The room buzzed with laughter and the sharp clink of glasses, the amber glow of a half-empty whiskey bottle at the center catching the light like a silent provocateur. Surrounding it, unopened bottles sprawled across the table like a promise of chaos yet to come. The atmosphere was electric, every corner vibrating with anticipation.

Raj sprang to his feet, a grin lighting up his face as if he’d been counting down the days to this moment. “Tonight,” he declared, voice brimming with excitement, “I’ve got three games for us. You pick; Card, Truth or Dare, or Dice.”

He fumbled into his bag and pulled out three boxes, placing them on...