As the first class began, the teacher tried to keep the students focused. For a while, everyone listened intently, but as time passed, their attention drifted. Whispers filled the room, and restless glances turned toward the door, as if waiting for a miracle.
That miracle came when the coaching director stepped inside.
"Ahem, everyone," the director said, his authoritative voice silencing the chatter. "As you know, these are your final two months before your academic year ends. By next year, many of you will be in college. To give you all a memorable experience, our faculty has decided to take you on a one-week trip to Trikuta and then to Ahir Dham. We leave the day after tomorrow."
Excitement burst through the classroom. A trip was already great news—but the mention of Trikuta and Ahir Dham, both places of immense historical significance, made their hearts pound with pride and reverence. Every citizen of Lotus Nation knew the aura and sacrifice associated with Ahir Dham.
Abhiraj and his friends were no exception. Their eyes lit up, their faces beaming with joy. The rest of the classes continued that day, but nobody paid attention—students were busy whispering plans and wondering how they would convince their parents.
That evening, Abhiraj rushed home, tossed his bag aside, and quickly dialed his father's number. After a few rings, a deep, familiar voice answered.
"Hello?" It was his father, Brajkishor, speaking from his post.
"Dad!" Abhiraj said eagerly. "I know you're on duty right now, but this is important. Our coaching institute is taking us to Trikuta and Ahir Dham—everything is managed by them, and it's completely free! Please, Dad… just this once, don't say no. I've always wanted to visit those places."
There was a pause. Brajkishor's voice softened. "I know, son. Trikuta should be fine—things are stable there, and if a problem arises, I know people who can help. But Ahir Dham… it's close to the border. The situation isn't ideal. I don't think it's safe."
"Dad, you know Ahir Dham is one of the safest places despite being near the border. The Ahir Regiment is stationed there. If anything happens, they'll protect us." Abhiraj's voice trembled slightly, but his resolve was clear. "Please, Dad. I've dreamed of this trip for so long."
After a long sigh and more convincing from Abhiraj, Brajkishor finally agreed. "Alright, son. But promise me you'll be careful."
"Promise!" Abhiraj grinned. He then told his mother, who after some hesitation also agreed. Finally, he asked his two sisters, Aradhya and Sneh, for advice on what supplies to pack.
Later, Abhiraj made a group call with his friends. "Guys! My parents said yes. What about you?"
"Same here, bro!" Abhishek's cheerful voice came through. "My mom's even packing snacks already!"
"Mine too," Lakshya said. "But we need proper winter gear. It's freezing in Trikuta this time of year."
Ansh joked, "As long as we don't have to carry you around when you freeze up, Abhiraj!"
"Ha-ha, very funny," Abhiraj replied with mock annoyance.
Rudra cut in calmly, "Alright, let's focus. Tomorrow we go shopping. No shortcuts—good boots, coats, gloves, everything."
The next day, the five friends set out with Aradhya and Sneh to shop for the trip. The cold December air nipped at their cheeks as they strolled through the bustling market filled with colorful stalls and the smell of roasted peanuts.
"First, jackets," Rudra said, scanning the shops. "No point buying cheap ones. We need quality."
They entered a large shop filled with thick woolen coats.
"This one looks great," Abhishek said, holding up a dark green coat. "Try it, Abhiraj."
Abhiraj slipped it on. "Hmm… it's warm. But it feels a bit loose."
"Loose is better than tight," Lakshya said. "You'll be wearing layers underneath."
"True," Abhiraj nodded, checking himself in the mirror.
Aradhya picked a navy-blue coat for abhiraj. "This one's perfect. And we need matching gloves," she said, pulling Sneh toward another section.
"Don't forget boots!" Ansh shouted, already trying on a pair of rugged grip boots. "Look at these babies—feels like I can climb a mountain!"
The group laughed, trying on coats, gloves, and boots, occasionally teasing each other about colors and sizes. After a while, each of them had everything they needed: long coats, grip boots, woolen gloves, scarves, and thermal wear.
"Okay," Rudra said, looking at the bags they carried. "We've got everything. Tomorrow, we pack. tomorrow… Trikuta awaits!"
The following morning, Abhiraj woke up early, his excitement barely contained. After packing his bag neatly with his new clothes, he grabbed a quick breakfast and rushed to the coaching institute. At 6 a.m., the friends gathered, exchanging cheerful greetings despite their sleepy eyes.
"Everyone ready?" Abhishek asked, his voice brimming with energy.
"Ready!" they all replied in unison.
The buses waited at the gate, engines humming in the chilly morning air. As they boarded, Abhiraj took one last look back at the city he called home. Something inside him told him this trip would change everything.
And with that, the bus rolled forward, carrying them toward Trikuta and the unknown adventures ahead.