Summer had finally arrived. The school corridors were quiet now, no footsteps, no whispers, no strange noises echoing from the basement.
Everything felt… normal.
After all the drama, fear, and mystery, the girls finally had time to enjoy the sunshine and each other's company.
One day, Prajwal called everyone to her house. "Let's celebrate," she said. "Not just because we solved a mystery, but because we're together."
Everyone arrived one by one.
Akshada walked in first, carrying chips and saying, "Hope nobody called the ghost, because I'm not dealing with her again!"
Rutuja came with soft drinks. "She wouldn't dare. We made her famous now."
Swarali and Apurva entered together, as always, laughing about some random school meme.
Anushka walked in and asked, "Is this a party or a history class? Because I came prepared with jokes, not notes!"
Akshara came dancing, almost tripping over the door mat. "Oops! Don't worry, I'm okay! Let the fun begin!"
Darshana followed, clicking selfies before even greeting anyone. "I need the perfect angle, guys!"
Srushti entered last, holding a bag of sweets. "If anyone takes the last ladoo before me, we're not friends anymore."
Swara, already helping Prajwal with the setup, smiled seeing everyone. "This… feels nice."
They played games, shared horror stories (ironically), and laughed till their stomachs hurt. Even though they had gone through something scary, the experience had brought them closer than ever.
Later, as the sun began to set, they all sat on the terrace.
"Do you think we'll ever have such an adventure again?" Akshada asked, staring at the sky.
"Hopefully not," said Prajwal. "But if we do, I know we can handle it."
"Together," added Rutuja.
"Always," said Swarali.
They all smiled. These were more than friends now. They were a team, a family.
"Promise we'll stay this close even in 10th," Apurva said.
"Pakka!" everyone shouted.
They laughed, shouted, and watched the stars appear one by one in the sky.
Their story had started with fear, but it ended with friendship.
And even though Niyati Sharma's chapter was closed, their own chapters were just beginning.
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The End.