📅 5th September – Devgarh High School & Nandanpur
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The Day Begins
"Happy Birthday, Raghu!"
Ishanvi's voice rang out as she placed a small ladoo in Raghav's hand at 5:15 a.m.
"Didi! It's Raghav, not Raghu," he grumbled, but his smile gave him away.
By 5:30, all eight were ready to leave for school. The four scooters roared to life.
Scooter 1: Ishanvi & Vivaan
Scooter 2: Abhay & Raghav
Scooter 3: Vaidehi & Aariv
Scooter 4: Vrinda & Meera
"Birthday boy, hold on tight!" Abhay teased, accelerating slightly.
Teacher's Day Festivities
The Devgarh High courtyard was a burst of color — marigold garlands, ribbons, and hand-drawn posters. A small stage had been set up with a banner: "Happy Teacher's Day – 5th September."
Ishanvi wore a pale yellow salwar with a neat braid, while Abhay was in a crisp white kurta. Simran spotted them as soon as they parked.
"Oho, matching today?" Simran said, wiggling her eyebrows.
Abhay immediately stuttered, "W-w-we… didn't plan this."
Ishanvi smiled, "Relax, Ripple. You look nice."
"F-Firefly, stop saying things like that," Abhay muttered, turning pink.
Simran giggled. "This is better than any stage drama."
Birthday Buzz
During the morning break, all eight — plus Simran — gathered under their usual neem tree. Vaidehi unwrapped a tiffin with ladoos.
"Specially made by Sunita aunty for Raghu," she announced.
"Vaidehi!" Raghav groaned. "You too?"
Meera giggled and shoved a ladoo in his mouth.
"Happy Birthday, Raghav bhaiyaa!"
Vivaan started singing "Happy Birthday" in the most off-key tone possible, joined by Aariv's terrible beatboxing, making everyone laugh. Even a few classmates passing by wished him.
The Teacher's Day Program
The stage events began late morning. Students dressed as teachers, mimicking their mannerisms while the real teachers laughed in the audience. Ishanvi and Abhay were given the task of presenting flowers to the principal.
"Smile, Ripple," Ishanvi whispered as they walked to the stage.
"I… I am smiling," he stammered.
Simran, from the audience, shouted, "Go, couple of the day!" which made both of them blush furiously.
Evening in Nandanpur
After school, they rode back home, dropping Simran at her house in Devgarh. By the time they reached Nandanpur, Sunita and Neha had prepared a simple but warm feast — kheer, pakoras, and parathas.
On the Sharma veranda, Raghav cut a small cake made by Vaidehi and Meera with Neha's help.
"Make a wish," Vivaan said dramatically.
Raghav closed his eyes. "I wish… for one day without being called Raghu."
"Not happening," Ishanvi laughed, ruffling his hair.
Firefly and Ripple Moment
Later, while others were lighting lanterns, Ishanvi and Abhay stood near the gate.
"Thanks for helping with everything today," she said softly.
"Anything for you, Firefly," Abhay replied, almost in a whisper.
She smiled. "You're sweet, Ripple."
"Don't say that," he stuttered, "or I'll forget how to breathe."
From inside, Raghav shouted, "Stop stealing my day, you two!"
Everyone burst out laughing again.