Dear Destiny

17- Dear Healer

*REET*

Finally, my practical exam was done, and I couldn't help but hope that this time, I might again top the science section. It was recess, and I headed toward the cafeteria, which was unusually empty. Right, the arts and commerce students must still be in their workshops.

As I scanned the room for Shanaya, my eyes landed on the two most chaotic boys of school—Ariv and Atharv. They were inseparable, and today was no different. Atharv was sitting at the table, casually working on his practical file, while Ariv—ever the chatterbox—was talking his ear off.

I couldn't help but giggle to myself on looking at the two exactly opposite personality sitting together. Ariv a full badass spirit with Atharv the most serious dude, and if I'd forget to mention. We both had been chatting online since the last few weeks, yes we are friends now remember? And yeah of course without making it noticed to Ariv.

Curiosity piqued, I moved a little closer, just within earshot of their conversation.

“So yeah, first we’ll run some bike errands, then we’ll swipe that CN bomb from the store, and at midnight, we’ll set it off in the middle of the lake. And then BOOM! Everyone’s gonna see it!” Ariv’s eyes sparkled with excitement, but Atharv, barely paying attention, just nodded, his focus still on his file.

“Come on, man, it’s your birthday! Show some excitement!” Ariv urged, his tone a mix of disappointment and impatience.

At the mention of Atharv's birthday, my interest skyrocketed. Wait he didn't tell me about that in our online chats. Without thinking, I barged in, unable to contain my excitement.

“Wait, wait, wait—did you just say it’s Atharv’s birthday?” I asked, my gaze bouncing between the two boys. “When is it?” I pressed, eyes now fixed on Atharv.

“3 weeks later, sunday,” Ariv replied, raising an eyebrow at my sudden enthusiasm.

“That’s perfect!” I exclaimed. “We have to throw a party! A huge one! It’s your 18th birthday—it’s got to be special!”

Before I could go on, Ariv waved his hand dismissively. “Whoa, calm down, daydreamer. It’s Atharv’s birthday, not some fairy tale prince’s. And for your information, Atharv doesn’t do big, social events—”

“It’s a good idea,” Atharv cut in, causing both Ariv and me to freeze mid-sentence. “I like it.”

Ariv turned to him, incredulous. “Wait, what? Since when did you started liking celebrating in crowd?”

“It’s my 18th, Ariv” Atharv shrugged. “Would like to do something different this year.”

Ariv stared at him, clearly sceptical, but then a slow smirk formed on his lips. “Fine. Let’s make it epic this time.”

I couldn’t stop the grin spreading across my face. “Yes! We’ll plan everything!” I said, bubbling with excitement.

“You guys plan whatever you want,” Atharv said, standing up and gathering his books. “My practical’s starting soon, so I’ve gotta go.” He waved us off as he left the cafeteria.

I turned to Ariv, practically bouncing with energy. “We have so much to do! Only a few weeks to organize everything!”

“Relax, Reet,” Ariv said with a smirk. “We’ll just book a hall—it’s all set up already. No need to stress.”

Oh yeah. I forgot. Rich boys.

“Okay, but we still need to send out invitations,” I insisted.

“Don’t worry about it. When you’ve got Ariv on your side, things get done,” he said, flashing me a cocky grin. “By the way, where are all the arts and commerce students?”