CHAPTER XXV
As I stepped out, feeling refreshed and revitalized, a flutter of anticipation coursed through my veins. What had my friends planned for tonight? The warden's unusually cheerful demeanor had granted us permission to spend the night in the hostel's park, a rare treat that filled me with excitement. The park, nestled within the college premises, was a haven of safety, its soft glow of lights casting a warm ambiance.
I walked towards the park, my heart pounding with expectation. The night air was alive with possibilities, and I couldn't help but wonder what surprises lay in store. Would it be a movie night, a game night, or something entirely different? The uncertainty was intoxicating, and I felt my excitement build with each step.
As I entered the park, I was met with the smiling faces of my friends, their eyes sparkling with mischief. The warden's permission had given us the freedom to let loose and enjoy ourselves, and I could sense the collective anticipation hanging in the air. Tonight was going to be a night to remember, and I was eager to find out what adventures awaited us under the starry sky.
Mahi caught sight of me and said with a smirk, "Now it's okay, you won't stink of sweat anymore." I turned to her, puzzled, and asked, "What do you mean? Does my body smell of sweat?" Aarvi chimed in, her voice laced with irritation, "Yes, it does, a lot."
Mahi shot Aarvi a suspicious glance and asked, "How do you know that?" Aarvi replied nonchalantly, "She's our friend, you said it yourself, so I just mentioned it." I noticed Mahi's possessiveness growing by the minute, and I intervened, trying to diffuse the tension.
"Guys, guys, please calm down. You both came here to surprise me, not to start a girlfriend-girlfriend game in front of me. At least try to behave like friends," I said, exasperated. Mahi apologized, claiming she was just joking, but Aarvi wasn't having it. "No, it's become a habit for you. I'm leaving," Aarvi said, turning to walk away.
Mahi quickly turned to me and said, "Sam, I'll go talk to Aaru and calm her down. You go wait in the tent house; we'll be right there." I hesitated, feeling a bit uneasy about being left alone, but Mahi reassured me, "Just two minutes, I'll bring her back." With that, Mahi followed Aarvi, trying to mend their momentarily strained friendship.
As Mahi and Aarvi walked ahead, they suddenly stopped and high-fived each other, their faces lit up with excitement. "The plan's worked, let's grab our phones and see what our dear Sam's up to in the tent house," they chimed in unison, their anticipation palpable.
I, on the other hand, was oblivious to their scheming, and as they disappeared from view, I trudged towards the tent house, my curiosity getting the better of me. What surprise had they planned for me? As I stepped into the tent, I was taken aback by the spread before me. A sumptuous feast was laid out, and a bed adorned with flowers added to the ambiance. But what really caught my eye was a large, elegantly wrapped gift box on the side. My heart skipped a beat as I wondered what could be inside. The suspense was exhilarating, and I felt a rush of excitement as I gazed at the gift box, my mind racing with possibilities. What secrets did it hold? I couldn't wait to find out.
I attempted to open the gift, but its size made it a challenge. Just as I was struggling, I heard Mahi's voice coming from the walkie-talkie on the table. "Sam, there's a knife next to the dishes. Use it to open the gift." I picked up the walkie-talkie and replied, "Are you guys kidding me? Come quickly, I'm getting bored over here alone."
Mahi's voice came through again, firm but playful. "Sam, do as I say. First." I couldn't resist her tone, so I picked up the knife and began to open the gift. As I unwrapped it, a figure tumbled out, landing on me. It was a girl, and I realized she must have been inside the gift box, possibly due to lack of oxygen. I gently turned her face towards me, and my eyes widened in surprise. "It's Mon!" I exclaimed.
Mahi's voice came through the walkie-talkie once more, "Oh, so Mon's met you. Do I still need to come over?" I chuckled and replied, "It's fine, Mahi. I'll turn off the walkie-talkie now." I ended the call and focused on helping Mon, who seemed disoriented. I sat her comfortably on the bed and offered her water from the bottle on the table. As she sipped the water, I couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and amusement at the unexpected turn of events. What had Mahi and Aarvi been planning, and how did Mon end up in that gift box?
When I saw that Mon was feeling a little better, I asked Mon, "What were you doing in the gift box? What's going on, and why is all this happening?" Mon said in a soft voice, with a hint of mischief, "Mahi was right; you're a fool." I asked, a little surprised, "Me?" Mon said, a playful glint in her eyes, "Yes, you." I said, a bit confused, "What did I do now? Why are you saying this?" Mon said, with a loving smile, "You didn't even understand; I planned all this for you." I blushed a little, feeling a mix of embarrassment and warmth, and said, "Oh, okay. Sorry for being a fool." Mon said, her voice softening, "It's okay."
As Mon's condition improved, I scooped her up in my arms and carried her to the dining table, feeling a sense of tenderness wash over me. The gesture seemed to bring a smile to her face, and she didn't protest, instead, she nestled her head into the crook of my neck. I served her food with my own hands, savoring the intimacy of the moment. We sat down to eat, and the atmosphere was filled with warmth and companionship.
As we ate, I couldn't help but notice the way Mon's eyes sparkled in the dim light of the tent. She seemed to be enjoying herself, and I felt grateful to be sharing this moment with her. The food was delicious, but it was the company that truly made the experience special. We chatted and laughed, our conversation flowing easily.
After we finished eating, Mon surprised me by putting headphones in my ears and hers, and suddenly, beautiful music filled the air. The melody was soothing, and I felt my worries melting away. Mon smiled at me, and I smiled back, feeling a deep connection to her. The music seemed to bring us closer together, and I enjoyed the sense of togetherness that came with it. As we sat there, listening to the music, I felt grateful for this moment, and I knew that this was a memory I would treasure forever.
As I listened to the music, my heart pounding in my chest, I slowly reached out, my hands trembling slightly, towards Mon's hands. The instant our hands touched, a jolt of pure, electric intimacy surged through me, a feeling I'd never known before. Now, with a shared longing in our eyes, Mon and I slowly started to move closer to each other, drawn by an invisible force. Mon, with a shy smile, settled onto my lap, and I instinctively wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her closer. We both leaned in, our breaths mingling, and then, our first kiss happened. A deep, heartwarming kiss, filled with a love that words could never express.
Mon and I were lost in a passionate kiss. I gently guided Mon onto the bed, and our kiss deepened. Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed through the tent; it was Malvika. Her eyes widened as she saw me and Mon, and a cruel smile played on her lips as she said, "Well done, Sam! You finally ensnared Mon in your trap." I froze, the blood draining from my face as I heard the voice. Turning around, I stammered, my voice trembling, "Malvika, you... you're here? Why?" "Sam, didn't you forget? This was our plan, to break Mon's heart," Malvika said, her grip tightening on my arm, pulling me towards her. Mon's voice was filled with confusion and hurt, "Sam, what is all this?" I looked at Mon, my heart aching with guilt, and whispered, "It's not what it seems, Mon."
To be continue.....