Cordially, Yours!

-29-

-Mumbai: Malhotra Mansion-

Not understanding what to do, Fab 5 and Navya descended down the stairs with a worried face, when Mr. Malhotra shot them his questions on Manik's indifferent walk-out.

"Uncle, Nandini seems to have left and not only the college but also the city. In fact, not only Nandini, but the whole Murthy family." Cabir answered as the facts settled in and the reality begain to set in his heart.

"And uncle, based on what Manik told us, no one knows where they went and why. And you know if he says none- then, literally no-one would know." Mukti continued.

"The best bet is she went to Manglore and that's where Manik has stormed out to. " Cabir added shuffling his eyebrows and led a scoff. "Most probably." he added. 

Mr. Malhotra sighed deeply and shook his head at Manik's behavior. He braced himself and asked, "So you guys also plan to follow that douche-bag son of mine in his search for his lover?"

Mr. Malhotra's question put them in a fix. He aced the classic Indian parent comment and called his son a douche-bag and brave in the same sentence. Fab 5 were quite confident of that move before this perplexing question but now, without knowing the depths of Mr. Malhotra's talk, they stood tongue-tied. Mr. Malhotra smirked at their silent faces and shook his head in disappointment. 

"Well, Fab 5. Before you all brave an answer me, come let's have a chat!" He said and moved towards the dining area. Fab 5 gave eachother a look before Cabir leaded their way in Mr. Malhotra's direction. 

"So, you all are Fab 5 right? Ki mere bete ke saath koi game khel rahe ho?" Mr. Malhotra lightly questioned. 

"What do you mean uncle? You've known us since long, it's us- Fab 5!" Aliya answered with a small laugh. 

"Really! Lagata nahi hi! Cause I remember Fab 5 to be a group of five vulnerable people who never gave up on each-other. They were a group of friends who were built on the fact that they never had anybody else and were always ignored by others. They weren't together because they all were children and went along well, not because they all were rich, not because they all were back-benchers, not because they all shared similar toys and games, not because they all were known to be the weakest. But, because they all were connected by one melody in which each and every note seemed the weakest yet, it held the strength to tie the composite together. It was raw and when they were together, they were unbreakable. A home for eachother, secret admirers of eachother, confiders for eachother, a family for eachother. They never thought before standing up for each other. If one was hurt, all of you would hurt. If one went on the wrong path, all of you would bring him/her back." he looked down eyeing the swirling glass of scotch in his hand and then, leaned back on the couch to look at their faces. Regret, questions and self-doubt- it was written all over. He gave them a moment and continued, "Toh kya hua us Fab 5 ko? Yeh ego, giving space, think before you act- yeh kisne sikha diya tum udti janno ko?" he raised his eyebrows. "Aaj mere ek question ne- why did it bring you all into such deep thoughts and questioning? Why do you all have to question a million times before going out to Manik? Don't get me wrong- it's not about my son, here. It's about how have you all gotten tired of walking on this path of friendship?" Mr. Malhotra got up this and turned to leave.

"Don't let the world get the worst of you guys. Tum sab- you won't be able to survive it alone. And the testimony is right in front of you. Remember- the world won't, but, secrets would break Fab 5." He added in a warm voice and disappeared into his room. 

Fab 5 were left thinking. They were silent taking in all what Mr. Malhotra said. Each of them knew he wasn't wrong, actually, very truly right. This seed of doubt and think before you do and all this hiding was something that Nyonika had embedded before she left. But, for how long would they blame one person. This time it was their job and upto them to pick up the broken pieces. Manik had done what he could. He had thrown Nyonika out of the way. It was their onus to pick up the fight and bring the old Fab 5 back.  

The utter silence in the room was broken by kaka who brought in a letter. Cabir took the letter in his hand and read it out. 

"Dear Fab 5, 

This is an official letter from Space College of Music and Arts. 

The institution would like to take this opportunity to heartily congratulate your band on the achievement on reaching the top finalist of Talent Hunt. All of you have worked very hard to reach such heights and your sheer dedication and devotion to music has even led you all to the "Top 10 Undergraduate Bands". The college is very proud to foster such talent and would like to further enhance your exposures and abilities. 

To take a step further in grooming your talent, the institution has affiliated with the nation-wide famous band, "Stardust" and would like to extend this opportunity to your band. Impressed by your abilities, Stardust has not only offered to hold workshops with your band but, also sign up for 2 back-to-back albums. For this, they have invited to meet with the band personally on February 21st, 2020 (2 PM). Further details will mapped out and communicated later on in the meeting tomorrow.

Congratulations on the achievement! 

Regards, 

Principal of Space College of Music and Arts"

The letter ended and Fab 5 looked at eachother. A small smile crept on their faces but, when they looked around their faces fell. 

"That means hum Manik ke paas" Aliya voiced her concerns. 

"Nahi ja payenge. We can't do anything for him till at least tomorrow 3PM. Ek ghanta meeting mein lagega and then only we can get out of here." Mukti mapped out the plan. 

"Huh! Jab akal aai toh kaam aya aur jab akal nahi tha toh... " Dhruv sighed and threw his head back on the sofa. 

"It's okay Dhruv, we will see to this tomorrow. Till then, let's act rationally and try to contact Manik and Nandini. Kuch pata karte he yaar." Cabir suggested. 

It wasn't long before a smile crept on Mukti's face. "Cabu..." she stretched with naughtiness lingering in her voice. 

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Hey, 

A pure Fab 5 update! Now, before you guys scream out- this was suppose to be a KYY fanfic. 

Happy reading!

Love, 

HF