The Intro

It was one fine, calm Sunday morning. Was sleeping hard. No deadlines, no responsibilities. Just plain, dreamy rest. Someone called. Asked to attend a birthday party. No idea whose. Got up. Brushed. Legged hard.

The Venue

A gigantic white building with an open roof. Some guy yelled 'I Am ROOTS'. It was Easter Sunday. Didn't get the egg though. Saw some bridges floating in the air far away. Rubbed the sleepy eyes. People were excited with the view of something called Victoria Memorial. A guy was tying bands on everyone's wrist, but it wasn't Rakhi yet. The sun was sleeping too.

The Cafe

Went inside. Long hallway. Letters 6, i, O and Q were seen all around. Asked a visitor whose birthday it is. Not sure why got a long stare in response. Lots of bottles in the wall. Colors. Music. A cool dude in sunglasses playing a guitar. Must be some happy occasion I could figure.

The Hosts

Saw some people greeting evryone coming through the door. They had some blue bands. Tried to think what's the deal. There were video shoots. Heard they came from different parts of the country to explore summer of Kolkata. But half population of Kolkata already fled to Shimla or Darjeeling but anyways... Some of them gave rousing speeches. Attendees, nicknamed Questers, were found jumping in joy. Seemed like the admins promised something in Vietnam.

The Questers

There were hundreds of partygoers assembled at that cafe. Felt like met some of them earlier but couldn't remember. There were new people too. All of them were dancing. One guy was doing pushups to 'Hay Garmi' song. That was inspiring. Someone shouted 'I Quest...' everyone replied '... On and On'! Thought to join them for the next round of cheers. Some of the Questers were pointing their mobile camera in front of other's faces. They said it's for reels and blogs.

The Unboxing

There was a box. Two Questers came forward and started to attack it viciously. After some struggle, a phone emerged from the box. Very vibrant shades of red and white. Wanted to purchase it then and there via cash. Reached out to my wallet, and realised left it at home. Anyways, one Quester was showing acrobatic skills with the device. Enjoyed the show.

The Birthday 

A cake was brought. With yellow and black shades. Something about 6 years written on it. Saw everyone around singing the wish. Lent my voice and next guy standing immediately asked to do it silently. I obliged. Then, everyone in the hall posed with the cake. There was loud roar from the fans. Still not sure whose birthday it was though!

The Rain

Just then the rain started. It was amazing planning and arrangement by the team. Rain played the perfect cameo at the rooftop cafe. Accurate timing! Someone posed in the rain. Someone soaked their smartphones in the water to record some raindrop videos. A glass of blue margarita kept in the open table was refilled by nature. It was just a wonderful, eco-friendly sight.

The F&B

There was suddenly a queue at the venue. Everyone had their plates full of colors. From hot starters to sumptuous lunch to cool desserts - everything was served. An employee were serving green dumplings. Nice message for the environment. Was just walking through the hallway. Another employee held me and made me pick up a glass full of colorful mocktail. It was the perfect mix of sweet and sour. As soon as I gulped it, the employee handed me another variant. Then another. It never stopped.

The Faces

Being concerned about not having figured out the occasion despite all this, I decided to blend with the crowd. After chatting up to the Questers, it felt like I know them. They were all just like me, curious and creative. Acted like I was clicking their portraits for the recap thread. They gullibly agreed to pose for.

The Giveaway 

Some people were conducting a lottery inside. I dared to peek and saw 15 Questers get lucky. Then, there was a group photograph session. No idea why everyone was looking up. Finally, someone called to one corner and handed over a black bag. As I looked confused about this custom, one of the Questers told it is called 'goodies'. Everybody hugged each other, promised to meet soon, stay active in something called the iQOO Community, and left.

The Conclusion 

There were an abundance of smiles in everyone's faces at the event. People were happy for the fact that the city of Kolkata was chosen to celebrate such a joyous occasion. Seemed everybody enjoyed the party to their fullest. Must acknowledge the people who managed the whole thing with 100+ Questers - the Marketing Team, Content Team, Community team, Admins, Kolkata Rangers, Clan Members, the people at the venue, the band and everyone else who planned it.

Happy 6th and beyond!

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