Swaroop: Aryan, did you make this mocktail?
Aryan: Yes, I did.
Biraj: This is absolutely incredible!
Manager: Yes, Aryan Sir. This is truly exquisite. I've never tasted a mocktail like this in my life. I've visited many high-end restaurants and bars, but none of them served anything remotely as delicious as this.
Waiter: The manager is absolutely right. I worked as a bartender for nearly two years, and I've never had anything like this. Not to mention, I've never even heard of such a mocktail before.
Abhi: Yeah, the flavor is simply outstanding.
Swaroop: Aryan, I've noticed something else. After a long day of driving, I was exhausted. But after just one sip, I felt a surge of energy flowing through me.
Aryan: Yes, I used several herbal plants while making this mocktail.
Waiter: Aryan Sir, what is the name of this mocktail? And why haven't we ever heard of something like this?
Aryan: Well, this mocktail is my personal 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 certain intensity in his gaze, as though he was trying to uncover something in Smita's expression. Before Aryan could respond, Swaroop interjected.
Swaroop: Yes, Aryan. Smita's right. You should definitely give it a name.
Aryan: Alright, I'll name it Ocimum Sanctum Mix Mocktail.
Biraj: Aryan, do you know how to make any other mocktails like this?
Aryan: Yes, I do.
Waiter: Aryan Sir, would you mind sharing the recipe for this mocktail with me?
Manager: Waiter, what are you asking? This recipe is a secret! Do you have any idea how much money Aryan Sir could make once he patents it?
Waiter: My apologies, Aryan Sir. I got a bit too excited.
Aryan: It's alright. 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, at times, the maker's expertise.
Then, the manager and waiter left Aryan and his friends to enjoy their time together.
Later, Aryan and his friends ate their meals. Aryan sampled a bit of each dish. Afterward, he paid the bill, which amounted to around 4500 rupees. He also tipped the waiter 2000 rupees. Then, he left the resort with his friends.
Since Sagarika Resort was located a bit outside Silchar town, and meeting often was challenging, only Aryan and Swaroop had their own vehicles. Swaroop had a 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 drive 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. Breaking the silence, Smita spoke.
Smita: Aryan, I need to talk to you about something.
Aryan: Yes, go ahead.
(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. I was overwhelmed with emotion and, without thinking, grabbed your hand.
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 that. I've just been a little disturbed lately.
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 Championship.
Smita: Is it a martial arts competition?
Aryan: Yes.
Smita: So why are you stressed? I've seen you practice, and you're really strong. I'm sure you'll do great in the competition.
Aryan: Doing well won't be enough. I want to win the entire competition.
Smita: Why? Don't think that if you lose, people will talk. 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 heard of it before?
Smita: No, I've never heard of it before today. But from its name, it sounds like a national-level martial arts competition, probably held annually under the government's supervision. This competition is where the rankings of martial artists are determined.
Aryan: You have no idea. You don't even know how special this year's competition is.
At Aryan's words, Smita looked at him, noticing the tense expression on his face. This was the first time she had seen such a look from him.
Smita: Aryan, what's so special about this competition?
What makes this competition so important?
Will Aryan reveal the truth about the competition?
What was it that Aryan felt when Smita grabbed his hand?