The Whisper And The Wind

The Festival & New Bonds

It's Saturday afternoon, and the sun is shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the city. I grab my camera and head out to meet my friends at the park. It's our usual spot, a place where we can relax and escape the pressures of school for a while.

As I approach the park, I spot my friends already there. They're gathered under a large oak tree, lounging on the grass and chatting animatedly. Ravi, my best friend, sees me first and waves me over.

"Hey, Shitwik! Over here!" he calls out, his voice carrying through the air.

I wave back and make my way over to them, feeling a sense of ease settle over me. Hanging out with Ravi and the others always feels like a break from reality, a chance to just be myself without any worries.

"Hey, guys," I greet them as I sit down on the grass, setting my camera beside me.

"Finally, the photographer arrives," Ravi teases grinning. "What took you so long?"

"Had to finish some chores at home," I reply, rolling my eyes. "You know how it is."

The group laughs, and I feel a sense of camaraderie. There's something comforting about being with people who understand you, and who don't judge you for your quirks.

We spend the next hour talking about everything and nothing—school, movies, music, and our plans for the summer. Ravi is excited about an upcoming concert, and another friend, Anil, is planning a road trip with his family. The conversation flows effortlessly, punctuated by jokes and laughter.

At some point, Ravi pulls out a frisbee from his backpack. "Who's up for a game?"

A chorus of enthusiastic "yeses" follows, and we all get up, dusting off the grass from our clothes. The game starts off easy, with everyone warming up and getting into the groove. I'm not the most athletic, but I manage to hold my own, enjoying the feel of the sun on my skin and the sound of my friend's laughter.

"Nice throw, Shitwik!" Ravi shouts as I manage to catch the frisbee mid-air, surprising even myself.

"Beginner's luck," I joke, tossing it back to him.

The game continues, our laughter and shouts blending with the sounds of the park—dogs barking, children playing, and the occasional chirp of birds. It's moments like these that make everything else worth it.

After a while, we take a break, panting and sweaty but happy. We collapse back under the oak tree, passing around a bottle of water.

"Hey, Shitwik," Ravi says, nudging me. "Why don't you take some photos? This place looks amazing today."

I smile and pick up my camera. "Good idea."

I start snapping pictures of my friends—Ravi's carefree grin, Anil's thoughtful expression as he watches the clouds, the sunlight filtering through the leaves casting dappled shadows on the grass. These moments, so ordinary yet so precious, are what I love capturing.

As I lower my camera, I notice a small bird hopping around near the edge of the park. It's a sparrow, its feathers ruffled as it pecks at the ground, searching for food. I quickly snap a few shots, intrigued by the tiny creature.

"Got some good ones?" Ravi asks, peering over my shoulder.

"Yeah," I reply, showing him the screen. "Look at this one."

He looks at the photo of the sparrow and nods appreciatively. "That's a great shot, Shitwik. You've got an eye for this."

"Thanks," I say, feeling a warm sense of pride. Photography isn't just a hobby for me; it's a way to see the world, to appreciate the beauty in everyday moments.