“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
                                    ~Maya Angelou

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Enjoy...
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I'm waiting outside the airport for their arrival. Their's a huge crowd here. Offcourse, Mumbai Airport ought to be crowdy. Huff!

Well, Uncle and Aunty are coming here after two long years. Last time I met them was when they came here for just 3 days. They can't be blamed coz Uncle had his office and Champ had his 12th boards.  I have seen how sad Bira was, seeing them going back in such short span. But she is very understanding though.

Okay. There's a sudden rush. I think the flight has landed because I can hear some people talking in Kannadi.

Ha ha ha that's the language the natives of Mangalore speak. Just like my sis. But she has changed a lot in all these years. She rarely speaks in Kannadi now. Well, I must say, she has become a Mumbaikar in true sense.

Ok Cabu, buck up. I can see Champ waving at me from a distance.

Hey wait! Did I forget to introduce myself? My bad!

So.....Hello everyone. I'm Cabir Dhawan, the Great Prankster.

Hehehe! Self praising is ..........Good for life! Ya!

I'm currently here at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal, to pick Uncle Aun.....shit!....IshiMaa will give me her famous silent treatment if I call her Aunty.

Okay, so I'm here to pick up Raman Uncle, my sweet darling... my IshiMaa and offcourse my Champ....Rishab Murthy. They have come to Mumbai finally. They are here for Champ's admission in SPACE.......Hayeeee! Our College!

" Hi Cabir Bhai! Kaise ho aap? (How're you?)", here comes our Champ. He's still the same sweet boy I saw 2 years back. No change.

" I'm fine Champ. Well, you look the same like 2 years ago. Khata pita nahin hai kya? (Don't you eat anything?)"

" Oh Come on Bhai. You don't start now. Already Amma has made my ears pain by repeating the same words again and again. Ughhhh..." , he says all irritated, making me laugh. Aliya is right. Even boys can be cute. This boy infront of me, is the best example.

" Achha? I made your ears pain haan? Okay, then don't come to me asking for Payassam again. ", says IshiMaa coming to us with Raman Uncle behind her supressing his laugh. Champ makes a bad face listening to her. I hug her immediately.

" I missed you so much Darling! Why didn't you come here for so long?", I pout angrily and she giggles.

" You know na how busy your Raman Uncle is. And Rishu was preparing for his competitives. So I had to look after him. Sorry."

" Its okay Darling. But I want your handmade food. I missed your food a lot. " She nods. Well its true. Like my NyoMaa is a specialist in Nonveg, IshiMaa is a pro in making vegetarian dishes. Although I'm not much of a veggie lover, I just love what she makes. And Bira has just inherited her skills. She also prepares really amazing veg dishes.

" Bhukkad." I hear from the two men but shrug. I know I'm a foodie. I don't care. Huh!

I bend to take Raman Uncle's blessings and he happily takes me in a hug. We load their luggage in the car and settle down to leave.

You must be wondering how am I so close to them. Well, its 4 years back when Bira fell ill and NyoMaa shifted her to Malhotra Mansion from her hostel. IshiMaa came here to look after her. That one month, was a bliss. We got along with IshiMaa and Champ so well. Raman Uncle did come for some days and we mingled with him too.

But ya, we as in, Me, Mukti, Navya and Abhi. Others were out of town. Well they are....still.

Okay so here it comes. Narayana Hospital. Where our Golden Trio work. Bira asked me to drop them here as I have to go to Pune today for a meeting with an investor.

(Ignore the name)

We get down and start moving in from the left side gate which is exclusively for staff. I lead them upstairs to Nandu's cabin. Well, I have been here many times to meet them. So ya.

Wait.

What's this crowd here for?

Why are so many people outside Bira's cabin? And why are they shouting?

I look at Uncle and IshiMaa. They are very worried by now.

Some staff members of the hospital are trying desperately to stop them from banging the cabin door. I walk to a nurse.

" What's happening here? Why are they banging the door? Where's Nandini?", I ask her and she looks at me with a helpless expression.

" Sir, Nandini Ma'am is inside the cabin with Aman Sir. Actually these are the attendants of the patient Dr. Nandini operated on today. The patient was very critical. He couldn't have been saved at any cost. But still Ma'am tried her best to save him. But failed. Now these people are telling that Ma'am killed him by negligence. They tried to harm her. So Aman Sir pulled her inside her cabin and locked it. So they are here now banging the door. "

God! These people! Why can't they understand that doctors are humans and not God. They can only try to save life. But they can't give life to a dying man.

I try to make them understand that Nandini is not at fault here. Some of them understand and back out. But still two of them are stubborn. They are continuously banging the door shouting foul words about Bira. My blood boils. I was about to move to them when someone shouts

" What the hell is happening here?"

I turn to see a very angry Abhay Uncle walking towards us. He is the Head of Surgery Department here.

" Whatever happened with Mr. Anand was not good. He was in lot of pain and died. But there is no fault of Dr. Nandini in this. She tried her best to save him. But his condition was very critical. Its your fault that you brought him to hospital so late.
We are sorry for your loss. But if you try to create a nuisance here and harm our best doctor, we will not sit silently. Clear the space immediately, else I'll call the police. ", he said strictly. The people leave from there and I knock on the cabin door calling for Bira.

The door opens revealing Aman. He checks around again and then allows us in. We get in to find Bira sitting there with her head on the table. She looks so exhausted.

IshiMaa went to her and lovingly caressed her hairs. She immediately shot her head up and smiled widely to see her family here. She hugged her mother tightly, muttering numerous 'Miss You's. Raman Uncle and Champ moved forward to hug them making it a beautiful family hug, while we three stood there smiling,seeing the family together after so long.

Finally after some moments, they broke the hug. " You ok Bacha?", Abhay Uncle asked and she nodded casually. As if nothing has happened.

God this girl! How can she be so strong always? I have never seen her cry. Even in the worst of situations. When her Amms died 5 years ago, she sat there with an expressionless face. But not a tear dropped from her eyes. She says, crying shows our weakness. Huff!

I hugged her and asked her to take care. I have to leave for Pune now. I bid bye to them and left the hospital.

I just hope this meeting goes well. My whole career and my dream.....all depends on this one meeting. Navya's Matarani, please be with me.

End of Cabir's pov

Back in Nandini's cabin

" You had your lunch?", Abhay asked a few moments after Cabir left. Nandini bit her tongue and looked at him sheepishly making him glare.

" How many times have I told you not to ignore your health? You have to go for Rishu's admission now, and still you didn't have lunch? How irresponsible.", he said and Nandu made a cute pout, trying to melt his anger.

" I'll have it na Pops. I'm going to SPACE. I'll have something in the canteen. ", she said and he nodded. Just then, a nurse came and informed Abhay about an emergency and he rushed out.

" Toh....Kaisi hai meri gudiya?", Raman asked lovingly. Nandini just smiled at him and hugged him. She always felt bad when he couldn't make it to meet her. Even when she used to visit Mangalore, Raman used to be busy in office and fail to take out time for her. But being the elder child and a highly mature girl, she would never complain about it. She always knew how hard her father worked to make them what they are now. And she respected him a lot.

They chatted for sometime and then decided to leave for SPACE. Nandini took her things and her keys, locked the cabin, and headed out with Rishab telling her something about his admission details.

" Nanhi. We need to book a cab first na. Lets wait here in the lobby.", Ishita said while Nandini smiled.

" No need Maa. Come with me. I have a surprise for you. ", she said excitedly and dragged them to the parking lot. She pointed at a direction and Raman and Ishita were shocked by the sight in front of them.

There stood a lavish Innova Crysta waiting for its owners.

" Whoes car is it Di? ", Rishab asked ever excitedly. He was always fascinated by cars and wanted one. But never asked, knowing how difficult it would be for his father to afford one.

" Umm....this car belongs to Raman and Ishita Murthy.", she said making him look at her with eyes as wide as a saucer. Raman was continuously looking at Nandini and then at the car, while Ishita stood there with a confused face.

" What? Aise kya dekh rahe ho? I bought it 8 months back for you. Its yours now.", she said casually, but Rishab's eyes twinkled hearing her. He just hugged his Di in happiness.

On the other hand, Raman and Ishita were just numb at their places. When did their little gudiya grow up so big that she gifted her parents something that they could never give her in their lifetime? Their eyes became moist and proud smiles crept up their lips.

Today when they heard Abhay calling her the best doctor, they had felt immense joy in their hearts. Their hardwork has paid off. Their daughter has become so successful today, that she doesn't need anyone to depend on. She is truely a gem. Their gem.

Ishita took Nandini in a tight hug. She was overwhelmed. Later Raman too hugged her telling her how much proud he was.

Suddenly he broke the hug and asked her, " But Nanhi, so much money? How..."

" Relax Appa. I had saved money for this. And then a small loan from the bank. And....done. ", she chirped in her ever bubbly attitude and Raman smiled and nodded.

" So....Rishi Baby. Ready for the ride?"

" Ever ready Captain."

They chuckled and settled in the car. Soon they were on the busy roads of Mumbai, all set for the greatest institution......SPACE.

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SPACE.

Its not just an University. Its a different world altogether.

Having institutes in all fields....starting from Basic Arts to Medical Sciences, SPACE- School of Productive And Creative Education,  stands as one of the best in the world.

Founded in 1971 by  Randhir Singh Oberoi, SPACE has now a total of 104 colleges running under it. Situated all over India, with its centre being in Mumbai.

Its uniqueness lies in its way of learning.

In SPACE, you may be in any field. But you are given a platform to not just prove yourself, but to explore yourself as well.

As Nandini drove into the campus, Rishab's jaws dropped seeing the beauty. He had never come here when his sister studied. He was adamant that he would come here, the day he himself becomes capable enough to enroll into this institute. He worked hard to make it possible, and today he is rightfully here, with an AIR.

The Medicine block of SPACE was the largest and the best in its design. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, SPACE University, was an institution, which produced many of the best doctors in India.

Nandini parked her car in the parking lot, and they moved towards the entrance. All this time, Rishab was in full awe at his surroundings.

Hundreds of students were lurking around the campus, some sitting and gossiping, some studying in pairs or groups while some were busy in running behind each other and laughing. All in all, the atmosphere was friendly and peaceful.

They entered the Medicine block and Rishab was again in admiration of the sight. It looked like some dream college, which he had always seen in Hollywood movies.

Nandini straight led them to the Dean's office to get done with the admission first. The Dean, Dr. Ankur Nair, MD Medicine, had his office in the first floor.

When they were waiting outside for permission, Rishab's eyes fell on the gigantic board right outside the cabin and his eyes shone in pride as well as admiration. There in golden letters, were engraved the words

'Dr.Nandini Murthy, Gold Medalist. Batch 2009'

" You can go inside now. ", said the peon, after getting permission from inside the cabin, breaking Rishab's trance. He spared a look full of admiration at his Di who was smiling at the peon.

" Thank you Rajat Kaka.", Nandini politely said with a smile while the old man smiled at her fondly. Nandini had always been close to each and every staff in the university, owing to her lively nature and friendly aura.

They entered in to see a handsome old man of his late 50s, sitting there with his head buried in some book. He looked up and smiled seeing his favourite student.

" Ah! Nandini! What a pleasant surprise! You turned up here after a long time now. Got a lot busy to see this old man here I see.", he said playfully making Nandini laugh and her parents smile. Rishab had an instant liking to the man.

" Blame it on your friend then. He has been giving me a  real lot to handle nowadays.", she said and it was Dr. Ankur's turn to chuckle. He stood up and greeted Raman and Ishita with respect as they were the proud parents of one of their best Alumnii.

They exchanged some pleasantries and then settled down to complete the admission procedures. Nandini had already enrolled online and submitted documents. So it was just the signatures that were left. It all went smoothly and Rishab was on cloud nine to see himself being designated as a 1st year MBBS student of SPACE.

" Buck up young man. A very exciting as well as exhausting journey lies ahead of you. MBBS is not everyone's cup of tea. Working hard all day and then sitting up late at night to study....all this comes along with your identity card. But in SPACE, you will surely get a platform to explore yourself and release your stress.
And with Nandini as your sister, I don't think I need to give you any advices, coz your sister is herself an example. Follow her guidance, and you will be at great heights.
But I must say one thing here, in this field, there will be times when you will feel a strong urge to give up or run away. But thats the time you have to have a control over yourself, and hold on. The phase will pass on and you will be at a lesser distance to success. Understood?", Dr. Ankur explained to Rishab and he nodded obediently.

Soon they came out of the cabin and walked up to the joint cafeteria. This was the only place, where students had no barrier of streams between them. They all enjoyed together here sipping their coffees or gobbling their favourite dishes. 

For Nandini, this place always had her heart. Because this was the place where she met her lifelines. This place saw their first fight as well as their first group hug.

They found a empty table and were moving towards it when they heard a squeal.

" Barbie!"

They turned around to see a beautiful girl in a red T running towards her followed by two boys who were laughing at her antics. She came and hugged her tightly muttering 'I missed you' making her chuckle.

" When will you grow up Aarohi?", said one of the two boys.

" Shut up you idiot. I missed her so much na Ayush. ", she said childishly making everyone laugh and Ayush roll his eyes.

" Ms. Aarohi Dhawan. You met your Barbie 3 days back only. Remember we went to her house.", said the other boy coming towards Nandini and taking her in a hug.

" You're just jealous that Barbie loves me more. ", she said flaunting T shirt, making all of them laugh.

"Admit it Aaru. You are still a child.", Ayush teased her while Rishab and the other boy laughed out loud.

" Han han Aaru Didi. Ayush Bhaiya to sahi hi bol rahe hain. Aap to aaj bhi Bachi hi ho.( Yes yes Aaru Di. Ayush Bro is right. You're still a kid)", Rishab chirped in and Aarohi huffed in annoyance making the three laugh again.

" Barbie!", she whined and Nandini tried hard to suppress her giggles.

" Mr. Ayush Vedant and Mr.Shantanu Maheswari! Stop irritating my Doll." , she scolded with a fake glare and the two boys immediately stood straight trying to control their laughs. " And you...Mr.Rishab Murthy, off you go. Place an order for everyone.", she added and Rishab nodded frantically, scared of his Di's anger.

Soon they were seated in a table and Rishab and Ayush left to get their orders.

" Aarohi beta. Shantanu. Howz your MBA going?", Raman asked.

" Hectic"
" Amazing"

Shantanu and Aarohi replied together, and Aarohi threw a glare at him.

" You don't really study at all Shan. How come it became hectic for you?", she asked with narrowed eyes and Shantanu shrugged casually.

" Mere liye to ye class attend karna hi bahut hectic hai.", Shantanu said making all laugh and Aarohi throw harmless curses on him. They both were always like this. They were best friends from the time they knew how to spell the word. Shantanu Maheshwari. The only son of the great tech experts Sameer and Urvashi Maheshwari. They were best friends of The Dhawan couple and thats how the two children became best of friends. But they always kept fighting with each other. Aarohi being a very bright student, used to lecture Shantanu to study hard. But the latter being not much into studies, would royally ignore her. They met Ayush when Dhruv joined Fab4. Ayush Vedant. The younger brother of Dhruv Vedant. Being his younger sibling, he was nothing like his Bhai. Being a lively boy, he caught the attention of Aarohi. The three became best friends without any secrets for others. But what was unknown to others was that, they three had very big secrets buried deep inside their hearts and none was ready to take it out. Still, they were called the The Golden Trio Junior or the TG3 Jr.  of SPACE, the real ones being Abhi, Nandini and Navya.

" I second you bro.", said Ayush, joining them with Rishab. " Ye saare proffessors itna pakate hain na jaise ye college nahin Masterchef ho!( These proffessors roast us so much, as if this is Masterchef and not college.)" He acted as if fainting making everyone including Aarohi laugh. 

" God Ayush Bhai and his PJs. Sometimes I wonder if you're really Dhruv Bhai's brother.", Rishab said amidst his laughs and others nodded their heads.

" Kabhi kabhi toh mai bhi soch mein pad jata hun ki kahin main hospital mein badal toh nahin gaya tha? ( Sometimes even I wonder if I got exchanged in the hospital.)", he said starting another round of laughter.

" Okay okay. Jokes apart. Ruhi, is the trustee here now? I had a meet with him. ", Nandini asked and she nodded sipping her Chocolate milkshake.

" Ya. I've seen him entering the campus few moments ago. I think he's in his cabin.", Shantanu said and Nandini nodded while eating her lasagne.

" Kyun? Kya hua Nanz? Anything serious?", Ayush asked and Nandini shook her head. " Are no no. Actually he called me today telling that he needs my help in something. So just....And ya. He also wanted to meet Amma Appa. So...", she said and everyone nodded continuing to sip on their coffees or milkshakes.

" Ruhi. Bir has gone to Pune and Senior Malhotra and NyoMaa aren't there. So drop in at my house after classes today. Baby'll be there.", suddenly Nandini said and Aarohi nodded.

" Finally Cabir bro got this chance. I just hope everything goes well this time and he gets what he wants. ", Shantanu said and everyone nodded.

They all chatted for some time when TG3 Jr. suddenly got up to leave for their next class. They bid bye to the Murthys and left for the Bussiness Studies Block, while the latter moved towards the trustee's cabin.

So. Thats it for today.

How was it guys?

Cabir?

Murthys?

Abhay's trust on Nandini?

Nandu?

SPACE?

Aarohi, Shantanu and Ayush?

And lastly, who do you think is the trustee of SPACE?

Please please pleaseeeeeee do comment and vote dherrrr sara.

Till the next update

Stay safe
Stay healthy

Yours writer.