Avni Malhotra sat backstage at the small, dimly lit venue in London, adjusting the mask that concealed her identity as the lead singer of DEVILS. The heavy beats of the music reverberated through the walls, a stark contrast to the silence that enveloped her dressing room. She stared at herself in the mirror, her reflection cold and distant, a facade she had perfected over years of performing. Around her, the air buzzed with anticipation and the faint smell of sweat mixed with adrenaline.

"Avni, five minutes until showtime," Shivaay's voice broke through her reverie. Shivaay, the electronic guitarist and one of her closest confidants in the band, treated her like a sister offstage, but onstage, they were a force to be reckoned with.

Avni nodded, her mind drifting briefly to her life outside the band. At Royal Holloway, she maintained a low profile, excelling in her studies while keeping her true identity hidden even from her closest friends. Her adopted family in Mumbai believed she was studying abroad, unaware of her double life as a rock star.

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The stage lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the packed concert hall in London. Suddenly, the opening chords of a guitar riff shattered the silence, and a figure emerged from the shadows, clad in a black mask that concealed their identity. It was the enigmatic lead singer of the rising band DEVILS.

"Are you ready to raise some hell tonight, London?" Avni's distorted voice boomed through the speakers, her cold, commanding presence sending shivers down the spines of the enraptured audience.

Arjun, the male lead vocalist, joined her on stage, their voices blending in perfect harmony as they sang:

"Vaaste jaan bhi doon

Main ganwa imaan bhi doon

Kismaton ka likha mod doon

Badle mein main there"

Avni's powerful vocals soared as she responded:

"Tumse zyada main na jaanun

Tumse khud ko main pehchanun

Tumse husn main apna maanun mahiya"

Her voice softened as she sang, each word carrying a depth of emotion that spoke to her own journey of self-discovery and longing for connection beyond the stage. For Avni, this performance was more than just a show – it was a release, a way to channel the turmoil she felt about her past. Beneath the mask, she was the adopted daughter of the Malhotra family, a secret she had known since her teenage years.

While her adoptive parents, Aladdin and Asha, had showered her with love and support, Avni couldn't shake the lingering questions about her birth family and the circumstances that led to her adoption. This internal conflict fueled her intense stage presence, her lyrics resonating with a depth of emotion that captivated audiences.

Backstage, however, Avni's walls came down. As she high-fived her bandmates – Shivaay, Omkara, Sunheri, Vidyut, and Arjun – her demeanor shifted, revealing a warmer, more playful persona.

"That was one hell of a show!" Arjun exclaimed, pulling Avni into a bear hug.

"Couldn't have done it without you guys," Avni replied, her voice now softer and more melodic.

The tight-knit group shared inside jokes and celebratory hugs, their bond evident in the way they interacted. For Avni, they were more than just bandmates – they were her chosen family, the ones who knew her deepest secrets and accepted her unconditionally.

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Halfway across the world, in the bustling city of Mumbai, Ananya Mehta was a whirlwind of energy. Her infectious laughter filled the air as she danced alongside her friends Juhi, Saisha, Anika, Gauri, and Nandini in their college dance studio.

"Did you guys catch DEVILS' latest performance?" Ananya asked breathlessly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Of course!" Juhi exclaimed. "That masked singer is pure fire! They never disappoint," Juhi said, scrolling through her phone to pull up the latest fan theories about the band. Ananya joined her on the bed, leaning in to read over her shoulder. "I can't believe they still haven't unmasked themselves. It's been years!"

Nandini nodded in agreement. "I heard they're coming to Mumbai for a concert next month. We have to go, Anu!"

Ananya's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Absolutely! We'll get front-row tickets and finally see them live. It'll be epic!"

Ananya couldn't help but feel a strange connection to the masked lead singer, though she couldn't quite put her finger on why. There was something about their presence that resonated deep within her soul.

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Meanwhile, across the city, Neil and Neev Khanna sat in their family's lavish living room, their personalities a study in contrasts. Neil, with his calm demeanor, rolled his eyes as his twin brother, Neev, cracked yet another terrible joke.

"Dude, seriously? That was the lamest joke I've ever heard," Neil chided, though a hint of a smile played on his lips.

Neev grinned mischievously. "Ah, but you laughed, didn't you?"

Their friends – Mitali, Dd, Sidharth, Karan, and Maya – watched the exchange with amused expressions, used to the twins' contrasting personalities.

"So, are we all set for the transfer to Royal Holloway next semester?" Sidharth asked, changing the subject.

Neil nodded. "Yeah, it seems like a good fit. Plus, it'll be a change of scenery."

Neev grinned. "Perfect! New city, new adventures. Maybe we'll even uncover some London mysteries," he teased, nudging his twin.

The group nodded enthusiastically, excited for the new chapter that awaited them at the prestigious London university.

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Meanwhile, in the Malhotra household, a somber mood hung in the air. Aladdin and Asha Malhotra exchanged worried glances as their son, Manik, paced the living room, his brow furrowed with concern.

"We can't keep this from Avni forever," Manik stated, his voice laced with frustration. "She deserves to know the truth about her adoption."

Asha's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I know, beta. But how can we tell her? She's already so guarded and distant. This could shatter her world."

Aladdin placed a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder. "We'll find a way, Asha. Avni is strong, and she'll have us by her side, no matter what."

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