The school day wound down, and the camera focuses on Aditya walking through the now-empty corridors, a thoughtful look crossing his face. He suddenly stops mid-step, slapping his forehead as realization hits him.
Aditya:
Oh crap!
He spins around to face Steve, who's walking calmly behind him with his hands in his pockets.
Aditya:
Steve, you gotta come to my house this evening.
Steve (calmly, raising an eyebrow):
For what?
Before Aditya can reply, Ashvin appears from behind and grabs him in a playful headlock, grinning mischievously.
Ashvin (mocking):
Don't tell me your birthday's today, Oh man, now we have to celebrate...
Aditya (cowering):
Yeah... about that...
Ashvin (grinning wider):
Don't worry, bro. I'll bring twenty different belts so we can give you the perfect birthday bash!
Aditya (panicked):
Nope! Not happening! Perfect timing—see ya!
Aditya wiggles free from Ashvin's grasp and bolts down the hall, waving wildly over his shoulder.
Aditya:
Steve, don't forget to come! 5! My house!
Steve chuckles softly, watching Aditya disappear around the corner.
Steve:
That guy never changes.
Behind him, Rashi laughs lightly as she leans against a doorframe, having overheard the conversation.
Rashi:
Twenty belts, huh? Poor guy.
Ajay sighs loudly and shouts after them.
Ajay:
Hey! No running in the halls, you brat! I mean it!
The camera fades to Aditya's house, a cozy two-story home with warm lighting spilling out from the windows. Inside, laughter echoes as Aditya, Ashvin, Shivam, and Harshit gather in the living room, the energy vibrant and lively.
Aditya and Ashvin are seated on the couch, controllers in hand, locked in a heated video game match.
Ashvin (grinning):
That's all you got, birthday boy? You're going down!
Aditya (focused):
Not today, Ashvin. I'm the king of this house!
On the other side of the room, Shivam and Harshit sit at a small table, deeply engrossed in a game of chess. Shivam leans forward, scratching his head as Harshit smirks confidently, adjusting his glasses.
Shivam (muttering):
How the hell do you think five moves ahead?
Harshit (matter-of-fact):
It's not five moves. It's eight. And checkmate in two, by the way.
Shivam groans as Harshit leans back smugly, crossing his arms.
The doorbell rings, and Aditya leaps off the couch to answer it. He opens the door to reveal Steve. His towering frame fills the doorway, his calm expression breaking into a warm smile.
Steve:
Happy birthday, boss.
Aditya (grinning):
Thanks, man! Sorry about the mess inside. Mom and Dad had to leave on some sudden emergency, so it's just us tonight.
Steve steps in, handing Aditya a Jade plant in a small, beautiful pot.
Steve (calmly):
It's simple, but I thought you'd like it.
Aditya (genuinely touched):
I love it. Thanks, Steve.
The doorbell rings again, and this time it's Rashi and Ajay, carrying food containers. Rashi's confident stride contrasts with Ajay, who looks more annoyed than festive as he balances the boxes in one hand,
Rashi (cheerfully):
Alright, boys, let's get this party started!
Ajay (grumbling):
I could be asleep right now. This better be worth it.
The group cheers as Rashi sets the cake down on the table, lighting the candles. Everyone gathers around as Harshit places '20' numbered candles on cake and Aditya blows them out, the room erupting in applause.
As the group starts to eat, Aditya pauses, his gaze drifting to a photo on the wall, a portrait of a dignified man in military attire. The man's piercing eyes exude wisdom and strength, and beneath the frame is a small plaque that reads:
Dharma Pratap 1945-2000 – A Man Who Stood For Truth.
Aditya walks over to the photo, placing his hands together in a brief prayer.
Aditya (quietly):
Bless me, Dadaji. I'll make you proud one day.
The group watches silently for a moment before resuming their chatter. Ashvin walks over, patting Aditya on the shoulder before returning to the couch, where he promptly takes back the controller.
As the party continues, Rashi politely declines a plate of food.
Rashi:
Not yet. I'll eat later.
Aditya (teasing):
Suit yourself. But if you're looking for a drink, Dad's stash is under the stairs.
Rashi (smirking):
Uncle always did have the best stash.
She goes for a search and finds the stash, her happiness rarely contained as she grabs a glass and pours herself a drink, holding it up with a grin.
Rashi (to Ajay):
Want one?
The camera pans to Ajay, who is now fully passed out on the couch, snoring softly. Rashi rolls her eyes and takes a sip, laughing softly to herself.
The camera pans over the lively room as the group enjoys itself. Aditya and Ashvin are locked in another intense gaming match, Shivam and Harshit argue over the chessboard, and Steve watches it all with a quiet smile, occasionally stepping in to offer advice.
Steve (chuckling):
Aditya, you'll never beat Ashvin if you keep spamming that same move.
Aditya (mocking):
Hey, whose side are you on?
The room is filled with laughter and warmth, the sound of true friendship. The camera lingers on the group before slowly panning back to the photo of Dharma Pratap.
Hours later.....
The camera transitions to the balcony, bathed in soft moonlight. The vibrant energy of the birthday celebration has faded into a quiet, peaceful stillness. Inside, the group is sprawled across couches and bean bags, sound asleep. The faint hum of city noise drifts through the night as the camera focuses on the balcony table where Rashi rests her head, cheeks flushed from intoxication.
The sliding door opens slowly, and Ajay steps out, rubbing his eyes and stretching. He notices Rashi slumped over the chair, an empty beer bottle beside her. He walks over, picks up the bottle, and takes a swig, sighing softly.
Ajay (dryly):
You alive or what? Don't tell me I'll have to carry you down. My back's already sore from dragging brats around all day.
Rashi stirs at the sound of his voice, groaning softly as she lifts her head. Her eyes are half-closed, and her cheeks are still red from the alcohol. She glances at him with mock annoyance as he leans casually against the table.
Rashi (muttering):
Who asked you to come out here, anyway? Let a girl sleep in peace.
Ajay pulls the swing chair closer and sinks into it, letting out a content sigh as he swings gently. He sets the beer bottle on the floor, giving her a sideways glance.
Ajay:
Another night, huh? When did we turn into boring adults?
Rashi straightens slightly, rubbing her temples and managing a sarcastic smile.
Rashi:
Speak for yourself. You're the boring adult. I'm still sweet sixteen.
Ajay (snorting):
Sweet sixteen, huh? Should I arrest you, then? False claims and underage drinking are punishable offenses.
Rashi pouts at his remark, glaring at him through half-lidded eyes.
Rashi (mock indignation):
Ugh, you're such a killjoy, Ajay. Sweet sixteen is a state of mind, not an age.
Ajay chuckles softly, leaning back in the swing and staring up at the night sky. The camera lingers on his relaxed expression, his voice growing softer.
Ajay:
May this night stay young forever.
He grabs a blanket from the side table and gently drapes it over Rashi's shoulders. She watches him, her pout giving way to a small, grateful smile as she leans back into the chair, letting the blanket settle around her.
Rashi (softly): You're not as boring as you think, you know.
Ajay says nothing, closing his eyes as he lies down on the couch.
The sun rises over Mumbai, casting a golden glow over Aditya's house. The remnants of last night's celebration are scattered across the living room.
The camera pans to the balcony, where Rashi is still asleep at the table. Across from her, Ajay snores loudly on the couch. On the rooftop, Steve waters potted plants. Inside, Ashvin sits cross-legged, engrossed in a book about mythology.
Ashvin (muttering to himself): Interesting... Another reference to the wielder of divine weapons.
In his room, Aditya is sprawled across his bed when his phone buzzes.
The text reads: Mom: We'll be home early today! See you before lunch.
Aditya bolts upright in shock.
Aditya (shouting): Mom and Dad are coming home early?!
He rushes into the living room, waking everyone with urgent shouts.
Aditya: Emergency! Wake up! Mom and Dad are coming back early!
Harshit jolts awake, glasses askew. Ashvin reluctantly puts down his books. Aditya shakes the swing where Ajay is sleeping.
Ajay (grumbling): What now, you little gremlin?
Aditya: Mom and Dad are on their way! We've got a house to fix!
Aditya nudges Rashi, who groans.
Rashi (groaning): Leave me alone... Sweet sixteen doesn't do chores...
The group moves hurriedly through the house: Steve wipes down counters with calm precision. Ashvin stacks books in neat piles. Harshit cleans the table and hides away controllers. Ajay sips coffee, occasionally pointing out missed spots.
Rashi (sarcastic): I should've slept at home. You're lucky I like your mom and dad.
Rashi, still slightly hungover, hurriedly tucks the hidden booze back into its spot under the stairs. As she straightens, Steve quietly slips her a glass with a hangover remedy, winking as he moves past her.
Steve (whispering):
Here. You'll need it.
Rashi takes a sip, giving him a grateful nod. Meanwhile, Ajay, now wide awake, strolls over to the door and opens it, greeting Aditya's parents with a big smile.
Ajay:
Good morning, uncle! auntie! Welcome back!
Aditya's mom, a warm and sharp-eyed woman, beams as she steps inside.
Mom:
Good morning, Ajay. How are the kids doing in school?
Ajay hesitates for a moment, remembering the chaos of the previous day. His smile stiffens slightly, but he maintains his composure.
Ajay:
They're doing... great! Really great. Aditya and Harshit are excelling, as always.
Rashi (cheerfully):
Yes, absolutely. They're model students. No trouble at all!
She glances at Ajay, the two sharing a subtle moment of panic as they recall the fight in the school hallway. Meanwhile, Aditya, Harshit, Ashvin, and Shivam casually stroll into the room, looking far too innocent.
Aditya (grinning):
Hi, Mom! Hi, Dad! Welcome home!
Dad (raising an eyebrow):
Why do you all look so suspicious?
The scene transitions to the kitchen, where Rashi helps Mom unpack groceries and prepare tea. In the living room, Dad, still wearing his Sunday polo and khakis, claps his hands and gathers the group.
Dad:
Alright, kids. Let's make this Sunday productive. Aditya, Ashvin, and Harshit, head to the attic and clean it out. Steve, Shivam, Ajay—you're with me in the garage. Time to clean up years' worth of junk!
Groans ripple through the group.
Aditya (grumbling):
Come on, Dad, it's Sunday...
Harshit:
Can't we do this next year? Or never?
Dad (commanding):
Garage. Attic. Now.
The camera shifts to the attic, a dusty and cluttered space filled with old boxes, furniture, and cobwebs. Aditya, Harshit ,and Ashvin rummage through the mess, sneezing and complaining.As they dig through a pile of boxes, Harshit suddenly pauses, pulling out a strange, metallic box. It looks sleek and cybernetic, with glowing symbols etched across its surface. The letters ISS are engraved prominently on its side.
Harshit: What's this? I've never seen this thing before.
After attempts by Ashvin (rejected) and Harshit (70% match), Aditya places his hand on the pad. The box shows "100% match" and unlocks, revealing maps and a diary.
Aditya (wide eyed): What's all this?
Mom (calling from downstairs): Breakfast is ready! Everyone, come down before it gets cold!
Aditya tucks the diary under some books.
Aditya: Let's keep this between us for now. We'll talk about it later.