Stain on the Earth book Two of the MIT2 Series

It was 11:59 at night, and the moment the clock turned 12, Rahul's cell phone started ringing. He picked up the phone, and it was his girlfriend, Preeti, wishing him a happy birthday with excitement. The calls kept coming on Rahul's cell phone, and he was happy to have friends who thought of him.

After the moment of well-wishing and gratitude, Rahul finally went to bed. The next morning, when he woke up, his elder brother and parents were in his bedroom. As soon as he opened his eyes, his father exclaimed, "Congratulations, young boy! You have turned 22." His mother added, "Rahul, my baby, it feels like yesterday when you were born, and today we are celebrating your twenty-second birthday." Rahul's brother chimed in, saying, "Congrats, champ," and Rahul replied, "Thank you, Mom and Dad."

Rahul's brother then offered his car for Rahul to use and enjoy on his way to college. Rahul expressed his gratitude, and his mother mentioned that she would be preparing dinner, inviting his friends to join. She reminded him not to forget to call Preeti. Rahul responded, "What, Mom? Not now." His mother retorted, "What, Mom? I am your mom, and I have every right to be involved in your life." After this exchange, everyone went about their day, and Rahul took his brother's car and headed to college.

Excited to meet his friends and Preeti, Rahul first visited Preeti's house. She greeted him, saying, "Hey, birthday boy, how are you?" Rahul replied, "I'm good, just be quick." Preeti agreed and asked for a moment to grab her bag. They both then left for college.

Upon reaching the college, Rahul parked the car, and Aman stood next to it. When Rahul stepped out of the car, Aman covered his eyes with his hands. Perplexed, Rahul asked Preeti, "What are you doing?" Preeti stood beside Aman and replied, "Just come with me." Aman and Preeti led Rahul to the canteen, where classmates and friends had gathered. When Aman removed his hands, party poppers went off, and everyone lifted Rahul in the air, giving him birthday bumps. Rahul jokingly pleaded, "Now put me down." Aman responded, "Not yet. We're going to cut the cake."

The cake-cutting turned into a cake fight, with boys and girls smearing cake on each other's faces, hands, and bodies. The commotion caught the attention of a janitor and a teacher, who scolded them and ordered them to leave the canteen immediately. All the kids rushed to the washroom to clean up. Cashew then asked Rahul, "Bro, where's the party?" Preeti interjected, saying, "Not tonight. Your mother had called me to your home." Rahul was surprised and asked, "What? When did that happen?" Preeti replied, "You don't know; your mother and I sometimes talk." Turning to Aman, Rahul inquired, "How many of us are there?" Aman answered, "Around fifteen." Rahul suggested, "Then let's go to Hangout bar and have some fun there." Aman agreed, and they made their way to the bar. Aman counted the cars, ensuring they had enough for everyone. Rahul confirmed that he had also brought his car. With no problems, they proceeded to the bar.

After enjoying themselves, everyone returned home. Rahul dropped off a few friends and was driving back home with Preeti. Aman called Rahul on his cell phone to thank him for the party, expressing his love. Rahul replied, "I know you love me, but you're drunk. We'll talk tomorrow." Aman tried to say something, but Rahul hung up. After the call, Rahul and Preeti were alone in the car and shared a romantic moment. Rahul held Preeti's hand and expressed, "You are the best thing that God has done for me." Preeti responded, "You're bringing down the mood. Let's hurry; we need to get home fast, and then you have to drop me off at my house." Rahul replied, "At your service, ma'am," and accelerated the car. They soon arrived at Rahul's home.

Rahul's mother, Arti, had made all the arrangements for dinner, and his brother, Samarth, and father, Vinod, were planning a surprise. However, since Rahul came home early, the surprise was no longer a secret. Rahul rang the doorbell, and Samarth opened the door, saying, "What? Can't you be late just one day?" Rahul retorted, "Late? You should have prepared it earlier." Preeti arrived, and Samarth exclaimed, "Wow, Preeti, what a surprise to see you here.

Arti came over and shushed him, saying, "Do not talk to her like that. She is my daughter. Come, Preeti, let's keep ourselves busy in the kitchen." Rahul responded, "You needed someone to talk to, so you called her to come." Arti replied, "Just go and talk to your dad." Rahul said, "I'm going to my room to freshen up. Be quick, as she has to go home early, and we have a test tomorrow."