The Night We Met

Diwali Party

The air in Dehradun was filled with the warmth of festivity. A week left until Diwali, and the excitement was everywhere – homes glowed with fresh decorations, and every corner of the city seemed alive with lights and laughter. Our own house was no different, bustling with preparations and festive spirit. Diwali cleaning was done, but the decorating still hadn't wrapped up. There was something so comforting about this time of year – the cool fall air, the golden glow of lights, and the anticipation of celebrations, parties, and card games with family and friends.

"Laya, jaldi! Go get ready! We're leaving in a couple of hours," my mom called out from the living room. Her voice, slightly stressed, echoed through the house. I glanced at the clock. It was nearly 6 PM, and she was right – if the party started at 9, I needed to get moving.

With a satisfied sigh, I made my way to the bathroom for a long, relaxing shower. The hot water washed away the day's exhaustion, and I allowed my mind to drift as I thought about the Founder's Day invitation I'd received on the alumni WhatsApp group. The thought of attending intrigued me, yet it felt pointless – I hadn't stayed in touch with most people, and with so many from different batches, I'd probably end up feeling out of place. Even our batch's group chat, usually silent, was now buzzing with messages.

After the shower, I wrapped myself in a towel and looked through my wardrobe for tonight's outfit – a wine-purple anarkali with delicate golden work, paired with a light pink Banarasi dupatta. I loved how Indian clothes made me feel – confident and beautiful. I slipped on my kolhapuri chappals and chose my favorite chandbali earrings, their intricate design perfectly complementing my outfit.

I carefully dried my hair, letting it fall around my shoulders, and applied my makeup with a bit of kohl and soft pink lipstick. A final spritz of perfume, and I was ready.

My mom knocked on the door again. "Laya, sab log ready hain! Jaldi aao, car mein wait kar rahe hain."

"I'm coming!" I called back, giving myself one last look in the mirror. My reflection smiled back at me – tonight, I felt confident. Satisfied, I ran downstairs, quickly stepping out into the driveway.

The evening was cool, and the sound of fireworks bursting faintly in the distance added to the excitement in the air. My parents pulled up from the basement of our apartment building, and I quickly got into the car.

When we reached Tauji's house, I couldn't help but smile. His place was as grand as always, decked out with fairy lights and marigold garlands, warm and inviting. Inside, soft Punjabi and Bollywood music played in the background, and guests were lounging on floor cushions, laughing, and chatting around the cozy setup of gaddas and snacks.

As I walked in, I was greeted with warm hugs from family members. I looked around for my cousins – Divyansh Bhaiya, who I got to know would be joining us day after tomorrow, and Krishvi Didi, who I was especially close to. Being an only child, they were like my own siblings. I scanned the room, looking for her, when I heard her voice behind me.

"Laya! You look gorgeous!" Krishvi said, giving me a big hug. She looked beautiful too, her black sari draped elegantly.

"Didi, you look amazing! By the way, where are your friends? I heard they're here for the Founder's Day celebrations?" I asked, curious to meet the people I'd heard about but never met.

"Oh, they'll be here in a few minutes! Tu janti toh hai Vartika aur Sanya ko"

As we chatted, I noticed two girls walk in. They both had an effortless confidence about them, and as we exchanged introductions, I was pleasantly surprised to find that we clicked almost instantly. Me, an introvert who usually struggled to connect with new people, was already laughing and chatting with them as if we'd known each other forever.

Vartika, a tall girl with striking eyes and a friendly smile, teased me, "So, Krishvi tells us you're the card shark here. Planning to sweep everyone's winnings tonight?"

"Arre, nothing like that!" I laughed, feeling my cheeks heat up. "But yes, I've been doing okay this Diwali season. Let's see if my luck holds tonight."

They laughed, and the conversation flowed easily between us. It felt strange yet wonderful, this instant connection with people who, just a few hours ago, were complete strangers.

Soon, we gathered around the card table, and the games began. Snacks and drinks flowed, the warmth of laughter filled the room, and the atmosphere grew more animated as the night wore on.

Amid all the laughter and fun, Krishvi nudged me and whispered, "Looks like you're on a winning streak tonight."

I grinned. "Well, Diwali season's been good to me so far. Let's hope it stays that way."

My parents, seeing me engaged and enjoying myself, smiled approvingly from across the room. I'd been a little hesitant about the party at first, but here, surrounded by family and newfound friends, I felt a sense of belonging that warmed me from within.

Tonight, in the glow of Diwali lights, amidst laughter and light-hearted games, I felt the festive spirit of seeping into my soul.