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Part 1: Her Lifelines

The screen of her mobile showed the time as exactly 5 making her smile in spite of just waking up.

She was so habitual to her wake-up routine that now she didn't even require an alarm or wake-up call to get up in time.

Years back she would be doing her morning chores and practicing her Veena but now, the few hours of the morning was her self time where she does just one thing and that is to think.

Soft breathing sounds of her new best friend were the only thing that was heard in the room.

Navya, a girl with a radiant personality and a full package of drama. Her past experience had made it difficult to just trust someone but the non-stop chatterbox had her seeing an innocence just tugging at her heartstrings.

And just on the first day, she not only got a new friend in the new city of dreams but she got a support system making her believe, she still had a chance to correct her past mistakes.

The most grateful she was of Navya was for bringing Fab5 into her life. It's not like she had not heard about Fab5, to be honest, she herself was a great fan of them after their first concert.

The emotions that were reflected from not just their songs but their voice, strings, tunes, all were truly mesmerizing that it felt they were not singing but putting a part of themself and communicating in music.

But the group hug that they had shared at last was the final string and from there she had the itchiness to meet them.

It was only then that she herself wanted to come and join space while before that in spite of getting a transfer letter courtesy of Zubin and Harshad, she was reluctant to come. But that one performance changed her mind and now months later she was there experiencing what she wanted to experience real friendship.

But like always the question of Fab5 being broken came back but before she could ponder she heard it, the song of their concert echoing throughout the house.

And that meant one thing, Jeff came up with the new idea to make everyone start their weekend early.

But this time she was happy listening to the song cause she got what they were searching for for so long, the answer to the question.

********

The sun was already above the horizon and the members of JAHAN were all up and had already filled the morning mice.

Now they all sat in the living room setting out the plans to spend the weekend and talking among themselves.

Suddenly Zubin voiced our his thought to no one in particular

"It's odd how we all are connected, don't you think?"

" I know right but I still am confused with how Jeff and Nandini know you guys?" Navya voiced out her thought.

"Same here actually. How do you guys even know Navya in the first place? As far as I know, I have never heard you guys talk about her, ever." Nandini asked.

"And me knowing is just out of question." Jeff commented, "but I have answers to Navya's question though. "

"And that is? " Navya asked all excited waiting for some sort of story like her own but Jeff's answer just made her frown, "Navya, we are all childhood friends. Nandini, Aryaman, Zubin, and I grew together in Mangalore in the same neighborhood and went to the same school, just that I had to shift here with my parents while Uncle aunt with Zubin decided to look after our businesses there and I lost contact with them as we were still kids then."

"You seem disappointed Navya." Nandini pointed out making Zubin and Aryaman chuckle.

"Of course she will be, she might have anticipated something juicy like our meet," Zubin asked making Navya grin remembering their encounter.

"So, how did you guys meet her in the first place?" Jeff asked.

"In the music workshop organized in Mangalore a few years back," Zubin answered slowly looking at Nandini who seemed too in anticipation of hearing the story to realize anything.

"Mangalore? Then why was not Nandini with you guys?" Jeff asked making Arya and Zubin shift uncomfortably in their seats.

"I had gone to chacha chachi's home as it was holidays after finals of twelfth." Nandini kept it short and to the point making the duo sigh.

"So, coming back how did you guys exactly meet again?"

*******

Flashback

Fusional Clash

The bold letters in the hoarding had her smiling wholeheartedly. It was not an everyday affair that her somewhat narrow-minded parents from the small city of Patna allow their only daughter to visit a whole new place that too alone among complete strangers not when music is of their least favorite.

But after a lot of convincing and pleading with a whole set of rules and safety instruction, Navya Naveli was finally there in Mangalore to attend a fusion music workshop which was already rocking with its name.

It was just the second day of one week-long workshop and someone had already managed to bring the worst in her.

Being a devotee of Matarani, she had developed a habit of confiding in her best friend as she likes to address the goddess. Somewhere down the line, the reason was more of loneliness than devotion and she was not too unknown to it but again ignorance is bliss and at least the faith in her goddess can keep her going then she would not trade that friendship for any other bond. But being told the same in the face is never the same and it hurts.

The same happened that day.

After the regular introduction by the workshop conductors and the few hour lessons and knowledge, they were assigned with partners as they quoted, "Make Friends, Make Music."

She was partnered with a pea-sized brain full of ego and self-appraisal gaining the title of a narcissistic kid from her.

Their schedule was in the order of: Morning Introduction, Music Demonstrations, Training, and Learning Session, Music Composition, Fun time and at night, finally Concert not just from the musicians that were to sharpen their knowledge but from them too, either solo or their group with whom they worked during the day's music composition. They were to perform the same piece and get reviews to help get improvement.

But with the narcissistic kid adding just his ideas in the composition and stating himself as being generous by rejecting her ideas calling them pathetic and asking her to be grateful for getting him as her partner was just boiling her anger. But when he stated her as a lonely soul with just an imaginary goddess to talk to her nose flared.

The volcanic eruption was bound to happen but the damage that it was to bring was unknown to Navya too.

Finally, the time to present the composition came, and then he did all the things from playing it to organizers and guests to answering the musicians.

She was standing as an outcast on the stage beside the narcissistic kid and finally, when one question was directed at her which he dodged saying she was shy and quite afraid to speak in front of mass and she was sweating too, he added with a chuckle.

And now the sweat not of lack of strength but the excess of anger needed to be wiped and only the way was acknowledging it. So, she finally same a full-blown smile and just spoke for minute.
..,..........

"A speech that ought to be remembered in the history of Fusional Clash...." Arya spoke with a grin.

"If only I could hear that." Jeff pouted making the trio grin and Nandini raise an eyebrow at that expression.

"Official website of Fusional Clash, search Narcissistic Kid.." Zubin concluded.

"Really?" Jeff asked unsure that the speech to degrade someone was really on the official page of such a prestigious musical site.

"It is but not the speech." Navya added, "Then?"

"Our first composition together. " Arya replied making Jeff and Nandini confused than they already are.

"After I gave the speech, I was called by the organizers and me being me, was overthinking about all the possible ways from which I will be thrown out only on the second day of workshop but rather, they called me to praise me. Imagine my shock when they wanted my acceptance to upload the recording to their site so that the messages reach others."

Zubin continued for her, "Actually before Navya many of the other participants came with the same problem with their partner and wanted to change their partner. But Navya was the first to deal with it on her own and giving them their own dose. So, everyone was impressed by her. "

"But the site being musical, no one will quite want to listen to the speech so I came up with an idea to make a musical rap of same." Nandini and Jeff were amazed at the Navya in the story.

"And that's when we came into the picture. Me being the part of organizing committee from college was assigned with a job to get the best partners for Navya with knowledge for both classical and modern music." Zubin commented.

"Since Zubin already knew that I can play tabla, and drum both he gave my name and since Harshad knew the guitars all well he was next. And Navya already knew harmonium and piano so we finally met."

"And on the last day of the workshop, we as a team performed on our composition." Navya grinned widely remembering some of the best days of her life.

"Wow.." Jeff could not bring herself to speak anything else. She never expected something like this.

"What was the name of your team?" Nandini asked still in a daze with everything she just heard.

"That has a story of its own so it's going to be revealed later. " Navya added with a wink.

"Not fair..." Jeff said but the trio ignored her. "Jeff, trust me, it was just a small summary. Our first impressions are far more interesting with some insults and far more insults thrown at each other maybe some bruises too. " Arya added making her more excited yet sulk as they didn't reveal anything else.

"Okay coming back to the present, I have got good news ..." Nandini concluded but before anyone could open their mouth she cut them off.." And no, it's now what you guys have in mind. It's about Fab5," she added

She waited for any reaction but got none. "At least you can react?" She added.

"Why react when the news not out yet?" Jeff said.

"Also we will decide if the news is good or not," Zubin added.

"All have different thoughts Nandu. " Navya commented and as she expected Aryaman didn't reply.

"Okay fine. I found out when Fab5 broke." Nandini stated but still, she got no reaction so sighing she continued, "It was on the day of their first concert."

She waited a whole minute for a happy reaction but she was only greeted by an expressionless face.

Slightly irritated she added, "I just dropped the happiest news and you guys are not even reacting."

"Nandini, it's not happy news, it the worst news," Zubin added.

"Yes Nanz, the happiest day of their life turned to be saddest and you are happy?" Jeff spoke.

"Hame Tumse ye umeed nahi thi Nandini " Navya added with a shake of the head.

Though she didn't have hope that he will talk but she stilled when he spoke, "Guys, you have lost your brain as Nanz said. Remember what Harshad said that he will help us if we know this then we should celebrate and plan on how to bring Fab5 back."

Jeff jumped in excitement after processing his words while Navya thanked her Matarani while Zubin was just happy for his friends.

Nandini was still stuck on how Arya called her Nanz after years and slowly a smile graced her lips, the one which was missing for years, the one from her heart.

Maybe she was finally ready, ready to move on, and that it was time she got closure.

And this time her best friends would be there as her lifelines.

★★★★★

Part 2: His lifelines

Dreamless sleep.

That was a rare occurrence for him but if your mind and body both are too tired to even know about your surroundings then it's not a surprise.

The constant ringing of his mobile phone woke him from his deep slumber. Yawning and rubbing his eyes to let go of the little sleep still left in his eyes he tried to figure what time it was.

He was greeted by his darkroom which was not so dark with the glowing curtains making him realize the sun was already up and shining to its brightest.

The ringing diverted his attention from the curtains to his mobile flashing in the side table beside his star lamp, his star's gift. But he didn't let his mind wander towards her rather focused on the mobile.

Stretching his hands he grabbed the phone and brought it towards his face to look at the caller id but the instant brightness made him close his eyes and open it again slowly while making his eyes adjust to its light.

Brother-In-Law calling.

He grinned looking at the name. Only if...But instead of spoiling his mood he attended the call and put it on speaker.

"Good morning sleeping beauty. Rise and Shine." came the voice making him smile and release a cute yawn making the person on the line chuckle.

"Seems like sleeping beauty is still sleepy." the teasing tone in the person's voice made him grin more widely. He just hummed in response.

"I knew those idiots won't wake you up so I called. It's been a tiring week. That's why I managed a small party for FAB5 like in old times. I will have joined but work comes first and I will be flying out of the country for a meeting. I am at the airport only." he wanted to cut off but the person didn't let him.

"Don't worry, I will be there before you guys leave for the treasure hunt and the trip to Mangalore. Have fun. I am getting on the plane. Enjoy. Miss me brother-in-law." and the phone was cut off.

Looking at the phone he could just stare at the cuties making faces at him as his wallpaper and mutter, Miss u too brother-in-law.

Shaking his head to clear all the thoughts, he was finally out of the bed and went to open the curtains letting the sun rays enter inside his dark world. Only if...

Looking outside the window, he saw the sight that warmed his heart. There they were playing in the water, His Mukti and Cabir.

Mukti was running around the pool and wet Cabir was running after her, he could instantly know that Mukti pranked Cabir to come to the poolside and threw him in the pool.

It didn't take him long to get hold of her and throw her, but Mukti being Mukti, made sure to take him with her. No wonder they are best friends.

Who would say, these childish kids are grown up with a specific goal in life and are musicians too. Looking at them any person will say, they are immature teenagers with their parents bank-balance to have fun and have no goal in life.

Only if they knew.

He was proud of how Cabir had grown and he was more proud of his sister, Mukti Malhotra, with the way she brought that little Cabir out of his shell and made him the prankster.

He can never forget that day when Mukti had brought Cabir to Vardhan Mansion.

Flashback

It was Sunday and like always, it was a fun day for them. But it was more special to him, for today after long his mom and both were inside his bedroom waking up the 9-year-old him from his peaceful slumber with their cute bickering, with his mom, Neonika Malhotra scolding his dad, his hero, Shrikant Malhotra, for spoiling his son to no ends and his dad as always trying to romance with her in spite of her scoldings.

The busy businessman and businesswoman rarely got time for their son with the amount of trip they had to make but they never failed to spend their time with him and shower him with their love every minute they got.

And today was no exception.

Soon, they had their morning breakfast with his father's amazing cooking and his mother's stories of his father's teenage days. They were school sweethearts and listening to their nostalgic memories was his favorite pastime.

Soon they were on their way to Vardhan Mansion for their fun Sunday were his friends and family were already waiting for them.

Soon they were inside the premises of Vardhan's and as expected, Harshad and Alya were already waiting for them.

Though Harshad was two years older than him, he was Manik's best friend may be due to the fact that they were somehow the same and understood each other like no other.

And coming to Alya, they were of the same age with just her being a few months older than him.

Their parents had already started their talks leaving them on their own.

They were waiting for the residents of Vardhan Mansion who themselves had gone out somewhere in name of surprise.

The loud horn of the car made them aware that his angel was there making him run outside. As soon as the person came out of the driving seat, he ran to the person making his angel hold him and hug him tightly.

"I missed u, angel," he said with a cute pout making her smile. "I missed my little devil too," she replied making him pout and break the hug with a cute frown.

"Okay okay, not little devil. It's my prince. Happy." Mihika Vardhan, his angel replied kneeling before him making him grin widely and bob his head like a five-year-old.

"Such a kid." came a voice from behind of non-other than the little she-devil, Niti Vardhan making him glare at her. Though she was two years younger than him and mostly be in each other's presence, they mostly fought.

How would they not when Manik mostly was in Vardhan Mansion roaming around her mother and her own mother loving and pampering him to no extent.

"I know you are jealous that angel loves me more than you," he stated and looked at the angel to confirm his point who hi-fi with him making Niti stomp her feet and go in search of her angel, Neonika Malhotra.

"Angel, mom, and Manik are teaming against me." they could hear her complain to her angel.

"Where were you angel and why are you late?" he asked.

"We had gone to orphanage Manu to bring Cabir."

"Cabir? Who?" he asked not knowing who he was but the reply came from behind.

"Cabir as in Cabir Dhawan, my best friend and a new member of Vardhan Mansion." his favorite person replied making his grin wider.

"Mukti..." and at once they were hugging each other like they have met after ages though it had been just about 12 hours. They were saying their miss you making Mihika roll her eyes at her daughter and son.

Pulling out from the hug, Mukti dragged someone in front and beside her. He roamed his eyes from head to toe of the boy whose hand was firmly gripped by his sister.

"Manik, this is Cabir. And Cabir, this is Manik. " Mukti was so excited, so unlike her personality, and Niti, who should have been all excited for Funday like always was sulking as he noticed.

It didn't take him long to know the problem. Mukti didn't explain any further and just went inside the Mansion dragging the boy, Cabir with her who seemed nervous yet had a small smile looking at the excited Mukti. And he knew Mukti was too excited to be with Cabir and make her first best friend that she royally ignored her sister making her sulk.

Cabir was a reserved child he had realized but with them being the same age, he warmed up to him easily making them each other's soul brother while the situation with Harshad was not quite heartwarming. They had this cold war relating to Manik.

Later his angel and mother had filled him about Cabir.

Cabir's mother was one of the caretakers of children's at their orphanage but due died a few months back due to cancer. Having no other family to take responsibility for, Cabir was left in the same orphanage.

Niti was always fond of Cabir with her frequent visits to the orphanage when his mother was still alive but after her death, the lively boy was somewhere lost making Niti lose her friend and she too was unhappy.

Mukti being the sister who though does not show but cannot see Niti sad had gone to orphanage two weeks without Niti and with her stubborn nature was able to irritate the hell out of him with her sarcastic remarks and Cabir retorted with his set of statements.

Mukti instead of politeness used her rudeness and instead of asking to befriend them directly declared him as her best friend making Cabir amused.

These two weeks the sisters will go to the orphanage and seat on either side of Cabir and talk about everything and nothing.

Niti had seen other kids getting adopted so she had innocently asked her mother if they can make Cabir their brother.

The same day Cabir had talked to Mukti for the first time and told her how he didn't want to stay here where his mother is not there but her memories are.

7-year-old Mukti not knowing what it was had promised him to take him out of here but with a condition that he will be her best friend and not, Niti as her sister already had Alya.

And Mukti had repeated their conversation to her mom, Mihika who after talking to Neonika and Shrikant had decided to take full responsibility for Cabir while letting him keep his surname as his mother and fathers memory who too was an employee of there's and had died in an accident just a few months before Cabir's birth.

*********

He never knew Cabir and Mukti would really form such an inseparable bond.

Who would have thought a 7-year-old Mukti's one condition had marked the begging of a lifelong friendship?

Shaking his head at his two idiots still having a water fight in the pool, he moved towards the washroom to freshen up.

It was already one when he finally had come out of the washroom after his hour-long shower.

Making his way downstairs he was greeted with a running Dhruv and an angry Alya.

As soon as they were known with Manik's presence, Dhruv hid behind Manik taking Manik as his shield.

"Dhruv Vedant, you better come in front or else..." Alya warned Dhruv while still glaring at him.

"First throw away that metal scale it pains yaar," Dhruv whined.

"Should have thought that before deciding to dance in the study and breaking my reading glasses and misplacing all my papers."

Manik could only sigh at the grown-up best friends cum lovebirds.

He remembers the day when Alya had come to him in school saying her best friend, her Niti was avoiding her just because of that new transfer student and her new project partner.

She had complained about how he is all nice, sweet, and shy in front of Niti but is a spoiled child who just knows to make her bad in front of Niti.

That was after a year since Cabir's arrival and finally, their friend's circle was complete.

Dhruv's parents were more interested in their name and fame than in taking care of their child as a result he was living with his grandparents at that time when he joined school but after their death, he decided to live with us than going back to his parent's house as they were not supportive of his passion for music and dance. And Manik's family supported him fully.

Seven of them - Niti, Mukti, Cabir, Alya, Dhruv, Manki, and Harshad.

They had a group hug and named themselves "5 STAR".

5 STAR in sense of their family name: Vardhan, Dhawan, Saxena, Vedant, and Malhotra.

And now standing here, he could only think how 5 STAR had become just Five of them and her, their star.

He has no idea about the future but he can only know, they are his lifelines and if erasing the lines connecting them is the only way to make sure their life remains, then he will do it without a second thought.

******"*

IMPORTANT

I know I have gone MIA and so sorry for making u all wait for so long but had family issues followed by writer's block.

This chapter took me nearly more than a month due to my inability to form a single sentence .Now also I am not fully able to write but slowly I will come in form and try and update early.

Thank u so much for the patience that u guys have shown. Tbh, I don't have words to show my gratitude to u all after all the love u guys have showered this story with.

With this chapter, I mark the ending of Phase 1 of this story, the details regarding which will be posted in a new chapter titled PHASE:1.

Also, a new prologue with be added giving more justice to the title of the book, though that might take a lot of time still.

Also, a new description has been added Do check it out and comment ur thoughts.

So, see u soon with the next chapter.

Thanks again crazy but sweet readers ;)

Vote and comment down views and feel free to ask if any question.

Lots of love.

Stay safe.