The afternoon sun filtered softly through the classroom windows.
Ashlain sat near the last row, quietly turning the pages of a philosophy book. His eyes moved slowly, as if each word carried a hidden meaning waiting to be understood.
"Ashlain!"
Meera's voice broke his silence. She stood near his desk, smiling, her energy filling the dull classroom.
"Did you forget? We have a cricket match with the senior class today!"
Ashlain blinked, then smiled faintly.
"Ah, right. Thanks, Meera. I actually did forget."
"Come on then! Aarav's already waiting at the ground."
The two hurried through the corridor, the sound of their footsteps echoing against the walls. When they reached the field, Aarav waved his hand.
"You're late, Ashlain. The match is about to start!"
Their team batted first. Aarav and Neil opened, hitting clean strokes across the grass. Cheers filled the ground. When Neil was finally out, Ashlain took his place, calm but focused.
By the end, their team had scored 150 runs — and though the seniors fought hard, they stopped at 140.
Victory was theirs.
As twilight settled, everyone went home, laughter fading with the evening wind.
Later that night, Meera called.
"Hey, want to go watch the fireworks?"
"Sure," Ashlain replied. "Let's meet at seven."
When they reached the open field, the sky was a canvas of stars.
"The weather's perfect," Meera said softly. "The stars look like pearls scattered across the night, and the moon… it's like the sky is wearing a crown."
Meera turned toward him, smiling softly.
"Can I ask you something?"
Ashlain's eyes stayed on the stars. "Sure."
"What's your dream?" she asked, her curiosity shining.
Ashlain hesitated, as if the question itself had caught him off guard. "I… haven't decided yet," he admitted.
Meera tilted her head, a playful smile on her face. "Time's flying. You should decide soon."
Ashlain's lips curved into a light smile. "Don't worry. I'll decide when the time is right."
She nudged him gently. "You always say things like that, and I feel like you already know more than you admit."
"I only know what I notice," Ashlain said quietly, glancing at her. "And right now… this moment is enough."
The first firework exploded, painting the sky with a burst of red and gold. Reflections shimmered in Ashlain's calm eyes. The light flickered over Meera's excited face. For a brief instant, the world and his thoughts were still, beautifully aligned.
And though he didn't say it aloud, a quiet feeling stirred deep within him — something waiting, something important, something that would change everything one day.
The fireworks continued, cascading in colors, as if the night itself celebrated possibilities yet to come.