The frosty, morning sun rays peaked through the windows of Malhotra Mansion. The father-son duo who had snuggled into one bed recreating Manik's childhood were disturbed by Kaka's voice. The aroma of hot green-earl tea filled the room and tickled the snoring men until they were awake. A blissful smile broke on their faces and Kaka wished them a good morning. They did the essentials and chose to take a break off their dream-land and settle things back in college- they had surely been victorious in the war against Nyonika but the aftermath strikes couldn't be ignored.

Mr. Malhotra elegantly carried himself down the stairs and rather than being driven by the chauffeur, he obliged Manik to ride him to Space. The men sat in their Porsche together in the front seat and broomed away.

The hustle and bustle at Space welcomed them with a warm smile and soon, the whole college collected in the auditorium to be addressed.

"Good Morning my youthful bees!" Mr. Malhotra addressed the students, "How are you all?" he asked and gave a pause waiting for a response. Bewildered meeting an opposite personality from the Malhotra house, the student remained stunned and silent.  Understanding their confusion, Mr. Malhotra continued, "Well, I think I need to go to the doctor as I fail to hear the voice of a thousand students. But, let's chuck that off. I am Raj Malhotra, the unlucky husband of your ex-VP, and as many of you may have guessed, I would be the new Chairperson and Vice Principal of Space. So Space, let's embark on a new journey to towards music, success and most importantly, learning." He pumped the students and faculty with an ever-so-warm smile. Realizing the stark difference between Nyonika and Mr. Malhotra, the student warmed up and hooted and clapped as he finished his sentence. His speech was a validation that to them that he was a man of words, a man of stature and respect, a person who could be befriended, a person who could be looked upto, a person who wouldn't be Nyonika. Afterall, finally, Space would never have to go back to give and take again- his arrival was a breath of fresh air that brought along the spring of knowledge and learning and purity. 

-----

Nandini stood in front of the Space and stared the building. The last few days had been tiring, but now, finally, she had gathered the courage to come back. Staring at the staircase ahead, all the memories of that day came onto her gushing and a few tears slipped her eyes. "It won't hurt" she mumbled to herself and calmed her racing heart. 

The customary 8 o'clock bell rang in the hallways announcing it was time for class. Awaiting to see what the new winds brought along into the classrooms, all the students scurried into their classes. Nandini watched the commotion, bewildered by the swarms of students disappearing into classes, her thoughts ran to whether FAB5  were a part of this. She knocked away the thoughts, and took in the change-so much had already changed, another one too into her list won't harm! She waited for things to settle and stood their on the staircase chucking her thoughts on the sudden changes in Space. Slowly, she made her way into the Principal's office, looking her and there to hide away from FAB 5 or any familiar face. 

-----

Stung by the excitement that filled Space, Manik, Dhruv, Aliya, Cabir, Mukti and Navya also made their way into their class- History of Music. After so days, all of Fab5 were together under one roof, but, their usual aura was missing. They all entered the class lacklustered and sat at least a seat apart. Different corners of the room was preferred but they didn't want a new hustle and be the talk of the town. The classroom filled in and the soon the Professor arrived and started his talk. 

"So, since today seems to be such a buzz. Let's start with a very interesting aspect of Indian classical music history, a family that made a mark in sangeet." He saw the student's drop their faces but, they continued to listen. "Don't worry, we will try a new method. Let's make a circle of all these desks and Manik and Dhruv, can you go and grab the sitar and tanpura. Mukti and Aliya, please go and bring the harmonium and veena. And well, Cabir, pull put the tabala." He instructed. Manik caught his little smirk and he exactly knew what his dad was upto- Mission Reunion. 

The class turned a 360 in terms of interest- where the student anticipated to be all bored and soporific, they were all engrossed and laughing at the end of the story. Rather than hearing about significant dates and events, they learned about incidences and composed raags that related the family they discussed. 

-----

Nandini knocked on the Principal's office's door and peaked in she received a voice to "come-in". 

"Nandini!"the principal cheerfully welcomed her. That's absurd, she thought, since when did he be so, well, enthusiastic. "How are you, child? ANd where were you, I haven't seen in you in a while, especially after Talent Hunt! You know NH4 and Fab 5 were selected into the next round. So, how are you guys preparing?" The principal blabbered away while Nandini lost herself and gathered some courage. 

"Sir!" Nandini said with drop-dead seriousness. The Principal ceased his run-over talks and looked at her. "I wanted to give you this." she said and handed him a crisp, white envelope that enclosed a letter within. He took the envelope and glanced at her poker face again. He tore open the envelope and pulled out the printed letter and read through it. Once he reached the end of the page, he looked up to her again with questioning eyes and then, shifted his gaze to the letter. 

"Are you sure?" he questioned in a breaking voice. 

"Yes," Nandini answered back, monotonously. 

--------------------

Hey Peeps, 

Finally, you requests have made it through the writing and my evilness! Everyone in once place, under one roof! 

What's up next?? Cliffhangers, the next chapter awaits you!!! 

(I know you guys want it, but, as usual, wait for it! Promise, I am trying to make your experience in this story as alive and interesting as possible.)

Happy reading! 

Love, 

HF