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On the Road, Stepping Out of the Hotel - Around 10:30 PM
The surroundings were quiet. A gentle breeze was blowing. Everyone had a look of satisfaction on their faces after the meal. They were standing outside the restaurant, enjoying the light night air.
Their stomachs were full, hearts lighter with laughter and chatter-yet it seemed no one really wanted the night to end.
They were walking along the road, talking and laughing nonstop.
Rahul (excitedly):
"This night has turned out perfect! If we head to a bar now, this birthday will be absolutely perfect!"
Rishikesh (immediately):
"Exactly! Anurag, a little celebration is a must, man! You can't skip a drink on your birthday!"
Anurag looked stunned hearing them.
Rahul (winking):
"Absolutely right! We have to make this birthday a little original. I think hitting a bar would really spice it up!"
Rishikesh:
"Yeah, man! A birthday's not complete without a few drinks. Come on, Anurag!"
Jitendra (waving his hand):
"Let's find a nice bar nearby-some music, a few light drinks-it'll totally lift the mood!"
Anurag stood silently, that usual calm look in his eyes. He wasn't saying anything, but he was listening to everyone.
Anirban (somewhat sharply):
"Are you guys crazy? Anurag has school tomorrow morning. And he's given all this up-you guys know that!"
Rahul (laughing):
"Come on, it's just one glass! A balanced guy like him-what's it going to do? Our childhood Anurag is still there, just a bit more serious now!"
Shubradeep:
"Exactly! You talk like one glass will flip his whole life upside down. It's his birthday! School will still be there tomorrow-but this night won't come again!"
Swarnendu (stopping and saying):
"Hey, listen-let's do one thing. There's a nice bar in the next lane. Let's go there."
Rahul (eyes gleaming):
"Great idea! Let's have a light drink in Anurag's name! It's his birthday, after all!"
Jitendra (laughing):
"You mean that bar where Rahul once broke a table dancing on it?"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Anirban (wide-eyed):
"Hey! I told you-he's got school tomorrow. He just joined this new job. What if someone from school finds out?"
Shubradeep (smirking):
"Oh please! Who says anything over one drink? And what-are you a bigger teacher than the teachers now?"
Jitendra (teasingly):
"Look at him-Anurag's personal bodyguard! Dude, we get it-you don't drink. But does that mean Anurag won't either?"
Rahul (placing a hand on Anurag's shoulder):
"It's just one day, man! You worked so hard to make this birthday special for us! Just let go for a bit and enjoy!"
Rishikesh chimed in immediately:
"Yeah! Just a small toast, some fun-that's all we need!"
Rahul added:
"Exactly. Anurag used to be the expert-he knew how much to drink and when! Let's see how much he's changed!"
Anurag remained silent, quietly listening to them.
Shubradeep:
"Look, Anurag has to say something now. We need one small peg on his birthday night!"
Anirban (sternly):
"No, this isn't right. Have you all gone mad? Anurag worked really hard to give this up. He has class tomorrow morning. He just started a new job... and you want him to go to a bar and drink at this hour?"
Rahul:
"Oh come on! What could happen with one glass? Anurag himself said, 'I want to make the day special for you guys.' And don't you think someone that handsome can teach even with a hangover?"
Anurag started kept walking, silently, with a serious expression.
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Rishikesh (placing a hand on Anurag's shoulder):
"Look, you're not just our friend - you're our pride! But come on, one glass won't hurt. And if you prefer, just take soda. Let's go to the bar, it's a great place!"
Anirban (with slight irritation):
"You guys don't get it - this isn't right for him.
Didn't you say it yourself? He's come a long way out of a lot. Don't push him back into it again, Anurag."
Anurag looked silently at Anirban.
Shubhradeep said,
"Come on, it's just one day! Just because there's school tomorrow doesn't mean we can't enjoy a little today. If he can't have something on his own birthday, then when will he?"
Jitendra, laughing, said,
"I miss that old smirk of yours, Anurag. Come on, let's go!"
Everyone started chanting together-
"Come on, come on, come on!"
Rishikesh (excitedly):
"Yes! It's Anurag's birthday today - the fun has to be complete. One peg for the birthday boy!"
Swarnendu:
"Don't stay silent, Anurag. You're not getting away tonight. You have to drink. And I know a really good bar just nearby."
After all this, Anurag finally spoke.
Anurag (in a calm voice):
"No... I've quit drinking. And I have school tomorrow."
Jitendra:
"So what if you doze off a bit in class for one day - what's the big deal?"
Rishikesh (insisting again):
"You always say - 'Life's short, got to enjoy the moment.' If not now, then when?"
Anirban (sharply):
"Does enjoying every moment always mean drinking? Don't you guys know how hard he worked to quit? Now you're all pushing him back into that?"
Shubhradeep (responds):
"This isn't college life anymore. A little drink now won't hurt anyone. And we're all here, aren't we, Anurag?"
Anirban (had been listening quietly, now speaks up):
"Don't pressure him. Don't pull him back into that dark place. He's just started his job. Tomorrow is only his second class. Please-"
Rahul (chuckling):
"Wow, seeing how much you care, it almost feels like you're his wife!"
Rishikesh (laughing):
"Yeah! You're like Anurag's 'parental guardian' now!"
Shubhradeep:
"If you care so much, why don't you just come with us too? You stay, I'll take Anurag."
Anirban (face tightens):
"You think this is all fun and games, but I'm serious. Anurag quit that life with a lot of pain. If it starts again, it could be dangerous for him."
Anurag (who had been listening quietly, now says slowly):
"If you all insist so much... then fine, let's go."
There was no real excitement on his face, no sparkle in his eyes. His voice was calm - not as if it was his own wish, but more as if he was giving in under the weight of friendship.
No one noticed, but Anirban understood - this agreement felt like a silent attempt to suppress something within.
As they started walking side by side, Anirban softly asked,
"Are you sure?"
Anurag looked at him for a moment, then turned his face and said,
"Yeah... I'm sure."
Swarnendu (clapping his hands):
"Then it's settled! Tonight we celebrate - your birthday and your first class - it's a special night!"
Everyone cheered loudly.
Rahul:
"Yes! That's what we want! Let the party begin!"
They all began walking toward the bar together. But a strange unease kept stirring in Anirban's chest.
Still, he said nothing more.
While the rest marched ahead cheering, he walked silently beside Anurag.
The street lights glowed softly, and the hum of city traffic drifted through the evening air.
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To be continued...