The scene froze abruptly, the chaotic battlefield dissolving into a swirling haze of color and light. The once-vibrant cityscape and the gangsters vanished, replaced by a sterile, glowing screen. The words “Game Over” flashed in bold, harsh letters, a stark reminder of the virtual nature of my recent struggle.

I blinked, the reality of my room coming back into focus. The walls, adorned with posters of futuristic landscapes and epic battles, seemed oddly mundane compared to the vivid world I had just left. My hands rested on the console, fingers still poised over the controls. The thrill of the battle, the rush of adrenaline—it was all part of the game. I let out a frustrated sigh, leaning back in my chair.

“Well, that was unexpected,” I muttered, rubbing my eyes. I glanced at the clock—late again. The game had been intense, filled with moments of exhilarating combat and heart-pounding action. Despite the loss, there was a satisfaction in the challenge, a thrill in the struggle. The city, the demons, the epic fight—it had all been a vivid part of the adventure.

I took a deep breath and prepared to dive back in. The game had just begun, and I was ready to face whatever came next. The excitement of the virtual world beckoned, promising more challenges and victories ahead. As I restarted the game, I couldn’t help but anticipate the next battle, eager to reclaim my victory in this high-stakes adventure.

The room was bathed in the soft, pulsating light of my PS5. The large screen cast an intense glow, highlighting my focused expression as I maneuvered through the game’s final level. The ambient hum of the console was a steady backdrop to the frantic pace of the gameplay. My thumbs danced over the controller, every movement precise as I faced yet another daunting challenge.

But then, without warning, the screen flashed “Game Over” in glaring red. Frustration surged through me, the thrill of the game abruptly giving way to a sinking feeling of defeat. I glanced at the clock on my desk, my heart sinking further. It was 8:45 PM. I was supposed to meet Arjun and Kabir at 8:30. I was fifteen minutes late.

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In a rush, I shoved the controller aside, the console’s quiet hum now a stark reminder of my tardiness. I grabbed my phone and dialed Arjun’s number, trying to steady my nerves as I waited for him to pick up.

“Rohan? Where are you?” Arjun’s voice came through, a mix of irritation and concern.

I took a breath, crafting my excuse with practiced ease. “Hey, Arjun, I’m really sorry. I got caught in an unexpected downpour. My bike skidded, and I had to make a quick detour to avoid getting soaked. I’m just about to head out, but it’s taking longer than I thought. I’ll be there soon.”

There was a brief pause on the other end. “Alright, just hurry up. We’re waiting. Kabir’s already here, and we’re planning to start without you if you’re too late.”

“Got it,” I replied, trying to sound as sincere as possible. “I’ll be there in ten minutes.” I ended the call, feeling a rush of anxiety. The lie had worked, but only time would tell if it would hold.

I threw on my jacket, grabbed my bike, and prepared to leave. The cool night air hit me as I mounted the bike, the urgency of my situation adding an edge to my ride. As I sped down the street, I performed stunts and maneuvers with a level of skill that only came from years of practice.

Back at Arjun’s house, the atmosphere was a blend of casual anticipation and light-hearted banter. Arjun was seated at his desk, surrounded by a jumble of notes and books, glancing occasionally at the clock. His gaze was filled with a mix of irritation and concern.

Kabir, meanwhile, was deeply engrossed in an advanced logic puzzle. Unlike the typical puzzles one might find, this was a complex arrangement of interconnected variables and abstract concepts. His brow was furrowed in concentration as he manipulated the pieces, each movement precise and methodical.

Arjun sighed, glancing at Kabir. “You know, Kabir, I bet Rohan’s probably lost track of time because he’s so wrapped up in that new game of his. When he gets into something, it’s like nothing else exists for him.”

Kabir didn’t look up from his puzzle but responded with a knowing chuckle. “Yeah, that sounds about right. He’s always been that way. The way he dives into things—whether it’s a game or anything else—nothing seems to pull him out.”

Arjun shook his head, still looking at the clock. “Well, he better get here soon. We’ve got a lot to cover tonight. I don’t want to start without him.”