Space Academy

Manik comes to the admission registration department for collecting his Id and
Just as Manik turns to leave, he spots Yuvi and Kabir walking into the office, their laughter echoing off the walls. His jaw clenches slightly, but he doesn't acknowledge them.

Yuvi: (Loudly, seeing Manik) Oye bhai, yeh lo! Charity case bhi yaha hai

The other students in the office glance up at the commotion, but Manik remains unfazed. He gathers his papers and begins to walk out, ignoring Yuvi's taunts. Yuvi, clearly annoyed at the lack of reaction, steps in front of him, blocking his way.

He pushes him with full force.

Manik just holds his hand midways

Manik: main kuch bol nahi Raha dosent means that I will take all ur crap...back off and don't take my silence for granted.

Yuvraj: Attitude kisko dikha raha hai be.

Manik: Ameer baap ki bigdi hue aulad ko I guess

Yuvi's face hardens at Manik's words, and the room grows tense as the other students in the office silently watch the standoff unfold. Kabir steps forward, placing a hand on Yuvi's shoulder, trying to ease the situation.

Kabir: Chill, Yuvi. Let it go. (Looks at Manik) Don't make it worse for yourself, man.

Manik smirks, his confidence unwavering.

Manik: I'm not the one making it worse. Maybe you should tell your friend to control his insecurities.

Yuvi: (Angrily) Tu kaun hota hai mujhe sikhaane wala?

Manik: (Calmly) Woh jo tumhe apni jagah dikhane aaya hai.

Yuvi's fists clench, but Kabir tightens his grip on his shoulder, pulling him back slightly.

Kabir: (To Yuvi) It's not worth it, bro. Let's bounce.

Yuvi glares at Manik, but after a moment, he lets out a frustrated huff, stepping aside. Manik walks past them without a second glance, leaving the tension hanging in the air.

Yuvi: (Muttering) This isn't over.

Manik: (Without turning back) It never is.

As he leaves, the murmur of conversations in the office slowly resumes, but the energy in the room remains charged with the confrontation that had just taken place.

__________________________________________________

Neyonika calls Manik on his phone.

Neyonika(gritting her teeth): Manik, where the hell are you, when r u ever gonna be responsible. I had told u to come to sea Queen apartment. U know what Raj wants don't u, so y r u making things difficult for me.

Manik: (sassy) Neyonika, na koi hii na hello....na kaise ho beta. Direct confrontation. Y soo desperate haa. Is this just about the divorce or the property.
Aur main waha kyu rahu, what is my benefit staying there with ur husband and son

Neyonika's grip tightens on her phone, and her voice, already strained, becomes icier.

Neyonika: (Sharply) Don't you dare talk to me like that, Manik. I have no time for your smart remarks. You know exactly what's at stake here. Raj is already losing his patience, and if this deal falls apart, we both know the consequences.

Manik: (Mocking) Oh, of course. The great *Raj Malhotra* and his golden empire. Kya baat hai, Neyonika. For once, you're the one in trouble, and it's killing you, isn't it?

Neyonika: (Seething) This isn't a joke, Manik. You think you're above all this, but you're a part of this family whether you like it or not. You'll have to play your part.

Manik: (Coldly) Family? You really want to talk about family now? After all these years of treating me like a pawn in your little games? Nah, Neyonika. Not anymore. Raj and his son can have their perfect little life without me.

Neyonika: (Desperate, but trying to maintain control) Manik, stop being stubborn. You know the terms of the will. You think you're getting out of this untouched? You think you'll walk away from all this without any of it affecting you?

Manik: (Calmly) If it means staying away from you and your manipulations, then yes. I'm fine without your money, your apartment, and especially your husband, Neyonika.

Neyonika: (Angrily) Don't you forget who put you where you are today!

Manik: (Sarcastically) Oh, how could I ever forget? You've reminded me enough times. But guess what? I'm done playing your puppet.

With that, Manik cuts the call, leaving Neyonika seething on the other end, frustration bubbling as her carefully laid plans start slipping through her fingers.

Neyonika: (to herself, with a bitter smirk) Manik, now you've really left me no choice. You're pushing me to do the inevitable.

She hesitates for a brief moment, then, with cold determination, dials a number on her phone. The line rings twice before a voice on the other end answers.

Voice: (gruffly) Hello?

Neyonika: (calm, but laced with venom) It's time. I need you to take care of a problem for me.

Voice: (curiously) Manik?

Neyonika: (smirking) Yes. He's starting to become more of a nuisance than an asset. Make sure he understands his place. I want him reminded that no one crosses me without consequences.

Voice: (after a pause) Understood. This will be handled.

Neyonika: (coldly) Good. And make it quick. I don't have time for games.

She ends the call, a satisfied yet dangerous expression settling on her face.

Neyonika, knowing that Manik has always been fiercely protective of his past and the bond he shares with Fab5( a music band a group of friends who were more than family during his school days), decides to exploit a dark chapter from their history. Years ago, during their reckless days in college, Fab5 was involved in an incident that went too far--Though the incident was covered up by the school administration, with no charges filed, the truth would severely damage the reputations of everyone involved if it ever came to light.

**What Neyonika did:**

Neyonika somehow managed to acquire evidence of that incident-a video recording, statements from old witnesses, and documents that were never supposed to see the light of day. Knowing how devastating this would be for Fab5, particularly Mukti, Dhruv, and Manik, she holds it over Manik's head as a way to bend him to her will.

**The Confrontation:**

Manik storms into Neyonika's office at space, anger radiating from him. Neyonika stands by the window, looking out at the city, her phone in hand, as though expecting his arrival.

Manik: (furious) How low are you willing to go, Neyonika? Threatening to dig up something that happened years ago? You're playing with people's lives!

Neyonika: (turning around slowly, a cold smile on her face) Oh, Manik. I'm not *playing*-I'm making sure things go the way they should. And if that means using whatever leverage I have, so be it.

Manik: (stepping closer, his voice trembling with anger) That incident was a mistake. We've moved on, and you know damn well that no one needs to relive it. Mukti,Dhruv, all of Fab5-they'll be ruined if this gets out!

Neyonika: (shrugging, feigning innocence) Oh, I'm fully aware of what it would do. Which is why I'm giving you a simple choice. Come back to the Sea Queen apartment. Do what Raj says, and keep things civil during the divorce proceedings. In return, I'll keep your little Fab5 secret... well, secret. But if you refuse... (she waves her phone slightly) this video and all the evidence will be in the hands of the press within hours. And trust me, darling, it'll spread like wildfire.

Manik: (through gritted teeth) This was all a part of your plan, wasn't it? You're willing to destroy people just to get me under control?

Neyonika: (coldly) You think I care about them? Mukti, Dhruv-they're collateral. You're my concern, and you've been out of control for too long. This is the only way you'll fall in line.

Manik: (desperately) This will destroy them! Mukti's just getting her life together and Dhruv-he'll never forgive me if this gets out.

Neyonika: (smirking) Then do what I'm asking, and none of that will happen. You'll be the obedient son, and Fab5's past will remain buried where it belongs.

Manik glares at her, his mind racing. He knows Neyonika won't hesitate to leak the information if he refuses. The consequences of that video surfacing would be catastrophic, not just for him, but for all of Fab5. He can't let that happen. Even though they r no more a band anymore, leave band they do not even see eye to eye. But for a brief moment fab5 was Maniks only family. And even if he dosent shows that he cares for them. Deep down he will always protect them. But his mother dosent needs to know the gory details of fab5's fallout.

After a long pause, he sighs, his shoulders tense with frustration.

Manik: (defeated but determined) Fine. I'll do it. I'll move into the Sea Queen apartment and do what Raj wants. But this is the last time, Neyonika. You don't get to play with our lives again.

Neyonika: (victorious, smiling) Good boy. I knew you'd see reason eventually. As long as you behave, no one will ever have to know about that little incident.

Manik turns and walks out, seething inside but knowing he has no choice. He's made the sacrifice to protect Fab5, but his mind is already working, determined to find a way to take control back from Neyonika's manipulative grasp.

__________________________________________________

**Scene: Sea Queen Apartments Block3**

the grand entrance of the luxurious Sea Queen Apartments, where movers are busy carrying furniture and boxes into a newly occupied flat. Inside, the apartment is in a state of chaos-furniture half-arranged, boxes scattered everywhere.

Avantika, the epitome of warmth and grace, is standing in the middle of the living room with her hands on her hips, looking around with a serene smile. Her son, **Kunj**, is on the other side of the room, looking completely exhausted, wiping sweat from his forehead as he pushes a heavy couch into place.

Avantika: (cheerfully) Kunj, beta, push that couch a little to the left. No, no-more to the right now. Perfect! Wait... actually, maybe it would look better near the window.

Kunj: (groaning, leaning on the couch) Maa, this couch has traveled more in the last ten minutes than I did the entire year!

Avantika: (laughing softly) Arre, it's only a little bit of furniture shifting, Kunj. Imagine how beautiful it will look once everything is perfectly in place!

Kunj: (dramatically) Maa, at this rate, I'm going to turn into a piece of furniture! I'm tired. How about we just leave it like this? It has character! Who needs symmetry?

Avantika: (teasing) Tired? Already? Beta, you're young and strong! And symmetry is important-it brings balance to life. You'll understand when you're older.

Kunj: (muttering to himself) By the time we finish this, I *will* be older...

Avantika: (laughing, patting him on the back) Come on, just this last box, and then I'll let you rest.

Kunj: (looking at the enormous box labeled "Books") *Last* box? Maa, that box is heavier than my hopes and dreams!

Avantika: (playfully) Hopes and dreams don't weigh anything, beta! This box, however, is full of knowledge. Think of how much smarter you'll be just by moving it.

Kunj: (sarcastically) Right. Because lifting books will definitely make me a genius. (He sighs dramatically) Fine, fine! But after this, I'm retiring from all future furniture-moving duties.

Kunj attempts to lift the box but ends up wobbling under its weight, nearly falling backward. Avantika can't help but chuckle at her son's exaggerated struggle, her eyes twinkling with affection.

Avantika: (gently) Alright, alright, I'll call the movers to help with that one. You've done enough for today.

Kunj: (with mock relief, dropping the box) Finally! I thought you'd never give in! Maa, you are truly too kind.

Avantika: (smiling warmly) Kindness runs in the family, Kunj.

Kunj: (grinning) Yeah, but I'm still waiting for the "super strength" gene to kick in!

Just as Avantika and Kunj share a laugh over his dramatic complaints, the front door swings open, and **Tej**, Kunj's father, strides in. He's a man with a calm, authoritative presence, but there's always a playful twinkle in his eye when it comes to his family. He's carrying a small bag in one hand, looking amused at the scene in front of him.

Tej: (raising an eyebrow, with a playful smirk) What's this? My son, the future furniture-lifting champion of the world, is already tired?

Kunj: (mocking exhaustion) Dad, if you had been here, you'd have seen I've already moved the entire apartment twice-once to the left and once to the right!

Tej: (chuckling) Oh, I'm sure. (Winking at Avantika) Looks like your mother has been running the show, as usual.

Avantika: (with a smile) Well, someone has to! If I leave it to you two, we'd have the couch on the balcony and the dining table in the bedroom.

Tej: (grinning) Now that sounds like innovation! But seriously, I've just come from the store. Picked up a few snacks for our hard-working crew. (He raises the bag) Figured Kunj might need some energy, considering how "hard" he's been working.

Kunj: (perking up) Snacks? Now that's the kind of motivation I've been waiting for!

Tej: (laughing) Always thinking with your stomach. Come on, let's take a break. I don't want to risk Avantika making you move the fridge next.

Avantika: (with mock innocence) Oh, don't tempt me, Tej. The fridge does seem to be in the wrong spot...

Kunj: (groaning dramatically) Maa, no! Let me enjoy these snacks in peace first!

Tej sets the bag down on the kitchen counter, and the family gathers around, teasing and laughing as they open the snacks. The apartment, though still cluttered with half-arranged furniture, feels lighter with the warmth and playful banter between them.

With a chuckle, Tej carefully fixes the "Malhotras" nameplate on the wall beside their door. The polished metal reflects the sunlight, giving it a warm glow.
_________________

Scene: Sea Queen Apartments - Block 2 Lobby

On the other side of the bustling Sea Queen Apartments, Manik steps through the grand entrance of the building for the first time. His face is a mix of frustration and reluctance, knowing he's been forced into this situation by Neyonika. The lobby is elegant, but Manik's mind is elsewhere as he takes it all in, brooding over the events that led him here.

Just as he's about to head toward the elevator, he hears an unmistakable voice behind him.

Yuvraj, strutting in with his usual arrogance, is walking with a group of friends, laughing loudly, until his eyes land on Manik. His smug smile vanishes in an instant, replaced by sheer shock.

Yuvraj: (startled) Tu?!

Manik: (just as shocked, his eyes narrowing) Tum?!

They both stand frozen, staring at each other in disbelief, the tension between them immediately palpable. It's like the entire room pauses around them.

Yuvraj: (mocking, though still surprised) What are you doing here, charity case? You've been stalking me now? Or did you finally get kicked out of wherever you were squatting?

Manik: (coldly) If I'd known you were here, I would've gladly gone anywhere else. What the hell are you doing in a place like this?

Yuvraj: unlike u I hv a home here. Whilst I guess u r a charity case here too.

Twinkle: kya kar Raha hai yaar Yuvi...why r u picking up fights common let's go v r getting late.

And She drags Yuvi with her as they had planned for a movie outing.

Manik: kaise kaise ajeeb logo se pala pad raha hai... where ever there is Neyonika this happens.

Manik navigates through the floors
And finally comes infront of the Malhotra residency.

Raj opens the door, his expressions are unreadable seeing Manik, who keeps his bag aside and enters the flat.
Raj's unwelcoming stance is palpable in the air.

Manik: (addressing Raj with a cold demeanor) Mr. Malhotra, why do you want me to stay here?

Raj: (with an icy tone) Manik, you'll stay here for six months. After that, you can go wherever you want.

Manik: (raising an eyebrow, unfazed) Six months? And what's the reason for this arrangement?

Raj: (coldly) The details aren't important. You're here for a set period, and after that, you're free to leave.

Saying this Raj leaves for his room, while Manik sighs seeing his Dad being totally indefferent to his presence.