Maybe in next life

chapter 26

Mihir

The auditorium was buzzing with energy as everyone tossed around ideas for the annual college trip. I leaned back in my chair, observing the chaos. Vihaan, as usual, was in the center of it all, making the dumbest suggestions possible.

“How about the Sahara Desert?” Vihaan grinned, his hands spread wide. “Sun, sand, and unlimited dehydration!”

Mayra threw her notebook at him. “Brilliant, Vihaan. Let’s all go die in style.”

Rohan, not one to be left behind, smirked. “Nah, let’s go to Antarctica. We’ll chill with penguins and host a snowman-making competition. Loser gets frostbite.”

Everyone burst into laughter, including me. Their jokes were ridiculous, but it lightened the mood. Yet, even as I chuckled, my eyes kept drifting to Ruhi. She sat quietly on the side, a faint smile on her face, but there was something about her silence that bothered me.

Then it hit me. Her diary. The words I’d read flashed in my mind. “I want to see snow at least once in my life,” she had written. Something so simple, so innocent, yet so overlooked by everyone around her.

I straightened up in my seat and said in a calm, deliberate voice, “Switzerland. That’s final.”

The room went silent for a moment before erupting into cheers. “Switzerland!” Vihaan yelled, jumping onto the stage like an overexcited kid. “Finally, we’re leveling up from budget trips to luxury!”

Rohan added, “Yeah, guys, get ready for Instagram-worthy pictures. I’ll be the main attraction, obviously.”

Mayra rolled her eyes. “Rohan, the only thing you’re attracting is bad luck.”

As the banter continued, I turned my attention back to Ruhi. Her face lit up for a moment, her eyes sparkling, but just as quickly, the light faded, replaced by a look of hesitation.

I stood up and walked over to her. “What’s wrong?” I asked, keeping my voice low.

She hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her notebook. “My parents won’t allow me to go…”

Her words felt like a punch to the chest. I didn’t hesitate. “I’ll talk to them,” I said firmly.

Her eyes widened, and she shook her head quickly. “No, Mihir. Please don’t. It’ll just make things worse.”

Before I could argue, Vihaan’s loud voice interrupted us. “What’s this? Parental drama? Don’t worry, Ruhi, we’re all going to your house!”

Rohan added with a wicked grin, “Operation Convince the Parents. Let’s go, team!”

Ruhi tried to protest, but the decision had already been made. We all piled into cars and drove to her house. Standing at her front door with everyone, I felt an odd sense of responsibility. I didn’t just want her to come on this trip; I needed her to experience what she’d dreamed of.

Her mom opened the door and greeted us warmly, her face lighting up when she saw Ruhi surrounded by friends. “It’s so nice to see you all! Ruhi’s always so quiet; I’m glad she has such wonderful friends.”

Inside, her dad joined us, equally welcoming. Vihaan wasted no time. “Uncle, did you know Ruhi’s the quietest person in college?” he said, grinning. “I mean, she’s so quiet that when she speaks, professors stop to take notes!”

Rohan added, “Yeah, and we’re taking her on this trip so she can teach us all the art of being mysterious and intellectual.”

Her parents laughed at their antics, clearly impressed. Finally, I stepped forward, my tone calm and respectful. “Uncle, we’re planning a college trip to Switzerland. Ruhi has worked so hard this year, and it would mean a lot if she could join us. We’ll take care of everything, and she’ll be with friends who look out for her.”