Bollywood in the Rain

16 - Summer Beginngs

Graduation had come and gone, leaving behind a trail of bittersweet memories. The excitement of finishing high school was tempered by the realization that their daily routines and familiar faces would soon change. Shivam found himself caught between nostalgia and anticipation as he stepped into the first days of summer.

One early morning, Shivam woke up to the gentle chirping of birds outside his window. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over his room. He decided to start his day with a jog, something he often did to clear his mind. After slipping into his running gear, he headed out, feeling the cool morning air on his face.

As he jogged through the quiet streets of his neighborhood, Shivam's thoughts drifted to the future. College was just a few months away, and he was both excited and nervous about the new experiences that awaited him. He thought about his hockey scholarship and the intense training that lay ahead, but he also wondered about the friendships he would make and the challenges he would face.

After his run, Shivam returned home, showered, and made himself a hearty breakfast. As he sat at the kitchen table, his phone buzzed with a message from Shyam.

Hey, want to meet up at the park later? I have some news to share.

Curiosity piqued, Shivam quickly replied. Sure, I'll be there in an hour.

When Shivam arrived at the park, he found Shyam sitting on their favorite bench, a thoughtful expression on his face. He joined him, noting the excitement in Shyam's eyes.

"Hey, Shyam. What's the big news?" Shivam asked, trying to contain his curiosity.

Shyam grinned, his eyes lighting up. "I got accepted into that summer writing program I applied for! It's a two-week intensive workshop, and I leave next week."

"That's amazing, Shyam!" Shivam exclaimed, giving his friend a congratulatory pat on the back. "I'm so proud of you. This is going to be such a great experience."

"Thanks, Shivam," Shyam replied, his excitement palpable. "I'm a bit nervous, but I know it's going to be worth it. I'll get to meet other writers and learn from some of the best in the field."

As they continued to talk, Shivam couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for his friend. Shyam had worked hard to get to this point, and it was inspiring to see him achieve his dreams.

"Let's celebrate," Shivam suggested, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "How about we grab some ice cream?"

Shyam laughed, nodding in agreement. "Sounds like a plan."

They made their way to a nearby ice cream parlor, where they each ordered their favorite flavors. As they sat outside, enjoying their treats, the conversation turned to their plans for the summer.

"I'm going to spend most of my time training for hockey," Shivam said. "I've got a rigorous schedule, but I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be tough, but I know it'll be worth it."

"You've got this, Shivam," Shyam said, his voice filled with confidence. "You've always been dedicated, and it's going to pay off. I'm sure of it."

"Thanks, Shyam," Shivam replied, feeling a warm surge of gratitude. "And I'll be cheering you on from afar. I know you're going to make the most of that writing program."

As the afternoon turned into evening, they decided to meet up with Jhanvi and Raj at the lake. It had become their favorite spot to unwind and share stories. The four friends gathered on the dock, the setting sun casting a warm glow over the water.

"It's hard to believe we're all heading in different directions soon," Jhanvi said, her voice tinged with melancholy. "But I know we'll always stay connected."

"Definitely," Raj added. "We've got too many good memories to let go of."

Shivam looked around at his friends, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for their bond. "No matter where we go or what we do, we'll always have each other's backs. That's not going to change."

As the stars began to twinkle overhead, they shared stories and dreams, their laughter echoing across the lake. Shivam felt a sense of peace, knowing that their friendship was a constant, unbreakable bond.

The next morning, Shivam woke up early for his hockey training. The rink was already bustling with activity as players geared up for the intense practice session. Shivam felt a familiar rush of adrenaline as he laced up his skates and stepped onto the ice.

The training was grueling, pushing him to his limits, but Shivam thrived on the challenge. Each drill, each sprint, each practice game was a step closer to his dream of playing college hockey. He could feel himself getting stronger, faster, more focused.

After practice, as he sat in the locker room catching his breath, Shivam's thoughts drifted to his friends. He knew they were all pursuing their passions, each on their own unique path, but they were united by their shared experiences and unwavering support for one another.

Later that day, Shivam received a text from Shyam. Want to meet up for dinner tonight? My treat.

Shivam smiled, texting back. Sure, where do you want to go?

How about that new Italian place downtown? Shyam suggested.

Sounds perfect. See you at 7, Shivam replied.

That evening, they met at the restaurant, the air filled with the enticing aroma of Italian cuisine. They were greeted warmly and shown to a cozy table by the window.

As they perused the menu, Shyam looked up, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've been looking forward to this all day."

"Me too," Shivam said, smiling. "It's nice to take a break and enjoy some good food with a good friend."

They ordered their meals, and as they waited, they talked about their plans and dreams. Shyam shared more details about the writing program, his excitement growing with each word. Shivam listened intently, feeling a deep sense of pride for his friend.

Their food arrived, and they dug in, savoring each bite. The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and heartfelt moments.

"You know, Shivam," Shyam said, his voice thoughtful. "This summer is a big step for both of us. We're pursuing our dreams, and it's exciting, but it's also a bit scary."

"Yeah, it is," Shivam agreed. "But we're ready for it. And no matter what happens, we'll always have each other's backs."

Shyam nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Absolutely. We're in this together."

As they finished their meal and walked out into the warm summer night, Shivam felt a sense of contentment and hope. The future was filled with possibilities, and he was ready to embrace it with open arms.

With a heart full of determination and gratitude, Shivam looked forward to the adventures and challenges that awaited him. Together with Shyam and their friends, he knew that they could achieve anything they set their minds to. The journey was far from over, and he was ready to embrace it with open arms.