Scene 1: Garg and Kavya – The Exam Crunch
The library's clock struck midnight, but Garg and Kavya were still buried in their notes. The stack of skin anatomy diagrams on the table was now more of a mess than a resource.
"Yaar Kavya," Garg groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Mujhe lagta hai stratum corneum ke naam par kisi ne curse daal diya hai. Samajh hi nahi aa raha."
Kavya chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Curse nahi hai, Garg. Tumhara lack of focus hai. Ab dekho."
She flipped his notebook around and drew a quick diagram. "Yeh sabse upar hai—stratum corneum. It's the barrier, samjha? Uske neeche granulosum, then spinosum, aur last mein basale. Basale ka role? Cell growth."
Garg squinted at her drawing. "Matlab yeh toh ek layered cake jaisa hai."
"Exactly," Kavya said, laughing. "Bas yeh cake wala visualization yaad rakhna."
"Tum scientist ke saath poet bhi ban gayi ho," he teased, his grin returning.
She smirked. "Kuch bhi bolo, cake yaad rakhne ke liye tum test mein top kar loge."
"Haan, aur agar top kar gaya toh cafeteria mein sabse bada cake treat tumhari taraf se hona chahiye," he shot back.
"Fine," she said with mock exasperation. "Aur agar nahi kar paaye toh tum mere samose la doge, deal?"
"Deal!" Garg said, extending his hand. They shook on it, laughter echoing softly through the otherwise silent library.
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Scene 2: Mihir and Aashvi – Rivalry in Full Swing
The direction class was buzzing with excitement. The results of the latest creative assignment were out, and the professor stood at the front with a list.
"And this week's top scorer is... Mihir"
Mihir leaned back in his chair, a smug grin spreading across his face as he glanced at Aashvi.
"Dekha?" he whispered. "Second time in a row."
Aashvi glared at him. "Tum sirf ek assignment ke topper ho, Yeh chhoti si khushi zyada der tak nahi tikti."
"Yeh tumhara defense hai ya threat?" Mihir teased, pretending to think.
"Tum dekhte jao," she replied sharply. "Next test mein tumhare naam ke neeche likha hoga second position."
After class, Mihir caught up with her in the hallway. "Aashvi, maano ya na maano, tumhare saath compete karne ka ek alag he majha hai."
"Tumhare liye mazaa hoga," she retorted. "Mujhe sirf marks chahiye."
"Tch, tum itni serious kyun rehti ho?" Mihir asked. "Kabhi relax karna seekho."
"Relax karne ka waqt mere schedule mein nahi hai," she replied, walking ahead.
Despite the constant bickering, their classmates couldn't help but notice the way Mihir's grin widened whenever Aashvi fired back.
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Scene 3: Aashvi and Dharam Singh Rathore – A Quiet Cafe Moment
Aashvi sat in a corner of the quiet cafe, her head resting on her hand as she stared at the barely touched cup of coffee in front of her. Her notebook was open, filled with neatly written notes and a few crossed-out lines. Her thoughts were a tangle of frustration and self-doubt, spiralling around her most recent marks in class.
She sighed deeply, unaware of the figure who had just entered the café. It wasn't until his familiar, authoritative voice broke through her thoughts that she looked up.
With his usual commanding presence, he approached her. "Kya hua beti khyati?"
Startled, she immediately stood up, her posture straightening as if on reflex. "Sir..." she greeted him respectfully.
Dharam Singh Rathore's stern eyes softened slightly as he raised a hand, motioning her to sit down. "Suna nhi maine kya kehke pukara?"
Aashvi blinked, her lips curving into a faint smile as she sat down again. Dharam pulled out the chair opposite her and settled in, his presence as steady as ever but with a distinct warmth reserved only for her.
Dharam Singh Rathore has asked Aashvi to call him "Kaka," symbolizing their father-daughter bond. Whenever he refers to her as "Khyati, (her dedicated nickname by him)" it reflects not just his affection but also the deep connection they share, rooted in a meaningful part of his past.
"Ab batao," he said, folding his arms on the table. "Itni udasi kis baat ki hai? Mujhe lagta hai coffee ka bhi bura haal hai."
She hesitated, looking down at her notebook before replying. "Kaka, woh... I've been trying so hard to keep up in class. Kabhi Mihir top karta hai, kabhi main. But it's always a fight to prove myself."
Dharam raised an eyebrow, studying her carefully. "Aur yeh fight tumhe kahan le ja rahi hai? Tumhare standards already itne high hain ki kabhi-kabhi tum khud ke against bhi competition kar leti ho."
Aashvi gave a rueful smile, her fingers fidgeting with her pen. "Kaka, mujhe acha karna hai. I want to study harder, score better, aur apne sab goals achieve karne hain."
Dharam leaned forward, his voice calm but firm. "Aashvi, tumhe yaad hai tumne yeh field join kab ki thi?"
She nodded. "Eighteen."
"Eighteen," Dharam repeated, his tone brimming with pride. "Tab log college ki planning karte hain, aur tumne ek risky field choose ki. Tumne training mein apne sab seniors ko peeche chhoda. Aur aaj tum meri sabse reliable agent ho."
Aashvi looked down, her cheeks colouring faintly with pride.
Dharam paused, then said, "Lekin tumhe yeh position kaise mili, Kaise tum cadet se official agent bani, yeh yaad hai?"
She frowned slightly, unsure where he was heading. "Sir?"
Dharam's voice turned serious. "Tumhara pehla mission. Tumhe yaad hai?"
Aashvi blinked, her breath catching for a moment. The memories of that day came flooding back.
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Flashback
The air was thick with tension as 18-year-old Aashvi crouched behind a crumbling wall, clutching her injured arm. Blood dripped steadily from a bullet wound on her forearm, soaking through her sleeve. Tears blurred her vision as pain seared through her body.
"Utho aur chalo," Dharam Singh's voice rang out, firm and commanding. He stood a few feet ahead, his gun raised and his focus unshakable. "Humein us deshdrohi ko range haath pakadna hoga."
Aashvi shook her head, her voice trembling. "Sir... mujhe maaf kardo... mujhe nahi lagta main kar paungi. Dekho... goli lag gayi hai. Khoon kitna beh raha hai."
Her tears mixed with the dirt on her face as her hands clutched the wound.
Dharam turned sharply, his eyes narrowing with disappointment. "Utho," he repeated, his tone cold. "Ya toh chalo, ya phir yeh mission abhi yahin khatam kar do."
But Aashvi didn't move. She stayed rooted to the ground, her sobs growing louder.
Dharam's patience snapped. His voice turned cutting, like a blade. "Tumhe koi haq nahi agent banne ka. Leave. Abhi isi waqt."
Aashvi's head shot up in shock, her tears halting momentarily. "Sir...?"
"I said leave," Dharam barked. "Jo ek goli se dar gaya, usme konsi himmat hogi border par hazaar guns ke samne nidar khade rehne ki?"
Her lips trembled, but she didn't respond. She simply stared at him, her fear and hesitation battling with the weight of his words.
Dharam Singh Rathore extended his hand, his voice cold and laced with disappointment. "Apni gun mujhe de do. Tum ab iss team ka hissa nahi ho. Galti ho gayi mujhse tumpe trust karke. Management ke against ladne ki galti ho gayi, yeh sochkar ki ek 18 saal ki ladki bhi ek agent ban sakti hai. Galti ho gayi yeh sapna dekhne ki, ki mai ek youth team banaunga jo desh ke liye undercover kaam karegi. Aur sabse pehli tum thi mere dream mission ke liye, Aashvi. I regret my decision now."
His words cut through the air like a blade. Dharam's tone was sharp, but beneath it lay a calculated intent—to ignite the fire he knew existed within her. Aashvi was his first cadet, handpicked for her raw potential and spirit, and he had fought against all odds to bring her into the team. Deep down, he believed in her, in his own judgment. But today, her hesitation had pushed him to his limit. He wasn't just angry—he was determined to make her see the strength she carried within.
For Aashvi, those words felt like a crushing weight. Her world seemed to tilt off balance, the ground slipping from beneath her feet. Her heart sank as her mentor—the man she respected above all—expressed regret for trusting her. She clenched her fists, her mind racing with self-doubt and guilt.
Dharam's gaze didn't waver as he watched her struggle, hoping his harsh words would spark the resolve he knew she had. Though his tone was unforgiving, his belief in her remained unshaken. This wasn't just a reprimand—it was a push to help her rise beyond her fears and prove not just to him, but to herself, what she was truly capable of.
Her thoughts were split between two vivid images:
One, a version of herself sitting alone in the corner, defeated and frustrated, burdened by self-doubt. And the other, a proud Aashvi standing tall, her achievement medal shining as her friends cheered around her, her family looking on with pride.
"Sir, please...aisa mat kahiye, mai aapka trust kabhi nhi thod sakti" she whispered, her voice barely audible. mai ladungi, mai desh ke liye jo ban pade sab karungi."
He stepped closer, his voice unyielding. "Promise karo. Aaj ke baad kabhi nahi rougi iss goli se.
The gravity of his words hit her like a second bullet. Slowly, she wiped her face with her uninjured hand, tightened her grip on her gun, and stood up.
"I promise, sir," she said, her voice steadier than before. "Aaj ke baad kabhi nahi rougi. Kabhi nahi darungi, and yes for sure I will make you feel proud. "
Dharam studied her for a moment, then nodded with approval. "Ab chalo."
What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Despite the pain, Aashvi pushed forward with a renewed determination. Her presence of mind turned out to be the key to solving the mission. She noticed patterns, anticipated the enemy's moves, and led the team to a critical breakthrough.
By the end of the mission, the terrorist was captured, and Dharam Singh couldn't hide his pride.
As soon as the mission was over, he rushed Aashvi to the hospital. He stayed by her side, ensuring she was taken care of. For the first time, his stern demeanour softened, revealing the care of a mentor who saw potential beyond measure in his junior.
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Present
Dharam's voice pulled her back to the present. "Us din tumne mujhe sahi sabit kiya, Aashvi. Tumhe chhodne ka sochna bhi ek galti hoti. Tum meri sabse proud creation ho."
Aashvi looked at him, her eyes glistening. "Aap kaise hamesha itna samajh lete hain?"
"Meri nazar meri bachi par hamesha rehti hai," Dharam replied with a knowing smile.
"Par ek baat yaad rakho," Dharam continued, his tone softening. "Life sirf achievements ka naam nahi hai. Tumhare hostel life, tumhare friends—yeh sab bhi utne hi zaroori hain."
"Par sir, agar marks acche nahi aaye toh aur mere goals?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
"Tum kis achievements and goals ki baat kar rahi ho? World ki one of the best agent ho, Raw team ki Head Captain ho, Lakho cadets ki inspiration ho tum, 14 captains tumhare under hai, Apne khud ke dhum pe tum yaha foreign study karne aayi ho, bina parents pe pressure daale, khud ka business hai wo bhi 18 ki age se started, Chess and Badminton mai champion ho, studies mai top karti ho chahe first ho ya second topper he hota ha wo, aur kya chaiye?
"Marks tumhari identity nahi banate, beta," Dharam said gently. "Tumhari mehnat, tumhara dedication, aur tumhara attitude banate hain. Tum already apne peers ke liye inspiration ho. Khud pe thoda bharosa rakho."
Aashvi felt a weight lifting off her shoulders as his words sank in. "Main try karungi, sir," she said softly.
"Good," Dharam said with a smile. "Aur ek aur cheez. Mihir aur tumhari jo friendly fights chal rahi hain na, unka bhi maza lo. Yeh waqt dobara nahi aayega."
Aashvi chuckled. "Friendly fights? Sir, uska overconfidence kabhi-kabhi annoying lagta hai."
Dharam laughed, a rare sound that warmed her heart. "Overconfidence aur tumhari determination ka perfect balance hai. Enjoy karo yeh din."
As Dharam Singh Rathore stood to leave, he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Yaad rakho, tum apne aap mai he best ho unique ho. Aur agar kabhi doubt ho, toh mujhe yaad kar lena."
Aashvi smiled; her spirits lifted. "Thank you, kaka."
As he walked away, Aashvi looked at her notebook again, her determination renewed. She wasn't just chasing marks anymore—she was chasing balance, fulfillment, and the wisdom her mentor had just imparted.
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Scene 4: Aashvi's First Step Towards Friendship
Aashvi sat at the cafe, replaying his words in her mind. A small smile crept onto her lips as a thought struck her. She opened the group chat labelled "Film Freaks", the close-knit circle of her filmmaking classmates—Mihir, Meera, Pravi, Sweth, and Smith.
For someone like Aashvi, who rarely initiated conversations, this was out of character. But tonight, she felt different.
She typed:
"Hey guys, café at 7. My treat. Be there!"
Before she could second-guess herself, she hit send.
The Group Arrives
The café buzzed with activity as her friends began arriving. Mihir was the first, walking in with a dramatic flair.
"Aashvi... hosting a treat?" he teased, settling into a chair across from her. "What's the catch? Are we all in a parallel universe or what?"
Aashvi rolled her eyes but smirked. "No catch. Just felt like it."
The others arrived soon after, their faces painted with equal amounts of curiosity and excitement.
Sweth sat down, grinning. "Okay, who are you, and what have you done with the real Aashvi?"
Meera added, "Yeah, what's the occasion? Did you finally learn how to have fun?"
Pravi chuckled. "Or is it some mysterious Aashvi-like ritual we don't know about?"
Aashvi straightened up, a playful glint in her eyes. "Well, consider this a celebration. Next test? I'm topping it."
The group burst into laughter, with Mihir leading the charge. "Oh really? Confidence looks good on you, Aashvi. But what happens when I beat you again?"
Aashvi raised an eyebrow. "If that happens—which it won't—I'll treat you to a full three-course dinner. Happy?"
Mihir grinned. "Challenge accepted!"
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The Fun Begins
As the evening unfolded, the group fell into their usual rhythm. Mihir's jokes had everyone laughing, Smith's over-the-top ideas for their next short film drew mock groans, and Meera's dramatic impressions of their professors had tears streaming down their faces.
Aashvi surprised herself. She wasn't just an observer tonight—she was part of the fun.
Pravi leaned over at one point, whispering, "You know, Aashvi, this suits you. You should do this more often."
Aashvi gave her a shy smile. "Maybe I will."
For once, she didn't feel like the outsider looking in.
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A Quick Glimpse: Garg and Kavya's Chaat Adventure
Across the street, Kavya dragged Garg to a busy chaat shop, excitement shining on her face.
"Kavya, why do you always insist on these roadside treats?" Garg grumbled, holding his plate of samosas reluctantly.
"Because they're the best!" Kavya said, popping a golgappa into her mouth. "Don't tell me you're one of those 'only fine dining' people."
"I'm not," Garg replied, biting into a samosa. His expression softened. "Okay... you might be right. This is good."
Kavya smirked. "Told you."
The two continued their lighthearted banter, unknowingly creating a bond that would grow stronger over time.
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Back at the Cafe
As the café began to quiet down, the group of six lingered, unwilling to let the night end.
Mihir stretched his arms behind his head. "You know, Aashvi, for someone who usually avoids us, you're surprisingly tolerable tonight."
Aashvi smirked. "Don't get used to it. This is a one-time event."
"Sure, sure," Mihir said, standing up. "But when you lose the next test, I'm expecting that dinner."
"You mean when I win," Aashvi replied confidently.
As the group dispersed, Aashvi stayed back for a moment, looking around the now-quiet café. A warmth filled her chest. For the first time in a long time, she felt connected—not just to her goals but to the people around her.
Stepping out into the cool night air, Aashvi smiled to herself. This was the beginning of a new chapter—one where she didn't have to walk alone.
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So this is it for today, hope you like this part if yes then Vote, Comment & Share.
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