Reality Ever After

Part 70. House of Cards

Hey everyone,

How are you guys doing?

I know you guys have been waiting long for this chapter but I would say I'm not sorry for putting this up so late. This chapter was very very very difficult to write. I reached so many roadblocks trying to pen this down and I finally have managed something.

I have been doing so much research for this chapter that my Google probably thinks I'm unwell and need help. 😂

Anyway, I really really really hope you guys like this chapter as I have put in a lot of work into it.

Love,
SV
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The afternoon had turned into an early evening now and all of Musicana's participants were gearing up for a final rehearsal before the opening night started. Fortunately, this time FAB5 didn't have to perform at the opening night as the management had gotten a couple of celebrities from Bollywood to come and perform. And the whole college was buzzing in excitement for them to come. All participants wanted to get done with their rehearsals before the evening started so they could enjoy the performances and have a good time.

On the other side, FAB5 and Nandini, neither of them were excited about any of the opening performances. They were particularly worried about Manik and thinking of ways to ensure he was okay. Nandini was also very worried about his fever not going down at all but she knew this was not the time to smother him with food and medicines. She just ensured he ate a little and drank enough warm water to keep himself hydrated. Manik didn't complain either as he didn't know what was going on. He was in a weird state of mind where he felt hollow from within.

Cabir had managed to do some jugaad and got FAB5 to perform first on the technical rehearsal so they could get out of college before the opening ceremony started and the crowd got out of hand. And also ensure that Manik could go home sooner and get some rest and treat his fever.

When all of them were ready behind the stage, just about to go on stage, they heard one of the teams from the other colleges arguing with Prateek, who was one of the organisers. He was the one who did Cabir a favour and squeezed FAB5 in between but was now facing a lot of pushback from the other participants.

Boy 1 - Bro. The schedule says we have our rehearsal at 4. But you got another band in between. It's not fair man..

Prateek - I understand guys. But it's a matter of 15 mins. They're the FAB5, they won't take so much time.

Boy 2 - So what if they're FAB5. Rules are rules man. They have to perform at 6:30 according to the list. But now you're giving them our spot.

Girl 1 - I agree. Just because FAB5 is your college's band, you cannot give them special preferences.

Prateek - Guys, please relax. You guys are wasting your time fighting with me, utne time mein unka performance ho bhi gaya hota. Besides, I've only made this exception because their lead singer, Manik Malhotra is not well. He needs immediate rest.

With that, Prateek quickly went backstage asking Cabir to follow him there. The other team members were then discussing within themselves about how they were treated so unfairly.

Girl 1 - Forget it guys. Let's not spoil our mood because of this. Anyway, I've heard that FAB5 is quite big in SPACE and they get all the privileges.

Boy 2 - So what? Even we're good. Doesn't mean they get all privileges. And we were just asking them to adhere to the rules they made.

Boy 1 - I know right. But I've heard that Manik Malhotra is the lead singer for FAB5. Apparently, his mother owns this place. So of course he'll get preference.