"What if you find the answers you've been searching for, not at the destination, but in the person sitting across from you on the train?" ~ Unknown
A year later, since they met again, another reunion was arranged. This time it was arranged by all the classmates. They met at someone's house. It was big and comfortable.
"So you know he went on to become a journalist. Who would have thought he'd turn out to be so talented? Apparently, he is quite well known in the reporting and journalism industry."
"Yeah. He has also become really handsome. He didn't look like this in school life."
His friends gossiped about one of their classmates. He just listened and didn't say anything. As they were sitting at the table, two of their classmates came to meet them.
After the basic greetings, they sat down and talked. One of his classmates asked him.
"Michael, belated congratulations on topping the university in accounts. I was surprised when I first heard that. You were not good at studies back then," Trinity asked, who was currently attempting the CPA entrance exam.
"Yeah. How come you didn't try becoming a CPA or CFA? Since you have such a good grasp of accounts?" Another one who had already passed the entrance exam asked.
"I didn't like maths, and the entrance exam was filled with it. I like working more, and it's thanks to that I topped the university. It helped me grasp the concepts way much better."
Sometimes, Michael appeared humble, yet at times, he was like a king who didn't need followers to show his worth. He was admirable and was loyal to his beliefs.
A while later, Selina arrived with her friends, Sophia and Avery. Sandy didn't come.
They all sat down at the table, and dinner was served. This time, there weren't any alcoholic drinks. There was only soda and fruit juices. Many people don't drink alcohol in their country. It's not common.
They coincidentally sat in front of each other. When their eyes met, they politely greeted each other. Everyone talked and ate while having fun. They played a few games like Truth or Dare, Never Have I Ever, etc.
They all talked about missing out on their class trip. It got delayed because of exams. Their exams ended, and COVID-19 happened.
As they were talking, Selina suggested they could plan something now. The whole dinner went by discussing where to go.
A few months passed by just like that.
On one ordinary day, Selina texted him on Instagram. They had added each other after a few encounters, but they would rarely talk and just like each other's stories and posts.
Michael didn't expect to receive her message.
[Selina: Hi. I've planned a trip for our class. Half of the class has confirmed that they are coming. Will you come too?]
[Michael: I see. Can I know about the itinerary first? Just to see if I'll be free.]
[Selina: Yeah. We will go during the summer holidays. A Four-day, five-night trip. We will travel by train for fun. We will go to the biggest amusement park in our country, as well as a snow park. Everyone will be paying for their own stuff.]
[Michael: Okay. I'll come then. Let me know if I can help you.]
[Selina: Yeah. Bye.]
[Michael: Bye.]
Michael called his friends to ask if they were coming or not.
Asper said she was already going on a trip with her family, so she couldn't come. Meanwhile, Rory said he'd probably be there.
A month later, the summer holidays arrived. He took leave from work, and they all gathered at the train station an hour early. Only half of their class came. Rory bailed out on him and said that he had some personal issues because of which he couldn't come.