Apple Pencil 1st gen USB-C doesnot connect to my IPad A16

I let my friend borrow my Apple Pencil for one day and later I couldn’t connect the Apple Pencil back to my IPad anymore. I tried to “forget the device” and even follow all the Apple suggestions online (unplug, reset network etc) but still, it is not showing the device when I use the cable. Pls help!!