Chapter 1 - The Call
The train is moving steadily through the quiet night outside Kolkata. Most passengers in the compartment had already settled into silence. Some were asleep, some scrolling on their phones, and a few simply watching outside the window.
Adi leaned back against the seat, his eyes half closed. The long family function had drained all his energy.
Suddenly, his phone vibrated in his hand
*Varun Calling*
Adi frowned slightly before answering.
Adi: Hello?
Varun: Adi? Bro, where are you right now?
He sounded rushed and excited.
Adi rubbed his eyes
Adi: I'm on a train ... returning from Kolkata. Why?
Varun didn't waste a second
Varun: Perfect, listen carefully, tomorrow we're going on a reunion trip near Shimla.
Adi blinked in confusion
Adi: A reunion trip?
Varun: Yeah, we're 16 people, including you. We have 3 cars, but short on one, and you are the only one with a car who hasn't refused yet.
Adi slightly sat up
Adi: So you're planning this a day before?
Varun laughed
Varun: That's how reunion works, chaotic and fun.
Adi looked out of the window again at the passing darkness
Adi: And when exactly is this happening?
Varun: Tomorrow evening, 5 o'clock.
Adi: 5 pm?
Varun: Yeah, we'll meet near the school gate. Whoever reaches gets assigned to their groups on the spot, excluding the driver cause they are fixed with their cars, max 4 people in a car, and once a group is completed, they start their journey at that time, so there won't be any timing issue.
Adi stayed silent for a moment, processing everything
Then he asked
Adi: So who's sitting in my car?
Varun: That depends on who reaches at the very time you reach.
Adi: Oh, that makes sense...but why so cooked rules?
Varun laughed softly
Varun: Because of the resort's booking policy.
Adi: What policy?
Varun: We have to reach the resort before 8 am the day after tomorrow. If no one checks in, the booking gets canceled due to the rush in Shimla.
Adi nodded slowly
Adi: Alright, that makes sense.
Varun spoke again
Varun: So, do I count you in?
Adi exhaled slowly
Adi: I literally just finished 3 days of family drama.
Varun Chuckled
Varun: That's the exact reason you should come, fresh air, mountains.
Adi leaned his head back against the seat.
Adi: I'll reach home tomorrow at noon.
Varun: No problem, take a nap, then come. But don't make others late, and don't forget to bring your car.
Adi sarcastically said
Adi: I'll think about your offer mister.
Varun: No time to think, I already count you in.
*Call Ended*
Adi lowered the phone slowly and looked out the window beside him.
