One and a half hours into their so-called study session, chaos struck. Or rather, creativity did if you asked Vaani.
Vaani suddenly sat up straight, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Chalo reel banaate hai, vo 'sarki jo sar se vo dheere dheere' waale par!"
(Let's make a reel on that 'sarki jo sar se dheere dheere' one!)
Ahaan stretched, dramatically tossing his pen away like he'd just completed the IAS exam. "Ye, accha idea hai. Maine bhi bohot padh liya aaj."
(Yeah, good idea. I've studied a lot today too.)
"Haan, mai bhi banaungi!" Kriti chirped, already fixing her hair in her phone's front camera.
(Yes! I'm in too!)
"Main peeche khadi rahoongi... dupatta le kar," Nirma giggled, holding up a pink chiffon dupatta like it was some sacred prop.
(I'll stand behind... with a dupatta!)
"Main nahi karne waali hoon yeh sab pagalpan," Tara scoffed, crossing her arms with the dramatic finality of a soap opera heroine.
(I'm not doing all this madness.)
Vaani smirked, not even missing a beat. "Toh theek hai, main aur Ahaan aage... aur Nirma, Kriti peeche." She began organizing positions like a military commander. Then she turned and pointed a very bossy finger at Tara. "Aur tu camera woman banegi."
(Alright then, me and Ahaan in front... Nirma and Kriti behind. And you will be the camera woman.)
"Kya?! Bilkul bhi nahi! Mujhe yeh sab nahi karna!" Tara shrieked.
(What?! No way! I'm not doing any of this!)
"Shaanti se ban ja... warna tujhe bhi nachaungi." Vaani said in a mock-dangerous tone, narrowing her eyes like a Bollywood villain.
(Calmly become the camera woman... or I'll make you dance too.)
"Thik hai... lekin main sirf camera pakdoongi." Tara huffed, defeated.
(Fine... but I'm only holding the camera.)
Everyone nodded in agreement, half laughing, half buzzing with excitement. The living room suddenly transformed into a film set bags shoved aside, books stacked like camera tripods, and dupattas flying through the air.
The music started.
As the first sultry notes of "Sarki Jo Sar Se Woh Dheere Dheere" drifted through the speakers, a wave of playful intensity swept through the room. The atmosphere shifted laughter dimmed for a heartbeat, replaced by the thrill of performance. Vaani and Ahaan stood in the center, shoulders rolling in rhythm, expressions sharp and perfectly exaggerated. Their bodies swayed with flirtatious precision, the kind only best friends who danced together way too often could pull.
O Ho Ho Ho Ho Ho
La La La La La
La Ra La La La La
Behind them, Nirma and Kriti glided into place like backup dancers who meant business. Dupattas twirled in the air as they spun gracefully, matching each hip movement with a flick of the wrist and a wink. They weren't just dancing they were channeling every reel they'd ever saved on Instagram.
Sarki Jo Sar Se Woh Dheere Dheere
Pagal Hua Re Main Dheere Dheere
The four of them moved in perfect sync, swaying side to side, stepping forward with dramatic flair as the beat deepened. Vaani's hands rose above her head, wrists twisting elegantly, while Ahaan mirrored her with sharp, cheeky moves that made even the most ordinary step look reel-worthy.
Kriti threw in a quick swirl, her dupatta spinning like a ribbon in the wind, while Nirma dipped and popped her shoulders to the beat, the two clearly showing off their "we practiced this in the mirror" energy. Tara, meanwhile, though clutching the camera like she wasn't part of the madness, had started swaying unconsciously to the rhythm, biting back a smile.
As the chorus echoed once more, their movements grew bolder hands slicing through the air, heads tossing dramatically, hips snapping with precision. There was a cinematic rhythm to it all, like they were living inside a music video where nothing else existed but the beat, their laughter, and the thrill of moving as one.
But this was just the start.As the reel practice continued, the chaos turned into a mini battle.
"Tu theek se nahi kar sakti kya?" Vaani snapped, frowning as Nirma missed a beat.
(Can't you do it properly?)
"Haan, jaise tu badi dancer hai na," Nirma shot back with a smirk, tossing her dupatta sassily.
(Oh right, like you're some great dancer.)
The argument heated up while the others watched, half amused, half awkward.
Just then, the door creaked open.
A tall figure stood at the threshold. The chaos died instantly. Vaani's mom, Isha Kapoor, carried the aura of a no-nonsense businesswoman. Always impeccably dressed, even at home, she wore a crisp ivory blouse paired with tailored navy trousers, her hair neatly tied in a sleek bun. Her sharp eyes missed nothing, and her commanding presence could silence a room faster than any loudspeaker. Today, she had decided to work from home,a rare occasion that sent silent alarms through the household. With an important virtual meeting lined up with international clients, her entire focus was locked on her laptop screen in the study. The only thing she had asked from everyone in the house was silence. Just one rule. No noise. No shouting. No dramatic Bollywood-style dancing in dupattas. Unfortunately, she was living under the same roof as Vaani and her friends.
"Ek baar bolna par samajh nahi aata," she said, voice calm but laced with warning.
(Saying it once isn't enough, huh?)
"Chillane se mana kiya tha na maine? Ab awaaz nahi aani chahiye... warna sabko bahar fek dungi!"
(I told you not to shout, didn't I? Now I don't want to hear a single sound... or I'll throw all of you out!)
With that, she marched off, heels clicking, her laptop tucked under her arm. The silence she left behind was deafening.
Until the door opened again.
This time, a quartet of curious faces peeked in Ritvik, Ekansh, Vihaan, and Ayaan.
"Kya kar rahe ho tum sab? Kitni awaaz aa rahi hai bahar," Ritvik asked, brows furrowed.
(What are you all doing? It's so loud outside.)
"Waise kar kya rahe ho sab... yeh dupatta ke saath?" Ayaan asked, clearly baffled.
(And what are you all doing... with those dupattas?)
"Hum reel bana rahe the," Nirma answered, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
(We were making a reel.)
"Tum log bhi bano na, please! Maze aayega!" Kriti urged, clapping her hands.
(You guys join too, please! It'll be fun!)
Vihaan grinned. "Ab yeh sab itna bol rahi hai, toh ban lete hain na."
(Since they're all insisting so much, let's just do it.)
Ritvik rolled his eyes, folding his arms. "Lekin tum sab toh padhai karne aaye the na? Aur Tara, inka toh samajh aata hai... tu bhi?"
(But weren't you all here to study? And Tara, I get them... but you too?)
"Nahi bhaiya, maine inhe mana kiya tha, par nahi suna yeh log ne," Tara defended herself quickly.
(No, bhaiya, I told them not to, but they didn't listen.)
"Oo! Pure one and half hour padhai ki hai maine!" Vaani argued, hands on hips.
(Hey! I studied for a whole one and a half hours!)
"Toh ab main tujhe award doon?" Ritvik replied sarcastically.
(So should I give you an award now?)
Vaani just stuck out her tongue at him, and everyone burst into laughter.
"Thik hai, chalo hum bhi reel banate hain," Vihaan agreed, making a funny face that melted everyone's resistance.
(Alright, let's do the reel too.)
"Thik hai, gaana kaunsa hai?" Ritvik asked, finally giving in and turning toward Vaani.
(Okay then, what's the song?)
"Woh gaana hai na... 'Aa ante' wala," Ahaan chimed in casually.
(That 'Aa ante' one.)
Ekansh stayed quiet in the corner, listening to everyone, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"Nahi, main aise gaane pe nahi banaoonga," Ritvik protested.
(No, I'm not doing it on this kind of song.)
"Yaar kyun bhaav kha raha hai? Bana lena, kaunsa reality show pe present karna hai!" Vihaan teased, nudging him.
(Why are you acting pricey? Just do it, it's not like we're presenting it on a reality show!)
"Thik hai..." Ritvik finally agreed with a reluctant nod.
(Fine then...)
"Thik hai, toh Ahaan bhaiya aur Nirma left mein rahenge, Vihaan aur Kriti right mein... aur main, Ahaan aur Ritvik middle mein," Vaani declared, stepping into her full director mode.
(Okay then, Ahaan bhaiya and Nirma on the left, Vihaan and Kriti on the right, and me, Ahaan, and Ritvik in the middle.)
"Aur yeh dono?" Ayaan asked, pointing at Tara and Ekansh.
(And what about these two?)
"Mujhe dance nahi aata," Ekansh replied softly.
(I don't know how to dance.)
"Mujhe bhi," Tara added quickly.
(Me neither.)
"Thik hai, tum dono camera sambhalo." Vihaan decided with a grin.
(Alright then, you both handle the camera.)
As everyone scrambled to their positions, the room buzzed with excitement again.
The moment the beat dropped, their study session officially dissolved into a whirlwind of music and movement. The living room morphed into a stage cushions thrown aside, lights switched to "performance mode" and a buzz of excitement thick in the air. The lyrics boomed through the speaker, and the group launched into their impromptu performance, guided by instinct and energy.
"Aa ante aa ante ye
Aa ante Amalapuram
Aah ante Ahapuram
Ee ante Indian rhythm"
Vaani and Ahaan were front and center, their bodies moving with effortless coordination. Vaani tossed her hair dramatically while Ahaan matched her with confident footwork. Kriti and Nirma followed just behind, dupattas fluttering like banners, their steps playful, shoulders bouncing in rhythm as they mirrored the catchy beats. Even Vihaan and Ritvik joined in from the side, adding their quirky spins and over-the-top expressions, making it feel like a full-blown group act.
"Illu illu karke
Aaj naachenge hum"
The chorus hit, and suddenly everyone was twirling, snapping fingers in the air, and moving with a freedom that only came from shared madness. They clapped in sync, stepped forward and back in rhythmic bursts, bodies swaying as the lines repeated like a chant fueling their laughter.
"Hey aa ante Amalapuram
Aah ante Ahapuram
Ee ante Indian rhythm
Illu illu karke
Mann mein tera mehandi kali"
Nirma swirled around mid-line, pretending to show off imaginary mehndi on her palms, while Kriti matched her vibe with a flirtatious twirl, flicking her hair. Ahaan did a mock guitar move, pretending to strum the air as Vaani gave him a sassy shoulder pop, completely in character. Tara, still behind the camera, couldn't help but bob her head, caught in the contagious rhythm.
"Umar meri atharah hone chali
Hata de chhilka tu mere dil ka
Aa khaa le moong phali"
The group dissolved into exaggerated expressions Kriti dramatically pointed to her imaginary "dil ka chhilka", while Ritvik made the most ridiculous "moong phali" munching face ever
...which sent the entire group into a fit of laughter even as they kept dancing. The rhythm didn't stop neither did they.
As the music carried on, their energy only grew more chaotic and beautiful. Ahaan and Ritvik broke into a goofy bhangra in the corner, their shoulders popping up and down like springs, while Vaani took center stage again, twirling with such flair her dupatta nearly smacked Ekansh in the face. He ducked just in time and responded with a moonwalk so absurdly off-beat it somehow stole the spotlight.
Meanwhile, Kriti and Nirma locked arms, spinning each other in circles like children, their giggles overlapping with the pulsing beat. Tara, who'd surrendered the camera by now, joined in at last throwing her hands up, hopping side to side, and mouthing the lyrics with mock drama like she'd been part of the routine all along.
No one cared that the choreography was messy or that their moves made no sense. They were lost in the moment, in the lyrics, in the laughter echoing off the walls.
But fate has other plans.
A/N:- Ab hoga maut ka khel
Everyone was laughing, spinning, and lost in the madness of the moment completely forgetting one crucial fact: Vaani's mom was in the next room, attending an important business meeting.
The door slammed open, and there she was Mrs. Isha Kapoor, her expression a mix of pure frustration and simmering anger.
"GET OUT of the house. Right now! Jab tak meri meeting khatam nahi hoti, koi bhi yahan nazar nahi aana chahiye!"
(Get out of the house! Until my meeting is over, I don't want to see anyone here!) she shouted, her voice echoing through the room like a courtroom verdict.
Within seconds, the room that was full of music and chaos turned dead silent. Faces turned to each other in panic, and without a word, everyone shuffled out, clutching their phones and dupattas.
"Yaar, maine toh kuch kiya hi nahi tha,"
(Guys, I didn't even do anything!) Ekansh said innocently once they were outside.
"Tu wahan khada tha?"
(Were you standing there?) Ritvik asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Haan, par..." (Yes, but...) Ekansh began, but Vihaan cut him off.
"Haan fir baat khatam."
(Then that's the end of it.)
"Lekin ab karein kya?" Tara asked, brushing her dress.
(But now what do we do?)
"Hum nahi, tum log. Main aur Nirma toh ghar ja rahe hain," Kriti announced and turned to leave.
But Ekansh quickly asked, "Tumhare bag kahan hai?"
(Where's your bag?)
"Humne nahi laya, Vaani ke book se padhne wale the," Nirma replied casually.
(We didn't bring it. We were going to study from Vaani's book.)
"Toh ab kya karein? Hamare bags andar hain, na padh sakte hain, na ghar ja sakte hain," Ekansh sighed dramatically.
(So now what? Our bags are inside, we can't study or go home.)
Vaani, ignoring the entire discussion, suddenly declared, "Yaar bohot bhookh lagi hai, kuch khane chalte hain na."
(Guys, I'm so hungry, let's go eat something.)
Tara gave her a sharp look. "Ek baat bata, tujhe bhookh kab nahi lagti?"
(Tell me something, when are you not hungry?)
"Jab main soti hoon tab. Vo sab chhodo, bhookh lagi hai yaar," she replied as if it were the most logical answer.
(Only when I'm asleep. Forget all that, I'm starving.)
Ritvik chuckled and said, "Chalo dekhte hain bahar kuch khane ko milta hai ya nahi."
(Let's see if we can find something to eat outside.)
While walking, Vaani spotted a few stalls at the corner of the road. "Wahan chalte hain, pani puri wale uncle ke paas," she said excitedly, pointing toward a cluster of stalls that sold vada pav, popcorn, and of course, pani puri.
Everyone nodded and gathered around.
Bhaiya, 4 plate pani puri dena," Ritvik ordered, already wiping his hands in anticipation as the spicy aroma hit him.
"Aur bhaiya, 3 vada pav bhi," he added, glancing back at the group with a triumphant smile, proud of his successful snack management.
The group clustered around the stall like hungry school kids, laughing and munching. The golden crunch of puris, tangy tamarind water, and masaledaar potatoes filled the air with street food magic.
Everything was going great until disaster struck.
Tara, who was too busy laughing at one of Vihaan's terrible puns, accidentally tilted her plate... and a fully-loaded pani puri dropped, smacking right into Ahaan's jeans with a dramatic splut.
"Galti se ho gaya, maine dekha nahi!" Tara blurted, her eyes wide in panic.
(It was a mistake, I didn't see!)
Ahaan looked down at the mess on his pants, then back at Tara.
"Kyun? Is baar teri aankhein tour pe gayi thi?" he shot back, voice rising.
(Why? Were your eyes on vacation this time?)
As the two kept bickering, Vaani calmly strolled over to the popcorn stall. Unbothered, she casually leaned on the counter, tossed her hair like a movie heroine, and said, "Bhaiya, 4 popcorn dena."
Returning with the crunchy treats, she handed them out like party favors.
"Yeh aap kya kar rahi hain?" Ekansh asked, genuinely puzzled.
(What are you doing?)
"Bina popcorn ke maza nahi aata na," she shrugged, like it was obvious.
(It's not fun without popcorn.)
Meanwhile, the fight escalated.
"Chup chap sorry bol de, samjhi?" Ahaan barked. (Just say sorry, understood?)
"Nahi bolungi," Tara snapped back, crossing her arms.
(I won't.)
"Ab toh teri galti thi, toh bolna padega!"
(It was your fault, you have to!)
"Bol deti agar tune chillaya na hota toh!"
(I would've, if you hadn't shouted!)
Ahaan leaned in, teasingly. "Achha, toh tu pakka sorry nahi bolegi?"
(So you're sure you won't say sorry?)
Tara's eyes narrowed. "Nahi bolungi!"
(Nope!)
"Last time pooch raha hoon..."
"Bola na nahi! Kya kar lega tu?" she challenged.
(I said no! What will you do?)
Smirking, Ahaan picked up a puri, dipped it with exaggerated flair... and SPLASH! Right on Tara's kurti.
"YEH!"
Tara shrieked. "Yeh kya kiya tune! Yeh dress aaj pehli baar pehni thi!"
(What did you do! I wore this dress for the first time!)
The pani puri uncle blinked in disbelief, his irritation melting into confused amusement.
Before Ahaan could defend himself, the pani puri wala uncle lost it. "Tumhe paise nahi dena toh mat do, par yahan se chale jao sab!" he shouted, fuming.
(If you're not going to pay, then leave!)
They both froze, realizing for the first time... they were literally causing a scene in the middle of the road, blocking half the customers.
Realizing they had totally embarrassed themselves, Vaani quickly ran back, folded her hands with a sheepish smile. "Sorry uncle... hum sab kaafi pagal hain."
(Sorry uncle... we're all a bit crazy.)
"Umcle yeh lo paise," Vihaan added, laughing and handing over cash.
The uncle shook his head but smiled, muttering, "Aaj kal ke bachhe..."
(Kids these days...)
"Mujhe nahi pata tha tum itna bolti ho," Ekansh muttered to Tara, still stunned.
(I didn't know you talked so much.)
Vihaan, ever the comic relief, chimed in, "Bolne lagi hai."
(She's started talking now.)
Trying to ease the tension, Ekansh suddenly burst out singing in a high-pitched, exaggerated voice, "Mera Yashu Yashu..."
Everyone stared.
"Yeh bhi bolne laga!" Ayaan exclaimed, dramatically putting a hand on his chest.
(Even he's talking now!)
But before anyone could recover, ahaan jumped in with the next line:
"Mera yashu Yashu..."
Vihaan followed, twirling like a backup dancer.
"mera yashu yashu ..."
And just like that, the group broke into a mock music video. Vihaan grabbed Ritvik's arm, forcing him to spin, while Vaani and Ahaan did exaggerated thumkas and Tara still annoyed but laughing wiped her kurti and joined in with a sass-filled hook step.
Back at Vaani's house, the doorbell rang. The door swung open, and Mrs. Kapoor stood there, arms crossed, eyebrows already raised.
Her eyes scanned the group, then landed on someone new.
"Yeh kaun hai,uss time puchna tha lekin meeting ke wajh se nhi puch paayi?" she asked, pointing at Ekansh.
(Who is this?)
Ekansh stepped forward, awkwardly brushing the popcorn off his shoulder. "Aunty, yeh mera chhota bhai hai."
(Aunty, he's my younger brother.)
"Yeh tumhara bhai hai? Aur aisi haalat?" she said, unimpressed.
(This is your brother? In this condition?)
"Arrey mummy, vo-" Vaani tried to explain.
"Maine tujhse pucha?"
(Did I ask you?)
she snapped, cutting her off instantly.
Vaani zipped her mouth like a scolded child.
"Kaunse circus mein joker ban ke aa rahe ho tum dono?" she asked, eyeing Ahaan and tara.
(Which circus are you returning from dressed like clowns?)
"Kuch nahi mummy, ye log Holi mana rahe the," Vaani mumbled.
"December mein Holi? ummeed kar sakte hai, jinke aise dost ho!" She said pointing towards vaani.
( Holi in December? Nothing surprises me anymore with the kind of friend you are with!)
Everyone lowered their heads, chuckling silently.
As soon as she went inside, Ahaan whispered, "Ohhh, tujhe bhi koi chup kara sakta hai, pata nahi tha."
(Didn't know someone could shut you up.)
"Ab pata chala dono bhai-behen aise replies kahan se late hain," Ayaan joked.
(Now I know where both siblings get their sass from.)
Ekansh glanced at the time on his phone, then looked around at the chaos still settling from Mrs. Kapoor's sudden storm.
"Chalo ab, ghar chalte hain. Kaafi der ho gayi hai." (Let's go home now. It's getting late.)
he said, brushing his hair back and picking up his jacket.
Everyone nodded in agreement, the earlier excitement now replaced with tired smiles and sleepy eyes.
Vaani walked him to the door quietly and they shared a quiet, stolen glance , the kind that lingered even as footsteps moved away.
Ahaan followed Ekansh outside, giving a short wave.
"Bye, sabko goodnight bol dena," he told Vaani. (Tell everyone goodnight from me.)
Vihaan turned to Tara, stuffing his hands in his jacket pocket.
"Main drop kar deta hoon tumhe. Raat hone wali hai." (I'll drop you. It's late.)
Tara hesitated, then smiled softly. "Okay."
The group scattered slowly , the laughter from earlier now a sleepy memory floating in the quiet hallway.
As vihaan and Tara walked outside, the streetlight flickered above.
"Aaj ka din full drama tha, haan," Tara said, shaking her head with a smile.
(Today was full of drama, huh?)
"Drama toh tab start hota jab tum dance karti," vihaan teased.
(Drama only starts when you start dancing.)
"Hahaha, funny. Bahut hassi aayi."
(Haha, hilarious. I'm laughing so hard.)
They both chuckled, enjoying the brief walk under the chilly December night sky. As they reached the turn in the road, Tara looked at him.
"Thanks for walking with me."
"Anytime. Aur... best of luck."
He smiled before heading in the opposite direction.
_________
The next week passed in a whirlwind of open books, late-night calls, messy buns, and cold coffee. The group took turns in hosting study sessions at their houses sometimes productive, sometimes a disaster.
Ayaan always brought snacks. Ritvik being serious. Vihaan made everyone laugh during breaks. Kriti and Nirma color-coded notes. Ahaan and Tara secretly argued over pen colors. And Vaani? Vaani was the planner.
Ekansh, quiet but reliable, showed up every time only to study, sometimes to be around.
By the end of the week,they were prepared for the exam.. but were they really prepared??
_________
The school gates looked like a war zone. Tense faces, crumpled notes, murmurs of formulas and forgotten definitions buzzed in the air.
Backpacks were open, books were everywhere in the ground. Some were revising furiously. Others had given up and were just praying to the exam gods.
"Mujhe lagta hai main fail ho jaungi," Kriti whispered dramatically, holding her head.
(I think I'm going to fail.)
"Chup kar, sab yaad aa jayega andar jaake," Nirma assured her.
(Shut up, you'll remember everything once you're inside.)
"Mujhe toh kal raat ki Maggie ka recipe toh yaad hai. Bas wahi likh ke aate hain," Vaani joked, trying to lighten the mood.
(Hey bro, I remember the Maggi recipe from last night. Let's just write that in the paper.)
Ahaan sat on the steps, earphones in, mouthing lines from his notes while Tara paced behind him reciting definitions like mantras.
Meanwhile, Vaani stood in a corner, flipping through flashcards.
"Everyone check their respective classroom!" a teacher called out.
(Come on, get in line!)
Suddenly, the panic hit full force. Students scrambled to stuff notes back into bags, zip their jackets, and mentally prepare.
The real test hadn't begun but the battlefield had.
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