ARJUN vs ZAHEER

[Greenwood]

Update 8



Hillside Camp Base  Late Morning
Bus ek winding hilly road se guzarti hui ek open grassy base camp ke saamne rukti hai. Door tak green valley, tent poles already lag chuke hain, andekha adventure hawa mein ghoom raha hota hai.Sab students thak ke bhi excited. Thoda fresh hone ka, thoda photo lene ka, aur zyada tent-sharing ka mood.
Anwar Madam clipboard leke sabko utarne ke liye keh rahi hoti hain.

Arjun
(cheerfully shouting from inside)
“Bas aa gaya bhai! Zameen pe pair rakho, swarg se kam nahi lagega!”

Zaheer
(thoda sarcasm)
“Tu toh pahadon ke liye bana hi nahi...
tu tent ke liye bhi booking.com dhoondh raha hoga.”

Arjun
“Main tent mein nahi sota... main tent ko entertain karta hoon!”

Sab students hasne lagte hain.
Ammu quietly bus se utarti hai, ek small backpack leke. Aankhon mein thoda confusion, lekin chehre pe excitement. Uske baalon mein dhool chhupi hai, lekin uska plain look ab fresh lag raha hai. Door ek kone mein Taz utarta hai, aur aankhon se Ammu ko locate karta hai bas aankhon se, bina kuch bole.
Uski nazar Ammu ke back neckline, aur uski walking posture pe tik jati hai.

Taz
(under breath)
“…hmm… plain suits hide less than they reveal.”

Wo fir se ek tent corner pe lean karke pretend karta hai ki kuch kaam mein busy hai — lekin uski aankhen follow kar rahi hoti hain.

Tent Allotment Chaos
Aage ek huge whiteboard pe names likhe hote hain:
Tent 3 – Arjun, Zaheer, Sadiq
Tent 6 – Shanu, Ammu, Kritika

Shanu
(dekhti hai list)
“Ayeee! Main aur tu same tent mein! Mujhe laga main koi aur ke saath phase jaungi!”

Ammu
(smiling)
“Kritika bhi chill hai… bas raat ko loud music mat lagaye.”

Arjun
(board dekh ke)
“Zaheer… tu aur main… firse roommates.Jitna tujhe main jaanta hoon, meri shaadi bhi tujhe call kar ke plan karani padegi.”

Zaheer
“Main baraat mein DJ bhi hoon aur bouncer bhi.”

Sadiq
(beech se)
“Main light band karunga toh tu dono chup rehna!”
Dono hasne lagte hain.

Sab log apna-apna tent choose kar rahe hote hain.Shanu aur Ammu ek side corner tent le leti hain zyada private, thoda shadow mein.
Inside, Shanu zip open karke enter karti hai.

Shanu
“Oh God, yeh tent toh make-up room jitna bhi nahi hai!”

Tabhi tent ka zip thoda hilta hai dono thoda alert hoti hain.
Bahaar se Taz ka voice aata hai:

Taz
“Main extra mat le raha hoon, kisi ko chahiye toh bol dena…”

Uski voice slow, passive hai — lekin dono ladkiyon ka mood awkward ho jaata hai.

Ammu
(softly)“Yeh banda... strange
hai.”

Shanu
(looking out cautiously)
“Kya tumhe bhi feel hota hai ki wo bas dekh raha hota hai?”
Ammu bas sir hilaati hai.

Everyone Relaxed
Sab camp chairs pe baith kar biscuits aur tea le rahe hain.
Mountains ki thandi hawa, aur log apne blankets pehn ke, full cozy zone mein hain.

Arjun
(looking around)
“Pahaad mein chai… aur doston ka drama. Mujhe zindagi se aur kuch nahi chahiye.”

Zaheer
“Tu chai ko bhi romantic bana dega. Bas cup se nikle aur shaayari shuru.”
Arjun
(raising cup dramatically)
“Yeh chai nahi, tere naam ki tapakti yaadon ka rishta hai…”
Sab hasne lagte hain.

Taz, thoda door baithe hue bhi, Ammu ko glance karta hai but Anwar Madam uske peeche se cross karti hai, toh wo aankh chura leta hai.

Late Night | Light Drizzle
Hawa thodi thandi ho gayi hai, bonfire ka aakhri glow bhi bujh raha hai.
Zyada students apne tents mein chale gaye hain.
Sky pe clouds gheraav banaye hue hain, aur halki boonden padna shuru ho jaati hain.
Ammu, washroom ke direction se quietly wapas aa rahi hoti hai. Uska dupatta thoda wet ho chuka hai, baal halka frizzy.
Raaste mein tez baarish start ho jaati hai. Wo running nahi, bas thoda fast steps mein shelter dhoondhne lagti hai.
Tabhi ek corner tent ke side tarp ke neeche ek figure baitha dikhta hai — Arjun.
Earphones ka ek plug uske kaan mein hai, dusra free.
Ek hand se usne jacket ke collar ko tight kiya hua hai.

Ammu rukti hai. Baarish zyada badh gayi hai. Arjun ki taraf dekhti hai hesitation nahi, sirf ek pause.


Ammu
(softly)
“Yahan share kar sakti hoon?”

Arjun
(earphones nikalta hai, thoda smile karta hai)

“Tarp ka tension mat lo. Emotions ke liye zyada jagah chhodi hai.”
Ammu thoda hansi rok ke uske paas baith jaati hai, lekin dono ke beech ek hand’s distance hai.
Unke upar sirf ek plastic tarp loosely tied hai jo baarish se bachaa raha hai.

Ek long silence.
Sirf baarish ki tapping sound. Background mein door se kisi ka halki awaz mein laugh sunai deta hai.

Ammu dupatta theek karte karte haath thoda Arjun ke haath ke paas le aati hai. Uski fingers halki si Arjun ki fingers ko brush kar jaati hain — totally accidental… ya shayad nahi.
Arjun reacts nahi karta bas ek deep breath leta hai.

Ammu bhi kuch nahi bolti.
Phir... Arjun apna haath halka sa shift karta hai — aur unki pinky fingers touch mein aa jaati hain. Not full hold. Bas ek soft, warm touch  jo dono ko feel hota hai.

Arjun
(very softly, thoda teasing)
“Baarish ki thandak sirf baarish ki nahi hoti… kabhi kabhi... kuch aur bhi…”

Ammu
(looking away, half smile)
“Tumhara problem yeh hai Arjun… tum feel zyada karte ho, bol kam.”

Arjun
(looking at her, serious tone mein)
“Aur tum bolti nahi ho… bas aankhon se sab bata deti ho.”

Ammu ka face thoda side hota hai, lekin smile chhupi nahi hoti.Uska dupatta ek boond se bhig jaata hai… Arjun automatically dupatta sambhaal deta hai ek hand se uska corner kheech ke uski lap mein rakh deta hai. Phir dono ek dusre ki taraf nahi dekhte — baarish dekhte hain, lekin soch ek dusre ke baare mein.

Arjun
(softly)
“Is trip ke baad main sirf memory nahi le jaa raha…”

Ammu pal bhar uski taraf dekhti hai, fir back to front she doesn’t ask what. Uski aankhon mein answer already hota hai.


Post-Dinner Silence | Around 10:30 PM

Dinner ke baad sab students apne-apne tents mein chale gaye hain. Bonfire bujh chuka hai, sirf halki si smell hawa mein baaki hai.
Sky clear ho chuka hai, stars dikh rahe hain.Camp ekdam shaant hai. Sirf raat ke insects ki halki awaazein.Zaheer ek torch leke thoda side path par chalta hua dikhta hai. Uske haath mein ek book hai — thoda nerdy wala side activate hai uska.Tabhi ek corner tent ke paas Anwar Madam dikhti hain — light jacket, clipboard haath mein.

Anwar Madam
(thoda soft surprise)
“Zaheer? Abhi tak jag rahe ho?”

Zaheer
(smiling lightly)
“Bas thoda revision kar raha tha.

Anwar Madam
(appreciating)
“Impressive. Tum consistently ache ho… bas thoda open up karna seekho.”

Zaheer
(thoda modestly)
“Main zyada baatein nahi karta... bas kaam pe dhyan.”

Anwar Madam
“Good. Sometimes silence bhi strength hoti hai.”

Dono ek minute khade rehte hain  casual professional tone mein.Anwar madam ek paper check karti hain clipboard pe, aur phir ek pen nikal ke kuch mark karne lagti hain.

Shanu, ek small flashlight leke thoda side walk par aayi hoti hai — Kritika ka lip balm dhoondhne ke bahane tent ke bahar aayi thi.Tabhi uski nazar thoda distance par Zaheer aur Anwar Madam pe padti hai.
Door se kuch suna nahi deta. Sirf silhouettes aur unki body language dikhti hai.

Zaheer calm hai.
Anwar Madam uski taraf slightly lean karti hai.
Ek moment aisa lagta hai jaise madam ne uske shoulder ko touch kiya casually encouragement mein.
Shanu ka face thoda blank ho jaata hai. Na jealousy, na doubt sirf ek tight sa feel jaise kuch chipak gaya ho chest mein.

Uska expression neutral hai, par uski aankhen uss moment ko photograph kar leti hain.Phir wo silently palat jaati hai lip balm milta bhi hai ya nahi, important nahi lagta.
Jab wo apne tent ke paas pahuchti hai, Ammu tent ke andar se puchti hai:

Ammu
“Mil gaya kya?”

Shanu
(softly, jhoot sa smile)
“Hmm… mil gaya.”

Fir wo zip band karti hai, lekin uski aankhon mein thoda soch baaki hoti hai.

Next Morning | Sunny but Cool


Pahaadi dhoop tent pe tapak rahi hai.Students breakfast ke baad open area mein games aur gossip kar rahe hain.Kahi koi frisbee khel raha hai, kahi group photo chal raha hai, kahi gaane ki request chal rahi hai portable speaker pe.Arjun ek stone pe baitha hai, sunglasses laga ke star banne ke mood mein.
Ammu ek side pe khadi hai, juice leke Arjun uske liye kuch filmy line bolta hai aur wo bas hansi chhupa leti hai.Taz dur se Ammu ko ghoor raha hota hai, as usual.Lekin sab ke beech mein Shanu ek matra insaan hoti hai jiska mood thoda alag hota hai.

Wo ek tree ke paas baithi hoti hai, haath mein ek diary type notepad. Uske chehre pe smile hai lekin woh andar se disconnected feel kar rahi hoti hai.

Kritika
(nearby, teasing tone)
“Oye Shanu! Chal na, dumb charades khel rahe hain… tu toh acting queen hai!”

Shanu
(forcefully smile karte hue)
“Nahi yaar… bas thoda headache sa hai. Tum log khelo, main thodi der rest karti hoon.”

Kritika shrugs and leaves.

Tabhi Zaheer ek side se aata hai, uske haath mein ek glucose packet aur water bottle hota hai.

Zaheer
“Tum theek ho? Kal thoda thak gayi thi kya?”

Shanu
(nazar milaye bina)
“Hmm… kuch khaas nahi. Bas thoda ghar yaad aa raha hai.”

Zaheer
(thoda concern)
“Agar kuch feel ho raha ho toh Anwar Madam ko bol dete hain — ghar call kar lo.”

Shanu
(ab bhi soft but avoidant)
“Nahi, it's not that serious. Bas… pata nahi, mood hi off hai. Lag nahi raha trip mein.”
Ek pause.

Zaheer
“Tumhara mood off hone ka koi reason hai?”

Shanu
(halka fake laugh)
“Maybe main overthink karti hoon… ya main trip wali vibe mein nahi hoon.”

Zaheer uska chehra dekhta hai uski aankhon mein ek clear discomfort hai, lekin shikayat nahi.Zaheer kuch bolta nahi. Sirf paani ki bottle uske paas rakhta hai.

Zaheer
“Rakh lo. Pani bhi kabhi kabhi mood sahi kar deta hai.”

Shanu
(thoda nazar milake)
“Thanks.”

Par jaise hi Zaheer mudh ke jaata hai, Shanu ki aankhon mein ek chhota sa emotion aata hai regret jaisa, ya shayad confusion.Wo fir se apni diary kholti hai, lekin likhne se pehle ek baar Zaheer ko dekh leti hai  jo ab Arjun ke group ke saath jaake hass raha hota hai.

Shanu under her breath
“…main kyu soch rahi hoon itna…”

Girls ka group ready ho raha hota hai — full excitement. Kritika, Swati, Neha… sab planning kar rahe hote hain waterfall trail pe jaane ka.

Ammu, thoda unsure, quietly Zaheer ke tent ke paas aati hai — haath mein dupatta lapet ke. Zaheer tent ke andar kisi sirious notebook-type me likh raha hota hai.

Ammu
(softly)
“Bhai… hum log thoda river side ja rahe hain, woh chhota waterfall jo guide ne bataya tha…”

Zaheer
(bina nazar uthaaye)
“Hmm… dekh lena time pe wapas aa jaana. Aur zyada aage mat jaana.”
Ammu thoda rukti hai, kuch aur kehna chahti hai — lekin Zaheer ka tone aur focus usse stop kar deta hai.

Wo slowly palat jaati hai.
Girls’ group nikal chuka hai. Background mein unki awaazein, laughter.
Arjun, Sadiq aur kuch ladke sun lete hain

Arjun
“Waterfall? Arey… bina humein bole trip kar liya jaa raha hai!”

Sadiq
“Chalo chalo… unka guide toh hum banenge!”
Ladke bhi haske trail ke peeche nikal jaate hain.

Shanu sab ke sath nahi gayi. Wo quietly trail ke beech se side ho kar ek quiet river bend pe aa jaati hai.
Pani halka-chhalakta hua flow kar raha hai. Sunlight ke beams trees ke through uske face pe padte hain.
Wo ek flat rock pe baithti hai, jootiyan nikaal ke pair pani mein daalti hai.Halki si thandi si sensation… aur uske andar ke thoughts surface pe aane lagte hain.

Shanu's Inner Monologue:
"Main yahaan aayi thi khud se thoda door jaane… aur ab lag raha hai main bas khud ke aur paas aa gayi hoon."
"Trip dikhne mein adventurous lagta hai… par andar se sab kuch uljha-uljha sa hai."
"Kal raat jo dekha… wo galat toh nahi tha, par achha bhi nahi laga. Shayad main kuch expect karne lagi hoon… jiska koi naam hi nahi hai."
"Main Zaheer se kya chahti hoon? Ek glance? Ek explanation? Kya yeh zaruri hai? Kya uske liye main sirf ek trip-partner hoon? Ya kuch aur?"
"Aur sabse bada sawaal... kya main uske baare mein itna soch bhi kyu rahi hoon?"
“Mujhe toh bas ek break chahiye tha… nature, water, peace… but now even silence feels loud.”

Uska haath pani ke saath halka khelta hai.Chhoti-chhoti waves uske emotions jaise lagti hain — kabhi smooth, kabhi hilti hui.Shanu aankh band karti hai.Face pe thoda calm, thoda thakaan, thoda sach.


Zaheer tent ke andar notes likh raha hota hai pen paper pe fast chal raha hota hai, par aankhen kahin aur.
Ek breeze chalti hai… tent ke flap se thoda sa sunlight angle change hota hai.

Uska dimaag flash karta hai — Ammu ki awaaz:

“Bhai… hum log thoda river side ja rahe hain…”

Wo pen pakad ke ruk jaata hai.
Ek second ke liye bas silence.

Zaheer
(under breath)
“…maine poora suna bhi nahi…”
Uske haath se pen chhoot jaata hai.
Wo turant tent se bahar nikalta hai — nazar charon taraf scan karti hai.

Girls ka group dikhayi nahi deta.
Arjun aur Sadiq dur trail pe jate hue dikhte hain, haste hue.

Zaheer
(loud nahi, lekin tense tone mein)
“Ammu unke sath chali gayi kya…?”
Uska face stiff ho jaata hai — ek aisi chinta jo wo dikhana nahi chahta, par chhup bhi nahi paa raha.
Uske dimaag mein jaldi-jaldi flashes aate hain:
Ammu ka plain suit.
Jungle trail.
Waterfall.

Zaheer ka jawline tight hota hai.
Without telling anyone — fast walk mein trail ke peeche nikal padta hai.
Behen hai woh meri… aur main itna busy tha ki uski aankhon ka doubt bhi nahi dekha?"
"Har baar keh deti hai — ‘haan bhai’, ‘thik hai bhai’ — par kya kabhi main poori baat sunta hoon?"
"Pata nahi kyun… aaj lag raha hai... chhoti cheez bhi badi ho sakti hai."

Zaheer idhar udhar dekhta hai or kuch aage jakar ruk jata hai,wo ek pal ke dekhta hai or fir wapas moodne wala hota hi hai ki fir se zaheer usi taraf dekhne lagta hai jaha wo abhi aaya tha... Ye tha nadi ka kinara or waha thi shanu...



Shanu chupchap nadi ke kinare khadi thi, or nadi ko ghoor rahi thi... Kuch pal tak nadi ko aise hi ghoorne ke baad wo sochti hai ki shayd, shayd ye chota sa moment mujhe relax kar de... Or wo idhar udhar dekhti, literally chek karti hai ki kahi koi use dekh to nahi raha... Zaheer uski aankho se bahut door hota hai or jab shanu ko yakeen ho jata hai ki koi nahi hai to wo apna top pakad kar use apne body se upar ki taraf khinchne lagti hai... Yeh wahi moment tha jab zaheer jane ke liye palatta hai lekin fir achanak wapas shanu ko dekhne lagta hai... Shanu ne apna top apni body se alag kar liya tha... Halanki wo top uske boobs me ek baar ke liye atak gaya tha lekin fir shanu ne use nikai diya tha... Zaheer apne saansein thame yeh nazara dekh raha tha ... Shanu ne top ko nikal kar side me rakha or apni gardan hila kar apne jhatak diye... Fir wo hath apne jeans par le jati hai or kuch seconda me hi use apni body se alag kar deti hai... Shanu ab black bra and penty me nadi kinare khadi thi or ek second baad wo apne hath upar hawa me karke nadi me kood jati hai... Swimming ke liye....Nadi ka paani translucent hai — sunlight ne usse silver-blue bana diya hai.

Trees dono taraf chhaya banaye hue hain. Bird chirps, distant waterfall ki halki awaaz.Paani mein jaate hi wo ek long breath leti hai, fir poora face pani mein daal kar upar aati hai. Uski palkein geeli hain, aankhon mein ek temporary azaadi.



Zaheer trail ke ek mod pe aake ruk jaata hai. Uske shoes mitti se dhule hain, chaal tez thi — par ab suddenly halt ho gaya hai.

Wo door se dekh raha hai — Shanu ko.

Uske lips automatically halt ho jaate hain — jaise kuch kehna tha, par zubaan ne decide kiya… abhi nahi.

Shanu paani mein halki strokes lete hue idhar-udhar move karti hai.

Kabhi aankhen band karke paani mein let jaati hai — bas float karti hai.

Uski skin sunlight mein shine kar rahi hoti hai — not glamour, just natural.

Zaheer ke liye wo ek moment nahi hota — wo ek feeling hoti hai.



Zaheer's Inner Thought (Voiceover Style)

"Yeh wahi ladki hai… jo kabhi muh na khole… toh bhi sab kuch keh jaaye."

"Na woh meri hai… na usse yeh maloom hai ki main usse dekh raha hoon."

"Par phir bhi… jaise uske har movement ka mere andar kuch matlab hai."

Uska haath tree ke ek stem pe rakha hota hai. Grip dheere se tight hota jaata hai.

Koi cheap emotion nahi — sirf ek pull.

Jaise zaahir bhi nahi kar sakta, aur nazar hata bhi nahi sakta.


Shanu water se nikalti hai — apne balo se paani nichodti hai, phir towel uthakar face pochti hai.... Pani ki boondein uske balo se hoti hui uske boobs tak ja rahi thi... Uske chehre se tapakti pani ki boondein or thande pani se kamkampa rahe uske honth zaheer ko usi moment me bandhein rakhte hai... Shanu apni gardan side me karke apne hair sukh rahi hoti hai or zaheer wahi tree ke paas beth jata hai or shanu waha se nikal jati hai...

[Greenwood]

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[Greenwood]

Update 9

Girls ka group aage chal raha hota hai — Kritika, Swati, Ammu sab haste, chill karte hue chal rahe hain.

Kisi ke haath mein chips, kisi ke paas bluetooth speaker — Arijit Singh chal raha hai halka-halka.

Boys — Arjun, Sadiq, Taz aur aur kuch aur ladke — thoda distance pe but clear peeche follow kar rahe hote hain.

Arjun, sunglasses nikaal ke sir pe rakh deta hai. Nazar sirf ek pe — Ammu.

Wo white pastel suit mein, thoda lift karke chal rahi hoti hai — jaise pair gile na ho jaayein. Simple but exactly Arjun ki vibe ki ladki.

Arjun ka chalna dheere ho jaata hai, jaise koi thought plan ho uske dimaag mein.

Ek turn aata hai jahan path thoda congested hota hai. Sab ladkiyan aage nikal jaati hain.

Ammu thodi peeche reh jaati hai — dupatta thik karte waqt.

Usi waqt, Arjun quietly uske peeche aata hai.

Pehle to kuch nahi bolta.

Phir halka sa uska haath pakadta hai — firm, lekin soft grip.

Ammu

(thoda chokkar)

“Kya kar rahe ho… koi dekh lega…”

Arjun

(smirking)

“Toh dekh le… I’m not kidnapping you. Bas… two minutes ka timeout.”

Ammu kuch bolti nahi. Arjun uska haath chhodta nahi — usse side path ki taraf kheench ke le jaata hai, jahan ek chhoti si clearing hoti hai — ek big stone aur side mein stream ka edge.

Hawa halki thandi, ekdum fresh.

Ammu

(hushed tone)

“Yahan kyun laye ho?”

Arjun

(seriously, aankhon mein seedha look)

“Bas… tu sab ke beech mein kho jaati hai.

Aur mujhe… tu chhupke dekhne ka shauk nahi.”

Ammu thoda sharma jaati hai, aankhon se bachne ki koshish karti hai.

Arjun

(softly)

“Tujhe pata hai… suit main ladkiyon ka charm double hota hai?

Aur jab tu paani se bachke chalti hai… toh mujhe lagta hai, duniya slow motion mein chal rahi hai.”

Ammu

(fake angry)

“Tum sab ladke same hote ho. Filmy lines aur… expressions.”

Arjun

(mischievous smile)

“Haan, par main movie nahi… hero hoon.

Aur ye scene mera favourite hai.”

Usne halka sa apna haath Ammu ke dupatte ke edge se takraya diya — not in flirt, bas tease karne ke liye.

Ammu

(laughs nervously)

“Chalo ab… warna koi aa gaya toh…”

Arjun

(smiling)

“Toh dekhne de… lekin main tujhe un jhilon mein nahi dekh sakta, jahan tu sirf ek face ban ke reh jaaye.”

Ammu blush nahi karti, bas uski aankhon mein ek brief silence hota hai — jisme surprise bhi hai, and thoda… permission bhi.

Arjun usse side path pe le jaata hai — waterfall ke side mein ek narrow jungle trail hota hai.

Jahan se paani ki splash dikhti hai, lekin koi unhe nahi dekh sakta.

Birds ki awaazein, paani ki mist, aur sirf dono.

Ammu

(soft tone)

“Tum mujhe yahan kyu laaye ho?”

Arjun

(looking at her straight)

“Kyuki jab main tujhe dekh raha tha... sab kuch slow ho gaya tha.”

Ammu

(thoda sarcastic smile)

“Toh slow-motion mein tu mujhe kidnapping karne aaya?”

Arjun

(masti mein)

“Nahi… kidnapping nahi. Tere dil ka copyright lene aaya hoon.”

Ammu halka sa laugh karti hai… fir uske paas ek rock pe baith jaati hai.

Arjun bhi uske paas baithta hai.

Ek halki si mist un dono ke chehre pe padti hai. Arjun ek leaf leke Ammu ke galle se thoda paani wipe karta hai — bina kuch bole.

Dono ke haath ek moment ke liye paas aate hain…

Hath nahi pakadte, par fingers halki si brush kar jaati hain.

Ammu

“Sab wapas chhod kar mat aana… warna tumse pehle koi aur mere peeche aa jaayega.”

Arjun

(whisper)

“Main aa gaya na... ab koi aur kya karega?”

Dono ek dusre ko quietly dekhte hain.

No kiss, no overacting.

Bas feel — jo hawaon ke saath shift hota hai.

Background mein loud shout sunai deta hai —

“Ammuuuuu! Kahaan gayi tu!”

Arjun aur Ammu smile karte hain.

Ammu quickly uthti hai, dupatta straight karti hai.

Arjun

(softly, peeche se)

“Main aur bhi chhupa sakta hoon tujhe... par tu chhupne wali nahi lagti.”

Ammu palat ke dekhti hai, aankhon se “chup kar” bolti hai… aur chal padti hai.

Trip ka din thoda heavy tha — waterfall, trekking, boys ka follow karna, thoda private moments...

Ab tent ke andar thoda storm chal raha hota hai — makeup, wet clothes, towels aur perfume ki maha-gandhi.

Kritika, Swati, Ammu aur Shanu — sab apne-apne wet clothes change karne mein busy hoti hain.

Tent ke corners pe duppattas latka ke privacy zones banaye ja rahe hain, lekin baat-cheet full open chal rahi hoti hai.

Swati

(apne ankle par cream lagate hue)

“Yaar... paani thanda tha, par scene full Instagram wala tha. Bas make-up reh gaya tha — next time waterproof liner le aungi!”

Kritika

“Next time tu liner ke saath full saree le aana… aur ek dhol wala bhi.”

Ammu

(softly laughing)

“Main na ek point pe soch rahi thi — ki yeh waterfall ke neeche khadi ho jaaun aur ‘Taal’ movie wali heroine wali feel le loon…”

Swati

(acting shocked)

“Aur phir kapde chhupane ke liye leaves chahiye hote tumhe!”

All girls laugh.

Shanu, apna dupatta fold kar rahi hoti hai — but uske face pe soft, relaxed smile hoti hai.

Kritika

“Waise yeh tent ka andar ka part sabse safe lagta hai… full freedom. Koi dekhne wala nahi, koi judge karne wala nahi.”

Swati

“Yeh mat bol… abhi main shorts pehenti hoon aur tent ke flap se koi aankh dikh jaye toh main scream kar dungi!”

Ammu

(teasing)

“Arey scream kyu karegi? Pooch lena — ‘chai loge ya coffee?’”

Shanu

(with a rare grin)

“Ya phir seedha pooch lena — ‘exit ka rasta chahiye ya flying kick?’”

Girls all burst out in laughter, even Ammu who usually shy hoti hai, apne cushion pe head rakh kar hasi se hilti hai.

Kritika

“Tum logon ke saath reh ke na... mujhe lagta hai main city mein bhi tent laga ke reh loon!”

Swati

“Aur tent ke bahar likhwa lena — ‘Only mad girls allowed’.”

Starry sky ke neeche dinner ki setting simple hai —

Ek taraf se steel ke bartan mein pulao aur aloo matar ka combo serve ho raha hai.

Do tables hain — ek corner mein ladkiyaan baithi hain, doosre side ladke casual hawa mein masti kar rahe hote hain.

Background mein kisi ka bluetooth speaker baj raha hota hai — low volume pe ‘Chhod Do Aanchal…’ type retro gaana.

Ammu, thali mein khana leke thoda side mein apne mat pe baithti hai — rest of the girls thoda dur chali jaati hain bottle lene.

Wo spoon se pulao mix kar rahi hoti hai — tabhi Taz aata hai, thali haath mein — aur seedha uske paas bait jaata hai.

Taz

(smug smile ke saath)

“Akele-akele khana? Mujhe bulaya hota toh main candles bhi le aata…”

Ammu

(surprised but thanda tone)

“Mujhe bhookh thi… bulane ka time nahi tha.”

Taz

(laughs)

“Bhookh toh mujhe bhi hai… lekin mujhe toh kuch aur chahiye hota hai taste ke liye.”

Ammu fake smile karti hai — ek aankh table ki taraf jati hai jahan Arjun apne group ke saath baitha hota hai, lekin uska dhyaan abhi un par nahi.

Taz

(slowly leaning a bit)

“Waise ek baat bolun? Yeh plain suits tujhe aur bhi… elegant bana dete hain.”

Ammu

(thoda side hoke)

“Comfortable hai, fashion ke liye nahi pehna.”

Taz

(smiling)

“Haan… par uncomfortable bana dete hain doosron ko.”

Ammu ab thoda alert ho jati hai.

Uska hath subtly thali ke edge pe chala jata hai — jaise ready ho kisi awkwardness se bachne ke liye.

Usi waqt Arjun ki awaaz aati hai — table se thoda uthta hai, aur group se casual walk karte hue side ki taraf aata hai.

Arjun

(voice mein lazy confidence)

“Arey Ammu… yaar maine bola tha mere liye spoon le aana… le aayi kya?”

Ammu

(with relief smile)

“Main bhool gayi… abhi la deti hoon.”

Taz, thoda confuse sa hota hai. Arjun ek second usse casually aankhon se dekhta hai — no direct attack, bas presence ka reminder.

Arjun (to Taz)

“Waise bro, tu idhar hi hai toh spoon tu le aa na… main aur Ammu tab tak baat kar lete hain.”

Taz, forced smile ke saath uthta hai — kuch bolta nahi. Thali uthata hai aur chalta hai.

Ammu

(soft voice)

“Thanks… mujhe acha nahi laga tha uska tone.”

Arjun

(half-smirk)

“Uska tone toh har ladki ko sugar ke saath poison pilata hai… tu sirf strong reh, main baki handle kar lunga.”

Ammu halki si smile karti hai…

Aur dono dinner finish karne lagte hain, side mein.

Baaki background mein chammach ki awaaz aur logon ki casual laugh chalte rehte hain.

Tent ke andar sab ladkiyan light mode mein hoti hain.

Kisi ne balm lagaya hai toh ek light eucalyptus ki smell faili hai, koi moisturizer ka pouch khoj raha hai.

Suddenly, tent ka flap hilta hai…

Anwar Madam face dikha ke andhar jhankti hain — haath mein torch hai.

Anwar Madam

“Sorry girls... humare tent mein kuch creepy insects aa gaye hain, main yaha 15-20 min ke liye baith jaun?”

Swati

“Arey madam... yeh tent toh queen size hai, aap aayiye!”

Anwar Madam, smile karti hain aur ek kone mein baith jaati hain. Girls unke aane se thoda alert hote hain… but Anwar is relaxed.

Kritika

“Madam, yaha bhi insects hain… lekin wo legless aur hairy nahi, bas gossip-wale hain.”

Anwar Madam

(laughs)

“Bas phir main bhi ek gossip add kar doon?”

Girls

“Areeee... please! Yeh toh maze ka time hai!”

Anwar Madam

(softly)

“Main kisi ladke ka naam toh nahi loongi... bas itna kehna tha ki is trip mein ek student hai jo mujhe bahut special lagta hai…”

Shanu, jo apna face moisturize kar rahi hoti hai, ek second ke liye ruk jaati hai.

Anwar Madam

“…woh hamesha sab se alag hota hai. Akele nature observe karta hai, dusre log chill kar rahe hote hain toh woh bugs aur rocks explore karta hai. Aur… kal raat usne mujhe apne further studies ka idea bhi bataya…”

Swati

“Oooh… deep wala banda?”

Anwar Madam

(slight chuckle)

“Haan, aur intelligent bhi. Main chahti hoon ki uska admission kisi top ecology course mein ho — uska dimaag sirf books nahi, ground observation bhi karta hai.”

Shanu ki aankhon ka stress dheere dheere pighalta hai.

Wo pehle sirf Anwar Madam ke words sun rahi hoti hai… ab uska chehra halka smile karta hai.

Uska mind back jata hai:

Zaheer aur Anwar ka jungle ke edge pe khade ho kar baat karna

Uska mann mein uthta doubt

Aur uske baad ka khud se door rehna

Ab sab explain ho gaya hota hai.

Anwar Madam, apni torch band karti hain.

Anwar Madam

“Chalo main nikalti hoon... insects toh bhag gaye lagte hain. Tum log maze karo — aur late night noodles mat banana, smoke detector hai!”

Girls laugh softly.

Anwar Madam jaati hain.

Kritika, Swati aur Ammu chhed-chhad mein lag jaate hain. Shanu quietly dupatta uthakar shoulders pe dalti hai.

Kritika

“Aree madam ki entry toh emotional kar gayi! Kya soch rahi hai Shanu?”

Shanu quietly slipper pehenti hai, shawl uthati hai.

Tent ke bahar aati hai — sky full of stars, thandi hawa chal rahi hoti hai.

Uske face pe ek calm resolve hoti hai.

Shanu (under breath)

“Zaheer kahaan gaya hoga… bas ek baar mil jaaye…”

Wo ek halki smile ke saath aage chalte jaati hai — jaise ab uske steps doubt ke nahi, clarity ke ho.

Zaheer apne sleeping bag mein lete hue idhar-udhar karwat badal raha hota hai.

Uska tent ka flap thoda khula hai — moonlight uske face par soft silvery glow daalti hai.

Uski aankhen khuli hain… aur dil ka ek hi loop chal raha hai.

Flashback Montage – Water Scene (Day)

Shanu ka slow motion mein paani se nikalte hue baal nichodna

Uska sunlight mein geela chehra

Uske pairon ka pani mein halki halchal

Aur wo moment jab usne aankhon bandh karke sir upar uthaya tha

Background mein koi voice nahi, sirf ek low hum — soft wind aur heartbeat jaisa.

Zaheer aankhen band karta hai, par Shanu ki tasveer aur zyada clear ho jaati hai.

Uske chehre par ek tension nahi… par confusion aur attraction ka mila-jula ehsaas.

Zaheer

(andar hi andar, bina bole)

"Main kyun itna soch raha hoon uske baare mein?"

"Ek ladki jo mujhse kuch nahi poochti… par har baar samne aake kuch chhod jaati hai..."

Wo uth jaata hai — tent ke andar se hi thoda baith jaata hai, knees ko chest se chipka ke.

Uski aankhen tent ke open flap ke paar andhera tak dekh rahi hoti hain.

Uske lips halki si movement karte hain —

"Aisa kyun lag raha hai jaise... wo bas paani mein nahi thi. Jaise main usme doob raha tha."

Suraj naya naya nikal raha hai.

Camp area mein dhoondhli sunlight gir rahi hai — jaise sab thodi neend mein ho, thodi nayi energy mein.

Log thak chuke hain, lekin fresh hawa mein dobara zinda lag rahe hain.

Shanu ek rock pe baithi hoti hai, woolen shawl me lapeti hui, haath mein half khuli diary.

Uske baal wet nahi, lekin fresh wash ke baad combed. Eyes thodi swollen — neend puri nahi hui hoti.

Zaheer pass se guzarta hai, ek thermos leke — casually, bina kuch soche.

Phir ek second ke liye rukta hai.

Zaheer

(thoda hesitant, magar normal tone)

"Uth gayi itni subah?"

Shanu

(soft smile, lekin aankhon mein awkward jhalak)

“Wahi... neend hi kitni aayi thi.”

Zaheer

(sit beside nahi, thoda door ek stone pe baith jata hai)

“Hmm… vaise… kal... paani thanda nahi tha tumhare liye?”

Shanu

(raising eyebrows, smile suppress karte hue)

“Tum wahan the kya?”

Zaheer

(looking down, thoda stuck)

“Nahi... matlab... sab keh rahe the... ki thanda tha.”

Shanu

(faint chuckle)

“Haan... lekin thand se zyada zarurat thi... refresh hone ki.”

Dono ek moment ke liye aankhon se milte hain…

Bina kuch aur bole, ek silence baith jaata hai jisme guilt bhi nahi, clarity bhi nahi — bas comfort hai.

Tabhi loud clap ke saath Anwar Madam ki awaaz aati hai.

Good morning soldiers!”

Sab log idhar-udhar se niklte hain — kuch toothbrush leke, kuch blanket ke andhar se.

Anwar Madam

“Aaj ka din easy nahi hone wala. Aaj hum karenge CAMP CHALLENGE — team-based survival task!”

Swati

(half awake)

“Ma’am breakfast ke baad ya pehle?”

Anwar Madam

“Hamesha ki tarah… uske baad, jab tumhare faces camera-friendly ho jaayein.”

Laughter all around.

Anwar Madam

“Team ka distribution ho chuka hai...

Group A — Swati, Arjun, Kritika, and Ammu.

Group B — Sadiq, Taz, Shanu… and Zaheer.”

Shanu aur Zaheer ek dusre ki taraf dekhenge — but sirf ek halki si neck turn ke saath.

No visible shock, bas ek tiny blink of "Okay, this will be interesting."

Anwar Madam

“Tasks tumhare bas ke nahi hain… toh soch samajh ke partner ko uthana… warna jungle mein tum khud gum ho jaoge.”

Taz aankh maar ke Ammu ki taraf dekhne ki koshish karta hai, lekin Ammu side turn ho jaati hai.

Shanu diary band karti hai, Zaheer thermos ka sip leke quietly uthta hai.

Task:-----,

Har team ko 5 cheezein 45 mins mein dhoondhni hain.

Har object lane ke baad photo aur verbal reasoning dena hoga — kyu ye object tumne choose kiya.

Teamwork, observation aur creativity ka test hai — speed matter nahi karegi, clarity karegi.

20 minutes before Task Start

Sabhi 2–2 ke pairs mein baith jaate hain, har team ko ek folded "Survival Clue Sheet" milta hai.

Group B: Zaheer & Shanu

Dono ek rock ke corner pe baithte hain — ek paper share karte hue.

Shanu

(pehla clue padhti hai, thoda sarcastic tone)

“‘I fall but never rise… I whisper but don’t speak’ — yeh koi breakup letter lag raha hai.”

Zaheer

(smirks, without looking directly)

“Breakup ka toh pata nahi, par leaf zarur lag raha hai.”

Shanu

(eyebrows lift)

“Hmmm. Smart.”

(pause)

“Kal raat… ma’am ne tumhare academic talks ke baare mein bataya tha.”

Zaheer thoda pause karta hai — par smile deta hai.

Zaheer

"Study ke alawa zyada kuch kehne ka waqt mila hi kab..."

Ek tiny, mutual understanding glance exchange hota hai — a calm clarity settles between them.

Group A: Arjun & Ammu

Arjun paper ko ulta ghoom ghoom ke dekh raha hota hai — as if code crack kar raha ho.

Ammu

(quietly)

“Yeh second clue mein ‘moss’ likha hai… nadi ke side jaana padega.”

Arjun

(serious tone, then breaks into a smile)

“Toh tu nadi le chal rahi hai mujhe… kahin mujhe bhi doobne ka plan toh nahi?”

Ammu

(blushing thoda, but confident tone)

“Main doobne walon ko bacha leti hoon. Tum sirf clue dhundho.”

Taz, dusri team ke sath hote hue bhi, beech beech mein Ammu ko dekh raha hota hai — par Ammu completely focused rehti hai.

Anwar Madam (Center)

“10 minutes to task start! Water bottles, caps, aur ek torch each allowed. Baki tumhare instincts par depend karta hai.”

Zaheer quietly bag mein compass dalta hai, Shanu ek ribbon baandh rahi hoti hai apne wrist pe

Arjun check karta hai Ammu ke shoelace bandhe hain ya nahi

Kritika aur Swati apne team names banane mein lage hain (“Team Chatori Warriors!”)

Mid-Morning | Task Begins

Pedon ke beech se halki dhoop channi hui aati hai.

Chidiya ki cheekh-cheekh aur mitti ki ek raw smell hawa mein hai.

Har team apne clue sheet ke sath jungle ke ek alag track par nikalti hai.

Zaheer & Shanu – Trail C Left

Shanu aage chal rahi hoti hai, uska dupatta piche se hil raha hota hai. Uske bal wet nahi, lekin moisture ki wajah se halki curls ban chuki hoti hain.

Zaheer thoda piche hota hai, haath me compass aur bottle.

Uska dhyaan clue se zyada uski awkward calmness par hota hai.

Shanu

(Clue padhti hai, slowly)

"‘I hide above but point below…’ hmm..."

Zaheer

(low tone, almost whisper)

“Feather ho sakta hai... tree branch pe.”

Shanu, tree ke neeche se upar dekhti hai.

Ek halki breeze chalti hai, uska dupatta thoda sa hilta hai —

Zaheer ka haath naturally us dupatte ko pakad leta hai… usse kuch bole bina.

Ek awkward second —

Shanu palat kar dekhti hai,

Zaheer dupatta chhode bina aankhon mein aankhon daal kar kehta hai:

Zaheer

"Yeh hawa bhi timing choose karti hai na."

Shanu kuch nahi kehti.

Bas slowly dupatta le leti hai, par smile chhupa nahi pati.

Dono ka pair ek hi leaf pe padta hai —

thoda shoulder bump hota hai —

no reaction.

Lekin hawa mein tension ka halka electric current sa mehsoos hota hai.

Arjun & Ammu – Trail B Right

Arjun jungle ke ek patch pe rukta hai —

pani ke neeche smooth stone dhoondhne.

Ammu, uske opposite side pe baithi hoti hai, chappal nikal kar nadi mein pair daale hue.

Uska plain suit ka palu nadi ki raw light mein transparent sa lagta hai,

Arjun ka nazar bas ek second ke liye ruk jaata hai

— bas ek second — phir woh aankhen hata leta hai.

Ammu

(softly, aankhon se paani me)

“Stone mil gaya?”

Arjun

(taking one out, then casually)

“Mil gaya… lekin mujhe laga meri aankhon ka patthar hil gaya tumhein aise dekh kar.”

Ammu hasti nahi.

Bas uska pair paani ke andar se Arjun ke foot se lightly takra jaata hai.

Ek unspoken pause.

Arjun bhi us paani ke ripple ko stare karta hai — as if time slow ho gaya ho.

Ammu (breaking it)

“Don’t fall now… task ke point cut ho jayenge.”

Arjun

“I already fell, Ammu. That too, without even slipping.”

Ammu aankhon se uski taraf dekhti hai — expression unreadable.

Back to Zaheer & Shanu – Trail C

Shanu ek feather dhoondh leti hai, par vo thoda unchi branch pe hoti hai.

Zaheer usse dekhta hai, phir branch tak chadhta hai, thoda jungli balance ke saath.

Shanu niche se dekhte hue

“Gir gaye toh mein nahi pakadne wali.”

Zaheer feather todta hai, aur neeche aata hai —

tabhi thoda slip karta hai —

aur ek second ke liye Shanu ka haath naturally uski waist ko touch karta hai — control ke liye.

Silence.

Hawa ruk jaati hai.

Zaheer seedha khada hota hai —

Shanu ka haath instantly peeche chala jaata hai.

Dono kuch nahi bolte.

Bas aankhen milti hain.

Us gaze mein sab kuch tha —

awkwardness, current, aur ek chhupi hui comfort jo naam nahi le sakti.

Sab teams apne clues ke saath camp ki taraf laut rahi hoti hain.

Trail zyada steep nahi hai, lekin patthar aur roots ke beech chalna tricky hai.

Shanu aur Zaheer thoda group se peeche chal rahe hote hain.

Sunlight patton ke beech se channi hui aa rahi hai. Hawa mein mitti aur thakawat ka ek natural weight hai.

Tabhi Shanu ka pair ek loose stone par padta hai —

Shanu

“Aahh!”

Wo balance lose karke neeche gir jaati hai —

haath samhal leta hai, lekin uska right knee patthar se takra jata hai.

Zaheer turant aage badhta hai, freak out nahi karta, lekin uski aankhon mein tension clear hoti hai.

Zaheer

“Ruko… don’t move.”

Shanu try karti hai uthane ka, par thoda dard hota hai.

Shanu

“Bas chhoti si chot hai… main chal lungi.”

Zaheer uski baat ignore karta hai.

Apne bag se ek small first-aid pouch nikalta hai — cotton, antiseptic, aur ek choti sa cream-tube jaisi ointment.

Zaheer

“Sit. Yeh chalega nahi properly agar swelling aa gayi toh.”

Shanu halka sa protest karne jaati hai, lekin uski aankhon mein bhi dard clear hota hai.

Shanu slowly baith jaati hai, ek pathar ke edge pe.

Zaheer uske saamne baithta hai —

uske haathon ka motion soft, careful —

wo uski trouser ko knee tak fold karta hai.

Shanu ke pair pe scratch hai, halka bleeding.

Jab wo trouser uthata hai, ek soft breeze chalti hai… aur Shanu thoda conscious ho jaati hai.

Uska dhyaan Zaheer ke fingers par jaata hai, jo cream nikal kar cotton me lagata hai.

Zaheer (low voice)

“Thoda lagega... bas ek second.”

Jab wo cotton knee pe softly rakhta hai,

Shanu ek sharp breath leti hai — dard se nahi, touch se.

Ek awkward pause.

Dono ka focus chot pe nahi... ek dusre ke face pe hota hai.

Zaheer, jiske usually sharp eyes hote hain, aaj soft hain —

aur Shanu ke lips thode parted, as if kuch kehne wali ho par ruki ho.

Us waqt sirf jungle ki halki si khamoshi aur birds ki door se aati awaaz sunai deti hai.

Zaheer

(gently)

“Done.”

Wo cotton hata ke ek bandaid chipkata hai.

Shanu ki aankhen ab bhi uske haath pe tikki hoti hain.

Shanu

(softly, almost whisper)

“Thanks…”

Zaheer aankhen uthaata hai.

Shanu ki aankhon mein blush, shyness aur ek halki si vulnerability hoti hai —

lekin wo smile kar deti hai — ek real smile.

Zaheer

(half-smile deta hai)

“Next time pathar se dosti karne se pehle mujhe bata dena.”

Shanu hasti hai, halka sa shoulder uska Zaheer se takra jaata hai.

Woh slowly uthti hai.

Dono ek dusre ko directly nahi dekhte, lekin har ek step mein ek nayi warmth chalne lagti hai.

Camp ke lights door se dikhte hain, aur dono thoda slow walk me side by side chal padte hain —

between them? Silence.

Lekin woh silence ab awkward nahi, intimate lagta hai.

Dinner ke baad sab log ya toh tent me chale gaye hote hain, ya bonfire ke paas gossip me lage hote hain.

Ammu quietly ek flask leke camp ke peechhe choti si pahadi pe chali jaati hai.

Woh jagah camp se halka sa upar hai, wahan se jungle ka edge aur sky clearly dikhta hai.

Woh rock pe baith jaati hai, flask se garam paani pee rahi hoti hai.

Tabhi peeche se patton ki halki si khadbadahat...

Arjun chhupke se aata hai, haath me chips ka packet.

Arjun (casually)

“Chupke se akele aake flask pe kabza karna… yeh dosti me cheating hai.”

Ammu (bina dekhe)

“Mujhe laga tum dance floor pe hi set ho.”

Arjun

“Set kaun hota hai yaar… jab reset karne waali yahan baithe ho.”

Woh uske paas baith jaata hai — dono ek rock share karte hain,

beech me flask aur chips.

Silence.

Sirf jungle ke insect sounds aur door se bonfire ki halki laugh.

Arjun flask leke sip karta hai

“Yeh kya hai? Green tea jaisa feel aa raha hai…”

Ammu

“Ajwain paani. Digestion ke liye.”

Arjun

“Ohh toh tum ‘body is temple’ type ho.”

Ammu

“Nahi, main ‘jo khaoge, wahi bharoge’ type hoon.”

Dono hansi chhupate hain.

Phir halki hawa chalti hai — Ammu ka dupatta thoda udta hai.

Arjun apna jacket uske taraf forward karta hai silently — bina bole.

Ammu nazar milati hai, phir jacket le leti hai, par kuch nahi kehti.

Arjun

“Main jab chhota tha, mummy bolti thi — jungle me jacket share karna, dosti nibhana.”

Ammu (softly)

“Toh dosti hi hai na?”

Arjun

“Jungle wali dosti mein kya guarantee hai… kab kya badal jaaye.”

Ammu uski taraf dekhti hai, ek second ke liye.

Arjun, sky me stars dekhne lagta hai — intentionally silence rakhte hue.

Ammu

“Tum kabhi serious hote ho kya?”

Arjun (slowly)

“Bas tumhare saath hota hoon.”

Pause.

Woh line hawa me latakti hai — neither accepted, nor rejected.

Ammu

“Waise chips toh laaya tha… ya dialogue ke badle?”

Arjun (grinning)

“Chips sirf distraction hai… asli snack toh tumhari company hai.”

Ammu uske shoulder pe fake thappad maar deti hai, aur dono hansi me gir jaate hain.

Sab log apne tents me hai. Raat ka time hai — halki thand aur jungle ki awazein.

Ammu ek jug me paani bharne ke liye camp ke side wale handpump tak aayi hoti hai.

Light kam hai, aur us jagah pe zyada log nahi hote.

She bends down to check if the jug is leaking.

Tabhi peeche se Taz aata hai, silence me.

Taz (casually, par voice creepy soft)

“Late night jungle ka paani... ya tumhara chehra zyada clear hai?”

Ammu thoda jhatak kar seedhi ho jaati hai, haath me jug tight pakad leti hai.

Ammu

“Tum? Yahan kya kar rahe ho?”

Taz

“Main toh wahi karta hoon jahan nazar jaaye. Aaj toh tum dik gayi.”

Woh thoda close aata hai, aur Ammu instinctively ek step peeche hoti hai.

Ammu

“Taz, just… stop. I’ll go.”

Taz (chhoti si smile ke saath)

“Darr gayi? Main toh bas baat kar raha hoon.”

Ammu bag tight pakadti hai, aur jaane lagti hai —

tabhi Taz uska dupatta lightly catch karta hai — not hard pull, but enough to freeze her.

Ammu ki aankhon me ek second ke liye clear fear dikh jaata hai.

Taz

“Ek baat bolun? Jab tum chhup jaati ho group me… toh aur bhi dekhne ka mann karta hai.”

Ammu ekdum tezi se dupatta kheenchti hai aur bina kuch bole bhaag jaati hai.

Woh seedha apne tent me jaake zip close karti hai. Uski saans tez ho gayi hoti hai.

[Kuchnahi24]

Superb writing , detailed, ek thahraav h aapki writing mai… will wait for further updates

[Anum sheikh]

Awesome update

[Greenwood]

Superb writing , detailed, ek thahraav h aapki writing mai… will wait for further updates

Ohh thank you so much for all appreciation 
Plz read continuously this beautiful story
I need all of your love

[Greenwood]

Awesome update

Thank you genuine readers

[Greenwood]

Update 10

Subah ke 7 baje honge. Sky pastel orange me ghula hua hai.

Sab students aur faculty trekking par nikal chuke hote hain, bas kuch helper aur staff camp me bache hote hain.

Ammu camp ke ek kone me Arjun ko dhoondh rahi hoti hai —

uske haath kaanpe hote hain, aankhon me guilt aur dare dono.

Ammu (soft, tezi se)

“Arjun… suno…”

Arjun jungle ke edge par apne bag ka buckle adjust kar raha hota hai.

Uske aankhon ke neeche halki thakan, par mind alert.

Ammu (close aake)

“Mujhe tumse baat karni hai… kal raat… Taz—”

Arjun ka expression shift hota hai.

Woh uske aankhon me dekhta hai.

Sirf ek second ka silence. Phir woh seedha Taz ke tent ki taraf nikal jaata hai — bina kuch pooche, bina kuch sune.Taz ek tree ke paas baitha hota hai, cigarette jalate hue.

Woh Arjun ko aate dekhta hai — lekin uthta nahi.

Arjun (tight voice)

“Tera problem kya hai?”

Taz (slow smirk)

“Tera problem kya hai? Main kya kiya?”

Arjun aage badhta hai, collar pakad ke Taz ko khada karta hai.

Arjun

“Cheezon ka naam lena seekh. Jo tune uske saath kiya — woh galat tha.”

Taz (provoking)

“Uske saath kya kiya? Bas baat hi toh…”

Arjun gusse me uske shoulder pe ek hard push maar deta hai.

Taz balance lose karta hai — par fir se khada ho jaata hai.

Taz

“Tu hota kaun hai be moral science dene wala? Lagta kya hai uska?”

Arjun

“Ammu meri dost hai—”

Taz (interrupting, mocking)

“Dost? Toh itna chillane kyu aaya? Kyuki dil me kuch aur hai?”

Pause.

Arjun ke haath tightly band ho jaate hain. Fir wo aage badhta hai, Taz ka collar kheenchta hai:

Arjun (voice breaking but strong)

“Haan, pyaar karta hoon main usse! Har baar jab uske aas paas koi galat nazar se dekhta hai,

andar se jal jaata hoon main!

Aur jab woh hasti hai…

toh lagta hai duniya mein sab kuch thik hai…”

Taz usse ghurta hai — confused, shocked, aur thoda twisted.

Ammu (chillate hue)

“Arjun!! Arjun, please— stop!!”

Woh dono ke beech aake khadi ho jaati hai.

Taz ka shirt thoda phata hota hai, Arjun ke haath ka knuckle chhil gaya hota hai.

Ammu (chikhti hai)

“Kya kar rahe ho tum dono? Paagal ho gaye ho kya?”

Taz thoda peeche hatt jaata hai — ab woh sirf dekh raha hota hai.

Ek weird twisted smile ke saath.

Arjun uske taraf dekhta bhi nahi — uska focus sirf Ammu pe hota hai.

Arjun (breathe heavy)

“Mujhe farak padta hai… har baar padta hai

Ammu

“Kyun kiya ye sab? Tum itna kyun gussa ho gaye us par? Main theek thi…”

Arjun (low, broken whisper)

“Tu theek thi, lekin main nahi tha. Mujhse bardasht nahi hota…”

Ammu uske samne full break down kar jaati hai.

Woh jhatke se uske gale lag jaati hai — tightly, desperation se.

Ammu (crying hard, broken)

“I love you…

I love you, Arjun…

Arjun uske baalon me haath daal kar uska sir sambhalta hai.

Uska chehra Ammu ke kandhe me dhala hua,

aankhon me aansu thame hue.

Arjun (voice low but intense, slow breaths ke saath)

“Tu meri duniya ban gayi hai, Ammu.

Main hamesha kehta tha ki main sab feel karta hoon… par tere saath…

main jeeta hoon…”

Woh uska chehra dono haathon me leta hai —Ammu ke aansu ab bhi beh rahe hote hain.

Arjun (deep voice)

“Main bhi tujhse pyaar karta hoon. Har roop me, har andaaz me, har muskaan me…”

Arjun uske forehead pe ek soft kiss deta hai —Ammu uske chest pe cheek laga ke aakhri baar jor se roti hai —but this time relief ke saath.

Taz still laying there, shirt torn, lip bleeding slightly,lekin uske chehre pe ek disturbingly calm smile hoti hai —jaise woh keh raha ho: “Toh ye sach tha… ab dekhte hain.”

ek quiet forest trail pe Arjun aur Ammu akele walk kar rahe hote hain.Sunlight patton se chhan ke gir rahi hoti hai, aur mitti ke raste pe dono ka pair synchronize chal raha hota hai.Kuch der dono ke beech silence hoti hai —lekin comfortable silence, jaise dono ko kuch kehna nahi, bas saath rehna kaafi ho.

Ammu, Arjun ki taraf dekh kar softly bolti hai:

Ammu

“Lagta hai... sab kuch ek hi din me badal gaya.”

Arjun (half-smile)

“Ya shayad... hum waise hi the, bas kehne ki himmat aaj mili.”

Ammu ke chehre pe halka blush aata hai, woh thoda aage dekhte hue walk karti hai.Phir ruk kar, Arjun ka haath dheere se pakad leti hai.

Ammu (nazar jhukakar)

“Mujhe darr lagta hai… ki agar sabko pata chal gaya toh…”

Arjun uska haath tight pakad leta hai, uske bagal me chalne lagta hai ekdum protective, steady vibe ke saath.

Arjun (soft but firm)

“Main hoon na. Jab tak tu mere saath hai… mujhe baaki duniya ka koi darr nahi.”

Thoda sa silence.

Ammu ek chhoti si hansi leti hai —

phir ek patta utha ke Arjun ki taraf fake deti hai.

Ammu

“Tu hamesha hero banne ki acting karta hai, real life me bhi?”

Arjun (smirking)

“Acting nahi kar raha, heroine ke saath real scene chal raha hai.”

Ammu usse thoda lightly punch karti hai aur dono hansi me gir jaate hain.

Fir Arjun uska haath wapas pakad leta hai, is baar dheere se, par letting it linger longer.Arjun aur Ammu ek narrow path par walk kar rahe hote hain donon ke haath abhi bhi lightly pakde huye.Ammu kabhi kabhi path pe girti dhoop ko dekh ke muskura deti hai,aur Arjun uski chhoti chhoti khushiyon ko side se silently observe karta hai.

Ammu (teasing tone)

"Waise tumne kab decide kiya tha ki mujhe pyaar karna hai?"

Arjun (half smile)

"Jis din tu bina bole meri bottle khol ke pi gayi thi… us din laga, yeh ladki kuch alag hai."

Ammu (laughing softly)

"Main toh sochti thi… tu bas sab pe equal lines maar raha hota hai."

Arjun (mock offended)

"Abe insult kar rahi hai ya compliment?"

Ammu (grinning)

"Jiska jo mann kare samajh le…"

Dono thoda aur aage badhte hain,

jungle thoda khulne lagta hai —door se bonfire area ka halka smoke aur kuch group ke laugh sunai dene lagte hain.

Ammu ruk jaati hai — thoda panic expression.

Ammu (suddenly tense)

"Arjun… logon ko pata toh nahi chalega na?"

Arjun (gently)

"Jab tak tu ready nahi hoti, koi kuch nahi jaane wala. Taz bhi nahi bolega."

Ammu (slow nod)

"Okay…"

Arjun (softly)

“Main toh tujhse milne kisi bhi jungle ke end tak jaa sakta hoon. Bas tu saath chalti rehna.”

Ammu uske chest pe halki si knock karti hai,

“Filmy mat ho, drama queen.”

Dono halki si hansi me chalne lagte hain  aur trail ke ek curve ke baad suddenly wo group ke paas pahuch jaate hain.

Girls log ek chhoti si stream ke pass baithi hoti hain — kuch log snacks le rahe hote hain, kuch logs pe gossip chal raha hota hai.Ammu & Arjun saamne se walk karte hue aate hain.

Shanu sabse pehle Ammu ko dekhti hai  aankhen thoda narrowed.

Shanu (teasing tone)

“O madam, kahaan thi? Jungle me tapovan dhoondhne gayi thi kya?”

Riya (laughing)

“Tum dono ko dekha hi nahi subah ke baad.”

Ammu (quickly composing)

“Nahi yaar, Arjun ka head spin ho gaya tha, to main uske saath ruk gayi. Paani laane ja rahi thi waise bhi.”

Aashi (raising eyebrows)

“Ohh… so sweet…”

Ammu thoda laugh fake karti hai, par aankhon me Arjun ki taraf chhupi hui muskaan hoti hai.

Arjun peeche se nikal jaata hai, light nod karte hue, jaise kuch hua hi na ho.Shanu thoda confuse expression leke Ammu ko dekhti rehti hai, lekin kuch nahi bolti.Ammu baaki girls ke saath stream ke edge pe baith jaati hai par uski aankhon me ab ek softness hoti hai, ek unsaid calm.

Door se Arjun Arjun bonfire log ke saath baithta hai,par ek baar peeche mudke dekhta hai Ammu bhi usi waqt uski taraf dekhti hai…

do second ke liye nazar milti hai,

aur fir dono apne apne crowd me ghul jaate hain —jaise kuch hua bhi ho, aur nahi bhi.

Camp ke third night pe Anwar Madam ek light adventurous activity plan karti hain jisme har group ko ek map aur clue milta hai aur unhe camp ke aaspaas chhupi cheez dhundhni hoti hai.Night trail + torchlight ka drama + thoda fear + thoda fun = full scope for bonding and chemistry.

Group Division:

Arjun + Ammu (unintentional pairing  Anwar Madam ke random chits se)

Zaheer + Shanu (coincidence pehle awkward, baad me emotional connect)

Baaki log alag-alag team me

Start of the Task – Campfire Area

Torch lights sabko diye ja rahe hote hain.Sab thoda excited, thoda dare dare se feel kar rahe hote hain.

Anwar Madam:

“Har team ko ek clue milega, jise follow karke aap log ek special object dhoondhenge. Lekin rules simple hain ek dusre ki help mat lena, aur jungle ke deep end me mat jaana.”

Ammu (nervous):

“Yeh night trail safe toh hai na?”

Arjun (smirking):

“Main hoon na — ghosts bhi dare karte hain mujhe haunt karne se.”

Ammu (rolls eyes)

“Tu sirf mirror me apni shakal dekh ke dare kar…”

Sab laugh karte hain — tension halka hota hai.

Zaheer & Shanu ka Trail

Zaheer aur Shanu ek stone path par clue padte ja rahe hote hain.

Beech beech me torch ka light hilta hai, kuch awaazein aati hain — dono thoda alert ho jaate hain.

Shanu (softly)

“Main strong hoon… par yeh jungle wali awaazein mujhe weird lagti hain.”

Zaheer (without looking at her)

“Tujhe kuch nahi hoga jab tak main hoon.”

Shanu uske words pe chhupke se smile karti hai, phir side me dekhti hai uske expression padne ke liye.

Zaheer aankhon me light fear leke chhupke chhupke uski taraf dekh raha hota hai.

Shanu (mischievous tone)

“Tujhe bhi darr lagta hai kya?”

Zaheer (half-smile)

“Mujhe sirf tujhse darr lagta hai… tu unpredictable hai.”

Dono ek dusre ki aankhon me dekhte hain, kuch second ke liye silence hota hai.Lekin koi feeling directly express nahi hoti — sirf ek comfort level feel hota hai.

Arjun & Ammu ka Path

Ammu ek puddle me phisal jaati hai — Arjun use pakadta hai (light touch, soft tension)

Ammu (laughing, embarrassed)

“Main hamesha gir jaati hoon.”

Arjun

“Tu girti nahi hai, mujhe paas bulati hai.”

Ammu thoda blush karti hai, but ignore karti hai.

Clue follow karte karte ek big tree ke paas rukte hain.

Arjun

“Main tujhe leke serious ho gaya hoon, Ammu…”

Ammu (softly, smiling)

“Jaanti hoon…”

Dono fir ek doosre ke paas baith jaate hain — kuch bhi zyada nahi, bas vibe feel karte hain.

Sab log clues le kar wapas camp pahuchte hain.

Arjun-Ammu aur Zaheer-Shanu dono teams first aate hain.

Anwar Madam unka compliment karti hain.

Anwar Madam

“Looks like kuch logon ki jodi zabardast kaam kar rahi hai.”

Sab hans padte hain — par Ammu aur Zaheer ek dusre ki taraf awkwardly dekhte hain

jaise indirectly unke pair ka naam liya gaya ho ho.Shanu aur Zaheer ek dusre se aankh mila ke jaldi se nazar hata lete hain.Aur Shanu ke chehre par ek confused expression hota hai — jaise kuch chal raha ho, par samajh nahi aa raha.

Ek wide clearing me bonfire jala hua hai.Charon taraf log tree stumps, wooden logs aur foldable chairs par baithe hain.Background me koi guitar slow tune baja raha hota hai, aur ek student beatbox kar raha hai.

Sky pe stars clear dikh rahe hain, aur jungle ki halki si hawa sabke chehre chhoo rahi hai.

Anwar Madam (smiling)

“Aaj ke map hunt me sabne accha perform kiya. So tonight — full fun. No rules.”

Sab cheer karte hain.

Kisi ne ek small Bluetooth speaker on kiya hota hai — light retro hindi track chal padta hai.Koi dance nahi kar raha, bas soft head bobs, light laughter aur teasing shuru hoti hai.

Arjun ek tree trunk pe khada ho jaata hai, pretend karta hai jaise stage par ho.

Arjun (dramatic)

“Mere saath jungle ka ek sher baitha hai — Zaheer!”

(Everyone whistles)

“Wahan ek titli jaisi ladki baithi hai — vo toh apne note banati hai.”

(Sab Ammu ki taraf dekhte hain, vo awkwardly smile karti hai)

“Par ek aag hai jungle me…

Na jale toh hawa thandi…

Jal jaaye toh dil tapak padta hai…”

(Shanu khamoshi se fire ke side dekhti hai, aur Zaheer ki side glance padti hai — Zaheer bhi usse chhupke dekh raha hota hai.)

Ek chhoti team snacks distribute karti hai chips packets, marshmallows, aur ek student chhoti si coffee kettle me sabko coffee serve kar raha hota hai.

Shanu ek cup coffee lekar side me jaati hai,Zaheer bhi silently follow karta hai.Dono ek dusre ke bagal me baith jaate hain, bina zyada baat kiye.Lekin Shanu apna coffee cup uski taraf extend karti hai.

Shanu (softly)

“Thoda garam zyada ho gaya… try karna?”

Zaheer (smiling)

“Tu sab kuch share karti hai kya?”

Shanu uska jawaab nahi deti — sirf ek look deti hai, aur smile kar leti hai.

Ek chhota moment hota hai — bas do insaan, ek cup, aur silence.

Ammu ek log pe baithi hoti hai, Arjun uske paas aake casually baith jaata hai.

Arjun (softly)

“Lagta hai jungle ne tujhe bhi thoda bold bana diya hai.”

Ammu (halki hansi)

“Tu roz bold rehta hai… ek din mera version bhi dekh le.”

Arjun uska face dekh ke ruk jaata hai — ek lamha jisme vo sirf uske chehre ka glow, uski aankhon ka sparkle absorb karta hai.

Arjun

“Main dekh raha hoon. Har second

Kisi ne speaker ka song slow kar diya hota hai — soft instrumental.

Sab apne apne thoughts me doob jaate hain. Koi fire ke flame me, koi starry sky me.

Shanu fire ki flame me dekhte hue sochti hai —

“Yeh comfort… yeh sukoon… kya sirf dost hone se milta hai?”

Zaheer apne side se uski profile dekhta hai — kuch bolta nahi. Sirf mehsoos karta hai.

Arjun chhupke se Ammu ke haath ke paas apna haath le jaata hai — bas thoda sa chhoo jaata hai.

Ammu us contact ko feel karti hai… kuch nahi bolti. Lekin uski aankhein sab keh jaati hain.

Time: 6:00 AM

Ek foggy aur chilled morning hai.

Jungle ka hissa ab tak unexplored hai, aur aaj Anwar Madam ne ek guided jungle walk plan kiya hai — knowledge + observation based.

Sab students woolen caps, jackets aur trek shoes pehne ready hote hain.

Anwar Madam ek local forest guide ke saath instructions deti hain.

Anwar Madam

“Yeh jungle sirf dekhne ke liye nahi… samajhne ke liye hai. Aaj aap log plants, birds, trails observe karenge. Pairs me kaam karna hoga.”

Pairing:

Arjun & Ammu

Zaheer & Shanu

Baaki log group me

Jungle dense hai — narrow muddy path, dew-drenched leaves, birds ke sharp calls.

Arjun & Ammu

Ammu camera handle kar rahi hoti hai, Arjun diary me observations note kar raha hota hai.

Arjun (casual tone)

“Tere focus kaafi serious lag raha hai. Scientist banna hai kya?”

Ammu

“Photographer. Par ab lagta hai subject koi aur hona chahiye…”

Arjun (smirking)

“Toh tu mere photos le, main tera hero ban jaunga.”

Ammu camera uthake uske face pe aim karti hai —

Click.

Phir softly:

Already ho.”

Arjun uski aankhon me dekhta hai, smile karta hai, aur dono aage badh jaate hain.

Zaheer rare leaf ko touch kar raha hota hai —Shanu uska side profile observe karti hai bina directly dekhte hue.

Shanu

“Tumhe kaise maloom hota hai kya poisonous hai aur kya useful?”

Zaheer

“Bas… samajh hoti hai. Chhoti chhoti cheezein batati hain.”

Shanu (teasing)

“Logon ke emotions bhi samajhne aate hain?”

Zaheer thoda sa ruk jaata hai, phir halka sa smile deta hai.

Zaheer

“Shayad… par jab wo chhupaye ho, tab nahi.”

Shanu thoda serious ho jaati hai — phir aankhen chura leti hai.

Ek butterfly unke paas se guzarti hai, aur Shanu uske peechhe thoda bhaagti hai. Zaheer uske pace se chalta hai — bina kuch bole, lekin dil me ek calm stir hone lagta hai.

Mid-Trail Break

Ek wooden resting spot pe sab rukte hain. Thoda sa breakfast box khola jaata hai — sandwiches, boiled eggs, aur water bottles.

Anwar Madam sab se poochti hain:

“Kya seekha jungle se?”

Riya

“Silence.”

Taz (mocking)

“Mujhe lagta hai jungle bhi mujhe ghoor raha tha.”

Ammu (teasing)

“Taz, jungle bhi scared lag raha tha tujhe dekh ke.”

Sab laugh karte hain — including Arjun, jiska focus ek second ke liye Taz pe tight ho jata hai.

Sab log slowly return karte hain.

Shanu peeche reh jaati hai thoda — jungle ke ek tree ko touch karke rukh jaati hai.Zaheer wapas jaate jaate rukta hai  chhupke se usse observe karta hai.Shanu aankhon band karke kuch mehsoos karti hai.Zaheer kuch bolta nahi  sirf us moment ko absorb karta hai.Shanu aankhen kholti hai  Zaheer uske peeche hota hai.

Zaheer (softly)

“Chalein?”

Shanu usse dekhke bas ek slight nod karti hai.Kuch change hua tha, dono me se kisi ne accept nahi kiya — par feel zarur hua tha.

Around 6:30 PM.

Sunset ho raha hota hai, jungle ke peechhe orange-pink sky chamak raha hota hai.

Camp ke beech ek open activity area banaya gaya hai. Ground pe cones, small hurdles, mats, ropes — sab ready hain.

ANWAR MADAM (announces excitedly):

“Tonight’s game — Survival Tag Challenge!

Rules simple hain — do teams: Boys vs Girls

Sab ke peeth pe ek color ribbon bandha jaayega.

Goal: Opponent ke ribbons kheenchna.

Last pair standing wins!”

TEAMS:

Boys: Arjun, Zaheer, Taz, few others

Girls: Ammu, Shanu, Riya, others

Anwar Madam ribbon baant rahi hoti hain. Sab ready ho rahe hote hain — jungle run ke liye mood full set.

ROUND STARTS:

Game shuru hota hai — sab bhaagte hain, chhupte hain, attack karte hain.

Arjun overconfident hota hai — piche se Riya uska ribbon kheench leti hai.

Arjun (shocked):

“Bhaiii yeh kya tha?!”

Zaheer (laughs):

“Hero banne gaya tha, cartoon ban gaya.”

Sab hasne lagte hain. Arjun game se out ho jata hai.

MID-ROUND MAYHEM:

Shanu apne stealth moves se 2 boys out karti hai.Ammu tree ke peechhe chhup kar Taz ke close jaati hai, par Taz uska ribbon almost kheench leta hai  Ammu bach jaati hai.

Unke beech ek thoda awkward body clash hota hai.

Taz (grit teeth, low voice):

“Agli baar bachi toh main nahi chhodunga.”

Ammu thoda shaken hoti hai, par strong rehti hai — bas nikal jaati hai bina kuch bole.Zaheer sab kuch door se notice karta hai — but react nahi karta… abhi.

LAST ROUND – FINAL FOUR:

Remaining:

Zaheer & Taz (Boys)

vs

Ammu & Shanu (Girls)

Sab log side me ho kar cheer kar rahe hote hain.

Taz directly Ammu ke peeche jaata hai, rough movement karta hai  jisme dono gir jaate hain.Ammu ka elbow scbang ho jata hai.Taz apologetic expression nahi deta, bas jeetne ki try karta hai.Sabko lagta hai ki ye thoda zyaada aggressive ho gaya, lekin woh naturally dikhta hai, over-dramatic nahi.Ammu somehow bacha leti hai ribbon but visibly uncomfortable.

Zaheer vs Shanu

Sab hush ho jaate hain.

Shanu chhup ke ready hoti hai.

Zaheer dusre end se slowly aata hai  lekin jab Shanu saamne aati hai:

Zaheer (low smile):

“Tujhe main seriously loonga, toh game khatam ho jaayega.”

Shanu (playfully):

“Try toh kar le.”

Donon ek fake dodging game shuru karte hain  Shanu quick hai, lekin Zaheer usse pakad sakta hai.

Par wo intentional delay karta hai.

Ek moment me wo uska ribbon chhoo leta hai, lekin kheenchta nahi.

Shanu uska ribbon kheench leti hai.

Zaheer (softly):

“Jeet ka maza tabhi hai, jab dil se ho.”

Shanu ek second ke liye confuse hoti hai — usse pata chal jaata hai ki Zaheer ne jaan bujhkar haar diya, lekin kuch nahi bolti.

Girls team jeet jaati hai. Sab cheer karte hain.

Camp ki ek thandi raat. Sab tents me jaa chuke hain.

Bas kuch distant laughter aur jungle ke insects ki awaaz.

Moonlight soft glow de rahi hoti hai.

Ammu ne bas blanket oadh ke aankhen band ki hoti hain, lekin neend nahi aayi.

Ek halki si sili padti hai tent ke corner pe.

Faint whisper:

“Chalein?”

Ammu aankhen kholti hai.

Arjun tent ke flap se jhank raha hota hai — sirf aankhon se smile karta hai.Ammu kuch bole bina uth jaati hai.Jungle ke edge par ek chhoti si wooden dock hoti hai jo ek calm lake par jaake rukti hai.

Dono bina joota pehne ja rahe hote hain — mitti thodi thandi si feel hoti hai unke pairon ke neeche.

Arjun aage badhta hai, Ammu thoda hesitate karti hai.

Arjun:

“Dar lag raha hai?”

Ammu (softly):

“Nahi… dar lagta toh pehle hi mana kar deti.”

Arjun uska haath nahi pakadta — bas uske pehle step ka intezaar karta hai.

Ammu ek halki smile ke saath uske pass aake dock par baith jaati hai.

Water mirror ki tarah moon ko reflect kar raha hota hai.

Ammu paani me pair dalti hai. Arjun bhi.

Arjun:

“Mujhe laga tu nahi aayegi.”

Ammu (looking ahead):

“Mujhe bhi laga tu nahi poochega.”

Pause.

Arjun:

“Main tumse kuch kehna chahta hoon…”

Ammu uski taraf dekhti hai, thoda sa nervous.

Par Arjun kuch nahi bolta.

Arjun (smiling):

“…Par mujhe lagta hai tum already samajh chuki ho.”

Ammu aankhen jhukake paani ko pair se halki si chhedti hai.

Ammu (whispers):

“Fir bhi bol do… main sunna chahti hoon.”

Arjun uska haath pakadta hai, pehli baar — lekin tight nahi, bas halki si grasp.

Arjun:

“Main jab tujhe dekhta hoon na… sab kuch slow ho jaata hai.

Jaise duniya ruk jaati hai — aur sirf tu bachi rehti hai.”

Ammu uski taraf dekhti hai — aankhon me light mist.Uska dusra haath aage badh kar Arjun ke haath par gently rakhti hai.

Ammu:

“Main bhi... bas tu bolta nahi tha.”

Silence again.

Aur iss baar silence me sirf ek soft sound hoti hai unke haathon ka tight grip,

aur dono ke faces paas aate jaate hain...

Ek brief, beautiful, first kiss  koi overreaction nahi, koi melodrama nahi.Just lips touching lightly, and phir ek second me alag ho jaate hain.Dono ke faces thode red ho jaate hain — lekin eyes me peace hota hai.Moonlight unke faces pe padti hai.Ammu Arjun ke shoulder pe head rakhti hai.

Aur Arjun sky ki taraf dekhte hue sirf ek line bolta hai:

Arjun (whisper):

“Mujhe lagta hai... tu mera home hai.”

[Anum sheikh]

Wow episode ka zberdast end, love it

[Greenwood]

Update 11

Subah ke 8:00 baje.

Camp ke log breakfast ke baad nearby town gaye hain shopping ke liye.

Dhoop nayi nayi jaagi hai, halki halki golden. Galiyaan thodi gili hain jaise kisi ne paani chhidka ho.

Bazaar thoda sleepy hai — sab thele lag rahe hain, dukaan wale shutter upar kar rahe hain, hawkers tea le rahe hain aur radio se old songs nikal rahe hain.

Ammu ek chhoti si theli waali bangle shop par rukti hai — shop pe ek aunty chai pee rahi hoti hain aur bolti hain:

“Bacchi, subah-subah choodiyan pehnogi?”

Ammu smile karke kuch nahi kehti. Bas silver aur turquoise bangles try karne lagti hai.Tabhi Arjun aata hai — ek kulhad wali chai leke — quietly uske pass khada ho jaata hai.

Arjun (casual):

“Tu chahe toh yeh le sakti hai…”

(wo ek dusra set uthata hai — golden rim wale.)

Ammu:

“Tere pas itni chudiyon ki knowledge kaise hai?”

Arjun:

“Mujhe awaazon se pyar hai. Chudiya ho ya tera hansna… dono bajti hain.”

Ammu aankhon se muskurati hai. Arjun dukaan wali ko paise deke bangle set uske haath me de deta hai.

Ammu ke fingers Arjun ke finger ko chhoo jaate hain. Arjun aankhen nahi hataata.

Thoda aage chalke Shanu ek woollen cap aur stole wale stall pe rukti hai.Uske haath ek charcoal grey cap pe jaate hain.Zaheer us moment pe pass se nikal raha hota hai, ruk jaata hai.

Zaheer:

“Yeh color tere liye nahi hai… red le.”

Shanu:

“Mujhe kis color me dekhne ki aadat pad gayi hai tujhe?”

Zaheer (slightly smirking):

“Red tujhe khud bhi pasand hai, na? Mujhse confirm kar rahi hai bas.”

Shanu ek red cap le leti hai, silently — aur pehn ke mirror me dekh kar smile karti hai.

Ammu ek chaat ki theli ke pass rukti hai — ek stall pe moongfali le rahi hoti hai.Tabhi teen ladke — kuch senior-type camp se unrelated local boys — uske paas baar baar se walk karte hain.Ek usse kohni se lightly chhoota hai.Pehli baar Ammu side ho jaati hai. Dusri baar wo clearly unko ghoorti hai.

Teesri baar…

Peeche se ek ladka kehta hai:

“Yeh wali to subah-subah fresh lag rahi hai…”

Arjun ne sab sun liya hota hai.

Wo kulhad ko corner me rakhta hai aur seedha us ladke ke paas jaake collar pakadta hai.

Arjun (full calm anger):

“Repeat kar… kya bola?”

Ladka:

“Abey tu kaun hai be?”

Arjun:

“Jise sun ke tera muh todne ka mann kar raha hai.”

Wo us ladke ko dhakka deta hai, dusra ladka Arjun ko push karta hai  fight badhne lagti hai.Zaheer tabhi peechhe se daudta hai.Usne dekha hota hai ke Arjun kis baat pe bhida hai  aur seedha un ladko ke beech ghus jaata hai.

Zaheer:

“Enough! Hatt ja Arjun…”

(Phir wo un ladko se directly kehta hai)

“Ek aur baar is ladki ke paas dikhe… daant bhi tod dunga aur shakal bhi.”

Bheed badh jaati hai — nearby shopkeepers bhi aate hain.

Anwar madam door se daudti hai:

“Kya ho raha hai yahaan?!”

Ladke bhaag jaate hain. Arjun ki shirt thodi phatti hoti hai, lips slightly bleeding.

Ek shop ke cone ke pass se Taz sab dekh raha hota hai, ek narrowed gaze aur halki si cunning smile ke sath.

Taz (murmuring):

“Yeh Arjun apni aukat dikhane laga hai…”

Wo peeche hat jaata hai, lekin uski aankhen ab Arjun pe tiki hoti hain… kuch plan jaisa.

Bazaar wale scene ke baad ka shaam.Camp ka mood normal ho gaya hai, dinner ki taiyari ho rahi hai.

Ek kone mein Zaheer aur Arjun khade hain  dono ke haath mein chai ke paper cups.

Zaheer serious expression bana ke Arjun ki taraf mudta hai.

Zaheer (thoda awkward, khassi maar ke):

"Tu na… thank you."

Arjun (ek sip leke):

"Matlab itni saari ladkiyaan chhod ke tu mujhe impress kar raha hai?"

Zaheer (rolling eyes):

"Main serious hoon. Aaj tu jis tarah… Ammu ke saath khada tha, woh dekh ke… acha laga."

Arjun (mock surprise):

"Abe ooo… kya bol raha hai! Zaheer Qureshi ko ‘acha’ laga main?! Aasmaan se utre kya?"

Zaheer sarcastically smile deta hai, fir thoda thoda emotionally bolta hai:

Zaheer:

"Ammu meri behen hai. Uski protection… mera farz hai.

Par aaj tu jaise uske saamne khada raha… woh ek bhai hi karta hai."

Arjun (suddenly drama mein):

"Bas! Bhai keh diya? Tujhe kya laga main Rakhi bandhwa loon ab?"

Zaheer (deadpan):

"Bhai bol diya bas… baaki tu emotionally ho gaya hai khud se."

Thoda peeche — ek tent ke pass Ammu khadi hoti hai.Usne sab sun liya hota hai.Jab Zaheer usse Arjun ki behen kehta hai — Ammu ke haath se uska toothbrush gir jaata hai (wo bas dental kit lene aayi thi).

Ammu (under breath):

"Bhai?! Isne mujhe Arjun ki behen bol diya?! Main toh kal hi confess karne wali thi… ki bhai toh sirf Rakhi wale hote hain…"

Arjun (loudly, Ammu ko dekh ke):

"Ammu sun! Zaheer keh raha hai tu meri behen jaisi hai… chalo agli baar bhaiya bol dena mujhe!"

Ammu (fake smile):

"Sure… Arjun bhaiya…"

(phir aankhon se maarne wali nazar deti hai.)

Zaheer jaise hi cup fake ke jaata hai — cup ulta Arjun ke shoe pe girta hai.Arjun chillata hai:

Arjun:

"Abey emotional thanks ke naam pe chai bhi pila di joota dhoke!"

Ammu peeche se laugh chhupate hue chali jaati hai Aur camera zoom karta hai Arjun ke “bhaiya bana diya yaar!” wale expression pe.

Arjun bag pack kar raha hota hai. Tabhi Ammu aati hai  fresh look, chilled mood mein.

Ammu (cute innocent tone mein):

"Arjun bhaiya, mere liye bottle khol doge please? Tight hai."

Arjun (nervously idhar-udhar dekhte hue):

"Bhaiya?! Tu mujhe bhaiya bol rahi hai?"

Ammu (masoom si shakal banake):

"Ha toh… Zaheer bhai toh keh rahe the tum meri bhai jaison ho!"

Arjun (whispering):

"Abe woh seriously nahi bola tha! Tujhe lagta hai main woh ‘bhaiya’ waala hoon kya?!"

Ammu (big smile ke sath):

"Arey nahi bhaiya, tum toh bade cute bhaiya ho!"

Sab jungle walk se pehle fruit le rahe hote hain. Ammu jaake banana uthati hai.

Ammu (Arjun ko dekhte hue):

"Arjun bhaiya, yeh banana peel kar doge? Mujhse hota nahi."

Arjun (almost exploding):

"Tu mujhe bhaiya bol bol ke meri zindagi ke sapne crush kar rahi hai yaar!"

Ammu:

"Arrey bhaiya, sapne to behne bhi dekh sakti hain na…"

Arjun (muttering):

"Main khud banana peel ban gaya hoon."

Ammu jaate jaate Arjun ke kandhe pe haath rakhti hai:

Ammu (sweetly):

"Waise bhaiya, tumhe gussa bohot cute lagta hai."

Arjun (dead inside):

"Yeh ladki mujhe rakhi pe rakhegi lagta hai…"

Arjun aankh band karke chaand ki taraf dekhte hue kehta hai:

"Ae universe… mujhe bhai se backbench lover bana de, please!"

[b]Time: Jungle walk ke baad ka shaam.[/b]

Sab thake hue hain, lake ke kinare group baitha hai — kuch log guitar bajaa rahe hain, kuch log pani mein pair daal ke relax kar rahe hain.

Scene Starts – Arjun Ka Dimag On Fire

Arjun ek stone pe baitha hota hai, haath mein ek leaf ghumata hua.

Uske saamne Ammu dusri girls ke saath baithi hoti hai, hansi-mazak mein busy. Kabhi kabhi uski nazar Arjun pe chali jaati hai — par wo bhaiya wali harkat bhoolti nahi.

Arjun (mind voice):

“Bhaiya bol bol ke issne mujhe brozone me jodh diya hai…

Ab time hai… game ulta karne ka.”

Next day breakfast line mein:

Arjun (sweet smile ke saath):

"Good morning Miss Amreen Qureshi. Aaj aapka fruit cutting plan kya hai?"

Ammu (surprised):

"Abey tu bhaiya nahi raha?"

Arjun (poker face):

"Bhaiya? I’m sorry, I’m a grown man now. Sirf Arjun for you."

Ammu (confused laugh):

"Kya chal raha hai iske dimaag mein?"

Later, tent ke bahar sab log baith ke sketching kar rahe hote hain.

Arjun Ammu ke pass aata hai – casual tone mein:

"Waise Ammu, tu jab baal khol ke lake ke pass baithti hai na… thoda old movie heroine lagti hai."

Ammu:

"Kya? Tu theek hai?"

Arjun:

"Nahi, bas bol raha hoon… bhaiya ko feelings nahi aati na, toh socha friend se try kar loon."

Ammu (awkward smile):

"Hatt… pagal hai kya…"

Raat ke campfire mein:

Sab ek dusre ki tareef kar rahe hote hain.Arjun mic leke bolta hai:

Arjun:

"Main yaha aaya to tha moz maza masti karne lekin shayd... Shayd koi hai jisne mere masti wale dil mein jagah bana li hai... Shayd koi hai jisne mere bache dil ko fansa liya hai... Shayd shayd....

Sab:

"Oooohhhh!"

Ammu aankhon se ghoorti hai. Arjun fake innocent smile deta hai.

Zaheer or shanu is waqt yaha nahi hote hain...

Campfire ke baad, sab tents me jaa rahe hote hain.

Ammu Arjun ke pass aake kehti hai:

Ammu (narrowed eyes):

"Tu kya kar raha hai haan?"

Arjun (leaning slightly, soft tone):

"Jo tu samajh rahi hai… shayad wahi."

Ammu (nervously):

"Matlab…?"

Arjun (wink karta hai):

"Bas iss baar bhaiya nahi banna… boyfriend sounds better."

Ammu speechless ho jaati hai — thoda shock, thoda blush.

Aur Arjun apna tent ki taraf chal padta hai… full hero exit style.

Campfire bujh chuka hai.

Bachche apne-apne tents mein jaa rahe hain. Kuch log photo le rahe hain, kuch log logs ke upar baith ke guftagu mein busy hain.

Camp thoda thak gaya hai… lekin raat mein ek alag hi glow hai.

ANWAR MA’AM mic le kar saamne aati hain. Sab students gradually unki taraf dekhne lagte hain.

ANWAR MA’AM (softly, with smile)

Toh bachcho…

Yeh raat humare camp ki aakhiri raat hai.

Kal subah breakfast ke baad hum sab apne ghar ke liye nikal padenge.

(Kahi se halki awaaz aati hai: “Awwwhh!”)

ANWAR MA’AM (smiling)

Mujhe pata hai aap sab is teen din ko yaad rakhoge

Apne group, apne tent wale jokes, DJ ki light fail hone wali raat, aur kuch unsuni baatein…

Lekin sabse zyada yaad rakhna

Ye waqt wapas nahi aayega.

Sab ke chehre pe ek alag si shanti hai.

Camp khaali hone ke kareeb hai, par dil bhar gaya hai.

Thoda door, camp se alag, ek nadi ki dhun halki halki sunai deti hai.

Chand ka reflection paani pe hilta hai.Shanu aur Zaheer dono side by side baith ke nadi ke paani ko dekh rahe hain. Beech mein ek chhoti si doori hai, lekin baat ruki nahi hai.

SHANU (halki awaaz mein)

Lagta hai kal subah ke baad sab normal ho jaayega.

Classroom, assignments, mummy ke taunts... sab wapas.

ZAHEER

Haan…

Lagta hai jaise yeh sab koi dusra waqt tha.

Ek aisa waqt… jahan sab kuch slow tha… aur sahi tha.

SHANU

Jaise har cheez ka matlab tha.

Chahe subah ki chai ho, ya raat ki wo... silence.

(Chhoti si khamoshi. Nadi ki dhun fill in karti hai.)

SHANU mitti mein halki rekha kheechti hai ungli se.

ZAHEER usi ko dekhta hai — uska profile, baalon ka thoda sa hila hua texture, aankhon mein thoda paani jhalakta hua reflection.

Aur tabhi...

Uske dimaag mein flash hota hai [b]pehle din ka wo scene Shanu, nadi mein jaake paani se khel rahi thi, uske wo black bra me kaid boobs jinse pani tapak raha tha... uski wo button size navel... uski pani se chamakti thighs... uski lambi gardan... uski wo cleavage... bheeg uske baal chipak gaye the, aur uske lips pe ek uncontrolled hasi thi — ek aazad insaan jaise.[/b]

Zaheer uss waqt sirf hansa tha, par aaj wo moment uske andar kuch jaga deta hai.

Kuch... jo ek second ke liye uske haath, uski chest, uski aankhon tak ek tezz current ban ke fail jaata hai.

ZAHEER aankhon se uss scene ko dhoondne lagta hai... lekin Shanu ke real aaj wale chehre ko dekhte hi wo apne aap ko rok leta hai

ZAHEER (light cough, tone neutral)

Tu kal... kya sab wapas handle kar legi? I mean... ghar, log, routine?

SHANU (soft laugh)

Handle toh karna hi padega.

Par... kuch yaadein carry-on mein le jaungi.

ZAHEER (looking straight at the river)
Carry-on ke kisi kone mein mujhe bhi rakh lena.

SHANU uski taraf dekhti hai — slowly.

Zaheer uss nazar se bach jaata hai — aankhen nadi pe tikaye rakhta hai.

SHANU (smiling faintly)
Tu already hai.
Mujhe batane ki zarurat nahi.

Zaheer ek second usse dekhna chahta hai… par wo bas muskurata hai — zyada nahi, kam bhi nahi.

Peeche kahin se camp ke lights dhundhla rahe hote hain.
Dono wapas nadi ko dekhte hain.


Chand nadi mein ab pura utar chuka hai.Do log, do chehre, do stories.
Ek ne kuch mehsoos kiya…
Ek ne woh mehsoos chhupa liya.
Aur dono... kuch kehke bhi…

kuch keh nahi paaye.

Camp ka aakhiri night. Lights halki ho chuki hain.
Neeche se kisi tent se guitar ki halki awaaz aa rahi hai. Door kahin logs still chatting softly.
Arjun aur Ammu quietly rooftop ke kone pe khade hote hain — ek chhoti si jagah jahan koi nahi aata.
Ammu chhup chhup ke aayi hai — uske chehre par thodi si nervousness hai, par aankhon mein poora bharosa.
Arjun uska intezaar kar raha tha — aankhon mein calm, lekin dil mein halki si bechaini.

ARJUN (softly)
Ye last night hai...
Kal se phir wohi din, wohi log, wohi fake routine.

AMMU (nodding)
Yahi jagah... yeh hawa...

Aise lagta hai jaise sab kuch thoda zyada apna ho gaya tha.

(Pause.)

ARJUN
Mujhe sirf yeh chhat yaad nahi rahegi...
Tu yaad rahegi — iss form mein...
Jaisi tu ab hai.

AMMU (quietly)
Promise kar...
Ki jab bhi bhoolne lagega...
Toh yaad karne ke liye mujhe call karega. Kisi bhi waqt.

ARJUN
Call nahi...
Main aa jaunga.
Chahe chhat ho... ya college ka back gate...
Chhup ke hi sahi... milte rahenge.
AMMU kuch nahi kehti... uski aankhon mein paani ki ek patli layer jam jaati hai. Arjun uske aur kareeb ho jaata hai.

(Pause… aankhon ka contact intense ho jaata hai.)

ARJUN (whispers)
Abhi kuch bolna zaroori nahi hai...

Ammu aankhon se haan karti hai — poora moment sirf feel mein chal raha hai. Arjun dheere se uska face apni taraf ghumata hai, uske baal ek taraf ho jaate hain.Ek lamha... ek lamha ke liye dono ki saanse ek ho jaati hain.
Aur woh kiss kar leta hai — slow, intense, ekdum aankhon band kar dene wali feeling.
Ammu ke haath Arjun ke chest pe tik jaate hain... na rokte hue, na khinchte hue.Arjun us kiss ke dauraan, apna haath uski kamar par rakh deta hai — firm, warm.
Phir dheere se us haath ko upar le jaane lagta hai — back ki taraf, emotional flow mein…
Ammu ki saans halki si tez ho jaati hai — lekin aankhein ab bhi band hoti hain.Jaise hi Arjun ka haath zara sa aur upar badhne lagta hai, Ammu ek sharp thappad maarti hai uske haath par — zyada zor se nahi, par clear boundary ke saath.

AMMU (looking in his eyes, low but firm)
Arjun… main tere kareeb hoon, kamzor nahi.
Mujhe chahiye… respect, sirf touch nahi.

ARJUN rukh jaata hai… aankhon mein guilt, lekin sachcha emotion bhi.

ARJUN (softly)
I’m sorry.
Kabhi kabhi... tu itni real lagti hai ki main... control lose kar deta hoon.

AMMU uske haath pakad ke neeche laati hai — calm, without anger.

AMMU
Agar tu mujhe samajhta hai... toh bas yaad rakh...
Main tabhi chooane doongi jab main khud chahoon.

Tab tak... aankhon se dekh, haath se nahi.

[b]ARJUN uski aankhon mein dekhta hai — kuch keh nahi pata.[/b]

Sirf uska haath apne dono haathon mein leke, thoda time wahan chup khada rehta hai.

EARLY MORNING

Thandi subah, hawa mein mitti ki khushboo.
Dheere dheere students apne tents se nikal rahe hain, jackets pehente hue, bags uthate hue.
Kahin se flask wali chai ki stream nikal rahi hai, log thermos mein pour kar rahe hain.
Helper log tent fold kar rahe hain.
Anwar Ma’am clipboard leke attendance check kar rahi hoti hain.


Ammu apna bag band kar rahi hoti hai, uska mood thoda off lagta hai.
Arjun thoda distance pe khada hota hai — usne notice kar liya hai.
Woh uski taraf aata hai… lekin seedha kuch nahi bolta.

ARJUN (softly, aankhon se)

(Just mouthing)

“Tu thik hai?”

Ammu sirf ek side glance deti hai — aankhon mein thoda hurt, thoda thanda response.
Sirf ek slow nod karti hai.

ARJUN (nazar jhuka ke)

(again, no sound)
“Sorry.”

Ammu apna dupatta thoda adjust karti hai…
Phir aankhon se ek chhoti “It’s okay, but don’t repeat” wali look deti hai.

Woh moment short hota hai, but clear understanding ka.

Bus ke side mein sab students apna bag rakh rahe hote hain.Seat ke liye halki halki bhaag daud chal rahi hai.Zaheer already window seat pe baitha hota hai — quietly outside dekh raha hota hai.
Shanu aati hai, uski bag Zaheer ke paas wala seat pe rakh deti hai — bina kuch bole.Dono ek second ke liye bas aankhon se baat karte hain.
Na koi smile, na koi formal “baith jao” — sirf ek normal comfort.Shanu bag upar daal ke baith jaati hai — side profile se slightly blush karte hue.
Zaheer sirf uski ek jhalak dekhta hai, phir aankhen mod leta hai — kyunki wo us moment mein zyada rukna nahi chahta.

Bus chal padti hai.Glass ke bahar tent aur log chhote dikhne lagte hain.

Anwar Ma’am (from front)

“Toh chalo… ek last activity bachi hai —
ANTAKSHARI!”

Students cheer karte hain.

Bus ke front aur back mein teams ban jaate hain.
Arjun thoda late seat pakadta hai — wo Ammu ke peeche wali seat pe baithta hai.

Ammu front ke taraf focus kar rahi hoti hai, lekin Arjun peeche se uske hair ke strands ko dekh raha hota hai — quietly.

Ek second ke liye Ammu mirror ke reflection mein Arjun ko dekhti hai —

Bas ek tight, unreadable expression ke saath aankhen milti hain.

Arjun mouth se silently bolta hai:
“Friends?”

Ammu halki si der ke baad... sir hilati hai.

Par aankhon mein warning bhi hoti hai: “Bas friends.”

ANTAKSHARI shuru hoti hai — pehla gaana:

Chura liya hai tumne jo dil ko..."


Sab log halla karte hain.
Shanu chhup chhup ke lyrics mein kuch lines Zaheer ki taraf dekhte hue gaa rahi hoti hai.
Zaheer, as usual, aankhen chhupa ke bus ke bahar dekhta hai — lekin ek smirk uske lips pe aa jaata hai.

Arjun thoda lean karke Ammu ke seat ke side pe sirf itna bolta hai:
“Next baar chhat pe milne ka waqt decide tu karegi.”

Ammu bina dekhe bolti hai:
Aur hadd bhi.”

Zaheer seat ke side window pe finger se halka halka nadi ka naam likhne lagta hai.

Shanu wo dekh leti hai… phir quietly apni diary nikaal ke kuch likhne lagti hai.


Bus ek turn leti hai...Aur woh campsite peeche chhoot jaata hai.
Lekin har kisi ke andar —

ek lamha, ek chehra, ek feeling peeche nahi chhutti.

[Anum sheikh]

Nice trip

[Greenwood]

Update 12

sunset

bus gali ke kone pe rukti hai.

dono ghar singh aur qureshiapne apne gate pe khade.asma bhaag ke ammu ko hug karti hai,madhu shanu ka bag uthwa leti hai, pyaar se uska sir thapthapati hai.pratap door se bas dono girls ko dekh ke halki muskaan deta hai

“bachpan wapas aa gaya lagta hai.”

ammu bed pe bethi hoti hai, asma uske pair dabaa rahi hoti hai.

asma (excitedly)

didi! tum logon ne lake mein boat chalayi kya?

dj night bhi hua kya?

tumhara group photo kaha hai mujhe dikhana!

ammu (muskurate hue)

sab kuch hua...

thandi hawa, tent wali raat, fireflies...

ek raat toh nadi ke paas bas baithe rahe, kuch bola hi nahi... bas feel karte rahe.

asma (wide-eyed)

waah! tum kahin dream mein ho lagta hai.

ammu (grinning, holding it back)

shayad... par sapne mein bhi har baat kehni thodi hoti hai na.

asma confuse hoti hai, par ammu topic change kar deti hai.ammu apna dupatta thoda fold karte hue arjun ka naam ek baar bhi nahi leti

lekin uska chehra halka blush karta hai.

shanu mirror ke saamne apna backpack unpack kar rahi hoti hai.

madhu uske room mein chai le kar aati hai.

madhu

itni thak gayi lag rahi hai... acchi trip thi?

shanu (nodding, softly)

bahut acchi...

pehli baar laga ki main kisi aur duniya mein thi.

jahan log zyada… real the.

madhu

mere zamane mein bhi aise trips hote the.bas... log itne khul ke baat nahi karte the.tumhare chehre pe kuch badla badla sa hai.

shanu (biting smile)

shayad kuch lamhe wapas nahi jaayenge mere andar se

madhu uske baal side karti hai, masti se poochhti hai:

“koi crush toh nahi mil gaya?”

shanu (chhoti laugh)

nahi ma... bas thoda nature ka magic tha.

madhu chali jaati hai...

aur shanu mirror me apne reflection ko dekhti hai —chehre pe woh muskaan hoti hai jo kisi ne laayi ho… par uska naam lena abhi zaroori nahi.

ammu bed pe late hue dupatta ko cheek ke paas kheench leti hai, aankhen band kar leti hai…

par uske lips pe ek smile chhup nahi pati.

shanu diary likhti hai:

“woh chhup rehta hai... lekin kuch keh jaata hai aankhon se.”

zaheer apne kamre ke fan ko dekhte hue, nadi ke paani ki halki awaaz sunne lagta hai… khayalon mein khoya.

arjun apne room mein phone ghuma raha hota hai ammu ka message box open karta hai, phir close kar deta hai, aur neeche sirf likhta hai:

“aaj chhat pe yaad aayi thi tu.”

(lekin send nahi karta.)

early sunday morning

ammu ki aankh 11 baje ke aaspaas khulti hai. asma uske upar jhuki hoti hai, bolti hai,

"didi... tum kabhi trip se waapas aayi bhi ya wahi reh gayi?"

ammu sirf takiye mein muh chhupa leti hai.

shanu bathroom se towel leke nikalti hai. madhu table pe breakfast lagate hue chillati hai,

"subah ho gayi hai madam. sunday ka matlab ye nahi ki 12 baje uthoge."

shanu aankh me kaajal lagaate hue mirror me cheekhti hai, "toh kya friday ki yaadein hata dun?"

arjun balcony me baitha phone scroll kar raha hota hai, ek earphone me music chalu hai. pratap uske pass aake kehta hai,

ab toh aa gaya tu trip se, plate uthake kitchen me bhi le jaa."

arjun bolta hai, "haan papa, par thoda dil abhi tent me hi hai..."

zaheer apne room me baitha chappal pehen raha hota hai. niche se awaaz aati hai:

"beta... kapde fold kar lena. madam ammu thodi nahi hai jo har kaam karein."

zaheer under his breath: "madam ammu ka hi asar hai..."

afternoon – 3:00 pm

location: singh house living room

amma, shanu, arjun, ammu, aur zaheer — sab ek hi jagah hain. chhoti baithak mein ek takiye waala sofa, ek floor pe spread kiya gaya mattress, aur center table pe trip wali chai aur snacks.

sab log trip ke photos tv screen pe daal ke dekh rahe hain — ek dusre ke phones se share ki gayi pics slideshow pe chali ja rahi hain.

shanu (laugh kar)

arre yeh waali dekh... yahan main gir gayi thi tent ka zip kholte waqt!

arjun (pointing)

aur yeh... yeh toh legendary hai — zaheer ka chehra aisa jaise usne nadi mein future dekh liya ho.

zaheer (calmly)

kam se kam main kisi ka dupatta pakad ke nahi gira...

ammu (tauntingly)

haan... kisi ka haath zarur pakda tha. baar baar.

sab laugh karte hain. ek soft teasing chalu hoti hai.

asma (excitedly)

mujhe wo lake waali pics dikhao! didi wali!

didi ke baal ud rahe the usme!

arjun (suddenly quiet ho jaata hai)

...haan. wo waali main ne li thi.

ammu uski taraf dekhti hai. unki aankhon mein ek second ke liye wo tent wali raat flash ho jaati hai.

screen pe ek photo ruki rehti hai — ammu nadi ke kinare baithi hai, arjun thoda piche usse dekh raha hai. unka focus photo mein nahi hota — par us moment mein dono ek frame mein hote hain.

pratap (chhoti smile ke saath)

yeh photo kisi photographer ka kaam lagta hai.

shanu (slowly)

photo se zyada... timing ka kaam tha.

sab chup ho jaate hain ek second ke liye.zaheer screen ke corner se shanu ko dekhta hai, bas ek glance.

shanu bhi usi waqt uski taraf dekhti hai dono aankhon mein kuch tha, jo keh kar nahi... bas dekh kar samjha gaya.screen pe agli photo aati hai campfire ke aaspaas lights mein sabka shadow.

ammu quietly

yeh waala moment… kabhi wapas nahi aayega.

arjun (looking at her)

shayad nahi.

par... yaad rahega.

sab chhup hain... par kisi ke dil me silence nahi hai.sab normal dikh rahe hain... par kisi ka chehra normal nahi lag raha.ek photo... kabhi kabhi sab kuch bol jaati hai bina ek word kahe.

qureshi house – evening time

suryast ho raha hai. aasmaan narangi aur grey patches mein badal raha hai.gali mein cycle wale, doodh wale, aur kuch bachche cricket khel rahe hote hain.qureshi house ke gate pe shanu khadi hoti hai, haath mein ek small dabba.

shanu

(ammu ke liye excuse bana ke)

asma , ammu hai kya? usse recipe likhwani thi... notes mein reh gaya tha mera.

gate khulta hai. asma nahi hoti. andar se ammu hi nikalti hai, towel se haath ponchti hui.

ammu (knowing smile ke saath)

haan haan, aaja... waise bhi ab samajh mein aa gaya hai ki tujhe recipe se zyada meri chhat pasand hai.

shanu (lightly hitting her)

arre chup... itni jaldi mat pakad. thoda toh dignity bacha re!

dono haste hue seedhiyaan chadh jaate hain chhat ki taraf.

chhat pe kapde sukh rahe hain. dono ek kone mein railing ke paas baith jaati hain.ammu ek bottle se paani nikalti hai, thoda dono mein sharing hota hai.

ammu

ghar aake bhi trip dimaag se jaa hi nahi raha.

shanu

sab kuch alag tha wahan... sab log bhi.

jaise raat lambi thi, baatein gehri thi, aur waqt slow chalta tha.

ammu

haan... aur kisi ko takkar maar ke hasi chhupana bhi nahi padta tha.

dono chhoti chhoti baatein yaad karke hastaati hain.

itne mein ek awaaz aati hai — samne wali chhat se:

taz

arre ooo... trip queens! finally wapas aayi ho?

shanu (dekhti hai)

arre taz? tu yahin tha?

taz (smirking)

main toh wahi hoon... tum log foreign se aayi lag rahi ho.

ammu (flat)

tu phir dekh raha hai? kitni baar bola... binocular lele, kam se kam thoda style toh aayega.

taz

style ki tension mat le...

main toh bas dekh raha tha ki tum log wapas aaye ho ya nadi mein hi reh gaye.

shanu (laughing)

arre hum toh bach gaye... lekin tu abhi bhi chhat se neeche nahi gaya?

taz (grinning)

tum log chhat pe aa jaate ho... main neeche kyun jaun?

ammu aur shanu dono ek doosre ki taraf dekhte hain aur hass kar thoda apni jagah badal lete hain railing se thoda door.

ammu

bachpan mein bhi yehi karta tha... mummy ki mehndi dekhne ke bahane chhat pe chadh jaata tha.

taz (holding hands up)

theek hai behno, jaa raha hoon. peace and photos!wo chale jaata hai

aur dono ek shaant sigh ke saath baith jaati hain.

shanu (smiling)

tumhare gali ke log bhi trip ke logon se kam nahi...

ammu (laughing)

haan... bus yeh log tent le kar nahi aate.dono chhup ho jaati hain... shaam ki 

roshni dheere dheere kam ho rahi hoti hai.

shanu bag leke seedhi ja rahi hoti hai, jaise kisi kaam ke liye nikli ho.

gate ke paas aate hi samne se zaheer nikalta hai casual tee aur slippers mein. dono ek dusre ko dekhte hain.zaheer ka ek side glance hota hai  halki si nazar milti hai shanu se.shanu ek second ke liye rukti hai, aankhon mein ek soft sa greet  wohi jaane-pehchaane comfort jaisa.

zaheer halki si neck tilt karta hai, ek soft “hello” jaisa expression deta hai.

shanu (smiling softly)

“hi…”

bus itna hi hota hai. koi rukta nahi, koi kuch extra nahi bolta.

lekin woh chhoti si aankhon ki baat ho chuki hoti hai.peeche se ammu chhat se neeche aati hai — haath mein phone, baal thode bikhre hue.

ammu

arre shanu... ruk—

shanu uski taraf palat kar bas ek light smile ke saath bolti hai:

shanu

bye… kal milti hoon.

aur seedha nikal jaati hai.

ammu uske jaane ki direction mein thoda confused dekh kar ruk jaati hai.peeche se zaheer aata hai aur ek haath casually ammu ke kandhe ke aaspaas daal deta hai, doosre haath se usse kitchen ki taraf kheechta hai.

zaheer (teasingly)

aaja meri behen… aaj to tandoori khila de.trip ke baad asli swaad ghar ka chahiye mujhe.

ammu (resisting lightly)

arre abhi nahi... thodi thak gayi hoon zaheer...

zaheer use khinchta jaata hai, aur dono kitchen ki taraf chale jaate hain.ammu ke bahane, zaheer ki muskurahat, aur unki awaaz dheere dheere door hoti jaati hai…

audio fade out

"arre ruk na..."

"chup kar, tu aaj masala mix karegi!"

"zaheerrr..."

shaam ka sukoon ab subah ki halla-gulla mein badal chuka hai.

gali mein college van ki horn, doodh wale ki cycle, aur chhat pe kapde phadphadate dikhte hain.ghar ke andar dono ladkiyon ka apna apna routine chalu hai ek naye din ka energy, lekin mann abhi bhi trip ke kuch tukdon mein atka hua.

madhu kitchen mein awaaz lagati hai:

“shanu, jaldi kar! breakfast thanda ho raha hai!”

andar shanu dressing table ke saamne khadi hoti hai.aaj college ke liye normal tee aur denims pehne hain. baal loosely bandhe hue hain.

uska haath ek drawer tak jaata hai —

andar se ek dusty olive green cap nikalti hai…woh cap jo zaheer ne trip ke ek din casually suggest ki thi:

“yeh tujhe suit karegi… thoda hatke lagegi.”

shanu thodi der cap ko dekhti hai,

fir softly smile karti hai… jaise kuch yaad aa gaya ho.ek halki si khayal dil mein ubharti hai:

"main uske kehne pe kyun tayar ho rahi hoon?"

phir mirror me apne aap ko dekhti hai. cap pehenti hai…aur jaise ek second ke liye confident version ban jaati hai khud ka.

ammu bhi mirror ke saamne khadi hoti hai.plain white kurti aur blue dupatta pehna hai — simple aur neat.niche table pe ek box rakha hota hai.box kholti hai toh andar woh glass ki chudiya hoti hain jo arjun ne trip ke ek local shop se maze mein leke di thi:

“yeh le... college fashion week ke liye.”

ammu un chudiyon ko dekhti hai… haath me pehenti hai...aur mirror me apni wrist ko ek baar ghuma kar dekhti hai.uski aankhon mein ek halki si twinkle…nafrat nahi, mohabbat bhi nahi... lekin ek ajnabee si excitement.

"dekhte hain... kya bolta hai aaj."

college ka front gate usual hustle mein hota hai rickshaw se utarte students, parking mein horn, watchman ki whistle,aur entrance ke paas woh purana juice wala stall jahan kuch log already jam gaye hain.trip ke baad ka pehla din hai… lekin sabke chehre pe kuch alag glow, kuch alag sukoon hai.jaise har kisi ne ek kahani jee li ho, jiska climax abhi tak dil mein chal raha ho.

zaheer college gate se andar aata hai light blue shirt, bag ek side latka hua, aur aankhon mein woh usual calmness.wo bina kisi ke saath chalte hue, apne typical seat ke corner ki taraf badhta hai.tabhi samne se shanu aati hai cap pehene,thoda confident sa expression.don’t care vibe mein chal rahi hoti hai, lekin jaise hi zaheer uski aankhon ke range mein aata hai…uska pace halkasa slow ho jaata hai.zaheer side se casually guzarta hai…ek normal glance deta hai… kuch bola nahi jaata.shanu ki aankhon mein ek second ke liye sparkle… fir usne bas cap adjust ki aur seedha nikal gayi.

ammu canteen ke side wale pillar ke paas khadi hoti hai,phone check karte hue, lekin aankhen baar baar crowd ko scan karti hain.tabhi arjun entry karta hai black tee, backpack sirf ek strap pe, usual messy baal.

wo dosti se pehle aankhon se greeting deta hai seedha ammu ko dekhkar thoda smile karta hai.

ammu bas ek halki si chudiya khanakti hai… uska haath casually uske kaan ke paas jata hai,

jaise earrings adjust kar rahi ho… lekin wo us smile ko chhupate chhupate muskura padti hai.

arjun paas aakar bolta hai:

arjun (casual)

yeh chudiya… mujhe pehchaan lag rahi hai.

ammu (straight face)

haan… thodi tight hai, par chal jaayegi.

arjun (grin karta hai)

waise pehni kis ke liye hai?

ammu (mock thinking)

...for fashion. tum kya soch rahe ho?

arjun (hands up)

main toh kuch bhi nahi sochta… main toh sirf observe karta hoon.

dono side mein baith jaate hain.

pehli baar, koi awkwardness nahi hoti bus ek easy sa comfort… jaise kuch settle ho gaya ho trip ke baad.

shanu ek seat choose karti hai… cap ab bhi uske sir pe tight hai.wo window se bahar dekh rahi hoti hai, jab ek halka reflection dikhta hai zaheer ka ....wo kuch students ke saath side wale bench pe baitha hota hai.dono ki nazar nahi milti… lekin ek presence mehsoos hoti hai.

aur ek chhoti si smile aati hai shanu ke lips pe… bina wajah ke.

break ke baad ka waqt hai. students thode lazy, thode bored.corridor mein thoda shor hai, lockers band ho rahe hain, kuch log canteen ki taraf nikal rahe hain.arjun aur zaheer dono apni usual taunting-mode mein ek saath walk karte hue dikhte hain.

ek dusre se random nonsense baat karte hue…

arjun (stretching)

bhai… trip ke baad na lagta hai college ko thoda Goa shift kar dena chahiye.

zaheer (laughing)

tu Goa shift ho ja… college yahin theek hai.

arjun ek wall ke paas ruk jaata hai aur water cooler se thoda paani pita hai.tabhi unke saamne ek naya poster chipka hota hai

bada sa red-blue font:

“sports week – begins monday!

with our new sports coach ms. nikhat siddiqui.”

zaheer (staring at poster)

ms. nikhat siddiqui?

arjun (squinting at name)

nikhat? bhai sun... naam sunke toh lagta hai ya toh yeh cricket mein out kar degi...ya mess mein line mein khada kar degi.

zaheer

nikhat siddiqui sounds like... ek aisi moti aunty jiske haath mein whistle hoti hai aur voice pe default echo.

arjun (acting)

“line mein lag jao bacchon… warm-up se pehle dua padho!

zaheer (laughing)

aur har ladka jo race mein hilega… uske piche danda leke bhaagegi.

arjun

aur sab ladkiyon ko bolegi “beta, tumhare pair delicate hain… kho-kho nahi, harmonium bajao.”

zaheer (smirking)

waise sach mein... ladkiyon ke bas ka hota hi kaha hai yeh javelin-shavelin.dande sirf college ke group chat mein chala sakti hain.

arjun (mock offended)

arre bhai tu toh puri misogyny ka pitara leke chal pada...

but ya... sports week is about to get spicy.

tabhi peechhe se anwar ma’am walk karte hue nikal jaati hain ek stern look deti hain dono ko jaise unka sarcasm sun liya ho.

zaheer (slow whisper)

ms. nikhat siddiqui kahin anwar ma’am ki cousin na ho?

arjun (mock horror)

bhagwan na kare... warna sports week ki jagah yoga camp karva degi!

zaheer

“beta, pehle inner peace... fir outer kabaddi.”

dono chhup hoke corner se nikal jaate hain, par poster ki taraf dekhte hue ab bhi hansi daba rahe hote hain.

poster pe zoom hota hai…

"ms. nikhat siddiqui" ke naam ke neeche chhoti si ek passport photo chipki hoti hai –

lekin photo blur hai. suspense barkaraar.

shaam dhalk rahi hai. gali mein ek purani purani sukoon wali thakan.

halka sa traffic, bachche cricket band kar rahe hain, aur ek dog kahin door bhaukta hai.

qureshi house ke gate pe knock hoti hai.

ammuuuu,darwaza asma kholti hai

ek chhoti si smile ke saath...

asma

arre shanu didi! ammu upar hai, bulaun?

shanu (smiling)

haan... bol de, recipe mein confusion ho gaya tha. bas wohi poochhne aayi thi.

ammu seedhi chhat se neeche aati hai.usse dekhte hi shanu thoda casually cap adjust karti hai —wahi olive green wali, jo trip ke baad se uska favourite ban gayi hai…par sabse important baat zaheer ne ab tak us cap ki tareef nahi ki.

ammu (downstairs aate hi)

arre madam! cap bhi pehni hai, recipe bhi leke aayi ho?

shanu (acting cool)

cap toh bas... hawa zyada chal rahi thi na, baal ud rahe the.

Ammu

Matlab...

Shanu (avoiding eye contact)

tu recipe la na. aate time asma se sun liya... tandoori ban raha hai?

ammu kuch bolne hi wali hoti hai, tabhi zaheer kitchen se nikalta hai  haath mein ek tray, jisme uncooked chicken marinated pada hai.zaheer shanu ko dekh kar casually head nod karta hai.

shanu thoda hope se zaheer ki taraf dekhti hai  cap pe comment? compliment? kuch?

zaheer (absentmindedly)

hmm... accha laga tujhe trip waala tandoori? main aaj fir wohi try kar raha hoon.

shanu ek chhoti si sigh leti hai… aur cap ke edge ko thoda adjust karti hai.uski aankhon mein thoda disappointment, lekin uske chehre pe smile ab bhi hai.

zaheer (andar se chillate hue)

ammu, aana... yeh tray heavy ho rahi hai!

shanu wahi living room mein baith jaati hai, cap utarti nahi…aur uske dimaag mein bas ek hi thought goonjta hai:

"ek baar bol de... bas ek baar bol de ki suit kar raha hai yeh."

zaheer aur ammu kitchen mein busy hain ek taraf grill setup ho raha hai, dusri taraf onions cut ho rahe hain.shanu door ke paas table ke kinare baithi hoti hai, ek spoon se thali mein chutney ghuma rahi hai

lekin uska dhyan sirf ek cheez pe hai: zaheer.

woh casually cap pe finger ghumaati hai, kabhi adjust karti hai, kabhi kuch bolne ka wait karti hai.

but zaheer... as usual busy, unaware.

zaheer (teasing tone)

ammu, tu mirch daal rahi hai ya koi revenge le rahi hai sab se

ammu (laughs)

main toh bas spice level zaheer standard pe la rahi hoon — meaning: boring.

zaheer (mock offended)

achha ji. mere khilaaf conspiracy chalu hai.

shanu (finally speaking)

mirch kam hai, lekin drama zyada... classic zaheer recipe.

zaheer uski taraf dekhta hai… phir finally pause karta hai.

zaheer

waise…

yeh cap achhi lag rahi hai tujhe.

maine bola tha na, tujhe suit karegi.

shanu (trying to act casual)

hmm?

cap pe haath ghumaati hai

haan… bas mil gayi thi… sochha pehen lu.

zaheer (slight smile)

achha kiya… cap achhi lag rahi hai.

aaj pehli baar mujhe lag raha hai kisi ne mere fashion advice follow ki.

shanu (halki si awkward smile ke saath)

fashion advice nahi thi… suggestion tha.

zaheer (teasing)

suggestion hi hota hai… bas tujhe samajhne mein time lag gaya.

ammu dono ki baat sunte hue smile chhupa rahi hoti hai, aur onion chop karte karte halki se whistle maarne lagti hai.

zaheer apne haath saaf karta hai aur tray leke andar chala jaata hai.

shanu uske jaane ke baad ek chhoti si smile karti hai,

aur cap thoda aur tight karke rakhti hai — jaise ab uski value badh gayi ho.

college canteen – morning

canteen ke bahar ka hamesha wala hungama —

ek taraf bread pakode ke liye line, dusri taraf chai ki steam,

aur beech mein ek known chaos ka source — taz.

taz canteen wale se bhid raha hota hai:

taz (chillaate hue)

arre bhaiya, yeh butter toast hai ya cardboard ka tukda?

main khau ya shoe polish karun?

canteen guy (irritated)

arre bhai le lo paisa wapas, roz ka drama mat karo.

taz paas ke 3-4 ladko ko crowd bana ke bolta hai:

taz

dekh lo bhai log! yeh hai hamare sapno ka college —

yahan breakfast mein insult free milta hai!

thoda door, ek kone mein zaheer, arjun, ammu, aur shanu khade hain.

sab apna apna tea le rahe hote hain, lekin taz ka hungama sunai de raha hota hai.

shanu (half rolling her eyes)

yeh taz har subah college ka news bulletin ban jaata hai.

arjun (smirking)

yeh banda ek din canteen ko reality show mein convert kar dega.

Ammu

bas na... mujhe aaj kuch ajeeb feel ho raha hai.

taz tabhi un sab ki taraf dekh leta hai…

ek second ko ammu pe uski nazar ruk jaati hai.uska expression badal jaata hai thoda teasing, thoda off.

taz (zara uncha bolta hai, crowd ko sunate hue)

Taz

Kyu chacha??? Chachi de nahi Rahi kya Aaj kal... Wese bhi Mausam mastana hai... Bolo to manforce la du

Or paas ke sab log hasne lagte hai... Taz aakhiri line ammu ko dekh kar bolta hai...

arjun ka haath tight ho jaata hai, uska face stiff hota hai — ready to react.lekin uske react karne se pehle,ammu quietly apna chai ka cup neeche rakhti hai…aur arjun ka haath softly pakad leti hai.

uski grip calm hoti hai jaise keh rahi ho “main handle karungi”.

ammu aankhon se taz ki taraf dekhti hai, bina kuch bole.

ek silence chhata hai — taz thoda rukta hai,

aur fir ek badi, loud si hansi nikalta hai:

taz

arre chill maaro sab log… main toh masti kar raha tha!... Chacha ko to desi pasand hai nirodhhh...

fir sab crowd ko hathaata hai:

taz

chalo chalo, chai lo aur class bhago sab… hero banne ka waqt gaya.

bheed thoda thoda hatt jaata hai, aur taz corner se nikal jaata hai.

arjun ammu ki taraf dekhta hai:

arjun (softly)

tu sure thi… main toh chhodta nahi usse.

ammu (steady voice)

aur main sure thi… mujhe zarurat nahi hai kisi ke peeche chhupne ki.

college auditorium – mid morning

auditorium ka hall light se bhara hota hai.stage pe white cloth banner already lag chuka hota hai – thoda tilted, thoda creased, lekin effort dikh raha hota hai:

“sports week 2025 – push your limits!”

chairs set ho chuki hain. front row mein teachers, peeche monitors, aur volunteers sab busy hote hain.

zaheer, arjun, shanu, ammu alag-alag groups mein, but aankhon se ek dusre ka presence catch kar rahe hote hain.anwar ma’am clipboard leke idhar-udhar walk kar rahi hoti hain volunteers ko instructions dete hue.tabhi hall ke main door se principal chauhan sir enter karte hain.sab thoda straight baith jaate hain jaise energy suddenly formal ho gayi ho.

principal chauhan (mic pe aakar)

good morning students. i know trip se wapas aate hi tum log relax mode mein ho…but it’s time to get back to momentum.

students thoda laugh karte hain softly.

principal (continues)

this monday, we will begin our annual sports week.

aur iss baar, kaafi cheezein alag hongi.hall mein halki si whispering shuru ho jaati hai. arjun aur zaheer dono ek dusre ko dekhte hain jaise "kya hone wala hai?"

principal

new format. new teams. and yes… a new coach.

hall suddenly quiet ho jaata hai.

principal

she’ll join from tomorrow. naam yaad rakhna — ms. nikhat siddiqui.

strict bhi hain… aur thoda unpredictable bhi.

zaheer (leaning to arjun)

abey... naam suna suna lag raha hai.

arjun (whispers)

mujhe toh pehle se hi darr lag raha hai. siddiqui sunte hi aisa lagta hai ki whistle pocket mein hoti hogi permanently.

shanu (overhearing)

tum dono ki running form dekh ke lagta hai koi bhi coach strict lagegi.

ammu (laughs softly)

hope so... warna tumhare jaise players ko pehle bench pe daalegi.

principal

lists will be out on the notice board by evening.

and let’s keep this clean, fair, and exciting. remember — discipline first.

anwar ma’am ek final clipboard tap karti hain aur stage ke edge pe aake bold tone mein bolti hain:

anwar ma’am

jo bhi students team mein selected honge, wo kal subah 7:30 sharp ground pe report karenge.

no excuses. no late entries. samjhe?

hall se bahar nikalte hue crowd

zaheer (to arjun)

nikhat siddiqui… naam mein hi weight hai.

arjun (grinning)

yaar yeh toh kisi web series ka villain lag raha hai.

“coach nikhat – season 1: pain begins”

shanu (teasing)

tum dono ka reaction dekh ke lagta hai, kal se PT shoes ke saath bandage bhi le aana chahiye.

notice board ke paas bheed, students apna naam dekhte hue… aur ek unknown thrill hawa mein ghoomti hui

[Anum sheikh]

Carry-on nice update

[Greenwood]

Update 13

college sports ground – early morning

subah ki halki dhoop ground ke fresh rolled grass par pad rahi hoti hai.students tracksuits aur joggers mein warm-up kar rahe hote hain —kisi ka stretch chal raha hai, kisi ka slow jog.background mein principal chauhan ek mic ke through students ko guide kar rahe hote hain.

unki voice calmly echo karti hai ground mein:

principal chauhan

“fitness koi ek-week ka event nahi hoti.yeh ek habit hai — discipline ka part.or har student ke liye basic fitness utna hi zaroori hai jitna attendance.”

zaheer apne track pants mein, arms stretch kar raha hota hai.arjun aur uske 2-3 doston ke saath slow jog laga raha hota hai.shanu aur ammu ek side mein leg raises kar rahi hoti hain,lekin har kisi ki aankhon mein ek thoda sa boredom… routine warm-up vibe.

tabhi…

main gate ke paas se ek confident shadow ground pe padti hai.

camera slow zoom karta hai…

coach nikhat siddiqui

dark navy blue sports shorts, black dry-fit tee, hair tied in a tight ponytail.uski tanegin itni chikni ki dekhne wale ki bhi nazar fisal jaye. Kamar or boobs ke bich curve aisa ki collage ki har junior senior ladki bhi jealous ho jaye... Boobs itne shape me or tight ki mano kisi ne tarash kar banaye ho... Lambi surahi jesi garsan... Ek badi or gol matol ass... Or thighs ke muscle uske chalne se jo shake ho rahe hai koi bhi dekhe to uski missile khadi ho jaye launch hone ke liye...

ek whistle uske neck se latki hai, aur uske pair mein proper running spikes.uski walk slow nahi, purposeful hoti hai —lekin uski posture aur confidence se har pair of eyes uski taraf turn ho jaata hai.

background crowd mein murmur shuru hota hai…

student 1 (low whisper)

arre yaar… yeh toh actual coach lag rahi hai. hero-type entry.

student 2

main toh soch raha tha koi PT teacher wali vibe hogi… yeh toh solid hai!

zaheer thoda confuse hota hai — stretching ruka nahi hai, lekin aankhen clearly uski taraf chali jaati hain.uske chehre pe ek woh rare “impressed” look hota hai.

ammu ka foot raise halfway ruk jaata hai.

shanu ke haath waist pe the, lekin cap adjust karte waqt woh sirf uski confident walk ko dekh rahi hoti hai.

coach nikhat directly principal ke paas jaati hai —

no smile, no drama, bas ek nod.

principal (announcing)

“everyone… meet your sports coach for the week.

ms. nikhat siddiqui.

don’t go by her size. she trains people twice your age, and twice your attitude.”

coach nikhat mic leti hai — her voice calm, deep aur crystal clear:

nikhat

“morning.

ground mein swag leke mat chalo. yeh modelling ramp nahi hai.

mujhe bas effort chahiye performance nahi.

aur haan boys aur girls dono ko participate karna hai.

no excuses, no drama.”

background mein whistle bajti hai.

sab log awkwardly line mein aa jaate hain.

zaheer (to arjun, low tone)

bhai… aaj toh sach mein daud lagne wali hai.

arjun

tu daud ke bare me soch raha hai or main uske wo..... ?

nikhat (loud)

“3 laps. start moving. let’s see kaun stamina mein aur kaun sirf stories mein strong hai.”

Principal

Inke bare me apko bata du ye hai apki nayi coach...

ms. nikhat siddiqui (sports coach)

age: mid-30s

background: national-level athletics trainer; kuch saal military-style fitness camps mein kaam kiya hai.

ab ek reputed college circuit mein sports coach ke roop mein jaani jaati hai.

strictness:

time ka obsession:

ek second ki bhi late entry pe punishment fix hai. chahe best student ho ya sabse slow — time pe discipline uska non-negotiable rule hai.

no favoritism policy:

girls ho ya boys, first benchers ho ya backbenchers — sabke liye ek hi standard.

“mujhe tumhara talent nahi chahiye, mujhe tumhara effort chahiye.”

clear rules, no drama:

“jo ground pe aayega, use perform karna hi padega.

excuses sirf un logon ke liye hote hain jo haarne ke liye aaye hain.”

punishment drills:

jumping squats, planks, and duck walks —

har chhoti galti pe 2-minute intense drill fix hai.

aur jab koi complain karta hai, toh calm voice mein kehti hai:

"itni takleef hai toh diary likh lo, mujhe mat batao."

fitness level:

subah 6 baje khud warm-up karti hai — usually 5k run solo, bina kisi show-off ke.

students ke saath koi bhi activity ho, wo khud sabse pehle try karti hai — push-ups, relay, long jumps…

aur har baar students thak jaate hain, woh calm breath mein khadi hoti hai.

tight form, high stamina:

jab students ko lagta hai "yeh toh sirf bolti hongi", us moment mein woh khud 200m sprint laga ke unki ego crush kar deti hai

boys:

“main toh soch raha tha easy PT hoga, yeh toh sexy se bhi jyada seductive training hai!”

lekin andar se impressed hote hain — respect and fear dono.

girls:

“uska figure dekh ke lagta hai chocolate chhodo, carrot pe shift ho jaayein.”

gradually unhe realize hota hai ki nikhat sirf fitness icon nahi, ek solid role model bhi hai.

Nikhat

tumse acchi selfie lene wale hazaar honge, par tumse acchi run lagane wale ginte ke hote hain.

ground ke beech, sab students line mein khade

coach nikhat siddiqui front mein khadi hoti hai — arms crossed, eyes sharp.

sab students thak chuke hote hain thoda warm-up kar ke, lekin ab unki energy sirf ek cheez par hai: nikhat madam bol kya rahi hain?

nikhat (calm tone mein bolti hai, bina mic ke)

“tum log yeh soch rahe hoge… yeh woman aayi hai, aur sirf daant ke jaa rahi hai.”

pause

“relax. aaj sirf intro tha.

main kisi ka dushman nahi hoon… lekin main kisi ki maa bhi nahi hoon.

main coach hoon.”

ek second ka silence

kal se training start hogi — real wali.

t-shirts geeli hongi, ego pighle ga, aur jo apne aap ko hero samajhta hai na…

wo sabse pehle girta hai.”

ek student ne halki si hansi nikalne ki koshish ki — nikhat ne usi taraf dekha. sab chup.

nikhat (last line)

“abhi ke liye… class mein jao.

kal ground pe milte hain — shoes band ke, excuses bandh.”

she turns without looking back.

zaheer halka sa smirk ke saath kehta hai:

zaheer (to arjun)

yeh woman... full threat hai.

arjun (sarcasm mein)

aur mujhe lagta tha sports week boring hoga.

ammu shanu ke ear ke paas jhuk kar bolti hai:

ammu

main kal track pants press karke rakh rahi hoon.

pata nahi daud lagani hai ya bhaag ke jaan bachani hai.

shanu (soft laugh)

main toh pehli baar kisi coach ko dekh ke nervous bhi hoon… aur impressed bhi.

fade out with bell ki awaaz aur sab students classroom ke andar ghuste hue... lekin unki aankhon mein sirf ek naam goonj raha hota hai nikhat.

sports ground ka setup thoda relaxed hota hai.

students warm-up ke baad apne apne classroom ki taraf ja chuke hain.

sirf kuch staff aur 2-3 volunteers idhar-udhar rehte hain — including coach nikhat, jo ek whiteboard pe next day ki team drill likh rahi hoti hain.

arjun ek kone se chhup chhup ke nikhat ke aas paas mandrata hai 

pehle water cooler ke bahane, phir cones arrange karne ke naam pe.

first round:

nikhat chalk se board pe likh rahi hoti hain.

arjun, bottle leke uske paas se guzarta hai — aur extra loud sip leta hai.

arjun (under breath)

kaafi intense handwriting hai…

nikhat sun nahi paati — ya ignore karti hai.

arjun chill mode mein corner mein khisak jaata hai.

Second round:

cones arrange kar rahe students mein arjun bhi aa jata hai —

ek cone uthata hai aur unnecessarily 3 second tak adjust karta hai… ussi jagah pe.

zaheer (side se)

yeh cone hai ya taj mahal bana raha hai?

arjun (defensive)

accuracy bhi ek art hoti hai bhai.

nikhat is baar notice karti hai ki arjun wahin aas paas hai… phir se.

but abhi kuch nahi bolti.

third round:

sab log ja chuke hote hain, sirf nikhat aur ek junior coach field ke edge pe khade hote hain.

arjun ek pen leke aata hai:

arjun (casually)

ma’am… aap yeh marker use kar rahi thi kya?

main store room se naya laaya hoon… matlab, just in case.

nikhat, without even turning:

nikhat

tum store room mein bhi jaate ho?

mujhe laga tumhara area sirf spotlight tak limited hota hai.

arjun (caught off guard)

uhh… nahi… main helpfull type hoon. generally.

nikhat finally uski taraf palat kar dekhti hai —

ek sharp look, par smile nahi.

sirf calm, direct stare.

nikhat (firm)

sunna tumhara strong point hai ya ignore karna?

arjun (thoda nervously)

main? dono thoda thoda... mood pe depend karta hai.

nikhat (stepping closer)

mood bhi kal se meri permission se banega.

ab jao. cones apne aap nahi uthenge.

arjun, ek soft smile ke saath haan mein sir hilata hai —

aur quietly wapas corner ki taraf chala jaata hai.arjun cones arrange karne ka drama chhodi deta hai.

ab uska mission clear hai — nikhat se seedha interaction.

wo side se aata hai, haath me ek purani whistle hoti hai — clearly working nahi hai.

arjun (casual tone mein)

ma’am, yeh whistle kaam nahi kar rahi.

main soch raha hoon… aap jaise coach ke liye toh ek custom gold whistle honi chahiye.

nikhat ruk jaati hai.

slowly uski taraf dekhti hai — aankhon mein zero emotion.

arjun (approaching)

ma’am… maine suna fitness ke baad sugar intake zaroori hota hai.

so... aapke liye.

nikhat clipboard se nazar nahi hatati.

nikhat

meri energy dedication se aati hai, chocolate se nahi.

tum le lo… shayad tumhara stamina badh jaaye.

arjun (grins)

ouch.

aap thoda aur sweet hoti toh yeh chocolate match karti.

nikhat ek chalk uthati hai, ground pe ek rough sketch banate hue bolti hai:

nikhat

tumhare compliments ka bhi ek limit hona chahiye.

warna woh bhi exercise ban jaate hain — pointless repetition.

arjun (laughs nervously)

ma’am, repetition se toh muscles bante hain.

nikhat (calmly)

aur bekaar baaton se time waste hota hai.

arjun thoda idhar-udhar dekhta hai, fir ek cone uthata hai

arjun

main help kar doon? cones setup?

nikhat (direct, not looking at him)

nahi. tumhari help tab chahiye hogi jab koi cone uthake bhaag jaaye.

arjun (grinning anyway)

toh main wait karta hoon kisi ke bhaagne ka.

nikhat clipboard band karti hai, uske pass se guzarte hue bolti hai:

nikhat (without stopping)

tumhare pass agar time extra hai, toh stretching shuru karo.

kal tumhara group first sprint karega.

arjun (softly)

ma’am, aapko dekh ke hi meri breath chali jaati hai.

daud ke pehle hi thak jaata hoon.

nikhat (pausing for a beat)

phir kal tak oxygen reserve mein daal lo.

kyunki main tumhari drama se nahi, performance se impress hoti hoon.

aur bina palte, woh ground ke dusre end ki taraf nikal jaati hai.

arjun (to himself)

coach ke piche bhaagna... actual warm-up se zyada hard hai.or agar coach ka piche ka area aisa ho to warm up se bhi jyada pasina lagta hai....

Or arjun muskurata rehta hai

shanu’s bedroom – early evening

shanu mirror ke saamne khadi hoti hai, facewash lagake fresh towel se munh ponch rahi hoti hai.

ek haath me phone hota hai, speaker mode on.

cut to: ammu’s room – same time

ammu apne bed pe baithi hoti hai, ek purani hairbrush se baal suljha rahi hoti hai.

side me asma baithi hoti hai apni comic book leke, lekin kaan poore phone ki taraf.

shanu (laughing )

tu uski legs dekhi thi? full athlete type. matlab… koi line nahi, sirf strength!

ammu (half shock, half awe)

yaar uska figure aise jaise gym me nahi, jungalon me train karti ho.

shanu

main toh sirf uski entry se hil gayi.

bina smile ke woh aise chali aayi jaise kisi film ka climax chal raha ho.

ammu (playfully)

aur woh bolti hai toh aisa lagta hai… jaise hum sab bas time waste hai.

shanu (mocking voice)

“tum log modelling ramp pe nahi ho…”

dramatic pause

“ground mein ho.”

dono hans padti hain. asma bhi thoda smile karti hai quietly.

ammu (relaxed tone mein)

main toh sach bolu… thoda crush jaisa feel ho gaya tha.

not love wala… bas respect wala.

shanu

same bro. mujhe laga main cap nikaal ke usko de du —

“lo ma’am, ab se aap hi hero ho.”

shanu

nikhat ma’am… real deal hai.

aise logon se thoda darr bhi lagta hai… par attraction bhi hota hai.

ammu (seriously)

haan. aur ma’am type logon se milke lagta hai ki hum logo ne ab tak sirf acting ki hai college me.

she’s real. no filters.

short pause hota hai. dono chup ho jaati hain ek second ke liye.

shanu (softly)

kal se asli daud shuru hogi. dekhte hain kaun tikta hai aur kaun nahi.

asma quietly bolti hai background se:

“main hoti na… toh pehle din hi full attendance le leti.”

ammu (smiling at her)

tu rehne de, pehle tu chhoti daud jeet le college ki.

scene fades out as dono behne phone cut karte hain aur mirror mein ek baar khud ko dekhti hain 

jaise coach nikhat se thoda inspired ho chuki hoon woh bhi.

[b]college ground – early morning[/b]

light sun, halki thandi hawa.

students pehn ke aaye hote hain track suits, sab thoda dazed, thoda sleepy mood mein warm-up kar rahe hote hain.

coach nikhat cones ke paas khadi hoti hai clipboard haath mein, whistle neck pe.

her stance stiff and alert.

students jogging line mein lage hote hain.arjun middle mein hota hai, lekin uski aankhon ka goal ek hi — coach nikhat ki attention.

first attempt – jogging mein poetry

arjun (slow jogging ke dauraan, soft voice mein)

“aapki awaaz whistle se tez hai,

aur nazar... stopwatch se bhi exact.”

pause

“main daud nahi raha... main toh attract ho raha hoon.”

nikhat us taraf dekhti bhi nahi.

clipboard mein kuch likhti hai.

uske haathon ki writing speed arjun ki flirting se zyada fast hoti hai.

second attempt – water bottle wala drama

students ka short water break hota hai.

arjun bottle leke nikhat ke paas aata hai.

arjun

ma’am, aapke liye laaya tha. specially filtered... feelings ke sath.

nikhat (without eye contact)

meri pyaas dedication se bujhti hai.

tumhari bottle... tum rakho.

arjun (fake offended)

matlab sirf training ke liye hoon main aapki life mein

nikhat (calmly)

tum meri life mein nahi, schedule mein ho.

wo bhi... temporary.

third attempt – lambi breath leke approach

zaheer, ammu aur shanu cones ke pass kuch drills kar rahe hote hain.

arjun sab se alag hota hai — stretching ke bahane wapas nikhat ke aas paas.

iske expressions full filmy hoti hain.

arjun (low voice, almost dramatic)

aapko dekh ke lagta hai…

fitness ek art hai, aur aap uski sculpture.

nikhat is baar slowly palat ke dekhti hai — finally aankhon mein aankhon daal kar.

but expression? poker face, no drama.

nikhat

tumhare dialogues ke alag registration form lagne chahiye.

filmon mein bhej deti main… lekin yeh ground hai

arjun (thoda smile, thoda awkward)

ma’am… try kar raha hoon.

impress nahi, bas... yaad ban jaaun.

nikhat

yaad wahi bante hain jo finish line tak pahuchte hain.

dialogue baazi finish line nahi hoti, mr. singh.

she walks off again, strong and unbothered.

arjun khud bhi muskurata hai, jaise haar nahi maana —

“abhi toh sirf warm-up chal raha hai.”

Or nikhat waha se daud kar door chali jati hai... Arjun bas use dekhte reh jata hai

[b]college sports ground[/b]

bright sun. thoda zyada garmi.

poora ground boys se bhara hota hai sab track pe line mein lag rahe hote hain, ek ek karke unka fitness assessment ho raha hota hai.

coach nikhat siddiqui clipboard leke khadi hoti hai saath mein ek assistant coach timer ke saath.

nikhat (loud and sharp)

“tum sabko sports week mein participate karna hai toh prove karo.

endurance, speed, balance — sabka test hoga.

aur haan... acting se nahi, performance se result milega.”

sab boys thoda tight ho jaate hain.

Summary of test

kuch boys daudte hain aur 200m ke baad thak jaate hain.

kisi ka push-up form bigadta hai.

nikhat sirf clipboard mein likhti jaati hai — no expression, no reaction.

zaheer ka turn:

zaheer quietly shoes bandhta hai.

apna phone bag me daal ke seedha ground ki taraf chalta hai — full focus mode.

assistant coach:

“ready… 3… 2… 1… go!”

zaheer ka daudna bilkul clean hota hai — no show-off, no drama.

lekin pace constant hai, form perfect, aur stamina solid.

nikhat, clipboard pe likhti jaati hai…

aur uske lips pe ek almost invisible nod aata hai. she notices.

arjun ka turn:

arjun thoda stretching karta hai pehle — aas paas dekhta hai.

thoda swag, thoda overconfidence.

lekin jab daud start hoti hai — woh full serious ho jaata hai.

uski speed impressive hoti hai, thoda flashy lekin control mein.

last 50 meters mein halki si stumble hoti hai…

lekin wo balance kar leta hai.

nikhat, clipboard se nazar hata ke dekhti hai ek second ke liye, but phir expression neutral hi rehta haitest khatam hota hai. students sab side mein water bottles leke chill mode mein aane lagte hain.

assistant coach names call karta hai:

assistant:

“first – arjun singh.

second – zaheer qureshi.”

arjun, already bottle leke bench pe baitha hota hai thoda relax face ke saath.

nikhat, clipboard leke sab ke beech se guzarti hai.

sab soch rahe hote hain ab first ko compliment milega.

lekin...

nikhat seedha zaheer ke paas jaake khadi hoti hai 

thoda pause deti hai, then softly bolti hai:

nikhat

clean form.

you didn’t waste energy.

well done.”

zaheer surprise hota hai. sirf ek chhoti si neck nod deta hainikhat, seedha walk karte hue nikal jaati hai, bina arjun ki taraf dekhe.

arjun ka expression:

ek chhoti si smile.

not hurt… not jealous… bas ek weird mix of ego + amusement.

zaheer uske paas se guzarta hai — arjun ki smile dekh leta hai.

zaheer (confused)

“kya dekh raha hai?”

arjun (still smiling)

“tujhe. tu toh star ban gaya bhai.”

zaheer (flat)

“hmm.”

zaheer bas apna sir hilaata hai… aur nikal jaata hai, full calm mode.

college ground

girls ke liye special fitness test set hota hai.cones lagaye gaye hain, ek rope-jump drill aur hurdle skipping ka small setup hota hai.

shanu, ammu, aur doosri ladkiyaan ek line mein khadi hoti hain sab track suits mein, thoda nervous, thoda excited.

coach nikhat ground ke beech mein khadi hoti hai, clipboard haath mein, whistle neck pe.

expression stone cold focus.

first round shuru hota hai.

ladkiyaan ek-ek warm up aur rope jump drill karte hain.

kisi ka foot placement weak hota hai, koi mid-jump ruk jaati hai, koi rope mein atak jaati hai.

nikhat, ek ek move silently observe karti jaati hai.

jab 6 ladkiyon ka first set complete ho jaata hai —

wo clipboard neeche karti hai, ek second ke liye pause leti hai.

nikhat (calm, thoda thanda tone mein)
this is not dance practice.
tumhare steps pretty lag rahe hain, but yeh fashion show nahi hai.”

girls thoda awkward ho jaati hain. ammu shanu ek dusre ko quietly dekhte hain.

nikhat (walk karte hue cones ke paas jaake)

“you want to jump like a girl? good.
but jump like the girl… who knows what she’s doing.”

pause

nikhat whistle nikaal ke ek ladki ko deti hai.

nikhat
yeh le main dikhati hoon.”

scene shifts into slow motion mode.

background ka music soft beat mein chalu hota hai.camera zoom in karta hai nikhat ke shoes pe 

uska stance, uska balance, uska sharp posture.

[b]wo ek dam se speed mein chalu karti hai:[/b]

[b]Fir jaise koi slow motion film chal rahi ho nikhat rope par uchalti ja rahi thi or ladkiyo ke muh khulte ja rahe they... Uske patle lekin strong hath rope ko ghuma rahe they... Uske hair har jump ke sath hawa me ud rahe they .. uske wo heavy breats,har jump ke sath upar niche upar niche ho rahe they... Kuch ladkiya to pahle se hi in heavy melons se jealous thi or nikhat ko aise uchalte dekh kar un sabki pussy hair jal gaye...[/b]

girls ki aankhon mein sirf ek reaction hoti hai: total awe.ammu ka mooh halki si khuli hoti hai.

shanu whisper karti hai:

shanu (to ammu)
is she even real?”

ammu sirf slow nod karti hai.

nikhat (normal tone mein, breath bhi stable)

fitness ka matlab thakna nahi hai.
matlab hai control… precision… power.kal se tum sab sahi training karogi.
warna main phir se dikhane nahi aaungi — pitwaungi.”

girls ek dusre ko dekh rahi hoti hain — silence mein jese ab unke andar koi naya switch on ho gaya ho.

shanu quietly bolti hai:

main aaj se serious ho gayi.”

ammu (still shocked)

main toh uski tarah seedhi chal bhi nahi paungi…”

college canteen – early afternoon

canteen ki vibe lazy hoti hai.
tables full, students sweaty, thake huye, kuch behaal.sab apna nashta enjoy karne lage hote hain — plate mein samose, sandwich, bread pakoda, chutney overload.

corner table:

arjun, zaheer, ammu, shanu — sab ek hi table par baith kar nashta tod rahe hote hain.

arjun (bite lete hue)
yeh samosa mere liye nahi... meri soul ke liye hai.

zaheer (mouth full)

ek din aur... fir coach ke punishment ke pehle main yeh aloo ka swaad bhoolna nahi chahta.

ammu (laughing)
mujhe lag raha hai training se zyada yeh samosa hi mujhe jeene ki wajah de raha hai.

shanu (dunking her sandwich)
coach ko bas pata na chale yeh sab… warna…

tabhi...

door ki taraf se ek thanda sa shadow padta hai.

canteen ke andar entry hoti hai – ms. nikhat siddiqui.

clipboard nahi hoti, sirf ek stainless steel bottle hoti hai.
sports shoes, tight bun, no smile.
the air changes.
ekdum silence chhajaata hai.
ek student ka chutney waala spoon hawa mein hi freeze ho jaata hai.
nikhat seedha counter ke paas jaati hai, voice loud and clear — no mic, no drama.

nikhat
“canteen menu change ho raha hai.

from today onwards — no samosa, no sandwich, no fried items you’ll get only: boiled chana, fruits, and lemon water.”

ek ladka silently apna samosa neeche rakh deta hai.

nikhat (glancing around)

“sports week ke liye tum logon ko treat nahi, fuel chahiye.aur treat yeh fried triangle nahi hai.
it’s poison with tamarind chutney.”

zaheer, slowly samosa se nazar hataata hai.
arjun, thoda murjha sa jaata hai.
ammu sandwich ka half tukda plate me rakh deti hai.
shanu bas apne juice ka glass uthakar dekhti rehti hai jaise woh bhi suspect ho gaya ho.

nikhat (walking past their table)

aur haan… koi ‘just one last time’ nahi chalega.
next time kisi ne kuch fried item liya — training double.”

wo bina kisi aur baat ke seedha nikal jaati hai.

canteen mein sirf plates ki halki khanak aur crushed hopes ki awaaz bachi hoti hai.

arjun (softly, defeated tone)
“yeh toh... hitler hai. fitness hitler.”

zaheer (low tone)
“aur hum uske prisoner of protein.”

ammu (smiling, but broken inside)
“kal se lunch mein chana. dinner mein chana. dreams mein bhi chana.”

shanu (looking at her sandwich)
goodbye, soft bread… tu bahut acha tha.”

[Anum sheikh]

Nice name Hitler coach

[Greenwood]

Update 14

zaheer’s rooftop – evening

shaam dhal rahi hoti hai. thandi hawa chal rahi hai.

do steel ke glass mein lemon water, ek plate mein chana — chai or biscuit or ammu ke special pakode.

zaheer aur arjun dono chhat ke kone mein, cement ki chhoti boundary pe baith kar halki halki gossip mein busy hote hain.

neeche gali mein cycle waala bell bajata hai, kabootar udd rahe hote hain.

arjun (glass ghoomata hua)

yaar, yeh nikhat ma’am koi coach hai ya fitness ki katrina kaif?

main toh uske steps dekh ke hi thak gaya.

zaheer (casually)

coach hai, bhai. control bhi usi level ka hai.

pata hai kab kya karna hai — wohi toh asli pro hoti hai.

arjun (grinning)

pro toh hai… lekin bhai uska style —

zaheer (shaking head)

woh style nahi hai. woh form hai.

ek-ek move calculate karti hai woh.

arjun (mock serious)

matlab tu keh raha hai main uske style pe nahi, form pe dhyan doon?

zaheer (laughs)

tu pehle khud ka form sahi kar.

kya uske aas paas ghoom raha tha canteen ke din...

arjun (poking him)

arre tujhe bhi toh ghoor te dekha tha maine ground pe!

seedha uske lunges ke time aankhein freeze.

zaheer (half smiling, calm)

dekhne mein burai nahi hai.

respect se dekhta hoon main.

aankhon se nahi, soch se.

arjun (rolling eyes)

abe chhod. tu toh sadhu hai.

mujhe dekh — main toh clear hoon.

agar woh meri PE teacher hoti college mein... main 10th baar fail ho jaata, bas dekhne ke liye.

zaheer (grinning)

aur main pehle attempt mein pass ho jaata — sirf uski discipline follow kar ke.

pause hoti hai. dono chhoti si sip lete hain. hawa thodi aur tez chalti hai.

arjun (softer tone)

waise, mazaak alag hai… but serious mein, woh inspiring hai yaar.

main kabhi kisi coach ko leke itna try nahi kar raha tha.

zaheer (quietly)

hmm. woh sirf body train nahi kar rahi.

mind bhi sharp kar rahi hai sabka.

arjun (smirking again)

mind sharp kar rahi hai... ya dil par  attack de rahi hai?

zaheer (smiling, shaking his head)

tu kabhi sudhrega nahi.

zaheer aur arjun sidhiyaan utar rahe hote hain.

niche se azhar chilla ke bolta hai —

“zaheer! sabzi le aayi kya ammu?”

zaheer (thoda cheekh ke)

“poochhta hoon abbu!”

arjun thoda slow chal raha hota hai, jaise kuch soch raha ho.tabhi unke peeche se halki chappal ki awaaz aati hai.

Arjun turns: ammu chhat ki taraf ja rahi hoti hai.

she’s in her home kurta, baalon ko clip se baandha hua, haath mein ek chhoti tokri.

arjun usse dekhta hai. ammu bhi dekhti hai.

bas ek second ke liye — aankhen milti hain.

na smile, na words — sirf ek silent glance.

zaheer (ammu se)

“oye sun, kya hua? kuch chahiye kya?”

ammu (casually)

“kapde lene ja rahi hoon. sham ho gayi hai na.”

zaheer (nodding)

“haan haan. Din me hi leke aa Jaya kar ammu... Itni sham tak nahi chhodte kapde upar

arjun bas thoda corner mein khada rehta hai, lekin uske chehre pe halka sa expression badal jaata hai  jaise woh samajh gaya ho, yeh signal uske liye tha.

ground floor.

arjun bye bolta hai:

arjun

“main chalta hoon bhai. milta hoon kal.”

zaheer

“haan haan, aaram se ja.”

zaheer andar chala jaata hai.

camera stays on arjun.

Wo apne ghar me enter karta hai waha pratap sofe par bethe tv dekh raha hota hai...

Pratap

Kya khabar hai shreeman... Aaj kal baap ko bhul gaye kya...

Arjun ki aankhein bas sidhiyo ki taraf thi wo bina kuch bole nikal jata hai or tap tap karke chhat par pahuch jata hai... Pratap apna sir node karta hai

Arjun ek chhat se hote huye dosti chhat or fir zaheer ki chhat par pahuch jata hai jaha ammu kapde taar se utar rahi hoti hai.woh palat ke dekhti hai — arjun wapas chhat pe khada hota hai, usi jagah jahan woh pehle tha.

ammu (thoda shocked, thoda amused)

“tu gaya nahi?”

arjun (soft voice)

“signal mila tha... socha miss na ho jaaye.”

ammu uski taraf dekhti hai.

kuch nahi bolti, sirf ek chhoti si smile pass karti hai —

wo bhi aankhon se, lips se nahi.

arjun chhupke se kadam badhaata hai — dono chhat ke corner mein shaam ke halki roshni mein khade hote hain.

ammu (thoda directly)

“ek baat bolu?”

arjun (lazy tone)

“hmm? bol.”

ammu (folded arms, thoda straight)

“woh jo tumhari coach hai na... nikhat ma’am... uske peeche mat jaana.”

arjun (laughs)

“kya? main uske peeche gaya kab?”

ammu (straight face, commanding tone)

“dekh, uski dress sense alag hai... kapde chhote pehenti hai, style dikhawa alag level ka hai.

par tu usko na ghoorega, na uske aas paas ghume phirega.

varna... teri khair nahi.”

arjun (mock shocked)

“arre wah... jealousy aa gayi madam ko?”

ammu (one eyebrow raised)

“jealousy nahi... clarity hai.

sports ke liye respect hai, par tu flirty mode mein gaya toh chhat se hi fenk dungi.”

arjun (hands up)

“okay okay... baba maan gaya.

main bas... exercises sikh raha hoon.”

ammu (closer aake softly but still firm)

“exercises tu mujhse seekh.

fitness ke naam pe drama karna band kar.aur next time uske gym outfit pe comment kiya na, toh samajh le — kapdon ke saath kaan bhi kheench lungi.”

arjun (chuckling)

“tum serious ho ya cute? thoda mix lag raha hai.”

ammu (smirking)

“main serious hoon... aur tumhare liye dangerous.”

dono ke beech ek second ka pause hota hai — halki si eye contact, thoda muskaraahat.

phir ammu tokra le kar niche jaane lagti hai.

ammu (seedhi jaate jaate)

“aur haan… kal se chhat pe bhi full attention chahiye.

kahi coach coach karte karte mujhe bhool mat jana.”

Arjun

Wo sab to theek hai,lekin agar coach ka nahi ghoor sakta to tujhe to ghoorne de... Tu kab pehen rahi hai mere liye wese sexy top and shorts...

Arjun ek second ke liye ammu ko upar se niche dekhta hai or bolta hai

Arjun

Wese teri body par bahut suit karega chote dresses... Maan le meri baat... Ekdam hot lagegi...

Niche se aawaz aati hai Zaheer ki

Zaheer

Niche aa ja ab ammu... Khana ban gaya kya....

Ammu arjun ki baat par muskurati hai or bina dhyaan diye tokri me se ek kapda nikal kar mazak me arjun ke muh par marti hai or khil khila kar niche bhag jati hai

Arjun us kapde ko face se hatata hai to dekhta hai ki wo ek bra hota hai or arjun bina kuch soche samjhe use sniff karne lagta hai or uske chehre par ek naughty smile aati hai or wo us bra ko apni pocket me ghusa kar chhat se bhag jata hai

college ground – next morning

training full swing mein hoti hai.

boys ek row mein push-ups kar rahe hain, dusri row mein high jumps.

coach nikhat tight black track pants aur crop top mein — full active mode mein guide kar rahi hoti hai.

har kisi ko instructions mil rahi hain.

background mein seeti ki awaaz, shoes ki thap-thap aur students ke heavy breaths.

girls’ side

ammu, shanu, aur kuch aur ladkiyaan ek corner mein bethi hoti hain.

shanu dusri girls se baat kar rahi hoti hai, lekin ammu continuously nigaah chhupake boys’ zone ki taraf dekh leti hai.

uski nazar jaa tikti hai — arjun par.

arjun squat drills kar raha hota hai. uska face thoda red, lekin expression calm.

tabhi nikhat uske paas jaati hai, uska posture check karti hai —

uska haath arjun ke shoulder pe aata hai, fir uske back alignment ko touch karke adjust karti hai.

ammu ki eyes waha atak jaati hai.

Ammu

Kitni garmi hai yaar... Bechara mera bhai zaheer aisi garmi me kaise...

Sab ladkiya uski aawaz sunti hai lekin koi kuch notice nahi karta

ammu fir se nazar uthaake dekhti hai — arjun ab dumbbell ke saath core exercise kar raha hota hai,

nikhat waha se dusre ladke ki taraf chali jaati hai.

arjun ek moment ke liye casually idhar dekhta hai —

ammu turant apni nazar hata leti hai aur back straight karke rope uthati hai jaise kuch dekha hi nahi.

college ground – afternoon session

dhoop thodi kam ho gayi hai, lekin garmi abhi bhi chipki hui hai.

sports ground pe sab apne-apne drills mein busy hain.

boys group: plank hold, tyre flips, and box jumps.

coach nikhat active hai, har student ko check kar rahi hai — lekin arjun ke aas paas zyada time bitane lagi hai.

nikhat (arjun ke paas jaake)

“don’t bend your elbow like that. keep it aligned with your shoulder.”

(she gently adjusts his hand position)

“yeah, like this. try again.”

arjun coach ki baat quietly sunta hai, lekin halki smile bhi deta hai.

nikhat bhi casually uske form pe compliment deti hai.

nikhat

“good progress. tumhare stamina mein actual jump dikha hai. keep this pace.”

girls’ corner

ammu ek thanda bottle leke chhoti break le rahi hoti hai.

uska face halkasa sweaty hota hai, lekin nazar sirf ek jagah tikki hoti hai — arjun aur nikhat par.

nikhat ab bhi arjun ke aas paas hai, uske wrist stretch kara rahi hai... aur arjun bas calm expression mein dekh raha hai.

ammu ka grip bottle par thoda tight ho jaata hai.

shanu (jo peeche se aayi hoti hai)

“paani pee ya poison banaya?”

ammu (normal tone mein lekin nazar nahi hataati)

“coach kaafi... dedicated lag rahi hai aaj.”

ammu or kuch nahi bolti, sirf bottle ka cap band kar deti hai aur walk back kar jaati hai

lekin uska mood thoda dull ho gaya hota hai.

later that evening, college gate ke paas

students slowly ground chhod rahe hote hain.

arjun aur zaheer bottle leke bahar ja rahe hote hain.

ammu aur shanu ek bench ke paas khadi hoti hain, shoes nikalte hue.

tabhi arjun casually ammu ki taraf dekhta hai —

ammu usse nazar milane ke bajaye shoe lace pe focus kar leti hai.

evening light mein ammu quietly chhodti hai ground, lekin uski aankhon mein woh unsaid feeling hoti hai… jaise kuch kehna chah rahi ho, lekin sirf khud se.

college ground – late morning

aaj ka din thoda breezy hota hai, sun light soft hai.sports drills chalu ho chuki hain.students ground pe scattered hain warm up, group practice, aur kuch stretching.

arjun corner mein solo push-ups kar raha hota hai.uski t-shirt thodi damp hoti hai, breathing heavy.

tabhi coach nikhat uske paas aati hai, clipboard haath mein.

nikhat (pointing at his arm)

“elbow phir se tight kar le. pressure wrong place pe jaa raha hai.”

arjun (thoda thak ke, smile ke saath)

“aap toh har roz naya angle pakad leti ho... spy ho kya?”

nikhat (nonchalantly)

“main coach hoon, aur meri eyes sab jagah hoti hain.”

arjun (thoda leaning forward)

“sirf field pe ya otherwise bhi?”

nikhat (stern look)

“matlab?”

arjun (half smile)

“matlab... agar aapki observation power itni strong hai, toh ek coffee ke liye bhi ‘perfect place’ suggest kar sakti ho?”

nikhat (pause, phir straight face)

“ye flirt karna hai ya ankle stretch ka naye tareeka?”

arjun (laughs lightly)

“dono mein thoda overlap hai... flexibility toh har jagah chahiye na?”

nikhat ek second ke liye rukti hai, jaise she’s analysing.

nikhat

“tumhara stamina improve ho raha hai. focus wahin rakhna.”

arjun (mock wounded)

“bas stamina? character report card bhi check kar lo... aacha friend ban sakta hoon.”

nikhat (dry smile)

“friendship aur fitness dono mein patience chahiye.

aur tum dono mein thoda kamzor ho.”

arjun (playful sigh)

“kamzor toh tab hoon jab aap pass hoti ho... focus hil jaata hai.”

nikhat uski taraf ek sharp look daalti hai.phir clipboard palat kar chalti hai — bina react kiye.

nikhat (over shoulder)

“extra ten push-ups. flirt karne ka tax.”

arjun (grinning)

“as you say, coach…”

cut to:

ammu girls’ zone mein standing stretch kar rahi hoti hai.

wo door se ye scene dekh leti hai — arjun ka smile, nikhat ka strict aura.

uske chehre pe ek micro-expression aata hai — jaise wo confuse hai ki irritate ho ya ignore kare.

shanu (side se whisper karti hai)

“coach se bonding chalu hai lagta hai…”

ammu (tight jaw, casually)

“bas tips le raha hai... aur shayad thoda zyada le raha hai.”

background mein whistle bajti hai, aur students group drills ke liye ready hone lagte hain.

arjun last push-ups karta hai  smile ke saath, jaise jeet uski ho gayi ho.

[b]college auditorium – late afternoon[/b]

college ke ek side hall mein nikhat aur kuch senior students sports week ki core team bana rahe hote hain.

whiteboard pe events ka schedule likha hota hai – races, relays, volleyball, tug of war, etc.

college ke teachers absent hain — sab exam invigilation mein lag gaye hain.

arjun corner mein khada hota hai, confident ki uska naam player list mein hoga.

nikhat ek final paper uthati hai, naam padhti hai.

nikhat (loudly)

“players team mein zaheer, amit, rohan...

arjun, you’re on logistics and arrangement team.”

arjun (surprised)

“wait, what? i was doing well in training... why not the players list?”

nikhat (calmly)

“you were, no doubt. but right now, i need someone smart enough to run the event — not just run in it.

players change, but managers make it happen.”

arjun (little let down)

“toh reward mila mujhe clipboard aur water bottles?”

nikhat (firm but not rude)

“nahi. tumhe mila trust. aur front row se sab dekhne ka chance.”

arjun (half-hearted smile)

“wow, motivational quote ready thi kya?”

cut to: evening – sports room

arjun ek register leke sitting area mein hota hai.

nikhat waha enter karti hai — hands full with boxes of medals, bands, and printed name tags.

nikhat

“tumhare liye challenge hai — kitne log field mein aate hain, sabka time, sabka order... sab tum manage karoge.”

arjun

“aur agar main galti karu?”

nikhat

“toh tumhare clipboard pe penalty lag jayegi.”

arjun (grinning)

“aur agar perfect ho gaya toh?”

nikhat

“toh tumhare clipboard pe meri signature.”

dono thoda smile karte hain — ek soft professional tuning ban rahi hoti hai.

cut to:

ammu aur shanu door ke paas se guzarte hain. ammu ek second ke liye ruk kar dekhti hai.

andar arjun nikhat ke saath schedule discuss kar raha hota hai, papers arrange karte hue.

shanu

“players mein nahi hai kya arjun?”

ammu (thoda flat tone)

“nahi... ab event ka manager ban gaya hai.”

shanu (teasing)

“manager ya madam ka assistant?”

ammu (quietly)

“jo bhi ho... kaafi serious lag raha hai.”

arjun aur nikhat table ke dono side par baithe hote hain, event list ready karte hue...

do log jo player aur coach se event partner ban gaye.

college ground – drill break

students short break le rahe hote hain.nikhat ek brown envelope leke arjun ke paas aati hai — thoda rush mein hoti hai.

nikhat

“arjun, ye papers sambhal ke rakhna.

principal sir ke signature wale documents hain — event permission, budget pass… sab isi mein hai.

main abhi girls’ relay check karne jaa rahi hoon.”

arjun (casual smile)

“done, coach. safe locker mode on.”

nikhat (strictly)

“no jokes. agar yeh file gayi, toh pura event ruk jayega. tumhare clipboard se zyada precious hai.”

arjun (mock salute)

“samjha, ma’am. jaan se bhi zyada…”

nikhat uski taraf half smile dekar chali jaati hai.

Thodi der baad canteen ke bahar – afternoon

arjun ek group ke saath hansi mazak karte hue chips khata hai.

file uske bag ke zip ke bahar thodi si dikh rahi hoti hai.

tabhi ek junior ladka uska bag uthakar table pe rakh deta hai — zip thoda khul jaata hai.

Short scene :-

thodi der baad arjun uthaata hai bag bina dekhe

file quietly ground pe gir jaati hai

koi aur student bag samajh ke utha kar lost & found mein nahi le jaata… woh file wahin udti rahti hai hawa mein

evening – college corridor ke corner mein

nikhat aur arjun dono staff room ke bahar khade hote hain.

nikhat haath badhati hai.

nikhat

“file do.”

arjun (freeze karta hai)

“…uhh…main… main abhi dekhta hoon bag mein…”

woh pura bag khol ke dekhta hai — file gayab.

nikhat ka expression slowly shift hota hai.

nikhat (thanda tone)

“tumhare clipboard se zyada precious thi na?”

arjun (genuinely nervous)

“main… i swear ma’am, main careful tha… pata nahi kaise—”

nikhat (tez aankhon se)

“tum careless the.

aur mujhe tum par trust tha.

maine file kisi first bencher ko nahi, tumhe di thi, arjun. kyunki mujhe laga tum samajh rahe ho responsibility ka matlab.”

arjun kuch nahi bol pata — sirf aankhon mein guilt.

nikhat

“ab jao. mujhe aur sunne ka patience nahi hai.”

woh seedha staff room chali jaati hai.

late evening – arjun alone in the stands

pura ground khaali hota hai.

arjun bench pe baitha hota hai, file ki chinta, apne upar gussa.

kisi se baat nahi kar raha — phone silent mode mein, aankhon mein clearly heaviness.

Arjun isi bhari Mann se ghar chala jata hai, aaj na use khane ka Mann tha na hi wo Ammu ke ghar gaya tha... Uska phone silent rha pure din or Ammu ki 20 miscall aa chuki thi... Dining table par bhi aaj uska wo charm nahi dikha jo aksar raat ko wo moj masti ke waqt pesh aata tha... Aaj wala arjun ek guilt se bhara hua tha... Na usko koi banter yaad aa raha tha, na hi wo kisi chiz me intrest le raha tha... Wo der sham ghar se nikal jata hai....

nikhat’s quarter – night

door pe knock hota hai.

nikhat casual night tee aur lower mein hoti hai — tired expression.

door kholti hai to arjun khada hota hai — haath mein ek empty folder aur ek folded note.

arjun (low voice)

“maine nahi socha tha ki main aapka trust todunga... but i did.”

nikhat (silent, arms crossed)

“aur?”

arjun

“aur... mujhe ye batana tha ki main sorry hoon.

main sirf event ke paper nahi, aapka bharosa bhi lose kar gaya.”

nikhat (softly, but still stern)

“ye mera pehla event hai.

main is din ke liye teen mahine se kaam kar rahi hoon.

aur tum jaise students se mujhe expectation hoti hai ki woh meri fight ko thoda asaan banayenge… aur tumne woh aur mushkil kar diya.”

arjun (thoda emotional)

“main banda bura nahi hoon… bas kabhi kabhi mazaak mein sab kuch halka le leta hoon.

par aap wali disappointment aankhon mein dekhna... woh bhari pad gaya.”

nikhat thoda soft ho jaati hai, she sits on the couch.

nikhat

“tum young ho, galti karna allowed hai.

par har baar mazaak se sab cover nahi hota.”

arjun ek note table pe rakhta hai — uspe likha hota hai:

"i’ll fix what i lost. just don’t lose faith in me completely."

nikhat note padhti hai... thoda smile karti hai.

nikhat (soft)

“tum jao... kal subah se tum staff room ke under honge, meri help karne.”

arjun (relieved)

“so... punishment mode?”

nikhat (half smile)

“nahi... rebuild mode.”

arjun wapas jaata hai, thoda halka feel karte hue.

nikhat note ko side table par rakhti hai — ek chhoti si smile ke saath, jaise usne bhi apna anger let go kiya ho.

arjun’s room – late night

arjun quietly apna bag ek kone mein fenkta hai.

shirt ki sleeves fold karte hue mirror ke saamne khud ko ek second ke liye dekhta hai.

thakan uski aankhon mein dikh rahi hoti hai sirf sharirik nahi, mental bhi.

arjun (soft sigh ke saath)

“ek din mein do disappointment… solid score…”

woh bed pe baithta hai aur apna phone unlock karta hai.

screen par: 20 missed calls

ek second ke liye wo blank ho jaata hai.

arjun (faintly)

“oh crap…”

woh turant call lagata hai — phone ring hota hai...

aur cut ho jaata hai no answer.

phir se try karta hai same.

ek chhoti si panic uske expression mein aati hai, lekin wo andar hi andar sab dabaa deta hai.

arjun phone table pe rakhta hai aur khud silently bed pe let jaata hai — aankhen ceiling ki taraf.

ek thodi si purani memory flash hoti hai uske dimaag mein. Use yaad aata hai ki Ammu ne use chhat par milne ko bola tha pichli baar or us par kuchh fenka bhi tha.. Arjun ka moog ekdam badal jata hai,wo uthta hai or apne room ka gate band karta hai or windows par curtain dalta hai... Fir apni cupboard se wo kapda nikalta hai jo Ammu ne anjaane me us par fenki thi... Wo tha ek bra... Arjun usko dono hatho me leke mehsus karta hai... Uski aankhein band hone lagti hai or wo Ammu ke khyaalo me kho jata hai... Wo bra ko sniff karta hai, usko apni tounge se lick karta hai... Us bra ko wo apne dono hatho me leke masalta hai jaise ki Ammu ke breats uske hatho me ho... In sab me Arjun ke chehre par ek smile aati hai or wo sochne lagta hai ki Ammu ab ready hai is relationship ko aage badhane ke liye warna wo mujhe ye kyu deti... Usne jaan bujh kar yeh diya hai, to kya wo tayaar hai ek step aage jane ke liye... Shayd isliye hi uski 20 miscall hogi... Or main pagal pure din se phone silent karke betha hu...Arjun us bra ko ek baar or ache se dekhta hai or fir se sniff karke cupboard me rakh kar so jata hai...

[Greenwood]

Update 15

college ground – morning

subah ka time hota hai.

sports ground colour flags se sajaya gaya hota hai, loudspeaker pe energetic background music baj raha hota hai.

students apni tracksuits mein ground par warm-up kar rahe hote hain.

stage par principal sir aur nikhat ma’am khade hote hain — nikhat whistle neck pe latka kar students ko assemble hone ka signal deti hai.

near ground boundary

ammu aur shanu ek bench pe baithi hoti hain.

ammu ka face calm hota hai, lekin uski aankhon mein ek thandi si narazgi hoti hai.

wo crowd ki taraf dekhti hai, lekin clearly arjun se avoid kar rahi hoti hai.

principal (mic par)

"welcome to annual sports week! let’s bring out your best — on the track, and off it too!"

ground par sab students scattered — kuch stretching kar rahe hain, kuch apne groups mein laugh karte hue.

lekin kuch chehre… thode alag lag rahe hote hain.

arjun halka sa thaka hua, aankhon ke neeche fatigue visible.

zaheer track pants adjust karta hua casually bolta hai:

zaheer

aaj tu race mein nahi hai?

arjun (thoda blank expression mein)

nahi... bas help kar raha hoon organising mein.

zaheer

achha hai... sab har baar jeetne nahi aate. kisi ko sambhalne bhi padta hai.

arjun (half smile)

aur kisi ko bhagna hota hai.

dono thoda muskura ke aage badhte hain

near track

ammu apni bag lap pe rakh kar baithi hoti hai, aankhon mein mild thakaan.

shanu uske bag se sunglasses nikaalti hai aur casually bolti hai:

shanu

kya mood off hai tera? ya bas sunlight zyada lag rahi hai?

ammu (without eye contact)

bas... kuch calls miss ho gaye the. aur jawab nahi mila. ab zarurat bhi nahi hai.

shanu (lightly)

tu toh philosophical ho gayi suddenly.

ammu uska sunglasses silently le leti hai. dono ke beech ek chhoti si khamoshi.

phir mic se announcement:

"next up – 200 metre boys’ sprint. contestants line up."

zaheer shoes ki laces check karta hai.

arjun thoda side pe khada hota hai — uski aankhon ki nazar crowd mein kuch dhoondh rahi hoti hai, lekin usse kuch nahi milta.

zaheer ne uski taraf dekha, phir aankh chura li.

zaheer (focused tone)

let’s go.

montage – race sequence

whistle blast.

zaheer powerful strides mein bhaagta hai — steady, confident, completely focused.

audience ka cheer badhta jaata hai.

zaheer last second mein chest out karke finish line cross karta hai — clear winner.

announcer

“first place – zaheer qureshi!”

ext. girls’ bench

shanu excitement mein seat se uthti hai, haath clap karte hue.

shanu (to herself, whispering almost)

kya run tha... solid.

ammu uska reaction notice karti hai, phir crowd ki taraf dekhti hai, quietly smile karti hai — lekin kuch nahi kehti.

ext. medal podium

zaheer medal le raha hota hai.

uska expression composed, humble hota hai.

background mein principal aur nikhat khade hote hain — applause sab taraf.

arjun thoda door se dekh raha hota hai — uske chehre pe ek mix emotion:

khushi bhi... kuch guilt bhi.

ammu ne ek second ke liye arjun ki taraf dekha — direct aankhon mein nahi, bas us direction mein.

arjun ne bhi dekha… lekin dono ne kuch react nahi kiya.

college ground – post-race moment

zaheer medal neck mein daale slow pace mein girls’ seating zone ki taraf aata hai.

ammu bottle pakda deti hai, without much expression.

shanu seedha aankhon mein dekhti hai — smile thoda awkward, thoda real.

ammu (casually)

good run.

zaheer sirf head nod karta hai, breath control karta hua.

tabhi uski nazar organising team ki taraf jaati hai — jahan arjun thoda distance pe khada hota hai.

arjun zaheer ko dekh kar two-finger salute karta hai, aankhon se signal deta hai — “solid tha bhai.”

zaheer usse halki si chin-up nod deta hai — dono bhai bas gesture mein baat karte hain, jaise

shanu (side glance mein)

wo bottle hold karti hai aur bolti hai:

shanu (softly, ek awkward smile ke saath)

well... congratulations.

zaheer (aankhon mein warmth ke saath)

thanks.

shanu apna haath extend karti hai handshake ke liye.

zaheer thoda slow motion mein haath aage badhata hai.

dono ka haath milta hai — firm nahi, gentle touch.

lekin jaise hi unka palm touch hota hai, shanu ke andar ek halki si sensation jaagti hai —

ek second ke liye wo literally freeze kar jaati hai.

uske chehre pe halka sa change — aankhon mein confusion + blush mix hota hai.

shanu (under her breath, barely audible)

what was... that?

zaheer kuch nahi notice karta, ya kam se kam notice hone nahi deta.

woh bottle le kar pee leta hai, normal tarike se.

ammu quietly dono ko dekhti hai, phir wapas crowd ki taraf dekhti hai — as if kuch bhi unusual nahi hua.

background mein mic:

“next event in 15 minutes. all participants please gather near the red tent.”

zaheer waha se aage badh jaata hai.

shanu uske jaane ke baad apna haath dekhte hue halki si smile press kar leti hai —

ek chhupi si awkward electricity jo body mein goonj gayi thi.

college ground – tent ke side ka quiet kona – late afternoon

competition ke dusre event ke liye sab student ground ke beech mein busy hote hain.

par ek kona relatively quiet hota hai — jahan arjun ammu ko dekh leta hai, jo apna bag adjust kar rahi hoti hai.

arjun halki speed mein uske paas aata hai, phir ek kadam door ruk jaata hai.

arjun (softly, tone me guilt + masti mix)

tumhare 20 missed calls ki ginti ab tak yaad hai mujhe.

ammu uski taraf dekhti bhi nahi.

ek second ke liye pause hota hai.

phir ammu casually bolti hai:

ammu (without looking at him)

kyunki tumne ek bhi call ka jawab nahi diya... yaad toh rahega hi.

arjun (thoda sarcastic smile ke saath)

tumne kabhi missed call ka matlab suna hai?

it means... ‘i missed you’.

ammu aankhon mein halka sarcasm leke uski taraf dekhti hai.

ammu:

yeh line kisi whatsapp status se uthayi hai?

arjun (laughs softly)

nahi... dil se uthayi hai.

sorry bolne aaya hoon.

ammu bag band karti hai aur uski aankhon mein finally dekh kar kehti hai:

ammu (thoda soft)

tumhe lagta hai bas ‘sorry’ se sab sahi ho jaata hai?

arjun:

nahi... mujhe lagta hai bas tumse baat ho jaaye toh kaafi hota hai.

ammu uski baat sunke ek second ke liye serious ho jaati hai.

fir bas aankhon mein dekhti hai, kuch nahi bolti.

arjun dheere se apna haath samne karta hai — handshake ya peace ka signal.

arjun:

truce?

ammu ek second uska haath dekhti hai, phir slow motion mein apna haath uske haath par rakhti hai.

phir halki si tap deti hai — not quite a handshake, more like a soft thappad.

ammu (soft tone)

next time... 20 missed calls se ek bhi zyada hua, toh sorry ka bill milega.

arjun (relieved smile ke saath)

deal.

dono ek dusre ko dekhte hain — ek second ka calm moment hota hai.

na romantic, na awkward... bas ek comfort feel hota hai.

background mein dhol ki awaaz fir se start hoti hai.

college ground – late afternoon – relay race ongoing

four boys relay chal raha hota hai — students cheer kar rahe hote hain,

background me whistle ki awaaz, boys ke sprint footsteps aur claps.

camera slowly pan karta hai corner mein baithe shanu pe —

jo ek umbrella share kar rahi hoti hai

zaheer ke saath (sun thoda tez ho gaya hota hai).

dono ek hi bench pe baith ke race dekh rahe hote hain.

ek second khamoshi hoti hai. sirf crowd ki awaaz aa rahi hoti hai.

phir shanu softly bolti hai:

shanu (side dekh kar)

aaj ki race... simple nahi thi.

tumne kaise itna steady pace maintain kiya?

zaheer (casual tone)

bas... har step pe yahi socha ki rukna nahi hai.

main speed ke liye nahi daudta, balance ke liye daudta hoon.

shanu thoda impressed si aankhon se dekhti hai.

phir apna bottle uske taraf badhati hai.

shanu (half-smile)

toh yeh bottle... ek winner ke liye. hydration for the balanced champ.

zaheer halki smile ke saath le leta hai.

zaheer:

thank you... par tumhare clap ka sound waise bhi kaafi tha.

shanu thoda sarcastic style mein aankhon se usse dekhti hai.

shanu:

mujhe laga... tum sirf race mein silent ho.

baaton mein bhi competition mat jeetna.

zaheer (light laugh)

nahi jeetna... bas kabhi kabhi samne wale ki tareef sunna achha lagta hai.

ek moment hota hai — dono race ki taraf phir se dekhte hain,

lekin ab unki expressions relaxed hote hain — no awkwardness, no extra emotion.

zaheer softly:

tumhare jese log ground mein nahi... balance banate hain life mein.

shanu kuch nahi kehti... sirf aankhon se thanks bolti hai, aur aankhon se race pe wapas focus kar leti hai.

college ground – back side tent – mid noon

subah se sports ka craze chalu hai, par iss side ka tent quiet hota hai.

nikhat clipboard le kar standee ke peeche shade me khadi hoti hai — clearly exhausted.

uske chehre pe thoda sweat, concentration aur hangry vibe hoti hai.

usne ab tak kuch khaya nahi hota — bas paani ki bottle leke khadi hoti hai.

arjun corner se aata hai — ek paper plate aur tissue me wrapped kuch nashta leke.

wo uske paas jaake rukta hai, aur casual tone me bolta hai:

arjun:

aapko notice nahi hoga, lekin subah 7 se aapne sirf bottle uthayi hai.

coach bhi human hote hain... kabhi kabhi nashta deserve karte hain.

nikhat uski taraf dekhti hai — pehle thoda suspicious expression hota hai.

nikhat:

aur tum morning monitor ban gaye ho sab ke meals track karne ke?

arjun (half-smile)

nahi... bas observe karta hoon.

aapka tone sharp tha... but energy drop aur aankhon ka focus down tha.

so... protein bar aur thoda sprouts laya hoon. sandwich rehne diya, ban nahi hota.

nikhat ek second ke liye kuch nahi bolti.

plate le leti hai, lekin awkwardly — jaise usse aadat nahi kisi ke thoughtful hone ki.

nikhat (softly)

thank you... but tum yeh kisi ko bataoge toh main tumhe ground ke 5 lap extra lagwaungi.

arjun (mischievous grin)

promise karta hoon... yeh secret, sirf aapke carbs aur mere respect ke beech rahega.

nikhat ek chhoti si smile daba leti hai.

nashta leke thoda corner ho jaati hai — clipboard ab side me.

arjun wapas chala jaata hai bina extra moment create kiye.

nikhat uski back dekh ke ek second sochti hai...

fir bas ek bite le leti hai aur clipboard dubara uthati hai.

shanu’s room – evening – soft yellow light

shanu mirror ke saamne baithi hoti hai.

college ka t-shirt half loose, bal thode bikhre huye — fresh nahake aayi hoti hai.

uske haath mein wo cap hoti hai jo zaheer ne suggest ki thi.

wo cap apne haathon mein ghumate hue... aankhon mein ek thoughtful si halchal.

shanu (under breath, to herself)

pata nahi kyun...

jab usne race jeeti... toh mujhe khud se zyada uski jeet pe khushi hui.

cap ko halki si muskurahat ke saath dekhti hai.

shanu:

aur jab usne haath milaya...

bas ek normal handshake tha, right?

par...

ek second ke liye laga jaise kisi ne dil ke andar light jala di ho.

wo apne hairband utaar kar table pe rakhti hai... fir casually apna face rub karti hai jaise khud se pareshan ho.

shanu:

main... kyu itni conscious ho jaati hoon jab wo aas paas hota hai?

kyu har waqt sochti hoon ki...

uski good books mein kaise rahun?

jaise... uska cap choose karna ho, ya usse milne ke liye koi random bahana banana ho...

“main ammu se milne aayi hoon…” — seriously, kitni baar?”

phir khud hi halki si hansi nikalti hai — chhupi si.

phir ek thoda still moment hota hai — wo cap ko sirf apne paas rakhti hai.

uske chehre pe smile hoti hai — koi dreamy nahi, bas ek “achha lagta hai” wali.

shanu (last line, almost whispering)

sab kuch… suddenly achha lagne laga hai.

bas... samajh nahi aa raha ki kyun.

zaheer ke ghar ki chhat – early evening

sham ka waqt hai. hawa thodi thandi ho gayi hai.

lights abhi on nahi hui... but aasman orange-blue mix tone mein dhal raha hai.

chhat pe ek kona — thoda shaant, jahan ammu aur arjun dono rail pe baith ke dusri taraf ke view ko dekh rahe hain.

thodi der tak khamoshi hoti hai — bas aas paas se doodhwale ke cycle ki awaaz ya kabootaron ki flapping sunai deti hai.

arjun (softly)

main galat tha.

ammu uski taraf dekhti nahi — bas sun rahi hoti hai.

arjun (thoda guilt ke saath)

maine kabhi aise behave nahi kiya tha...

aur us din... jab tune mujhe rokne ki koshish ki — main sirf bura dost nahi, bura insaan bhi lag raha tha.

ammu ab bhi kuch nahi bolti.

bas apne dono haath apne pair ke aas paas band kar ke baithi hoti hai, slowly breathing.

arjun (aankhon me sachchai ke saath)

main chahta hoon ki tu mujh par trust kare...

aur main khud par phir se vishwas laaun...

tere wajah se hi toh thoda thoda sambhalta hoon main.

ammu uski taraf dheere se dekhti hai. aankhon mein softness hai, thoda thakaan bhi.

ammu (finally bolti hai)

tu galat tha...

lekin tu maafi maang raha hai.

aur... main teri baat sun rahi hoon — itna kaafi hai na?

arjun slowly sir hilata hai.

ek halka sa smile uske lips pe aata hai, lekin aankhon mein halka pani bhi jam gaya hota hai.

arjun (halki si hansi ke saath)

tu mujhe forgive karti hai... toh main thoda theek mehsoos karta hoon.

ammu uski taraf dekhti hai — ab aankhon mein woh purani dosti wali warmth hai.

ammu:

pyaar karne ke liye pehle insaan ko samajhna padta hai.

aur tu... ab thoda thoda samajh aa raha hai.

Arjun usko taraf dekhta hai or jab use lagta hai ki Ammu emotional ho rahi hai to wo topic change karta hai...

Arjun

Waise tune jo fenka tha use main kya ishara samjhu

Ammu ko uski baat samajh nahi aati hai or wo bas confuse sa chehra banati hai..

Arjun

Kya main yeh samjhu ki tu ready hai ??

Ammu apne shoulder shrugg karti hai jaise use koi fark nahi pad raha ki yeh kya bol raha hai or smile karke aasman me dekhne lagti hai

arjun bas uski taraf dekhta hai — bina kisi line ke, bina kisi move ke.

arjun (softly)

can we just... sit like this for a while?

ammu head nod karti hai — dono fir se view ki taraf dekhte hain.

piche se hawa balo ko hilaa rahi hoti hai. arjun apne haath se halki si wind se ammu ke baal hatata hai —

bina kisi romantic gesture ke, bas ek subtle care.

shaam ka waqt hai, light dheere dheere fade ho rahi hai.

gali mein thodi-thodi roshni aa rahi hai bulbs ki,

aur log apne ghar ke bahar baith ke chai pee rahe hain ya roz ki baatein kar rahe hote hain.

shanu ek plastic bag leke, nukkad ke kirane wale se dahi aur chips le ke nikal rahi hoti hai.

wo casually apna dupatta theek karte hue gali ke ek kone se turn leti hai.

zaheer samne se aa raha hota hai — ek mechanic ki dukaan se wrench aur thoda grease laga towel leke.

uska t-shirt thoda purana, par uski aankhon mein usual shaanti hoti hai.

dono ka face-to-face moment hota hai — dono ruk jaate hain.

shanu (surprised tone, soft)

oh... hey.

zaheer (calmly)

tum... yahaan?

shanu:

ammu ke ghar se chips maangne gayi thi... aur dahi mummy ne bola tha.

tum?

zaheer (light smile)

papa ka scooter thoda jam ho gaya tha. repair karne gaya tha.

ek awkward sa pause hota hai — lekin uncomfortable nahi.

shanu bag ko thoda aur pakadti hai, jaise kuch kehna chahti ho.

shanu (casually, thoda hichkichahat ke saath)

aaj... tumhari race... achhi thi.

tumne deserve kiya tha medal.

zaheer kuch nahi kehta ek second — phir sirf thank you kehta hai.

zaheer (light laugh)

main ground pe daud raha tha... aankhon ke corner se bas ek cap chamak rahi thi... shayad woh tum thi.

shanu thoda blush karti hai, par casual banaye rakhti hai.

shanu:

cap mujhe khud select karni aati hai... mujhe tumhari advice ki zarurat nahi thi.

zaheer (mischievous smile)

phir bhi tumne li thi.

shanu kuch nahi kehti — sirf halki si smile ke saath nikal jaati hai uske side se.

zaheer (peeche se soft tone mein)

dahi na gir jaaye... sambhaal ke le jao.

shanu bina palte, bas haath hilake signal karti hai "sun liya."

singh house – drawing room – night

ghar shaant hota hai... dinner ho chuka hota hai.

madhu sofa pe baithi hoti hai, remote ek side, aankhen tv par glued.

tv pe ek popular daily soap chal raha hota hai — ek soft music background me baj raha hota hai.

shanu chhup chaap darwaza khol ke andar aati hai — haath me kirane ka packet.

woh casually madhu ke paas aake side se chalti hai.

shanu:

main chips le aayi... dahi bhi fridge me rakh diya.

madhu kuch react nahi karti — uska dhyaan tv screen par hota hai.

shanu thoda smile karti hai, fir bag side table pe rakh ke jaane hi wali hoti hai...

tabhi uska nazar tv screen par padta hai.

tv scene – heroine akeli apne kamre me hoti hai, ek cap haath me hoti hai, aur uske lips pe ek blush wali muskurahat hoti hai

background voiceover:

"kabhi kabhi... bina kahe, bina chuye... koi dil ke itne kareeb aa jaata hai ki uski soch bhi chehra rang deti hai..."

shanu ka kadam ruk jaata hai.

woh slowly sofa ke armrest par baith jaati hai... aankhen screen pe chipak jaati hain.

screen me heroine blush karti hai, apne aap se muskurati hai — shanu ki aankhon me bhi wahi halki chamak.

uska mind flash kar jaata hai — zaheer ki race... uska handshake... uska "tum jaise log balance banate hain..."

uska haath subconsciously apne lap me rakh ke tight hold karta hai — jaise koi feeling handle karne ki koshish kar rahi ho.

chehra dheere dheere soften hota hai... aankhon me ek glow, lips pe ek smile —

wo smile jo khud bhi notice nahi karti, bas nikal aati hai.

ek second tak uska chehra full on blush mode me hota hai.

phir wo khud hi halki si hansi me jhuk jaati hai — jaise usse samajh aa gaya ho.

tv background line:

"shayad... yeh hi toh pyaar hai."

shanu bas ek lamha ke liye madhu ki taraf dekhti hai —

jo ab bhi tv me lost hoti hai —

fir shanu screen ki taraf palat ke chehra takiye me daba leti hai...

Shanu (thinking )

Oh my goddd... Oh my goddd... Oh myyyy goddd... Kya yahi pyaar hai... Kya mujhe... Kya mujhe pyaar ho gaya hai... Lekin kaise, matlab... Kyu...  Or kab.... Wo bhi zaheer se... Shittt... Lekin wo to... Ek minute... Agar aisa hai to... Kya wo bhi yahi sochta hai... Oh god ... Yeh kaisi confusion hai... Lekin mujhe kaise pyaar ... Wo bhi usse... Usne to Aaj Tak dhang se bhi baat nahi ki hai mujhse...

ek ladki, ek tv soap, ek ek ladki, ek tv soap, ek lamha... aur ek mehsoos jo ab naam pa gaya.... aur ek feeling jo ab naam pa gaya.

qureshi house – ammu ka room – night

kamre me dim yellow light chal rahi hoti hai.

ammu bed pe lete hue apna phone scroll kar rahi hoti hai — insta reels, college ki pics, ek do baar arjun ki profile open karke... phir close kar leti hai.

uske chehre pe thodi confusion bhi hoti hai, jaise kisi baat ka jawab dhoondh rahi ho.

tabhi asma room me enter karti hai, haath me ek hairbrush aur towel hota hai, fresh bath leke aayi hoti hai.

asma (casual tone):

ammu... tu ne mera wo black wala bra dekha hai kya?

jo net wali strap ka tha... kal se dhoondh rahi hoon, mil hi nahi raha.

ammu ka haath jhatke se ruk jaata hai.

phone ka screen freeze hota hai uske aankhon ke saamne.

uske dimaag me turant flash hota hai — arjun ka woh awkward se hint dena, uski aankhon ka sharmaana...

ammu (slowly, almost whispering):

oh god... woh isi ke baare mein baat kar raha tha?

ek second ke liye woh literally apna sir dono haathon se pakad leti hai.

chehra red ho jaata hai... embarrassment, shock, aur frustration sab ek saath.

par woh turant apne expression normal karne ki koshish karti hai, jaise kuch samjha hi nahi.

ammu (casually, aankhon contact avoid karte hue):

nahi... maine nahi dekha.

aur waise bhi... apni cheezein sambhal ke rakha kar asma, har baar mujhse mat poocha kar.

asma (shrug karte hue):

haan theek hai... mil jaayega kahi.

mujhe laga tu laundry area se utha ke le gayi hogi.

asma fir apne kapde wardrobe me check karne lagti hai.

ammu bed pe baithi rehti hai — lekin ab phone ek side rakh chuki hoti hai.

woh aankhon me "yeh kya ho gaya" wala expression leke, chhat ki taraf dekh kar deep sa sigh leti hai.

ammu (under breath):

main arjun ko maar dalungi... seriously.

next day – late morning

college ka time hai. students idhar-udhar ja rahe hote hain, sports week ke posters sab jagah lage hote hain.

canteen se sandwich ki smell aa rahi hoti hai, aur ground se seeti ki awaaz.

ammu apne notes sambhalte hue staircase se neeche aa rahi hoti hai.

uska expression normal hota hai... lekin andar se alert — jaise kisi ka face dekhte hi phategi.

tabhi samne se arjun aa jaata hai — casual smile ke saath, ek hand pocket me, dusra bal set karte hue.

arjun (light teasing tone mein):

arre... tumhara laundry department kaafi strong hai, haan?

ammu ka kadam ek second ke liye rukta hai — fir aankhon se seedha ghoorti hai arjun ko, bina kuch bole.

arjun uske reaction ka wait kar raha hota hai — sochta hai shayad ammu hans degi ya kuch bol degi.

lekin ammu sirf ek side step leti hai... pass nikalte waqt shoulder se halka sa touch karte hue uske kaan ke paas softly kehti hai:

ammu (low but sharp tone):

next time agar tu koi bhi "kapde" wali baat karega na...

Toh tujhe public me laafa padega — vo bhi bina washing.

arjun thoda awkwardly hansi rokta hai, phir peeche mud kar kehta hai:

arjun (halki muskurahat ke saath):

laundry wali aankhen bhi badi dangerous hoti hain.

ammu usse mud kar dekhti bhi nahi — bas apne notebook ko tight pakad ke seedha classroom ki taraf chali jaati hai.

lekin jaate jaate ek baar uske lips thoda curl karte hain — jaise andar hi andar khud bhi hasi rok rahi ho.

cut to – arjun staircase par ruk ke khud se kehta hai:

arjun (softly):

yeh ladki mujhe ya to sudhaaregi... ya seedha bhagwaan ke paas bhej degi.

– ek choti si aankhon ki dhamki, ek warning with swag, aur ek love story jo thodi tight jeans jaisi fit ho gayi hai.

college sports ground – afternoon

dhoop halki hai, lekin ground ka mahol energetic.

students race tracks pe ready hain, kuch practice kar rahe hain.

organising team ek taraf whiteboard pe scores likh rahi hoti hai.

nikhat track ke corner pe standing stance me hoti hai — sporty tee aur cargo trackpants pehne hue, haath me stopwatch.

uske chehre pe wohi intense focus hota hai, jaise sab kuch precisely chalna chahiye.

arjun, clipboard aur notes leke uske paas aata hai — thoda dust laga hota hai kapdon pe, par aankhon me usual chill vibe.

arjun:

coach… matlab nikhat ma’am, team three ke captain ne bola hai ki woh kal second round skip karega, uske tuition classes hain.

nikhat (straight tone):

yeh competition hai, tuition nahi.

uske naam ke saamne “absent” likh do. simple.

arjun thoda smile kar deta hai — use maza aata hai nikhat ke us no-nonsense attitude me.

arjun:

noted. waise aapki coaching me thoda humour bhi ho to log kam bhaagen.

nikhat (mock glare):

main coach hoon, stand-up comedian nahi.

arjun (casual tone, lekin thoda personal):

haan, par kabhi kabhi aap smile karti ho to lagta hai stopwatch bhi ruk jaye.

nikhat ek second uski taraf dekhti hai — serious expression, lekin aankhon me halka amusement.

nikhat:

tu flirt karta hai ya kaam?

arjun (grinning):

dono. multitasking mera strength hai.

nikhat thoda laugh suppress karti hai, fir stopwatch uske haath me de deti hai.

nikhat:

count kar le 30 sec mein kaun lap complete karta hai.

aur agar kisi ne galti ki toh tu extra lap lega.

arjun:

main? kis capacity me?

nikhat:

punishment capacity me.

arjun clipboard side me rakhta hai, stopwatch start karta hai —

phir thoda soft tone me kehta hai:

arjun:

aapko pata bhi nahi chalta... aap ke saath waqt kaise nikal jaata hai.

nikhat uski taraf briefly dekhti hai — serious banaye rakhti hai, lekin andar se usse bhi woh comfort feel hone lagta hai

lekin us waqt ammu door se whiteboard ki taraf dekh rahi hoti hai, aur arjun aur nikhat ki baat usse dikhayi nahi deti.

nikhat (soft but firm):

kaam pe focus kar arjun... aur stopwatch ghoor ke kya milega?

arjun:

aapke expressions… woh bhi limited edition lagte hain.

nikhat ek chalk uske taraf fake kar deti hai — arjun dodge kar ke hansi rokta hai.

college canteen – late morning

canteen ka mahol usual se zyada busy hai.

zaheer ek corner table pe khada hota hai — uske aas-paas students ka small crowd, sab usse congratulations bol rahe hote hain.

kisi ne uske liye ek samosa bhi extra le liya hota hai.

kisi ka dialogue: “bhai tu toh legend nikla re!”

zaheer modest smile ke saath har kisi ka shukriya kar raha hota hai —

ek haath me bottle, dusre me tray… thoda awkward bhi lag raha hota hai itni attention se.

tabhi anwar madam canteen ke andar aati hain — wo bhi zaheer ke group ke paas ruk jaati hain.

anwar madam:

well done, zaheer. aisa discipline har student me hona chahiye.

tumhare jaise ladke sports week ki backbone hote hain.

zaheer politely head nod karta hai.

zaheer:

thank you ma’am... aap logon ne support kiya tabhi ho paya.

tabhi ek aur entry hoti hai — shanu ki.

shanu canteen ke gate pe rukti hai… ek second ke liye uski nazar seedha zaheer pe jaati hai.

uska chehra soft ho jaata hai.

aaj wo thoda aur ready lagti hai, thoda extra effort kiya hua, par casual.

aur uski aankhon me ek clarity hoti hai — jo kal tak confusion thi, aaj woh name le chuki hai: pyaar.

woh dheere dheere group ke paas aati hai — anwar madam use dekh kar smile karti hain.

anwar madam:

arre shanu… tumhare friend ne toh kamaal kar diya.

tumhe proud feel ho raha hoga, hai na?

shanu anwar madam ki taraf ek short smile deti hai, fir zaheer ki taraf dekhti hai —

ek second ke liye dono ki aankhon ka milna hota hai — normal sa hi lagta hai, lekin andar se kuch badal chuka hota hai.

shanu:

haan ma’am…

zaheer ke jaise log kam hote hain — balance banate hain.

zaheer thoda confused si smile deta hai — kyunki shanu usually aise deep baatein nahi karti thi.

par kuch bolta nahi.

ek ladka zaheer ke side se kehta hai:

shanu… tu lucky hai, tere friend circle me ek champ hai.

shanu halka sa laugh kar ke kehti hai:

shanu:

haan… friend circle hi toh hai.

uski voice me halka sarcasm aur halka affection hota hai — woh subtle tha, par zaheer ne feel kiya.

zaheer (softly):

tum kuch logon ko friend ke naam pe underestimate kar deti ho.

shanu uski taraf dekh ke halki si aankhon me muskurahat deti hai —

jaise usne yeh baat already accept kar li ho.

phir wo uske tray me se ek samosa uthati hai:

[b]shanu:[/b]

celebration ho raha hai, toh main bhi share karungi.

champion ka samosa sabka hota hai.

zaheer (smiling):

next saal jeeta toh poori plate tumhare naam.

shanu (low tone):

haan… aur agar haar gaye toh bhi main wahi rahungi.

zaheer uske expression ko thoda samajhne ki koshish karta hai,

lekin us waqt koi aur student aa jaata hai usse wish karne

shanu thoda side ho jaati hai — par uska chehra relaxed, light, aur bright hota hai.

wo andar hi andar ek naye comfort zone me enter kar chuki hoti hai — [b]pyaar jisme dikhawa nahi, par peace hota hai.[/b]

[Greenwood]

Update 16

college multipurpose room – afternoon

ek thoda dull sa hall. whiteboard pe event chart bana hua hai.

chairs aur tables scattered hain — planning meeting ka mood hai.

nikhat, arjun, aur kuch aur organizing members baithe hote hain.

zaheer thoda late aata hai — tracksuit me, haath me water bottle.

nikhat (professional tone):

let’s settle quickly. we need to finalize team combinations for the relay event.

every second will count here — speed plus strategy.

arjun whiteboard ke paas jaata hai.

wo confidently explain kar raha hota hai — usne relay ke liye ek new format suggest kiya hota hai:

arjun:

so, if we place dev in the second leg instead of fourth, we gain around 2.3 seconds on average.

he’s quick but doesn’t finish well under pressure. final leg should go to zaheer.

zaheer slightly confused hota hai.

dev uska junior hai — jo har match me uske sath practice karta raha hai, aur uska morale low hota hai bench hone par.

zaheer (thoda softly):

dev ne sabse zyada ground time diya hai. wo pressure sambhal sakta hai — pehle bhi kiya hai.

arjun (calm but firm):

haan, but yeh national-level prep hai. we can’t go by feelings. stats are better.

nikhat:

agreed. arjun’s layout makes sense.

we’ll go with this order — dev gets dropped for backup.

whiteboard pe dev ka naam cut kiya jaata hai.

zaheer chup ho jaata hai. kuch nahi bolta, sirf ek sharp look deta hai arjun ki taraf.

ek chhota silence hota hai — zaheer ki aankhon me halki disappointment hoti hai, but vo kisi ko nahi dikhata.

meeting disperse hone lagti hai.

sab apna data pack kar rahe hote hain, zaheer quietly bottle band karta hai.

zaheer (arjun ke paas se guzarne lagta hai):

nice presentation… kaafi impressive tha.

arjun (smirking):

thanks… idea hi aisa tha.

zaheer kuch nahi bolta, bas nikal jaata hai — lekin uske expression me woh sab kuch hota hai jo abhi tak unspoken hai.

cut to: whiteboard – dev ka naam faint chalk marks me dikh raha hota hai… aur zaheer ka naam final leg pe.

qureshi house – chhat – early evening

chhat par halki hawa chal rahi hoti hai, kapde line par sukh rahe hain.

ammu ek bucket leke aati hai, kapde utarne ke bahane. aankhon me thoda sa tension, thoda sa anticipation.

Chhat ke raaste arjun chhupke se aata hai, corner me thoda time rukta hai, phir aage badhta hai.

ammu (dekhte hi, halki narazgi me):

tum aa gaye… bina bataye?

arjun (shoulder uchaate hue):

aayi to tum thi… main bas wapas lene aaya tha jo mera reh gaya tha.

ammu (samajh jaate hue):

tumhara kuch nahi tha… wo kapda meri… matlab mujhe chahiye.

arjun (taunt maarte hue):

haan haan, mujhe bhi yaad aa gaya… black wala, net wali strap,soft cotton… itna bada  size.

ammu (jaldi se):

chhup! zaheer neeche hai.

arjun (laugh rokte hue):

toh? main toh tumhare ghar ka regular guest hoon ab.

ammu (slowly uske paas jaati hai, thoda sa aankhon me look):

bas wo kapda de do… aur kuch nahi chahiye.

Arjun

Wo to nahi milega... Pyaar ki nishani jo hai...

Ammu(thinking)

Ise kaise batau ki wo pyaar ki nahi saali ki nishani hai

Ammu

Dekh tu wo wapas de de... Please... Kyu nakhre kar raha hai

Arjun

Theek hai... De dunga wapas lekin ek shart hai

Ammu

Hein... Aisa thodi hota hai... Meri chiz mujhe lene ke liye kaisi shart

Arjun

Fir se sochle, chahiye ya nahi...

Ammu(thinking)

Agar na bolugi to kabhi nahi milega,or Asma ko yaad aa gaya ki kapde lene main gayi thi to use kya bolugi

Ammu

Theek hai bata kya shart hai...

Arjun

Kapde ke badle kapda

Ammu(confuse)

Matlab...

Arjun

Yeh le le, or uski jagah dusra dede... No problem simple solution

Ammu(thinking)

Agar ise mana kar dungi to yeh wapas nahi dega...

Ammu(jor khate huye bolte huye)

Theek hai... Kal wo leke aana or dusra le lena bas...

Arjun

That's really nice of you Ammu

Tumhare yeh kapde hi to khali waqt me tumhari Kami puri karte hai... I can feel them

Or arjun apne hatho ko aise karta hai jaise ki wo Ammu ke boobs pakadne wala ho... Or uski aawaz me ek moaning type hoti hai... Ammu yeh sunte hi usse jhagadne lagti hai,usko marne legti hai or arjun waha se chhat par bhag raha hota... Ammu bhi uske pichhe slow motion me bhag rahi hoti hai or dono ek diwar ke paas takrate hai or dono ek dusre ki baaho me aa jate hai... Arjun uski aankho me dekhta hai or dono ka eye contact hota hai... Bhagne se dono ki saansein foolne lagti hai or dono bas kisi feeling me kho jate hai,koi aawaz nahi bilkul silence....... Ammu aankhe band kiye apne aap apne lips aage badha deti hai... Or Arjun bhi apne lips uske lips par rakh deta hai... Dono kiss me busy ho jate hai,lekin yeh wala kiss pahle kiss se alag tha... Isme tha passion or dono ki razamandi... Dono ek dusre ke lips ko chabane lagte hai... Arjun ab ammu ko apni baho me bhar leta hai ekdam tight or dono shiddat se kiss karte hai... Chhat ki is deewar par dono ka pyaar rang le raha tha or unhe dekhne wala bhi koi nahi tha... Dono kiss karte rehte hai and suddenly dono ke lips par zoom hota hai or slow motion me dono ek dusre ko choom rahe hote hai... Or tabhi inka lips par angle blur hota hai or piche ka background clean dikhne lagta hai or yeh kya... Ye to... Yeh to Taz hai... Taz apni chhat se in dono ki prem lila dekh raha tha,use bahut bura lag raha tha kyoki wo Ammu ko pasand karta tha... Taz apna hath apni railing par de marta hai or arjun bhi ab chhat se wapas apni chhat par jane lagta hai

arjun railing ke paas rukta hai.

stairs se utarte waqt ammu palat ke ek baar dekhti hai… dono aankhon se smile exchange karte hain — kisi ko kuch kehne ki zarurat nahi hoti.

singh house – shanu ka room – evening

shanu bed pe ulte lete hue apna phone scroll kar rahi hoti hai. screen pe kabhi kabhi zaheer ke messages ya group photos ruk jate hain. phir screen lock kar ke uska face thoda restless sa lagta hai.

ek baar fir se phone uthati hai… message likhne lagti hai, fir delete kar deti hai.

aankhen ceiling ki taraf — mann me clearly kuch chal raha hota hai.

shanu (apne aap se, halki awaaz me):

bas aise hi... normal hi toh hai... bas dekhne ka mann hai... milne ka nahi... matlab, haan... casual hi toh hai.

wo mirror ke saamne jaake baal thoda set karti hai… ek random lip balm lagati hai… fir khud pe hasti hai.

shanu (phir se):

mujhe zarurat kya hai zaheer ke ghar jaane ki?

…ammu bhi nahi bula rahi… kuch bahana bhi nahi hai.

kya bolun… salt lene aayi thi?

wo table pe baithti hai… ek idea aata hai, phir turant reject kar deti hai.

shanu:

amma ke liye recipe... nahi yaar, itna obvious lagta hai.

chalk mangne jaaun? childish.

phir wo sigh karti hai… thoda frustrated hoti hai.

neeche se madhu ki awaaz aati hai:

madhu (door ke bahar se):

shanu, tu neeche aa rahi hai kya?

shanu:

haan maa… aa rahi hoon.

wo bed se uthti hai… kapde thoda thik karti hai

no reason to go.

shanu thoda disappointed si andar chali jaati hai.

uski aankhon me bas ek line likhi ja sakti hai —

"kaash koi wajah mil jaaye us tak phir se pahunchne ki."

college sports ground – next day – late morning

suraj tez hai, ground pe tension zyada.

semi-final relay event ke liye hustle-bustle chal rahi hai. har team apne lane me khadi hai.

zaheer apni team ke sath warm-up kar raha hota hai, lekin uska chehra stiff hai — aankhon me ek ajeeb sa pressure.

dev side me khada hai — nervous, thoda restless.

zaheer uske paas jaata hai, uski aankhon me thoda guilt bhi hota hai.

zaheer (softly):

dev... chill kar. tu best de, bas itna hi soch. pressure nahi lena.

dev (halki awaaz me):

main try karunga bhai... bas… sab dekh rahe hain.

zaheer:

main teri jagah hota toh bhi yahi karta. just run.

race start hoti hai.

first runner, second runner — sab theek ja raha hota hai.

third leg me dev baton leta hai… lekin wo speed maintain nahi kar pata.

doosri team ka runner usse cross kar jata hai.

zaheer anchor leg ke liye ready hota hai… wo baton le to leta hai, lekin tab tak lead chali jaati hai.

zaheer pura zor lagata hai, lekin finish line pe team third aati hai —

final ke liye qualify nahi karti.

team members ground pe baith jaate hain, kisi ka muh nahi chal raha. dev aankhon me paani leke baithe hota hai.

zaheer kuch nahi bolta. wo uske shoulder pe haath rakhta hai, lekin kuch kehne ka man nahi karta.

doosri taraf ground ke vip zone me arjun aur nikhat organizing team ke sath baithe hote hain.

jeetne wali team ke liye clapping ho rahi hoti hai — arjun bhi clap kar raha hota hai, casually, focused on winning side.

zaheer ki nazar door se us par padti hai — uske chehre par disappointment ke saath ek halka hurt ka emotion bhi hota hai.

zaheer ka inner monologue type vibe:

“yeh uske liye bas ek event tha… mere liye toh team thi.”

arjun notice nahi karta —

zaheer bas silently waha se nikal jaata hai, apne towel ko tight pakad ke, head down.

cut to: dev – jiska sir jhuka hota hai.

cut to: arjun – jiska dhyaan abhi bhi celebrations me hai.
cut to: zaheer – jo chalte chalte ek baar palat kar dekhta hai, phir seedha chala jaata hai.

college corridor – late afternoon

sports event ke baad ka time hai, campus thoda shaant ho chuka hai. students groups me baatein karte nikal rahe hain.

shanu canteen se nikli hoti hai — haath me ek cold drink aur chehre pe usual jolly, full-of-life smile.

shanu (apne aap se):

zaheer ko bataun ki main uska relay dekh nahi payi... but i’m sure he nailed it.

(then giggles softly)

aur agar nahi bhi jeeta toh main usse hi trophy dila dungi... attitude ki.

wo turning le kar ground side corridor ki taraf badhti hai — thoda casual bounce leke.

tabhi saamne se zaheer aata hai.

shirt thodi muddy, towel shoulder pe, aankhon me halki redness — lekin voice nahi, expression blank.

wo directly shanu ke kareeb se gujarta hai, bina kuch bole.

shanu (thoda tease karte hue):

arre arre... champion sahab itne serious kyu? thoda smile toh—

uska sentence adhoora reh jaata hai.

shanu uski aankhon me dekh leti hai — un aankhon me kuch tha. halka sa paani, thoda dard, aur pura thaka hua insaan.

zaheer uski taraf dekhta bhi nahi — seedha nikal jaata hai, jaise koi toofan andar chhupa raha ho

shanu (ruk jaati hai, aankhon me sudden softness):

“yeh... kya hua use?”

(she whispers to herself)

wo uske jaane ka raasta dekhti rehti hai. uska cold drink thanda hota hai, lekin uske haath garam ho jaate hain — ek tadap, ek chubhan, ek helplessness.

zaheer chalte chalte railing ke paas rukta hai… bas ek second ke liye… aur phir bina palte, chala jaata hai.

shanu ab tak wahi khadi hoti hai… aankhon me confusion nahi, sirf concern.

girls common room – afternoon

shanu ek bench pe baithi hoti hai, do ladkiyan uske paas baith ke sports ka discussion kar rahi hoti hain.

girl 1:

arre zaheer ki team out ho gayi, can you believe it?

girl 2:

haan yaar... final se pehle disqualify ho gaye. shocking tha.

shanu (surprised):

what? seriously?

kab hua yeh?

girl 1:

bas aaj hi... dev ne relay me gadbad kar di.

but zaheer ne toh full try kiya. poor guy.

shanu ka face thoda freeze ho jaata hai. wo bas ek second ke liye blank dekhti hai, phir aankhen down karti hai.

shanu (andar hi andar):

“aur maine socha main usse taang kheenchne jaaungi…”

college ground ke paas ka corner – thodi der baad

zaheer ek cemented boundary wall pe baitha hota hai, dusre log chhut rahe hote hain, lekin wo shant hota hai, uske haath me bottle hai — lekin wo usse ghoor raha hota hai, pee nahi raha.

tabhi shanu aati hai — halki si hesitant steps ke saath. uske haath me ek chhota packet hota hai — ek energy bar ya kuch aisa.

shanu (normal tone me):

sun...

champion waale zone me rehne ki acting mat kar…

main pehchaan gayi hoon — tu chill kar raha hai, lekin andar se ghussa hai, right?

zaheer uski taraf dekhta hai, ek halki si muskurahat lane ki koshish karta hai… lekin kuch bolta nahi.

shanu (baith jaati hai uske paas):

tum haare, mujhe pata hai.

kyu haare, mujhe nahi pata.

aur honestly, zarurat bhi nahi hai mujhe reason jaane ki.

zaheer (softly, thoda surprise ke saath):

toh phir aayi kyu ho?

shanu:

tumhare liye. bas.

tumhe ye yaad dilane ki liye ki haar jeet chhoti baat hai…

tum zaheer ho. aur zaheer haar ke bhi kisi aur se zyada strong lagta hai.

wo uske haath me energy bar thamaati hai.

shanu (masti me):

aur ye le... chocolate flavour hai. mujhe chahiye hota toh main khud kha leti.

but tu deserving lag raha hai.

zaheer uski taraf dekhta hai… ek shant, almost grateful expression ke saath.

zaheer:

tu... alag hai.

shanu (shoulder uchaake):

pata hai. tu bhi.

ek second ki awkward silence hoti hai… lekin wo weird nahi hoti.

phir shanu uth jaati hai.

shanu:

waise main soch rahi thi, ek din mujhe tumhara cap try karna chahiye.

aaj mood off hai, isiliye maaf kar diya.

warna permission lena padta.

zaheer (smiling):

le lena... bina permission ke bhi.

shanu ek baar uski aankhon me dekhti hai... aur chali jaati hai.

zaheer uski back ko dekhte hue, pehli baar us din halka sa light mehsoos karta hai.

zaheer ki chhat – early evening

shaam dhal chuki hai. chhat par halki orange light phaili hai. hawa me thoda thandak hai.

ammu kapde lene ke bahane chhat par aayi hoti hai. uske bal loosely bandh rakhe hain, ek haath me clip aur dusre haath me laundry basket.

tabhi arjun sidiyon se chhup chhup ke chhat par chadh jaata hai. ammu uski aahat sun ke thoda alert hoti hai.

ammu (ghoom kar):

tu aa gaya? Yaad hai na ki kya tay hua tha

arjun (casually):

main toh soch raha tha tu bhool gayi hogi...

ammu (teekhe lekin low voice me):

maine wada kiya tha... lekin tune pehle wapas lautaana tha.

arjun slowly paas aata hai, thoda drama karte hue:

ammu, ek din log kahenge — "yeh wahi ladka hai jo ek chhoti si chori se ek badi si story bana gaya."

ammu:

ek din log kahenge — "yeh wahi ladka hai jisko meri chappal se bhi pyaar tha."

arjun hans padta hai.

arjun:

agar tu chappal ban ke bhi aaye na, tab bhi main tujhe pehn lunga.

ammu (mock disbelief):

uff, tu na... ek number ka cartoon hai.

phir dono chhat ke kone pe jaa ke baith jaate hain, halka sa silence hota hai. sirf hawayein aur sheher ki shaam ka shor.

Ammu

La ab de...

Arjun

Pahle tu de... Fir aage baat hogi

Ammu waha se uth kar jati hai taar par sukh rahe kapdo ke niche se ek red maroon bra nikalti hai or arjun ke dekhe bina hi use hatho me fold kar leti hai...

Arjun

Oh acha to yaha hai khajana..

Arjun (thinking)

Agli baar mangana nahi padega

Ammu dhire dhire uske paas aati hai or apni muhti kholti hai or arjun uske hath se wo bra le leta hai or apni pocket me rakh leta hai bina dekhe... Taki Ammu ko embarrassments na ho...

Ammu

Maine apna kaam kar diya... Ab teri baari

Arjun

Wo to thik hai lekin...

Ammu

Lekin kya...

Arjun

Wo jo kiss tha... Wo ek or chahiye mujhe... Is baar more passionate

Ammu

Bhag... Ab kuch nahi milega..

Ammu samajh jati hai ki wo ab apni bra bhi kho chuki hai or uth kar waha se jane lagti hai

Arjun

Kaha Jaa rahi hai...

Ammu

Beth kar kya fayda... Tu waada to pura karta nahi

Arjun ek smile deta hai or ammu jane lagti hai,arjun wahi se tez aawaz me bolta hai...

Arjun

Agli baar pura set chahiye hoga mujhe, ab isse kaam nahi chalta raato mein

Or Ammu use aankho se ishara karti hai hatt badtamiz or smile karke jane lagti hai

Arjun wahi bethe use dekhne lagta hai,or uth kar wapas apni chaat par aa jata hai

college canteen – sports week ka aakhiri din – afternoon

bhaar ground par energy peak par hoti hai. final match chal raha hai. dhoop tez hai, cheering ki aawaazein, mike par commentary — sab kuch garam-mahaul jaisa.

lekin canteen... almost khaali. ek kone mein zaheer baitha hota hai, bottle ghoomata hua. uski aankhon mein na haar ka dukh hai, na match ka interest. bas ek shant si udaasi.

kahi se sports ka dhoom-dhaam canteen ke andar tak aa raha hota hai.

wo thoda jhuk kar baitha hota hai, table pe haath tikaye. thoda-thoda apne thought me khoya hua.

cut to: ground ke edge pe – shanu

shanu crowd me idhar-udhar dekh rahi hoti hai. sab students busy hote hain, sabki nazar final par hoti hai. uski aankhen kuch aur dhoond rahi hoti hain.

shanu (andar hi andar):

“sab final dekh rahe hain... aur tu kahan chala gaya zaheer…”

phir uska intuition use canteen ki taraf kheenchta hai.

cut to: canteen ka gate

shanu halki si daud lagate hue andar aati hai... aur ek kone me baitha zaheer dikh jaata hai.

shanu (rukh jaati hai, slowly paas jaake):

sab final dekh rahe hain... aur tu yahan...?

zaheer uski taraf dekhta hai. aankhon me thoda guilt... thoda thakaan.

zaheer:

main haar gaya tha.

ab jo jeet rahe hain, unka haq hai enjoy karne ka.

mera nahi.

shanu (aankhon me halka pani, lekin smile bana ke):

aisa mat bol. tu toh woh hai jiske liye main cheering karti thi, bina team me hote hue bhi.

zaheer sir jhuka deta hai. shanu uske samne wali chair kheench kar baith jaati hai.

shanu:

pata hai... tu haar gaya.

but main... main fir bhi proud hoon tujh par.

kyunki tu kabhi kisi se competition me nahi tha... sirf apne aap se.

zaheer:

aur main wahi haar gaya, shanu.

khud se.

ek short pause hota hai. dono kuch nahi bolte.

phir shanu apna haath uske table pe rakhti hai. slowly. zaheer us haath ko dekhta hai, phir uski aankhon me.

shanu:

kabhi kabhi... haarna bhi zaruri hota hai.

takay kisi apne ka haath samne aaye...

zaheer (soft tone):

aur tu…

tu yeh haath kabse le aayi mere liye?

shanu (light smile):

jab tu bina kuch bole bhi sab kar jaata tha… tabhi se.

ek lamha... bas aankhon ka contact. kuch seconds... dono ki sanson ke beech sirf shaanti.

aur fir... jaise sab kuch automatic ho... dono slowly uthte hain...

aur ek silent, soft hug me band jaate hain.

na koi line hoti hai, na koi plan... bas ek instinct hota hai.

hug normal hota hai, lekin usme bharosa, thakaan, comfort — sab kuch hota hai.

camera slowly zoom out karta hai

canteen ke bahar cheering sunai deti rehti hai, lekin yahan...

ek chhoti si shant duniya bani hoti hai.

Yeh hug itna tight or warm tha ki jaise bichhde huye premi kai saalo baad mile ho, zaheer apne hath shanu ki pith se lapete huye tha or kuch der hug karne ke baad zaheer ko ehsaas hota hai ki uske shanu ki pith par us jagah hai jaha tshirt ke andar shanu ke bra ka hook tha... Or zaheer ko apni chest me shanu ke garam garam round boobs dabte huye bhi feel hote hai... Kuch der baad shanu bhi flow se bahar aati hai or apni pakad loose karne lagti hai zaheer ki kamar se zaheer samajh jata hai ki shanu kya kar rahi hai isliye wo bhi shanu se alag ho jata hai... Shanu apne baal thik karne lagti hai embarassment se bachne ke liye to wahi zaheer idhar udhar dekhne lagta hai... Or stadium se bigul ki aawaz aati hai...

college ground – sports week closing ceremony – late evening

stage lights on ho chuke hain. sab students neatly line mein baith kar prize distribution dekh rahe hote hain. chairs ke saamne ek long table hai jahan dignitaries baithe hain. background me “college anthem” type soft instrumental chal raha hota hai.

anchor (student host):

and now… the moment we’ve all been waiting for… the awards!

montage shots:

students medals le rahe hain. cricket team, relay race winners, long jump, girls’ kho-kho team — sabko medals aur certificates mil rahe hain.

zaheer stage par jaa ke medal receive karta hai — dignity ke saath.

shanu crowd me baithi hoti hai, proud smile ke saath clap kar rahi hoti hai.

zaheer ka expression composed hai, lekin aankhen kisi ko dhoond rahi hoti hain...

anchor:

and now, presenting the most awaited appreciation — for the one who made this entire sports week smooth, disciplined and full of energy…

the best coordinator award... goes to... ms. nikhat siddiqui!

stage pe sab clap karte hain. nikhat full athletic dress me confident tarike se stage par jaati hai.

sab ladko ke beech halki si hooting bhi hoti hai. ek cute sa chaos.

nikhat mic leti hai.

nikhat (firm, with a soft smile):

thank you for this recognition.

sports sirf jeet ya haar nahi hota... character dikhata hai.

main sab students ki dedication ko salute karti hoon — especially the organizing team.

pause

nikhat (adds, confidently):

aur ek special thank you to... arjun singh.

audience reaction:

"oooooo!"

clapping, whistling, hooting. arjun ke friends usse elbows maar ke tease karte hain. kuch students "wah bhai!" kehke chillate hain. Ye to pat gayi arjun bhai... Arjun teri to lottery lag gayi mere bhai... Arjun nayi gf mubarak ho.... Aisi aawazein aa rahi hoti hai

arjun… back stage ke ek kone me khada hota hai.

wo thoda smile karta hai, neck scratch karta hai awkwardly… lekin andar se khush.

ek dum se spotlight uspe padti hai, aur nikhat uski taraf dekhti hai.

cut to: zaheer – same crowd me, dusre kone se arjun ko dekh raha hota hai.

zaheer ki aankhon me fixed stare hoti hai. expression unreadable.

kahi na kahi wo us scene ka hissa nahi ban pa raha hota hai — alag si feeling hoti hai uske andar.

cut to: arjun – mic ke paas jaane ki sochta hai, lekin ruk jaata hai.

anchor:

thank you, ms. nikhat! and thank you arjun for leading the committee like a champ!

crowd cheer again.

camera pulls back – slow zoom out:

shanu applauding hoti hai… ammu bhi thoda awkward sa smile karti hai…

aur zaheer — bas chupchap baitha — aankhon me kuch keh na paane ka dard.

backstage – post award ceremony – night

stage ke piche ka area thoda dim light me hota hai. backdrop banners half-latke hue hain. kuch decoration ka saman corner me pada hai. crowd ab slowly disperse ho raha hai, lekin backstage ab bhi halki hustle-bustle me hai.

nikhat, thoda confident, thoda overwhelmed, mic table par rakh ke peeche aati hai. uske chehre pe ek genuine wali muskurahat hai.

arjun waha already khada hota hai, uski taraf dekhte hue.

nikhat (lightly laughing, thoda thak ke):

khatam ho gaya... finally.

arjun (muskurata hua):

aur kya dhamakedar tareeke se khatam hua...

best coordinator. aur crowd-favorite bhi.

nikhat (playfully):

crowd-favorite tu tha... main toh bas kaam kar rahi thi.

arjun (softly):

tumhara kaam hi sabse alag tha. sabko discipline me laana, motivate karna... easy nahi tha.

nikhat ki aankhon me halka sa gratitude. wo ek step aur aage badhti hai.

nikhat (thoda emotional tone me):

mujhe laga hi nahi tha... ki main kisi naye place me itna comfortably fit ho paungi.

but... tum logon ne mujhe bahut support diya.

arjun bas halka sa smile karta hai, kuch bolta nahi.

nikhat ek second rukti hai… aur fir impulsively arjun ke paas aake uske gale lag jaati hai.

ek warm, genuine hug. koi awkwardness nahi… bas ek success ke moment ka celebration.

arjun thoda startled hota hai, lekin fir dheere se apne haath uske shoulders pe rakhta hai… aur uske hug ka jawab deta hai.nikhat ka gadraya jism bhi arjun ke hatho me chota sa lag raha tha... Arjun use tight hug deta hai or uske chehre par ek smile thi, ek satisfy smile... Nikhat bhi pure jor se gale lag rahi hoti hai, arjun ko nikhat ki body ki garmi bhi feel hoti hai... Or nikhat ko arjun ki mazboot pakad bhi...

arjun (soft voice me):

tum deserve karti thi yeh sab.

nikhat (slowly alag hote hue, aankhon me halka moisture):

thanks, arjun. tumne bahut help ki.

arjun (half smile):

ab agar galti se paper na kho jata toh aur bhi zyada proud feel karta main.

nikhat (hassi se):

abhi bhi proud hoon main…

tum samajhdar ho.

aur... samay ke saath aur bhi ache banoge.

dono ek dusre ko dekhte hain... ek short, quiet moment hota hai. koi heavy vibe nahi… lekin ek maturity wali warmth.

cut to: zaheer... backstage ke ek chhote se shadow se yeh sab dekh raha hota hai... kuch keh nahi raha... bas observe kar raha hota hai

[Greenwood]

Update 17

singh house – living room – evening

living room me halki si lighting hai. sofa aur center table neatly set kiye gaye hain. pratap ek side armchair pe baitha hai, uske paas madhu hai – dono mehmaanon ka swagat kar rahe hain.

azhar (zaheer ke abba) khush mood me baithe hote hain, saath me asma aur ammu bhi hain. sab ek dusre se trip aur sports week ke bare me casual masti kar rahe hote hain.

madhu (laugh kar):

ammu ne toh humein puri report di hai trip ki… par ye batao, tum log wapas aa kar kitna soye ho?

pratap (chutki lete hue):

arjun toh poore din sota raha. hero ban gaya hai aajkal.

azhar (smiling):

arey hero nahi... ab toh organising committee ka ladka hai. staff bhi uska fan ho gaya hai!

ammu (zaheer ki taraf dekh kar):

zaheer bhi toh champion hai. medal toh sabse pehle isi ke haathon me gaya.

asma:

bhai ne toh kamaal kar diya!

sab log muskuraate hain, lekin zaheer ka expression serious hai. wo bas chupchaap sun raha hota hai, kabhi kabhi halka sa smile deta hai, lekin uska mood clearly alag lagta hai.

conversation chalte chalte zaheer slowly waha se uthta hai, bina kisi se kuch kahe.

singh house – terrace – few minutes later

zaheer slowly chhat ke kone tak aata hai. uski aankhen horizon ki taraf hoti hain, lekin dimaag kaafi kuch soch raha hota hai.

tabhi peeche se halki kadmon ki aahat hoti hai…

shanu quietly chhat par aati hai. usne casual home wear pehna hai, baal loosely bandhe hue hain.

wo zaheer ko thoda observe karti hai, fir dheere se uske paas jaake uske bagal me khadi ho jaati hai.

shanu (soft tone me):

tum waha se bina kuch bole kyun chale aaye?

zaheer (slowly):

bas... bheed se nikalna tha.

short silence. hawa ka ek halka jhonka aata hai. chhat pe dono ek dusre ke saath khade hote hain… kuch pal tak koi kuch nahi bolta.

shanu (thoda hesitant, lekin firm):

kabhi kabhi... jeet se zyada zaroori hota hai... kaise khelte ho.

aur tumne sabse behtar tareeke se khela.

zaheer kuch nahi bolta. wo bas apne jute ki tip se chhat ke kinare pe line banata hai. tabhi shanu apna haath zaheer ke haath par rakh deti hai, very naturally — sympathy dene ke liye, connect karne ke liye.

zaheer thoda startled hota hai, lekin haath hataata nahi.

zaheer (narmi se):

tumhe lagta hai main haar gaya?

shanu (slowly, aankhon me warmth):

nahi... tumne kisi aur ko jeetne ka moka diya.

ye haar nahi hoti.

tabhi chhat ke raste arjun aata hai. uske haath me coke ki bottle hoti hai. usne aankhon se sab kuch dekh liya hota hai — shanu ka haath zaheer ke haath pe.

arjun (light tone me, lekin slightly taunting):

arre... chhat pe sabhi log aajkal spiritual hone lage hain kya?

shanu turant haath hata leti hai. zaheer bas normal expression ke saath arjun ko dekh kar halka sa sir hilata hai.

zaheer (calmly):

thoda hawa me sochna acha lagta hai.

arjun:

cool. main neeche jaa raha hoon. koi aur spiritual session ho toh bula lena.

arjun jaise hi chhat se wapas jata hai… shanu aur zaheer ek dusre ko dekhte hain.

kuch nahi kehte, lekin dono ke expressions me ek subtle si closeness settle ho jaati hai.

college – main corridor – morning

subah ka waqt hai. sports week khatam ho chuka hai, lekin uski baatein abhi bhi har group me chal rahi hain. corridor decorated hai – kahin kahin medals, posters aur banners lagay huye hain:

"congrats organising team!"

"sports week 2025 – unforgettable moments!"

arjun canteen se nikal ke corridor ke corner ki taraf aa raha hota hai, jahan kuch juniors aur classmates uska wait kar rahe hote hain.

student 1:

arrey bhai, kya coordination tha sports week ka! seriously, top-notch!

student 2 (laughing):

nikhat ma'am toh mic pe hi bol gayi – special thanks to arjun!

student 3:

kya scene hai re tu aur coach ka?

arjun (hassi me):

scene sirf planning ka tha... performance aap sabne diya.

sab log hasta hai. arjun modest smile ke saath sabko thank karta hai.

cut to: zaheer – corridor ke doosre side se sab dekh raha hota hai.

ek hand railing ke paas khada hai, arms folded, uske face pe neutral expression hai... lekin aankhon me ek alag sa silence.

tabhi uske paas taz aata hai – usual tapori attitude me, chewing gum chabate hue.

taz:

dekh... hero ban gaya tera bhai jaisa dost. sab usi ke peeche.

zaheer (straight face):

haan, acha kaam kiya usne.

taz (shoulder se dhakka maarte hue):

acha kaam? ya sirf nikhat ma’am ko impress karne ka scene tha?

zaheer uski taraf dekhta hai, thoda confused sa.

zaheer:

kya bakwaas hai ye?

taz (shrugs):

arre bhai... tu toh khud dekh raha tha... har jagah woh coach ke aas paas.

aur result? tu champion hone ke layak tha, lekin game waha set ho raha tha jahan zarurat thi.

zaheer (thoda annoyed):

bas kar taz.

taz:

tu hi soch... agar woh tere against vote na deti... toh aaj tu yahan sab ke beech trophy leke khada hota.

aur arjun? woh toh bas smile karta raha... smart banda hai, setting pehle hi kar li.

zaheer uski baat ko lightly dismiss karta hai, lekin thoda uncomfortable bhi hota hai. wo thoda door dekhne lagta hai — jahan arjun ko ab bhi students congratulations bol rahe hain.

zaheer (softly):

arjun aisa nahi hai.

taz (ghoom kar):

tu keh raha hai... lekin andar se tu bhi soch raha hai na?

zaheer kuch nahi bolta. ek chhoti si silence hoti hai. pehli baar uske face pe thoda doubt ka sa shadow aata hai — ek pal ke liye.

taz uski aankhon me dekh kar bas muskurata hai…

taz (casually):

koi na... soch le. truth kabhi kabhi seedha nahi dikhai deta.

cut to: arjun – door ke paas se zaheer ki taraf dekhta hai, lekin zaheer aankh milata bhi nahi.

college – nikhat’s cabin – afternoon

nikhat apne cabin me files check kar rahi hoti hai. table pe coffee ka mug, ek stopwatch, aur kuch training charts bikhre hote hain. tabhi door pe knock hota hai.

nikhat:

come in.

arjun enters, thoda sa casual, thoda sa nervous.

arjun:

you called, ma’am?

nikhat (without looking up):

haan, ek-do cheezein clarify karni thi... organising committee ke reports ke baare me.

arjun chair kheench ke baith jata hai. dono ke beech ek natural, friendly vibe hoti hai — koi awkwardness nahi.

nikhat:

tumhara coordination impressive tha. aur mujhe laga tumhare through hi staff ke kaam smooth chal paaye.

ab jab competition khatam ho gaya hai, main chahungi tum thoda aur actively help karo.

arjun (smiling):

main toh ready hoon… waise bhi… aapki leadership me kaam karna thoda challenging bhi hota hai... aur motivating bhi.

nikhat (smirks):

ye flattery tum sab ladko ke default setting me hoti hai kya?

arjun (grinning):

sirf unke jo genuinely impress hote hain.

nikhat usse aankhon me dekh ke halki si hansi rokti hai.

nikhat:

tumhara sense of humour bhi sharp hai, arjun. tumhe samajh nahi aata log tumhe kyun seriously nahi lete?

arjun (thoda lean karke):

shayad kyunki ma’am, main sirf unhi ko seriously leta hoon... jinse main inspired hoon.

nikhat ek second ke liye pause karti hai, fir thoda professional ho jaati hai.

nikhat:

acha chalo... ab time waste mat karo. ye reports le jao aur principal ko dede do.

arjun files leta hai, lekin jaane se pehle doorway pe rukta hai.

arjun (with a half-smile):

thanks... for the trust.

nikhat:

don’t misuse it.

cut to: ext. staff corridor – moments later

arjun nikhat ke cabin se nikalta hai, ek do juniors usse door se dekh rahe hote hain.

student 1 (whispering):

oye... arjun abhi nikhat ma’am ke cabin se aa raha hai?

student 2 (excited whisper):

maine suna dono ka kuch chal raha hai... har waqt ek dusre ke aas paas hote hain.

student 3:

full-on scene ban raha hai yaar... sports ke naam pe romance?

montage – whispers spread across the campus

– girls' group canteen me gossip karta hai

– boys ke group me bhi ye baat viral ho jati hai

– ek reel banane wali ladki nikhat ke cabin ka door record karti hai chhupke se

cut to: zaheer – stair railing ke paas khada hota hai.

door se arjun ko cabin se nikalte dekh leta hai. peeche se ek ladka sarcastic comment karta hai

random student:

bhai, arjun toh ab nikhat ma’am ka assistant ban gaya lagta hai!

zaheer bas expressionless khada rahta hai. kuch nahi bolta… lekin aankhon me kuch halke clouds utarte hain.

college corridor – late afternoon

shanu apni usual gang ke saath bench pe bethi hoti hai, ek cold drink ka can pakde hue. uske aas-paas 3–4 ladkiyan gathered hoti hain, sab gossiping mood me.

girl 1 (excitedly):

arre sunaa kya? nikhat ma’am aur arjun... kuch toh chal raha hai!

girl 2 (wide-eyed):

haan yaar, us din bhi ma’am ne mic pe special thanks bola... aur aaj fir se cabin mein bula liya tha use!

girl 3 (giggling):

aur arjun bhi full stylish ban ke ghoom raha hai aajkal. clearly kuch scene hai.

shanu (can se ek sip lete hue):

arre tum log bhi na... thoda cabin me bulaya toh immediately "college romance season 2" start ho gaya?

sab hansne lagti hain.

girl 1:

shanu tu arjun ke close hai na, tu hi bata kuch chal raha hai kya?

shanu (mock serious face):

haan haan, arjun ne mujhe personally bataya tha... ki next week se woh nikhat ma’am ke liye "protein shake specialist" banne wala hai.

sab:

haahahaha!

girl 2:

arre sach me?

shanu (grinning):

aur kya! pehle madam ke file uthayega, fir dumbbell... fir dil?

phir sab firse hans padti hain. shanu thoda extra drama karti hai.

shanu (sarcastically dreamy):

"dear diary, aaj arjun sir ne mujhe ‘ma’am’ bola... mujhe laga main gir padhungi gym ke mat pe..."

sab girls zyada zor se laugh karti hain.

girl 3:

arre bas kar yaar, tu toh full meme bana degi dono ka!

tabhi peechhe se arjun aata hai, headphones pehne hue, unka group pass karta hai. shanu usse dekh leti hai aur ek mischievous smile ke saath taunt karti hai:

shanu (loudly):

arreee... aur sunao arjun sir... aaj kya workout plan tha... cardio ya conversation?

arjun headphones utarta hai, confused expression ke saath:

arjun:

kya ho raha hai yahan?

shanu (straight face, dramatic tone):

hum toh bas coach-student bonding pe research kar rahe the... waise bhi aajkal tu lecture kam, lessons zyada deta hai.

arjun ek second blank dekhta hai sabko, phir hansi chhupata hai.

arjun:

tum sabko kuch kaam-dhanda nahi hai kya?

shanu (wink kar ke):

nahi... aaj sirf tumhara case study discuss ho raha tha. baaki sab break pe hai.

arjun bas sir hila ke waha se chala jaata hai, lekin cheek pe halki si smile hoti hai.

college canteen – late afternoon

canteen ka usual hustle-bustle ho raha hota hai. ek kone ki table pe ammu apni friends ke group ke saath bethi hoti hai. haath me ek garam chai ka cup. uska mood aaj shaant hai. tabhi table pe baat ka topic palat jata hai.

girl 1 (with mischief):

arre ammu... suna kya? nikhat ma’am aur arjun bhaiya ka kuch kuch ho raha hai!

ammu (casually sip lete hue):

kya?

girl 2:

haan re, aaj fir se cabin me baithak hui... aur kal to special thanks mic pe mila tha...

girl 2:

haan re, aaj fir se cabin me baithak hui... aur kal to special thanks mic pe mila tha...

girl 3 (whispering):

tumhare arjun bhaiya full-time madam ke aas paas hi ghoomte milte hain... setting lagti hai full-on!

ammu ne abhi sip liya hi hota hai ki uske muh se seedha chai bahar phut padti hai. ek second ke liye sab chok jaate hain.

ammu (coughing):

kya... kya bakwas hai ye?!

girl 1:

arre sach me! sab bol rahe hain... poora campus janta hai ab.

ammu (cup table pe rakhte hue, full irritated):

arey usne do baar mil liya kisi kaam se toh matlab ‘chal raha hai’?! logon ko toh seedhe se samjhana bhi nahi aata!

girl 2:

hum toh bas bol rahe hain... aaj nikhat ma’am ne bhi usse compliment diya sabke saamne.

ammu (ghusse se, aankhein gol kar ke):

toh? wo uska kaam tha... arjun ne help ki, bas!

girl 3 (thoda teasing tone):

achhaaa... bas? ya tumhe problem ho rahi hai ki madam uske aas paas zyada rehti hain?

ammu (voice thoda sharp ho jata hai):

nahi ho rahi koi problem! aur agar hoti bhi... toh bhi tum logon ke gossip se nahi hoti!

girl 1 (poking):

haan haan... waise bhi arjun bhaiya toh ab sports committee ke star hain… unki popularity badh gayi hai. nikhat ma’am bhi samajh gayi hongi!

ammu (stand up karte hue):

tum logon ko kuch aur nahi mila kya baat karne ke liye? chai bhi nahi peene dete properly!

ammu angrily apna cup uthati hai, lekin usme chai khatam ho chuki hoti hai. wo aur zyada gussa ho jaati hai.

ammu:

chalo asma ko milna hai… baitho yahan, gossip queens!

ammu jaise hi table se nikalti hai, peeche se ek girl halki si line bolti hai:

girl 2 (hansi chhupate hue):

haye... possessiveness level 100.

ammu rukti hai ek second ke liye... fir bas deep breath leke waha se nikal jaati hai — aankhon me clearly irritation aur andar hi andar kuch aur bhi.

college ground ke piche ka ek kona – late evening

sports week khatam ho chuka hai. students ab dheere dheere ghar ja rahe hain. college ke ek sunse kone mein arjun aur zaheer finally takra jaate hain. hawa tez chal rahi hai. dono ke chehre pe stress aur thakaan hai... aur andar se kuch aur bhi chub raha hai.

arjun ground ke ek side se aata hai, jahan se nikhat abhi chali hai. uska mood relaxed hai, lekin jaise hi uski nazar zaheer par padti hai, dono ka chehra tight ho jaata hai.

arjun (casual tone mein):

sun... kal wali baat ka mood mat bana le. i know dev ne galti ki, lekin maine usse majboor nahi kiya tha.

zaheer (ghoom kar, directly aankhon me dekhte hue):

nahi kiya tha? tu toh hero banne me busy tha... tujhse kya lena dena ke team kis wajah se haar gayi.

arjun (aawaaz thodi tez hoti hai):

oh please zaheer! main tere against nahi tha... main sirf system sambhal raha tha.

zaheer (tana maarkar):

system sambhal raha tha ya nikhat ma’am ka impression banana tha?

arjun ka face tight ho jaata hai. dono ke beech 5 second ka silence hota hai — hawa tez ho jaati hai.

arjun (gusse mein):

zabaan sambhaal ke baat kar... tu kya kehna chaahta hai?

zaheer (tez awaaz mein):

jo sach hai wohi keh raha hoon. tu har waqt dikhawa karta hai... aur jab asli waqt aata hai, tu peeche hat jaata hai!

arjun (step aage badhate hue):

dikhawa? main tha har jagah... sab handle kar raha tha... aur tu bas har waqt victim banta raha!

zaheer (aankhon mein gussa):

tum bas team ke peechhe khade hone ka natak karte ho... sach to yeh hai ki tujhe sirf apni image ki padhi rehti hai!

arjun (chillate hue):

at least main kisi aur ki success se jalta to nahi hoon! main tujhe roka tha kabhi? nahi! to phir blame kyun kar raha hai mujhe?

zaheer (full frustration mein):

kyunki tune mere bharose ko tod diya! aur mujhe iss baat ka gussa hai!

arjun (naked hurt tone):

aur mujhe iss baat ka dard hai ki tu mere khilaf khada ho gaya!

donon ki aawaazein itni tez ho jaati hain ki paas se ja raha ek student ruk jaata hai. zaheer bas apna bag uthata hai aur peeche murta hai.

zaheer:

apna hero banne ka natak kisi aur ke samne kar... meri nazar me tu bas ek selfish banda hai.

Arjun:-

Zaheer main aisa nahi hu...

Zaheer:

Bas kar behenchooo....

Zaheer gaali dete huye ruk jata hai or palat kar jane lagta hai

arjun bas uski peeth dekhte hue khamosh reh jaata hai. aankhon me gussa bhi hai, dard bhi.

arjun (dheere se):

tu chaahe kuch bhi soch le... main waisa nahi hoon jaisa tu bana raha hai mujhe.

zaheer bina palat ke nikal jaata hai. arjun wahi khada reh jaata hai — pehli baar, khud ke hi doston ke beech itna distance mehsoos karta hua.

zaheer ke ghar ki chhat – late evening

hawa mein ek thandak hai. andhera hai, lekin chhat par ek bulb ki roshni ammu ke chehre ko halka halka roshan karti hai. ammu chhat ke kone mein khadi hoti hai, aankhon mein confusion aur gussa dono. arjun waha aata hai – thoda thaka hua, mood clearly off hai.

ammu (tone thoda cold):

kya hua? subah se ignore kar raha hai... ab aa gaya milne?

arjun (ruk kar, thoda thake hue lekin sarky):

haa, sorry... time mil gaya socha tujhe bhi ek visit de doon... waise bhi sab mujhe hi villain samajh rahe hain aajkal.

ammu (eyebrows raise karke):

mujhe sab nahi pata, par tum thoda ajeeb behave kar rahe ho. zaheer ne bhi kuch kaha... aur tumne bhi kuch nahi bataya.

arjun (aawaaz badhata hai):

aur tu maan gayi na uski baat? obviously, uska version toh pure aur pavitra hoga!

ammu (thoda sharp):

arjun, main sirf samajhne ki koshish kar rahi hoon... chillane ki zarurat nahi hai.

arjun (bursting):

kyun nahi?! sab mujhe hi ghurte hain jaise main sab barbaad karne aaya hoon. zaheer bhi... aur ab tu bhi!

ammu (hurt tone):

main sirf puch rahi hoon, arjun... mujhe bhi clarity chahiye...

arjun (teeth clenched, gusse mein):

haan haan, clarity chahiye! tum dono bhai-behen ho hi aise! ek jaise! ek ne trust toda bol diya, dusre ne doubt karna shuru kar diya.

ammu (silent shock mein, soft but firm):

arjun... tu... kya bol raha hai?

arjun (ab full breakdown, harsh tone):

tum logon ko na koi ehsaan dikhta hai, na koi haq. bas apni nazar se sabko judge karte ho! main chilla chilla ke thak gaya hoon prove karte karte ke main galat nahi hoon!

ammu (pained, aankhon me aansu):

main bas... tujhse explanation chah rahi thi. yeh sab... zaroori tha?

arjun (low tone, sarcasm bhara):

nahi, zaroori kuch nahi hota na tum logon ke liye... tumhe to bas prove karna hota hai ki tum sahi ho... aur main nahi.

ammu (softly):

tu mujhe bura bol raha hai kyunki main tujhse sach puch rahi thi?

arjun (deep breath le kar, aankhon me moisture):

main sab se thak gaya hoon ammu... har jagah mujhe hi villain banate ho log... aur ab tu bhi...

ammu kuch nahi kehti. bas uske chehre pe ek expression hota hai — disappointment ka. wo palat kar jaane lagti hai. arjun uske peeche dekhta rehta hai. dono ke beech sirf ek thandi hawa bach jaati hai.

qureshi house – late afternoon

asma chhat par kapde sukha rahi hai. darwaza khula rehta hai jaise hamesha hota hai. tabhi bahar se shanu ki awaaz aati hai — thoda hesitant, thoda smiling.

shanu:

ammuuu?

zaheer drawing room me bethe hote hain, haathon me ek kitaab. awaaz sunte hi neck stretch karte hain. shanu ki awaaz unke liye ab unfamiliar nahi rahi.

zaheer (uth kar aata hai):

ammu nahi hai... lekin tu andar aa ja, main de deta hoon.

shanu halki si smile ke saath entry leti hai. dono ki beech awkward si comfort hoti hai – jaise dono samajh rahe ho ki kuch to change ho raha hai.

zaheer (kitchen ki taraf jaate hue):

bas mirch hi chahiye?

shanu (hassi se):

aur kya... biryani me mirch nahi daali to arjun ka muh utar jaayega... tu jaanta hi hai.

zaheer (laughing softly):

waise bhi uska muh har waqt kuch na kuch bolta hi rehta hai... kabhi thoda kam bolne lag jaye to samajh lena biryani thik bani hai.

shanu hans padti hai. zaheer mirch ka dabba leke aata hai.

zaheer:

yeh le... bata dena ammu ko, main asli waali laaya hoon. dhoka nahi milega.

zaheer:

yeh le... bata dena ammu ko, main asli waali laaya hoon. dhoka nahi milega.

shanu (uske haath se lete hue, eye contact banaye):

aur tu... waise kaafi sorted lagta hai. sab kuch sambhal leta hai ghar ka. impressive.

zaheer thoda humble smile deta hai, aankhon me soft glow.

zaheer:

bas zarurat thi... toh seekh gaya. tumhare jaise log nahi hote sabke aas paas.

shanu (halke se shrug):

acha... main chalti hoon. warna arjun fir se taang kheench lega ki tu itna time kis ke ghar lagaa rahi thi.

zaheer (hassi dabate hue):

kya tum sab ek doosre ko time track karte rehte ho? scary hai thoda.

shanu door ki taraf badhti hai. lekin jaate jaate palat kar ke ek choti si smile deti hai.

shanu:

zaheer… tum waise bilkul bhi nahi ho jaise main expect kar rahi thi... in a good way.

zaheer kuch nahi bolta. bas use jaate dekhte rehta hai — darwaza halki si khatakhat se band hota hai.

– a few seconds later

zaheer kitchen ke counter par tik jata hai. aankhon me ek thought run karta hai.

zaheer (andar sochta hai):

yeh... apne bhai se bilkul alag hai.

wo halki si smile deta hai — ek aisi jo sirf khud ke liye hoti hai.

zaheer abhi bhi drawing room mein hai, haath mein wahi kitaab lekin aankhon ka dhyan kahin aur hai. shanu ki aakhri line abhi tak uske dimaag mein ghoom rahi hoti hai — "tum waise bilkul bhi nahi ho jaise main expect kar rahi thi..."

kitchen se ammu ki awaaz aati hai.

ammu (thoda chilla kar):

zaheer! chai ban gayi hai... asma bol rahi thi tu thak gaya hai, le le aake.

zaheer khayalon se bahar aata hai, kuch nahi bolta — bas kitaab band karta hai aur kitchen ki taraf chala jaata hai.

int. kitchen

ammu aur asma table ke paas khadi hoti hain. ammu ne zaheer ke liye chai bana rakhi hoti hai.

asma (mischievously):

bhai... aj to bade khoye khoye lag rahe ho. kuch hua kya?

zaheer (casually, chai lete hue):

bas waise hi... thoda thak gaya hoon. aur kuch nahi.

ammu aankhon se clearly uski halat dekh leti hai — jo use samajh mein aata hai, wo asma ke bas ke bahar hai.

ammu (thoda soft tone mein):

tu rehne de. chai main le jaungi tere liye.

zaheer smile deta hai, but wo expression clear karta hai ki uske dimaag mein kuch chal raha hai. wo silently cup le ke nikal jaata hai.

int. terrace – zaheer alone

zaheer chhat par aake railing se lag jaata hai. hawa chal rahi hoti hai. neeche gali mein bachche khel rahe hote hain, lekin uski nazar us direction mein hoti hai jahan se shanu aayi thi.

zaheer (andar sochta hai, ek halki smile ke saath):

kaafi ajeeb ladki hai... lekin... ache wali ajeeb.

uske chehre pe thoda relief hota hai — jaise kisi ne uske chaotic din ke beech ek balance sa touch kar diya ho.tabhi piche se ammu chhat pe aati hai, plate mein kuch biscuits le aayi hoti hai.

ammu:

agar tu meri chai le gaya... to biscuits bhi le ja.

zaheer (hassi se):

teri ye feeding wali habit kab khatam hogi?

ammu:

jab tu khud se smile karna chhod dega.

zaheer:

main kab smile karta hoon?

ammu chhoti si maar jaisi thokti hai uske arm par.

ammu (teasing):

jab koi ajeeb si ladki tujhe bolti hai ki “tum alag ho”, tab.

zaheer momentarily freeze karta hai, but kuch bolta nahi. ammu chalti hai chhat ke corner ki taraf. zaheer uske peeche dekhta hai, fir chai sip karta hai.

zaheer (andar sochta hai):

alag ho? ya main khud ko uski nazar se naya dekh raha hoon?

[Anum sheikh]

Bhut khoob kia likhty ho ap, apki story slow poison ki trah asar krti, Banda kho sa jata hai, apka likha perhny ki addiction ho gai hai