Rise Again!

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months and 2025 ended and with a new year, new life with 2026.

The first day of the year, Ishan woke up early as usual, went to get ready and took 30 minutes and get out of the home with his phone.

Ivan was still sleeping with revolution to start sleeping everyday late. Whereas, actually everyone was sleeping, Jiyu, Era, Eiro, Aid, Cyet, Elisa, Sara and everyone.

"Um... A new year, huh? It's gonna be more fun this year. But... I guess everyone would be sleeping, so... What should I do?"

And Ishan continued his walk with saying happy new year whoever was passing through him.

Ishan passed through his school and started stepping towards the park.

Ishan came to the park and everywhere, there was silence and Ishan himself. He sat on a bench and took out his phone. And suddenly a text arrived to Ishan.

> Happy New Year

It was Mahi and Ishan was confused, because it has been a long time since they talked, they last time talked when Ishan was in her country and talked offline.

> Happy New Year to you as well. I hope you can achieve everything which you want.

> Why are you acting like a parent of mine? Haha.

> ... Anyways, it has been a long time since we talked--

> You might be thinking that after months I am talking with you like I forget you. It's not like that, I was just doing on what we promised.

> You mean... Talking was included in it?

> Yes, anyways, I am surprised that you picked up the text soon, I guess you woke up early.

> Yes, everyone is sleeping and I am at a park.

> Oh, anyways, wanna have a match?

> ... Let's go--

"Is she Mahi?"

Ishan scarily got afraid that who just came and it was Sara.

"Huff, you seriously gave me a shock. Anyways, yes, this is Mahi. Will you like to play chess with her?" Asked Ishan and Sara sat on the bench next to Ishan.

And suddenly Sara recalled that she has to have match with Mahi which they promised!

"Yes!!! I actually forget that we have to have a match!!!" Said shocked Sara.

> Sara is with me, will you like to play chess with her?

> Sara is there?! Then definitely yes!

"She is in." Said Ishan and gave the phone to Sara. Mahi sent a link to the match and the game started. Mahi also opened her audio to talk with Sara.

Ishan with being bored moved towards the basketball small court of the park.

"They all said that they will come. But no one of them is here except me and Sara." Said upset Ishan from others.

"How... How good you are?! You defeated me 7 times out of 10!" Said shocked Sara.

"You can also play well. Just play regularly and you'll learn more." Said Mahi.

"By the way... How are you doing?" Asked Sara.

"Well, pretty good. I don't have any friend in school nor in neighbourhood but... Life is going great with chess and promises that I made with Ishan. Senior Ruhi also plays with me regularly. How about you?"

"Same here. Although... There is something running in my head..."

"What?! Well, for that I shouldn't shout. But... That's a good chance to get Ishan." Said creepy Mahi.

"Haha, let's not play with him." Said Sara with becoming serious.

"Yes, yes. He can't be of mine but at least will stay in my heart. Anyways, I am leaving. Let's meet in another game." Said Mahi and the call ended.

"It will be hard but it will be just for a few years." Said Sara with a little bit of upset face but then her smile came back with riding her head and moving towards Ishan to play with him.

And Ishan and Sara started playing basketball.

After 30 minutes, Ishan and Sara were totally tired and sitting on the bench and relaxing.

Suddenly Yu, Jiyu, Era, Eiro, Aid, Cyet, and Elisa, Ruhi, Noah and Ivan arrived running.

Ivan suddenly took Ishan's collar and said, "Why didn't you wake me up?!!!"

Ishan with everyone was having a plan to unite at the park and have some talking and games and start the year with enjoyment.

"Big brother, Ishan is too much aggressive on holding his collar, so..." Said Cyet with warning.

Ivan looked towards Ishan and he was actually looking angry. Ivan suddenly left Ishan and pat on Ishan's shoulder and said sweetly, "Ishan, why didn't you wake me up?"

And everyone was shocked by Ivan's behaviour and suddenly started laughing loudly.

Elisa, Sara, Yu and Ruhi gathered seperately, Ishan, Jiyu, Era, Eiro, Aid, and Cyet seprate and Ivan and Noah seperate and started discussing and talking about each other's goals and all that.

But Ivan and Noah's plan of the year was already planned from months and they both give a hi-fi and said, "Let's make it."

"This time, I am also coming in chess. So that's my only plan of this year." Said Sara.

Elisa thought for a while about her own plan and said, "... This year college will be completed so... I will be going in music! I am really interested in making beats and phonks."

Whereas, Ishan and his team's plan was already fixed.

"Let's... Make it to championships final!!!" Everyone clapped together with their palms!

And then everyone started playing games like hide and seek, chess, hopscotch, see saw, swing and slide remembering their childhood memories fresh.

At adults, Elisa was enjoying the most because she has saw Cyet playing these games once but when her childhood memories started coming back, she started becoming more like a kid and enjoying with others.

After playing for two hours, everyone started going to their home.

At last, Ishan and Ivan became alone and suddenly two messages came to Ishan's phone at same time.

First one was of Mahi saying,

> ... I love you. Just wanted to say, it is like a eternal bliss for me.

And Ishan's face turned to red and he was freezed with blushing.

And the second message was from Sara,

> Just forget to say... I love you, Ishan, the purest soul I have ever met.

And Ishan started beating his head to a poll saying, "What do I do?" With total red face.