Chapter 12: Sagar’s First Mistake

Chapter 12: Sagar's First Mistake

As the days wore on, Sagar found himself increasingly absorbed by the temptations that the city offered. The initial thrill of urban life had given way to a more seductive allure—the chance to experience freedom in ways he had never imagined back in the village.

It was a bright Saturday morning when Sagar decided to skip school for the first time. Arjun had invited him to a party, promising it would be a "night to remember." The temptation to join, combined with the excitement of breaking away from his routine, proved too strong.

Sagar awoke with a sense of rebellious anticipation. He had been looking forward to the party all week, having convinced himself that a single day off from school wouldn't have any long-term consequences.

It's just one day, he thought as he dressed casually, choosing a stylish outfit that he had recently bought. Everyone deserves a break now and then. Besides, it'll be good to unwind and meet new people.

He had come up with a flimsy excuse for why he wouldn't be attending school. It was a lie he knew he'd have to maintain, but the excitement of the night ahead overshadowed his doubts.

As Sagar arrived at Arjun's apartment, he was greeted by the loud music and bustling crowd that had already begun to gather. The apartment was filled with an array of people, each one adding to the vibrant chaos of the party. Laughter and conversation mixed with the bass-heavy music, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.

"Hey, Sagar!" Arjun called out, spotting him through the crowd. "Glad you could make it! Let me show you around."

Arjun led Sagar through the throng of people, introducing him to various friends and acquaintances. The sheer volume of new faces and experiences was overwhelming, but Sagar felt a rush of exhilaration. He quickly found himself swept up in the energy of the evening.

As the night progressed, the party began to take on a more dangerous edge. The atmosphere shifted from casual fun to something more intense. Sagar noticed that some of the guests were indulging in substances he had only heard about in whispers back in the village.

Arjun, ever the charismatic host, seemed to be at the center of the action. He approached Sagar with a casual grin, holding out a small packet of something that Sagar recognized from the previous night.

"Want to try this?" Arjun asked, his voice low and inviting. "It's really good. Just a little bit to help you relax and enjoy the night."

Sagar hesitated, feeling the weight of his earlier resolve begin to waver. He had promised himself he wouldn't fall into these traps, but the pressure of fitting in and the lure of the forbidden were powerful.

"Come on, just try it," Arjun urged, noticing Sagar's hesitation. "It won't hurt. Everyone's doing it."

With a mix of curiosity and apprehension, Sagar accepted the packet and tried a small amount. The immediate effects were subtle but undeniable—an enhanced sense of euphoria and relaxation that was unlike anything he had ever experienced.

For a while, Sagar felt invincible. The worries of his schoolwork, his brother's concerns, and the pressures of city life seemed to melt away. He danced, laughed, and mingled with a sense of abandon he had never known before.

By the early hours of the morning, the party was winding down. Sagar stumbled back to his apartment, his head spinning, and his thoughts clouded. The once-clear lines of his moral compass had become blurred, and he was left with a gnawing sense of regret.

He arrived home in the early hours, barely able to walk straight. His mind was a jumble of conflicting emotions—guilt, excitement, and a deep sense of disillusionment. As he collapsed onto his bed, he tried to push away the nagging feeling that he had crossed a line.

What have I done? Sagar wondered, his thoughts muddled. I promised myself I wouldn't let this city change me, but here I am.

The following morning, Sagar awoke with a throbbing headache and a sense of dread. He had missed his classes, and he knew that Keshav would be worried. He tried to piece together the events of the previous night, but the memories were fragmented and hazy.

Sagar resolved to make amends and avoid further mistakes. He knew he needed to focus on his studies and responsibilities, but the allure of the city's temptations was difficult to resist.

He decided to avoid Arjun for a while, hoping that distancing himself from the influence of his new friend would help him regain his focus. Sagar was determined to correct his course, but he was unsure how to navigate the growing divide between his newfound desires and his original goals.

As he prepared for another day, Sagar's internal struggle became more apparent. He realized that his initial excitement about city life had led him down a path he hadn't anticipated. The thrill of freedom had quickly turned into a dangerous game of balancing enjoyment with responsibility.

I need to get back on track, Sagar thought, feeling a mix of determination and fear. I can't let this city change me. I came here with a purpose, and I have to stick to it.

The challenge ahead was daunting, and Sagar knew that he would need to confront his mistakes head-on. The journey of adapting to city life was proving to be more complex than he had anticipated, and the consequences of his choices were beginning to take their toll.

Sagar's resolve to regain control over his life was strong, but the road ahead was uncertain. The city was a place of endless possibilities, but it was also a landscape filled with pitfalls. As he faced the challenges of his new environment, he hoped to find a way to reconcile his desires with his responsibilities.

Keshav's unwavering commitment to their shared goals remained a source of inspiration for Sagar. He knew that he needed to live up to his brother's expectations and support their collective dream. The temptation of city life was powerful, but Sagar was determined to find his way back to the path he had set for himself.