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— Author's note —

Only updating without the targets' being achieved because I know the break was long and it's going to take time to bring out 'fantasizing's readers' vibe back in all of you. This is me trying once again.

Vacations ended on a great note. After the week at Lonavala we stayed in touch. Especially Advik and I. Even though I missed the girls, I stayed away, not wanting to cause issues between them two. I only spent the rest of the time at the Farmhouse with Yug, Advik and Sahil. Sahil, yes.

After the trip to the Lonavala, the time slowed down. I spent the time locked up in my room, always looking forward to that one call in the evening. Advik would daily call on the home phone and Dadaji would be the one to answer. Daily. The only relief was Advik would hand over the phone to Ahaana, who asked my grandfather to let her speak to me. Thinking it's a girl, Dadaji would let me take the phone to my room and then Advik would get on the call.

Our conversations usually began from our summer vacation homework discussion to how Ahaana had a fight with Sahil or how much he enjoyed the basketball game moving to what we both had for our meals and how we wish we could see each other. I don't know what it was, but whatever it was, it soothed my heart with each phone call.

I was so very excited for the school to reopen. The moment our car entered the school parking, my heart hammered hard and fast in my chest. "Bye." I jumped out of the car before Papa even fully parked the car.

"Slow down, bugu!" Dad yelled behind me but I was already running for the building, throwing my parents a quick smile from over my shoulders.

All the elevators were packed, I headed towards the stairs. My feet halt when I see him leaned against the wall beside the stair case. His eyes meet mine and he stands straight when I reach him. "Hey." He starts walking side by side with me as we both climb the stairs. I feel my face heating up, breaths heavy from all the running or just his eyes on me? I don't know.

"Why were you here?" I ask, looking down to his forwarded hand and back to his face. He gestures at the lunch bag in my hand, I let him take it as we continue climbing to our class floor.

"Ainvey hi." He shrugs just as we reach the threshold of our classroom. My eyes meet Sahil who points to the empty table in front of his seat, Yug already settled down. Advik walks behind me as I reach the seat and place the bag.

The days passed by in a quick blur when I was with those guys. I continued making sure to not come in Suhana's way. Even when we were having lunch, I sat the furthest away from them and kept silent the whole time she was there. Not wanting to cause her any discomfort. During the monsoon season, Ahaana gets sick more often so there were many days when she was absent.

Ganpati is a big deal in Mehrotra-Sahdev household so my family was invited. I of course loved being around Advik's father, I don't know why but I love him how I love my own father. He looks after me the same way he does with Ahaana and Suhana, like I am his own. A part of his family.

Soon enough it was the best time of the year. The annual sports. For one week, we all play different games with all the school kids. It was the third day of sports and the day of my basketball match--yes I started playing basketball because Advi-- Sahil and all the guys love it so much!

We're in mid game when the ball reaches me, I'm directly under the high hoop so I jump to throw the ball in. I jump but when I land back on my feet, one of my knee buckles and I fall down on the court. The burn spreads flaring pain in my body, I look down to see the blood drop oozing from the scratch. My teammates helps me up but it hurts to stand straight. "Falak." The first cry of worry that I hear is of... Suhana. She runs to me with Ahaana hot on her heels. The guys following them both.

Suhana supports me from the right side and I let my weight fall over her. Shreya, another friend from my class helps me from the left side. "Bring her to the infirmary." Sahil mumbles soft enough for only us three girls. My teary eyes meet Advik's, he looks at me and then the cut on my knee. I watch him gulp the lump in his throat as if he could feel my pain, his fist tightening with each step that I take and hiss in pain. Sahil grips his hand and tugs him ahead of us towards the school building.

When I reach the infirmary, I find Sahil, Yug and him already waiting outside the room. "Both the nurses Ma'am are out on the ground, Advik help her. I will go inform her parents. Ahaana go bring Falak's school diary." Sahil orders to each one. Advik gives me his hand, Suhana & Shreya step away from me and lets me take his help. We both walk inside the first aid room.

"Yug stay out here and make sure nobody walks on them." Sahil says when Shreya leaves us alone. "I'll go get her some water." Suhana quietly mutters and I mentally make a note to not drink the water because I'm pretty sure she's going to spit in it.

Advik makes me sit on the bed first. He heads to look for the first aid kit before returning and kneeling down in front of me on the floor. I look at the injury clearly now. It wasn't deep enough to bleed profusely but the scratch burned the skin sending painful chills in me. "It's going to hurt." He whispers looking up at me before touching the cotton dipped in water to remove the dirt in and around the injury. His hand moves with such softness that I don't feel the burn and instead only focus on the warmth of his touches.

Once the wound is clean, he takes another cotton ball dipped in normal saline and gently moves presses it on the injury mark. I hiss gripping his hand. He looks up at me before slightly fanning the wound with his breath. "How do you know this?" I try to distract myself, bringing up a conversation.

"Ahaa walks into walls, furniture and sometimes even air." I smile between the tears. Ahaana truly is one of the clumsiest person I have ever met.

He starts to spread the antiseptic ointment, the contents burns making me try to pull away from his hold. "Advu... aah.."

"Just a little more. Please Bugu." He whispers rubbing his hand up and down my calf. I squirm in his hold but let him do the work. A fate tear rolls down my eye and falls on his hand that is splayed on my thigh which takes away his attention from the wound to my face. He brings his hand to my face to wipe off the tears that rain down my eyes. "Please Bugu, it pains to see you in tears." He tilts his head up, I lower down mine making our forehead touch.

"It.. hurts.." I try to hold myself back from sobbing but it eventually breaks free from within me. He pushes apart my legs and slides closer, his hand wrapping around my neck to hug me. I bury my face in his neck and sob, his other hand continues rubbing my thighs from over the shorts to distract me from the pain.

The door creaks making us both pull away and swirl around, our eyes widening like deer caught in headlights. My heart calms down a bit when I see Suhana walking in with my water bottle. She hands it to me and looks down to Advik who is back to the task of bandaging the wound. Suhana then turns back to meet my eyes and then motions to the bottle in my hand. "You can drink, I did not spit in it." My eyes widen at her sentence. How did she know what I was thinking?

Something in her eyes makes me believe her and I twist open the cap, taking some sips of water. Advik finishes wrapping the gauze and at the same Sahil followed by Yug and Ahaana enters. "I had the receptionist call your parents but they did not answer, I'm guessing they are in a meeting. So I called my parents, they will be here in a short while." Sahil informs keeping my belongings beside me. Yug and Advik helps me to the waiting area and all five of them wait with me. Ahaana and Advik sit by my side, holding both my hands. When I notice Suhana's eyes on me, I immediately try to take my hand from the Ahaana's hold but she just tightens her hold; making my heart do somersaults in my chest.

Samyak Uncle and Rudra Uncle comes merely moments later. Their face etched in worry and it makes me guilty that they had to put aside everything and run for me. They looked like they came directly from work. Sahil, Suhana and Yug meets them in the reception area and informs  them of everything. Since they are not listed under my family, it takes them some time to convince and go through the school formalities before they are allowed to see me. The moment they get the green, both of them rushes to me with Sahil, Suhana and Yug on toes.

"Falak..." Rudra Uncle kneels down in front of me, he takes my hand and looks down to the bandaged knee. "Who did this?" Uncle asks referring to somewhat messed up bandage. Advik nods at himself and Rudra Uncle's face splits in anger. Advik did his best but of course it clearly shows that it wasn't done by professionals.

"Samyak. Ask them why Advik had to bandage. Where the fu.. were the school medics when she was bleeding?" He then turns back to me. "Falak... I cannot take you with me because of the damn school rules, but I'm trying to get in touch with your parents, okay? Just give me some time, bacha." He cups my face with one hand and I nod, blinking furiously to stop myself from bursting in tears. He gives me a smile before raising up and bending down to kiss my head, also ruffling Ahaana's hair on his way out to lash out at the school management-- I'm very sure.

I watch both the father's talk --yell-- at the school management and simultaneously trying to get in touch with my parents. After almost twenty minutes later, I see my parents rushing in. The moment my eyes meet my mother's, I start sobbing. Advik squeezes my hand before stepping back for my mother. "Mummaa..." I throw my hands around her.

"Bugu.. Mumma's here baby. I am so sorry for being so late." Mumma says showring me in kisses and holding me tightly. Sometimes the pain isn't as much but the need of just holding your mother when you are in pain, outweighs everything. Yes, it was paining but not as much as it started to the moment I saw my mother.

The sobbing sound from behind my mother makes me pull away from the hug. I look towards Suhana-Ahaana to see them crying, their eyes on me. Advik walks to them, 'why are you crying?" He looks at both the girls in disbelief, they don't reply and continue crying looking at me. My mother gestures at them to come closer, Advik tugs them towards us.

"Why are you crying, girls?" My mother asks, making them sit beside me.

"Because she is." Suhana responds pointing her index finger at me and breaking down in sobs again. My surprised eyes meets Advik's who looks back at me with the same expression.

"And why are you crying?" Mumma turns to Ahaana. "Because they both are." Ahaana nods to both Suhana and I, then proceeds to cry harder and louder. Mumma hugs them both awing at their response.

After the school formalities are done, my parents take me home and Ahaana Suhana leaves with their fathers too because they wouldn't stop crying. The guys head back to the games because Rudra Uncle said, he isn't in mood to deal with all four of them together at home, three hours extra for the day.

— Three years later —

Sahil, Advik, Yug & Falak in 9th grade.
Suhana & Ahaana in 7th grade.

The next wave of pain hits me and I'm left trying to fight for oxygen. It's so much harder than the last one and makes me wants to crouch in a foetus position. The needle sharp shots hit to my lower stomach making tears spring to my eyes. "Suh.." Ahaana puts her hand on mine that's fisted on the desk. I turn to my best friend to see deep worry etched on her face.

"What's wrong?" I seal my lips, tucking them between my teeth and turn my head down. Making sure to be silent as the immense pain hits me again like a bullet. I feel the hot something slipping out of my... what? Did I pee myself? I frantically look down but find nothing. When the same thing doesn't continue I know I either just peed a little or it's-- periods. Is this what our parents were talking about that day? They said I'm going to bleed. I look around. Bleed? In school? Can everyone see this? Why didn't we keep those things our mothers were giving us? I share another look with Ahaana who seems more worried with each passing second.

Is she going through this as well? Is it only happening with me? The bells rings making me jump, the moment the teacher leaves I turn to my best friend.

"Come with me." I murmur to Ahaana, she stand up instantly while I try to force strength in my legs. "Check if my uniform is stained." Her eyes widen at my sentence, we converse through our eyes and I nod to her in response. It is what they were telling us about that day or I peed myself or worse. I take unsure steps and Ahaana follows, when she blinks in assurance, I increase my pace.

We reach the washroom and I enter the empty cubicle. Quickly folding the skirt up, I push the shorts and underwear down; to find a brown... almost black spot on the underwear. My head spins and heart races wild as I try to think of what to do. The chatter outside dies down and I call Ahaana to make sure she's still here. "Ahaana.." I whisper as the first row of tears start rushing out of my eyes.

"I'm here, Suh. Right here. Tell me what I have to do. Should I call our parents?" I feel her right outside the closed door and that somewhat holds my heart down but the sharpening pain makes my knees buckle. "No..." I wince through the pain.

"Falak... call Falak." The only person I can think of. I don't want my parents to find out like this, with them the staff would know when Ahaana makes the call and I don't want that. "Okay. You hold on. Just give me two, okay Suh? I'm going to be back in a moment. Please don't cry." My best friend tries to assure me, calm me with her words. I just hum in response because nothing will work how much ever she tries. The pain is intense and I can barely hold myself on my feet. I sit down on the toilet as the pain continues intensifying. I breathe through my nose, silently sobbing.

Since that first day in this school, my friendship with the Mehrotra and Sahdev's has just deepened with each passing day. Yes, Suhana and I have had our differences and I still try to manage to keep my distance with her as much as possible. But, I am starting to believe she has started to accept me a part of this group. Not only the six of us but also our parents. That first friend trips to Lonavala has become a ritual now along with all four families trip-- Yug, Sahil, Advik and mine. Not only have we six become closer than blood relations but also our parents.

I absolutely love that for all of us. Sahil and I have this weird relationship where he teases me so much that it sometimes makes me want to either burst into tears or whack him. But we also have this friendship where he fights with others for me. A few days back, I found myself in the middle of our class girls trying to bully me since I only speak to boys aka Sahil, Yug and Advik. Sahil stood up on the desk and yelled our loud for everyone that they need to be as cool as me for being able to be friends with the coolest guys of the class. Cool? Him? Psst. Nalayak banda!

Between Yug and I, I save him from getting in fights with Sahil and he helps me with Suhana and chemistry homework. Idiot's too good in it, god only knows why.

And Advik... well he's an entirely different case.

He has got this weird feeling going in me every time our eyes meet. It's not friendship for sure. It's so much more than that. We are always trying to sneak glances at each other. We often find ourselves reaching for each other's hand behind everyone's back. We meet alone. He winks at me like he's my... boyfriend. He gets angry when I speak to other guys and I have to spend hours to manofy him. He brings our weird, different emotions in me. When we are talking to him, I just want to watch his lips move and eyes shine. When we are just staring at each other, the rest of the world disappears. I have started looking for him in the crowd. When I'm visiting his house, I love knowing about him from his parents. I prefer listening about his antics only, not about all four of them. He does the littlest, basic and weirdest thing and my heart starts somersaulting.

Like now, "Falak, what did PE teacher say to Samaira Ma'am?" Advik breathes in my ear from behind making hairs on my nape raise up.

"What?" I turn around my head making it seem like I am looking for something in my backpack.

"Roses are red, violets are blue, lava is hot and so are you." I cover my laugh with a cough while he probably turned his head down and snickered behind my head. We have no idea what the teachers were talking about but Sahil, Advik and Yug hasn't stopped trying to make me laugh with their silly and Advik's flirty assumptions.

I feel the same touch on my calf again. Glancing sideways, I give him a look that's meant to make him behave but the foot trailing up and down my calf never stops and continuous doing something in my stomach. He gives me another one of his charming grins before Sahil's voice brings me out of our little moment.

"Nice one." Sahil chuckles and Yug agrees laughing.

"Okay next one. He said and I quote, "Are you jinn? Because jinn ne mera dil lootiya ohho!" Yug goes next and it takes every ounce of strength in me to not burst out laughing at his joyous tone.

"It wasn't that funny." Sahil grumbles from the back seat and clears throat, "I'm sure he said, 'Vodka ka shot, bhai tera hot." I shake head at his jealousy with Yug, just because he calls Ahaana 'little Shea' Yug's on his shit list.

"Excuse me, Ma'am." A familiar voice bring us four out of our bubble and we turn to the door to find Ahaana standing there. Advik's already standing up and reaching her before the teacher even allows her to come in the class.

"What's wrong?" Advik's voice is audible all the way to the back in the dead silent class.

"Falak. Can you come?" Ahaana's eyes doesn't wave from me and I leave my bench.

"Ma'am, Can I take her with me? My teacher is calling." Ahaana ask for permission, while Advik stands between us concerned with what's going on. When the teacher agrees, I give Advik a assuring nod before following Ahaana out of the class.

Ahaana waits for me to catch up after we have crossed my classroom, away from the guys' eyes which are still following us from the window. "What's wrong?" She looks around before whispering, "Suhana probably got her periods and we don't have the sanitary napkins." She twists her fingers out of anxiousness, I hold her hand.

"Where is she?"

"In our floor's washroom." She replies.

"Okay. You go to her, I'm coming in a minute. i will go bring it from the class." I don't even finish saying and I'm already walking towards the classroom. Ahaana nods before running back to the stairs.

I go back to the class and inform the teacher of the situation in hushed whisper, she allows me to collect whatever I need. I head to my desk. "What happened?" All three of them ask together.

I lean down to take out the napkin and quickly slide it in my pockets but obviously they see it with their continuous eyes on me. I meet Sahil's eyes, "Suhana".

"I'm coming." He is ready to jump out of the bench to get to his sister but I shake my head in negative. "If your families are comfortable with all the topics, doesn't mean everyone else also is. It's going to cause discomfort to her, if other find somehow. You can see her at home. I'll call you if she needs more help." With that I head out of the class.

I got my periods right after I returned from my second Lonavala trip when I was in the seventh grade. My mother had already made me aware of the topic and it was easier for me to deal because I was home the whole time during my first experience. Apparently, Suhana and Ahaana went through the topic last year along with the guys. When they spoke to me the first time about this, I felt embarrassed but I've grown comfortable with them now that we have spent so much time together. So comfortable that they now even remember my dates more than me. Advik even brings me my favourite chocolates and his mother's famous Vada paw when I'm menstruating.

I reach the washroom to find Ahaana speaking to Suhana through the closed door. "How long?" Suhana's pain laces filters through the door.

"I am here. Please open the door." Ahaana sidesteps as Suhana opens the door and peeks from the tiny partition hiding herself behind the door. I peel open the napkin and demonstrate how to stick it to the fabric of the underwear.

"Do you want me to come and help?" I ask when I feel she's in immense pain and can barely hold herself up. "I will ask you if I can't do it." She replies breathlessly taking the napkin from me.

It takes her some minutes and then we hear the sound of flush. She steps out of the cube, sweating and wincing in pain. She finishes washing hands before sitting on her haunches, Ahaana and I kneel beside her. "It hurts so much." She groans keeping her head down, I reach close and wrap my arms around her.

"I know. I know." I rub her back to soothe her. "Let's get you to the first aid room, okay?" She barely nods. Ahaana and I help her up. Supporting her weight, we walk to the elevator and somehow reach the first aid room. Informing the nurse of the reason, we get Suh on the bed.

"Only one of you can stay." The nurse says looking between Ahaana and I. I get up, ready to leave.

Fingers around my wrist stops me from taking steps away from Suhana's bed, I turn around to see Suhana stopping me. "Can you stay? Ahaana is clueless of..." Suhana asks, her eyes welled up with tears, I nod keeping hand on her hand that's wrapped around my wrist.

"I'll bring both your bags after the final bag." Ahaana jumps down the bed and leans to kiss Suhana. "Don't fight with her. She's very sweet." I hear her whisper to Suhana before she leaves giving me a smile and light wave.

"Thankyou." Suhana breaks the silence long after Ahaana's left. "And sorry for being so bad to you all this time." I let the biggest smile take over my face as I lean down to kiss her head, our hands tangled tightly.

"Please don't. There's nothing to be sorry or thankyou for. It's the least I could do for my best friend. right?" I smile not wanting to see that guilt ridden look on her face. She's too sassily beautiful to have this look on her.

"Your best friend. Right." She nods her head in agreement, "thankyou for being a part of us and loving me even when I didn't return the emotion."

Like Sahil said that day during our trip to Lonavala, 'give us some time.' I gave them time and they all opened their arms, hearts and home wide open for me. Truly, no one loves and knows friendship better than Mehrotra's and Sahdev's.