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Shaurya abruptly stood up and strode towards the bar.

Just as he was about to reach for a bottle of whiskey, Meera arrived with their coffees, her timing impeccable.

“I don’t need coffee anymore,” he muttered.

Meera frowned, confused by his sudden mood shift.

But before Shaurya could pour himself a drink, Varun snatched the bottle this time.

“Oh no, my friend,” Varun smirked. “Now,Iwant you to have coffee. Because, as you reminded me earlier, it’s just afternoon.”

Shaurya’s teeth gritted in irritation. “What do you want, Varun?”

“I want my friend to start living again.” Varun’s expression softened slightly.

“Iamliving.”

“No,” Varun countered. “If working 24/7, avoiding people, and drowning yourself in work is what you call living, then it’s not.” He sighed, his voice turning gentle. “You can’t waste yourself like this, Shaurya. You need to move on.”

Shaurya’s shoulders stiffened. “I have moved on. Besides, I don’t want to go through all that again.”

Varun’s expression turned serious. “Why?”

“You know why.”

Varun hesitated for a moment. Then, softly, he said, “Not everyone is going to be Rhea, Shaurya.”

“I don’t want to hear her name. Ever. Got it?” Shaurya snapped.

“Fine,” Varun sighed. “But that doesn’t mean I’m giving up on you.”

He stood up and clapped Shaurya’s shoulder. “Blind date. New Year’s Eve. Be ready. She’s coming over at midnight sharp.”

Shaurya turned away. “I’m not letting that happen, Varun. You are wasting your time.”

But Varun didn’t argue.

He just grinned and walked out.

And somehow, that worried Shaurya even more. He knew his friend. He wasn’t going to back off that easily.

****************

The Super Market, Serene Meadows

(Two days Before New Year’s Eve)

Serene Meadows had its very own Super Market just around the corner, and with the New Year approaching, it was buzzing with excitement that evening. Fairy lights blinked from every shelf, plastic champagne flutes were stacked like mini towers, and the air was filled with the scent of cinnamon and pine floating from the bakery section.

Nandini pushed the shopping cart, her phone in one hand and a scribbled list in another. She and Grandpa were hereto shop for some items for the New Year’s event at Serene Meadows, along with the celebratory gifts Grandpa always gave to the kids in the community. He made it special for them every year with his unique gifts.

“Daadu, please stick to the list,” Nandini muttered, watching her grandfather wander dangerously close to the shelf labelled ‘Disco Headbands & Glow Sticks.’

“Nandu,” he waved her off, lifting a particularly flashy-looking golden crown headband. “How about this? What do you think? No New Year’s party is complete without a statement accessory. The kids just love it.”

She sighed. “Kids love snacks and cakes, Daadu. Not... glitter poking them in the eye. And haven’t you already decided on giving them those DIY art-and-plant kits? The ones with the little pots, seeds, and paints? That was such a good idea. They get to paint the pots, plant something of their own, and it teaches them responsibility too.”

He paused mid-reach, the crown still dangling from his fingers. “Well… yes, those are good. Educational. Wholesome.”