Day we met

Chapter 9-It's time for fun

"Karaoke... Let's sing our hearts out," Aadhya exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she waved a microphone in the air.

"Sounds like fun," we chorused in agreement, picturing ourselves belting out tunes and having a blast.

"Are you for real? It's so boring," Eden muttered, leaning back with arms crossed, clearly not convinced.

"Do you have any better ideas?" Myrah retorted, her tone playful yet challenging, challenging Eden to come up with something more entertaining.

"How about... I dare you," a mischievous voice piped up from the corner of the room. We all turned to see who it was, intrigued by the unexpected suggestion.

It was Aaron's voice. We used to play together when we were kids. He's my childhood friend, the one who always came up with crazy ideas. A few years back, he left for other states for further studies. I had missed him a lot.

Without wasting a second, I rushed over and hugged him tightly. "Aaron! You're back!"

"I missed you so much, Turtle," I teased Aaron, a wide grin spreading across my face as I playfully nudged his shoulder.

"I told you not to call me like that... Spooky girl," he shot back with a mock scowl, though I could see the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Aaron, you're dead for calling me like that!" I exclaimed dramatically, pretending to chase after him. He darted behind Advik, our mutual friend, for protection.

"Calm down, you two haven't changed at all. Still fighting like kids," Myrah chuckled, her eyes twinkling with fondness as she observed our antics.

When we were kids, Aaron's annual visits during summer vacations were a highlight that brought excitement and liveliness to our household. His arrival was always announced with playful teasing directed my way, setting the tone for days filled with laughter and occasional mischief. Despite our friendly jabs and the inevitable squabbles over trivial matters, we were inseparable companions

Our friendship deepened with each passing year. Beneath the teasing and occasional disagreements lay a bond built on shared experiences and mutual respect. Aaron's visits became a cherished tradition, a time when the familiarity of his laughter and the comfort of his company filled our home...

"By the way, Saakshi, why did you name him Turtle? He seems so hyperactive," Dia asked, her curiosity piqued as she watched Aaron fidget with a playful grin.

"I want to know too," Myrah added, leaning in with a teasing glint in her eyes.

Aaron shifted uncomfortably, casting a pleading glance at me. "No, Saakshi, you shouldn't tell them," he urged, half-serious and half-amused by the impending revelation

With a mischievous smile, I launched into the story. "Alright, so one summer day, Granny decided to entertain us with a race. She promised chocolates to the winner." I glanced at Aaron, who was now visibly squirming under the spotlight of our shared childhood antics.

"He used to be a bit on the chubby side back then," I continued, reminiscing fondly. "But he was adamant he could beat me in a race." I chuckled, remembering his youthful confidence.

"So, we lined up, and off we went. It was like a scene from the 'Tortoise and the Hare' fable," I explained, drawing parallels that were not lost on our friends.

"He took an early lead, but then, just like in the story, he decided to take a break under a tree, thinking he had all the time in the world," I recounted with a grin. "Meanwhile, I kept going, at a steady pace."

"When I reminded him about the race and the coveted chocolates, he jumped up in a panic and resumed running," I added, relishing the memory.

"So, how fast did he sprint?" Aadhya asked eagerly, sensing a hilarious twist coming.