They say life is a maze; it always comes up with bizarre challenges. Some are good, while others have the audacity to change your life. However, some challenges come with different perks, which can partially distract you from the challenges that pull you off track. Ruhana Saxena is going through the same feeling. She had to relocate to Mumbai, leaving a bunch of her friends in the calm city of Jaipur.

She's busy arranging her room, but she's visibly upset. Her mother enters the room with a mug of steaming coffee and notices the frown on her daughter's face. The lady sighs deeply, knowing her daughter is upset with the change. Of course, getting admission to a prestigious college is hard, but due to her good grades, Ruhana got into Tranquil Hills College.

"Ruhana, beta, kab tak aise udaas rahegi?" her mum, Radhika, questions, her eyes filled with concern.

"Mumma, it's hard. Vahan Jaipur mein mere bahut se friends they, aur phir mid-session mein naya college!! It's hard to settle, Mumma," Ruhana reasons, her tone irked.

"Beta, main jaanti hoon, lekin tere dad ka transfer tha, hum ruk bhi nahi sakte they," Radhika reasons.

"Yeah, hamesha aisa hi hota hai. Par iss baar, I won't relocate. Main yahin reh lungi, in case Papa gets another transfer, aap Papa se keh dena," the girl says, seriously annoyed.

Her father, Neil Saxena, is a renowned scientist and often has to relocate due to his work. This time, he has been asked to relocate to Mumbai for a new project. It's the second time they have shifted to this metropolis, and he might get another new project, which means a new place. But Ruhana is not ready to relocate anymore.

Ruhana is still annoyed when a cheerful voice breaks her trance. As she and her mother turn around, they find Nitya, Ruhana's best friend from her school years. Radhika's face lights up as she sees Nitya, who's Ruhana's childhood friend. During the initial years they lived in Mumbai, Ruhana befriended Nitya in school. For the past ten years, they've been connected, and the distance didn't scrap their relationship.

"Nitya beta, thank god tum aa gai. Ab tum hi samjhao isey, jabse hum yahan aaye hain, tab se muh fula ke baithi hai. Meri toh ek baat nahi sunti hai," Radhika expresses her displeasure, requesting Nitya to cheer up her friend.

"Aunty! Aap bilkul fikar mat kijiye, main aa gayi hoon na, main Ruu ka mood ek dum thik kar dungi," Nitya chuckles, her smile never fading.

"Ab toh mujhe bilkul tension nahi hai, beta, ab mujhe pata hai, meri beti ka mood thik ho hi jayega. Tum dono baatein karo, main tum dono ke liye cheese toast bana ke bhijvaati hoon," Radhika taps Nitya's cheek and walks out of the room.

Nitya averts her gaze to Ruhana, who has a small smile on her lips. As she steps toward her, Ruhana stares at her for a few seconds, and then the two friends hug each other tightly. They're meeting after a very long time, and both long to be in the other's warm embrace. A little while later, they part the hug and settle on the bed, Nitya facing Ruhana.

"Kya hua? Kyun udaas hai? Tu mujhse milne ke liye excited nahi thi?" Nitya asks, her tone concerned for her friend.

"Aisa nahi hai, Niti, lekin vahan mere dost they, aur phir yahan mid-session mein admission, it's going to be difficult to cope," Ruhana makes a face.

"Main jaanti hoon, thoda mushkil hoga, par you can do it, Ruu," Nitya tries to boost her morale.

"Vaise tune kaunse college mein admission liya hai?" Nitya asks, rolling her eyes at her friend.

"Tranquil Hills College. Suna hai wo yahan ka reputed college hai, par maine ye bhi suna hai ki wahan jaldi hi exams hone wale hain," Ruhana says, trying to confirm her doubts.

"Hey, yes! Main bhi toh wahin hoon, I'm into Arts, Ruu, and yes, we do have exams in fifteen days. But why fear when I'm there? I'll help you out," Nitya says, encouraging her friend for the transition.

As Nitya looks at her friend, she feels her relaxing. The tension lines on Ruhana's face transit into a small smile. Maybe, she's relieved to know that she will have Nitya by her side in the new college. Nitya fills her in about the college, speaking of all the good things. As they discuss further, they find that they will be in the same batch and class, which will make life easier for Ruhana. At least, she feels so. Ruhana hugs Nitya again, and the latter is clueless about her act.

"Thanks, Nitya, you've eased me a lot. Achcha hua, tum yahan aa gai, varna pata nahi main kya kya sochti rehti," Ruhana says, knowing that she'd have thought about her old friends and college.

"Ruu, I am always there. Tujhe pata hai na hamari dosti aaj bhi waisi hi kyun hai jaisi pehle thi? Kyunki hum ek dusre pe bharosa karte hain. Aur ye toh coincidence ho gaya ki uncle ne same college mein tera admission karva diya. Ab tujhe decade old dost mil gaye hai toh tujhe purane friends yaad nahi aayenge," Nitya says, her tone soft and cheerful.

"Hmm, ye baat toh sahi hai. Aur vaise bhi, sabki apni place hai. Filhal toh main khush hoon ki at least main akeli toh nahi rahungi. Tujhe pata hai na, pehla din aur akele rehna is so awkward. Mujhe toh aaj bhi kisi se baat karne mein darr lagta hai," Ruhana expresses her concern, causing Nitya to giggle.

Meanwhile, Radhika brings snacks and coffee for the two of them. Nitya and Ruhana chat while eating their scrumptious meal. While they've been busy talking, someone barges into the conversation.

"Tum dono mujhe bhool gaye? Mere bina snack bhi kha liye? Very bad, girls!" Another girl looks at them.

"Preee...!!" A warm smile lights up Ruhana's face as she runs to hug her.

"It's all your fault, Priya, tum late ho," Nitya comments as she joins the group hug.

Pree aka Priyanka is also Ruhana's childhood friend, and these three have been famous during their school days. They have been known as The Fabulous Three since their school time. As they part the hug, Ruhana fills Priyanka in on all the updates of her life. She's glad to learn that they're going to attend the same college now; maybe the old days will be back.

"Dekha Ruu, isliye kehte hai ki jo hota hai, achche ke liye hota hai. I understand, tumhe apne doston ki yaad aayegi, lekin hum bhi toh itne saalon ke baad mile hain," Priyanka exclaims, her tone cheerful.

"Exactly, aur ye pagli muh fula ke baithi thi. Pata hai, Pree, kitni mushkil se madam ka mood thik kiya hai," Nitya makes a face, causing the other two to giggle.

"But girls, it's time to revive The Fabulous Three! Do you remember, humne ye naam socha tha, jab hum fifth class mein they," Priyanka looks at her friends.

"Oh yes, we used to say Fab Three," Nitya chuckles.

"Yeah, those were some good days, lekin mujhe lagta hai, my good days are back, after all you two are here with me," Ruhana says as she tangles her arms with each of Nitya and Priyanka.

The three girls stare at each other and then break into laughter, thinking of the good days that are just nearby. In this moment, they know that they have reconnected, and this journey is a testament to their long-distance bonding, the love they hold for each other, and the support they extend to each other. All they know is that their heartstrings will remain forever connected.

To Be Continued.