Drishti cleared her throat awkwardly looking at rakshit. He was staring at the white tiles in guilt. There wasn't time to catch up after all that had happened but the class parent knew what he was thinking. She just didn't know how to make him feel better when she herself found it hard to stop the salty pearls from spilling.

"How are you?" he asked courteously, breaking her reverie. "I couldn't ask earlier on."

"I am fine," she said, her throat tight as she struggled to keep heaviness from showing. "Rakshit...I know what you are thinking."

He sighed and looked up from the floor giving her an apologetic smile. "I am sorry for stepping into your personal space and causing the meltdown. It wasn't my place to be giving you a counselling session if you didn't ask for it. I just wanted to help you. I guess I got carried away. I am sorry. "

"Thank you," Drishti said, surprising him after a stretched uncomfortable silence between them. "No one had ever spoken about that to me as you did. It was an eye-opener. I've been running my whole life from that topic," she confessed slowly. Rakshit scooted a little closer and gave her his full attention. "When you said all that, I relived one of the worst moments of my life. But that's not your fault and don't be sorry about it. Because you just saved me a lifetime of loneliness."

"Is it okay if you tell me a little more? I am kind of confused."

Drishti nodded and unbeknownst to her, she was letting her emotions out instead of bottling them in the form of tears and talk therapy. "When I was 10... something happened and that's why I am like that. After everything you said, I had a meltdown but I wasn't alone. Divya was there. She was nice and I didn't have to go through that alone like I usually did. It felt...good to have someone to talk to," she paused to collect her thoughts and gingerly swiped her cheek. "After all that, I realised how exhausting it was to pretend to be okay all the time. How exhausting it was to have worked through my breakdowns alone. And how it felt to have someone you can rely on."

"You don't have to do that anymore." he smiled, handing her a tissue. "It's not too late to start over."

"I know and all that was because of you. So thank you, Rakshit. For teaching me how self-destructive I have been. I don't want to be that person anymore. I want to have friends I can talk to. I want to be able to talk about what happened one day." the mention of the incident was enough to send her back into memory. She fought against her own instincts and was losing until Rakshit gave her a pat and started speaking to her.

"In that case, do you want to be my friend?" he asked, holding out a pinky.

Drishti stared at it as she regained her composure. She was willing to open up but not right now. She was tired of all the emotional strain and didn't have it in her to have another meltdown right now. She focused on his hand to ground herself. Just like with Divya, it was easier than to have been screaming at herself and clawing at her skull to stop the thoughts from spiralling.

She loped their pinkies and slowly moved to give him a hug. "Friends. I'm not used to having any but I promise I will learn. And just because I am unable to open up easily doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to do it too. I am going to be here to listen to you just like how you listened to me."

"I know I can count on you, friend." he teased. "I don't expect you to tell me everything. You never have to not now not ever. But don't shut me out."

"I won't."

"promise?"

"Promise." she nodded sincerely. She was going to open up and not torture herself through sleepless nights, haunting nightmares and mostly importantly loneliness.

The counsellor went back to his stool and gave her a playful smirk. He could tell she was spent and needed to rest so diverted the topic to something more light. "So friend, as a gift for his new camaraderie, I have brought you a solution to your problem?"

"Which one? She chuckled, getting his hint on the change of topic.

"The students one. We can't be friends with them so instead, we will teach them responsibility."

"Oh Ummm. I think I kinda already am friends with them. The nightmare pack I mean. We called a truce."

"It's not going to make much of a difference unless you are friends with the whole of 3b2. The midnight spirits work on group polarization and groupthink. Oh, and their in-group bias is very strong, so it's not useful."

Drishti frowned at this new information. "So that was for nothing."

"No, you are working on your aloofness so that's good. I am just saying we need to do something else."

"I am assuming you have already thought about that."

Rakshit smirked and mentally took note of how she didn't get defensive on the address of her attitude. "We are going to assign them the task of planning the secondary one aspire camp that is happening in three months. Before you ask why it's because through this they are going to learn responsibility and hopefully maturity. Baby steps. It might or might not work but we gotta try something."

"What makes you think they will do this? And the student councils are not going to be happy."

"3b2 might be arrogant and troublemakers but the prestige and pediment of space comes first. They won't let anything happen to space's reputation. And you have seen them in aspire camp. That's where they are not divided in their cliques. One for all one for all. This is the best opportunity. As for the student counsellors, they will be the manpower behind it. Basically, 3b2 will be the coordinators."

"I still don't think they will agree."

"They will if Mrs Malhotra tells them to. Plus all you have to do is convince Ragini. She applied to be a student councillor in year one."

Drishti gaped in surprise. "She did? That...wow."

Rakshit laughed at her aghast face. "Ragini is not like them. She actually likes doing stuff like that. I remember the VIA project she did in year one. It was pretty well managed. Of course no thanks to her two friends who snapped at every passing student."

"Shikar and Divya?"

"Yeah, they were not pleased with needing to do work."

"I can imagine," she chuckled. "But that was in year one. I don't think she is still into that stuff."

"You won't know till you try."

Drishti thought back to her conversation with Divya. She would do it if Ragini asks her to. "True. I think I can do that. But I do that, you gotta talk to Ms Malhotra."

"Awesome," agreed with an excited fist in the air, "So friend, ready for this?"

"Ready," she smiled, giving him a fist bump to seal the deal. but can you please stop using that word?"

"What word?"

"You know which word."

"No, I don't. Enlighten me." he chuckled.

"The word friend."

Rakshit nodded in realisation. "Too soon?"

"Too soon." she agreed.

Rakshit stayed for a while talking about the plan for the A.S.P.I.R.E. camp. He left wishing her a speedy recovery.

Drishti relaxed back into her pillows. She had a friend. A real friend who was going to handle her in her weakest moment and celebrate her strongest moments. Someone was going to be there and not leave her alone. She promised herself to do the same for him. Friendship works both ways and she had a lot more to learn about it.

Ms Malhotra was right. Aspire camps change a lot of things for students and teachers alike. This camp has marked the beginning of a new journey for the midnight spirits, Rakshit and herself. A journey of recovery, friendship and discoveries.

---broken promises---

Divya stared at her best friend square in the face. The nerves on her neck twitched with frustration. Ragini could not have just said those words she clearly heard. "I beg your pardon," she said through gritted teeth.

"I am serious," Ragini replied calmly. She needed to remain level-headed to get them to after. Not that it was hard for her. She was the calmest out of the four of them.

"I agreed to go counselling because you wanted it but I am not wasting my time in planning, executing and coordinating the aspire camp. No way in hell is I doing that."

"Me neither. Why the hell will we even be doing that?" shikar screeched from his position at the drums.

Lakshya slowly made his way to Ragini. He stood in front of her but with no intention to scream or intimidate his friend. He was more likely acting as a shield to protect her from the two angry students. "Bacha. What is all this about? Coordinating aspire camp is not our job. The student counsellors are in charge of it. I know you wanted to be one in year one but they rejected your application. from what I remember you wanted nothing to do with them. So where is all this coming from?"

Ragini sighed and sat down on the chair. She remembered the rejecting incident clearly. She had applied for the student counsellor's post in year one hoping to be part of the school's major events. Her friends were extremely supportive and helped her prep for the interview with the executive committee members. It was all fine until the president walked in and tore the application form right in front of her. So naive of you to think non-express students can be counsellors. Work on your grades before thinking of joining the club, fresh meat. She sneered.

"The...suggestion was by Miss Sharma," she said slowly, choosing her words carefully. "She found out from old records that I wanted to be part of the student council. She offered to let me lead this year's secondary one aspire camp. Since I wouldn't do it without you guys, we could be the coordinators."

"And this doesn't sound suspicious to you at all. She is a couple of weeks old class parent that just gives you this opportunity to replace the people who have been doing this for years just because you applied to be one of them. Which by the way they rejected." Shikar said incredulously.

"Nope," she said in a high pitch. They rolled their eyes at her obvious lie. "She thinks it will be a good exposure...to organising events?"

"The student councils are still going to be there. They aren't going to make our lives easier or for the juniors for that matter. It's basically impossible.'' Lakshya tried reasoning. He went back to his seat to complete the circle they were in. it was going to be a group decision that would most likely be in Ragini's favour. Nonetheless, a discussion was needed.

"Look, guys. I really want to do this. I don't care if SCs make our life hard. They won't be in charge. If the screw-up is on their end, they will get punished. And we know their arrogance won't allow anything to go wrong. We will be fine."

"Okay, but why would you wanna do this? The SCs are first-class snobs that are in a league of their own. Albeit failing horribly." shikar snarked, a little calmer now. He also knew the decision was made. It was just a matter of convincing them to join in.

That was good. Now I just need to get through that hard skull, divi.

Ragini stood in the middle giving each of them eye contact to know how serious and badly she wanted this. Until this morning, she watched the 'elite' students organising, running, planning and coordinating most school events which she always wanted to do. Serving the school that brought their music to centre stage was a privilege she was missing. The opportunity was finally knocking on her door but she couldn't answer it without her friends. On top of that, Rakshit had put up a convincing argument of how beneficial it might be for them to mix around and lessen their hostility around others. Not To mention, getting Divya and Shikar to control their anger when things don't go as planned during camp. He called it part of the process.

"Everyone is space is a snob of a certain kind. I wanna be part of the organizing committee for aspire camp. And this could be the perfect chance to show them that non-express students can be better than them. Oh, 3b2 students can be part of it too if they want," she looked at Divya and gave the best puppy dog eyes she could. "Please," she implored. "I can't do this without you guys."

Divya watched her friend like a hawk. Why is this miss sorry soul showing up everywhere? She watched as the Maheshwari brothers tried to talk her out of this plan. It was vain, she knew. Ragini could be just as stubborn if she really wanted to. She herself wasn't oblivious to the longing looks Ragini gave whenever the SCs were planning activities after school in the foyer. The problem was the elitists who gave people trouble for merely not being in the same stream as them. Some might say they are the same. They are wrong. We do it when someone crosses us. Harshad, Miss Sharma and Shahid being prime examples. They do it because everyone else is lower than them in their minds. Idiots.

If Ragini were to join them, she would be reduced to tears in days because of the continuous taunts and jabs. But with this look, I can't say no. Divya glared as much as possible at the kicked puppy look she was given before finally caving. she would do anything Ragini asked. She was her Jaan after all. Why do I even bother to fight back?

She blew a puff of air in exasperation. "Fine, I will be part of this shenanigan." She looked at the boys for their decision hoping they would object to this utter waste of effort and time.

The brothers shared a look. "Okay." they nodded.

"But don't blame us when they start their nonsense." Shikar teased tickling her sides, earning a squeal of laughter.

"Are you kidding? Of course, she will blame us," Divya joined Shikar in tickling the older girl, making her giggle even more. "Then she will admit to how horrible and absolutely atrocious this idea was."

Lakshya decided to save the poor girl for the younger devils before they could get water leaking down her eyes. "Or she will run to the beach and throw rocks into the sea while cursing them. Oh and there will be mucus running down her nose," he added after pulling them back by the collar.

"Thank you. I love you guys," Ragini ruffled Divya's hair as they gathered for a group hug.

"You aren't getting away so easily. Allow me to remind you that you still owe me a caramel frappe and McNuggets."

"Sure. we will get them after school. After all the bukkad cannot be kept hungry." Shikar joked, making them giggle, receiving a bony elbow to the ribs from Divya.

---broken promises---

Miss Mahothra strode into the conference room with newfound confidence and hope. After the fiasco at camp, it was a surprise that everything was falling back into place in the span of two weeks. Part of it had to do with the parents of the missing student dropping the matter with a stern warning. Whatever the case, the decision was in the favour of S.P.A.C.E.

That was not the only good thing happening. Midnight spirits were going to plan an A.S.P.I.R.E camp. Albeit unwilling by the insistence of their friend. Then again, groupthink accompanied by conformity is a strong influencer. It was a huge responsibility but she believed in them. The college prestige was larger than their egos. More importantly, she trusted Rakshit and Drishti. If they think this will work. She was more than willing to give them the benefit of doubt.

"Feeling better kids?" she asked the band casually as she took her seat in the front conference room waiting for the rest of the students to join.

"Yes." Ragini instantly answered all too excited while the boys nodded with a smile.

Not getting a response she directed her attention to the one who didn't respond. "Miss Singhania, are you feeling okay?" she cautiously ventured.

"Sure," Divya muttered, unbothered to look up from her phone. Receiving a kick to the shin from Ragini, she bit her lip in irritation. "Yes, ms m. Thank you for asking." She corrected her manners before returning to her phone.

"So who is your new boyfriend?" Lakshya asked, seeing Divya so interested in her phone.

"The brother of your non-existent girlfriend." she drawled, putting away her phone knowing there was no way she could scroll through eBay for a guitar pick.

"You mean the non-existent brother of my girlfriend," he said smugly.

"No. I said, the brother of your imaginary girlfriend that you stalk on Instagram all day."

Lakshya opened and closed his mouth several times before speaking again. "I don't not stalk people on Instagram. It's called...getting to know people on a platform where I don't actually have to talk to them and thus can secretly observe them."

"That is literally cyberstalking."

"You do it!" he returned, unable to come up with something better.

"I have a life unlike you," she stated as a matter of fact. "Besides, I am not a creepy stalker that has nothing better to do."

"I have better things to do."

"Such as ordering coffee in a fake British accent that by the way falls flat every single time, to keep your eyes open in class because you stalk people all night," she smirked, at the strange look, Lakshya was getting from the principal who was temporarily forgotten.

"Excuse me. I nail the accent very well." he cleared his throat dramatically for effect and pointed a finger at Divya. "Good afternoon my lady. Can I get a dark roast?" He demonstrated in a horrid impersonation of a British citizen.

Ragini and Shikar facepalm at them experiencing second-hand embarrassment as this carried on. The presence of the principal did not affect their banter in the slightest. Now was the last straw. He fell for that trick every single time. Knowing there was no saving him then watched the scene unfold.

"Be prepared for this." shikar whispered to ms Malhotra sitting on his left.

"Your dating skills are so severely comatose that when you try it becomes so straight-up creepy that people want to call the cops." Divya deadpanned.

Lakshya turned the same colour as a tomato and faced away from his friend realising his principal had heard that. "Betrayer, I am going to yeet you."

"Shikar is the only one who can actually lift my weight."

"Right because you are too heavy for me to lift."

"Or you are just too weak."

Ms Malhtora felt her headache returning while watching them. Assigning the task of planning suddenly felt like a bad idea. she narrowed her eyes, leaned onto her right and murmured to shikar as he had done earlier. "Are they going to stop anytime soon?"

"It could go on forever. Unless someone stops it."

Right on cue, Ragini shushed them as the rest of the planners entered the conference room. Lakshya and Divya continued to glare at each other throughout the meeting. It's good fun though.

The meeting began as Rakshit and Drishti introduced the notorious class and snobbish student counsellors. They gave each other vengeful looks as it carried on with the announcements of the ones in charge of the camp.

"With all due respect, Miss Sharma," Neil, the president, stood up as if making a grand speech and rolled up his sleeves. "don't you think that we should be the ones carrying out these plans? We are after the express kids and happen not to be so...dense like them." he finished with a smirk.

Neil's snide remark was the spark that lit the match. The Normal academic students whirled on the other group, the rawness of their furry no longer hidden behind pleasantries. The counsellor and class parent immediately rose to intercept the brawl before they did something to be regretful for. One stern warning from Ms Malhotra did the trick. They settled back down, each heaving a ragged breath.

"Neil, being dense is of good quality. We have the ability to drown out idiotic people whose only friends are books," shikar spat. "The next time you open your stinking mouth, think twice about who is in front of you."

"You might be in the express stream but your EQ is much lower than your IQ. That ain't getting you far in life." Sahil defended his class.

"EQ could get you out of a sleazy situation that you guys usually find yourself in. you cannot make it into big companies or land a good job and achieve success in life," Neil said.

"That would be an insult to Walt Disney." Ragini shrugged in irritation.

"Okay, guys. You can settle this outside this room. The roles are set. SCs will be manpower. 3B2 will be in charge along with the midnight spirits as the coordinators. The first draft should be done by the end of musicana. You are dismissed." Ms Malhotra declared. She nodded to the teacher and left for her office. The rest left the room as well, leaving the band and miss Sharma alone.

"Miss Sharma, I'm putting this down. If these self-declared elites make any more snide remarks like this, I am going to throw up my hands." Divya warned before leaving with the boys.

Drishti looked helplessly to Ragini hoping she would have a solution. "Tell me you can do something."

"I will make sure she doesn't throw hands," Ragini nodded. "Thank you for this again. You have killed two birds with one stone. My dream is coming through and my friends are going to become better responsible adults."

"I hope this works."

"It will, I think."

Drishti rubbed her hand over Ragini's arm with a smile. "All the best for musicana. It's going to be the first official performance of yours that I attend. I am sure you guys are going to be the best. Someone you loved was a beautiful piece."

Ragini smiled shyly and blushed, the colour matching her baby pink shirt. She was never one to take compliments. "Thank you." She stalled around for a minute thinking about how to bring up the topic she was thinking about. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," Drishti replied curiously.

"Are you okay?" she asked timidly. "After the breakdown in the night hike I mean."

Drishti stuttered for a minute wondering if Divya had gone back on her words. She studied Ragini's face for any sign of commiseration. Seeing none, she decided to test the question. "Did Divya tell you anything about it?"

"No no. She didn't tell me or luck and shikar anything," Ragini clarified immediately, realising how her question was misinterpreted. "I am just asking if you're feeling better. I know those can be horrible moments. Everything just seems so uncertain and scary. It's not a nice feeling." she said, almost dazed.

Drishti sighed in relief and nodded her head. "I am fine. Thanks for asking and yes the feeling is not pleasant," she snapped her fingers in front of Ragini seeing her lost. "And I am grateful for what Divya did. She is a good friend."

"Yes, she is. " Ragini said proudly. "Well, I am going. See you around."

"Ragini," Drishti called out, stopping her from leaving. "I am sorry for whatever happened in the locker room. I was wrong. You aren't like them and they aren't monsters either. I shouldn't have gone on any of your personal lives."

"I admit I did not like it one bit. I wanted to throw you out at that moment but it's all forgiven. It was wrong and you know and apologised. No hard feelings." surprising Drishti she brought her in for a hug. It was quick and sincere. "If you ever need to talk. I am here for you," she said before leaving a confused Drishti behind.

"Wow, all of them are...interesting." she shook her head with an amused chuckle.

A/N: So it occurred to me after checking through the chapters that I never published chapter 22 before 23. My apologies! 

Don't forget to R&R!