A New Day of Diwali – Light After Darkness
Dibrugarh – The Aftermath of Battle
The sun rose over Dibrugarh, casting golden light over the city. The streets, once filled with chaos and battle, were now returning to life. The scars of the fight remained, but today—today was different.
Diwali.
The festival of lights. The festival of hope. The festival of new beginnings.
Mri stood on the rooftop, watching the city below. His mind was still processing everything—Zero's last words, the fight, and the memories that resurfaced.
But today…
> Today, he would let go of the past, even if just for a while.
---
Down in the streets, the city was alive again.
Children ran around with sparklers, their laughter echoing through the air. Shops were decorated with glowing lanterns, colorful rangolis covered the ground, and the scent of sweets filled the atmosphere.
At Mri's house, everyone had gathered—Kai, Ishu, Kelly, Aamon, Konica, Dipankar, Adonish, Tanuja, Zaolot, Priyanka, and Jasmine.
The mood was lively, a stark contrast to the battlefield they had been on just a day ago.
Mri stepped inside, and immediately—
> "OI, FINALLY YOU'RE HERE!" Kai shouted, tossing a ladoo at him.
Mri barely dodged it.
> "You almost hit my eye, dumbass!"
Kai smirked. "That's the spirit! Stop looking so serious, it's Diwali!"
Ishu grinned. "Let's eat first! The sweets won't last long with Kai around."
> "EXCUSE ME—"
Everyone burst into laughter.
For the first time in a long time, they felt at peace.
---
Fireworks & Conversations
As night fell, the city turned into a glowing masterpiece.
Thousands of lamps flickered, fireworks exploded in the sky, and the air smelled of fresh sweets and celebrations.
Mri stood beside Jasmine, watching the fireworks.
She glanced at him. "You're quiet today."
Mri smiled faintly. "Just… thinking."
Jasmine nudged him. "Don't think too much. Just enjoy the moment."
He chuckled. "You're right."
Nearby, Aamon was staring at the sky.
> "You okay?" Kelly asked, standing next to him.
Aamon nodded slowly. "Yeah… I just forgot what peace felt like."
Kelly smiled. "Then let's make this Diwali one to remember."
> "Yeah."
---
A Toast to the Future
Everyone gathered on the rooftop, a small bonfire burning in the center.
Konica raised a glass. "To the ones we've lost."
Aamon followed. "To the battles we've won."
Jasmine smiled at Mri. "And to the future we'll create."
They all clinked their glasses together.
Mri exhaled, looking up at the sky.
> The past was painful, but the future… it was still theirs to shape.
For now, they would celebrate.
For now, they would be free.