Chapter 8 A Night To Remember"

• After freshening up, Siddharth dressed in casual attire in his simple room. The room featured two single cot beds arranged in opposite directions, a single wardrobe, and an attached bathroom. As he opened the window, the view revealed the flowing river and its gentle waves.
• Feeling the cool breeze, Siddharth's gaze was drawn to Maitri playing outside. In the moonlight, she twirled gracefully, surrounded by the enchanting glow of fireflies. Impressed by the scene, Siddharth whispered, "Wow."
• Exiting his room, Siddharth observed his dad, mom, and granny engaged in conversation with Kalyan in the living room. Before excusing himself, he mentioned, "I'll just be a moment."
• However, Granny, displaying her concern, intervened, "Vikram, don't go. This is a new place; you should be careful. Stay within the vicinity; you're not venturing far."
• Vikram, slightly disappointed, glanced at them. Kalyan chimed in, reassuringly, "This is the safest place. People here are exceptionally kind and genuine. You won't find such amazing hospitality anywhere else."
• Siddharth looked at Vikram, nodding in agreement, "Don't go too far, Vikram."
• Vikram's face lit up with a bright smile as he playfully ran and reached the river. Standing about 10 feet away from Maitri, he watched her engrossed in the magical dance of fireflies.
• When Maitri finally noticed him, her expression turned to confusion. Seeing a new face in the village surprised her. Then, recalling her mom's words about their unexpected guests, Vikram waved his hand and greeted her with a cheerful "Hi."
• Maitri responded with a bright smile, saying, "Hi."
• Vikram, without blinking, asked with genuine wonder, "Are you an angel?"
• Her laughter echoed through the night, and the combination of her laughter, the moonlight, and the flickering fireflies created a magical ambiance that made Vikram feel something special.
• Zuzu's noise drew Maitri's attention, prompting her to pick up the puppy and introduce him, saying, "This is my friend."
• With a bright smile, He greeted the puppy, "Hi, Zuzu," offering a friendly handshake.
• To Vikram's surprise, Maitri extended her hand, shaking his, and cheerfully said, "Hi, Vikram."
• With an inviting smile, she suggested, "Shall we play?" He agreed.
• Setting Zuzu down, Maitri initiated a game of "catch me if you can." Laughter filled the air as they both ran, thoroughly enjoying the game. After a few minutes, Vikram successfully caught her. His arms encircled her waist, lifting her up and twirling her around. Both of them burst into laughter, reveling in the joy of the moment.
• they settled on the bank, both looking at the moon and enjoying the company of fireflies, Maitri shared, "Vikram, this is my favorite place. I love the river, lotus flowers, moonlight, and most importantly, the fireflies."
• Vikram, curious about her name, asked, "What's your name?"
• Pushing her hair back, she responded, "You can call me Angel. I like it, i will consider it as nickname, which you have given to me. You know, this is the first nickname someone has given me."
• Just then, the sailor man, Babu, appeared, announcing, "Food carriage, mat. Baby, I brought dinner for you."
• Maitri introduced Vikram to Babu, the sailor man, who warmly acknowledged him. Babu then spread a mat and arranged the food, also making sure Zuzu had a comfortable spot. Maitri ate a little and expressed, "Uncle, I have to go. I should have dinner with my mom too. It's enough for me."
• She introduced Vikram to Babu, and the sailor graciously spread a mat and arranged the food. They, along with Zuzu, sat down to have dinner. Maitri enjoyed a few bites and then expressed, "Uncle, I have to go. I should have dinner with my mom too. It's enough for me.
• Babu tried to convince her to stay a bit longer, but Maitri insisted. After washing her hands, she bid farewell, saying, "Bye, uncle." She turned to Vikram with a bright smile, "Bye, Vikram. We'll meet tomorrow after my school."
• In a matter of moments, she placed Zuzu back in the basket, mounted her bicycle, and left the spot. As she departed, Vikram couldn't help but smile, watching the way she gracefully rode away.
• ★★★
• Happily returning to the guest house, Vikram found his mother calling him for dinner. Politely declining, he mentioned, "No, Mom, I've already eaten," and proceeded to his room.
• Siddharth informed Devi and Aruna, "By the evening, the caravan will be ready." As he headed to his room, Vikram overheard, feeling a tinge of sadness at the thought of leaving this charming place behind.
• Once in his room, the realization that he might not have another chance to see the girl he met by the river made him feel a bit down. Lying on the bed, memories of their time together brought a smile to his face. After a few minutes, lost in the gentle rhythm of thoughts, he drifted into a deep and contented sleep.
• ★★★
• Zuzu, the little pet, peacefully rested in a small beanbag, covered with a tiny blanket, fast asleep.
• During dinner with her mother, Maitri couldn't contain her excitement and exclaimed, "Mom, you know what? I am very, very, very happy today."
• Curious, Priya chuckled, asking, "Why?"
• "Because I'm an Angel," Maitri declared with a bright smile.
• Her mother, amused, replied, "Of course, you are my Angel."
• Maitri then revealed her plan, "Mom, actually, tomorrow I won't come to school. I need a leave."
• Inquisitive, Priya questioned, "Why so?"
• With a pleading look, Maitri requested, "Please, Mom, please! Say yes."
• Giving in, Priya agreed, "Okay, fine! Just for one day. But you shouldn't repeat it, okay?"
• "Aww! You are so sweet, Mom. You don't have any idea how much sweet you are?" Maitri exclaimed with genuine affection, her mother smiling at her daughter's adorable display of cuteness.
• ★★★
• After dinner, Maitri diligently completed her homework and then sat down to write in her diary.
• "Dear Diary,
• Today has been the happiest day of my life. I enjoyed so much, thanks to a boy named Vikram, whom I met this evening in the moonlight near the bank of the river. He is very handsome, with his tapered haircut and those dark blue eyes. But what I like the most is his smile. It's something I want to see again and again.
• The river, the moonlight, and the flickering fireflies made everything feel magical. I can't wait for another day like this.
• Yours,
• Maitri