It was Children's Day in Kolkata, and the air carried a sense of festivity mixed with the usual bustling chaos of the city. My name is Yohan, a Class 11 student navigating the intricate maze of teenage camaraderie and rebellion. My two closest friends, Ryan and Sidd, and I had planned an adventure to Science City, a popular destination for curious minds and casual wanderers alike.
It all started the evening before Children's Day. My friends Ryan and Sidd had come up with the idea to skip the school's movie screening and visit Science City instead. The school had planned an eventful day, but Ryan was adamant that we wouldn't spend it watching some boring educational film in a crowded auditorium.
"Yohan," Ryan said over the phone, his tone filled with excitement, "what's the point of Children's Day if we're stuck in school? Science City will be much more fun."
"You mean sneaking out and lying to our parents?" I asked, my voice tinged with hesitation.
"Exactly!" Ryan replied, as though that was the most obvious thing in the world.
I sighed. "I don't know, man. What if we get caught?"
"Yohan, don't be a killjoy," he groaned. "It's not like we're committing a crime. Just tell your parents there's a school trip or something. Easy."
"Yeah, but..."
"Come on, dude. Sidd's already on board, and we've even planned the route. It's a fifteen-minute walk from school to Science City. We'll split the cost of tickets when we get there."
Sidd's voice suddenly popped up in the background. "You better come, Yohan. We've already decided."
Ryan added, "Think of it as an adventure."
After a long pause, I finally relented. "Fine. But if this goes wrong, it's on you two."
That evening I told my parents about the "Children's Day celebration" at school, conveniently skipping the part where I'd be sneaking off to Science City with my friends. They bought the story without suspicion.
Next Morning.
As I walked toward school, about 300 meters from the gate, I pulled out my phone and tried calling Ryan. The phone rang, but he didn't pick up. I tried again. Still no answer.
I muttered "Come on, Ryan. Pick up!"
The phone rang endlessly, but there was no response. A few of my classmates walked by, giving me curious looks as I paced nervously. The thought of going back to school gnawed at me. What if Ryan had already entered, or worse, decided not to show up?
After 30 minutes of futile attempts to reach him, I remembered Sidd. However, I didn't have his number directly. Then it struck me — we were in the same second-language group. Quickly scrolling through our class group chat, I found Sidd's number and dialed.
After nearly 30 minutes of trying to reach Ryan, I started to panic. If he didn't show up, and the school gates closed, I'd be stuck with nowhere to go. The thought of heading into the school building crossed my mind, but I couldn't shake the fear of missing out.
I thought of Sidd. But then I realized I didn't have his number directly. Frustration bubbled up as I scrolled through my phone, racking my brain for a solution. Then it hit me: Sidd and I were in the same second-language group. I scrolled through the group chat, found his name, and called him.
When Sidd picked up, his groggy voice gave away that he'd only just woken up. "Hello?"
"Sidd, it's me, Yohan," I said, trying to mask my irritation. "Are you coming? We're supposed to meet for Science City!"
"What time is it?" he mumbled.
"Almost eight. We were supposed to meet at 8:30."
"Right, right. I'll be there. Is Ryan with you?"
"No," I admitted. "I've been trying to call him, but he's not answering."
"Let me try," Sidd offered, cutting the call before I could say anything more.
A few minutes later, Sidd messaged me Ryan's mother's number. With no other choice, I dialed, feeling a mix of guilt and unease.
When Ryan's mother answered, her voice was heavy with sleep. "Hello?"
"Good morning," I began, hesitating slightly. "Is Ryan home?"
There was a pause, and then she asked, "Who is this?"
"It's Yohan," I replied quickly, my voice steady though my palms were sweating.
"Oh, Yohan!" she exclaimed, her tone brightening. That threw me off for a moment. How did she know me? We'd never met.
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
"No, no," I said quickly. "We're supposed to go to school together today. I've been trying to reach him, but he's not answering."
"School? Oh, right. He mentioned something about a bus trip," she said.
I froze for a moment. A bus trip? That was the lie Ryan had fed her. Scrambling to cover, I said, "Yes, that's correct. Could you please wake him up?"
She called out to Ryan, and moments later, he was on the phone.
"Ryan," I began, my irritation barely contained, "do you have any idea how long I've been trying to reach you?"
"Sorry," he muttered, his voice still thick with sleep. "I overslept."
"Unbelievable," I said, exhaling sharply. "You're lucky I didn't just leave."
"I'm getting ready now," he assured me. "Where should we meet?"
"Near the tea stall by the market," I said. "And don't make me wait."
I called my dad to inform him about the "school trip," fabricating a story about how the school had arranged a visit to Science City. He didn't question it, and I hung up, relieved that at least one hurdle was crossed.
When I reached the tea stall, Ryan was already there, looking slightly more put-together but still groggy. He greeted me with a sheepish grin.
"You're late," I said, folding my arms.
"Technically, I'm early," he quipped. "You're just paranoid."
Before I could reply, Sidd showed up, looking far too cheerful for someone who'd only just rolled out of bed.
"Let's get going," he said, clapping Ryan on the back. "Before Yohan bursts a vein."
The plan to walk to Science City had been mutual, a way to save money and enjoy the cool morning air. The three of us fell into an easy rhythm as we walked, the initial tension replaced by lighthearted conversation.
"Yohan, you're such a worrywart," Ryan said, nudging me. "You act like we're about to rob a bank or something."
"I wouldn't need to worry if you picked up your phone," I shot back.
Sidd laughed. "Ryan, you're like one of those old radios that only work when they feel like it."
The conversation meandered from school gossip to wild hypotheticals about what we'd do if we got caught. Ryan joked about pretending to be tourists, while Sidd suggested we tell the truth just to see the teachers' reactions.
As we approached Science City, the towering structure came into view, its entrance bustling with families and school groups.
At Science City
The ticket counter had a long queue, but the three of us finally managed to secure our passes. As we stepped into the sprawling campus of Science City, it felt like an adventure waiting to unfold. The domed structures gleamed under the sun, and the air was alive with the chatter of excited visitors.
Our first stop was the History Section, where ancient sculptures, artifacts, and replicas of lost civilizations greeted us. The dim lighting and the grandeur of the exhibits made the past feel alive.
"This statue looks like it's judging me," Ryan said, pointing to a Roman bust with a particularly stern expression.
"It's probably offended by your haircut," Sidd quipped, earning a snort of laughter from me.
"I don't see you winning any beauty contests either, Sidd," Ryan shot back, mockingly fluffing his hair.
We wandered from Egyptian mummies to Greek amphitheaters, marveling at the ingenuity of ancient tools and weaponry. The debates about who would survive in ancient times were endless, filled with exaggerated claims and exaggerated laughter.
By the time we left the History Section, our stomachs were growling. The food court was bustling with visitors, the aroma of various cuisines tempting us.
I ordered chicken Manchurian while Ryan and Sidd opted for chicken sandwiches. They returned with bottles of alcohol-free beer, their mischievous grins hinting at trouble.
"You didn't think to ask if I wanted one?" I said, pretending to be offended.
"Don't worry, we'll share," Sidd said, sliding one bottle toward me.
We clinked our bottles, laughing and digging into our meals, the camaraderie of teenage friendship making the food taste even better.
The Science Exploration Hall was a haven of interactive exhibits and futuristic displays. We marveled at the plasma globes, watching electric currents dance to our touch.
Ryan stood dramatically in front of one. "Behold, the power of Thor!" he declared, raising his hand toward the globe.
"You're more like Loki," Sidd retorted. "All theatrics, no substance."
We explored displays on optics, pulleys, and reaction times, turning every exhibit into a friendly competition. The hall buzzed with the excitement of discovery, our laughter blending with the hum of the crowd.
The Mirror Maze was the highlight of the day. As we entered, the walls of glass and reflections disoriented us almost immediately.
"First one to the other side wins!" Ryan announced, darting ahead.
The maze was a blur of laughter, wrong turns, and repeated bumps into mirrors. At one point, Ryan triumphantly declared he'd found the way out, only to walk straight into a dead end.
"Nice strategy, genius," I said, smirking.
"I was testing the boundaries," he replied, trying to save face.
Sidd's laughter echoed through the maze. "Testing the boundaries of stupidity, maybe."
Eventually, Ryan and I stumbled out of the exit, only to realize Sidd was missing. After several failed attempts to navigate back inside, we finally heard him calling us. When we found him, he sprinted away like a mischievous child.
"You little—" Ryan muttered, chasing after him.
When we caught him, we each delivered playful slaps to his back. "Next time, stay with the group," I said, pretending to scold him.
As we exited the maze, Sidd was holding a small flower.
"Where did you get that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"A girl gave it to me," he said, grinning.
Ryan snorted. "Yeah, right. You probably stole it from the garden."
Sidd defended his claim, but we weren't convinced. Soon, the flower became the centerpiece of our mischief, as we took turns throwing it at each other.
As we descended to the ground floor of the hall, we passed a group of girls standing in line for a ride called the Time Machine. The moment I noticed the line, an idea sparked in my mind—an idea I knew I had to act on.
The girls were chattering excitedly, oblivious to the world around them. One of them, a tall girl with a bright smile and a colorful backpack, was at the front of the line. I couldn't resist. With a mischievous grin, I snuck up behind her and gently placed the small flower that Sidd had gotten earlier onto her backpack. It was a simple gesture, but I knew it would catch her off guard.
I stepped back casually, as if nothing had happened, and started walking away. Behind me, I heard a sudden burst of laughter. The girl turned, her face flushing as she realized the flower was now part of her backpack. Her friends immediately began teasing her, pointing at the flower and giving her puzzled looks. I glanced over my shoulder, and for a brief moment, our eyes met. She was blushing furiously. Then, as if to save face, she bowed slightly, an awkward but graceful gesture.
I couldn't help but smile and bow back. There was something about her that made my heart race, something innocent yet captivating in the way she reacted.
I continued walking, but a few moments later, I found myself back at the Time Machine section. Without telling Ryan or Sidd, I retraced my steps and approached the girl, who was now standing in line. She wore a green uniform, her lean figure accentuated by the simplicity of her attire. Her round glasses framed a face that, though modest, had an undeniable charm. She was a couple of inches shorter than me, and there was something shy about her demeanor that intrigued me even more.
"Hi," I said, trying to sound casual, despite my heart racing in my chest. "I just wanted to say it's nice to meet you."
Her eyes widened, clearly surprised by my sudden approach. She hesitated before responding softly, "Thank you. I'm from the Institute of Scientific Research."
"Nice to meet you," I repeated, trying to keep my tone light. I paused, but before I could say anything else, I felt a strange urge to leave. It wasn't the right moment, I thought. So, I gave her a polite smile and walked away, but I couldn't shake the feeling of her gaze lingering on me.
A few minutes later, I returned to the same spot, eager to see if she was still around. To my surprise, she wasn't there. Instead, I spotted her talking to a teacher, telling him about me in a low voice.
I waited nearby, hoping she would finish her conversation and rejoin her group. Finally, she stepped away from the teacher and approached the Time Machine ride. I waited for her to come out. When she came out, my heart skipped a beat. I called her name softly, but she didn't stop. I tried again, stepping closer, but before I could get her attention, my hand brushed lightly against her shoulder.
At that exact moment, another girl was walking toward me, and we collided. I immediately stepped back and apologized, my face flushing with embarrassment. The girl shot me a glare before walking off, clearly annoyed by the interruption.
Meanwhile, the girl I had been watching had turned and rushed toward her group, where they were posing for a photo. I couldn't help but watch, feeling a pang of longing. The teacher clicking their photo seemed to notice me lingering nearby and gave me a sharp look.
"Hey, you need to leave," the teacher said curtly.
I hesitated, then nodded, stepping back to give them space. From a distance, I saw the girl in green glance behind her, her face turned away, and she looked shy, almost as though she didn't want me to notice her looking. Something in the way she acted made me feel as if I had done something wrong. I turned away, deciding it was best to leave for now.
I felt a wave of panic rise within me as I watched my two friends walk away from the hall. They had searched for me, but it was clear they hadn't found me. They were heading toward the exit, and the thought of being alone in this vast place made me nervous. I quickened my pace, trying to catch up to them.
When I finally reached Ryan and Sidd, I could see the concern on their faces, but they didn't ask where I had been. We found a quiet corner to sit, and I began telling them everything—about the girl, the awkward encounters, and how I couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to talk to her again.
"I think I should go back and find her," I said, my voice uncertain, the nervousness creeping back.
But Ryan shook his head, a slight grin tugging at his lips. "Man, we're not going back. You're on your own for this one. We don't want to get involved."
Sidd, ever the practical one, added, "Yeah, it's better if we just hang out here. You know how it is."
I felt my stomach sink, disappointed but understanding. They were right in a way; I didn't want to drag them into something I wasn't even sure about myself. I stood up, determined to try and find her again, but after searching for what felt like an eternity, I couldn't locate the group of girls anywhere.
Frustrated, I returned to the spot where I had last seen Ryan and Sidd, but they weren't there anymore. My heart began to race again, and I realized—my phone was dead. I couldn't reach them, couldn't find them, and I felt completely lost in the sprawling expanse of Science City.
I waited for what felt like an hour, but no one appeared. The day was coming to an end, and the gates of Science City were beginning to close. With no other choice, I walked toward the exit. My mind was scattered, thoughts of the girl mixing with the anxiety of being left behind.
By the time I got home, it was well past dark. My parents were furious when I walked through the door, demanding to know why I hadn't called to tell them I was safe. I tried to explain, but they weren't listening, too concerned about the fact that I hadn't kept them informed.
Once I'd calmed down, I texted Ryan and Sidd to let them know I had made it home safely. They both responded almost immediately, explaining that they had left because they hadn't found me, and their parents had started calling them.
For the next few days, I felt off. A strange fever took over me, a mixture of exhaustion and the lingering tension from that strange encounter at Science City. I couldn't shake the feeling that something had happened—something I didn't fully understand.
It wasn't just the physical exhaustion. I was scared—scared of that girl, scared of the awkwardness, and even scared of how much I kept thinking about her. It was like a knot in my chest that I couldn't untangle.
And so, I spent the next few days recovering, both physically and mentally, but no matter how hard I tried to push it away, I couldn't forget about that girl, the one with the shy smile and the green uniform.
Three years had passed since the day at Science City, and the events of that afternoon had faded into the back of my mind, overshadowed by the intensity of my studies and my new life at a prestigious medical institution. I had buried the memory of that encounter deep within me, almost forgetting how curious and unsettling it had felt. I had moved on, or so I thought.
As I walked through the bustling campus, the sounds of students chatting, laughing, and rushing to classes filled the air. The morning sun shone brightly, and the energy of the day seemed to be pulling me forward. My mind was occupied with thoughts of lectures, assignments, and the pressure of keeping up with my peers.
Then, out of nowhere, a student came rushing past me, clearly in a hurry. She collided with me with a soft thud, and I stumbled slightly as she lost her balance. In the blink of an eye, she fell back onto the ground, her books and notebooks scattering across the walkway like a shower of papers.
I quickly regained my balance and turned to her, instinctively offering my hand to help her up.
"Are you okay?" I asked, my voice concerned, as I reached out to help her stand.
She fixed her glasses, which had slipped slightly askew in the collision, and looked up at me. For a moment, she seemed to freeze, her eyes widening as they met mine. Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and I could see a faint smile tug at the corners of her lips.
END OF PART : 1 : IT WAS A MISTAKE?