Riya loved autumn. She loved the crisp air, the colorful leaves, and the smell of pumpkin spice. She especially loved the autumn festival that her town held every year. It was a time to celebrate the harvest, enjoy the music and games, and eat delicious food.
She was looking forward to going to the festival with her best friend, Arjun. They had planned to meet at the entrance of the park, where the festival was held. Riya arrived early, wearing her favorite sweater and scarf. She felt a surge of excitement as she saw the colorful banners, the Ferris wheel, and the stalls selling various goods.
She waited for Arjun, who was running late as usual. She checked her phone and saw a text from him.
“Sorry, Riya. I can’t make it. Something came up. Have fun without me.”
Riya felt a pang of disappointment. She had been looking forward to spending the day with Arjun, who she secretly had a crush on. She wondered what could have come up that was more important than their plans.
She decided to go to the festival anyway. She didn’t want to waste the day sitting at home and feeling sorry for herself. She thought maybe she could find someone else to hang out with, or just enjoy the festival by herself.
She entered the park and walked around, looking at the different attractions. She saw a corn maze, a haunted house, a petting zoo, and a pumpkin carving contest. She decided to try the corn maze first. She loved puzzles and challenges.
She entered the maze and followed the signs that pointed to the exit. She turned left and right, trying to find her way out. She enjoyed the challenge, but also felt a bit lonely. She wished Arjun was there with her, holding her hand and making jokes.
She finally reached the exit and saw a sign that said “Congratulations! You made it out of the corn maze! Claim your prize at the booth.”
She walked over to the booth and saw a man wearing a straw hat and overalls. He smiled at her and said “Well done, miss! You’re one of the few who made it out of the maze. Here’s your prize.”
He handed her a small pumpkin with a sticker that said “You’re awesome!”
Riya thanked him and took the pumpkin. She felt a bit silly, but also happy. She decided to name her pumpkin Arjun, after her friend who ditched her.
She continued to explore the festival, carrying her pumpkin with her. She went to the haunted house, which was not very scary, but still fun. She went to the petting zoo, where she fed some goats and rabbits. She went to the pumpkin carving contest, where she carved a smiley face on her pumpkin.
She had fun, but she still missed Arjun. She wondered what he was doing, and if he was thinking about her.
She decided to text him again.
“Hey, Arjun. Are you okay? What came up?”
She waited for his reply, but none came.
She felt a bit angry and hurt. She thought maybe he didn’t care about her as much as she cared about him.
She decided to forget about him and have fun by herself.
She went to the Ferris wheel, which was the last attraction she wanted to try. She bought a ticket and got in line. She saw that most people were in pairs or groups, laughing and talking. She felt out of place and lonely.
She wished she had someone to share the ride with.
She got on the Ferris wheel and sat in an empty seat. The wheel started to move slowly, lifting her higher and higher in the air.
She looked around and saw the whole park from above. She saw the people below, enjoying themselves. She saw the trees changing colors, creating a beautiful contrast with the blue sky.
She felt a breeze on her face and heard some music playing in the background.
She felt a sense of wonder and peace.
She looked at her pumpkin and smiled.
She realized that she didn’t need Arjun to have fun.
She had herself.
And she had Arjun.
The pumpkin.
The end.
Joydeep
