5 months later...

"Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday Dear Mukti! Happy Birthday to you!" Everyone sang as Mukti cut her birthday cake.

"Can't believe I am 21. Jeez." Mukti said, feeding the cake to her friends.

"But you behave like a 10 year old sometimes, so what's the actual age honey?" Aryaman asked, getting a glare in return.

"Anyway! Guys, it's my 21st birthday bitches! So y'all party like animals! Also thank you everyone, for meeting up to my expectations of a themed birthday party! Y'all look amazing with the disco theme!" Mukti announced and got off the stage, with a glass of champagne in hand.

"You look sexy." Manik said, caressing Nandini's waist. Nandini was dressed in a  silver sequined dress.

"Manik! Yahan nahi!" Nandini said, looking everywhere.

"What? It's dark." Manik said.

"But your friends have hawk eyes! Also, no, you ruined my lipstick already, before leaving." Nandini complained.

"That was one hot kiss okay?" Manik teased Nandini.

"Guys! Dance floor!" Dhruv shouted, dragging them.

"This guy is drunk big time." Manik said.

Nandini shook her head and danced with Dhruv, Soha, Manik and Navya.

---

Mukti sat on the bar stool and looked at her party. It was arranged at Alya's place, which was big enough to fit 25 people. She took a sip of her champagne and swayed to the tune of the song.

"You look happy." She heard someone say.

"I am happy." Mukti replied with a big grin.

"Good to see that. And hey, thanks for the invite. Your friends are cool."

"Zubin, what thanks and all? I thought we were friends!" Mukti said.

"We are. Also, do I look like a clown? Your friend keeps looking at me and laughing." Zubin said, pointing towards Navya. Mukti mentally cursed her friend.

"She's just too drunk, ignore her." Mukti laughed it off, while Zubin didn't buy it, but let it go.

There was an awkward silence between the two of them as they thought about topics to talk about.

"Umm..."

"Yeah?" Mukti asked.

"Wanna dance, Birthday girl?" Zubin asked, offering his hand.

Mukti finally breathed in relief. They don't have to sit awkwardly.

"Oh yes!" Mukti got up, but tripped on her bell bottoms and fell on Zubin.

"Oh, careful!" Zubin said, catching her.

Mukti noticed that his hand was on her bare waist, thanks to her crop top. She blushed slightly, very unlike herself.

"Umm...there you go...all okay?" Zubin asked.

"All good. Let's go." Mukti said. Zubin nodded and led her to the dance floor, while Mukti followed him with a huge smile on her face.

----

Alya entered the washroom when she bumped into a girl.

"Are you blind?" Alya asked angrily.

"I am sorry!"

"You better be!" Alya scolded and waited for the girl to look up.

"You are...?" Alya asked.

"Riya...Dhruv's friend."

"What?! I mean...wow. I am sorry about that snapping-"

"That's not a problem really. I was the one who zoned out. You must be...Alya?" Riya asked.

"Yeah...how do you know?" Alya asked.

"Dhruv showed me a picture of all of you." Riya said.

"Oh...did he say anything else?" Alya asked.

"Huh?" Riya was confused.

"Nothing. Actually, I'll leave. Nice to meet you." Alya spoke hurriedly and rushed past Riya, who stood there, looking confused.

"Hey babe, you done?" Dhruv came and asked her.

"Oh yeah..." Riya  said, coming out of her thoughts. She smiled at Dhruv and held his hand while they walked to the party scene.

---

Manik, Nandini, Soha, Cabir and Aryaman were sitting together.

Nandini's phone pinged and she took it out to check.

"Oh my god! I am in Guruji's team!" Nandini shrieked, checking the message.

"Wow, that's great congrats!" Cabir said and hugged her.

"Congrats yaa!" Soha also said.

"Thank you so much!" Nandini said.

"Congrats Nandu!" Manik said and blew a kiss which Nandini pretended to catch.

"Who told you?" Aryaman asked, after giving her a hug.

"Maddy. He texted- 'Hey Veena Vadini, guess what, you're in!' So sweet." Nandini said.

"He calls you Veena Vadini?" Cabir asked, raising his eyebrows. He glanced at Manik, who had a grim expression.

"Yeah. He's an idiot." Nandini laughed it off.

"Oh, that he is." Manik said. Aryaman shook his head at Manik's jealousy.

"So, what now?" Soha asked.

"Maddy and Guruji are coming to Mumbai next week. We will be training here as Guruji is going to stay in Mumbai for a year. How lucky am I? I can still complete my graduation here." Nandini said.

"Madhyam's coming?"

"Madhyam's coming?!"

Nandini, Cabir and Aryaman looked at Soha and Manik.

"Different reactions...interesting. Soha, tum kyu puch rahi ho?" Aryaman asked his sister.

"Aise hi, just curious." Soha shrugged it off and tried to act cool. Only she knew how she hid her blush.

"Aur tu?" Cabir asked Manik.

"Listen, why the fuck is he coming?" Manik asked Nandini bluntly.

"Language, Manik." Nandini schooled him.

"Oh fuck the language man. I can't deal with that asshole now." Manik went on cursing.

"Stoppp! Manik, what's wrong with you?" Nandini asked.

"As if you don't know." Manik answered.

Aryaman, Cabir and Soha watched them arguing and behaved as if they were invisible.

"I can't believe you're bringing this up again. He's my best friend. You have to deal with it." Nandini said and walked off. Manik got up and chased her.

"I get nervous when they start talking. You never know if it's going to be a fight or just cute banter." Soha said.

"Haan yaar. Remember, New year?" Aryaman asked.

"Obviously." Cabir said.

Manik and Nandini were obviously arguing about an expensive gift Manik gave to Nandini for New Year. It was 1 AM, 1st January 2016. Yes, they began the year like that.

Nandini got pissed because of the gift and confronted Manik about it. They looked pretty fired up. Everyone was scared that it could get ugly. But to their shock, an hour later, they walked in on them making out in the kitchen.

"Unke beech main naa padhe toh hi thik." Cabir said.

----

"Listen, you can't just walk out like that!" Manik said, stopping Nandini by standing in front of her to block her way.

"I can. I totally can." Nandini said, trying to push him away.

"No. You can't and you won't. Stop Nandini! Listen to me." Manik said.

"What Manik? Hamesha you get pissed when his name is mentioned. Itna hate? Your hatred is so toxic Manik." Nandini said.

"He is into you, idiot! Are you that blind?" Manik asked.

"I am not blind Manik. But it is just silly teenager stuff. It will fade. I told you na...it just got triggered after I ran into him during Musicana."

"That doesn't mean he can crush on you. He has to stop or I will dig his eyes out." Manik said.

"Fine. If he crosses the line, I will do it myself. Now please calm down. Anniversary ko ek month bacha hai and you are fighting." Nandini said.

Manik calmed down and held her hand.

"I am sorry. I just feel weird whenever he is talked about."

"Manik, you have to deal with people you hate. That's life." Nandini said.

"But now, I want to deal with the girl I love. Let's go back inside." Manik said, kissing her forehead.

Nandini nodded and accompanied him inside, thinking about the situation.

----

"Navya! Are you crazy?" Mukti asked, as soon as she cornered Navya.

"Arre, humne kya kiya?" Asked a fully sober Navya.

"Yeh Zubin ko dekhkar aise has kyu rahi thi? He was creeped out." Mukti whisper-yelled.

"Arre! Hum toh bas tum dono ko sath me dekhkar khush ho gaye! Match made in heaven, Mata Rani ki kasam!" Navya said.

"Shhh! Kyun bataya maine tumhe!" Mukti groaned.

"Mukti, chill. Tum itni hyper kyun ho rahi ho?"  Navya asked.

"Kyunki everything is perfect between him and I. Aur ab yeh feelings.....I don't want to ruin the friendship." Mukti explained.

"Mukti...tumhe jaakar baat karni chahiye. Agar vo aisa nahi feel karta, vo rude nahi banega. Vo vaisa type ka nahi hai. Aur birthday bhi hai tumhaara. Faayda lo aur jao!" Navya said, pushing Mukti away, joining Cabir in crazy dancing.

Mukti walked towards Zubin who was looking at the photo frames.

"You look cute." Zubin said, pointing to one of the frames. There was an old picture from their older times. Mukti and Alya were posing for the camera.

"Colours suit you. I never imagined you wearing anything other than black." Zubin said.

"Well, thank you." Mukti said.

"Yeah..."

"Zubin..."

"Haan?" Zubin raised his eyebrows, as he leaned on the wall. Mukti sighed.

"Mukti, hesitate kyun kar rahi ho?" Zubin asked.

"I...um..."

Mukti took a deep breath and finally said-

"Zubin, will you go out on a date with me?"

Zubin looked stumped. That was the last thing he expected. A girl asking him out on a date.

"Wow, now you are not even replying. Way to make a girl feel good. Zubi." Mukti spoke with a tone of disappointment. She took a step back and almost turned to walk away when she heard Zubin.

"Yes. Yes, I will go with you." Zubin said with a big grin.

"Really?"

"No."

"What?!" Mukti asked.

"Arre kidding baba! Of Course yes. Who would ever say no to you?" Zubin asked.

"I don't know...but yeah...you can choose the kind of date." Mukti said.

"Well...I would like to go trekking."

"Of course. The wild child." Mukti laughed.

"Hey! You are a wild child too!"

Mukti laughed and side-hugged him as they walked back to the party.

-----

Alya watched Riya and Dhruv dance. She had wished from the bottom of her heart that Riya should be a clumsy dancer. But all her hopes went out of the window when she saw Riya dance gracefully.

"What are you watching?" Soha asked, sitting next to Alya.

"Nothing. Umm...what's up?" Alya asked.

"Alya..." Soha narrowed her eyes. Something was wrong with Alya and she knew. She followed Alya's gaze. Dhruv and Riya were almost kissing.

"Uh...I forgot to tell you...I got into the institute." Alya said, with a smile to cover up her sadness.

"Whaaa? That's great!!! When are you leaving?" Soha asked.

"After two days." Alya said, biting her lip.

"Bitch what? And you are telling me now?" Soha asked.

"I have to tell everyone else too." Alya said.

"Come!!! Let's tell them." Soha held Alya's hand and pulled her till they reached their friends. Dhruv joined them with Riya.

"Guyssss! Alya has something to say." Soha said and sat next to Navya.

"Umm...guys, I got into a fashion Institute in Delhi. I'll be living with Bhai." Alya said.

"Whaat?!! Congrats girlllll!!!!" Mukti said.

"Thank you!" Alya smiled genuinely as everyone congratulated her.

"So when are you leaving? We need to have a farewell party." Aryaman said.

"Actually the flight's day after tomorrow." Alya said.

"Kya?! Alya tum ab bata rahi ho?" Manik asked.

"I am sorry...I just..." Alya glanced at Dhruv, who had a smile, genuinely happy for Alya.

"It's alright, don't be sad. Guys, we need to have one proper dance today." Cabir said.

"Yes! Aluuu! You'll be great and it's just Delhi. We can come to visit you and vice versa." Mukti said and kissed Alya's cheek affectionately.

"Thanks Muku!" Alya said, overwhelmed.

"Chalo everyone! On the dance floor!" Nandini announced.

Boy, you don't have to be the last one standin'
Boy show me, you could be the one, one, one..

Mukti walked to Zubin and danced around him. He grinned and swayed along with her.

Tu akhiyan mila ke, aa mere kol aaja
Ishq diyan gallan mainu samjha ja
Tu gallan badi karda
Ve kar ke vikha jaa
Nede nedhe aa tu aaja
Sohneya...

Riya and Dhruv showed off their Salsa skills and wowed everyone.

I wanna see you
Walk like Rihanna
Get all the pounder
Bom diggy diggy bom bom
She burn it up like the summer
She tell me I'm rid of
Bom diggy diggy bom bom

Aryaman pulled Alya with him and did the signature step. Alya danced happily after a lot of time, forgetting about all the bad things that happened.

You've got me like crazy
That you call to me
Bom diggy diggy bom bom
You've got me like crazy
That you call to me
Bom diggy diggy bom bom

Soha asked Cabir to dance and she found that he had moves too! Cabir spun her and caught her gracefully, making her laugh.

Girl I know you want me
Tenu takeya te ho gaya pyar ve
You don't believe me
Tenu dil da haal suna

Manik pulled Nandini towards himself and caressed her face as the song went on.

Ve piche mere jaake
Tu akhiyaan ladaaiyaan
Tu dil nu chura ke
Tu chhuriyaan chalaiyaan
Tu gallan badi kardi
Aa tenu samjhawan
Nede nede aa, tu aa na
Sohneya...

Nandini held his collar and pulled him towards herself as she sang the lines. Manik held her waist and pulled one of her legs up against his. Nandini arched backwards sexily as Manik leaned towards her. They looked perfect together.

I wanna see you
I wanna see you
I wanna see you
Walk like rihanna
Get all the pounder
Bom diggy diggy bom bom
She burn it up like the summer
She tell me I'm rid of
Bom diggy diggy bom bom

Everyone gather together, swaying to the tunes. They switched partners and danced their lives away.

You've got me like crazy
That you call to me
Bom diggy-diggy, bom bom
You've got me like crazy
That you call to me
Bom diggy, bom diggy, bom diggy bom

"To Nandini and Alya for their good news! And to Mukti, the Birthday Girl!" Cabir shouted and everyone hooted.

-----

Two days later.

"Take care of yourself and keep us updated." Nandini said, patting Alya's arm. Alya nodded and hugged her.

"You'll be missed." Manik said, keeping his palms on Alya's cheeks. She placed her hands on his.

"I'll miss you too. I am sorry for everything and thank you for everything." Alya whispered. Manik nodded and kissed her forehead.

"Alyaaa! Tabahi hai tu tabahi! Delhi main tabahi macha dena! And yeah take care of yourself." Cabir was the next one to bid goodbye. Alya hugged him tightly.

"I'll miss you Cabira!" Alya said sadly.

"Everyone misses me when I am not there. The love is real." Cabir joked. Mukti slapped his head.

"Bas kar naatakbaaz." Mukti pushed him away and hugged Alya, lifting her.

"Mukti, hum gir jaayenge!" It was after a lot of shrieks when Mukti placed Alya down.

"I'll miss you so much! You are literally my other half." Mukti said, hugging Alya. Alya shed some tears, as she finally realised what she was leaving behind.

"I promise I will call you everyday." Alya said, clasping Mukti's hands.

"Arre, yeh dono rone lag gaye!" Navya said. She joined the hug and pulled Soha and Nandini in.

"I'll miss you, new best friend." Alya said to Soha, who hugged her.

"Miss you too babe. Good luck!" Soha wished.

"My first friend here and my woman crush everyday." Aryaman said flirtatiously. Alya laughed amidst her tears.

"You are the best Arya!" Alya said, hugging him. They broke the hug and Alya saw the last person to bid bye, Dhruv. It was the most difficult goodbye.

"All the best Alya. Hum sab miss karenge tumhe." Dhruv said. They were left alone as everyone wanted them to get some moments alone.

"Yeah...thanks Dhruv." Alya smiled.

"Um...I am sorry...jo bhi maine kiya-"

"Don't be. You are happy now. So am I." Alya said, wiping her tears.

"Yeah...finally. A goodbye hug?" Dhruv asked. Alya nodded and hugged him tightly. Dhruv embraced her with a smile, while Alya finally let her tears flow. After a few moments, everyone was waving at Alya who made her way into the airport.

"Look at us growing up. We just said goodbye to a friend leaving the city for a better career." Manik said.

"Everything feels different." Mukti said.

"Our life in Space has come to an end." Dhruv said, looking at Manik, Mukti, Aryaman and Cabir.

"It was bittersweet." Cabir said.

"Yeah ...so a new chapter in life begins...." Manik said.

"With old friends." Aryaman said.

-----

Alya rested her head against the headrest. She saw the city through the clouds. Everything looked so tiny.

'I don't know if letting you go was my best decision Dhruv. I hope at least one of us is happy.'

The End

-----

Author's note-

Part 1 done! Literally updating it while I am hospitalised🤦🏻‍♀️ a girl's gotta find her entertainmemt lol

I'll probably start part 2 once I am discharged! Watch out for the author's note I will put out in this book! Thank you for all the love amd support! Hope y'all will show the same even for the following parts❤️