Everything was exactly the same as it was supposed to be.

SPACE was still the same.

He was still considered as the Greek God of Space with two horns on his head as he and his Fab5 were still the centres of horror and admiration at the same time.

Fab5 was the synonym of terror and he was the leader--the ultimate Monster. If someone crosses them it was considered as the self invitation of the doom.

On the other hand, they were also the group that had no lack of ambition when it came to Music--something that brought all these five people together in the first place. They were the bunch of most talented student who was obsessed and was passionately in love with Music.

But the real reason why these five were so admired was simply because of their undeniable love, friendship, respect and loyalty that they had for each other.

No one dared to fantasize about Manik in the open because they all knew Alia already had the dips on him. However, the females always had this deep crush on him as he was blessed with looks, talent and money.

And he always loved the attention.

But not today.

After a span of five weeks when he was back at SPACE everything else that used to excite him before was now bugging him as he could clearly see how ruthless he had been the whole time.

Though he had sorted out things with Alia and Fab5 deep down he knew there would be the aftermath of his actions. Only the timing was unsure but he knew something soon is about to happen. He was ready to bear the circumstance but he was not ready to feel the prying eyes of the student body of SPACE who were regarding him as GOD who had returned to his kingdom after conquering the world when truth to be told he was feeling hollow and depressed like an utter loser.

Everything might be the same in SPACE but he wasn't the same anymore.

To make the matter worse he was summoned by the person whom he disliked the most in this entire universe.

His mother-- NYONIKA MALHOTRA.

He entered his mother's office where also the Principal was present. He and Nyonika were in some deep discussion when he finally started speaking "So what's all this about Mrs Malhotra. It seems to be very serious as you have summoned me this early in the morning."

"It is Manik" Though Nyonika was meeting her own son after five whole weeks Manik knew that in her eyes he was nothing more important than her employees or business associates she works with. Earlier he used to feel bad about it but with time he simply stopped caring. That's why he was actually very happy that she reached the main point without any drama which meant that soon he will be free once their so-called discussion was over with. So he listens to her as she spoke: "SPACE is going to organise a Fusion Concert and I want you to represent SPACE in it."

"Fusion concert.."Manik scowled as he looked at Nyonika with questioning eyes. "What is all this and why do you want me to be a part of it."

"It is what it exactly sounds Manik." the principal intervened as he didn't want to witness a live confrontation between the trustee and her son. "It's a Fusion Concert where both the participants of Indian Music as well as the Western Music will perform together."

"Of course I know what a fusion concert means Sir" Manik replied sarcastically ".but what I am not able to understand how did I ended up becoming a part of this and why "Manik asked sternly.

"Because you are the best Manik. In fact, you are the best SPACE ACADEMY has Manik when it comes to Western Music especially Rock Music." The principal stated as a matter of fact. "..and since the Classical Music part will be taken care by the best student of Pandit Trilok Chaurasia so it is only advisable if we too put up the best we have--which in this case is you Manik."

Manik was seriously put off as he realised what his mother was actually trying to do--using his talent and love for music for her own benefit. However, he wasn't at all interested."Sir honestly thank you for the opportunity but seriously I neither have the time nor the patience for this. I am already running behind my planned schedule. I need to catch up on the curriculum over here which I missed due to the music camp that was held in Mangalore before I decide to participate in this Fusion Concert."

"Sir I am the lead singer of Fab5. My band-- also happened to be my family. I have already spent five weeks away from them on your insistence and now once again you want me to participate alone in this Fusion Concert--without my band--how will it be fair to them sir. In fact, how is it fair to any other student of SPACE."Manik's words shocked not only the Principal but Nyonika too.

"Since when you started caring about others Manik.." Nyonika couldn't hide her shock anymore. "Shouldn't you be happy that you are getting this opportunity so easily.."

Once again a thought popped up in Manik's mind as soon as Nyonika questioned him.

"Opportunities are earned Manik, they shouldn't be poached."

A smile appears on Manik which confused Nyonika "Manik answer me..since when did you care..how can you forget opportunities like these doesn't come so easily.."

"Exactly my point Mam.."Manik looked at her and continued "What have I done to earn it--nothing.."

"Is being the son of Malhotra's the only qualification needed to get everything spoon-fed to me. How is that justified..there are other students in SPACE too..why can't one of them being given this opportunity like this.."

"Why do they have to work so hard to earn opportunities like this..and everything is given to me like a wrapped up present."

The principal could sense that Nyonika was about to explode in a rage so in order to prevent that from happening he intervened. "But Manik you are the best we have when it comes to ROCK MUSIC..and I am sure all the students of SPACE will agree to that. You are their ROCKSTAR Manik--more like an idol--that's why we want you to be a part of this as no one can beat you."

"Well, sir that's because SPACE never gave chance to other students...apart from selected few students the rest of them doesn't even get a chance to show their talent.." Manik continued as his words made both Nyonika and the Principal speechless "if given a fair chance they will prove that they are way more talented than I am..but sir nobody is ready to give them a chance to prove themselves."

"So what are you referring to Manik." the Principal questioned, "..are you saying that SPACE is biased.."

"I wish I could say NO sir..but, unfortunately, I can't..because we all know that's the reality."Manik's words finally broke Nyonika's patience as she snapped back "Enough Manik..how dare you accuse SPACE like this."

"If I am wrong Mrs.Malhotra..why don't you prove it."Manik folded his hands across his chest. "Why don't you give a fair chance to everyone and prove me wrong.. I will happily apologise..you have my words."

"Fine Manik..but your apology better be EPIC.."Nyonika turned to look at the Principal and said: "Call Pandit Ji right now and request him to come here as soon as possible because he will be conducting an audition through which he will be selecting the student who according to him will be perfect to be a part of this Concert."

Then she turned her focus back on Manik and said "Since Pandit Ji will be selecting the best student himself I don't think there will be any chance of this competition being rigged as it will give a fair and square opportunity to everyone without any undue influence. I hope that would stop you from questioning our intention."

"Of course Mam. I will happily stop. I  promise."Manik smirked.

"So it's done then.."Nyonika gestured the Principal to call Pandit Ji. "..call him right now"

The principal didn't have any choice but to do as it was being ordered by Nyonika.

So he picked the cell and dialled Pandit Ji's number and on the third ring the call got answered by Pandit Ji only.

The principal told everything in exactly the same way as Nyonika asked him to. They spoke for almost ten minutes. Meanwhile, Nyonika and Manik both were busy in giving each other cold stares.

"Thank You so much Pandit Ji..we will see you soon..have a great day ahead" saying this the call got disconnected.

"What did he say, "Nyonika asked impatiently.

"He said he is busy with his own concerts and workshop so he won't be able to make it himself...but.."The principal was about to say something more when Nyonika cut him off. "What..how can he say No..give me his number I will talk to him.." she was about to call him when Principal continued. "..Mam please listen to me just once.." his words stopped her in tracks. She nodded which mean she asked him to continue.

So he did. "He said he won't be able to attend this audition round himself so that's why he will send his top 5 favourite students who will look after this audition. They all are extremely trained singers who are personally trained by PanditJi himself...so they all are very good with this...and would be of great help till the time he himself comes here."

"Fine..when will they arrive"Nyonika questioned.

"Most probably by tomorrow..there are two girls and three guys..just like Fab5..so we need to make separate arrangements for them."The principal was worried about their stay.

"Don't worry. It will be taken care of, "Nyonika assured. "By the way what are the names of those students."

"He said he will message us by the next three hours."Principal replied.

"So Manik as it's your idea at least we could expect you to be a part of this audition and handle everything along with these five students."Nyonika raised her eyebrows.

"Not only me even my Fab5 will be a part of it too and of course we will help, "Manik smirked.

"Fine then. you can leave now. We will call you once we get the names and then we will tell you exactly what had to be done." Nyonika said with authority.

"As you say Mam.." saying this Manik walked out of the cabin leaving a baffled Nyonika and a shocked Principal behind.

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