At the dinner table, the five friends—Nivik, Anvika, Neena, Levi, and Daksh—sat together, ready to enjoy a delicious meal. The aroma of home-cooked food filled the air, mingling with the sound of their laughter and chatter. Neena, sitting next to Anvika, glanced over and asked with concern, "Are you still upset, Anvika?"
Anvika shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "No, I'm fine," she replied, reassuring her friend. The tension from earlier seemed to have dissipated, replaced by the warmth of their friendship.
As they ate, the friends enjoyed their time together, sharing jokes and stories that had them all laughing. Daksh, always the planner, leaned forward and asked, "So, what are your plans for these holidays? We've finished school and are heading to college soon. Got anything exciting in mind?"
The table buzzed with excitement as each of them shared their ideas. They discussed various classes they could take during the break, ranging from art and music to sports and cooking. Levi mentioned a photography workshop he had heard about, while Neena talked about a fashion design class she wanted to try. Nivik, with his love for adventure, suggested they all go on a hiking trip together.
When Nivik suggested the hiking trip, Anvika gave him a look, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Nivik, look at your broken leg," she teased, a playful grin spreading across her face. "How are you going to walk, let alone hike?"
Nivik's cheeks flushed with irritation. "And you? You're one to talk with your own injured leg!" he retorted, his voice rising slightly. "I didn't see you suggesting any plans!"
Anvika crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's because I didn't suggest something that requires walking miles and miles up a mountain. Use your brain, Nivik!"
Their friends exchanged weary glances, accustomed to the bickering that always seemed to erupt between the two. Levi rolled his eyes and leaned back in his chair. "Here we go again," he muttered under his breath.
Neena sighed dramatically, placing her chin in her hands as she watched the familiar scene unfold. "How did these two ever become best friends?" she wondered aloud, her tone half-amused, half-exasperated.
Daksh, shaking his head, couldn't help but chuckle. "You'd think they were an old married couple," he said, loud enough for Nivik and Anvika to hear.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Nivik and Anvika said in unison, both turning to glare at Daksh.
"It means," Neena intervened, raising her voice slightly to calm the tension, "that you two fight like cats and dogs. But we all know you care about each other deep down."
Anvika and Nivik looked at each other, their expressions softening slightly. They knew their friends were right. Despite the constant squabbling, there was a bond between them that was undeniable.
"Fine," Nivik grumbled, still glaring at Anvika. "But we're still going on that hiking trip once we're healed."
Anvika smirked. "Sure, but only if you promise not to slow us down."
"I'll be the first one to the top," Nivik shot back, his competitive spirit ignited.
Their friends let out a collective sigh of relief, glad that the argument had, at least for now, cooled down. They had seen this play out countless times before—Nivik and Anvika's arguments were almost a part of their friendship ritual, and though they could be intense, they never lasted long.
Levi shook his head with a smile. "You two never change," he said, taking a bite of his food. "But honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way."
Neena nodded in agreement, her eyes twinkling with affection for her friends. "Yeah, it wouldn't be the same without your constant bickering."
Daksh raised his glass in a toast. "To us, and to the next chapter of our lives. May we always stay together, despite the arguments and all."
They clinked their glasses together, laughter and camaraderie filling the room. Despite their differences and the occasional conflict, their bond was unbreakable. And as they discussed their plans for the future, each one of them felt a sense of excitement and anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead.
Their conversation naturally shifted to the topic of college. They talked about the different universities they had considered and the courses they were interested in. Despite their varied interests, they all had one common goal: to stick together. The idea of attending the same university, even if they chose different courses, was appealing to them.
"I've been looking at this top college," Daksh said, pulling out a brochure from his backpack. "It's got great programs for all of our interests. What do you guys think?"
They all leaned in to look at the brochure, discussing the pros and cons of the university. The more they talked, the more they realized it was the perfect place for them. It offered a wide range of courses, excellent facilities, and a vibrant campus life. Most importantly, it would allow them to continue their journey together.
"Let's do it," Nivik said, his voice filled with determination. "Let's all go to this university. We might be studying different things, but we'll still be together."
Everyone nodded in agreement, their faces lighting up with excitement at the prospect of embarking on this new chapter of their lives together. They had grown up together, shared countless memories, and now, they were ready to take on the world as a united front.
Anvika looked around the table at her friends, feeling a surge of gratitude and love. Despite the ups and downs, they were always there for each other. She knew that no matter what challenges college might bring, they would face them together, just as they always had.
As the evening progressed, the friends continued to laugh, plan, and dream about their future. The bonds they shared were unbreakable, and their hearts were full of hope and excitement for the adventures that awaited them.