So let's begin,

HOTEL ROOM – EARLY EVENING

A keycard beeps at the door, and in burst Team Unstoppable — sweaty, tired, but buzzing with energy.

Khushi in her jeans and tee, Akshika, and Vanshika — in their 9th-grade uniforms — dump their bags with dramatic sighs.

Khushi:

(undoing her shoes and flopping on the bed)

"Bas bhai! Aaj ka din toh movie se kam nahi tha!"

Akshu:

(grinning while loosening her tie)

"Movie?! Ek ke baad ek twists aa rahe the! Pehle wo choti gang, phir Bela ma'am, aur phir wo Maths class.. Bhai.. Pehle din mai itna twist maine imagine bhi nhi kiya tha.. "

Vanshu:

(unzipping her backpack)

"Arey haan, wo maths ki class! Khushi ka toh chhota sa bhashan bhi ho gaya!"

Khushi (groaning):

"Mat yaad dilaa please… meri aankhon ke samne abhi bhi Bela ma'am ka eyebrow flash ho raha hai! Aur waise hum teeno ke saath kabhi kuch normal ho sakta h kya?"

All three burst into giggles, kicking off their shoes and changing into comfy casuals — oversized T-shirts, joggers, and a bun-up hairstyle mood.

Khushi (mischievously):

"Oh haan… tum dono ke liye h kuch chota sa."

She pulls out two large Dairy Milk Silk bars from her tote. The room erupts.

Akshu (gasps):

"Tera toh swarg reserved hai, Khushi!!"

Vanshu (squealing):

"Tu meri chocolate wali fairy hai!"

In one giant group hug, both sisters pull Khushi into a tight sandwich, giggling and fake crying.

Khushi (pretending to suffocate):

"Bas karo yaar chocolate hi h sirf...Jaldi mai sirf yahi la payi.. But yes I know you both love chocolates!"

They tear open the wrappers, munching and settling on the bed with legs criss-crossed.

Akshu (mouth full):

"Waise... aaj ka day epic tha na? Thana wali Bela ma’am teacher nikli! Matlab kya coincidence hai yaar!"

Vanshu:

"Aur wo scary stare… uff… mujhe laga mujhe wapas nursery bhej dengi!"

Khushi:

"Haan aur mujhe toh laga ma’am bolengi — ‘Yeh kya makeup ki dukaan ban ke aayi ho bina uniform ke?’"

They burst out laughing again, falling onto pillows, half-eaten chocolate bars still in hand.

After a beat, Khushi grows a little serious.

Khushi:

"Waise ek baat poochun?"

Akshu:

"Hmm?"

Khushi:

"Flat ya rented room ka kuch hua kya? Kab tak aise hotel mein rahenge? Yeh dekho — saara samaan bikhra hua hai… books, clothes, bottles, packets… itna chaos!"

The room, in its current state, does look like a tornado passed through — half-open suitcases, towels on chairs, and snack wrappers on the side table.

Vanshu (sighs):

"Haan yaar… room toh urgently chahiye. Yeh temporary thikana hi hai bas."

Akshu (nodding):

"Hostel ka option bhi tha… but let’s be honest — rules ke saath humara taalmel kabhi hua hai kya?"

Khushi:

"Exactly! Hume chahiye space… silence… aur freedom. Late-night study, kabhi writing, kabhi munching, kabhi dance practice — hostel mein har waqt ‘Lights Off’, ‘Gate Close’, ‘No Noise’."

Vanshu:

"Plus we three together? Koi bhi warden pehle week mein hi resign de degi!"

All three laugh, and Khushi takes out a folded paper — a handwritten list.

Khushi:

"Maine kuch flats note kiye the online. Dekho — yeh wala second floor ka hai, rent thoda zyada hai but area achha hai… yeh wala affordable hai, but bohot old building lagti hai."

Akshu:

"Hmm... aur yeh wala? Oh, this one looks cute!"

Vanshu (reading):

"But rent ka toh Mars pe bhi price kam hoga isse..."

Khushi:

"Exactly! Problem yeh hai ki ya toh budget mein hai but too shady… ya toh safe hote hain but ultra expensive."

They all groan together — flopping back on the bed.

Akshu (muttering):

"Dreams ko chase karne ka sapna tha… ab toh rent hi chase karwa raha hai."

Vanshu:

"Kal school ke baad kuch jagah dekhte hain na? Shaam mein 2-3 properties visit kar sakte hain."

Khushi:

"Done. Kal ka plan set."

She tosses the list on the bedside table as the trio clinks their water bottles like mock wine glasses.

Khushi:

"To Team Unstoppable!"

Akshu & Vanshu (together):

"To madness, freedom and our soon-to-be new home!"

They all smile — tired, excited, full of laughter — and for the first time in this new city, it starts feeling like home.

LATE EVENING

Dinner wrappers now join the chocolate wrappers on the small coffee table. The trio — Khushi, Akshu, and Vanshu — are lazing around, legs tangled, backs resting against pillows, scrolling through their phones, the fan humming softly above.

Khushi (stretching her arms):

"Waise kal ka homework kisi ko yaad hai ya sab chhutti mood mai hi ho?"

Akshu (groaning):

"Mat pooch… Bela ma’am ke ‘double homework’ ke naam pe aankhon mein dard ho raha tha mujhe. Upar se pehle hi din standing punishment.. Great! Matlab ab insaan kuch bole bhi na"

Vanshu (mocking):

"'Notebook clean honi chahiye… warna next time double se bhi double milega' — her exact words. Mujhe toh laga calculator leke aayengi homework multiply karne."

Khushi (snorts):

"Khud maths padhati hain, homework bhi ‘into 2’ mein hi dena tha!"

They all laugh again but slowly begin opening their bags, pulling out notebooks and textbooks.

Akshu (squinting):

"Khushi, tujhe idea h Bela ma’am ke periods kis-kis section mein hote hain? Ya roz ek hi class mein aake attack hota hai?"

Khushi:

"Mujhe kya pata yaar… abhi toh pata chala ki inspector madam teacher bhi hai. Ussi shock se abhi ubhre hai hum log."

Vanshu:

"But admit it — kamaal ki teacher toh hain. Unka presence hi powerful hai. Ek bhi student class mein hil nahi raha tha."

Khushi:

"Haan, powerful toh hai… par main toh thoda dar gayi thi yaar… meri neend ki band baj gayi!"

Akshu (laughing):

"Toh kal se math ke period mein aakhon pe cello tape chipka lena!"

They all laugh again, then fall into a comfortable silence as their pens begin to scratch the pages.

Montage-style moments follow:

Khushi solving maths slowly, tongue sticking out in focus.

Akshu scribbling fast, occasionally glancing at Khushi’s notebook for reference.

Vanshu, who surprisingly has the neatest notes, muttering formulas under her breath.

LATER THAT NIGHT – ROOM STILL

Homework is finally done. The books lie neatly stacked on the corner table. The lights are dim, casting a soft glow as the three girls — Khushi, Akshu, and Vanshu — lie tangled up under one big blanket on the bed.

Phones flicker gently in their hands, but none of them are really scrolling anymore. It’s that calm space — between tiredness and contentment.

Khushi (letting out a lazy yawn):

"Yaar… sirf ek din mein itni saari yaadein ban gayi. Feels like we finally found what we were looking for."

Akshu (smiling softly):

"Bas hum teen… dosti, masti, aur shaanti. Isse zyada kya chahiye."

Vanshu (resting her chin on her arm):

"Sach keh rahi ho… jab hum saath hote hain na, toh har mushkil bhi manageable lagti hai."

Khushi (grinning):

"Manage toh karna hi hai. Hum Team Unstoppable hain. Rukna toh aata hi nahi humein — chahe situation tough ho ya life."

Akshu (whispering with a smile):

"Hmm… tab tak ke liye… goodnight, unstoppable girls."

Khushi (already half buried under the blanket, voice muffled):

"Goodnight, pretty ladies."

A soft chuckle escapes Vanshu, followed by giggles that slowly quieten down.

The room falls into a cocoon of peace — only the ceiling fan humming gently. Outside, the city of Mumbai keeps moving. But inside this small hotel room, Team Unstoppable sleeps soundly — with hearts full, spirits light, and a bond that already feels like home.

---

SEHGAL HOUSE – BELA & MAHIR’S ROOM – NIGHT

The house is quiet — wrapped in the hush of late hours. A gentle breeze flutters the curtain by the window, carrying in the distant murmur of Mumbai’s endless motion — honks, muffled engines, and the occasional barking dog.

Inside, warm bedside lamps glow softly. Bela, dressed in a comfy, loose kurta, sits on the edge of the bed, towel draped on her shoulder as she runs a brush through her damp hair. Her expression is a mix of disbelief, weariness, and quiet simmering thought.

Mahir is seated at the head of the bed, his laptop open but forgotten beside him. In his night tee and shorts, he leans back against the headboard, attention solely on his wife.

Mahir (stretching slightly):

"Toh madam ka pehla Monday kaisa raha? Team Aashvi ne thakaya ya staff room ki politics ne?"

Bela (exhaling sharply):

"Na staff room… na Team Aashvi. Aaj toh kuch aur hi mila mujhe dekhne."

Mahir (raising an eyebrow, intrigued):

"Achha? Aisa kya hua?"

Bela rises, brushes her hair once more, and walks around to sit beside Mahir. She rests her head on his shoulder, seeking warmth more than comfort.

Bela (dryly):

"Aapke sweethearts... Team Aashvi... unhone aaj senior class ki ladkiyon se takkar le li."

Mahir (half amused, surprised):

"Team Aashvi ne kisi se panga liya? Kis se? Wo bhi senior class… Strange!"

Bela (leaning into him slightly):

"Wahi do ladkiyaan Mahir ji jinhone in teeno badmasho ko thana safely chhoda tha, aur ice treat di thi. Mujhe nahi pata tha duniya itni chhoti hai… Kal hi main unse as an officer mili thi aur aaj achanak yun school mein… Phir pata chala unhone recently isi school mein admission liya hai… Aaj first day tha unka… Akshika and Vanshika… Aaj ek aur nayi ladki thi unke saath… Khushi naam tha uska..."

Mahir listens quietly, wrapping one arm around her, his fingers gently playing with hers, encouraging her to go on.

Bela (continuing):

"Phir kya Mahir ji… recess time pe maine corridor ke corner mein dono teams ko confrontation mode mein paaya. Aashi aur wo Akshu ka toh clear war chalu tha ekdum."

Mahir (chuckling):

"Matlab first day par hi school mein gang war ka trailer shuru ho gaya?"

Bela (giving him a sharp look):

"Mujhe hasi nahi aa rahi, Mahir ji. Ek taraf Aashi hai — sab kuch jeetne wali, sab kuch dominate karne wali. Aur doosri taraf... yeh naye bachhe… especially Akshu aur Vanshu — unmein bhi spark hai. Bilkul aise nahi lagta jaise naye hain. Jab maine unhe school mein dekha toh pehle toh main khud hairaan ho gayi. Par jab pata chala ki naye admission hain, toh thoda awkward feel hua… Inspector mode se seedha teacher mode shift karna pada."

Mahir (grinning):

"Toh kaise react kiya unhone jab tum samne teacher ban ke aayi?"

Bela (suppressing a laugh):

"Froze. Jaise kisi ne remote se pause button daba diya ho. Akshu toh aankhon se haan bol rahi thi aur zubaan se kuch aur. Vanshu ne maano koi bhoot dekh liya ho. Aur wo nayi ladki Khushi… poor girl, uniform bhi nahi pehna tha usne… Seedha station se aayi thi usne bataya — uniform aur books collect karne. Bechari ne sone ki planning kar rakhi thi shayad par maine bas ek glare diya… turant seedhi ho gayi aur class mein chali gayi."

Mahir (laughing properly now):

"Poor kids! Tumhare 'one eyebrow look' ka toh main bhi fan hoon..."

Bela (mock glaring):

"Mazak mat udaiye. Par honestly… mujhe in teenon mein potential dikhta hai. But inka aur Team Aashvi ka encounter... hmm... agar theek se handle nahi kiya, toh school mein daily soap chalu ho jayega."

Mahir (playfully raising both hands):

"Toh Inspector Sehgal ready hai na dono teams ko line mein laane ke liye?"

Bela (smirking, leaning back):

"Teacher Sehgal bhi kam nahi hai. Kal se dono sides ko tight leash pe rakhna padega."

Mahir (teasing):

"Bas ek kaam karna… Wo Khushi ko zyada dant mat dena. Naam sunte hi lagta hai woh sabse zyada innocent hogi."

Bela (dry tone, unimpressed):

"Innocent? Madam maths period mein so rahi thi… Uski neend bhagane ke liye board pe bulana pada mujhe. Pehle hi din double homework dena pada. Aur wo Akshu baith ke comedy kar rahi thi."

Mahir (pretending to gasp dramatically):

"Arey wah… toh yeh Team bhi shuru ho gayi dhamake se."

Bela (sighing as she rests her head back):

"God knows Mahir ji… dekhte hain kis taraf yeh kahaani jaati hai."

They exchange a tired but knowing smile — a silent understanding that this school year is going to be anything but boring.

Beyond the bedroom walls, Mumbai hums on — unaware of the storm quietly brewing in a small classroom, led by two fierce girls and one very sleepy newcomer.

---

SCHOOL GATE – NEXT MORNING – 8:15 AM

The school hums with familiar morning energy — teachers on patrol, students lined up class-wise, occasional giggles floating through the air. The assembly drum echoes in the background, signaling the final call.

Team Unstoppable enters the gate — this time, not in chaos, but in complete sync, walking side-by-side like they own the ground.

In the center: Khushi.

No untucked shirts. No flying hair. No sleepy face.

Today, she’s a vision of discipline — shirt crisp, skirt perfectly pleated, tie centered, socks folded at the ankle, shoes polished to perfection. Her hair tied neatly into a no-nonsense ponytail, with pins holding back every stray strand. Even her glasses are spotless — sitting just right on her nose.

Akshu (leans closer, teasing softly):

"Aaj toh tu puri topper lag rahi h..."

Vanshu (with a sideways smirk):

"Ek aur button bandh kar leti toh principal bhi salute maar deta tujhe."

Khushi (mock glare, smugly):

"Very funny. Kal ke baad mujhe aur nahi sunna. Aaj toh Bela ma’am khud bhi galti na nikaal paaye."

The three share quiet giggles as they walk through the school corridor, their energy relaxed — and their vibe? Unbreakable.

---

AFTER ASSEMBLY – MAIN CORRIDOR

The crowd has dispersed. Students head to their classrooms. But not Team Aashvi.

They’re standing coolly near the junior class line — Aashi, Kiku, and Vanu — arms behind their backs, heads slightly tilted as they speak amongst themselves, glancing toward the entrance.

And then—

A charged silence.

Two eyes meet.

Akshu. Aashi.

One glare. One smirk.

And just like yesterday, the air turns electric.

Akshu’s gaze sharpens.

Aashi’s lips twist into a challenge.

They take a step forward, slowly — like queens walking to the battlefield, round two already in session.

Akshu (under her breath):

"Aur kya bacha tha bolne ko kal..."

Aashi (head tilted):

"Abhi toh shuru kiya tha..."

VOICE (off-screen, loud and razor-sharp):

“Enough.”

BELA SEHGAL enters.

Her heels click against the floor like warning bells. Saree crisp, eyes sharper than ever — she walks with the poise of a storm that knows it commands silence.

Both trios freeze mid-step.

Bela (circling slowly, voice icy calm):

"Assembly ke time ghoorne ka competition rakha hai school ne?

Ya tum sabko disciplinary file mein naam likhwaana itna hi pasand hai?"

She pauses directly in front of Khushi.

Her eyes scan her from head to toe — shirt, shoes, specs.

Her stare lingers.

Pause. No flaw.

Bela (one brow raised):

"Well… miracle ho gaya. Uniform perfect h. Good."

Khushi (nervous smile, quietly):

"Thank you ma’am…"

Bela (smirking just a little):

"Hmm. Let’s hope kal ki tarah class mein neend nahi aayegi."

She turns to Akshu next.

Bela (deadpan):

"Aur tum… comedy ka period tumhare time-table mein likhwa doon kya?

Ya maths class mein maths padhna start karogi?"

Akshu opens her mouth, but stops herself. She quietly nods, eyes lowered.

Bela (final word, clipped):

"Sab ke sab class mein jaao. And no more drama. I’m watching."

She turns and walks off without looking back.

Both groups remain still — like rival armies under sudden truce.

Only the glares continue, silently promising — this isn’t over.

Khushi (muttering, eyes on Bela’s retreating back):

"Yeh ma’am ka sixth sense h kya? Humesha perfect timing pe tapak jaati hain."

Akshu:

"More like CCTV ki walking version hain."

Vanshu (grinning):

"Let’s just be glad she didn’t double our homework again."

Both trios head off in opposite directions, rivalry simmering, school day just beginning.

---

CLASSROOM – 9B – FIRST PERIOD – MATHS CLASS

The clock strikes 8:30 AM.

The atmosphere inside 9B is unusually disciplined. No murmurs, no chaos, and definitely no half-sleeping faces.

Because it's Bela Sehgal’s class.

She walks in with her signature poised stride, a stack of files and a chalk box in one hand, eyes sweeping the room with her sharp gaze. Her saree — dark maroon today — flows behind her like a judge’s robe in a courtroom.

The entire class stands up in sync.

Class (in chorus):

"Good morning, ma’am."

Bela (firm nod):

"Good morning. Sit."

As they sit, Bela places her things on the desk and taps the blackboard once with her chalk.

Bela:

"Before we begin... homework notebooks. Row-wise, pass them to the front. No excuses."

Akshu and Khushi, sitting upright this time — notebooks already out and neatly placed.

Khushi quietly nudges Akshu, both triple-checking they haven’t missed anything — dates, margins, clean pages.

Akshu (under breath):

"Tumne headings underline ki thi na?"

Khushi:

"Haan! Aur tumhare diagrams straight hai na?"

Akshu (nods nervously):

"Compass se banaye the bhai..."

Both push their notebooks forward, holding their breath slightly as they reach Bela’s desk.

Bela flips one notebook open.

Eyes scan. No comment.

Then the next. Still no comment.

She raises one eyebrow — not out of annoyance, but the rarest expression of faint satisfaction.

She places the pile down and turns toward the blackboard.

Bela:

"Today we continue with Algebraic Identities. But this time… I expect complete silence and attention."

She turns around slowly, scanning the class.

Bela (dryly):

"Especially from the ones who believe maths period is for either stand-up comedy… or sleeping."

Khushi and Akshu shrink slightly in their chairs.

Bela (smirking slightly as she picks up the chalk):

"Page 72. Identity 3. Let’s see how many of you were actually awake while writing last night."

The class chuckles faintly, but quickly goes quiet under her glance.

Khushi (whispering to herself):

"Aaj toh ek dot bhi galat nahi likhna mujhe…"

Akshu (muttering):

"Tum likhna… main toh abhi se solve karne lagi hoon."

As Bela begins solving the first identity on the board —

A = (x + y)² = x² + 2xy + y² —

the girls sit ramrod straight, notebooks open, pens uncapped, eyes fixed on the blackboard.

No mistakes.

No whispers.

And definitely — no sleep.

Because in Bela Sehgal’s class, redemption is written in margins…

…and underlined twice in red.

MIDWAY THROUGH

The blackboard now has three identities written crisply in Bela’s clear handwriting.

A faint chalk dust cloud still lingers in the air. Not a soul dares to sneeze.

Team Unstoppable — Akshu, Khushi, and Vanshu — sits together in the third row from the front, their heads bent in focus, scribbling each step with absolute precision. No giggles. No glances. Just silent, serious effort.

Until—

Bela (without turning):

"Roll number 18."

Akshu (looks up nervously):

"Ma’am?"

Bela (turns slowly):

"Yes. Come to the board. Solve Identity 2 — with the expansion and two examples."

Akshu (swallows hard):

"Yes ma’am..."

She walks to the board, clutching her notebook like a life jacket.

Khushi (whispering to Vanshu):

"Bas ab tu dua kar ki chalk sahi se likh de… warna phir se extra homework guaranteed."

Vanshu (whispering back):

"Main toh bas ye soch rahi hoon ki agar board pe koi kaand kar diya na isne, toh hum sab gaye kaam se."

Akshu reaches the board and takes the chalk.

She starts writing:

> (a - b)² = a² - 2ab + b²

Bela stands with arms folded, watching intently.

Akshu (explaining):

"Here, the identity used is square of a binomial difference. The formula is…"

But then — suddenly, from behind—

SQUEAK. SCRATCH. SLIDE.

The back door of the class opens ever so slightly.

A head peeks in.

It’s Aashi.

Wearing her junior badge. Clearly not from this class.

Aashi (in a deliberately sweet voice):

"Sorry ma’am… Principal ma’am ne kuch files bheje the…"

She walks in — confidently — carrying a folder. Eyes scanning the room... and then subtly landing on Akshu at the board.

Akshu’s hand freezes mid-air.

Aashi (smiling faintly at her):

"Nice handwriting didi. I hope sum bhi correct ho."

Akshu (narrowing eyes):

"I’m in maths class. Tumhe gossip karna h toh junior corridor wapas jao."

Bela (sharply):

"Excuse me?"

Aashi straightens instantly.

Bela (coldly):

"Akshika. Board pe ho. You’re not here to pick fights."

Akshu (reluctantly):

"Sorry ma’am...

Bela turns to Aashi, tone icy.

"And you are not a courier. Files do not need giggles or attitude."

Aashi (meekly):

"Sorry ma’am…"

Bela:

"Leave it and go."

Aashi places the file and walks out — but not before exchanging one final glare with Akshu.

Khushi (under breath):

"Yeh toh chingari laga ke gayi h… ab bomb kab footega pata nahi."

Vanshu:

"Chingari bhi, hawa bhi… aur petrol bhi khud hi h ye."

Bela (clapping once):

"Back to the problem. Akshika — continue. And next time, ignore distractions, don't react to them."

Akshu takes a breath, refocuses, and continues solving — her eyes still burning but her steps precise.

As she finishes with a clean answer and turns, Bela gives a nod.

Bela:

"Correct. Sit down."

Akshu is back in her seat — victorious but still visibly simmering from Aashi’s interruption.

Khushi sits beside her, eyes darting between her notebook and the board. Her brows furrow as she tries to copy the next question:

> Simplify: (3x + 2y)² - (3x - 2y)²

Her pen pauses mid-air.

Khushi (under breath):

"Yeh ab identity 1 se hoga ya identity 3 se...?"

She flips back a page, scanning scribbled formulas, then glances at Akshu, who’s already solving.

Khushi (whisper-whisper):

"Akshu... isme kya lagaun? Identity 1 ya 3?"

Akshu (whispers back):

"3. Difference of squares. Don’t mess it up."

Khushi quickly begins to solve but halfway through, doubts creep in again.

Her steps get jumbled.

Khushi (muttering):

"A² - B² toh h, but 2xy wala kaunsa h... Argh... ho gaya confusion."

She scratches out a step, rewrites it, then scratches again.

Bela (watching from her desk):

"Khushi Agarwal."

Khushi freezes.

Bela (calm but firm):

"Come to the board. Solve this same question."

Khushi (standing, nervous):

"Ma’am actually I’m not—"

Bela (interrupting):

"You’ve been quiet and focused today. Let’s see if it’s actually gone into the right direction."

Khushi gulps and walks to the board. Vanshu gives her an encouraging thumbs up. Akshu whispers a silent “You’ve got this.”

She picks the chalk, stares at the problem, takes a deep breath and begins:

> (3x + 2y)² = 9x² + 12xy + 4y²

(3x - 2y)² = 9x² - 12xy + 4y²

Then writes:

> Subtraction: (9x² + 12xy + 4y²) - (9x² - 12xy + 4y²)

= 9x² - 9x² + 12xy + 12xy + 4y² - 4y²

= 24xy

She turns around, chalk still in hand, eyes unsure.

Khushi:

"Ma’am... Answer is 24xy."

Bela (silent for a beat, then nods):

"Correct. The steps were messy, but the concept landed."

Khushi exhales — finally.

Bela (adding):

"But Khushi... you took longer than expected. Stop second-guessing yourself. First step sahi tha — par tumne teen baar erase kiya."

Khushi (small smile):

"Habit h ma’am... pehle confuse hone ki, phir overthinking ki."

A few giggles bubble from the class.

Bela (dryly):

"Drop the habit. You’re not filing a petition, you’re solving maths."

Laughter spreads, even Khushi smiles wider, her tension visibly easing.

As she returns to her seat—

Akshu (grinning):

"Tera confusion bhi cute hota h yaar."

Vanshu (nodding):

"Seriously. But proud of you. Pata tha answer sahi de degi."

Khushi:

"Thanks... mujhe khud ko doubt ho raha tha. But also… Aashi wali distraction ke baad, sab dimaag hil gaya."

Akshu:

"Aaj toh ma’am ne full surveillance mode on kar rakha h."

Just then, Bela claps once from the front.

Bela:

"Next problem. And I want complete silence this time — especially from my third row trio. Yes, that means you three."

Khushi, Akshu, and Vanshu straighten up instantly.

But their smiles?

Unstoppable.

---

SCHOOL — NOTICE BOARD AREA — JUNIOR LUNCH BREAK

The corridor lies half-empty, buzzing softly with the distant sound of chattering students heading to the canteen. Near the green school notice board, Team Aashvi is on a mission — sharp, sneaky, and too confident for their size.

AASHVI, standing guard with the weight of a general, keeps scanning. VANYA, gripping a crumpled handmade poster, is all nerves. It reads in bold sketch pen:

> “FREE ICE CREAM MELA — PERIOD FREE — COME FAST — SPECIAL GUEST: AKSHU & VANSHU DIDI!”

Below that, cartoon doodles of Akshu and Vanshu beam with huge ice creams in their hands.

KIKVI, the tiniest, clutches her teddy zip to her chest, eyes darting like a security camera.

AASHVI

(urgent whisper)

"Vanu, tape jaldi. Kiku, dekh koi aa toh nahi raha. Lagao poster — seedha beech mein."

Vanya fumbles with the tape — the poster sticks halfway, then starts peeling again.

KIKVI

(panicked hiss)

"Aashi! Peon uncle aa rahe hain!"

AASHVI

(hisses back)

"Lag jaane do pehle — phir bhaag lenge!"

They press it hard — the tape catches just in time.

Right then, PEON UNCLE turns the corner — broom in hand, eyebrows arching high at the rainbow explosion stuck smack in the center of the official notice board.

PEON UNCLE

(gruff voice)

"Yeh kya naatak hai? Kisne lagaya yeh?"

AASHVI

(flashing her sweetest fake smile)

"Uncle… special surprise hai na sabke liye. Didiyo ne bola—"

Before she can finish, chaos detonates — the corridor floods with curious students.

Excited Chatter explodes:

> "Kya? Free ice cream?"

"Akshu didi? Vanshu didi? Kaunsi didi?"

"Recess mein toh kuch nahi bola kisi ne!"

Kids crowd around the poster, giggling, poking, snapping pics. It’s an instant viral school moment.

IX-B CLASSROOM — SAME TIME (15 mins before senior lunch)

MR. SHARMA drones on about science — monotone.

AKSHU tries her best to focus, pencil tapping nervously.

KHUSHI is half-listening, half-daydreaming.

VANSHU is doodling bored circles on the last page.

Suddenly — a boy from a junior class arrives, barely holding his laughter.

BOY

(grinning)

"Didi… aap log free ice cream baat rahe ho kya? School board pe poster laga hai — sab keh rahe hain canteen mein mela hai!"

Akshu’s pencil drops.

AKSHU

(horrified)

"KYA? Kaunsa mela?"

Khushi pales. Vanshu’s jaw drops.

MR. SHARMA

(raising an eyebrow)

"Problem, Miss Akshika?"

AKSHU

(half-standing)

"Sir… ek second… can I— washroom— emergency—"

Mr. Sharma waves her off with a tired hand.

The three girls dash out, nearly knocking over desks.

SCHOOL CORRIDOR — BACK AT NOTICE BOARD

Full-blown pandemonium.

A group of students chant mockingly:

> "Ice cream! Ice cream!"

A few cheeky kids drag friends out of classrooms.

AASHVI, arms crossed, is glowing with pride.

AASHVI

(to Kikvi and Vanya, whispering proudly)

"Dekha? School mai dhamaka kar diya. Ab dekhte hain didiyo ka reaction."

Right on cue — Akshu storms in, Vanshu right behind, Khushi huffing.

Akshu elbows through the crowd and HALTS.

Her own cartoon face stares at her from the poster.

AKSHU

(pure disbelief)

"Yeh kya naya tamasha h? Kisne kiya yeh!"

KHUSHI

(blurts)

"Woh teenon ka kaam hai! Pakka woh teenon ne chipkaya hai!"

Vanshu tries tearing off the poster — kids cling to it, chanting louder:

> “FREE ICE CREAM! FREE ICE CREAM!”

AASHVI steps forward — hands on hips, full villain-mode grin.

AASHVI

"Didi… surprise pasand nahi aaya? Team Aashvi kabhi surrender nahi karti — yaad hai na?"

AKSHU

(steaming)

"Tum logon ko na… dekh lungi class ke baad. Sabko ice cream ki jagah detention milega, samjhe?"

Aashvi sticks her tongue out — and bolts.

Vanya and Kikvi squeal, vanishing behind her like shadow warriors.

Left behind:

A fuming Akshu,

A tape-scraping Vanshu,

A scrap-collecting Khushi —

—and a whole corridor roaring with laughter.

STAFF ROOM — THROUGH HALF-CLOSED WINDOW

BELA stands with a steaming cup of tea.

She watches the poster-mela chaos unfold outside the window, the chants echoing.

One tired sip. One knowing sigh.

BELA

(muttering to herself)

"Operation Ice Cream, haan? Ab dekho main kya karti hoon, Team Aashvi."

SCHOOL — STAFF ROOM — MINUTES LATER

The giggles, footsteps and “Ice Cream Mela!” chants echo all the way to the staff room. A junior teacher peeks out the window — scared to get involved. Another teacher mutters, “In bacchon ka kuch nahi ho sakta.”

Bela stands near the window — chai cup halfway to her lips — watching Akshu, Vanshu and Khushi trying to control a crowd of fifty giggling kids under the notice board.

One slow sip — her specs slide to the tip of her nose.

She sets the cup down — pushes the window open.

One sharp, terrifying command slices through the corridor:

Bela (voice calm but nuclear):

"SAB BACCHE — LINE MEIN! ABHI!"

Like magic — the giggles vanish. Chants stop mid-word. Even the loudest kids freeze — instinct says run, but no one dares.

Akshu, Vanshu and Khushi stand dead still — poster scraps still in Vanshu’s hands.

NOTICE BOARD AREA — SAME TIME

Bela emerges from the staff room door — steps echoing like a drumroll of doom. She walks straight through the parted crowd — eyes scanning every guilty face — till she stops in front of the torn poster scraps.

One look at Akshu — then at Aashvi’s gang half-hiding behind the canteen pillar, giggling into their palms.

Bela (too calm, that dangerous calm):

"Toh… free ice cream mela? Kisne socha? Kisne board pe lagaya?"

Aashvi’s giggle dies halfway — Vanya squeaks — Kikvi tries to bury her face in her teddy pouch.

Akshu opens her mouth to explain — but Bela lifts one finger. Silence.

She points at Team Aashvi: "Tum teen. Aage. Abhi."

Like tiny criminals, Aashvi, Vanya and Kikvi shuffle out — heads down, feet dragging.

Students stand like an audience — breath held, waiting for the final blast.

Bela folds her arms — looks at Aashvi square in the eye.

Bela (low, sharp):

"Ice cream mela? Kisne bola tha permission hai? Notice board tumhara ghar hai kya? School mein tamasha banaoge? Kisne banaya poster?"

Aashvi gulps — tries a tiny, brave squeak:

"Ma'am… woh… idea mera tha… par Vanu ne banaya… Kiku ne tape lagaya—"

Vanya’s eyes widen: Betrayal!

Kikvi squeals: "Aashi!"

Bela pinches the bridge of her nose — mutters under her breath: "In teenon se bada gangsters school mein nahi hai..."

She turns to Akshu, Vanshu and Khushi: "Aur tum teeno? Inka crowd sambhal nahi sakti thi? Din bhar hero bante ho, poster khinch ke hatana mushkil tha?"

Akshu tries: "Ma’am hum—"

One raised palm. Instant silence.

Bela (final judgement mode):

"Theek hai. Aaj ke baad koi mela, surprise ya mission nahi chalega bina permission. Tum teenon ko kya punishment milegi, woh ghar pe discuss hoga — samajh gayi Team Aashvi?"

Aashvi, Vanya, Kikvi — heads bobbing so fast they look like bobbleheads: "Yes Mumma… sorry Ma’am…"

Bela looks at Akshu, Vanshu, Khushi — voice softer but still iron: "Tum teen bhi dhyaan rakhna. Yeh team ka dimaag bohot tez hai. Agli baar sidha Principal room jayega koi bhi matter — samjhe?"

Akshu, Vanshu and Khushi chorus: "Yes Ma’am."

She scans the watching crowd — one sharp glare: "Aur tum log — sabko free ice cream chahiye na? Chalo — class mein. Abhi. Main check karungi koi late gaya toh."

A stampede back to classrooms. Chaos dissolves in seconds. Only the poster scraps flutter on the floor.

Aashvi tries to mumble:

"Mumma… par free ice cream idea bura toh nahi tha na?"

Bela lifts an eyebrow — Aashvi squeaks and hides behind Vanya.

Bela picks up the last scrap of sketch pen doodle — shakes her head, half annoyed, half hiding a fond smile.

Bela (muttering, exhausted but soft):

"Team Aashvi aur unke pranks.."

SCHOOL CORRIDOR — FEW MINUTES LATER

The last bell echoes faintly. The chaos has cleared.

Khushi, Vanshu and Akshu walk back toward their class, silent at first — until Akshu slams her notebook shut mid-walk.

Akshu (bursting):

"Yeh bacche HADD karte hain! Har baar! Kya problem h unki samajh nhi aata! I can't believe maine in baccho ke liye ek soft corner rakh ke unhe ice cream khilaya tha.. Thana chod ke aayi thi.. Aise bacche.. Pure school ke saamne tamasha bana diya yaar unhone.. 2 din nhi hue h aur yeh sab.. Aur Aashi — usko toh—!"

She punches the air furiously, her bag swinging sideways.

Khushi (half-joking):

"Shaant ho lo gadhadhaari bheem… warna tumhe bhi Bela ma’am ke saamne line mein khada hona padega."

Akshu (not amused):

"Main seriously bol rahi hoon, Khushi! Mujhe itna gussa aa raha hai… kal ke notice board pe 'Missing: Aashvi aur unki team' ka poster chipkaungi! Aur neeche likhungi — 'Last seen being irritating!'"

Vanshu (giggling nervously):

"Akshu calm down yaar. They're just tiny kids… chhoti si free ice cream ki planning thi. Drama queen wali toh tum khud ban rahi ho ab."

Akshu (snapping):

"Tum log samajh nahi rahe! Har baar kuch na kuch kar jaati hain yeh chhoti gang! Aur phir saari naak Bela Ma’am ke samne hamari hi kat ti hai!"

She stops walking — breathing heavily, fists clenched.

Khushi steps in front of her — placing both palms gently on Akshu’s shoulders.

Khushi (calmly):

"Akshu… dekh… tu sach bol rahi hai. But Bela Ma’am already unki band baja chuki hain. Aage punishment bhi decide hone wali hai. Toh ab tu kyun khud ki energy barbaad kar rahi hai?"

Vanshu (softly):

"Aur sach kahun toh… Aashi ka woh 'mumma... idea mera tha' face dekh ke mujhe thoda pyaar bhi aaya. Chhoti si villain hai par cute hai."

Akshu groans.

Akshu (muttering):

"Main kabhi maa bani na… toh agar meri beti Aashvi jaisi hui toh main toh jail chali jaungi."

Khushi (laughs):

"Toh tu mummy mat banna… tu principal ban jaana, direct detention room bhejna sabko!"

They all burst into tired laughter. The tension breaks just a little.

CLASSROOM DOOR — MOMENTS LATER

Before entering, Akshu pauses — looks at Khushi and Vanshu.

Akshu (grumbling but calmer):

"Theek hai… revenge cancel. Lekin agar kal firse koi prank hua na, toh main nahi chhodungi. Phir barbar badla lungi aur tum dono mujhe nhi rokoge. Deal!"

Khushi:

"Done deal. Par abhi shaanti. Tumhara BP high ho raha tha, literally."

Vanshu:

"Aur by the way — tujhe gusse mein dekhkar Principal bhi darte honge. Soch — unka resignation bhi le sakti thi tu aaj."

They laugh again, heading inside.

---

CLASS - 1B

Meanwhile, from the back of the class — Aashvi peeks in, only her eyes visible over the window frame.

Kikvi whispers:

"Aashi, hum safe hai kya?"

Aashvi (serious whisper):

"Safe toh hai… but Akshu Didi ka face maine dekh liya tha. Ab agli baar koi prank karenge na… toh naam Team Chhupa Rustom hoga."

Vanya:

"Aur mission ka naam — Operation Secret.”

They all fist bump quietly, ducking before anyone spots them again.

---

AFTER SCHOOL – 3:30 PM – OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL GATE

The final bell rings. Bags are slung, ties loosened, and Team Unstoppable is free for the day.

Khushi, Akshu, and Vanshu walk out together — this time with a different kind of excitement.

Khushi (zipping up her bag):

"Toh… mission flat hunting start karein?"

Vanshu (stretching):

"Mujhe lagta hai hum teenon ka sapna pura hone wala hai. Imagine — apna space, apna ghar, koi rok tok nhi.. Just us!!."

Akshu (grinning):

"Bas rent thoda reasonable ho... warna fridge hoga, but khaali."

They hop into an auto, all squeezing in with maps open on their phones, Google tabs titled:

-“Girls PG near Sapphire Heights”

-“1BHK flats on rent”

-“Low budget student housing Mumbai”

Khushi (determined):

“Dekhte hai kaun rokta hai Team Unstoppable ko.”

They speed off into the traffic — laughter loud, hopes higher, and dreams of finding not just a flat... but freedom.

--

SEHGAL HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – AFTER SCHOOL

The TV murmurs cricket commentary in the background. Mahir lounges on the recliner, newspaper in hand, completely at peace.

That peace? About to be brutally murdered.

The main door creaks open.

Bela enters — hair still neatly pinned, bag slung on one shoulder… but her face? A storm cloud brewing rage. In one hand, she holds a crumpled piece of paper.

Behind her, Team Aashvi tiptoes in like mice sneaking past a sleeping lion. Shoes in hand. Heads bowed. The guilt practically trails behind them like perfume.

Mahir peeks over his newspaper.

Mahir (cheerfully): “Arre wah, sab aa gaye? Aaj toh lagta hai thak gaye ho, hmm?”

Bela says nothing. She just holds up the scrap of paper like it's Exhibit A in a courtroom.

Mahir squints.

Mahir: “Yeh… ‘FREE ICE CREAM MELA’? Bela… tum logon ke school mein itna innovative homework dene lage?”

Bela (nuclear calm): “Ask your daughter.”

Mahir blinks. Then slowly lowers the newspaper like it’s a hostage negotiation.

Mahir (cautious): “Aashi beta…?”

Aashvi (barely audible): “Papa… bas thoda sa prank tha…”

Bela (to Mahir, crisp): “Fake mela. Fake poster. Notice board pe chipka diya. Pachaas bachchon ka crowd. Staff room tak shor. Principal tak jaata agar maine nahi roka hota.”

Mahir tries to suppress a laugh — tries.

Mahir (impressed): “Pachaas? Ice cream ke liye? Honestly that’s—”

Bela (flat): “Mahir ji.”

He freezes. Folds the newspaper. Quietly slides it under the cushion like he was never involved.

---

LIVING ROOM WALL – A FEW MINUTES LATER

Three small culprits — noses to the wall, ears held, faces miserable.

Aashvi whispers like a rebel in exile.

Aashvi (grumbling): “Mumma yeh punishment kam… yoga zyada lag raha hai…”

Bela (sharply, without turning): “Shavasana bhi kara doon kya? Seedhe khade raho. Twenty minutes. No talking. No bathroom. No emotional drama.”

Kikvi (whispers to Vanya): “Par main toh sirf tape lagane waali thi…”

Bela (stone cold): “Kya kaha Kiku?”

Kikvi (jumps): “Nothing Mumma! Main toh wall dekh rahi thi…”

Mahir (peeking from the kitchen): “Umm… paani doon?”

Bela: “Trial ke baad war criminals ko paani milta hai. Pehle punishment.”

The girls sigh dramatically.

Aashvi (muttering): “Papa lawyer ban gaye… Mumma jailor…”

---

FIFTEEN MINUTES IN – GUILT MODE ACTIVATED

Aashvi sniffs dramatically.

Aashvi (overacting): “Mumma… hum toh sirf thoda sa fun lana chahte the school mein… ice cream is love…”

Bela (dead calm): “Love ka matlab prank hota hai ab? Sunday ko tum dono safely thana drop kiya, ice cream khilayi — aur tumne unke upar prank kiya? Did they fight with you?”

The three shake their heads — guilty, quiet.

Bela: “Toh phir? Bas masti karni thi toh kisi pe bhi kar doge?”

Kikvi (softly, finally sincere): “Sorry Mumma… galti ho gayi. Next time nahi karenge.”

Vanya: “Ha Mumma… sorry. No more pranks on didis.”

Bela sighs. Her expression softens… a little.

Bela: “Aashi… tu mujhe extra sorry bol. Mujhe pata hai mastermind kaun tha.”

Aashvi (genuinely remorseful): “Sorry Mumma… woh… didi ne humara pastry plan fail kar diya tha toh gussa aa gaya tha… isiliye prank idea aaya…”

Vanya whispers to Kikvi:

Vanya: “Agle prank se pehle permission le lenge…”

Kikvi: “Ya bhaag lenge.”

Aashvi: “Ya dono.”

20 MINUTES UP

Bela finally turns. The girls stiffen.

Bela: “Ho gaya. Lekin next time — koi bhi mission, prank, mela… sabse pehle principal, teacher, ya mujhse permission. Samjhi Team Aashvi?”

All Three: “Okk! Sorry Mumma!”

Mahir walks in holding three mini water bottles and one small tub of ice cream — cautiously hopeful.

Mahir: “Ek ek scoop? For emotional healing?”

Bela eyes him. Then sighs.

Bela: “Fine. Ek scoop. Par next time aisa kuch hua na — ghar ke andar nahi, gate ke bahar khada kar dungi. Samjhe?”

The girls burst into joy — clinging to her like she’s Santa Claus with a legal degree.

Aashvi: “Mumma best ho!”

Bela (dryly): “Daant ke time ya ice cream ke time?”

Kikvi: “Dono time!”

Vanya: “Mumma deluxe edition ho!”

Bela finally breaks — laughing, tired but smiling.

Bela (softly): “Team Aashvi and their full-time adventures…”

--

MUMBAI SUBURBAN LANE – EVENING – 4:15 PM

The auto screeches to a halt at a narrow by-lane surrounded by small buildings and paan-stained corners. A dusty "To Let – Girls Only" board hangs tilted on a rusted gate.

Khushi (squinting at the board):

"Yehi h kya? 'Dream Paradise Apartment'... naam toh bada dreamy hai."

Akshu (peering through the gate):

"Dikhta toh horror paradise jaise hai..."

Vanshu (laughs):

"Chalo na... let’s at least see the inside. Maybe interior hi achha ho."

They push open the gate — which creaks dramatically — and step inside.

---

DREAM PARADISE – BUILDING INTERIOR – MOMENTS LATER

The corridor smells faintly of old paint and incense sticks. A landlady in her late 50s, Mrs. Lobo, stands at the door of Flat 3A with a broom in one hand and a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.

Mrs. Lobo:

"You girls for the flat? Come in, come in... it’s very popular, okay? Last girls stayed for two months."

Khushi (whispers to Akshu):

"Do mahine? Sounds promising… or scary."

Akshu:

"Let’s not judge yet."

They walk in. The room is small but clean. There’s one fan — spinning slowly like it’s had a long day — a small attached kitchen, and a single wooden table that looks like it has stories.

Vanshu (pokes a damp patch on wall):

"Yeh toh permanent guest lag raha hai."

Mrs. Lobo (cheerfully):

"That’s just a little water love! Monsoon comes and goes — just like our tenants."

Khushi (politely):

"Auntie, rent kitna hoga? And light, water charges?"

Mrs. Lobo:

"8,500 per month. Light extra. No loud music, no boys, no parties after 8 PM, no outside food on Tuesdays."

Akshu:

"Tuesdays?"

Mrs. Lobo (smiling):

"Vrat ka din hai."

Vanshu (soft mutter):

"Toh party kab karein… Wednesday morning ko?"

The three girls exchange glances — clearly not sold.

Khushi (sighing):

"Okay, auntie... we’ll let you know?"

Mrs. Lobo:

"Don’t take too long — this flat runs away fast."

They exit quickly.

OUTSIDE THE FLAT – EVENING SUNSET

The trio sits on the pavement for a second, laughing and catching their breath.

Akshu:

"Toh ‘dream paradise’ reject?"

Khushi:

"Yup. Nightmare unlocked."

Vanshu:

"One down… eight more to go?"

Khushi (smiles):

"Team Unstoppable never gives up. Chal agla location!"

They stand, dust off their skirts, and head to their next flat — backpacks swinging, spirits high.

Bec ause this isn’t just about walls and rent.

This is their first taste of freedom.

ANDHERI WEST – LANE NEAR METRO STATION – 5:10 PM

The sun is lower now, casting long shadows as Team Unstoppable walks into a posher locality. The building looks decent — cream-coloured exterior, CCTV outside, and a security guard lazily sipping chai near the gate.

Akshu (looking up at the building):

"Okay… yeh thoda modern lag raha hai."

Khushi:

"Hmm. Rent bhi modern hi hoga most likely."

Vanshu (grinning):

"Let’s at least see. Shakal pe nahi jaate — like people, like flats."

They head up to the second floor where a young broker is waiting outside Flat 202.

BROKER (flashy smile):

"Hello madam-log! Perfect flat for college girls, safe building, 24-hour water, 2BHK — separate balcony bhi hai."

Khushi:

"Okay dikha dijiye"

FLAT 202 – MINUTES LATER

They enter the flat. It’s really nice. A bright hall with a big window, two decent-sized bedrooms, a small modular kitchen, and… an actual balcony with sunlight!

Vanshu (eyes wide):

"Ohhh balcony! Mujhe yahaan coffee peeni hai!"

Akshu:

"Yeh toh real Pinterest vibes de raha h."

Khushi (cautious):

"Okay but pehle rent toh sun lo…"

BROKER (confidently):

"Only 26,000 per month. Deposit extra."

Record scratch.

Akshu:

"Kya?"

Khushi (choking):

"Twenty-six?! Hum 3 toh h… but fir bhi??"

Broker:

"Rent thoda premium hai, location ke hisaab se. Plus balcony!"

Vanshu (sarcastically):

"Balcony ke saath BMW bhi milegi kya?"

Khushi (firmly):

"Bhaiya hum students hain… hume balcony chahiye, EMIs nahi."

The broker awkwardly laughs. They exchange glances, all three silently saying: "Too much."

STREET OUTSIDE BUILDING – MOMENTS LATER

Akshu (groaning):

"Uff… is rent mein toh hum teen alag PG le lein."

Khushi:

"Yeh log student sunte hi ‘out of budget’ likh lete hain dimaag mein."

Vanshu (grinning):

"Ab samajh aaya mummy flat hunting kyun postpone karti thi roz."

They sit on the edge of the metro station steps, opening a shared bottle of Frooti.

Khushi:

"Chalo... dream list se yeh bhi gaya. Lekin tension nahi... we’re learning."

Akshu:

"Learning kya? Mostly toh gyaan mil raha h ki affordable word dictionary se gayab ho gaya h."

Vanshu (raising her Frooti):

"To round 3, ladies?"

Khushi & Akshu (in unison, raising imaginary glasses):

"To round 3."

They clink their Frootis and laugh — ready to tackle the next stop, with aching legs but undefeated spirits.

---

BORIVALI – BACKLANE BEHIND A DAIRY SHOP – 6:05 PM

By now, Team Unstoppable is visibly exhausted — Akshu’s hair is slightly messy, Vanshu is limping thanks to shoe bites, and Khushi is fanning herself with a chocolate wrapper.

They reach a shady-looking yellow building with peeling paint and a tilted nameplate that says:

“SHREE SANT NIVAS”

(Below that, in chalk: “3rd Floor vacant! Girls only!”)

Akshu (suspiciously):

"Naam toh ashram jaisa hai… andar se hope karte hain haunted na ho."

Vanshu (mock dramatic):

"Mere sixth sense keh rahe hain yeh horror movie ka set hai."

Khushi (whispering):

"Bas andar chalo… kya pata andar AC nikle!"

—

SHREE SANT NIVAS – FLAT 303 – MINUTES LATER

They walk in and immediately pause.

The “flat” has:

- A living room with one flickering tube light.

- A suspicious brown stain on the wall.

- A “kitchen” that is basically a slab with a rusted stove.

- And… wait for it… a toilet door that doesn’t close fully.

Oh, and a man already living in the other room — sitting shirtless and watching TV loudly. He just stares.

Uncle (shouting from the sofa):

"3-bed flat nahi hai beta. 1 room milega. Baaki toh main hi hoon."

Khushi (whispering):

"Ye shared flat hai ya National Geographic ka wild episode?"

Akshu (holding her nose):

"Main toh is stain ko dekhke hi flat reject kar rahi hoon."

Vanshu (whispering in Khushi’s ear):

"Aur toilet ka darwaza itna khula h... waha koi bhi privacy nahi, bas breezy entry."

Khushi (loudly):

"Uncle yeh flat toh PG nahi… PTSD hai!"

The uncle just burps in response.

Akshu:

"Chalo. Chalo. Chalo. Hum aatmaon se baat karne nahi aaye."

BUILDING GATE – MOMENTS LATER

The trio sprints out of the building like they’ve seen a ghost.

Vanshu (panting):

"Flat hunting ka real experience yeh tha. Pehle balcony, ab bathroom-free package."

Khushi:

"Wo stain dekh ke toh meri aatma nikal ke bahar aa jaati Yaar.. Ek flat dhang ka nhi mil raha h.. Yeh toh sabse zyada scary tha."

Akshu:

"Next time koi bolega ‘affordable shared flat’ toh main pehle poochhungi shared with who—humans or spirits?!"

They burst into uncontrollable laughter — bent over, tired, but amused.

Vanshu (holding stomach):

"Aaj ke liye bas... agla flat kal. Warna humara dimaag hi rent pe chala jaayega."

Khushi (laughing):

"Agreed. Team Unstoppable signing off from today's horror housing special."

They walk toward the bus stop, arms slung around each other, giggling with every step — because when things go hilariously wrong, Team Unstoppable just gets stronger.

BORIVALI STREET – 7:15 PM

The golden hour settles over Mumbai, casting a mellow hue on the chaos. Tired but refusing to end the day on a gloomy note, Team Unstoppable halts near a busy street food lane — the comforting smells of pav bhaji, vada pav, masala corn and kulhad chai floating in the air.

Khushi (sniffing):

"Flat na sahi, ek achha dahi puri toh mil hi sakta hai hume. So tension ko karte h Tata - Bye bye and let's have some good food for good mood."

Vanshu (weakly):

"Aur ek bhel puri... extra teekha. Takleef ki taste bud therapy."

Akshu (grinning):

"Emotional healing = street food."

They crowd around a small thela. As they eat, their mood slowly lifts. Khushi insists on extra meethi chutney. Vanshu tries to beat Akshu in a pani puri challenge and loses — laughing mid-bite.

Sticky fingers, overstuffed mouths, eyes twinkling again.

For a brief moment, the stress melts away like the extra butter on their pav bhaji.

---

HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT – 9:15 PM

The room’s lights are dim. All three are finally changed into comfy T-shirts and shorts — hair tied messily, faces washed, a faint smell of pain relief ointment in the air.

Khushi is crouched on the bed, focused, applying ointment and a soft bandage to Vanshu’s foot. Vanshu hisses slightly at the sting.

Khushi (softly):

"Ruk... bas do second aur."

Akshu (quietly, from beside Vanshu):

"She’s fine. Pain se zyada ego hurt hua hai iska."

Vanshu (murmuring, head resting against Akshu’s shoulder):

"Haan... third flat mein toh flat se zyada ghosts feel ho rahe the."

A soft chuckle escapes them.

But then... silence.

The kind of silence that creeps in when laughter fades and reality returns.

All three girls are now sitting on the bed — Khushi at the foot, Vanshu and Akshu side by side, heads resting gently against each other on the headboard.

The light hum of the fan fills the air. Their duffel bags lie half-unzipped. Books, clothes, empty wrappers — scattered. Everything looks temporary. Unsettled.

Their thoughts match the mess.

No one says it, but it hangs in the air:

“How long can we live like this?”

“Will we ever find a place?”

“What if we run out of time and savings?”

Homework, assignments, projects… long forgotten. Just fatigue and silent anxiety remain.

Khushi (finally breaking it, softly):

"Kal fir try karte hain... kisi ache broker se baat karenge."

Vanshu (nods):

"Hmm... zyada nahi chahiye. Bas thoda sa space... apna sa."

Akshu (quiet):

"...aur ek bathroom jiska darwaza lock hota ho."

They share a weak laugh — more out of habit than joy.

And then silence again.

But this time... a comforting one. Because even in the chaos, they had each other. That was their only certainty.

To be continued....