Chakudi & Co.

By Grishma Vasani

It was Sunday evening. The sun was setting down through the frame of Aanya's window. Holding cup of steaming coffee in one hand and book in another, she glanced through her now open shutters, admiring the sky that now had purple tints on orange and red canvas. Keeping the book half read on teak wood-round coffee table, she removed her glasses to wipe the fog created by hot vapors coming from her mug. Adjusting back the rim of glasses on her nose again, she stood up to complete her further chorus. To conclude, Aanya is the typical nerd, introvert and someone whose name is a permission card to which your parents immediately agrees to.

Around same time of that Sunday was Kiaan. Completely detached from all regulations the world had set for him. On the rough ground with couple of scratches and bruises on arms and a scrapped knee, he again stopped the soccer ball of other team making a goal. Smirking in victory, nodding his head side wise to drain the sweat from his hair, he raised is middle finger to the captain of other team letting them know who's the boss again. Running to his team mates and following the usual procession of awkward bro hugs to celebrate their victory finally called the day off.

Hold on!

There's still another side to the same scenario.

Loud music bursting through her speakers, Maira was busy scrolling lazily through social media sites. Don't ask if she was an introvert or extrovert because she was none of it. Maira is a pure definition of lazy bum. Looking at the clock, she got up to her closet picked a sweatshirt and yoga pants, topping it up with white vans and a black shimmery sling, she walked out of the room. Booking a cab towards famous sizzler restaurant, she stepped in. After taking few instagram worthy pictures of food and boomerangs of her friends, she digged in. After coming home, doing regular chorus which was pretty much only scrolling through her social media again, she called it a day.

It was probably the last Sunday of them before joining the race to prove themselves to the world would start. Everyone hates Monday morning but the following Monday did bring a twist to their ride.

Beautiful day it was. Instead of downpours, the sun was brightly smiling, adding colour to sky. With a new day and new phase, Aanya entered her new classroom with her same old self. Standing on the door frame, an exhausted sigh was let out, glancing the half filled class. Not feeling like being categorised on of the notorious back bencher nor one of those teachers' puppy, she decided to settle onto third bench of row adjacent to the window. The class was yet to start hence she took her Romeo and Juliet out and continued to read their journey. Not long after that she felt someone's presence beside her. From peripheral vision of both the partners sitting side by side they get a glimpse of each other. Aanya tilted her head with a small smile that got reciprocated by Maira. Before jumping to any judgement of how the people in her class were, Maira took her own sweet time to observe her surrounding which was quite so not her. After finding nothing that caught her eye, she looked at her bench mate. A scowl formed on her face, furrowing her brows in process and almost wanting to throw up at the book Aanya was reading. Can't say Maira was a fan of reading. After concluding that junior college was going to be a great boredom for her, she huffed in her seat. The lazy bum that she was, Maira sunk deep in her seat making herself comfortable to whatever the lecturer was going to start with. It was not long before Aanya heard small snoring sound beside her. She crooked her neck to the side and with a bored look, she continued to read. When the professor entered, Maira experienced a small nudge, waking her up. With a yawn, indicating that she was half awake, she murmured a quick thanks to Aanya for saving her from the yelling on her first day. Aanya and Maira shared most of their classes together. The day mostly went on in the same manner with Aanya waking up Maira before the teacher took over the class and exchanging their numbers by end of the day.

Well someone's got a friend for themselves on very first day of this annoying phase that people label as the college life.

It had already been a week and the days had already been full with lectures, projects and other submissions. The schedule was more tiresome but still Aanya still managed to read her book and Maira would make sure to have a nap before the start of lectures.

"Maira you need to stop dozing off before the teacher walks in or else be ready for a handful of bashing from the other side." Aanya lectured rolling her eyes in process. Maira just shrugged the request off, ending the gesture with a long yawn. Well this girl really is sleepy all the time. It was second lecture of the day where teacher entered with a twist in the submission pattern. "Okay students, I expect you all to pay attention to what I'll be addressing next since it's the only assignment you are supposed to do this semester." A comparatively stern voice coming from the man in his mid thirties was heard. From the rim of his glasses which rested on bridge of his nose, he could see the class physically relax, knowing the semester had just an assignment to be done. "Here's what you need to do." The voice continued. "For this semester of philosophy, you all need to submit a hundred page Book by end of semester with you interpretation of quotes and phrases which will be taken up in each lecture. And also this assignment will be done in pairs." He said. Maira who was sleepy before the announcement was wide awake now, grumbling few colourful words in the process. "I want you to be my partner for the assignment!" Maira said, more like ordered Aanya but Alas! Fate wasn't on her side when teacher announced her name with a boy named Kiaan. After craning the neck to notice the reaction on her partner's name, Maira gave up thinking he was just some ghost who probably disappeared before the lecture after she found none. On other hand Aanya had been paired with a girl named Suhani. A very sweet and generous girl, full of life. Well win win situation for Aanya since like her, Suhani too was interested in the subject and was willing to participate equally for the project accomplishment.

Rest of the week passed until the same subject came up next week. Students seated with their project partner to involve in the conversation. This time Maira sat in-front of Aanya and Suhani, still waiting for ghost Kiaan to at-least join today. Half way through the talks and presentation, someone decide to break the pin drop silence, making their presence obvious. "Yes master?" The stern voice boomed again. With a bored look and bag slinging lazily on one shoulder, the boy who decided to break everyone's attention spoke, " May I enter in?"

"Don't you think you are way too early for the next class?" The stern voice interrogated.

"Well sorry to break it to you but I am in this class itself. With your due permission may I enter?" Sarcasm dripping from the newbie's mouth. Not wanting to add similar approach to the conversation, the teacher dropped the topic, nodding at him. The newbie hurried to the back of the class but before he could finally settle his ass there, the stern voice was heard again. "Well young man, can you please do the favour of taking a seat next to the girl on second bench in the last row? Thank you." Finality evident in the statement. With a frustrated sigh, he walked where he supposed to sit. Throwing the bag next to foot-board, he plopped in the seat. Bored out of his mind, he moved his neck to check the surrounding, biting his nails and spitting it out in process. "Stop doing that!" Aanya exclaimed, clearly distracted by the meal he was enjoying at the moment. "Whatever" he grumbled yet stopping what he was doing. It was mere few seconds before he felt a nudge on his side. He turned to see Maira with a questioning look. "What?" He asked. "What's your name?" Maira reciprocated the question as an answer to what he asked. "Kiaan." He answered keeping it short. Maira dawned in the realisation when she heard that name. Making the whole stance over exaggerated, she exclaimed, "Oh! So YOU are Kiaan." Emphasizing on you to add drama to her statement. Kiaan just raised his brow at her act. "You are my partner for this semester's assignment." Maira finally broke the balloon which was probably not expected by Kiaan. "Oh god! Can this day get any worse?" He asked himself throwing his hands in air. "Anyway, when was it given? How come never knew about it?" Kiaan asked in a low voice, as if talking to himself. But since Maira was sitting next to him, took the responsibility to enlighten him. "Well you see, the college already is in its third week and since you choose to be a ghost for these weeks, you missed upon best part of your life." Maira continued with a pinch sarcasm in the end. There was no exchange of words for rest of the lecture. The soothing sound of the bell rang indicating the end of lecture. Almost as a flash of light, the class was emptied. This time Kiaan was the last person to leave since he was yet to grasp the news of having an assignment on the very first day when he decided to attend the class. Moving on slowly, a realisation hit him. He forgot to ask what the assignments was to that girl, who's name was yet unknown to him. Letting out another grunt of frustration, he walked towards the court to kick few butts of the opposite team in cricket match which was supposed to happen that day.

The start of another day was different for these three under the same campus. It was the college cricket team selection which made it obvious where Kiaan would be. Maira was in the cafeteria with her circle of friends that went to different branches of same college and Aanya was in the library, completing her research assignment of sociology. Since they only had philosophy only twice a week, one day was the indoor class where they were supposed to work on the book and another usually had pre-planned visits to art museum and galleries in order to understanding the depth of art as a medium of communication. Other than philosophy, Maira and Aanya shared psychology and literature classes together. And as for Kiaan, he attended just one class which went over his head probably. Kiaan who was on the pitch a few minutes ago, was now standing on edge of stands, hands resting on his waist and determination visible on his face. His eyes went from narrow to wide within seconds when he saw his project partner walking towards the college building. Remembering his unfinished work yesterday, Kiaan sprinted towards her to know her name and details about the assignment. Before he could get a hold of her, she disappeared in the sea of students, clearly frustrating Kiaan more. With disappointment, he headed back to stands. "I wish I had already exchanged the numbers yesterday." He grumbled to himself, now regretting not thinking smart last time. The match trials were dismissed by noon which meant there were three more class to attend. "Yo! Kiaan. Up for movies?" His newly made friend, Dhaval asked. Weighing both the sides, Kiaan stood there giving a long thoughtful expression before he turned towards Dhaval with a small smile and shaking the head in process. "Sorry bud, maybe next time." He confirmed. With a curt nod, Dhaval retreated towards bunch of newly admitted teens under the large tree. Finally giving up on the habit of never attending the class, Kiaan walked towards his first economic development session in past month. Other than sports, Kiaan was way too much involved in politics and world currency aiming to change the perspective and administration system of world one day.

Friday!

Finally relief. The weekend was just round the corner. These two were the days for relaxation before the usual Monday banter would start. Trying to maintain the new good boy image that Kiaan had developed in past few days, he made his way towards his very first class of the day. With usual low attendee graph and teacher being exceptionally bored to continue the discussion further, he decided to give him and the students an early break. The class was dismissed way before the lunch break started. Kiaan walked toward the tree where his friends were waiting for him. He was a few steps away from his destination but a sudden face made him turn his route towards the cafeteria.

"Aye! You." He tried to call the person but that particular one being oblivious to the fact, continued to walk. "Hey nerd! Wait up!" Kiaan tried again, louder this time, almost covering the distance between them only to get ignored again. He walked in the cafeteria and marched towards a particular table. The person whom Kiaan followed was Aanya. The sudden slamming of Kiaan's palm on the table made Aanya flinch. She looked at Kiaan with an are-you-crazy look. Kiaan started to speak gibberish. Aanya raised her hand, indicating Kiaan to stop his ramble. She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear to let the earphone come in view. "No wonder you did not hear my calls." Kiaan muttered. After she was done removing her earphone and settling it properly in the case, Kiaan finally was allowed to put his case forth. Without any notice, Kiaan took a seat in front of her. "What do you need?" Aanya asked annoyed at the invader who totally intruded her personal space right now. "I want that girl's number." Kiaan said straight forward. "Who?" Aanya asked. Kiaan opened his mouth but quickly shut is down as he felt a figure towering behind him. Maira stood there cross armed, eye brow raised and lips turned into a scowl. "What's he doing here?" She directed the question to Aanya. In response, Aanya shrugged and continued, " I don't know. Probably asking for a girl's number. He was saying the name but you showed up."

Kiaan decided to clear his throat. Maira rolled her eyes and pulled a chair from near by table and settled herself, now facing Kiaan fully. "Who's number do you need now?" She asked.

"Yours" Kiaan said.

"Okay. First things first, I don't share my number with random people and second thing" Maira paused rubbing her chin before continuing as if she remembered something, "You are one of them."

"Okay. First thing first for you too, I really have a social life and better things to do than ask for your contact for fun and second thing if you have already forgotten, I am your project partner so please do the honours." Kiaan replied with equal sass and sarcasm.

Maira had absolutely lost the war now, she grunted but still entered the digits in Kiaan's one plus. After the deed being done, he left the place. "That was the ghost Kiaan." Maira explained Aanya. Aanya looked at her, bored, and said, "I don't care." And continued reading her Sapiens.

It had already been a month and last weekend before arrival of next central digit in the date. The outdoor philosophy class was rescheduled on Saturday. The sad notice reached the students during their last class of Friday. Which was after the three left cafeteria. If you are wondering what are the kinds of mood which can be recorded at that time, these were it.

Aanya was neatly dressed up in her casual pants and an over sized tee, reading her unfinished book as she waited for others to join.

Suhani was super excited and literally jumpy as she made her way towards Aanya.

Maira in her bell bottom pants and crop top, lazily strolling around taking her own sweet time to reach the location.

And lastly Kiaan, who was yet no where to be found.

Other students mostly mirrored Suhani's energy or scrolled down the phone, leaning on whatever was available. Along with it, there were a couple of them to company Kiaan in not being there for the session. Soon a cheerful professor took over attention of students. The stern voice in the classroom was comparatively happy and blooming today. Wonder why? Anyways the bubble in the voice was soon replaced with annoyance as Kiaan decided to break the stance, professor was rambling about. Not wanting to drown in the sea of nerds and geeks, Kiaan made his way towards Maira and stood behind her. "Tsk!" Maira looked back to face annoyed Kiaan who was forced to attend a class when on any other Saturday, it would have been a cricket match. "What!" She spat at him, clearly grabbing attention of other fellow mates and teacher. Giving a tight expression and shaking his head, Kiaan indicated a no. Professor went on for more than an hour before they were let free to conduct their observation and not them down. Aanya inspected the artefacts with high concentration, Maira picking up her nails and Kiaan trailing behind them since he knew no one else in the class which seemed to be full of geek and nerds. 'I wish I had opted for another subject.' Kiaan sighed at the thought. Kiaan stood beside Maira who was a couple of feet far from Aanya. "What's her name?" Kiaan asked her, pointing towards the girl reading the plank through her black frame. "She is Aanya who was supposed to be my project mate if you didn't interrupt." Maira answered. Deciding to keep the conversation light, Kiaan shut his mouth for next hour and half before his stomach grumbled. It was almost the time for the museum to shut hence the class was dismissed. Aanya was the first person to walk out but stopped abruptly when Maira called her from the back. Rolling her eyes, she waited impatiently for her friend to come. "Can we go grab something to eat?" Maira looked to see Kiaan's voice coming from her side. "Well...." Maira trailed off looking at Aanya since she had an inpatient expression plastered on her face. "What's wrong?" Kiaan asked. "Ask her" Maira said.

Turning to Aanya, Kiaan felt a need to defend himself. "I mean if you want. It's okay. I guess I'll meet you on Tuesday." He continued, mumbling the last part. "Let's go." Aanya spoke up before Kiaan could walk away. "There's a Burger King round the corner." She continued and started walking, Kiaan and Maira following her after processing her words. "Hey. By the way I am Kiaan." Kiaan stretched his hand forward. "I know. And I am Aanya." She said shaking his hand in process. "I know." Kiaan replied, satisfied. Probably thinking it as a start of new friendships.

It was Tuesday, when Maira and Kiaan sat beside each other waiting for Aanya to come. The two had got pretty close when on another hand, Kiaan still maintained his safe distance with Aanya thinking it was better not to bother her. The class had came to an end but Aanya was no where to be found. The bell rang indicating the class was done. Maira headed out with Kiaan accompanying her. "Where are you headed to?" Kiaan asked, slinging his bag higher on his shoulder. "Erm..cafeteria probably." She shrugged. "Let's go then." Kiaan said walking further. "Don't you have any other classes to attend?" Maira asked him. "Well you see.." Kiaan started, "Economics had assignment to be submitted which I am yet to complete and rest of my friends are out for a camping trip so I pretty much have nothing to do." The walked towards cafeteria, taking usual spot.

They were half way done devouring the meal when Aanya entered in panting. "Hey!" She plopped next to Maira who was currently swallowing her noodle strand. "Where were you?" Kiaan asked munching on his rice with a full mouth. Aanya cringed at the action. "Please gulp in the food first and don't talk with your mouth full." Aanya scolded for his action which lacked manners. Kiaan just rolled his eyes and gestured her asking the same question. "I was with psychology professor clearing doubts regarding the upcoming assessment... Which means we need to either go to my house or yours after college hours to prepare the paper." She explained, pointing out the last part towards Maira. "Let's go to mine." Maira said. Kiaan who was absolutely oblivious to the fact that he had a test coming up soon, stared at the duo with wide eyes. "We have a assessment in psychology?" He asked, horror plastered on his face. The two head turned towards him. "We? Me and Maira." Aanya cleared. "Uh. Even I am in psychology." Kiaan exclaimed. "How come we never saw you?" Maira spoke up. "Well you see I my PE and psychology clashes. And now since you know my priority, tell me what is supposed to be done." Kiaan said, leaning back in his seat. "You need to study human behaviour and changes during the conditions of stress, happiness, anger etc. and various such emotion. For this you need a subject and jot down all the possible behavioral pattern the subject can undergo through." Aanya explained. "Is it a group assignment?" Kiaan shot the question hoping for someone who could do his work. "It's on individual bases." Aanya shot back making Kiaan scowl. "Then why are you both doing it together?" He shot up again. "I need her help to complete the process so." Maira said. "Can I join in please?" Kiaan politely asked. Aanya looked at Maira asking for her permission. "Cool" Maira shrugged not minding about the additional company.

This was the first time the three would actually spend time in more personal space.

It's been three months since the trek. Surely the trio became almost inseparable except for the times Kiaan hung out with his other group of friends. After a hectic past months filled of classes, assessment and busy schedule, it was weekend for relaxation. As usual, Aanya sat at her balcony, sipping on her steaming coffee and reading another book. She was about to complete her final chapter but a loud ring boomed from her phone. Without paying attention to the caller's name, she picked it up.

"Can you please come! Like RIGHT NOW?"

She pulled the phone away from her phone at sudden invasion of yell from other end.

"Calm down women. I am deaf now!" Aanya sassed and continued. "Tell me what happened?"

"Can you come to my place please. It's code Red!" Maira said panicking. It must be something serious.

"Fine but what's code Red? I swear we never discussed about it." Aanya replied, wrapping up her book and gulping her coffee.

They tried to argue a bit but after getting no hopes to get a clear answer, Aanya hung up. She hurried to Maira's house thinking all possible scenarios behind the call. Before she could think of a worse thing, she rang the doorbell waiting for door to open. Seconds later Maira opened the door, a big grin on her face.

Confused, Aanya asked, "What ha..happened?" Panting and trying to catch her breath.

"Uh...I need help?" Maira replied sheepishly as Aanya and herself entered the living room.

"What help?" Aanya shot.

"I have this designing assignment where I need to design a website for a cafe." Maira explained.

"And?" Aanya asked her to continue.

"And I don't know how to do it." Maira huffed.

"Bitch! What's code Red in it you dumb!" Aanya bursted, grabbing a nearest pillow and throwing at Maira.

"Ow. That hurt!" Maira exclaimed as she got a pillow kiss.

"You could have just told it on the call. It would have been done." Aanya explained, still annoyed.

"I know but this was fun!" Maira let out a stomach aching laugh.

"Give your laptop." Aanya stood up grumbling, utterly embarrassed.

"Oh come on! Admit it that was funny." Maira followed her, still laughing.

They both sat and decided for the website and started working. This was just an assignment but the process gave birth to a dream which tied these two crackheads together. Their own, small Cafe!

Vacation!

Aanya was just a step away from breathing the air of freedom. Final exams and phew it was last. After completing last bit of her fifth supplement, she handed it to the supervisor and left the classroom. She reached downstairs to see one of her friend busy with scrolling through her phone and another tapping the basketball. Back faced each other. Aanya let out an irritated huff and walked towards them.

"What's this?" She asked but only got a shrug and glare. "It's been a week guys! Sort it out like adults. Or at-least care to tell me what the heck happened?" She continued when she did not receive answer to her first question.

It's been a week since Maira and Kiaan weren't talking to each other. They glued together but never exchanged a dialogue within them. Either Aanya conveyed it personally or the conversation never happened. The two got into a quarrel whose reason wasn't yet disclosed to Aanya. She never gave any flying crap to it for starting couple of days but as mid week arrived, it started bothering her too. She tried her best to get them talk to her or at-least each other but it was of no use. She plopped between them frustrated and slammed her bag hard to grab their attention.

"You both are making me crazy! We had plans for vacation and now you both are acting like married couple wanting a divorce for practically no reason!" She burst out making Maira jump a little. Kiaan was looking at her shocked and a bit horrified. It was rare Aanya got this angry. She left for home after her patience limit had already passed.

'I need to think of something.' She thought on her way home.

Next day evening, Kiaan and Maira received a call. It was a group call from Aanya. As soon as both of them picked up, an echoing scream was heard and the call ended. A cold sweat ran through Maira's forehead as she processed what happened. On other hand Kiaan already took off to reach at Aanya's. After a good twenty minutes, Kiaan and Maira found themselves banging the door of Aanya's house. With a calm exposure Aanya opened the door and led them towards her room. She pushed them in and locked the door from outside.

"Aanya, what's wrong with you!"

"Open the damn DOOR!" Kiaan and Maira yelled simultaneously.

"I have kept mac n cheese in the microwave. I give you both that much time to freaking talk and sort whatever is going on between you to." Aanya replied and walked in the kitchen.

With no option left, Maira decided to speak first.

"Isn't it the time for you to apologise?" She shot at Kiaan.

Turning to her in frustration, he asked, "For what should I apologise? You were the one who blocked me on social media! If someone should be sorry, it's YOU!"

"ME?" Maira asked and smacked him. In reply Kiaan pushed her a little. In a span of seconds, they started smacking and pushing each other until the stumbled on each other and fell on the floor. Moments of silence passed as they stared in each other's eyes. Their face inched closer until,

"Yoo gu.." Aanya stopped mid sentence, holding mac n cheese in one hand, door knob in other, eyes widened as a thought popped in her head.

'Was something about to happen...?'

A Few Years Later…

Chakudi and co.

"And the company of the year goes to 'Chakudi and co.' " Loud claps, hoots and few hysterical giggles left from the side of audience when the name was announced by the host. The event for which the audience had gathered was giving a memento for all the young entrepreneurs whose name was echoed in almost every street these days. Many such fresh minds had build a place for themselves and this event saluted their effort and as a prize of motivation, they awarded them with different labels. Still the best always remained the best like the host already announced.

Directing their gazes to a a particular table where three faces in complete disgrace were seated. In spite of all the appreciation thrown from the other apprentice present, there were questions that arose by the way the three presented themselves at the event. Pink, black and purple sweatshirt paired up with light washed blue bottoms. Their feet covered with slippers, vans and blue, red strapped Adidas. Irrespective of where they stood, all three of them rose from their seats with goofy smile and made their way towards the stage. The claps slowly died and taking it as the opportunity, Kiaan, Maira and Aanya did their weird victory dance. This erupted a few laughter again from the crowd. On the stage, along with the host stood Mr. Jain. The trio strode towards him and shook their hands as a polite gesture. A mic was offered to them after they received their trophy and a photograph to capture the victory.

" Aanya no!" Kiaan said as she took forward her hand to hold the mic. Snatching away the mic swiftly, Kiaan started. "If she starts, we sure ain't going home tonight." He earned a bunch of giggles and a glare from Aanya after this little joke. "Anyways anyways.." He continued again. "I would firstly appreciate the two ladies standing right beside me for their effort and patience. And also the audience we are catering to, without them our startup wouldn't be to a mark where it is. It's you who have always been with us from the start until today, where we stand over here, represent you and your contribution to the success of this company. Cheers! And let's add more members to the Chakudi and Co. family. Adios and thank you for having us." Concluding the speech in a very informal way, they stepped down with goofy smiles plastered on their faces. The after dinner pretty much wasn't much exciting. After a long session of socializing and being a part of other narratives, the trio returned to pavilion. The Chakudi and Co. office. Plopping on the L shaped sofa, they started laughing loudly merely glancing at each other's face.

"Finally. The company of the year." Aanya started, grinning widely, pride evident in her tone.

"Definitely we did it partner!" Maira screamed out of happiness, giving high five to Aanya in process. Looking at the sweet little moment in which Kiaan clearly wasn't invited, he cleared his throat loud enough to notify his presence in the room. The other two heads snapped quickly at him. Looking at the lost and unappreciated expression on Kiaan's face, Aanya and Maira burst into fits of laughter again. After a whole two rounds of playing and messing with each other, Kiaan's mind turned towards the memory lane, remembering all the struggles from where the foundation of the company was laid a little by little.

FLASHBACK

'Was something about to happen?' The question lingered on Aanya's mind. Before anyone could ask or explain anything, they were snapped out of the chain of thoughts when a booming noise echoed the room. It was none other Maira's scream when Kiaan pinched her hard. A confused scowl plastered on Maria's face and as a reflex, she smacked her hand on Kiaan's left cheek. Soon the banter started again wiping Aanya's doubt about something happening between the two.

"Can you both cut it and tell me exactly what are we doing for vacation?" Aanya asked succeeding in stopping the two in process.

"I don't know." Maira shrugged, contributing the most she could to the conversation. On the other hand Kiaan reached for his bag to fetch few loosely stapled papers.

"Look what I got!" He exclaimed excitedly as he kept the bunch on the floor between them. Sitting cross legged Aanya looked at it carefully. It was a three night stay at a flea market near Mumbai. The contents seem to interest Maira since she too imitated Aanya's sitting position. After a whole detailed go-through of the pamphlet, a satisfied grin settled on Aanya and Maira's face. Kiaan who had never removed the goofy expression seemed impressed by his work. "So? " Kiaan asked impatiently as Aanya finished going through the bunch.

"Not bad bud! I am so in for this." Aanya tried her poor attempt to sound excited but failed miserably when Kiaan's goofy face was replaced by disappointment, thinking that Aanya just passed a sarcastic humour. Silently he started collecting the loose sheets. Confused, Aanya asked him, "Aye! Why are you collecting back? I am yet to read the details and last date for registration. I mean we are going right?" She looked at Maira for confirmation. Maira nodded in approval which brought Kiaan's goofy grin back to his face. After three long hours of discussion, argument, debates and agreement, they wrapped up the committee, all set for the summers.

The registered members for the flea market were expected the previous night of the two day event. Since none of the three were legally permitted to drive, Kiaan asked his elder cousin Nishant to join them. The two reached Maira's society compound where Aanya had occupied a swing and Maira was busy scrolling through her Instagram. The loud honk from greenish gray Honda City made the two girls jump on their feet and head towards the car. Aanya skipped her way while Maira was dragging her American tourister behind her. Nishant walked forward to take the luggage from Maira while Kiaan was stood by the trunk, leaning on it. After scanning Aanya's surrounding he asked, "Where's you luggage?". Aanya gave him a flat look while pointing at the backpack hanging over her shoulder. "That's it? You know we are going to STAY there." Kiaan retorted back emphasizing on Stay. "I know it very well. I have it all covered under this." Aanya replied bringing her backpack in front. "Now if you can help me open this." She continued glancing at the trunk of the car. Kiaan simple shrugged and opened the trunk. To much of surprise Aanya's eyes widened for few seconds. "What is this?" She questioned a bit too loud on registering the amount of bags that were resting inside already. "Me and Nishant are joining too Aanya. If you forgot then let me remind you." Kiaan answered sincerely, missing the sarcasm in Aanya's question. "I am talking about the bags bud." She said patting his shoulder. "We won't be gone for months. Plus not being sexist but why do you even need 3 bags? I mean a pair or two of bottoms and another pair of tees would have sufficed your purpose." She ended shrugging. Absolutely not "being sexist". "Our miss spitfire." Kiaan started giving a Cheshire cat smile. "We have a lot of events to attend plus an extra effort to beautify this" he paused pointing his face and body, "won't hurt right. Who knows I get better company than yours." he continued receiving a hard smack on head and glare. If looks could kill, Kiaan would have surely tasted a piece of death. "Don't. Even. Dare. You brat!" Aanya replied emphasizing each word as if giving a warning. A bit later a lit bulb lit on her head as she directed her attention towards Kiaan again. "And what do you mean by my company. We are a quadrilateral of people going there right?" She voiced out her thoughts. Kiaan laughed for a couple of second on hearing 'quadrilateral of people'. This justification of Aanya never got old for him. He had once asked the reason for it to which Aanya replied, 'We are four going to the event. Since we are not that close friends, we cannot label it as a group and no four dots forms a circle. So we are quadrilateral of people going to the event.' Confused, still Kiaan managed to grab a few pieces here and there whereas Maira wasn't even interested in what Aanya said. For Maira, Aanya was just 'she and her thoughts. Uff!' kind of a person.

Coming back to present. Kiaan replied, "If you weren't too busy nagging about the fact that I have more luggage than you, you would have noticed your surrounding." He said nodding towards Maira's direction. Maira and Nishant were busy talking and giggling in middle of drive way with Nishant holding Maira's luggage in one hand while other making gestures to add drama in the conversation. Aanya crooked her neck to see Nishant trying to catch Maira's attention through his talks. Maira being Maira, had a fake smile plastered on her face, trying not roll her eyes at Nishant's poor attempts to impress her. Aanya let out a laugh at the scenario, making Kiaan clear his throat. "Excuse me?" He asked. "There's no scope." She said and continued to laugh. "Well there might be." Kiaan opposed, crossing his arms across his chest. "No chance. But hey! Why are you getting so defensive?" Aanya said turning towards him. Kiaan wasn't that tall from her which meant they were having a serious eye contact. "He is my cousin. I would be happy if he finds someone." Kiaan reasoned out. "Fair enough. But She is my friend. And there's literally NO scope between them." Aanya retorted back. Within a snap, they started bantering about how each one of had a strong gut feeling about their point of view. Not so inaudible hush of Kiaan and Aanya broke the bubble in which Maira and Nishant were floating, one with all will and soul and other as a gesture of politeness. Hasting towards the arguing duo, Nishant was the first one to speak, "Anything wrong guys?" The sudden source of voice made Aanya jump a little. "Nothing is wrong other than this stupid head." Kiaan said smacking Aanya's head a little. If looks could kill Kiaan would have been dead. Again. Grumbling a few words here and there, they settled themselves in the car. Nishant was on driving seat, Kiaan was on the passenger seat and the girls sat at the back. Taking in consideration of the episode that took place a few minutes back, it was safe to keep Kiaan and Aanya away from each other.

Reaching at the venue, they got themselves designated tents to stay in. Since they came together as a "squad", Nishant insisted on getting tents next to each other. By the time dinner was served, Kiaan and Aanya were pretty much in a good mood. They joined the others in the buffet line waiting for their turn to fill up the plates to recharge their bodies from the ride they had taken. Jumping directly to the main course option, a synchronised glee was let out. "Paneeeerr!" It was a loud and slow pitch echoing in a good radius. People turned their neck to see Aanya and Kiaan looking at the paneer curry out of love and admiration. The voice boomed around seconds ago was them resonating their love for this cottage cheese curry. That too in chorus. At last they discovered one thing both of them could mutually settle on.

The night ended with Aanya and Kiaan enjoying and dancing to the guitar tunes played by Nishant clearly trying to impress Maira.

“Wakey Wakey! Cakes and Bakey!” Aanya yelled on top of her lungs with banging the spoon against the dish. Old style of wake someone up from their slumber sleep.

“Shut up grandma! Get lost!” Kiaan retorted back obviously not liking the sound disrupting his sleep. Nishant on other hand sat uptight still trying to process what happened in past few minutes. A hungover looking Maira emerged from back of only enthusiastic Aanya. “Good morning?” Maira said, more liked asked yawning.

“Come on! Get up and get ready. They are leaving for an early morning trek in like twenty minutes.” Aanya chirped leaving the tent with bouncy steps.

A totally confused Kiaan looked at Maira and asked, “Is she high on something? Where is the grumpy Aanya we brought with us?” Maira shrugged and followed Aanya’s path she made a couple of minutes ago. The “SQUAD” was all set to join for the trek five minutes before the time. The climb was difficult with Maira complaining every five minutes, Kiaan being the jumpy, giddy kid skipping his way to the top. For a change Nishant and Aanya having their first conversation on their way but the group selfie at the end was enough to tell others, how fun their small get away was. The night was a rerun of all possible movies suggested by the participants and camping all night.

“The getaway was so lit!” Aanya started as they settled in the car to resume their routine. “Totally agreed.” Maira joined in, with Kiaan giving a cheshire cat smile in the passenger seat. “Good job Kiaan! Its hard to believe but I need to give it to you for this one.” Aanya continued before getting lost in the songs and the journey back home.

That was the last time they saw each other for years until…

“I need your help” Kiaan stated on their conference call, not wasting a single second in greetings. “Hello to you too. I am doing great! Thank you.” Aanya replied sarcasm dripping in her voice. A snorted laugh was heard from Maira before Kiaan grunted. “I cannot do this nine to five job anymore. I have a start up plan but I need a backup force which means you both.”

Kiaan was an engineer in an IT company, Maira had excelled as a recruiting director for bigger firms and Aanya had already established her career as a literature professor in the state university.

“I had recently designed a cocktail outfit for a friend. And I figured that I can do much better in being the Fashion guru of people.” Kiaan explained. A few seconds later burst of laughter was heard on other side making Kiaan frown hard.

“Nice one Kiaan but one in the night is not the time to joke buddy!” Maira said. “I am not joking” Kiaan tried to put his point.

After a heated argument of whole twenty seven minutes, Kiaan finally managed to get their attention.

“So what do you want us to do?” Aanya asked. “Aanya I want you to create a social media account and frame a good content that can attract our audience. In all I want you to be my content creator social media handler.” Kiaan started. “Maira you are supposed to create a strategy to set a target audience and increase their number.” He continued.

“Kiaan are you serious? You know what you are doing right?” Aanya asked turning serious. “I want to give this a shot. Okay let’s do a deal. We give this idea a time of six months if it doesn’t work we drop it down.” Kiaan made a reasonable deal to get both of them on his side.

And that’s how a dream took off.

Ring! Ring!

The doorbell of Maira’s teak door buzzed making her flinch. It wasn’t usual for her to expect someone at one in the night and interrupt her dating show repeat episode after having a tiring day.

Lazily dragging herself off the couch, she grabbed butter knife from her dining table as a medium of self defence.

“BOO!” Aanya and Kiaan jumped on Maira as she opened her door. “Geez! I almost had a heart attack.” Maira exclaimed keeping one hand on her heart and held the door with other. “Move aside.” Kiaan entered pushing the girls on the side. Aanya and Maira followed Kiaan till the couch after shutting the door.

“What brings you here at this hour?” Maira asked.

“Today is our two month anniversary of CHAKUDI & Co.” Aanya started. “And” Kiaan gave a dramatic pause before continuing. “We have successfully completed making a fifty five number of people look great either for their dates, events or weddings.” “We have successfully made ourselves the Charismatic Kulture Director who make people look great and our company, CHAKUDI & Co. has been nominated for young entrepreneur award for this year.” Aanya broke the news and simultaneously Kiaan opened the box of chocolate truffle cake which was specifically customized for this occasion.

And that’s how a small dream was built little by little to become the reason of today's smile and laughter.

CURRENT DAY

“And that’s my friend how a little push and contribution of that stranger of your life can help you fly high.” Kiaan said on his live. “And to all the one’s who think that friendship only is limited till your school or college phase, its wrong.” Aanya pitched in. “If you wish to be partners for life, no one can stop it because friendships are meant to sail, not sink.” And that’s how they ended the live.

By Grishma Vasani