Chapter 5 — Permission Slips and Promises
Students rush to convince their parents while excitement for the trip begins to take over their lives.
Sid pushed the front door open and stepped inside.
The house smelled faintly of tadaka given by his mom and fried potatoes. His mother stood in the kitchen stirring something in a steel pan while the pressure cooker hissed softly beside her.
“Mom,” Sid said, dropping his bag near the sofa. “I need you to sign something.”
She didn’t even turn around.
“What is it?”
Sid pulled a folded paper from his bag and walked toward the kitchen counter.
“It’s the permission letter for the college trip.”
Now she looked at him.
“Oh.”
She wiped her hands on her apron and glanced briefly at the form.
“Let your father come first.”
Sid groaned.
“Mom, if Dad sees this first he’ll say no.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“He might.”
“That’s exactly my point!”
Sid leaned forward on the counter.
“Everyone is going. If I’m the only one who can’t go it will be so embarrassing.”
His mother shook her head lightly.
“You worry too much.”
“But—”
“I said wait for your father,” she replied calmly. “I’ll talk to him.”
Sid sighed and slumped into the dining chair.
“What if he refuses?”
“He won’t.”
“How are you so sure?”
She smiled faintly.
“Because I know him better than you do.”
The television played softly in the background as Amit sat cross-legged on the floor, a cup of chai in one hand and his favorite biscuits in the other.
Some random web series episode ran on screen, but he wasn’t fully paying attention. He dipped the biscuit into the chai carefully, watching it soak just enough before taking a bite.
“Perfect,” he muttered to himself.
A few crumbs fell onto his shirt. He brushed them off without concern and finished the last sip of his tea.
After placing the empty cup in the sink, he stretched lazily—
Just as the front door opened.
His father stepped inside, wiping sweat from his forehead, the faint smell of fuel and dust following him in.
“Amit!” he called out.
“Coming!”
Amit walked out quickly.
“You’re back early today,” he said, pulling a chair slightly forward for him. “Sit. Want water?”
His father nodded.
Amit grabbed a steel glass, filled it, and handed it to him.
His father drank half of it in one go and let out a tired breath.
“Long day,” he muttered.
Amit leaned casually against the table.
“Hmm… sounds like the right time for some good news.”
His father narrowed his eyes.
“That sounds suspicious already.”
Amit grinned and pulled out the folded paper.
“Relax. Don't worry”
He handed over the permission form.
“College trip.”
His father unfolded it slowly, adjusting his glasses as he read.
“Seven days…” he murmured.
“Forest resort.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“Jungle?”
Amit shrugged.
"small one”
His father nodded thoughtfully while reading further.
“Will there be snakes?”
“Probably.”
"Don't eat them”
Amit laughed.
“So… that’s a yes?”
His father placed the paper down for a moment.
“When is it?”
“Next week.”
“And your studies?”
“Still exist.”
“And your marks?”
“Also exist.”
His father stared at him for a second.
Then smiled.
“You should go.”
Amit blinked.
“That was easy.”
“What did you expect?”
“A dramatic speech about responsibility.”
“I give those on Sundays.”
Amit laughed.
His father picked up the pen and signed the form.
“Go enjoy yourself.”
Amit grabbed it immediately.
“Thanks, Dad.”
His father leaned back in the chair.
“Bring pictures.”
“Of what?”
“The jungle.”
“And if a tiger eats me?”
His father burst out laughing.
“Then I save money on your college fees.”
“Wow. Very supportive.”
“Always.”
The front door finally opened.
Sid’s father stepped inside, loosening his tie as he walked toward the dining table.
“You’re home early,” Sid said.
Sid pushed the paper toward him.
“Dad… there’s a college trip next week.”
His father picked up the paper and adjusted his glasses.
“Forest resort?”
Sid nodded.
“Seven days?”
“Yes.”
His father leaned back in his chair.
“No.”
Sid blinked.
“What?”
“You need to focus on studying,” his father said calmly. “Your marks aren’t improving.”
Sid clenched his jaw.
“It’s just one trip.”
“That’s what people say before every distraction.”
Before the argument could grow, Sid’s mother walked over and placed another plate on the table.
“Oh stop teasing him,” she said.
Both of them looked at her.
“You’re going to sign it anyway. So just sign it now and let the boy breathe.”
Sid’s father stared at her for a moment before smiling slightly.
“You two are impossible.”
He picked up the pen and signed the permission form.
Sid grabbed the paper immediately.
“Yes!”
Just then his phone began vibrating repeatedly.
Buzz.
Buzz.
Buzz.
He unlocked it.
A chat group had been created.
“Rivanta 11th Trip — Jungle Chaos 🌿🔥”
Messages were already flooding the chat.
Amit:
BROOOOO WE’RE GOING
Mahir:
I’m bringing speakers
Avantika: Please don’t turn this into a circus
Sanvi:
Did everyone get permission?
Sid read the message.
His fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment.
He thought about replying.
Yeah, just got mine signed.
Simple. Normal.
But then he stopped.
He frowned slightly and muttered under his breath,
“Replying to her message would be awkward… we don’t even talk much.”
He locked the phone for a second… then unlocked it again.
Still staring at the same message.
Before he could decide, Amit replied instantly.
Amit:
Got mine. LET’S GOOOOOO
A few more messages popped in.
Avantika:
Sanvi did you get yours?
Sanvi:
Not yet. will bring the topic on dining table.
Sid read that and leaned back in his chair.
A small smile appeared on his face.
Everyone was slowly getting their permissions.
It was actually happening.
But the thought didn’t stay light for long.
Rohan.
Sid’s smile faded slightly.
He stared at the screen, his mind drifting.
Rohan wasn't in the chat group.
No excitement.
No messages.
Nothing.
Sid knew why.
His fingers tightened slightly around the phone.
He’s not going.
The realization sat heavy in his chest.
For a moment, Sid thought about calling him.
Convincing him.
Telling him it would be fine.
That they would manage.
That it’s just one trip.
But then another thought followed immediately.
His mom… his brother…
Sid exhaled slowly.
He knew.
He understood.
Rohan wasn’t the type to leave things behind so easily.
Trying to convince him would only make things harder.
Sid shook his head lightly and dismissed the thought.
“Yeah… it’s not that simple,” he murmured.
He placed the phone beside him and leaned back fully in his chair.
Even with the excitement building around him…
A small part of him felt off.
For the first time since the announcement—
the trip felt real.
But not complete.
Across the city, Rohan’s house was quiet.
The ceiling fan rotated slowly above the small living room.
His younger brother sat on the floor, completely focused on building something with scattered toy blocks. Every now and then he would mumble to himself, lost in his own world.
On the sofa, Rohan’s mother scrolled through her phone.
Her eyes paused on a message.
Then another.
The parent group chat from Rivanta College was unusually active tonight.
She opened the latest one.
Important: Trip details for 11th standard students will be shared soon. Permission forms must be signed by parents.
She read it twice.
Then slowly lifted her gaze toward the hallway.
“Rohan?”
A moment later, he stepped out of his room.
“Yes?”
She held the phone slightly up.
“Why didn’t you tell me about the college trip?”
Rohan froze.
Just for a second.
“Oh… that.”
“You’re not going?” she asked.
Rohan shook his head.
“No.”
“Why?”
He let out a quiet breath.
“What do you mean why?”
He walked a few steps closer, his tone calm but firm.
“You’re not well. He”—he nodded toward his younger brother—“needs to go to school every day. And the trip is expensive.”
His mother listened quietly.
Then she placed the phone down beside her.
“Come sit.”
Rohan hesitated for a moment, then sat beside her.
“Rohan,” she said softly, “we can take care of ourselves.”
He shook his head immediately.
“That’s not the point.”
“It is.”
“No, it’s not,” he replied, his voice slightly sharper now.
“You’re avoiding proper treatment. You keep going to government hospitals where they barely even check properly. And now you want me to go on a trip?”
There was a brief silence.
His mother looked at him carefully.
“I have some savings,” she said quietly. “For things like this.”
Rohan looked at her, almost frustrated.
“Then why don’t you use that for better treatment?”
She smiled faintly.
“Because not everything is about hospitals.”
Rohan didn’t respond.
“Beta,” she continued gently, “you should try to enjoy life a little.”
He looked away.
“You’re still a kid.”
“I don’t feel like one.”
Her expression softened.
“I know.”
A pause.
“I also know you’ll take care of everything in the future.”
Rohan’s hands tightened slightly.
“But right now… that’s not your job.”
He exhaled slowly.
“What if something happens while I’m gone?”
“I’ll call Sharmila aunty,” she said. “She’ll come immediately.”
Rohan still looked unsure.
Before he could reply, his younger brother suddenly looked up from the floor.
“Bhai, you go,” he said proudly.
“I’ll take care of Mom.”
Rohan stared at him.
“You can’t even make tea.”
“I’ll learn.”
His mother laughed softly.
Rohan couldn’t help it—he smiled too.
The tension in the room eased slightly.
After a moment, he leaned back and sighed.
“Okay.”
His mother looked at him.
“Okay?”
“Yeah,” he said, giving up the argument. “I’ll go.”
Her smile widened, relief clearly visible on her face.
“Good.”
Rohan nodded quietly.
Then his eyes drifted toward the wall.
A framed photograph hung there.
His father.
Rohan looked at it for a few seconds.
Then a faint smile appeared on his face.
Almost unnoticeable.
“Send me the form,” his mother said.
Rohan nodded again.
“Yeah.”
At Sanvi’s house, dinner had just been served.
She walked in and placed a paper on the table.
“There’s a college trip next week.”
Her mother picked up the form.
“A trip?”
“Yes.”
“Who else is going?”
“Almost everyone.”
She hesitated before adding,
“Tanya too.”
Her mother smiled slightly.
“That quiet girl you always talk about?”
“Yes.”
Just then her father entered the room.
“What’s going on?”
Sanvi handed him the paper.
“Trip.”
He skimmed the details and nodded.
“Looks fine.”
He signed the form without hesitation.
Sanvi stared at the signature.
“That’s it?”
“It’s a college trip. Enjoy but don't get hurt in the Jungle” he said simply.
Sanvi couldn’t stop smiling.
Zavian stood alone on the rooftop of the luxury hotel where he lived.
The city stretched endlessly below him—rows of lights, moving traffic, distant noise reduced to a soft, constant hum. From this height, everything felt smaller. Quieter.
The wind brushed past him, cool and steady, tugging lightly at his shirt.
He leaned against the railing, one hand resting casually on the cold metal.
This was the only place where things didn’t feel… crowded.
His phone vibrated in his pocket.
He took it out.
The screen lit up.
Dad.
Zavian stared at the name for a second before answering.
“Hello.”
“How’s life in the new city?” his father’s voice came through, calm but carrying a hint of distance.
Zavian looked out at the skyline.
“It’s fine.”
A small pause.
“Just fine?” his father asked.
Zavian gave a faint smile.
“Yeah.”
“Adjusting well?”
“I’m managing.”
His father let out a quiet breath, as if that answer was expected.
“Good.”
Another pause settled between them.
Then—
“Oh, by the way… I heard your class is going on a trip.”
Zavian shifted his weight slightly.
“Yeah.”
“You’re going?”
“ummm. I am.”
“Then send me the permission form. I’ll sign it and send it back.”
Zavian’s gaze dropped to the streets below.
“That won’t be necessary.”
A brief silence.
“Oh?”
“I can handle the signature.”
His father chuckled softly.
“Right.”
“I forgot who I’m talking to.”
Zavian didn’t reply to that.
The wind picked up slightly, carrying a faint chill.
Then his father spoke again, more casually this time.
“Did you make any friends there?”
Zavian didn’t answer immediately.
His eyes unfocused slightly.
And then—
A memory surfaced.
A crowded corridor.
Students moving past each other in a rush.
A sudden impact.
A girl stumbling slightly as she bumped into him.
Her voice—quick, breathless.
Another memory surfaced. same girl
“Thank you—thank you so much. You really helped me today.”
She adjusted her bag hurriedly, almost tripping over her own words.
“I’ll remember this, okay? Sorry—I’m in a hurry.”
And just like that—
She was gone.
The memory faded as quickly as it came.
Back on the rooftop, a faint smirk formed on Zavian’s face.
“Friend…” he repeated quietly.
His father waited.
“Well?” he asked.
Zavian tilted his head slightly, thinking.
“I don’t know.”
“That sounds lonely.” his father replied dryly.
Zavian let out a small breath of amusement.
“Maybe I have one.”
“Oh?”
“Someone who knows me.”
There was a pause on the other end.
“That counts,” his father said.
Zavian looked up at the night sky.
“Maybe.”
“Try to make more friends in this college atleast. For whole life changing school and then not making friends,” father shook is head and continued. “Make some friends in on thr trip atleast.”
Zavian’s smirk returned.
“Who do you think it's fault. Anyways I’ll try to communicate more with them.”
The word them slipped out naturally.
But in his mind, it wasn’t plural.
Not really.
His father seemed satisfied.
“Good.”
“I’ll call you later.”
“Alright.”
The call ended.
Zavian lowered the phone slowly.
For a moment, he didn’t move.
The city continued below him—unchanged, unaware.
But his thoughts lingered somewhere else.
On a hurried voice.
A fleeting smile.
He took a slow breath and leaned back against the railing again.
"Do they remember me?” he murmured to himself.
A faint pause.
"I don’t think you even recognized me.”
Sanvi stepped out of the bathroom, wrapping her hair in a towel.
The room felt cooler now. Fresh. Quiet.
She sat in front of the mirror, gently drying her hair, when—
Buzz.
Buzz.
Buzz.
She paused.
“What is happening now…”
Her phone kept vibrating non-stop on the bed.
Sanvi frowned and picked it up.
The screen lit up.
Chat Group— 42 unread messages
“…what the hell.”
She tapped it immediately.
The group chat—
Rivanta 11th Trip — Jungle Chaos 🌿🔥
—was going insane.
Messages were flying one after another.
Raghav:
bro did everyone get the permission sign or not?
Nisha:
BRO relax 😭
trip is not tomorrow chill
Faizal:
😂 what losers
can’t even get a simple signature
Kunal:
fr bro pathetic
Sanvi rolled her eyes.
“Of course they started.”
Then—
Avantika:
who added these good-for-nothing idiots
Faizal:
😡 what did you say Avantika
Avantika:
I mean… you guys are not just good
Avantika:
you’re the best
Avantika:
I complimented you
A small pause.
Sanvi literally waited for it.
Faizal:
ohh
hahaha
yeah that’s what I thought 😎
Sanvi covered her mouth, trying not to laugh out loud.
“He actually—”
Across the city, Dev lay on his bed, one arm behind his head, scrolling lazily through the chat.
A slow grin formed on his face.
This is too good.
He typed.
Dev:
bro she insulted you idiot 😭
Instant chaos.
Faizal:
Avantika I will see you tomorrow 😡💢
Kunal:
bro don’t let that slide
Avantika:
oh my god shut up Dev
Avantika:
you know nothing
Avantika:
Faizal don’t listen to him
Avantika:
he’s just jealous of you 😌
Dev smirked, tossing his phone slightly onto the bed.
“Unbelievable.”
Back in her room, Sanvi was fully invested now, scrolling through the messages with a grin.
But then—
Something clicked.
She stopped.
Scrolled up.
Checked the group members.
Her expression changed slightly.
“…Tanya isn’t here?”
She opened their private chat quickly.
Sanvi:
hey bestie
Sanvi:
why aren’t you in the trip group yet??
Sanvi:
join from the link
Sanvi:
it’s full drama here 😂
She waited.
One minute.
Two.
Three.
No reply.
Not even seen.
Sanvi frowned.
“She always replies…”
She looked at the chat again.
Still nothing.
“Is she painting again or what…”
She sighed and went back to the group.
The chaos had only evolved.
Mahir:
yo Faizal your chocolate coming or not 😏
Faizal:
of course bro 😏
Faizal:
u don’t forget to bring sharbat.
Raghav:
BRO???
Nisha:
wtf is wrong with you guys 😭
Vaani:
HELLO???
Vaani:
this is NOT your boys group
Vaani:
delete that shit right now
Avantika:
Mahir delete it before I remove you
Mahir:
ok ok chill
Mahir:
fun police 🚨
Sanvi shook her head, smiling.
Then typed—
Sanvi:
hey Attu
Sanvi:
add Tanya na
Sanvi:
she’s coming too
Avantika:
OH SHIT
Avantika:
I forgot her 😭
Avantika:
adding her now
Sanvi:
thanks 👍
More random messages followed.
Music.
Room sharing.
Snacks.
Who’s bringing speakers.
Someone suggested staying awake all night.
Someone else immediately refused.
The chat slowly began to calm down.
Avantika:
ok enough
Avantika:
I’m sleeping
Avantika:
goodnight idiots
Vaani:
night
Nisha:
gntc
Sanvi smiled and typed—
Sanvi:
we’re acting like the trip is tomorrow 😭
Sanvi:
goodnight guys
Mahir:
night
Dev:
9t
The chat finally slowed.
Sanvi placed her phone beside her pillow.
But her mind lingered.
Tanya still hadn’t replied.
“…weird,” she whispered.
She turned off the lights.
Across the city—
Tanya sat on the floor, her back resting lightly against the side of her bed.
In front of her, placed carefully on a stand—
A painting board.
A glass jar was sketched at the center.
From within it—
A butterfly emerged.
Its wings were painted in soft, glowing shades of gold.
Delicate. Almost alive.
Tiny strokes of shimmering dust spread outward from its wings, as if it was dissolving into light itself.
Tanya’s hand moved slowly, precisely.
Every stroke controlled.
Every detail intentional.
She leaned closer, adding faint golden particles around the butterfly—
Like it was escaping.
Like it was finally free.
Behind her, her phone screen lit up again.
And again.
Sanvi (3 messages)
Avantika added you to the group
But Tanya didn’t move.
Didn’t turn.
Didn’t notice.
She was completely lost in the moment.
In the painting.
In the quiet.
On the bed beside her phone—
A folded paper lay untouched.
The permission letter.
Still unsigned.