Kadhal Kanmani

Happy New Year 2024!!

We were in the car, traveling back to our hotel to get along with the team. As we approached the hotel, my mind raced with worry. What if someone spotted us returning together? We finally arrived at our destination. The moment the car came to a halt, we instinctively turned our attention towards the hotel entrance, scanning the surroundings for any curious eyes. To our relief, the coast was clear.

It was 8 p.m., and we had all gathered at the restaurant beneath for dinner. As I sat down at the table, my friends Zayn and Zahiri walked towards me with curious expressions on their faces. "Didi! Where did you go yesterday, all alone to have fun?" Zayn asked with a hint of concern in his voice. "Did you return yesterday itself? I didn't see you till 10 p.m." I smiled at them, realizing they were genuinely worried about my whereabouts. "I went to some good coffee shops and returned early yesterday. As I was tired, I did not leave my room afterward," I explained, trying to clear any lingering doubts. Just as I finished speaking, Adhi strolled over to join us. Zahiri's interest quickly shifted from me to Adhi. "Arey Adhi, where did you go yesterday without us? Did you find something interesting?" Zahiri asked mischievously. Adhi grinned and replied with a hint of mischief in his voice, "Oh, yes! I had an amazing evening yesterday." Zahiri's and Zayn's eyebrows shot up in surprise, waiting for Adhi to elaborate. Both of them turned to me, their eyes wide with anticipation. "Didi, did you hear what he said? This guy is really something," Zahiri exclaimed. I was caught off guard; I didn't know how to react. The silence became palpable until Adhi, sensing the tension, decided to break it. "Arey, shorty," he addressed Zahiri. "You asked me in a smirking tone, and I simply replied in the same manner. That's it. By the way, I went to the hot air balloon station nearby to have a ride." As Adhi revealed his little adventure, both Zahiri and Zayn playfully started accusing him. "You didn't invite us? We could have enjoyed it together!" Zahiri exclaimed, feigning hurt. Adhi, realizing their playful banter, chuckled. "Well, it was a spontaneous decision, guys. Next time, I promise to take you along for the ride." With that, the friendly fight subsided, and laughter filled the air.

As the clock struck 11 p.m., Rachin had a brilliant idea. He suggested that all of us celebrate this new year together, considering the great opportunities we had been blessed with. His idea instantly caught our attention, and we anxiously turned towards David and Goat, eagerly seeking their approval. A smile spread across their faces, and with their nod of consent, we knew it was a go. Without wasting a single moment, all of us hurried to the hotel's terrace. Sanju, being the proactive soul he was, approached the hotel management and requested that they arrange for a magnificent display of fireworks. Standing at the top of the terrace, surrounded by familiar faces, we could feel the anticipation in the air. The melodious beats of Indian songs filled the atmosphere, and Zahiri, our resident entertainer, took the stage. With skillful moves, he danced his heart out, mesmerizing everyone with his talent.

As the clock neared 12 a.m., the excitement reached its peak. All of us gathered closer together, anxiously waiting for the moment when we could finally bid farewell to the past and welcome the promises of the future. And then it happened. "Happy New Year 2024!!!" Our voices united as we shouted in unison, letting the world know that we were ready to conquer the challenges that lay ahead. Just as the words left our lips, Sanju lit the firework he had been carefully preparing. The night sky came alive with a burst of colors, illuminating our faces with sheer joy. In that moment, we realized that this was more than just a celebration. It was a symbol of unity, of shared dreams and aspirations. Gaurav stepped forward, his voice filled with determination, as he declared that this year our team would put forth all our efforts, vowing to bring the upcoming ODI World Cup trophy back to India. Enthusiastically, we all agreed, ready to face the challenges together as a team. As the fireworks continued to light up the sky, we exchanged hugs and wishes, feeling grateful for the connections we had built and the unforgettable memories we would cherish.