held every year under the government's supervision. This competition determines the ranking of every martial artist.
Aryan: You don't know anything. You don't even know how special this year's competition is.
At Aryan's words, Smita looked at him and noticed the tense expression on his face. It was the first time she had seen such an expression from him.
Smita: Aryan, what's so special about this competition?
What is so special about this competition?
Will Aryan reveal the truth behind it?
What was it that Aryan felt when Smita held his hand?