So let's begin,

TRIO’S ROOM – EARLY MORNING, 6:00 AM

The alarm blared sharp at 6:00. Normally, the three would roll around in their blankets, mumbling “bas 5 minute aur…” but today was different. Yesterday’s encounter with Bela was still fresh in their minds.

Khushi’s eyes shot open first. She sat up with a jolt, hair messy but face alert. She quickly nudged Akshu and Vanshu.

Khushi (urgent whisper):

“Utho! Jaldi utho dono… warna abhi ma’am apna danda leke aa jayengi. Tum log bhool gaye kya kal ki maar?”

Akshu groaned, pulling her blanket over her head.

Akshu (sleepy tone):

“Arrey abhi 5 minute aur… thodi toh insaaniyat dikhao yaar.”

Khushi (panicking, shaking her harder):

“Insaaniyat ka lecture ma’am ko de dena! Main nahi fassne wali phir se.”

Vanshu, half-asleep, cracked one eye open and mumbled.

Vanshu (smirking lazily):

“Khushi toh aaj serious ban gayi h ekdum… kal ke gyaan ne seedha seedha effect kar diya.”

Khushi glared at her and pulled the blanket right off both of them in one swift move.

Khushi (bossy whisper):

“Bas bakwas band karo. Utho dono! Mujhe toh lag raha hai ma’am ne kahin CCTV camera hi laga diya ho humare room mein. Tabhi toh sab pakad leti hain!”

At that, Akshu and Vanshu sat up instantly, sharing a look, then burst into muffled laughter.

Akshu (teasing):

“CCTV? Matlab raat ko jab tum ghabra ke bakwaas bol rahi thi… woh bhi record hoke ma’am ko mil gaya hoga!”

Khushi’s eyes widened in horror, her face heating up.

Khushi (flustered):

“Bas karo! Tum dono ko hassi aa rahi hai… mujhe toh abhi se darr lag raha hai. It's our first day under ma'am yaar koi mazak nhi h.. Uth jao”

The three scrambled out of bed, fumbling with their uniforms, brushing, tying hair in a hurry — all while whispering and giggling nervously. The entire room was buzzing with the fear of Bela’s surprise inspection… and the sisters’ desperate attempt to avoid another round of her dreaded glare.

---

CORRIDOR – EARLY MORNING, 6:30 AM

The house was still quiet, soft rays of the morning sun peeking in through the curtains. In the middle of the corridor, Bela and Mahir stood side by side, each glancing at the two doors in front of them — one leading to Team Unstoppable and the other to the juniors’ den Team Aashvi.

From inside the juniors’ room came the faint sound of light snores, the three little girls tangled up in their blankets, wearing matching night suits, hugging each other tightly. Kiku clutched her teddy like it was treasure.

Mahir leaned forward slightly, peeking through the half-open door. A soft smile came on his face at the sight.

Mahir (whispering, amused):

“Dekho… team Aashvi toh aise so rahi hai jaise duniya ki tension hi khatam ho gayi ho. Kitni pyaari lag rahi hain.”

Bela, arms crossed, tilted her head toward the other side — the faint rustling and hurried whispers of Team Unstoppable already getting ready inside their room.

Bela (sighing, muttering):

“Hmm.. Wo teeno toh pyaari lag rahi h.. Par aapko lagta h yeh teen bade bacche mujhe sukoon dene wale hain? Kal raat ka lecture bhool gaye honge abhi tak.”

Mahir chuckled, turning to her.

Mahir (teasing tone):

“Toh? Kaunsi team tumhe sambhalni hai — Team Unstoppable ya Team Aashvi?”

Bela’s eyes narrowed in thought, clearly weighing the risks.

Bela (with mock irritation):

“Team Unstoppable ko main jagati hoon toh mujhe apna danda bhi saath le jana padega… aur aap jaiye juniors ke paas, in teeno ko mai dekhti hoon.”

Mahir laughed softly, shaking his head.

Mahir (dramatic):

“Wah… matlab khatra hamesha tumhare naam likha hota hai aur pyaar ka quota mere naam. Theek hai, deal.”

Bela gave him a sideways look, but the corner of her lips tugged into a faint smile. Both of them shared a knowing glance, then walked off in opposite directions — Bela towards the Unstoppables’ room with her no-nonsense expression, and Mahir towards the junior trio with his warm smile ready

---

TEAM UNSTOPPABLE’S ROOM –

The room smelled faintly of soap and talcum. Khushi and Vanshu, hair damp, were already in their half uniforms, hurriedly buttoning their shirts. Their books were stacked neatly in their bags — yesterday’s scare still fresh in their minds.

Just then, the door clicked open with a sharp knock.

Bela stepped in, her presence enough to freeze both girls mid-motion. Khushi almost dropped her comb while Vanshu’s fingers halted on her skirt’s zip.

Her eyes narrowed instantly, scanning the room like a hawk.

Khushi (thinking, panicked):

“Bas abhi khatam zindagi… Subah-subah inki entry matlab storm warning!”

Before either could utter a word, from inside the washroom came Akshu’s oblivious voice —

Akshu (shouting casually):

“Yaar mera towel pass kar do please! Lena bhul gayi main!”

Khushi and Vanshu’s eyes went comically wide. Both smacked their foreheads in sync.

Vanshu (whispering through clenched teeth):

“Ab toh gaya kalyaan… iss ladki se ek kaam theek se hota hai kya? Maglab seriously towel bhuk gayi”

Khushi (hissing back):

“Bas, bas, ab toh lecture pakka hai. Ki towel nhi sambhal pa rahe zindagi aur homework kya sambhalenge.”

Before either could rush to rescue the situation, Bela’s gaze fell on the towel neatly folded on the chair. Without a word, she picked it up, her face unreadable.

Thak-thak.

She gave two firm knocks on the washroom door.

Inside, Akshu still hadn’t realised who it was. She pushed the door open just a few inches, stretching out one wet hand, head still hidden.

Akshu (carefree, chirpy):

“Thank you, yaar!”

The towel slipped into her hand.

It was only when her eyes flickered upward in a casual glance — she froze. Standing just outside was Bela, arms crossed, gaze sharp as a blade.

Akshu’s throat dried instantly. Her smile vanished.

Akshu (thinking, horrified):

“Bhagwan ji… yeh towel dene ma'am kaha se aa gayi? Ab toh khatam. Yeh dono bhi signal nhi de sakti thi ki khatre ne entry le li h.. Kitna embarrassing moment ho gaya uff.. Kaha fas gayi mai.. Puri izzat ki sasu maiya kar di, ab iske liye bhi sunna padega.”

Behind her, Khushi and Vanshu were already biting their lips, trying hard not to laugh at Akshu’s blunder — but their own nerves made their shoulders stiffen.

The silence was deafening. Only Bela’s eyes spoke — calm, piercing, and terrifying.

Akshu, still half-hidden behind the door, clutched the towel awkwardly. Water dripped from her face, trailing down her arm, but she couldn’t move. Bela’s stare had nailed her in place.

The silence stretched. Heavy. Awkward.

Akshu’s lips curled into the most nervous smile, her eyes darting left-right like she might somehow escape the situation.

Akshu (stammering):

“Uh… g-good morning… ma’am…”

Khushi and Vanshu? They were already shaking from suppressed laughter, covering their mouths, their shoulders trembling. For once, they were glad the spotlight wasn’t on them.

Finally, Bela tilted her head slightly, her voice calm but dripping with sarcasm —

Bela (cool, sharp):

“Waah… subah-subah room service ki bhi demand shuru ho gayi? Aage se kya nashta bhi washroom mein bhej du?”

Akshu’s face burned. She gripped the towel tighter, biting her lip.

Akshu (mumbling, embarrassed):

“Nahi ma’am… bas towel hi tha… sorry aage s le yaad rahega.”

Behind her, Khushi and Vanshu couldn’t hold it anymore — a muffled laugh escaped. Instantly, Bela’s eyes flicked to them, silencing them on the spot. Both straightened up like soldiers, their laughter dying mid-throat.

Akshu, still hiding half her face behind the door, wished the earth would swallow her whole.

Bela (flatly, still sarcastic):

“Jaldi taiyaar ho jao. School timepass karne nahi, padhne ke liye jaate hain. Samjhi?”

Akshu nodded vigorously, quickly slamming the door shut again, muttering curses at herself under her breath.

Meanwhile, Khushi and Vanshu exchanged a look — Bela 1, Akshu 0.

But as she turns to leave, her lips twitch — the faintest curve of a smile. Hidden. Unnoticed.

She steps out, shutting the door behind her.

---

JUNIORS’ ROOM –

The curtains let in a soft stream of golden sunlight. On the bed, Aashi, Vanu, and Kiku lay in a tangled heap — arms thrown over each other, hair messy, Kiku clutching her teddy tight. Their little matching night suits made the sight even more heart-melting.

Mahir pushed the door open gently, careful not to wake them too suddenly. For a moment, he just stood there, a smile tugging at his lips. After the chaos of last night, this — the innocence of their sleep — felt like a blessing.

He walked closer, sitting at the edge of the bed. Slowly, he brushed Aashi’s hair away from her face and kissed her forehead. She stirred, mumbling something in her sleep, but didn’t let go of Vanu’s hand.

Mahir (softly, whispering):

“Utho meri chhoti shaitaanon… school ka time ho gaya h.”

No response. Only Kiku snuggled deeper into her teddy.

Mahir chuckled under his breath and bent down, tickling Kiku’s cheek lightly with his beard. She wriggled, her eyes fluttering open.

Kiku (half-asleep, murmuring):

“Papa… five minute aur…”

Mahir grinned, his heart melting.

Mahir (pretending to sigh):

“Arrey, jab tumhari badi didiyan late uthti hain toh Mumma unhe stick dikhati hai… aur tum teen agar late uthi toh main kya karun? Stick toh mere paas hai nahi…”

Kiku giggled sleepily, finally sitting up and hugging him. That was enough — Aashi and Vanu both stirred awake too, blinking their drowsy eyes.

Aashi (yawning, still holding Vanu’s hand):

“Papa… aap hi hamesha pyaar se uthate ho… mumma toh bas chilla hi deti hain.”

Mahir (smiling, kissing her cheek):

“Woh tumhari mumma tumse pyaar karti hai… bas unka tareeka thoda alag hai.”

The girls exchanged sleepy giggles. Mahir, shaking his head fondly, lifted the quilt away and gently helped them sit up.

Mahir (playful):

“Chalo… race lagate hain! Jo sabse pehle bathroom pahunchega usko papa se ek chocolate milegi.”

That did the trick — in a second, the juniors squealed and scrambled out of bed, their sleepiness forgotten. Mahir laughed heartily, his eyes shining with pride and warmth as he watched his little ones run.

---

SEHGAL HOUSE – MORNING

Team Unstoppable — Khushi, Akshu, and Vanshu — come down the stairs, bags neatly on their shoulders. Instead of running to the living room, they first detour to the mandir, bowing their heads, joining hands with soft reverence.

Then they return — only to find Mahir in the living room, looking hilariously harassed.

Aashi is wriggling away, refusing to let him tie her hair. Kiku is sitting cross-legged, one sock on, the other missing, giggling as she hides it behind her back. Little Vanu is pouting, her hair sticking up in random directions, one shoe in Mahir’s hand, the other nowhere to be seen.

Mahir (sighing, muttering):

“Arrey bhagwan… tum teeno ko sambhalna koi normal kaam hai kya?”

Team Unstoppable exchange amused looks. Then, almost in sync, they step forward.

Akshu (cheerfully):

“Sir, aap tension mat lijiye. Hum help kar dete h.”

Before Mahir can protest, Akshu and Vanshu kneel beside the girls.

Vanshu (to Aashi, smiling):

“Aaja princess, ekdum sundar wali pony banaati hoon.”

She quickly gathers Aashi’s messy hair, ties it neatly into a ponytail, and clips it with a cute butterfly clip.

Akshu (to Kiku, playfully):

“Arrey naughty bacchi, ab chupchaap baitho. Tumhare liye toh main stylish wali pony banati hoon.”

Kiku giggles but sits still, impressed at Akshu’s careful hands as she ties her hair.

Meanwhile, Mahir, relieved, focuses on helping little Vanu with her shoes, double-checking their bags.

Mahir (muttering with a smile):

“Kam se kam ek team toh disciplined nikli…”

On the other side, Khushi quietly slips into the kitchen.

KITCHEN – MORNING RUSH

The pressure cooker hisses, parathas crackle on the tawa, and open tiffin boxes wait half-filled on the counter. Bela stands in the middle of it all — multitasking like a general in war, her eyes darting to the clock every two seconds.

Khushi slips inside quietly, holding the counter nervously. She hesitates, then speaks up.

Khushi (softly, almost careful):

“Ma’am… main help kar du? Aap tiffin pack kar lijiye… main paratha sekh deti hoon.”

Bela freezes mid-motion, turning to her with that sharp gaze that usually makes even Mahir stand straighter.

Bela (raising a brow, stern):

“Tum kar paogi?”

Khushi swallows, forcing a small smile.

Khushi (hesitant but sincere):

“Try karungi, Ma’am… Please let me.”

There’s a beat of silence. Then, without a word, Bela shifts slightly — not fully moving away, but enough to let Khushi step in. She hands her the spatula like it’s a test.

Khushi focuses hard, flipping the paratha carefully. Her nervousness melts a little as the golden-brown side turns out just right. Bela doesn’t say anything, but her eyes soften for half a second — a silent acknowledgment.

For the first time, the kitchen doesn’t feel like Bela’s battlefield. It feels… shared.

---

LIVING ROOM – MEANWHILE

The juniors — Aashi, Vanu, and Kiku — now sit lined up like little dolls. Hair neatly tied, shoes buckled, bags zipped. Mahir sits cross-legged in front of them, still holding a hairbrush in one hand and a shoe in the other, looking half-defeated but amused.

Akshu and Vanshu stand proudly behind the girls, wiping imaginary sweat from their brows.

Mahir (grinning wide, mock admiration):

“Wah! Tum dono ne toh mere saalon ka struggle ek din mein khatam kar diya. Baal bhi theek, shoes bhi perfect. Main toh retire hi ho jaaun shayad.”

Akshu and Vanshu glance at each other and smack a victorious high-five.

The juniors giggle, Mahir shakes his head dramatically — and for once, the morning chaos feels like a team effort instead of a battlefield.

---

DINING TABLE – MORNING

The big table is set. Juniors sit on one side — Aashi and Vanu already bickering over who got the bigger toast, while little Kiku guards her teddy propped on the chair beside her.

On the other side sits Team Unstoppable — Khushi, Akshu, Vanshu — unnaturally quiet, backs straight, hands on their laps like soldiers awaiting inspection. In front of everyone: two toasts and a glass of milk.

At the head of the table, Bela pours tea into Mahir’s cup, while her sharp eyes scan the kids.

Bela (calm but commanding):

“Sab khana shuru karo. And ek aur cheez—”

From the fruit bowl, she picks up a banana and places one each in front of the two teams.

Bela:

“Roz ka ek fruit. Aaj ke liye banana.”

Kiku instantly sighs in relief when Bela skips her plate.

Bela (matter-of-fact):

“Kiku ko nahi diya. Usey allergy hai. Tum sab ke liye compulsory.”

Akshu and Vanshu exchange a resigned look. Aashi scrunches her nose but takes it.

But Khushi… freezes. Her face drains of color as the banana lands on her plate. Her grip tightens on the edge of the table like she’s facing doomsday.

Internal POV – Khushi:

“Oh no. Not this. Yeh nhi ho sakta.. Kanha yeh kya h, kyu h.. Kuch bhi… punishment chalega, extra homework bhi chalega, ma’am ki daant maar sab bardasht h ek baar ke liye… par yeh nahi. Banana? Seriously?”

Vanshu, noticing her expression, nudges her under the table with a smirk.

Vanshu (whisper, teasing):

“Banana khane se darr lagta hai tujhe? Yaar, ma’am se zyada khatarnaak lag rahi hai tu abhi.”

Akshu bites her lip, trying not to laugh.

Khushi shoots them both a death glare, whispering back.

Khushi (hissing):

“Shut up. Tum dono kuch nahi samjhoge… mujhe toh dekh ke hi…” she pales further, pushing the plate a millimeter away “…bas ulti si feel ho rahi hai.”

Meanwhile, Bela’s sharp gaze flicks towards their side.

Bela (sternly):

“Kya ho raha hai udhar? Kha lo chup-chaap.”

Khushi freezes like a caught thief, forcing a weak smile.

Mahir, sipping his tea, notices her pale face. He hides a smile behind the cup, eyes twinkling knowingly, but doesn’t say anything.

The juniors continue munching noisily, Aashi taunting Vanu about eating slowly. Team Unstoppable, however, faces their true test: Bela’s banana challenge.

The clinking of spoons and chatter fills the table. Bela takes slow sips of her chai, keeping an eye on everyone.

Khushi stares at the banana on her plate like it’s a ticking time bomb. Her hands tremble as she peels it, breaking a tiny piece. She gulps nervously, glances at Bela, then puts it in her mouth.

Instantly her face contorts. She chews once, twice — then chokes, covering her mouth with her hand.

Akshu (whispering, concerned yet amused):

“Kya kar rahi hai tu? Relax! Aise khayegi toh sach mein ulti ho jaayegi.”

Vanshu (teasing under her breath):

“Bela ma’am se nahi, banana se haar gayi tu.”

Khushi glares at them, eyes watering, trying to force another bite. She wants to speak up — to say she can’t eat it — but the image of Bela’s sharp glares, lectures, and possible public scolding flashes in her head.

“Nahi… bilkul nahi bata sakti. Sabke saamne daant pad gayi toh? Sir bhi yahi h.. Nahi… bacche kya sochenge..Ek kela nhi kha sakti didi.. Kiku ka accha h bach gayi.. Par mai kaise bachu.. Kanha kuch toh help karo. Mis torture se bacha lo.”

Across the table, Mahir notices her struggle. He lowers his cup, hiding a smile. His eyes soften. Quietly, when Bela bends to pour more chai into her cup, he leans slightly toward Khushi’s plate.

In one swift, practiced move, he takes the half-eaten banana piece and slips it under a napkin on his own plate.

Khushi looks at him with wide eyes, almost ready to cry in relief.

Khushi (whisper, mouthed):

“Thank you so much sir…”

Mahir just winks playfully, sipping his tea again like nothing happened.

But the small smirk on his lips doesn’t go unnoticed.

Bela, sharp as ever, looks up mid-sip and catches both their expressions — Khushi’s guilty relief, Mahir’s mischievous wink.

Her eyes narrow. She sets her cup down with a quiet thak.

Bela (dangerously calm):

“Ab yeh mazaak kya chal raha tha, Mahir ji?”

The entire table freezes. Juniors stop mid-bite, Akshu and Vanshu exchange panicked glances. Khushi’s soul nearly leaves her body.

Mahir clears his throat, trying to look innocent.

Mahir (smoothly):

“Uh… kuch nahi… bas thoda help kar raha tha. Tumhari student ko banana khane mein mushkil ho rahi thi.”

Bela slowly turns her glare to Khushi.

Khushi grips her glass of milk so tightly it might crack, whispering in her head: “Bas khatam ho gaya mera aaj ka din.”

Bela’s glare pins Khushi to her chair. Her lips part — everyone can sense the scolding about to explode.

Bela (stern, voice low):

“Khushi…”

But before the storm can land, Khushi, trembling, blurts out in a rush —

Khushi (panicked, almost in tears):

“Ma’am please gussa mat kariyega! Mujhe… mujhe banana bilkul pasand nahi hai! Allergy bhi hai… main try kar rahi thi par sach mein khana mushkil hai… aap chahe toh mujhe koi bhi aur punishment de dijiye, ek ghante extra padhayi kara lijiye… par please yeh mat khane boliye. Main yeh nahi kha sakti.. Pet dukhne lagta h.. Vomiting jaisa feel hota h please!”

The words tumble out like water from a broken dam. She hides her face, bracing for impact.

Akshu and Vanshu freeze, jaws dropped. Juniors go silent, spoons mid-air. Mahir just leans back, folding his arms, watching how his “Bela Devi” will respond.

Bela’s glare lingers… but something flickers in her eyes. Instead of anger, a sigh escapes her. She places her cup down gently.

Bela (measured, calm):

“Toh pehle keh deti na, Khushi. Main tumhari dushman thodi hoon jo tumhe jaan ke pareshaan karungi. Agar allergy hai, toh khana mana hai.”

Khushi blinks, stunned. She wasn’t expecting that.

Akshu (whispering, wide-eyed):

“Did she just… understand?”

Vanshu (murmuring, shocked):

“Earthquake aane wala hai shayad…”

Bela shoots them both a sharp side-glare, and instantly they bend their heads over their plates.

Then, she turns back to Khushi. Her tone is softer now, but still firm.

Bela:

“Lekin agli baar… chup rehne ki bajaye sach bolna. Main tumhari himmat dekhna chahti hoon, nakhre nahi. Samjhi?”

Khushi nods rapidly, relief flooding her face.

Khushi (meekly):

“Ji, Ma’am… samajh gayi.”

Bela finally leans back, resuming her chai. The whole table slowly exhales, the storm that never came leaving behind stunned silence.

Mahir hides a grin behind his cup, whispering just enough for Bela to hear —

Mahir (teasing):

“Strict teacher aur soft maa… dono ek hi insaan mein. Kamaal hai, Bela ji.”

Bela gives him a glare that only makes his smirk wider.

---

SCHOOL – MORNING ASSEMBLY

The students stand in neat rows under the September sun, uniformed and restless. The principal’s voice echoes through the mic, commanding everyone’s attention.

Principal:

“Students, I have some special announcements today. This year our school will participate in the Inter-School Sports Tournament…”

Immediately, a buzz runs through the ground.

Akshu’s eyes light up. She straightens, whispering eagerly to Khushi and Vanshu beside her.

Akshu (whispering):

“Yesss! Badminton trials toh honge pakka! Main is baar select hokar dikhaungi.”

Khushi rolls her eyes but smiles at her sister’s enthusiasm.

Principal:

“…and there will also be an Inter-School Art Competition. Selected students will design and paint the board work for the event.”

Vanshu’s mouth opens in a little gasp of excitement.

Vanshu (clutching Akshu’s arm):

“Board work! Brushes, colors, creativity… mujhe toh yeh karna hi hai. Mujhe select hona hi hoga.”

Akshu giggles softly at her sister’s sparkle.

Then the principal continues —

Principal:

“…and lastly, an Inter-School Debate Competition. Our best speakers will get the chance to represent the school.”

Khushi’s ears perk instantly. Her lips twitch into a grin.

Khushi (under her breath, confident):

“Bas… yeh hi toh mera field hai. Ab dekhna, stage pe sabko hilake rakh dungi.”

The trio exchange a quick glance — three different dreams, three different sparks in their eyes, but the same determination blazing within them.

The bell rings, dispersing the assembly. As they walk back to class together, their steps are lighter, almost synchronized — because each had just found a goal worth chasing.

---

CLASS 9B – LAST PERIOD

The bell rings for the final period. Half the class is restless already, whispering about the auditions after school. The trio sit together, energy practically bouncing off them.

Akshu has her badminton racket doodled in the margin of her notebook. Vanshu’s desk is crowded with little color swatches she had scribbled. Khushi taps her pen like a mic, practicing imaginary debate lines under her breath.

Khushi (whispering to both):

“Bas ek ghanta aur… phir full-on auditions. Uff, mera toh abhi se adrenaline high ho raha hai.”

Vanshu (grinning):

“Same! Imagine karo — mera brush aur ek pura board sirf mere liye. Wahhh!”

Akshu (rolling her eyes but smiling):

“Mera shuttlecock udte hi tum dono ka sapna land ho jaayega. Bas wait and watch.”

Before their bickering can grow, the door creaks open.

Every student straightens — half-expecting the sharp click of Bela’s heels, the heavy presence that usually froze the room.

But instead… in walks someone unfamiliar. A young woman, in her mid-20s, glasses perched on her nose, a stack of books in her arms.

The class blinks in confusion.

Student (whispering from front row):

“Arrey… yeh kaun hai? Bela ma’am kahan gayi?”

The trio exchange shocked looks.

Akshu (whispering, stunned):

“Yeh… maths period hai na? Toh Bela ma’am kahan…?”

Khushi (half-relieved, half-nervous laugh):

“Lagta hai Bhagwan ne hamari prarthna sun li. Ma’am se bacha liya humein.”

Vanshu (snorting softly):

“Shhh… Bela ma’am ke CCTV kaan hain, sun lengi toh substitute teacher bhi hum bachake nahi jaayega.”

The new teacher sets her books down and introduces herself with a warm smile.

New Teacher:

“Good afternoon, class. I’m Ms. Radhika. I’ll be handling your maths period today.”

The trio exchange looks again — excitement for auditions still buzzing, and now curiosity replacing the dread they usually felt in Bela’s class.

For the first time in a long while, maths didn’t feel like a battlefield.

Ms. Radhika writes a sum on the board, her tone patient, nothing like the sharp command of Bela ma’am. The students actually breathe easier, the tension usually weighing down the room nowhere to be found.

Ms. Radhika (smiling):

“Your Bela ma’am is busy with an important case at the thana this week. So, I’ll be taking over your maths classes for now. Don’t worry, I’m not as scary as her.”

A ripple of relieved chuckles spreads through the classroom. The trio exchange a quick glance — equal parts relief and mischief.

Khushi (whispering, hiding her grin):

“Bhagwan sach mein dua sunte hain lagta h.”

Vanshu (murmuring back):

“Ek hafte ki chhutti Bela ma’am ke terror se… imagine the possibilities.”

Akshu (still cautious):

“Relax… substitute ho ya na ho, Bela ma’am ke kaan sab jagah hote hain.”

The class goes smoothly, with Ms. Radhika patiently clearing doubts. For the first time, the trio don’t feel like they’re sitting on the edge of a volcano about to erupt.

Then — the wall clock ticks. Just five minutes left. Excitement simmers in the trio’s veins. Their bags are already zipped, notebooks stacked neatly on the desk, ready for submission.

Khushi taps her pen like a mic. Vanshu stares dreamily at the board as if already painting it. Akshu’s legs bounce under her desk, like she’s already on court.

The bell finally rings.

Ms. Radhika:

“Alright, submit your notebooks before you leave.”

One by one, the students hand over their work. The trio practically sprint to drop their notebooks on her desk, murmuring polite “thank you, ma’am” before rushing toward the door with wide smiles.

Their excitement is uncontrollable now. The hallway buzzes with other students too, everyone talking about auditions, sports, art, debates.

For the trio, this was their first big moment in the school— and nothing, not even Bela’s shadow, could dim that thrill.

---

. Akshu – Badminton Trials (Sports Hall)

The sports hall is buzzing with energy. Students line up, racquets in hand, coaches noting names. Akshu adjusts her ponytail, her eyes sharp with determination.

When her turn comes, she steps onto the court. The coach tosses her a shuttle.

Coach:

“Ready? Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Akshu nods, gripping her racquet. The first serve comes flying. She lunges, returning it with perfect timing. One after another, the rallies continue — her movements quick, precise, almost instinctive.

Other students whisper from the sidelines.

Student 1 (awed):

“Arrey, yeh toh pro lag rahi hai.”

Student 2:

“Lagta hai selection pakka hai.”

By the end, Akshu wipes the sweat off her brow, her smile wide. The coach gives her an approving nod.

Coach:

“Good. Very good. I’ll see you again in the finals round.”

Akshu’s heart leaps. She had made her mark.

---

2. Vanshu – Art Selection (Art Room)

The art room smells of paints and freshly sharpened pencils. On the board is written: “Theme: Nature & Harmony.”

Students sit with sheets, brushes moving furiously. Vanshu, calm and focused, begins sketching. Slowly, the outline of a giant tree appears — roots deep in the earth, branches wide, children playing underneath.

Her strokes are delicate yet confident, colors blending beautifully. She adds details others wouldn’t notice — a bird peeking from its nest, flowers curling naturally, the sky shifting shades.

The teacher stops behind her, watching silently.

Art Teacher (softly, impressed):

“You draw like you’re telling a story.”

Vanshu looks up shyly, her cheeks pink, then goes back to painting. By the time time’s up, her sheet glows with life. The other kids peek over, whispering in admiration.

Vanshu bites her lip but her eyes sparkle. She knew this was her world.

---

3. Khushi – Debate Auditions (Auditorium)

The auditorium is tense. A podium stands center-stage, judges seated with clipboards. The topic given: “Social Media – Boon or Bane?”

Khushi’s name is called. She walks up, palms sweaty, but the fire in her eyes brighter than fear.

She grips the mic, voice steady at first, then rising with confidence.

Khushi (passionately):

“Social media is not the villain. It is a mirror — it shows us who we are, what we choose to make of it. The problem is not the tool, but the hand that uses it. If we want change, we need to change ourselves, not the platform!”

Her words echo, crisp, powerful. A murmur runs through the audience — impressed, moved. Even the judges exchange looks.

She ends with a firm nod, her chin raised.

The applause that follows isn’t just polite — it’s genuine. Khushi walks off, heart pounding, but a triumphant grin on her face.

---

School Corridor – Post Auditions

Bell had rung long back, but the corridor was still buzzing with excitement. Khushi, Akshu, and Vanshu came running from three different directions — each face glowing with their own energy.

Akshu almost jumped in front of them, racket cover still slung on her shoulder.

Akshu (whisper-shouting, breathless): “Guys!! Main select ho gayi first round ke liye! Badminton court pe mazaa aa gaya… seedha smash maar ke finish kiya!”

Vanshu twirled around dramatically, her sketchbook clutched to her chest.

Vanshu (grinning ear to ear): “Aur mera art! Boardwork ke liye shortlist ho gayi hu! Miss Sharma ne bola tha, ‘You’ve got really steady hands’. Main toh bas udti ja rahi hu abhi!”

Khushi, who had been trying to contain her smile, finally burst.

Khushi (smirking, chest puffed up): “Aur debate… uff! Mujhe stage pe khade hote hi aisa laga ki sab meri baat sun rahe the. Judge ne khud bola – ‘Well researched points’. Mujhe lagta hai main final round tak jaaungi!”

The three of them almost squealed together, hugging tightly in the middle of the corridor, ignoring the stares.

Vanshu (pulling back, teasing): “Bas ab agli baar hum school ki power trio bolayenge – sports, art, aur debate ki queens!”

Akshu (laughing): “Arre waah, Team Unstoppable 2.0!”

Khushi (with mock seriousness): “Haan, aur ek idea h mere pass… hum ma'am surprise denge seedha... After one week wo jab school ayengi she will be so happy and proud to know about this.”

Akshu: "Ha idea accha h.. Wo sunke bohot khush ho jayengi.. School ke baad daily practice karenge acche se ekdum.."

Vanshu: "Haa Yeh humari team ka secret hoga.."

They instantly hushed, then looked at each other and burst into muffled giggles, running out together with their bubbling excitement.

---

Sehgal House – Dinner Time

The dining table was neatly set. Bela sat at her usual spot, Mahir beside her, and the juniors — Aashi, Vanu, and Kiku — already eagerly nibbling at their food. The trio — Khushi, Akshu, and Vanshu — took their seats quietly, trying to look casual while inside, excitement bubbled like a hidden fire.

Bela’s sharp eyes scanned them as soon as they sat down.

Bela (curtly): “Toh, aaj school kaisa tha? Homework complete tha sabka? Mai ek important case mai busy hoon ek hafte ke liye.. Mere peeche se koi gadbad nhi honi chahiye school mai clear? Otherwise all six of you know the consequences.”

Khushi (careful, smiling softly): “Haan ma’am, sab complete tha… aapko koi shikayat ka mauka nhi milega.”

Akshu (nodding, adding quickly): “Haan ma’am, ekdum perfect… aap chinta mat kariye hum ekdum dil laga ke padhenge.”

Vanshu (murmuring): “Haan ma’am…”

Bela’s gaze lingered on them for a moment, and though the trio tried to maintain composure, a flicker of nervous energy betrayed them. She leaned back slightly, her sharp tone softening just a touch.

Bela: “Hmm… lagta hai aaj kuch zyada hi shant ho gaye ho tum log. Kuch chhupane ki koshish toh nahi kar rahe?”

The trio froze. Vanshu nearly choked on her sip of water, Khushi blinked rapidly, and Akshu fiddled with her fork, pretending to be absorbed in her plate.

Bela (eyes narrowing, voice carrying a warning edge): “Main tum teeno ko jaanti hoon. Agar kuch secret ya nautanki chal rahi hai, toh better careful raho. Agar mujhe baad mai pata kuch toh dekh lena, samajh gaye?”

Team Aashvi (whispering among themselves, eyes wide):

Aashi: “Yeh didi log kuch chupa rahi h kya? Mumma kaise jaanti hain?”

Vanu: “Haan, ye toh serious lag rahi hain… kuch toh Baat h.”

Kiku: “Shhh… bas chup raho warna abhi Hume bhi warning milegi…”

The trio exchanged guilty glances, hearts racing. Khushi subtly nudged Akshu and Vanshu under the table.

Khushi (whispering): “Remember, no word… secret surprise… ma’am doesn’t get to know yet.”

Akshu (grinning nervously): “Haan haan… totally under control.”

Vanshu (biting her lip, whispering): “Bas dinner khatam karte hain, room mai discuss karenge.”

Bela continued eating, her eyes occasionally flicking toward the trio, as if sensing the storm brewing behind their polite smiles. Mahir, sitting beside her, caught the subtle tension and smirked slightly, knowing that some silent mischief was already in motion, but keeping quiet to let Bela have her fun.

Meanwhile, Team Aashvi leaned closer to each other, whispering and giggling softly, trying to interpret what the trio might be hiding, while still obediently eating their food.

The dinner carried on — polite chatter, subtle glances, and unspoken excitement — as the trio vowed to keep their secret safe, plotting the perfect surprise for Bela once the week was over.

---

Next day (School – Maths Period)

The classroom buzzed with quiet chatter as the trio settled in their usual seats. Today, the light from the morning sun streamed across the desk, highlighting notebooks filled with neatly done sums — except for Khushi, whose handwriting still looked a little messy from her hurried work.

Ms. Radhika walked in with a stack of corrected notebooks, her eyes scanning the room sharply. There was an air of authority in her stride as she placed the notebooks on the teacher’s table and then turned toward the students.

Her gaze landed on Khushi. It lingered just a beat longer than necessary, making Khushi shift nervously in her seat.

Ms. Radhika (coolly):

“Khushi, please meet me in the staff room after school. We need to discuss something important.”

Khushi’s heart skipped a beat. She glanced at Akshu and Vanshu, who were trying hard not to smirk at her discomfort.

Akshu (whispering, teasing):

“Arrey relax, nayi teacher hai… kya hi kar sakti hai? Thoda lecture degi sunke nikal lena bas.”

Vanshu (murmuring):

“Bas, tension mat le… practice ke liye late mat ho jaana.”

Khushi nodded, though her mind raced. After school, she was supposed to be at the auditorium for debate practice, Akshu on the ground for badminton, and Vanshu in the art room. Now, the unexpected staff room meeting was a curveball she wasn’t prepared for.

The bell rang, signaling the end of class. Akshu grabbed her sports bag, Vanshu her art supplies, and they left for their respective practices, waving at Khushi.

Khushi, biting her lip, gathered her books and slipped toward the staff room. Her pace quickened, both nervous and determined.

Khushi (thinking, internally panicking):

“Okay… nayi teacher hai… kya hi bolegi… bas calm rehna, Khushi. Calm. Kisi bhi haalat mai practice miss nhi karni h bas.. Yeh chance baar baar nhi milega khud ko prove karne ka.”

She pushed open the staff room door, heart pounding, ready to face Ms. Radhika and whatever discussion awaited her.

---

Staff Room – After School

Khushi stepped into the staff room, her stomach twisting in nerves. The air felt heavier here, the faint smell of chalk and stationery mixing with Ms. Radhika’s strict presence.

Ms. Radhika sat behind her desk, glasses perched low on her nose, eyes scanning the notebook in front of her. As Khushi approached, her gaze sharpened, lips pressing into a thin line.

Ms. Radhika (coldly, pointing to the notebook):

“Khushi… yeh kya hai? Wrong sums, silly mistakes, formulas bhool gayi ho? Yeh tumhare weakness ka proof hai. Yeh nonsense notebook main kaise allow kar du? This is how you are going to pass the first term exams? With this nonsense.. I don't understand what Bela ma'am literally taught you? How could she tolerate such carelessness.. Now you will sit right here in front of me correct all the sums and then only you will be allowed to go. Clear?”

Khushi’s eyes widened. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw all the red crosses sprawling across her pages, sums scribbled incorrectly, and half-erased formulas.

Khushi (stammering, almost begging):

“Ma’am… please… I assure you I will redo all the sums thrice if you say at home.. But now practice… I can’t… it’s really important… please let me go… mera selection hua h ma'am debate ke liye.. Aaj se practice start h.. Mera naam cancel kar denge agar mai nhi gayi toh please ma'am.. Mai kal aapko saare sums karke dungi all correct but for now let me go.. ”

Ms. Radhika didn’t flinch. She picked up a scale from her desk and tapped it sharply on the notebook, the sound slicing through the room.

Ms. Radhika (sharp, commanding):

“Sit right here, Khushi. Correct these sums. Now. Agar abhi nahi kiya, punishment yahi milega. Samjhi? I don't want to hear these excuses.. Your debate practice can wait but after seeing this condition of yours I will not allow.. All that is a waste of time.”

Khushi froze, panic threatening to swallow her whole. The thought of missing her debate practice made her stomach twist even more. Her eyes darted around, looking for a way out, but Ms. Radhika’s glare pinned her in place.

Khushi (murmuring, internally panicking):

“No… no… I can’t… this practice is too important… please… itni mushkil se yeh mauka mila h mujhe.. Khushi kuch soch.. Kuch kar.. Ahh.. Inse better toh Bela ma'am hi thi kam se kam wo is tarah nhi karti, yeh toh samajhne ko hi ready nhi h kya karu.. Ok.. Calm down.. Jaldi jaldi khatam karke bhaag lungi aur koi option bhi nhi h”

Ms. Radhika tapped the scale again, sharper this time, her patience thinning.

Ms. Radhika (voice low but lethal):

“Right here. Abhi. Do the sums. Or… consequences. Samjhi?”

Khushi s wallowed hard, cheeks burning, and slowly lowered herself to the chair in front of the teacher’s desk. Every heartbeat seemed louder than the last as she opened her notebook, trying to summon all her focus while her mind screamed about the practice waiting for her.

Her hands trembled slightly as she picked up her pen, red ink staring back at her like a warning.

---

Sports Arena – Afternoon

Akshu wiped the sweat from her forehead, her lungs burning from the intense badminton drills. She had been practicing relentlessly, determined to secure her spot in the inter-school tournament. The rhythmic thwack of shuttlecock hitting racket filled the arena as she dashed across the court.

From a distance, a few senior boys leaned against the railing, smirking. Their eyes tracked her every move, whispering among themselves.

One of them stepped forward just as Akshu bent down to drink water.

Boy 1 (mocking): “Arrey! Dekho dekho, lagta hai energy ka packet khula hai. Itni mehnat kyu kar rahi ho? Itni hi taakat h toh hum jo bolenge wo kar paogi.. ”

Boy 2 (teasing, stepping closer): “Challenge de toh accept karegi ya phir rote hue hi bhaag jaogi?”

Akshu’s jaw tightened. She could feel her cheeks burning with frustration, but she tried to keep her composure.

Akshu (coldly, trying to ignore them): “Main busy hoon… please chhodo.”

But the boys weren’t backing off. They blocked her way, nudging her lightly, pushing her to prove herself.

Boy 1 (grinning): “Acha? Toh phir dikhao… humare rules follow kar ke dekho. Ya phir admit kar lo ke tum bas dikhawa karti ho best player banne ka.. Yeh saari mehnat bas faltoo ki h.. Kyuki tum bas ek kamzor ladki ho.. Hahhaha”

Akshu’s hands clenched around her water bottle. Her competitive spirit flared, and anger bubbled up inside her. She wasn’t about to let them demean her hard work or energy.

Akshu (through gritted teeth, standing taller): “Fine. Agar yeh tumhara challenge hai… toh mai accept karti hoon. Dekh lo kaun better hai. And don't you dare call me weak.. Akele ladna bohot acche se jaati hu samjha kya.. Bolo kya karna h.”

With that, she followed them, not out of weakness, but determined to prove herself once and for all. Her eyes blazed with intensity — this wasn’t just a challenge, it was her pride, her spirit, and her chance to show that hard work beats arrogance any day.

---

Staff Room – Afternoon

Khushi’s palms were sweaty, her heart hammering in her chest. She was hoping to quickly finish the sums and then rush to the auditorium for her debating practice. But her hopes seemed to be fading.

Ms. Radhika’s sharp eyes locked onto her instantly, scanning the notebook. Red pen marks glared at Khushi from every corner — crossed-out sums, forgotten formulas, and careless mistakes.

Ms. Radhika (snapping): “Khushi! Yeh kya nonsense hai? Ek bhi sum sahi nahi ho raha hai! Sahi se karo, abhi, otherwise you are not going anywhere.. Samjhi?”

Khushi swallowed hard, trying to explain:

Khushi (pleading): “Ma’am… please… I have practice… I can do it later… please…”

But Ms. Radhika’s gaze didn’t soften. Her scale on the tapping it sharply against the surface.

Ms. Radhika (threatening): “Later ka excuse nahi chalega. Aaj hi yeh khatam karna hoga. Agar galti hui… scale ka taste tumhare knuckles ko milega. Samjhi? You are testing my patience now.”

Khushi’s stomach twisted. She nodded frantically and bent over the notebook, trying to work fast, her fingers trembling.

But mistakes kept creeping in — her rushed calculations, skipped steps, and forgotten signs.

Ms. Radhika (shouting): “Yeh kya hai? Plus ko minus likh diya? Formula yaad nahi hai kya? Correct it!”

Every time Khushi made a mistake, the sharp edge of the scale tapped her knuckles. Tap!… Tap!… Tap!

Khushi (whispering under her breath, frustrated): “Ugh… why now? Why me?!”

Her hand stung, and her eyes watered from the frustration, but she couldn’t dare look up. Ms. Radhika’s presence was suffocating — strict, relentless, and absolutely unyielding.

Minutes dragged like hours. Khushi’s pace slowed as she focused desperately, the weight of every mistake pressing on her shoulders. The scale taps echoed in her mind, making her heart race.

She tried to finish faster, mentally pleading with the teacher: “Please… just let me go… I’ll do everything perfectly next time…”

But Ms. Radhika only leaned closer, her sharp glare unflinching, ensuring Khushi’s every move was precise. Every error brought another tap. Every tap fueled Khushi’s internal frustration — the mix of fear, stress, and impatience gnawing at her.

Khushi (muttering under her breath, clenched teeth): “Bas ab… bas ab… I just need to finish and run…”

Her eyes darted to the clock, counting every agonizing second as the struggle to finish the sums became a race against both time and Ms. Radhika’s stern discipline.

---

Sports Ground –

Akshu’s chest heaved with every sprint, her palms sticky with sweat as she wiped her brow. The senior boys, lounging near the sidelines, watched her like hawks, smirking with amusement.

Senior Boy 1 (grinning): “Chalo, Chhote, tumhare stamina ka test karte hain. Ek round aur lap, aur phir backflips kar ke dikha do.”

Akshu’s jaw tightened. She ignored the teasing tone, her mind set on proving herself.

Akshu (muttering to herself): “Bas, ek baar yeh sab dekh le… I can do it. I’ll show them what I’m capable of. Mujhe challenge kiya h inhone.. Mujhe karna hi hoga.. ”

She sprinted the lap, lungs burning, every step pushing her to the limit. The boys clapped sarcastically, then handed her another task.

Senior Boy 2 (mock-serious): “Ab thodi dribbling practice, aur saath me shuttle ki speed bhi check karenge.”

Akshu gritted her teeth and went through the motions, sweat dripping down her temples. Each task was harder than the last, but she kept at it, determined.

Akshu (panting, thinking): “I’ll do this… just to prove them wrong. I’m not weak. I can handle this.”

The boys exchanged amused looks as she completed each challenge with grit, oblivious to the way their teasing had turned into a strange test of her resilience. For Akshu, it wasn’t just ragging anymore — it was her proving ground.

By the time she paused to take a gulp of water, her face flushed and muscles screaming, she realized she had done more than she expected. But she wouldn’t let them see her fatigue.

Akshu (smiling faintly to herself): “Yeh sab prove karne ka moment hai… aur main isme peeche nahi rahungi.”

The senior boys chuckled, impressed in their own way, while Akshu, breathless but proud, prepared herself for the next challenge they would throw her way.

---

To be continued..