Pavan had successfully comforted his little sister, Pooja, easing her worries about his departure to the Triveni Gurukul. With a soft smile on his face, he stood up from the floor where he'd knelt to console her and realized there was another important task ahead—he needed to inform his friends about his decision. Pavan walked out of his room and descended the stairs to the main hall of his home.

His mother was busy in the kitchen, the aroma of spices and freshly prepared food filling the air. Pavan glanced around the hall for a moment before approaching her. His steps were steady, though his mind was racing with thoughts.

Pavan: “Mom, I’m heading out to meet my friends. I might be back a little late,” he said, his tone calm but carrying the weight of the news he would soon share with his closest companions.

Chee, who had been helping Pavan’s mother in the kitchen, paused as she overheard him. Her radiant green eyes shifted toward him, and though her expression remained composed, her mind seemed to whirl with thoughts. She understood the significance of this meeting.

His mother, hearing Pavan’s words, turned briefly from her cooking. Her hands were still busy, but her concern showed in her voice.

Mother: “Alright, but don’t be too late, Pavan,” she replied with a touch of worry, not meeting his gaze.

As Pavan nodded, his hand moved toward the front door. He was just about to open it when suddenly, right before his eyes, tiny green cubes appeared in midair, assembling themselves rapidly into a sleek smartphone. The device hovered just within his reach, a gesture of Chee’s power and subtle care. Pavan smirked, knowing exactly who was behind this little miracle. His hand shifted from the doorknob, and he grasped the phone, chuckling inwardly.

Pavan: “Thank you, Chee,” he thought warmly, sending the message telepathically to his trusted companion.

In the kitchen, Chee’s face softened with a knowing smile. She hadn’t said a word, but the moment of silent connection between them was enough. Her smile didn’t go unnoticed, though—Pavan’s mother had caught the affectionate exchange but chose to keep her observations to herself, as she often did with such things.

Pavan, now holding the gifted phone, quickly dialed his friend Vikram’s number. The phone rang a few times before Vikram picked up.

Pavan: “Hey Vikram, meet me at the temple on the hill. I’ve got something important to tell you.” His voice was excited yet slightly anxious.

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On the other end of the line, Vikram, a 17-year-old boy, was sitting on the edge of his bed, his face clouded with worry. He was troubled by something, though he hadn’t yet shared it with anyone. Despite this, he replied quietly, his voice tinged with the weight of his thoughts.

Vikram: “I’ll be there in 10 minutes,” he said, his tone somber.

Pavan sensed something was off but decided to let it go for now. He had his own news to deliver.

Pavan: “Oh, and bring Krishna with you too,” he added quickly.

Vikram: “Yeah… I’ll get him. I need to talk to both of you anyway,” Vikram responded, his voice betraying a hint of sadness.

After hanging up, Pavan felt the weight of the moment sink in. His life was about to change drastically, and he needed his closest friends by his side.

Vikram, meanwhile, ended the call with Pavan and immediately dialed Krishna. The phone rang only briefly before Krishna picked up, his voice filled with frustration, not even giving Vikram a chance to greet him.

Vikram: “Be at the hilltop temple in 10 minutes,” Vikram said, the urgency in his voice cutting through Krishna’s anger. He didn’t wait for Krishna’s response, quickly ending the call.

Krishna, on the other hand, was in the middle of an argument with his father. His eyes were blazing with fury as he tried to get his father’s attention.

Krishna: “Dad, just tell me the truth for once! What have you been hiding from me?” he demanded, his voice raised.

His father, seated on the living room sofa, remained silent, deliberately ignoring Krishna’s outburst. It was as if he didn’t even hear him, though both of them knew he had. His calm demeanor only fueled Krishna’s anger further.

Seeing that his father wouldn’t respond, Krishna turned toward his mother, who was watching the scene unfold from the kitchen doorway. Her face was torn between concern and helplessness. Krishna softened his tone, though his frustration was still evident.

Krishna: “Mom, I’m going to meet my friends,” he said, his voice low but intense.

He then shot one last angry glance at his father before walking toward the door.

Krishna: “This isn’t over, Dad. I’ll deal with you when I get back,” he warned, his voice laced with a bitterness that made the air in the room thick with tension.

As Krishna stormed out, his father finally broke his silence, turning to Krishna’s mother with a weary sigh.

Krishna’s father: “I don’t know if we’ve raised a son… or my father. Did you hear the way he talks to me? Like he’s the one in charge,” he grumbled.

Krishna’s mother shook her head with a soft smile. She filled a glass of water and brought it to her husband, gently placing it in his hands.

Krishna’s mother: “He’s just like your father, you know. Strong-willed, stubborn, but only because he cares so deeply. Give him time. He’ll understand,” she said, sitting beside him and placing her hand over his.

Krishna’s father sighed, gripping the glass tightly as he stared ahead.

Krishna’s father: “I just want him to be happy. That’s all I care about,” he admitted, his voice cracking slightly with emotion.

Meanwhile, Vikram had already left his house, walking with heavy steps toward the temple. His heart weighed down by the thoughts he had kept to himself for too long. The journey up the hill was one he’d taken many times before, but today, it felt different. Today, he had something important to reveal to his friends.

Krishna, still fuming from his argument with his father, was also making his way to the temple. His mind raced with questions, not only about his family but about the changes happening in his own life.

And finally, Pavan, the one who had called for this meeting, was walking briskly, feeling the pressure of what he had to say. He knew that once he shared his decision, nothing would ever be the same.

Three friends, three lives intertwined, all heading toward the same destination: the hilltop temple, where revelations, struggles, and perhaps even new beginnings awaited them.

To be continued......