The college campus was filled with excitement and chaos as the trip day had finally arrived. Three big buses were parked at the entrance, engines running, while students rushed around with their bags, laughing, clicking pictures, and calling out to each other. A few teachers stood nearby, carefully checking if everyone had boarded.

Aarav stood near the bus with an attendance sheet in his hand, calling out names one by one. On the outside, he looked calm and composed as always but inside, he was distracted.