Kaise yeh yaarian

Part 37

3 days post the incident

SPACE – FAB5 JAM ROOM – AFTERNOON

The vibe is heavy but quieter. Manik strums random chords, distracted. Cabir leans against the wall tapping his drumsticks, Mukti scrolls her phone, Dhruv tunes his guitar, and Alia sits quietly, scribbling. Nandini sits cross-legged, a notebook open with half-scribbled lyrics.

The room feels like they're all pretending to work but none of them are fully there.

Suddenly—

SFX: A loud mic crackle.

NYONIKA (V.O., echoing across SPACE)
"Attention, SPACE students! Everyone, please gather at the amphitheater immediately. I have an announcement to make."

They exchange looks.

CABIR
(sarcastic)
Uh-oh. Mommy Malhotra is on a roll again.

MUKTI
(flat, muttering)
This better not be another one of her drama shows.

They reluctantly stand, and Nandini follows, a little slower, her notebook clutched to her chest.

EXT. SPACE – AMPHITHEATER – MINUTES LATER

The entire college is buzzing. Students crowd the seats, whispering. On stage, NYONIKA MALHOTRA stands tall, elegant, her eyes sharp like she owns the air.

She smiles, but it's the kind of smile that hides a dagger.

NYONIKA
(loud, clear voice)
"SPACE students! The Annual Inter-College Fest begins in fifteen days. Registration opens today. I expect you all to show the same passion, creativity, and drive SPACE is known for."

The crowd cheers.

She lets the applause die, then looks directly where Fab5 is seated.

NYONIKA (CONT'D)
"And of course... Fab5. You've been the pride of SPACE every year. I assume you'll participate again."

This year, however, the rules have... changed. Details are posted on the main notice board. Read carefully before registering.

The heels clicking against the floor fade as she exits. Every step is precise, purposeful, and you can almost hear her plotting in silence. Fab5 exchange uneasy looks — she knows exactly what they've been doing with the album.

The crowd instantly breaks into chatter.

CABIR
(under his breath, to Manik)
That wasn't an announcement. That was a trap, bro.

MANIK
(gritting his teeth)
She saw us. She knows the album is moving.

ALIA
(flat)
So... she's trying to stall it.

MUKTI
(angry, mutters)
Typical Nyonika.

NANDINI
(thoughtful, scanning the notice board already)
If she's changing rules, it's not random. She's planning something specific.

DHURV
(sighs)
Great. As if bombs and wires weren't enough, now we're supposed to dance to her tunes.

Manik and Nandini exchanging a loaded glance — both knowing this isn't just about a college fest anymore.

SPACE – NOTICE BOARD – MOMENTS LATER

The crowd surges forward, students craning their necks, shouting, jostling. Fab5 push through until the sheet comes into view: