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Excitement could be felt as Ayush, Maya, Ajay, and Kiara huddled around a worn table at the back of the school library. Their mission: to create a newsletter, a collaborative effort born out of a spontaneous suggestion during English class. The topics were as diverse as their personalities – Maya, the self-proclaimed foodie, championed a restaurant review section; Ajay, the aspiring comedian, pushed for a humour column; Ayush, the cricket superstar, suggested a sports section; and Kiara, the bookworm, lobbied for a book review corner. They decided to finalize the details at Kiara's place, a decision that sent a shiver down her spine.
The Pathak household was a house of rules, overseen by the ever-watchful Sumita and Govind Pathak. Friends were a rare appearance, and even rarer was their approval. Kiara dreaded the interrogation and the possibility of a flat rejection. Her family, particularly her mother, had a habit of comparing her weight to others, pronouncements that stung like a bee sting. Memories of public embarrassments flooded her mind, tears welling up behind her eyes.
"So, it's settled then! Kiara's place this weekend," Maya declared, oblivious to Kiara's internal turmoil.
Before Kiara could stammer out a protest about needing permission, the group dispersed, their laughter echoing through the hallway.
A heavy sigh escaped her lips. Having friends was exhilarating, but navigating the complexities of her home life was another story altogether.
The weekend arrived, casting a long shadow of apprehension over Kiara. As she sat fidgeting in the living room, her younger sister, Pragya, noticed her unease.
"What's wrong, Didi?" Pragya chirped, her voice laced with concern.
"Nothing, Pragya," Kiara mumbled, forcing a smile.
Pragya wasn't convinced. "But you look like you need something," she persisted.
Kiara hesitated, then blurted out, "I need to ask Mom for permission to have friends over."
Pragya's eyes widened. "Friends? Here?" she exclaimed, the volume a little too loud for Kiara's comfort.
Sumita Pathak, her voice laced with a hint of suspicion. "Friends, you say? Who are these friends?"
Kiara braced herself. Explaining her newfound group and their newsletter project was a delicate step to convince her. To her surprise, Sumita, after a brief interrogation, grudgingly agreed. A hope flickered within Kiara. Perhaps, just perhaps, this could be a turning point.
The doorbell chimed, and Kiara hurried to open the door. A wave of relief washed over her as she saw her friends standing there, their faces a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
The Pathak Sadan, a decent two-story house with a well-maintained garden, offered a welcoming facade.
Inside, the living room was transformed. Papers were flowing across the coffee table, surrounded by pens and markers.
