8 | Journey

The announcement of Satish Sir joining the trip hit the friends like an unexpected pop quiz.

Pure panic.

Rutuja, horrified: "NOOOOO. I CANNOT BE MY UNFILTERED SELF NOW."

Kunal, shaking his head: "Bro, imagine waking up late and seeing him at breakfast, staring at you with disappointment."

Hriday, sighing dramatically: "So much for a 'stress-free' trip."

Meanwhile, Sharayu was just trying to wrap her head around it.

Satish. On a trip. With them.

She wondered, Is everyone else freaking out as much as I am?

At the payment counter, each friend shuffled forward, clutching forms and mobiles, nerves jangling.

When it was Sharayu's turn, she handed in her form, paid, and started to turn eager to escapewhen a familiar voice, calm and deep, stopped her in her tracks.

"I hope you're not going to use this trip as an excuse to ignore your studies."

Sharayu froze. Seriously? Couldn't she just exist without an academic reminder for once?

She turned, caught up in the weird mix of embarrassment and confusion, and met Satish's steady gaze.

The others watched, silent, way too interested.

Sharayu blinked. "Sir, I...what?"

Satish raised an eyebrow, his usual unreadable face on. "Just a friendly reminder. Enjoy the trip, but don't forget your priorities."

Inside, Sharayu thought, I am on a college trip, not a board exam prep course, Sir.

But she just nodded and forced out a polite, "Of course, Sir."

He gave her a small nod and walked away, leaving her flustered, cheeks burning.

Instantly, the group pounced.

Arohi, smirking: "SIR, WHY ARE YOU TARGETING HER SPECIFICALLY?"

Hriday, grinning: "Bro, that was personal."

Gayatri, teasing: "Sharayu, what if he personally supervises you during the trip?"

Kunal, winking: "Imagine he just shows up at your hotel door-'Miss Sharayu, have you completed your pending assignments?'"

Sharayu groaned. "I hate you all." But inside, she couldn't help replaying Satish's words. There was something... different about the way he said it.

Now, the big Masoorie trip was finally here. The college buzzed; kids zipped their bags, checked their lists, and fussed over details. In every chat group, it was the same question:

"What are you packing?"

Rutuja: "Guys, how many sweaters should I carry? Two? Three? I don't want to freeze."

Gayatri: "Bruh, we're going for five days, not a winter survival camp. Two is enough."

Hriday: "Why are y'all stressing? Just wear three layers at once, problem solved."

Arohi: "Did you even pack, Hriday?"

Hriday: "...I will. Eventually."

Sharayu sat on her bed, surrounded by an avalanche of clothes, socks, jackets. Her suitcase gaped, half-full, half-empty, entirely chaotic.

Her mom peeked in, surveying the disaster.

"Going for a week or shifting there permanently?"

"Aai, I need options! What if it's too cold? What if it's not cold? What if-"

"Take warm clothes and your brain, that's enough."

"...Fair point."

One hour and ten existential crises later, Sharayu finally zipped up the suitcase (barely). She flopped onto her bed, victorious just as her phone buzzed.

Kunal: "Guys, I just realized something terrifying."

Arohi: "What now?"

Kunal: "SATISH SIR WILL BE IN THE SAME TRAIN AS US."

Sharayu stared at the message, feeling the existential dread settle in. Great. Just great.

Next morning

Chaos at the railway station. Stuffed bags, frazzled parents who acted like their teenagers were being shipped off to battle.

Rutuja hugged her mom.

"Bye, don't miss me too much!"

Her mom shot back, deadly serious.

"Don't embarrass yourself, that's all I ask."

Hriday's dad clapped a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't do anything stupid."

Hriday just grinned, "No promises."

Sharayu's elder brother, Chaitanya had come to see her off for the trip to Masoorie. He showed up at the station just as she was checking her luggage, scanning the busy crowd for her face. Amidst all the hustle students shouting, parents fussing he spotted her, walked over, and gave her a quick, affectionate hug. He looked over her over-packed suitcase, chuckled, and ruffled her hair, teasing,

"You really need all of this for five days?"

Sharayu rolled her eyes. "Dada, it's cold there and I don't want to freeze!"

He grinned, handing her a small packet of homemade snacks. "Fine, but don't lose this. And call if you need anything, OK?"

She nodded, quietly grateful for his protective warmth.

"Have fun! And don't let anyone mess with you." Sharayu waved, feeling braver knowing her brother was rooting for her.

Sharayu, weaving through the crowd, caught sight of Satish Sir at the entrance: black hoodie, hands casually in pockets.

For someone who would be stuck with a hundred hyper students, he looked way too calm.

As she passed, their eyes met just for a second.

Satish: "Hope you packed wisely."

Sharayu, caught off guard, stammered, "...I did."

He smirked. "Good. No extra luggage to carry for you then."

She barely processed it before he turned away.

Kunal, whispering: "HE DID NOT JUST SAY THAT."

Arohi, gasping: "Flirt alert?"

Sharayu groaned. GUYS, PLEASE.

Inside the train, the real madness began: seats were snatched, luggage shoved, Bollywood music blasting, territorial fights over windows.

By a twist of fate (or cruel joke), Sharayu's group landed in the same coach as Satish Sir.

Just when they thought freedom was possible he walked in, calm, barely glancing their way, and took a seat nearby.

Rutuja, whispering: "We are not safe."

Gayatri, whispering back: "Be careful what you say. He has ears everywhere."

But Hriday was fearless.

Hriday: "Sir, have you ever gone on a college trip before?"

Satish leaned back a little. "As a student, or as a professor?"

Hriday, smirking: "Both."

Satish thought for a moment. "As a student? Yes. As a professor? First time. Let's see how you all behave."

Sharayu, mumbling: "We're doomed."

With a whistle and a roar, the journey to Masoorie finally began.

The train rattled through the night, snacks started circulating, debates over window seats reached fever pitch.

Hriday, dramatically: "I called dibs first!"

Kunal, smirking: "You called it in your head. I called it out loud. Who wins?"

Arohi, rolling her eyes: "Both of you, move. I'm taking it." She claimed the window, triumphant.

Satish sat reading a novel not some dry financial text, but actual fiction while chaos erupted all around him.

Sharayu, whispering: "How is he so calm? It's like he's in an entirely different train."

Gayatri, nodding: "Meanwhile, look at us. One fight away from a reality show."

Just then, his phone rang his voice crisp, composed, half-lost in the clamor.

Satish: "...Yes, I'll handle it. Don't worry. The students are... lively."

Rutuja: "Did he just call us 'lively' instead of 'loud'?"

Hriday: "The man is diplomatic."

Sharayu watched the book in his hands, a little fascinated.

Sharayu, leaning toward Gayatri: "He reads novels?"

Gayatri: "Why? You thought he just reads financial reports for fun?"

Arohi: "Maybe he does. He seems like the type."

Sharayu mulled it over, filing that detail away.

One hour in, hunger set in.

Hriday whipped out his magic tiffin box.

Hriday, proudly: "Behold, the magic box of food."

Kunal: "Did you pack for the whole train?"

Hriday: "Just us. But if we sell it at black-market rates, we'll be rich."

Everyone pounced, sandwiches, pakoras, chips gone in minutes.

Satish's gaze drifted their way, lingered a beat too long, then returned to his book.

But just when they thought they were safe

Satish, without looking up: "Make sure you don't leave a mess."

Stunned silence.

Kunal, whispering: "HOW DID HE KNOW?"

Arohi, horrified: "Does he have cameras?"

Rutuja, whispering: "Or worse professor instincts."

Sharayu: "Either way, we're doomed."

The train screeched to a halt a technical snag had them stranded for an hour.

Professors conferred up front; students spun straight into chaos.

Gayatri: "Okay, Truth or Dare time."

Arohi: "This is how all good stories begin."

The group crowded together, eyes gleaming.

Rutuja: "Now, who's first?"

Hriday: "Truth or Dare is sacred, people."

They huddled, buzzed, oh-so-ready to embarrass each other. The game began.

Arohi pointed at Kunal. "Truth or Dare?"

Kunal, dramatically: "Truth. I am a man of honesty."

Hriday, grinning: "Alright then, tell us have you ever had a crush on any of our professors?"

Gasps ricocheted through the group as they all side-eyed Satish, who happened to be nearby.

Kunal gulped. No escape; only honesty.

Kunal, shrugging: "I mean... Nikita ma'am is kinda pretty."

Laughter exploded, but Satish answered, deadpan:

Satish, calmly: "I'll be sure to pass on your admiration to her."

Stunned silence. Kunal blanched; everyone turned in slow motion, horror-movie style.

There was Satish, arms folded, a faint smirk.

Sharayu, whispering: "We're so dead."

Gayatri: "It was nice knowing you all."

Satish was entertained.

Satish, raising an eyebrow: "What else are we discussing in this very sacred game?"

Everyone signaled to abort it was Hriday who went bold.

Hriday: "Sir, since you're here, why don't you play one round?"

Shock. Audacity. Fear.

Sharayu, to Hriday: "Do you have a death wish?"

Satish actually considered it.

He stepped closer, hands in pockets, looking at them with an unreadable expression.

He said, "Fine. One round."

Arohi, blinking: "Wait... WHAT?!"

Kunal: "Sir, we were joking"

Satish, shrugging: "I'm not."

Pin-drop silence. Hriday rallied.

Hriday: "Alright then, Sir. Truth or Dare?"

Satish tilted his head. "Truth."

The group huddled, frantic. What could they ask without getting on the blacklist? Rutuja whispered, "Keep it safe." Arohi, "But not boring." Finally, Sharayu had an idea.

She asked, innocent but sly,

"Sir, in your entire teaching career, have you ever had a student you found... interesting?"

Gasps. Shocked looks. Satish's expression shifted.

He paused. Measured them all. And answered,

Satish, meeting Sharayu's gaze: "Yes."

Sharayu's heartbeat took a nosedive. The group stared from Satish, to Sharayu, and back.

Arohi, whispering: "Did we just witness history?"

Gayatri, internally: "Did we just see FLIRTING?!"

Kunal, blinking: "Okay, um. Next question?"

Satish checked his watch, mouth twitching in a smirk.

Satish: "Sorry, that was my one round. I'll leave you to your 'sacred' game now."

He walked away, leaving behind a group of totally wrecked students.

The minute he cleared out-

Rutuja: "Sharayu. WHAT. WAS. THAT?!"

Hriday, laughing: "She played well. REALLY well."

Sharayu blinked, overwhelmed. "I wasn't expecting that answer."

Gayatri clutched Rutuja's arm. Hriday wiped imaginary sweat. Kunal looked like a stray bullet had hit him. Sharayu just sat there, frozen, replaying the moment.

Rutuja, whispering: "DID HE JUST-DID HE JUST SAY YES?"

Hriday: "Oh, he did. And he looked straight at you."

Arohi, shaking Sharayu: "What kind of slow-burn movie are you living in?! And why are we the side characters?!"

Sharayu: "Okay, okay, shut up! It was just a question!"

Kunal: "Yeah, but that answer was NOT just an answer."

The group exploded into giggles. Gayatri clapped-"Alright! Focus, people! The game isn't over!"

Hriday: "Oh, you still wanna play? After witnessing THAT?"

Gayatri, smirking: "Especially after witnessing THAT."

Arohi spun the bottle, drama queen mode-"Alright, next victim-"

It landed on Rutuja.

Hriday: "Truth or Dare?"

Rutuja: "Truth, obviously. I'm not in the mood for humiliation today."

Hriday: "Alright, Miss Rutuja... Who in this group would you LEAST want to be stuck on a deserted island with?"

Gasps.

Sharayu: "Oh no. Friendships will be broken today."

Rutuja: "Okay, okay. If I HAD to choose... it would be Kunal."

Kunal, offended: "EXCUSE ME?!"

Rutuja: "Listen, I love you, but you panic too much! We'd be dead in two days!"

Laughter erupted, Kunal fake-cried.

Next: Vrushal.

Arohi, gleeful: "Truth or Dare?"

Vrushal: "Dare."

Gayatri: "We've been waiting for this one."

Whispered plotting, evil smirks.

Hriday: "We dare you to go outside, find Satish sir, and say, 'Sir, your beard looks really soft. May I touch it?'"

Vrushal: "You want me to WHAT?!"

Arohi: "You heard us. Be brave."

Chants of 'DO IT! DO IT!'

Vrushal stood, dramatic as ever. "If I die, I die with honor."

He left. Everyone stared at the door, breathless.

When Vrushal returned, he looked shaken.

Sharayu, impatiently: "WELL?!"

Vrushal: "Guys... I actually did it."

They shrieked.

Kunal: "WHAT DID HE SAY?!"

Vrushal: "He paused. Looked at me like I was insane. Then just smirked and said, 'You may not.'"

Cackling, Gayatri wiped away tears. Vrushal, still traumatized, swore he'd lost a piece of his soul.

Suddenly the train stopped again.

A professor's voice came on, "Quick 30-minute break-snacks and stretching. Be back on time!"

They exchanged grins.

Sharayu, smirking: "Shall we continue this madness after chai?"

Hriday: "Absolutely. This chaos must continue."

The train rumbled through the night, cool wind sweeping through open windows, yellow lights soft and glowing. Inside, Sharayu's group circled up tighter-the infamous Truth and Dare game raging on.

Hriday spun the bottle so hard, it nearly fell off their makeshift table (a battered suitcase).

It slowed, slowed, slowed, and landed-on Sharayu.

Everyone: "OOOOOOHHHH!"

Hriday: "Truth or Dare, madam?"

Sharayu, smirking: "Dare."

Arohi, clutching her heart: "She's bold. She's fearless. She has no idea what's coming."

Lots of plotting, then wicked grins.

Gayatri, rubbing her hands: "Your dare... go to Satish Sir and ask him what his ideal type of girl is."

Silence. Sharayu's soul left her body.

Kunal, howling: "Oh, this just got INTERESTING."

Sharayu: "You ALL will pay for this."

Hriday: "Yeah, yeah, but first GO."

Pulse racing, brain short-circuiting, Sharayu forced her legs to move toward the professors' section. Please don't let Satish be there. Of course, he was.

Satish Singh Rajvanshi. Sitting alone, sipping tea. Casual. Composed. Intimidating as heck.

She steeled herself and spoke.

Satish looked up, blue eyes scanning her. "Yes?"

Sharayu, awkward: "Uh, Sir... Can I ask you something?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Go ahead."

No turning back.

Sharayu, blurting: "What's your ideal type of girl?"

Silence.

Satish looked at her, then leaned back smirk in place.

Satish, amused: "Should I be concerned about why you're asking?"

Sharayu panicked. "No! No, it's just-just for research purposes. I mean-NOT like that-I mean-"

Satish, watching her unravel: "Relax, Miss Sharayu."

She shut up.

He tilted his head, thinking for a second.

Satish: "My ideal type? Hmm... Someone sharp. Witty. Knows how to argue but also when to listen. Someone who doesn't just blindly follow orders but questions things. A little chaotic but still responsible."

He sipped his coffee and looked at her with a teasing edge.

Satish: "That answer your question?"

Sharayu could barely breathe, heart doing gymnastics.

She uttered, "Yeah... totally," and fled back to her group.

Immediately they jumped.

Hriday, shaking her: "WHAT DID HE SAY?!"

Sharayu, dazed: "I-I don't know what just happened."

Gayatri: "OH, YOU KNOW. SPILL."

She recounted every word, and by the end, the group was a mess-laughing, screaming, fake fainting.

Kunal: "Are we sure he wasn't describing YOU?!"

Arohi: "CHAOTIC BUT RESPONSIBLE?! THAT IS LITERALLY YOU!"

Rutuja: "Girl, that was basically a confession!"

Sharayu buried her face. "This is a nightmare."

Hriday: "Rom-com, actually."

The game kept rolling-stakes higher, dares crazier, secrets flying.

The night grew colder, but inside that train compartment the energy buzzed.

Next up: Hriday.

Kunal, rubbing his hands: "Truth or dare, my friend?"

Hriday, leaning in: "Dare."

Arohi: "You have chosen VIOLENCE."

Plotting ensued and then Gayatri's eyes sparkled.

Gayatri: "Sing a song you would dedicate to your partner."

Hriday, for once, hesitated-then, surprisingly, didn't protest. He took a deep breath, gathered himself, and started singing:

Tu hi ye mujhko batade chahun mein ya na

Apne roh dil ka pata de chahun mein ya na

Aisi Kabhi Pehle Hui Naa Thi Khwaahishein

O.. Kisi Se Bhi Milne Ki Naa Ki Thi Koshishein

Uljhan Meri Suljha De

His voice was rich, intense-every note pulled at the air around them.

Slowly, more students gathered, drawn in by the moment; even a couple of professors watched from a distance.

For a split second, Hriday's eyes flickered toward Sharayu-small, but someone noticed.

Satish.

He'd paused by the doorway, something inside him something he couldn't name tightening as he caught Hriday's look.

He didn't like it. Not one bit.

Hriday finished, and the crowd cheered, whistled, someone even filmed it.

Arohi, wiping a fake tear: "This was better than any romantic movie."

Kunal, teasing: "Bro, was that song meant for someone specific?"

Hriday just smirked and shrugged. "Music is for everyone, my friend."

Sharayu rolled her eyes, smiling in spite of herself. "Okay, Arijit Singh. Sit down before someone throws flowers at you."

The teasing resumed, energy high-but Satish walked away, unsettled and annoyed by feelings he hadn't expected. Why did it matter who Hriday looked at? Why was it bothering him at all?

For the rest of the night, Satish couldn't shake that uneasy twist in his chest.

And the chaos just kept rolling forward.