The Spectacular Spider-Men: The Great Web

CHAPTER-3: Future Days

ZAIN ZAFFAR'S POV:
April 1st, 2015

The weeks following graduation felt like a whirlwind of emotions and decisions. We were all making plans for our futures, and despite the excitement, there was an underlying current of uncertainty about what lay ahead.

"Got the acceptance letter!" I announced to the group one evening at Ritvik's apartment, waving the letter from Empire State University. "Medical program, full scholarship."

"That's amazing, Zain!" Gwen beamed, giving me a tight hug. "I'm so proud of you."

"Now we just have to wait for your letter." I said with a smile, which Gwen returned.

"Looks like we'll both be pursuing what we love." Arush nodded approvingly. "I was gonna keep this hidden a bit longer, but I guess now is as good a time as any– I got a call from my older brother back in India, and he wants me to come back to pursue engineering there."

"That's... awesome!" MJ said. "Did you agree?"

"Yep. My semester starts in July." He said with a sigh.

Ritvik clapped him on the back. "It's going to be weird not having you around, man. But I know you'll do great."

"Where did you apply to again, Sharma?" I asked.

"King's College."

"That's in London, isn't it?"

"Yeah, mate."

"Ooh~ look at him, already acting British. Should we get you a cup o' tea, mate? Or a bo'oh o' wo'uh?" Ritvik joked.

"Man, shut the hell up."

The room fell silent for a moment as we all took in the reality of our diverging paths. Ritvik broke the silence with a smile.

"Well, I'll be holding down the fort in Forest Hills. Queens College isn't too far from home."

"Hey, I'm not leaving New York?" I said, punching him in the arm. "I'll just be shifting to Manhattan."

We all chuckled, the tension easing a bit. Despite the uncertainty, it was clear we were all proud of each other's accomplishments and excited for the future.

...

ARUSH KUMAR'S POV:
April 11th, 2015

April 12th was fast approaching, and the guys had planned something special for my birthday. It felt bittersweet, knowing this might be one of the last times we could all hang out together before our lives took us in different directions.

"Alright, birthday boy, what's the plan?" Ritvik asked, grinning as we gathered at our usual rooftop spot.

"I was thinking we could start with some laser tag, then hit up that new arcade downtown." I suggested. "And maybe grab some dinner at that rooftop restaurant we talked about?"

"Sounds perfect." Zain said. "Let's make it a day to remember."

The next day...

We spent the morning and afternoon running around the laser tag arena, laughing and competing with each other like we were kids again. It was the perfect escape from the looming responsibilities and changes ahead.

After a few hours, we headed to the arcade. The neon lights and retro games brought back so many memories, and it felt good to just relax and have fun. We played everything from racing games to old-school pinball, with everyone trying to outdo each other's scores.

...

AGRIM SHARMA'S POV:

Dinner at the rooftop restaurant was the highlight of the day. The view of the city skyline was breathtaking, and the food was incredible. We sat around a table, reminiscing about the past and talking about our hopes for the future.