The light from the forest fire dimly lit the top of the hill as the flames were slowly spreading downwards.. The pole star twinkled along, forming the only source of direction on a moonless night.. With each passing minute, our hopes of making it safely out of the woods was crumbling down.. We braced ourselves for whatever that was coming ahead and kept marching down the thorny dark forest cover.. The rucksack was weighing too heavy on the shoulders as they were in that position for more than 8 hours in a row.. We repeatedly kept squalling the head-count to ensure everyone of us were still in the group, lest some wild animal pull one of us out and we continue trekking unnoticed.. The 3 torch lights, although didn’t suffice, were leading us along.. Soon, we encountered a small bridge – two wooden planks tied loosely across a deep crevice – which had to be very carefully traversed, only one at a time.. Few of us had crossed to the other side and we were waiting for the rest of the group to cross the bridge, as we watched one of the guys from the group, trying to balance himself on the bridge against the shaky planks and the cold wind.. All of a sudden, we heard some ruffle of dried leaves just right next to us, which was followed by a series of noises of the twigs breaking and dried leaves being crushed down under heavy footsteps.. Our torch lights were flashed across frantically in the direction of the noise but the darkness of the dense woods held an upper hand.. We all stood standstill in shock and horror with the torch lights held against the growing noise.. The crunching noise was headed right in our direction and it was fast approaching.. ( And then... )   

The party was over officially.. His friends, the other invitees had already left the party.. He took his place in one corner of the backseat of the car.. He felt he was too exhausted.. He couldn't make out if that was physical or emotional.. And as the car accelerated forward, he ruminated backwards - to the days which had ensued in this party which was just over..