Vikram continued moving around the ballroom, shaking hands and telling everyone about his company’s expansion. He spoke proudly about his new offices, impressive contracts, and plans to become one of India’s leading educational technology providers. Shreya stood beside him, smiling politely while occasionally placing a hand on her pregnant belly. Whenever someone mentioned my name, Vikram found a way to make a joke about my supposedly ordinary life.

I stayed near Tanvi, who had finally arrived after greeting several classmates. She looked at me, smiled knowingly, and whispered, “Don’t worry, Kavya. Tonight isn’t finished yet.” Before I could ask what she meant, the event organizer stepped onto the stage and announced that the reunion would include a special recognition ceremony honoring former students who had made remarkable contributions to education.