So let's begin!

NEXT MORNING — SCHOOL CORRIDOR — EARLY HOURS

The sun is up, birds are chirping, but for Team Aashvi — the new day at school starts with sore legs, sleepy yawns, and matching guilty grins.

Aashvi, Vanya, and Kikvi walk in together, clutching their bags — Aashvi’s hair still a bit messy from the midnight kitchen adventure, Vanya dragging her feet dramatically like she hasn’t slept in ten years, and Kikvi in the middle, trying to boss them both into looking normal.

Aashvi (grumbling, rubbing her back):

"Mujhe toh lagta hai abhi bhi murga hi hoon… kal raat ka dard abhi tak nhi gaya… upar se isne bed se aur gira diya. Ahh!"

Vanya (miserable):

"Mujhe chips bhi nahi mil rahe… aur Papa ne sab chocolate fridge mein upar chhupa diye…"

Kikvi (rolling her eyes, strict whisper):

"Bas karo! School mein drama mat karo — warna Mumma ko principal Sir se phir sorry bolna padega. Chup chap seedhe class mai chalo, sab normal behave karo!"

Aashvi mock salutes her.

Aashvi (teasing):

"Yes, Major Kikvi!"

Vanya giggles but hushes when they near their classroom — because waiting near the door is Miss Rhea Ma’am, arms crossed, eyebrows arched, ready for any fresh nonsense.

She spots the trio and calls them out without blinking.

Miss Rhea (stern):

"Aashvi! Vanya! Kikvi! Yahan aao — abhi!"

The three freeze — exchanging tiny side glances. Bach gaye ya phir se phas gaye?

They shuffle over like tiny criminals. Miss Rhea looks them up and down, notices the sleepy eyes, the suspicious hush-hush smiles.

Miss Rhea (squinting):

"Kal ka fight ka drama kam tha jo aaj subah se phir se koi plan hai?"

Aashvi and Vanya instantly shake their heads like bobbleheads.

Aashvi (innocent voice):

"No Ma’am… bilkul nahi Ma’am… aaj toh hum angels hain…!"

Kikvi elbows her sharply — Miss Rhea narrows her eyes at them but can’t help the tiny smile tugging at her lips.

Miss Rhea:

"Achha — angels? Toh phir class mai jaake angel jaisa hi behave karna. Samjhi Team Aashvi? No fight, no prank, no chit chat. Straight to your seats. Clear?"

All three (chorus):

"Yes Ma’am!"

They march into the class — Kikvi whispering behind her hand.

Kikvi (to Aashvi and Vanya):

"Aaj ek bhi gadbad nahi! Warna ghar pe bhi murga, school mein bhi murga!"

Aashvi sticks her tongue out, Vanya giggles — and like that, Team Aashvi slides back into their bench. A new day, new mischief waiting… but for now, they sit quiet — or at least they try.

After some time -

Miss Rhea Ma’am stands in front of the blackboard with her glasses low on her nose, chalk in hand — her eyes scanning the chattering kids who instantly pretend to sit straight the second she clears her throat.

Miss Rhea (claps once, sharp tone):

"Sab dhyan se suno! Aaj ek surprise Hindi test hoga. Matra aur spellings ka. Bohot easy hai — par bina cheating ke. Samjhe sab?"

Aashvi and Vanya exchange a look — surprise test! Kikvi just sighs dramatically, tapping her forehead.

Aashvi (whispering to Kikvi):

"Matra! Matlab wo aa, ee, oo waale na? Mujhe toh sab confuse ho jaata hai!"

Kikvi (bossy whisper):

"Chup! Main hoon na. Pehle apne dhang se karna — phir main bataungi. Cheating nahi, warna Miss Rhea gussa ho jayengi."

Miss Rhea starts writing simple words on the board: “आम, केला, फूल, पानी, मिट्टी”

She underlines each, then turns.

Miss Rhea:

"Notebook nikalo sab. Pehle inke sahi spelling likho — matra galat hui toh number katega. Koi mazaak nahi. Samjhe?"

A chorus of “Yes Ma’am…” echoes. The trio open their notebooks — pencils ready.

Aashvi squints at “फूल” and whispers to Vanya.

Aashvi (frowning):

"Yeh फूल mein kaunsi matra hai? U ki ya oo ki?"

Vanya shrugs, panicking.

Vanya:

"Mujhe kya pata! Mujhe toh पानी mein bhi doubt ho raha hai…"

Kikvi rolls her eyes, pushing her specs up her nose, acting like a mini teacher.

Kikvi (tiny whisper, instructing):

"फूल mein badi uu ki matra hai — उ nahi, ऊ. समझी? और पानी mein आ aur ई matra. बस ab chup!"

Aashvi and Vanya copy fast — but then Aashvi giggles and pokes Kikvi with her pencil.

Aashvi (teasing):

"Teacher Madam! Kya humko full marks milenge? Ya Mumma ko phone kar ke bolu ki tumne cheating karwayi!"

Kikvi glares, ready to bop her head — but freezes when Miss Rhea looks up suspiciously.

Miss Rhea (sharp):

"Aashvi! Tum wahan kya discussion kar rahi ho? Test ke waqt zubaan bandh. Tum logon ka naam famous ho gaya hai — principal Sir ko dobara na sunai de!"

Aashvi instantly zips her mouth dramatically. Vanya stifles a giggle behind her palm. Kikvi just rolls her eyes, muttering under her breath:

Kikvi (muttering):

"Team Aashvi ke chakkar mein mujhe bhi line mein laga diya… uff!"

They bend over their notebooks — tiny pencils moving, tiny whispers hidden, tiny mischief always waiting under the ‘good student’ mask.

FEW MINUTES LATER — DURING TEST

The classroom is filled with the tiny scritch-scratch of pencils. Miss Rhea strolls between the rows, peeking into notebooks. Aashvi keeps glancing sideways at Kikvi — who’s scribbling like an over-serious scholar.

Vanya, meanwhile, is chewing her pencil eraser and staring blankly at मिट्टी — she’s written it thrice… each time with a new spelling!

Vanya (whispering to herself, panicked):

"मिटी… मिटि… मिट्टी… Arrey! Kaunsa sahi hai?!”

She leans towards Aashvi for help — Aashvi smirks, pretends to be the topper for once.

Aashvi (tiny whisper):

"Mitti mein ट्टी hota hai… do बार ट. Mujhe sab aata hai."

Vanya scribbles it down fast — but her ‘do बार ट’ turns into three baars. She proudly writes: मिट्ट्टी

Aashvi peeks — and nearly laughs out loud.

Aashvi (hushed giggle):

"Arey pagal! Teen ट kahan se aa gaya?! Kitni mitti chahiye tujhe?"

Vanya’s eyes go wide — she tries to erase it in panic, but the paper tears a bit. Kikvi notices the drama and hisses.

Kikvi (angry whisper):

"Shhh! Dono chup! Main bata rahi hoon na — मि-ट्टी bas. Do ट. Aur ek aur spelling galat hua toh Miss Rhea ko bol dungi ki dono ko zero mile!"

Aashvi sticks her tongue out. Vanya clutches her head.

Just then Miss Rhea stops at their bench — peeks into Vanya’s torn notebook, raises an eyebrow.

Miss Rhea (stern):

"Vanya! Yeh kya hal bana diya notebook ka? Aur teen ट?! Mitti bechne ka dhanda kholna hai kya?"

Aashvi snorts — then clamps her mouth shut when Miss Rhea glares at her too.

Miss Rhea (sighs dramatically):

"Tum teen behno ko mai Hindi ka topper banake hi chhodungi! Ab chup chaap likho. Aur koi spelling galat hua na, toh lunch break mein classroom mein hi bithaungi — samjhi?"

All three nod rapidly like bobbleheads. Miss Rhea walks off, muttering to herself:

"Teen princess… Teen pranksters… Bhagwan bachaye mujhe…”

Aashvi elbows Kikvi — giggling despite the scolding.

Aashvi (hushed):

"Princess toh Miss Rhea ne bola! Dekh, hum royal hain — Team Aashvi Zindabad!”

Kikvi rolls her eyes but can’t help smiling — Vanya just hides her face in her palms, mumbling,

Vanya (defeated, cute):

"Agle test mein main English mein topper banungi. Hindi mujhe nahi karna!"

---

STAFF ROOM — LATE AFTERNOON

The bell for lunch break has just rung. Teachers sit scattered around — some sipping chai, some marking notebooks. At one corner table, Miss Rhea has a stack of the tiny Hindi test notebooks open in front of her.

Bela sits nearby, checking her own class registers — but her eyes keep drifting to Miss Rhea’s dramatic expressions as she flips through the pages.

Miss Rhea flips open Vanya’s notebook — sees मिट्ट्टी written proudly with three ट — a huge circle of red pen around it. She sighs so loudly that Bela finally raises an eyebrow.

Bela (dryly):

"Kiska masterpiece hai?"

Miss Rhea waves the notebook like a crime scene file.

Miss Rhea (half laughing, half exasperated):

"Aapke ghar ka hi hai, Ma’am — Vanya! Dekhiye… मिट्टी mein teen ट! Mitti bechne ka wholesale business hai kya?!"

Bela hides her chuckle behind her hand.

Bela (mock scolding tone):

"Arrey wah… Ek spelling ke saath bhi discount free! Baaki kya kiya dono ne?"

Miss Rhea flips to Aashvi’s notebook next — mostly fine, but on the last word, she’s scribbled छाता as चाट — big difference.

Miss Rhea (reading dramatically):

"Aur yeh dekhiye — Aashvi ne छाता ki jagah चाट likha hai! Bechari ko bhookh lagi thi lagta h dimaag mai chaat chal raha tha!"

Bela bursts into quiet laughter, covering her face.

Bela:

"Wahi toh. Mujhe lag raha tha kal ke maar peet ka asar spelling tak pahunch gaya!"

Miss Rhea chuckles too — then flips to Kikvi’s notebook. It’s almost perfect — except one cute mistake where she wrote खरगोश as घरगोश.

Miss Rhea (cooing):

"Aur yeh dekhiye — chhoti Madam Kikvi. Baaki sab theek… par खरगोश ko घर बना diya. Itna cute hai na iska dimag… ghar mein sabko bunny hi samajhti hogi!"

Bela smiles, pride mixed with hidden exasperation. She shakes her head with that tired-mother look.

Bela (softly, amused):

"Inke prank aur inke test — dono same hi hain. Kabhi sahi nahi hote. Phir bhi sabse zyada pyaar inse hi ho jata hai."

Miss Rhea nods, scribbling the final marks with a resigned sigh.

Miss Rhea (teasing):

"Bas Ma’am, aapke ghar ki Team Aashvi fail nahi ho sakti. Teenon ka alag swag hai — spelling mein galti ho ya maar peet mein! Mujhe toh bas aapko warning deni thi… Principal Sir bhi keh rahe the — 'Bela Madam ko school mein discipline ka medal mil gaya par ghar mein inka kya plan hai?' ”

Bela just laughs tiredly, shaking her head, whispering to herself,

Bela (under breath):

"Mera plan? Bhagwan bachaye mujhe in teeno se! Aur bechare Mahir ji ko bhi…”

Both teachers giggle together — sharing that secret sisterhood sigh all mothers and teachers know too well.

SCHOOL PLAYGROUND — LUNCH BREAK — AFTERNOON

The sun beats down on the playground where the Sehgal Trio are at their usual business — which is, of course, mischief.

On one side, Aashvi stands tall among a gang of boisterous boys. They’re all sweaty, pockets full of stones, mid-way through a “Kaun sabse door fekega?” challenge.

Aashvi, sleeves rolled up, wipes her nose with the back of her hand, and points at the boys like a boss.

Aashvi (smirking):

"Dekho bhaiyon, Team Aashvi ki leader ko challenge diya hai na? Ab dekhna!"

She glances around for another stone — nothing big enough. Her eyes fall on her own heavy steel water bottle lying by her bag. She grins like a little criminal mastermind.

Aashvi:

"Yeh bottle hi sahi… dekhna kitna door jaayegi!"

She swings it back — the boys cheer her on — and with a mighty whoosh, she launches it into the air with all her five-year-old might.

—

Meanwhile under the shady gulmohar tree, Kikvi is crouched on the grass, sharing her whole tiffin with a stray white cat. She pokes her head forward, nose to nose with the cat.

Kikvi (baby voice):

"Aree meow! Kha le, sab kha le… mujhe waise bhi bhookh nahi hai. Mai mumma ka tiffin kha lungi.. Meow meow cute hai na tu?"

She giggles when the cat rubs its head on her knee.

A few feet away, Vanya has plopped herself under the same tree, happily munching chocolate biscuits, her cheeks smeared with crumbs. But her eyes widen when she spots someone weird — a thin, shady man clambering awkwardly over the back wall.

The thief, hunched and irritated, drops down with a soft thud — only to find tiny Vanya staring at him wide-eyed.

Vanya (innocently):

"Areey bhaiyya! Aap kaun ho? Aapko bhi biscuit chahiye kya? Mujhe aur bhi chahiye the… mummy ne kam diye… aap laa doge na mere liye?"

The thief, confused and half-annoyed, tries to hush her with a finger on his lips.

Thief (hissing):

"Chup! Chup reh bacchi!"

But Vanya, blissfully ignoring danger, starts poking him in the arm with a half-eaten biscuit.

Vanya:

"Par mujhe aur biscuit chahiye. Aapke bag mein hai kya? Aapke paas aur chocolate bhi h kya? Mujhe chahiye! Mujhe bhookh lagi hai!"

The thief groans in frustration, mumbling curses under his breath. He tries to sneak away past the tree —

— THUD!

Aashvi’s steel bottle, sailing through the sky like a tiny missile, lands squarely on the thief’s head.

Thief:

"Areey baap re!"

He grabs his head, eyes watering. Before he can recover, Kikvi’s cat suddenly stiffens — tail up, ears flat —

Kikvi, who was busy giggling, sees her lunch buddy switch targets. Her eyes go wide — she shrieks, dropping her empty tiffin.

Kikvi (running in circles, wailing):

"Mummaaaa! Bachao! Yeh meow mere peeche pad gayi! Mummaaa!"

She hides behind the tree, peeking out, only to see the cat now darting at the stumbling thief like a tiny white bull clawing at the thief’s pant leg. The terrified man staggers backwards, trying to swat the furious furball away.

Vanya stands there with her biscuit still in hand, shouting instructions at the thief.

Vanya (bossy tone):

"Bhaiyya! Mere liye biscuit lana mat bhoolna! Aur chocolate bhi! Waise yeh billi tumhe kaat legi — bhaago!"

The thief — half-bald from stress by now — makes a final dash for freedom. He sprints to the back gate, vaults over it, and dives headfirst into the back of a parked car just to escape the trio’s chaos and the vengeful cat.

The boys in the playground cheer as Aashvi pumps her fist like a victorious champion.

Aashvi (to the boys, smug):

"Dekha? Kaha tha na — Team Aashvi se panga mat lena!"

And behind her, Kikvi peeks from the tree trunk, sighing at her now-betrayed cat-friend.

Kikvi (pouting, to herself):

"Meow bhi chor pakadne chali gayi…. Ab mera tiffin kaun khayega!"

SCHOOL PLAYGROUND — MOMENTS LATER

The chaos has barely settled — Aashvi’s gang of boys are still cheering her epic bottle throw, Vanya’s mouth is still full of chocolate biscuit, and Kikvi is still peeking from behind the tree, half-pouting at her runaway cat friend — when a loud voice booms across the ground.

It’s Miss Rhea, storming in with her clipboard like a warrior queen. Beside her, Bela — summoned urgently by another kid who saw “Aashvi ki bottle waala stunt.” Bela’s saree pallu flaps like a flag of doom.

Miss Rhea (claps loudly):

"QUIET! SAB CHUP!"

Every kid freezes — even the cat, now licking its paw on the wall, pauses dramatically.

Miss Rhea marches straight up to Aashvi, who’s standing proud with her hands on her hips like she just won an Olympic gold.

Miss Rhea (stern):

"Aashvi Sehgal! Yeh kya tamasha hai? Bottle kaun fekta hai itni door? Aur Vanya — tum kisi unknown aadmi se biscuit mang rahi thi? Kiku — tum billi ko lunch khila rahi thi? Tum teeno ke dimaag theek hain?!"

Aashvi opens her mouth, ready to argue — but one glance at Bela’s tight-lipped, volcano-face and she squeaks out instead:

Aashvi (tiny voice):

"Ma’am… woh competition chal raha tha… patthar mere pass nhi the aur… bottle hi mil rahi thi… toh maine socha challenge jeet—"

Miss Rhea (cuts her off):

"Aur woh jo aadmi tha, chor nikla! Tum logon ne toh poori school ki security ka band bajaa diya! Goodness gracious! Bela Ma’am, dekhiye zara apne in teeno hero ko!"

Bela doesn’t even blink. Her eyes slide from Aashvi, to Vanya — who’s still licking chocolate off her thumb — to Kikvi, who’s giving the saddest puppy look on earth.

Bela (dead calm but lethal):

"Team Aashvi, na? Achha kaam kiya tum logon ne… chor pakda hai na? Hero ban gaye sab? Ab ghar jaake dikhati hoon main hero kisey kehte hain!"

Kikvi, trying her last brave trick, pipes up with folded hands:

Kikvi (baby pleading):

"Mumma please… woh meow chor ko pakadne gayi thi… main toh bas lunch de rahi thi… aur Vanu ko biscuit ki bhookh lagi thi… aur Aashi ne toh chor ko bottle se maarr diya—"

Bela raises one eyebrow — a sign that any more bakwas means triple trouble.

Aashvi instantly elbows Kikvi to shut her up. Vanya slowly hides her last biscuit behind her back.

Miss Rhea sighs dramatically, pinching her forehead.

Miss Rhea:

"Bela Ma’am, main Principal Sir ko inform karti hoon. Aap please in teeno ko sambhal lijiye. Aaj toh detention pakki hai. Aur aap teen — lunch break ke baad Staff Room. Understood?"

Trio (chorus, squeaking):

"Yes Miss…"

Bela gestures to them with her eyes only — march. The trio lines up like tiny soldiers, shuffling after her with heads hanging but trying very hard not to giggle.

Behind Bela’s back, Kikvi whispers to Aashvi and Vanya:

Kikvi (whispers):

"Dekha? Team Aashvi chor bhi bhaga sakti hai… next time bomb bhi bhagayenge kya?"

Aashvi snorts. Vanya tries not to giggle but snorts biscuit crumbs instead.

Bela (without turning, deadly calm):

"Ek aur shabd bola na, Kiku — toh ghar jaake scale hi scale hoga!"

TRIO (chorus, squeakier):

"Sorry Mumma!"

PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE — FEW MINUTES LATER

The Principal’s room is peaceful. A fan whirs lazily above Principal Sharma, who’s reading some files in pin-drop silence — when suddenly… BANG! The door creaks open.

Miss Rhea marches in, trio in tow. And behind them — Bela, arms folded, her eyes still throwing invisible lightning bolts.

Principal Sharma peers over his glasses — calm at first… until he sees Aashvi’s scraped elbow, Vanya’s chocolate-smeared cheek, and Kikvi hiding half behind Bela’s saree pallu like a guilty kitten.

Principal Sharma (dry cough):

"Haan ji, Miss Rhea? Kya hua ab?"

Miss Rhea (half exasperated, half amused):

"Sir, in teeno ne chor bhaga diya hai school se."

Principal’s pen freezes mid-air.

He lowers his glasses, squints at the three — who now stand in a row like criminals in a police line-up.

Principal Sharma (slow disbelief):

"…Chor bhaga diya? Kaise?"

Miss Rhea (dramatic):

"Madam Aashvi ne bottle phenki chor ke sar pe… Madam Vanya ne pehle chor ko pakadke chocolate biscuit maang liya… aur Madam Kikvi billi ko lunch khila rahi thi — woh billi chor ke peeche pad gayi!

Principal stares at them. Then at Bela. Then back at them.

Principal Sharma (deadpan):

"Wow. Iss school ki security ke liye CCTV chahiye hi nahi, Bela Ma’am. Yeh teen kaafi hain."

Bela closes her eyes — muttering under her breath:

"Mujhe pata tha, mujhe pata tha yeh din bhi dekhna padega…"

Aashvi bravely tries to salvage the drama — she steps forward, puffing out her chest.

Aashvi (mini hero):

"Sir! Team Aashvi ne school ko bacha liya! Humne chor ko bhaga diya — hum hero hain na, Mumma?"

She looks back hopefully at Bela — who glares so hard that Aashvi squeaks and hops back in line.

Principal Sharma tries to stay strict — but his lips twitch with a smile.

He leans back in his chair, steeples his fingers like a judge.

Principal Sharma:

"Teeno ko medal du ya detention? Kya kehna chahengi aap, Bela Ma’am?"

Bela (tight voice):

"Sir, medal toh ghar pe milega — Aap detention de dijiye. Aur do double period ek Hindi — spelling aur matra likhwa lijiye inse. Aur ek Maths jo mai khud lungi.. Fursat hi nahi milegi bottle fekne ki phir."

Vanya gasps — whispers to Kikvi:

Vanya (mournful):

"Kiku! Hum toh gaye! Mumma ne toh principal Sir ko bhi hamare against kar diya!"

Kikvi pats her head dramatically:

"Biscuit maang rahi thi na chor se… ab bhugto!"

Principal Sharma (cracks up finally):

"Bas! Miss Rhea — inki extra class fix kijiye. Aur Bela Ma’am — ek din mujhe bhi training de hi dijiye. Mujhe bhi seekhna hai kaise inko control karte hain!"

Bela sighs, exhausted — but even she has to hide a tiny smile at that.

Principal Sharma (grinning, to trio):

"Well done, little security guards. Ab jao… detention ke liye taiyaar ho jao. Aur agli baar bottle fenkna ho toh target Miss Rhea ya mujhe mat banana please!"

The trio salute dramatically — and troop out behind Bela.

Behind them, Principal Sharma and Miss Rhea just shake their heads, chuckling under their breath.

CLASSROOM — DETENTION PERIOD 1 — HINDI — POST LUNCH

The entire Class 1B is empty except for three tiny prisoners sitting glumly in the front row — Aashvi, Vanya, and Kikvi.

Miss Rhea stands at the blackboard like a strict warden — chalk in one hand, the trio’s Hindi notebooks in the other.

She writes ‘मात्रा अभ्यास’ in big bold letters.

Miss Rhea (authoritative):

"Aaj tum log hero ban ke aaye ho na? Ab matra hero bhi ban jao. Abhi 20 shabd likho — sahi matra ke saath. Galti hui toh 5 aur!"

Aashvi whispers to Vanya, nose wrinkled: Aashvi (muttering):

"Hero ban gaye bolti hai — Mumma ko bolo Miss Rhea ko bhi ek bottle chahiye kya?"

Vanya elbows her. Kikvi sticks her tongue out and copies the heading carefully: "मात्रा अभ्यास".

Miss Rhea paces up and down behind them — like a hawk. Aashvi tries to peep at Kikvi’s notebook.

Miss Rhea swoops in: Miss Rhea:

"Aashvi! Khud likho — Kiku ki notebook ko mat dekho!"

Aashvi pouts. Vanya raises her hand innocently: "Ma’am, ek aur pencil milega? Mera toot gaya…"

Miss Rhea tosses a pencil on her desk, deadpan: "Pencil bhi tod diya… aur chor ka sar bhi… waah!"

Kikvi giggles — then quickly shuts her mouth when Miss Rhea glares.

By the end of the period, their notebooks are filled with slightly crooked but mostly correct आ, इ, ई, उ, ऊ, ए, ऐ, ओ, औ matra words.

Miss Rhea checks — gives Aashvi two extra because she spelled ‘खेलना’ as ‘खलना’.

Aashvi sulks, but scribbles fast.

---

DETENTION PERIOD 2 — MATHS

Aashvi, Vanya and Kikvi are back on the same benches — but now, Bela stands at the board, arms folded.

No jokes. No excuses. The room feels colder already.

Bela (calm but lethal):

"Hindi ho gaya? Ab maths — tables aur sums. Har question galat, toh double karungi. Samajh gayi Team Aashvi?"

Aashvi gulps — Kikvi nods furiously like a well-behaved mouse. Vanya just sighs dramatically.

Bela starts: "2 ka table sunao — saath-saath likho bhi."

Three squeaky voices chant: "2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20…!"

Aashvi fumbles at 16 — Bela raises an eyebrow.

Aashvi instantly corrects herself: "16! 16! Mumma galti se! 16!"

Next, simple sums.

Bela walks bench to bench — checking every number with eagle eyes.

Kikvi tries to make cute puppy eyes — hoping Mumma won’t check hers too strictly. Bela catches it — taps her head lightly: "Emotional drama yahaan nahi chalega, nautanki. Sahi se likho."

By the end of the maths period — all three have a neat notebook page of tables and sums.

Aashvi’s fingers ache — Vanya’s head spins — Kikvi’s nose is red from sniffing because she almost sneezed on the notebook.

But they survive.

Bela finally snaps the notebook shut. She stares at them — her tone still strict but her eyes softer.

Bela:

"Next time hero banne se pehle spellings aur tables ke hero bhi ban jaana. Samjhi Team Aashvi?"

All three squeak together: "Samajh gaye Mumma!"

---

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

The bell rings — detention over.

The trio stumbles out, arms linked, backpacks swinging.

Aashvi (groaning dramatically): "Chor se fight karna easy tha — Miss Rhea aur Mumma se bachna mushkil hai!"

Vanya giggles, hugging her bag: "Next time koi chor aaye na… direct principal Sir ke pass bhej dena. Hum nahi bhagayenge kisi ko!"

Kikvi holds both their hands tight: "Par Team Aashvi ka rule nahi bhoolna — one for all, all for one!"

They all giggle — ready for the next mischief, but this time maybe after homework!

---

SEHGAL HOUSE — EVENING — LIVING ROOM

Back home, the trio dumps their bags at the door like exhausted warriors returning from battle. Mahir, lounging on the sofa with his laptop, looks up — instantly suspicious at their puppy faces.

Mahir (squints):

"Kya kiya phir? Kyun itne chup-chaap ho tum log?"

Aashvi throws herself dramatically next to him — arms flung wide like a martyr.

Aashvi (melodramatic):

"Papa… aapko pata bhi hai aaj humne kya kya saha hai? Pehle chor, phir Miss Rhea, phir Mumma ke tables!"

Vanya plops next to Aashvi, clutching her stomach: "Aur phir do extra Hindi words bhi… mujhe abhi tak ‘खेलना’ yaad hai… Aashvi ki spelling ki wajah se!"

Kikvi climbs right into Mahir’s lap, hugging him tight: "Papa, woh chor deewar se aaya tha… Vanu ne usko biscuit maang maang ke pagal kar diya… phir Aashi ne usko bottle se thak thak kar diya…"

Mahir’s eyes widen — one suspicious eyebrow arches up.

Mahir (stunned):

"Bottle se?! Tum log chor pe bottle fek rahe ho? Tum log papa ki team ho ya secret police force?"

Aashvi points proudly at herself: "Team Aashvi, Papa! Duniya ki sabse best protection squad!"

Vanya, mouth full of leftover chocolate, pipes up: "Haan Papa, phir woh billi bhi thi. Kiku ne usko mere biscuits de diye! Chor bhaag gaya!"

Kikvi nods earnestly: "Aur phir extra class bhi mila… Hindi ke matra aur Maths ka table… sab Mumma ke saamne!"

Mahir bursts out laughing, burying his face in Kikvi’s hair.

Mahir (between giggles):

"Tum teeno ek din school band kara doge! Pehle alarm clock prank, phir chor, phir bottle attack, phir detention… kya kya ho raha hai tum teeno ke saath!"

Aashvi tries to look offended: "Papa! Mumma ne bohot daanta na… itna homework bhi diya… tables galat toh double! Double!!"

Mahir pinches Aashvi’s cheek lovingly: "Accha hua. Superhero banne ka itna hi shauk hai toh homework hero bhi bano."

Vanya slides in closer, whispering dramatically: "Papa… next time hum pehle aapko bata denge… phir sab milke chor ko pakdenge… deal?"

Mahir holds up his hand — they all slap their tiny palms over his.

Mahir (smirking):

"Deal! Par ek shart — pehle Miss Rhea aur Mumma se permission lena!"

Aashvi, Vanya and Kikvi groan in sync — then burst out giggling, all three clambering over him for a giant group hug.

Mahir shakes his head — proud, exasperated, and fully outnumbered.

Mahir (murmuring under his breath, smiling):

"Teeno ke teeno Mumma jaise — full drama, full dhamaka!"

KITCHEN — A LITTLE LATER

Bela stands at the stove, stirring dal with tight shoulders and a stormy face. Mahir leans against the counter, arms folded, listening as she vents — again.

Bela (sharp, half-whispering, half-hissing):

"Aur bataun? Playground mein chor ghusa — theek hai, security ka fault… lekin mere teeno bacche hero ban gaye! Vanu chor se biscuit maang rahi thi… Aashi ne bottle phek di uske sar pe… aur Kiku billi ko tiffin khila rahi thi! Koi common sense hai inme?!"

Mahir tries to hide his smile — fail ho jaata hai. He covers it with his hand.

Mahir (choking a laugh):

"Arre par chor toh pakda gaya na? Dekho na, teamwork toh solid hai!"

Bela glares at him — spoon mid-air, dripping dal on the counter.

Bela (icily):

"Teamwork?! Chup rahiye Mahir ji. Aapko toh sab funny lagta hai. Miss Rhea ne kitna sunaya mujhe staff room mai!"

Mahir raises his hands in surrender, inching closer.

"Accha baba, sorry. Par suno — bacche hai. Aisa ho jaata hai kabhi kabhi…"

Bela (deadpan, cutting him off):

"Aisa aapke bacho ke saath hi hota hai Mahir Sehgal. Aur koi nahi karta school mai bottle attack."

He tries to hold her by the shoulders — she brushes his hand off.

Bela (frustrated, softer but still strict):

"Mujhe inse baat karni hi padegi. Warna kal ko yeh ‘Team Aashvi’ Principal sir pe bottle fek degi!"

---

LIVING ROOM — MOMENTS LATER

The trio — Aashvi, Vanya and Kikvi — are still on the sofa, giggling among themselves about how the cat chased the thief. They freeze when Bela storms in — her expression alone could silence the entire playground.

She crosses her arms. Dead silence.

Bela (cold, controlled):

"Kaun pehle batayega? Yeh sab kiska idea tha?"

Aashvi opens her mouth, but Kikvi jumps in — hugging her from the side like a human shield.

Kikvi (tiny voice):

"Mumma woh toh… woh toh maine bola tha na Aashi ko… ki bottle phek de. Mera idea tha."

Aashvi pulls Kikvi back, frowning: "Jhooth mat bol Kiku! Mera idea tha. Main leader hoon — challenge maine accept kiya tha!"

Vanya pops up, still licking chocolate off her finger: "Aur chor se biscuit maine maangi thi! Kya bura kiya? Mujhe bhookh lagi thi!"

Bela’s jaw drops for a second — then she closes her eyes, pressing her fingers to her temple.

Bela (dead serious, voice low):

"Ek chor deewar se ghus raha hai… tum logon ne kya socha? Police uncle ko bulaun? Teacher ko bataun? Principal ko inform karun? Nahi — Team Aashvi bottle fek ke, biscuit maang ke aur billi se maarwayegi chor ko, hai na?"

The trio nod — almost proud.

Bela (pin-drop glare):

"Tum logon ko lagta hai yeh sab funny hai? Bohot mazaak lag raha hai? Agar chor dangerous hota toh? Tum teeno ko ya kisi bhi student ko kuch ho jaata toh?Kaun zimmedar hota? Batao!"

Aashvi and Kikvi gulp, Vanya’s eyes water.

Bela steps closer — her tone softens but pierces deeper.

Bela (sighing):

"Main samjhati hoon na tum sabko… par tum log sunte ho kya? Hero banne ka itna shauk hai? Phir kal se school ke guard ban jao — books aur pencil ki jagah hockey aur bottle lekar jaana theek hai?"

Aashvi mumbles: "Sorry Mumma… woh humne socha nahi tha… bas chor ko bhaga diya… Team Aashvi ka rule hai na, protect everyone!"

Vanya sniffles: "Haan Mumma… chor ne toh mera biscuit bhi nahi laake diya… bas bhaag gaya…"

Even Bela can’t stop the corner of her lip from twitching. She hides it fast — clears her throat.

She points at Mahir, who’s silently recording this mental movie in his head.

Bela (firm but tired):

"Inko sambhaliye Mahir. Mujhe lagta hai kal se mujhe in teenon ke liye police training rakhni padegi!"

The trio exchanges a look — half giggle, half terror.

NEXT MORNING — SEHGAL HOUSE — CHAOS BEGINS

Sunlight barely peeks in — the clock hits 7:15 AM — already late.

Inside the girls’ room — complete warzone.

Aashvi is standing on the bed, yelling at Vanya who’s trying to find her shoe under the pile of blankets. Kikvi is dragging her school bag — half open, tiffin dangling out.

Aashvi (shouting, one sock in hand):

"Vanu! Mera doosra sock kaha hai? Kal tune hi toh pehnaya tha na teddy ko!"

Vanya (from under the bed):

"Mujhe kya pata! Yeh shoe bhi tumhare teddy ke saamne pada tha!"

Kikvi (tiny yell, dramatic):

"Mummaaa! Meri water bottle mein paani nahi hai! Aur tiffin ka dhakkan kahaan hai?!"

---

HALLWAY

Bela, already half-dressed for school herself, stands there holding three hair ties in her mouth, one shoe in each hand — eyes wide like a general watching her tiny army lose formation.

Bela (shouting back):

"Aashi! Neeche utar! Vanu! Shoe abhi do! Kiku! Bottle yahin hai — fridge ke paas! Aur jaldi se ek line mein baitho! Baal bana rahi hoon mai!"

---

KITCHEN

Mahir is packing the leftover aloo paratha in foil — also trying to butter toast with the other hand. He watches the madness unfold like it’s a daily soap.

Mahir (calling out dramatically):

"Team Aashvi Commando Squad — 5 minute mein march nahi kiya toh breakfast cancel!"

Aashvi dashes in, still hopping on one foot.

Aashvi (grumbling):

"Papa! Aap Inspector Papa nahi ho, Aap Drama Papa ho!"

---

DINING TABLE — MOMENTS LATER

All three finally sit — hair half-tied, bags half-packed, tiffin lids mismatched. Bela quickly does Kikvi’s plaits while scolding Aashvi with her eyes.

Vanya tries to hide chocolate biscuits in her pocket — Mahir catches her and snatches it.

Mahir (boss voice):

"Biscuit Squad! No chocolate or biscuits in pocket! School mai chor aur billi se pehle Principal Sir tum logon ko pakad lenge!"

Vanya pouts dramatically — Kikvi giggles with her mouth full of toast.

---

FRONT DOOR

Bags on backs. Water bottles leaking a little. Shoes untied. Bela stands guard with her Principal Mom glare.

Bela (last warning):

"School mein aaj koi badmashi nhi.. Aashi khabardaar jo dubara bottle feka! Kiku tiffin khud khana billi ko mat khilana warna kal se no tiffin.. Vanu strangers se biscuit ya chocolate nhi maangna h.. Clear, Team Aashvi?"

All three — in perfect fake innocence:

Aashvi, Vanya & Kikvi (in chorus):

"Yes Mummaaaa!"

---

CLASS 1B — MATHS PERIOD — MIDDAY

Bela stands at the board — crisp saree, chalk in hand, explaining simple subtraction sums. Her eyes flick between the numbers and her class — or rather, her trio.

Team Aashvi though? Not impressed.

BACK BENCH

Aashvi and Vanya, heads bent together — giggling, doodling all over the last page of their notebook.

Funny cartoons, stick figures, secret jokes like “Miss Rhea ki funny mooch” and “Kiku Queen, Aashi Boss, Vanu Spy”.

Their pencils scratch fast — but not a single sum appears on their actual maths page.

Meanwhile, Kikvi? Head down on her desk — drooling, mumbling half-numbers in her sleep. One cheek squished flat on her open notebook — blank.

From the front, Bela watches — the class looks fine except that corner. Her eyes narrow. She places the chalk down slowly — a storm brewing behind her calm expression.

She calls out — sweet poison in her tone.

Bela (fake sweet):

"Kikviiii… Madam Kikviiii… O Madam Sleeping Beauty…?”

No response. Kikvi snores lightly, still mumbling, “Five plus… five plus… zzz…”

Aashvi and Vanya snort — hands over mouths, enjoying the drama.

Bela’s sharp eyes catch them. One glare — giggle gone. But inside they’re dying.

She strides up, grabs her steel scale from the table, and taps it twice on Kikvi’s desk — THAK THAK!

Kikvi jerks awake — eyes wide, hair messed up, blinking at her mother towering over her. Bela’s smile? Dangerous.

Bela (honey dipped threat):

"Neend aa rahi thi? Achhi neend? Kal raat ko TV dekhne ka result hai?”

Poor Kikvi, instead of nodding no, nods yes — big innocent puppy eyes.

The class hides their giggles. Aashvi leans to Vanya, whispering: “Gayiii abhi…”

Bela flips her notebook — blank. She sighs dramatically.

Bela:

"Ek bhi sum nahi. Shabaash. Badi mehnat ho rahi hai class mein. Stand up. Pura period yahin khadi rehna — next time neend nahi aayegi."

Kikvi stands — tiny and embarrassed — rubbing her eyes.

Bela then turns — eyes laser locked on Aashvi and Vanya. She snatches their notebooks — flips pages.

No sums. Only doodles. On the last page of the notebook.

A big cartoon labelled “Aashvi the Boss”. Another: “Vanya ki mooch”. Funny insults scribbled all over.

Bela (holding notebook up for class):

"Yeh kya hai? Maths ke notebook mein joker mela? Tum log padhne aate ho ya cartoon network banane?"

Aashvi spots a doodle of herself with donkey ears in Vanya’s notebook. Her face flames red.

Aashvi (snaps at Vanya):

"Vanu! Tune mera donkey banaya? Tujhe toh main—!"

Vanya (snaps back, waving Aashvi’s notebook):

"Aur yeh kya hai! Tume mujhe bandar aur chipkali banaya— Vanu Monkey!Dekh!"

They start bickering — live catfight. Tables rattle, kids watch wide-eyed — popcorn vibes. Kikvi, still standing, chuckles — full entertainment.

One sharp glare from Bela — pin drop silence. But Kikvi can’t hold it — she snickers out loud, snort-laughs.

THWACK!

Bela lightly taps Kikvi’s hand with the scale — snap! Kikvi freezes mid-laugh.

Bela (sharp whisper):

"Hasi rok. Varna aur bhi sums milenge khade khade."

She fixes her cold eyes on Aashvi and Vanya — still glaring daggers at each other.

Bela (low, calm but lethal):

"Aashvi — aaj se front bench. Mere saamne. Ekdum teacher ke naak ke niche. Dekhti hoon kaise monkey donkey bante ho."

Aashvi’s mouth drops open. Front bench — the ultimate insult. She sulks forward, dragging her bag.

Bela (turns to Vanya):

"Vanya — khadi ho jao seat pe. Jab tak main na bolun, baithi toh dikhna bhi mat."

Vanya pouts — stands up on her bench, hugging her notebook to her chest.

Bela turns to the rest of the stunned class — chalk tapping the board like a warning bell.

Bela:

"Aur koi hero ya heroine banna chahta hai? Maths mein ya comedy mein?"

The class: Dead silent.

Aashvi and Vanya: Glare exchange continues.

Kikvi: Mumbling her sums under breath now — wide awake.

HINDI PERIOD — LATE MORNING

The class buzzes as Miss Rhea walks in, arms full of Hindi Matra worksheets, her bright dupatta trailing behind her. She adjusts her glasses, scanning the room — warm smile in place.

She spots Aashvi lounging at her usual last bench with Vanya — doodles still half-hidden under her desk. Rhea Ma’am, blissfully unaware of the morning seat reshuffle, doesn’t mind.

Miss Rhea (cheerful):

"Good morning, children! Aaj hum ‘ई’ aur ‘ए’ ki matra seekhenge! Copy nikaalo sab — jaldi!"

Kikvi obediently pulls out her copy — wide awake now after her front-bench fiasco. Vanya grins at Aashvi, pokes her arm, and they both try not to giggle.

FIVE MINUTES LATER —

Miss Rhea, patient and sweet, explains: "बिल्ली, बील, सीट…"

But Aashvi? Hand shoots up. And here it begins.

Aashvi (loudly, correcting):

"Miss! Miss! बिल्ली mein ‘ई’ ki matra nahi ‘इ’ ki hai! Aap galat bol rahe ho!"

Miss Rhea blinks — tries to explain gently.

"Nahi beta, yeh ‘ई’ ki hi matra hai, dekho…"

Aashvi folds her arms, chin up — full lawyer mode.

"Nahi! Mumma ne sikhaya hai mujhe! Yeh ‘इ’ hai! Aap galat padha rahe ho, Miss!"

A few kids giggle. Vanya hides her face, whispering, "Aaj toh gayi Aashi!"

THE DOOR OPENS —

Like doom music — Bela appears at the door, an urgent circular in hand. She spots the class, nods at Miss Rhea politely.

"Excuse me, Rhea Ma’am — ek announcement hai…"

But her eyes scan the benches instinctively.

Where is her front-bench punishment?

BACK BENCH — PANIC

Aashvi, mid-argument, sees Mumma. Her face drains. Vanya kicks her under the desk — "Aage jaa! Bhaag abhi!"

Aashvi squeaks, grabs her notebook — slides under the desk like a spy — crawls between kids’ bags. A giggling Kikvi watches her drama unfold.

She pops up at the front — hair messy, fake-innocent smile plastered on.

"Mummaaa!" she beams. Front-bench angel.

Bela raises a brow. Her eyes fall on a bag lying alone at the back bench.

She lifts her eyes to Aashvi — the math is too easy.

Bela’s cold, lava-filled glare locks on Aashvi.

Miss Rhea pauses, confused. Aashvi’s smile twitches.

Bela (slow, sharp):

"Miss Rhea, ek minute."

She sets the paper down, stalks up to the bag — flips it open. Aashvi’s Team Aashvi sticker right there.

Aashvi tries to melt into the front bench. Too late. Bela gestures at her — come here, now.

---

CORRIDOR —

Aashvi shuffles out — dragging her feet. Bela stands in the corner, arms folded. She waits. Aashvi stops, head bowed.

Bela (low, lethal calm):

"Seat ka rule kaun tod raha tha? Last bench pe party phirse? Aur Rhea Ma’am se behas? Matra teacher ko seekhaogi ab tum?"

Aashvi’s voice squeaks — excuse mode on.

"Mumma woh… maine… woh Vanu ka bag tha woh… main toh—"

Bela’s eyebrow lifts — the silence alone suffocates her.

"Aashi. Main tumhe front bench pe kyu bithati hoon pata hai? Tumhare natak na chale. Par tum toh har jagah hero ban jaati ho. Ma’am ko correct karogi tum ab?"

Aashvi sniffles — tiny voice: "Mumma sorry… Mumma bas galti ho gayi…"

Bela leans closer — her voice icy calm.

"School hai yeh. Drama show nahi. Teacher se behes karogi toh kya seekhogi? Matra? Ya badtameezi?"

Aashvi’s lips tremble — she nods, sorry written all over her face.

BELA (FINAL BLOW)

"Ab punishment double. Wapas class jao — aur Miss Rhea ko sorry bolo sabke saamne. Aur aaj se tumhara bag kabhi last bench nahi dikhna chahiye. Samjhi?"

Aashvi nods — eyes watery, heart hammering.

She scurries back in — Mission Matra: Destroyed.

The door creaks open again — Aashvi slips in behind Bela, eyes big and shiny, clutching her notebook like a teddy bear. Miss Rhea pauses mid-sentence, a bit startled. The whole class is dead silent. Vanya sits frozen — oh no, oh no, oh no. Kikvi watches wide-eyed, nibbling her pencil eraser.

Bela gives Aashvi a slight nudge forward — her cue.

Bela (firm, to Miss Rhea, but loud for all):

"Miss Rhea, Aashvi ko kuch kehna hai aapko."

Aashvi gulps. She stares at the floor, then peeks up at Miss Rhea’s gentle face. Rhea Ma’am smiles, trying to ease her terror.

Aashvi’s voice cracks — mouse squeak mode.

"Miss… Miss… sorry… maine aapse behes ki… galat bola… aap sahi thi… bilkul sahi thi… mujhe ‘ई’ aur ‘इ’ barabar se nahi aati thi… sorry Miss…”

A couple of kids giggle, trying to hide it behind their hands. Vanya stares at her with big ‘poor you’ eyes — but then quickly looks down before Bela’s glare finds her too.

Miss Rhea chuckles softly, pats Aashvi’s head.

Miss Rhea:

"It’s okay, beta. Galti ho gayi — ab dhyaan se sunna, theek hai?"

Aashvi nods like a bobblehead. Bela crosses her arms — one final look that says Don’t. Even. Try. — and leaves the class with her circular.

After Bela leaves, Aashvi tries tiptoeing back to Vanya. But Miss Rhea’s soft voice stops her mid-step.

Miss Rhea (smiling sweetly, but strict):

"Nahi Aashvi. Tum abhi yahin front bench pe baithogi. Bela Ma’am ka rule yaad hai na?"

Vanya stifles a giggle — sticks out her tongue at Aashvi when Miss Rhea turns away. Aashvi narrows her eyes: I’ll get you later.

Kikvi, still half sleepy, beams at Aashvi’s new seat buddy status — she tosses her an invisible flying kiss for good luck.

Miss Rhea turns back to the board — explaining ‘सीप’, ‘नील’, ‘तीन’. Aashvi scribbles fast, peeking over her shoulder at Team Aashvi — her loyal back-bench kingdom lost… for now.

Vanya scribbles on a page, doodling a tiny Aashvi on a leash held by Bela — Kikvi peeks at it, giggles, and both duck when Aashvi glares over her shoulder.

But for today, Team Aashvi is stuck under Mumma’s radar.

And the ‘ई’-matra lesson? Etched forever in their mischief diaries.

---

PLAYGROUND — LUNCH BREAK — LATER THAT DAY

The bell rings — the classroom empties like a jail break. Team Aashvi is out in the sun again, mission Masti Reloaded. But today — the self-appointed ‘Mumma’s Front Bench Monitor’ — Kikvi — has decided she is in charge of everything.

Aashvi plops under a tree, Vanya unwraps her chocolate biscuits — but Kikvi? She stands arms crossed, bossy voice ON.

Kikvi (commanding):

"Suno! Tum log lunch finish karo, koi ladayi nahi, koi chillaana nahi — samjhe?!Mumma ne bola hai no badmashi! Aur mai sab check karungi!"

Aashvi rolls her eyes — Great. Mumma ki CCTV.

Vanya just nods — busy licking her cream biscuit.

Suddenly Kikvi’s eyes land on a low branch above the bench — a leftover paper kite is stuck there, fluttering.

Kikvi (muttering to herself):

"Yeh kaise fasa? Main leke aati hoon!"

She drags a rusted bench under the branch. Climbs up — stands one foot on the seat, one on the backrest. The whole thing wobbles dangerously.

Aashvi (mouth full, yelling):

"Kikuuu! Neeche utar! Mumma dekh legi toh phir gaye kaam se!"

Kikvi (bossily):

"Chup! Tum log prank karte ho toh kuch nahi, main kite nikaal rahi hoon toh sabko dikkat! Main Leader hoon!"

She stretches — grabs the kite’s string — almost… almost…

AND THEN…

CRASH!

The bench flips. Kikvi squeals — lands butt first in the middle of the muddy patch.

The kite drifts down and slaps Aashvi on the face instead.

Aashvi & Vanya? Howling with laughter.

Kikvi? Covered in dirt, grass in her hair — nose scrunched, about to cry.

Kikvi (furious, teary):

"Tum dono has kyun rahe ho! Mujhe sambhalna chahiye tha na! Mujhe lag gaya!"

She stands, wipes her muddy palms on her skirt — sees a teacher approaching — and tries to run. Too late.

Inside, Bela sips her chai — spots her mud monster outside — nearly spits her tea. She storms out so fast Miss Rhea flinches.

PLAYGROUND — SECONDS LATER

Bela marches up to Kikvi — eyes flicking from muddy uniform to broken bench to guilty sisters.

Bela (dead calm, terrifying):

"Kiku. Kya kar rahi thi tum?"

Kikvi sniffles — tries the puppy face — fails.

Kikvi (tiny voice):

"Mumma… kite fas gayi thi na… main—"

Bela (raising eyebrow):

"Aur bench pe chadh ke? Phir gir gayi? Abhi ghar jaake bataungi kaise girte hain…"

Aashvi & Vanya slap their hands over their mouths to hide giggles — but one glare from Bela and they freeze.

Kikvi’s Fate?

A muddy skirt. A scolding to remember. And a new title: ‘Mastermind #3 Caught Red Handed’.

Aashvi whispers under her breath — “Leader banne chali thi…” — earning one tiny slap from muddy Kikvi right on her leg.

And Team Aashvi? Already plotting Operation Next Mischief — only this time, maybe they’ll leave the climbing to the cats.

---

SEHGAL HOUSE — EVENING — LIVING ROOM

The front door creaks open — Bela walks in first, holding a muddy, pouty Kikvi by the wrist like a confiscated teddy bear. Aashvi and Vanya trail behind — both doing their best “hum toh seedhe bacche hai” faces.

Mahir’s on the sofa, scrolling his phone — looks up — and freezes.

Mahir (startled):

"Arre… yeh kya haal bana diya hai is madam ka? Yeh mitti se kisne milwa diya?"

Bela shoots him that look — the one that says “Don’t you dare laugh”. Mahir swallows his grin — fails spectacularly.

Bela (dry, sharp):

"Apni beti ko dekh lijiye. Kite nikalne chali thi ped se. Bench tod diya, playground mein circus kar diya. Mujhe staff room se bhaag ke aana pada!"

Kikvi tries to hide behind Aashvi’s back. Bela yanks her right back in front like a soggy kitten.

Kikvi (tiny squeak):

"Papa… woh kite… bohot important thi…"

Mahir (biting his cheek to stop laughing):

"Haan haan… kite toh NASA ka satellite tha na?"

Aashvi snorts so loud she hiccups. Vanya tries to muffle her giggle in her bag.

Bela swings her glare to Team Aashvi.

Bela (mock sweet):

"Aur tum dono ko toh maine bola tha na… sambhalna isko? Khud prank karte ho, phir isko boss bana ke chod dete ho? Sab mile hue ho tum teenon!"

Aashvi, with an innocent grin — tries her luck.

Aashvi:

"Mumma… usne bola woh leader hai… hum kya karte?"

Kikvi spins around, slaps Aashvi’s arm. “Tere ko hi toh sambhalna tha!”

Mahir pinches his nose, laughs under his breath. He kneels, scoops up Kikvi in his arms — careful of her messy clothes.

Mahir (teasing):

"Miss Leader, ab chalo. Seedha bathroom. Pehle mitti utaro, phir dinner milega. Aur Bela Madam ka gussa bhi thoda kam hoga."

Bela crosses her arms, one eyebrow shooting up.

Bela:

"Dinner? Pehle punishment sun lo. Sabse pehle, kal se playground band. Kite, cat, stone, bottle — sab band! Aur tum teenon ke saath main hi baithungi lunch mein. Dekhte hain kaun kya udaa ke laata hai!"

Aashvi, Vanya, Kikvi — in unison — “NOOOOOOOOO MUMMAAA!”

Mahir walks past Bela, Kikvi clinging to his neck like a sloth.

Mahir (murmuring to Bela, chuckling):

"Tum bhi na… kitne bacche sambhalti ho din bhar. Ek mujhe bhi sambhal lo kabhi kabhi!"

Bela smacks his arm playfully — finally cracks a small smile — though her glare at the trio stays firmly in place.

BATHROOM CHAOS

Kikvi’s bath turns into a foam war, Aashvi & Vanya giggling outside the door, peeking in — only to be dragged inside by Mahir to help.

Soap flying. Bubbles in hair. Team Aashvi roaring with laughter. Bela outside, rolling her eyes — but that tiny proud smile refusing to leave her face.

NIGHT — KIDS’ BEDROOM

The chaos is washed away — quite literally. Freshly scrubbed, hair still damp, the trio is now a sleepy tangle under warm blankets. The night lamp casts a soft glow — Mahir sits propped up against the headboard with Team Aashvi sprawled half over him like three stubborn kittens.

Bela stands at the door — arms crossed, trying to look strict, but her lips keep twitching every time she catches Kikvi’s half-lidded eyes drifting shut and snapping open again.

Mahir taps the book in his lap.

Mahir (in a dramatic storyteller voice):

"Toh phir, ek din… ek choti si mischievous princess jungle mein gayi… aur usne sab bandar, billi aur patang ko milake sabko pagal kar diya!"

Aashvi giggles, elbows Kikvi.

Aashvi (teasing, whisper):

"Suno suno… princess ka naam Kikvi hi tha!"

Kikvi (half-asleep, offended mumble):

"Nahi… main queen hoon… princess nahi… hushhh…"

Vanya pokes Mahir’s arm.

Vanya:

"Papa next part! Jaldi bolo! Phir kya hua?"

Mahir (with mock suspense):

"Phir… jungle mein sabko sambhalne ke liye ek mighty queen aayi… uska naam tha — Bela!"

Bela arches an eyebrow — stalks in, sits at the bed’s edge — pulls Kikvi’s feet away from Mahir’s face.

Bela (dryly, to Mahir):

"Haan haan, story mein toh main queen hoon. Real mein toh yeh teen hi raja maharaja hain sabke!"

Kikvi stirs, half-sitting up, mumbles with a sleepy grin —

Kikvi:

"Mumma… sabse best queen ho… sorry Mumma…"

She flops right into Bela’s lap — her tiny arms curling around Bela’s waist. Aashvi and Vanya instantly snuggle closer too, pulling Bela’s saree edge like a blanket corner.

Bela sighs — her fingers automatically slide through their hair, smoothing it back, calming every ruffled edge of the day’s madness.

Bela (softly, voice warm, mock warning):

"Kal koi patang, billi, bottle, patthar… kuch nahi. Sirf school, homework aur seedha ghar samjhi?"

Aashvi & Vanya (murmur together):

"Promise Mumma…"

Kikvi (muffled, eyes already shut):

"Team Aashvi forever…"

Mahir closes the storybook — kisses Kikvi’s forehead, then Aashvi’s and Vanya’s — then leans in, pressing a soft kiss to Bela’s temple too.

Mahir (teasing whisper):

"Mighty queen… sambhal liye apne jungle ke bandar?"

Bela just huffs, rolls her eyes — but her hand slips into Mahir’s, squeezing it gently.

---

And in that sleepy tangle — scoldings, pranks, punishments, all blend into warm snores and soft smiles. Team Aashvi, under one roof — chaos paused.

- - -

To be continued..