Months had passed since the harrowing events at Bhangad Kila. Subham had settled back into his routine life in Durgapur, trying to put the past behind him. The symbol on his palm had faded to a barely noticeable mark, but its presence was a constant reminder of the responsibilities he had been unwillingly bestowed.
One evening, as he was scrolling through his phone, a message popped up in the group chat:
**Ankan:** "Hey guys, it's been too long! Let's have a reunion party. There's a new restaurant near the forest. What do you all say?"
**Dipika:** "I'm in! We all need a break and some fun."
**Saheli:** "Sounds good to me. We deserve it after everything."
Subham hesitated for a moment, then typed his response.
**Subham:** "Sure, I'm in. It'll be good to catch up."
Their college days felt like a lifetime ago, but the memories were still fresh in their minds. Subham wondered how their old friends were doing and felt a twinge of excitement at the prospect of seeing them again.
A few days later, they all gathered at the new restaurant. It was a charming place, nestled on the edge of a lush forest. The restaurant was buzzing with life, laughter, and the clinking of cutlery. Subham felt a sense of nostalgia as he walked in, seeing not only his friends but also familiar faces from their college days.
"Subham! Over here!" Ankan called, waving him over to a large table where everyone was already seated.
Subham joined them, exchanging hugs and warm greetings with their old friends. It felt good to be surrounded by familiar faces, the camaraderie and shared memories bringing a sense of comfort and joy.
As they settled down, the conversation flowed easily, touching on work, life, and the latest happenings in town. The waiter arrived with a tray of appetizers, and soon they were all digging into the delicious spread.
"So, Subham," Dipika began, "how have you been holding up?"
Subham smiled. "I've been good. Just getting back into the swing of things, you know?"
Their old friends nodded, sharing updates about their own lives and adventures since college. It felt like no time had passed at all, and yet they had all grown and changed in their own ways.
As they chatted and laughed, Subham couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for these friendships that had stood the test of time. The past few months had been challenging, but moments like these reminded him of the strength and resilience they all possessed.
As the night wore on, they decided to take a short walk outside to enjoy the fresh air. The restaurant had a beautiful garden area that led towards the forest, illuminated by soft, twinkling lights.
"Let's take a stroll," Ankan suggested. "The night is perfect for it."
They all agreed, and soon they were walking along the garden path, chatting and laughing as they reminisced about their college days. The air was cool and refreshing, and the sound of their laughter echoed through the night.
"This place is amazing," Saheli said, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. "It's so calm and beautiful."
"Yeah, it's a great spot," Dipika agreed. "We should do this more often."
Their old friends nodded in agreement, sharing stories and memories from their time together in college. It was a night filled with laughter and joy, a celebration of friendship and the bonds that held them all together.
As they walked, Subham couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settle over him. Despite the challenges they had faced, they had all come out stronger on the other side. And with their friends by their side, he knew they could face whatever the future held.
When they finally returned to the restaurant, they lingered for a while longer, reluctant to say goodbye. It was a night they would never forget, a chance to reconnect with old friends and create new memories together.
As they said their goodbyes and headed home, Subham felt a sense of contentment wash over him. The past may have been filled with darkness and uncertainty, but the future was bright with possibility, and he couldn't wait to see where life would take them next.