ARJUN vs ZAHEER

[Greenwood]

Update 33



INT. HOTEL ROOFTOP RESTAURANT – NIGHT – SOFT WIND & CITY LIGHTS IN BACKDROP
ek classy, cozy rooftop — golden pendant lights latak rahe hain, kuch tables pe couple candles jali hui hain. ek kone mein long table reserved hai, sab usi par baithte hain — freshly post-movie. waiter menu cards de raha hota hai.
TABLE ARRANGEMENT:
ek side: asad, ammu, asma
doosri side: arjun, nikhat, taz
corner side: zaheer & shanu


nikhat ka sacrf bar-bar udta hai, arjun usse gently pakad kar uske kandhe par set karta hai, casual smile ke sath. nikhat slow blink karte hue uske haath par lightly touch karti hai.
ammu un dono ki movement side-eye se notice kar rahi hoti hai — uske haathon ka spoon aur zyada zor se plate pe takra jata hai. tingg!
asad ek mild glance deta hai — kuch kehne ka mood nahi, bas observe kar raha hai.

cut to: zaheer & shanu
zaheer ek glass paani le raha hota hai, shanu casually uska haath thoda avoid karke salt shaker ki taraf jhukti hai. unka haath again brush hota hai.

zaheer:
"ab to aadat ho gayi hai."

shanu:
"haan, tujhe meri har cheez ki ho gayi hai lagta hai."
zaheer halki si hansi rokta hai. aankhon mein shanti hoti hai, dono ke gestures ab natural aur soft ho chuke hain.

cut back to arjun & nikhat
nikhat uske ear ke paas lean karti hai:
nikhat (softly):
"waise tum kaafi decent behave kar rahe ho… movie ke comparison mein."

arjun (smirk karta hai):
Itne sare cctv yahaan bethe hain, isliye mujhe manners yaad aa gaye."
nikhat giggle karti hai, uske haath par haath rakhti hai.

ammu finally react karti hai — ek cold sip lete hue asad se:
ammu:
"tumhe kaisa laga jaipur... Pasand aaya yeh shaher

asad (calm tone):
Pasand kuch jyada hi aaya actually,or sabse jyada yaha ke log


ammu thoda stir hoti hai, nikhat ki hansi ek baar fir uske kaan mein padti hai wo glance maar kar dekhti hai arjun ka haath nikhat ke haath ke upar rest karta hua hai.

waiter aata hai, order le raha hota hai.

taz loudly:
"ek chicken tangdi, do mushroom lajawab, teen lemon soda, aur ek break-up special bhi bhej do!"

asma:
"break-up special?"

taz:
*"haan, tu bachi hai abhi tu khana kha" (side eye ammu ki taraf, jise arjun ignore kar raha hota ha

EXT. JAIPUR KI RAAT – NIKHAT KA GHAR – LANE OUTSIDE – NIGHT
ek halka breeze chalu hai. street light ki naram roshni mein ek hi gaadi rukti hai arjun ki bike. peeche nikhat utarti hai, uske baal halki hawa mein udte hain.

nikhat (softly):
“aaj ka din… seriously, i didn’t expect this.
arjun helmet utarke uski taraf dekhta hai, ek thaka hua sa lekin confident smile.

arjun:
“you handled it well. aur waise bhi... team mein agar tum nahi hoti to yeh jealous-ka-tadka itna tasty nahi banta.”

nikhat (laughs, then steps closer):
"tum mazak bhi serious tone mein karte ho,

ek second ki khamoshi. dono aankhon se baat karte hain. nikhat apne bag ka strap theek karte hue uski aankhon mein direct dekhti hai
ek second ki khamoshi. dono aankhon se baat karte hain. nikhat apne bag ka strap theek karte hue uski aankhon mein direct dekhti hai.

nikhat (lightly teasing):
"good night waise toh bol doge... lekin... Amm agar tum samajh jao to

arjun (eyebrow raised):
Kya nikhat
"
nikhat (shrugs):
"tum smart ho, khud samajh jao."

arjun thoda hesitate karta hai. ek second ko uski aankhen left-right dekhti hain, fir wo slow lean karta hai aur nikhat ke gaal ke paas soft sa kiss karta hai. gentle, respectful. nikhat aankhen band kar leti hai.

nikhat (whispers, with a shy breath):
"wow... matlab tum bas dikhte nahi ho, smart bhi ho."

arjun thoda smile karta hai, peeche murta hai, bike start karta hai. helmet pehente waqt ek baar aur nikhat ki taraf dekhta hai is baar kuch bolta nahi, bas aankhon se goodnight wish karta hai.

nikhat (under her breath, uske jaate hi):
"it was such a wonderful day, arjun… thank you."
wo sigh leke andar chali jaati hai. camera uske peeche band hoti darwaze par tik jaata hai.

Darwaza band hote hi NIKHAT ek lambi saans leti hai or bolti hai lucky girl Ammu... Or apni aankho se behta aansu saaf karti hai or apne room me chali jati hai

CUT TO:

raat ki wo thandak, arjun ki bike chalti hui... uski aankhon mein kuch thoughts churn ho rahe hote hain. music fade in hota hai... ek layered emotion — jahan thrill hai, guilt bhi... aur kahin na kahin ek buried longing.

INT. ARJUN KA GHAR – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
andar thoda sa silence hai, dinner ho chuka hai. arjun bas abhi nikhat ko drop karke ghar aaya hai. ghar me calmness hai lekin hawa me kuch heavy feel hota hai. arjun jaise hi apne room ke taraf badhta hai, samne asad baithha hota hai — aankhon me aaj ki har baat, har reaction clear hai.

asad (smirk ke sath, slightly sarcastic):
Nice game, arjun… honestly, tumne bahut convincing act kiya aaj.you think ki yeh sab karne se tum humein rok paoge... Forget it... Or wo koi bachi nahi hai,uska baap bimar hai waha niche... Wo usi ko dhyaan me rakh kar decision legi not for your these silly acts....

arjun ruka nahi. uske chehre pe ek thandi si winning smile aayi, lekin usne kuch bola nahi. asad ki aankhon me dekh kar ek calm sa head nod diya — ek aisa nod jisme har ek jawaab chhupa tha, bina ek lafz kahe.

arjun quietly apne room me chala jata hai. lights off karte hi uska phone blink karta hai —
SCREEN TEXT:
"chhat par aa sakte ho? please. – ammu"
arjun screen ko kuch seconds tak dekhta hai. aankhon me softness aata hai... aur bina kuch delay kiye, wo quietly slippers pehenta hai aur chhat ki taraf badhta hai.

EXT. CHHAT – NIGHT – JAIPUR KA AASMAAN THODA SA CLOUDY – HALKI HAWA
ammu already waha hoti hai. railing ke paas khadi. aankhon me thakan, andar se bhaagti hui feelings. arjun dheere se aata hai, uske kuch kadam peeche ruk jaata hai.
arjun (softly):
"bulaaya tumne..."
ammu palat kar dekhti hai, aankhon me aansuon ki nami. uske chehre pe koi blush nahi, koi expression nahi — sirf ek raw, sachcha emotion.

ammu (ghusse bhare tone me, rokti-rokti):
"tumhe kya laga? tum nikhat ke saath flirt karoge... mujhe jalane ki koshish karoge... sab log mazak banate rahenge aur main chup rahungi?"

arjun uski aankhon me dekhta hai. calm rehta hai, lekin serious.
arjun:
"main tumhe kabhi dard dena nahi chahta tha, ammu."

ammu (taunting tone):
"nahi chahte the? toh itne dino se kahaan the tum? jab sab kuch bikhar raha tha… jab mujhe lag raha tha main akeli hoon… kahaan the tum tab arjun?"
uske aankhon se ab aansu tapakne lagte hai. arjun dheere se uske paas aata hai.

arjun:
"main tumhare paas tha… bas samajh nahi paa raha tha ki wapas kaise aau. mujhe laga tum mujhe bhool chuki ho. par main har raat... tumhare ghar ki light dekhta tha, tumhare darwaze tak aake laut jaata tha."

ammu (emotional):
"tum mujhe ignore karte rahe arjun... sabke saamne, mere saamne. mazaak bana diya mera."

arjun (deep breath leke, softly):
"tum mazaak nahi ho, ammu. tum meri sabse badi sachchai ho. main accept karta hoon — maine tumse duri banayi. lekin wo meri confusion thi, cowardice thi… pyaar nahi kam tha."

pause. ammu bas khadi hai, aankhon se aansu girte ja rahe hain. kuch nahi bolti.

arjun (ek kadam aage badh kar, almost whisper mein):
"ek promise deta hoon tumhe... aaj ke baad, kabhi bhi tumhe ignore nahi karunga. tumhara haath chhodunga nahi. chahe tum mujhe maaf karo ya nahi... main yahin rahunga, har baar tumhare saath."

ammu ko bas ab or sabr nahi hota uska sab kuch bhar aata hai. uska gussa, uski takleef, uska pyaar... sab uske aansuon mein beh jaata hai. wo ek kadam badhti hai... aur arjun ke seene se lag jaati hai.
arjun usse tightly pakad leta hai. dono chhup chaap, jaipur ki thandi hawaon me, ek dusre ke andar girti hui tooti baaton ko jodte hain.
camera slowly pans up to sky — halki si bijli door chamakti hai, lekin yeh raat kisi naye safar ka aaghaz hai.

ammu ab bhi arjun ke gale lagi hoti hai… kuch der dono waisa hi khade rehte hain… fir ammu dheere se peeche hoti hai. aankhon me abhi bhi nami hai, lekin expression me thoda jhoota gussa aata hai. arms fold kar leti hai wo, aur arjun ke saamne khadi ho jaati hai.

zaheer (soft tone mein):

"tum achhi lagti ho jab aise bina soche bolti ho. jaise ghar ka part ho."

shanu diary band karti hai. aankhon mein thoda warmth, lekin she keeps it light.



shanu:
"main ghar ka part hoon bhi... tumhare maa-baap ke liye. tumhare liye nahi, right?"

zaheer (looking down, then slowly up):
"pata nahi... lekin jab tum aati ho... sab thoda asaan lagta hai."

shanu aankhon se bas ek baar use dekhti hai, smile karti hai — bina kuch reply kiye. tabhi andar se ammu ki awaaz aati hai.

ammu (door se):
"chalein? main tayyar ho gayi hoon."

shanu turant apne moment se bahar aati hai.

shanu (chalte hue):
"haan haan chalo. guest ko bhi uthao, nahi to uska 'aakhri din' sofa pe beetega."

zaheer uthta hai, lekin aankhon mein ek subtle warmth hai. dono silently chal padte hain, lekin jo vibe chhodi us living room mein, wo heavy nahi thi — bas ek gentle sa bond jo deepen ho gaya tha.

INT. PRATAP’S HOUSE – MORNING – DINING ROOM

subah ki halki dhoop dining room ke sheer curtain se chhan kar aa rahi hoti hai. table pe nashta lag chuka hota hai poha, aloo paratha, bread pakoda, aur chutney ke saath steaming chai.

SHANU sabse pehle uth kar chhoti thaliyon me sabko chai serve karti hai.

AMMU, ASMA aur ZAHEER table par aa kar baith chuke hote hain.

TAZ kuch der baad aata hai, ek hand me mobile aur doosre haath se baal set karta hua.

TAZ (thoda drama karta hua, kursi khinchte hue)
yeh sab tum log khud banate ho kya? ya swiggy ki bhaabhi ne bheja hai?

SHANU (chhoti smile ke sath)
poha mere haathon ka hai, paratha mummy ka... bread pakoda papa ne fry kiya.

TAZ (aankhein failakar)
arre waah... joint venture chal raha hai is ghar mein. kaash mere ghar mein bhi sab log milkar breakfast banate, waha to sab mujhe banake khilate hain — jokes..

ZAHEER (pakoda uthane lagta hai)
bhai, breakfast mein full family effort ho toh swaad double ho jata hai.

ASMA (ek bite leke)
aur calories bhi double ho jaati hain.

TAZ (asma ki taraf dekhte hue)
kha ke mat gino, ginke mat khao. dono kaam dangerous hote hain.

sab hans padte hain. ammu cup se chai pee rahi hoti hai, aur uska mood fresh dikhta hai. wo shaant hoti hai, aankhon me ek sukoon arjun ke sath raat ka emotional patch-up ka asar saaf dikh raha hota hai.

SHANU (ammu ki taraf dekhkar aankh maarte hue)
aaj toh kisi ka mood full gulab jamun jaisa lag raha hai.

AMMU (sip lete hue, smile chupate hue)
bas subah ki chai ka kamaal hai... aur zindagi ki chhoti chhoti baatein.

ZAHEER (shanu ki taraf halke se dekhta hai)
haan, kuch baatein chhoti hoti hain, par unka asar bada hota hai.

SHANU (zaheer ki taraf dekhti nahi, par smile karti hai)
aur kuch log samajh jaate hain bina kuch kahe.


thoda sa pause hota hai. sab apne apne plate me busy ho jaate hain.

TAZ (pakoda uthate hue)
yeh pakoda kiska hai?

ZAHEER
khud uthaya tune, fir bhi puch raha hai?

TAZ
bhai emotional scene chal raha tha... confirm kar raha tha kahin kisi ke jazbaat ka pakoda na ho

SHANU (taunt maarte hue)
tera muh emotional scene ke beech mein ekdum breaking news jaise ghusta hai.

TAZ (dramatically)
kyunki main TRP hoon is kahani ki. tum log love angle ho... main logic hoon!

sab ek baar fir se hans padte hain. shanu apne papa pratap ko mess karne ja rahi hoti hai lunch menu ke liye.

cut to:
KITCHEN SIDE

zaheer aur shanu jaise hi table se uthte hain aur tray le jaate hain kitchen me, unhe thoda akelapan milta hai.

ZAHEER (shanu se casually)
kal ki barish ke baad... sab kuch alag sa lag raha hai na?

SHANU (paani ka glass rakhte hue)
hmm… kuch yaadein chipak jaati hain jaise bheege kapdon mein se nikalti nahi.

ZAHEER
aur kuch log... ek baar bheeg jaayein toh dobara nahi sookhte.

shanu kuch nahi bolti. ek thali dhone ka natak karte hue bas smile kar leti hai.
nashta chalu hai… halke phulke mazaak ke beech sab log apne-­apne plate se chew karte hue ek comfort wali silence me hote hain… tabhi gate ki taraf se halki si awaaz hoti hai.

ARJUN aur ASAD ek sath enter karte hain.arjun casual grey tee aur track pants me hair messy sa, lekin aankhon me usual confidence.

asad thoda composed, lekin aankhon ke neeche halka sa stress. dono ka arrival sabko nazar aata hai.

TAZ (chamach thali pe maarte hue dramatise karta hai)
Arre arre… dekho dekho, dono hero aa gaye!
morning shift ke Shah Rukh aur Salman!

ARJUN (kursi kheenchte hue)
main to Ranbir hoon bhai, emotional aur charming… ye banda Salman hi thik hai, ready to punch.

asad slight smile deta hai, par kuch nahi bolta. ammu thoda asad ko notice karti hai, lekin aankhon ka attention kuch second arjun par tikta hai jise arjun catch kar leta hai.

SHANU (asad ko side ki kursi offer karte hue)
aaiye sahab, breakfast thanda ho gaya toh zimmedari aapki hai.

ASAD (baithte hue, softly)
sorry… thoda phone pe kaam tha.

TAZ (nakhli serious tone me)
haan haan, ammu se raat bhar baat karoge toh subah phone se separation anxiety to hogi hi.

AMMU (quickly)
taz, chup ho ja mere bhai

TAZ (hurting and whispering to himself)
bhai, aisi bhi kya narazgi

ASMA (arjun ko dekhti hai)
arjun bhaiya, aapki aankhen kyun laal hain? neend nahi hui kya?

ARJUN (bina blink kiye)
raat bhar Urdu padh raha tha… dil ko dard dene wali.taazgi subah ki chai se nahi, dard se aati hai.

SHANU (slow clap karti hai)
wah wah… Urdu bhi seekh li,

TAZ
agle hafte yeh shayari bhi bechne lagega, sabzi ke thele ke sath ek sher free.

ARJUN (asad ki plate ki taraf dekhte hue)
acha yeh kya combination hai? paratha ke sath ketchup?

ASAD
tumne kab dekha ketchup ke saath kisi ne bhavna jodi ho?

ARJUN
bhavna nahi… yeh taste ka ghapla ghap hai.

SHANU (amma ki taraf dekhke)
ammu, tu bol... kis team me hai? ketchup ya achaar?

AMMU (smiling calmly)
main taste ke sath hoon... team ke sath nahi.

TAZ (palak jhapkate hue)
yeh dialogue to kisi heroine ke liye hona chahiye tha…

ARJUN (pani ka glass lete hue)
aur heroine pe bhi apply hona chahiye tha.

ammu uski taraf dekhti hai... ek second ke liye aankhon me narazgi aur muskaan dono hoti hai.
asad quietly uss exchange ko notice karta hai.

CUT TO:

sab thali ke akhri tukdo tak pahunch gaye hain.shanu plates uthakar kitchen le ja rahi hoti hai, zaheer silently help karta hai.

TAZ (chair pe piche ho kar haath failate hue)
bhai, agar aaj lunch bhi yahi pe hai… to main apna mattress yahin bichha leta hoon.

ARJUN (laughing)
tu bas bata, rajai laa du?

SHANU (door se chillate hue)
laundry wale se mangwa lenge… tu bas time pe uth jaana.

AMMU
warna lunch ke sath dinner bhi yahin ho jayega.

ALL LAUGH
mood light, friendly and emotionally relaxed hota hai. sab ek dusre ke comfort zone me ja chuke hain, lekin neeche neeche tension ki kahaniyaan chhupi hui hain
asad arjun ko dekh raha hai, arjun ammu ke expressions padhte ja raha hai

[Greenwood]

Update 34

Location: arjun ke ghar ki chhat ka ek kone ka hissa — chhoti si bench, jaha se poora bagicha dikhta hai. Dhoop halki pad rahi hai, lekin hawa mein uljhan hai.

(Ammu akeli baithi hoti hai chhat ke kone mein, knees apni chin tak kheench ke. Shanu quietly uske paas aati hai. Ek minute kuch nahi bolti. Sirf paas baith jaati hai.)

Shanu

(Silently)

Neeche sab maze mein hain... tu yahan chhup kyu gayi?

Ammu

(Sighs)

Chhup nahi... bas... khud se mil rahi hoon thodi der ke liye.

Shanu

(Thoda teasing tone)

Aisa hi milti rahi toh kisi aur ko tujhse milne ka mauka hi nahi milega.

Ammu

(Looks at her, smiles faintly)

Shanu… tu kuch kehne aayi hai na?

Shanu

(Halka sa serious ho jaati hai)

Haan.

Main sirf yeh jaanna chahti hoon…

Kya tu Asad ke liye tayyar hai?

(Ammu thoda rukh jaati hai. Aankhen usne door pe laga rakhi hoti hai — jahan garden ka ek corner dikh raha hota hai.)

Ammu

(Softly)

Main Arjun ko maaf kar chuki hoon,

Shanu…

Shanu

Main jaanti hoon. Kal raat sab kuch tum dono ki aankhon mein tha.

Lekin maafi aur pyaar... dono alag cheezein hoti hain, Ammu.

Ammu (pauses)

Main confused nahi hoon. Main sirf…

darr rahi hoon.

Shanu

Kis se?

Ammu

(Thoda shaky voice mein)

Apne aap se.

Asad achha ladka hai… sab kehte hain.

Par main uske saath imagine nahi kar paati apna aage ka kuch bhi.

Main sirf Arjun ke saath sochti hoon…

par usne toh kabhi khud se bola bhi nahi.

Shanu

Aur phir bhi tu usse maaf kar baithi?

Ammu

Haan. Kyunki jab kisi se mohabbat hoti hai, toh ego mar jaata hai.

Bas main ab samajhna chahti hoon

kya Arjun sirf mujhe protect kar raha hai... ya choose bhi karega?

Shanu (holds her hand)

Agar tu Asad ke rishte ko ‘haan’ karegi, toh ye Arjun ko ek signal hoga ki tu usse chhod chuki hai.

Par agar tu sach mein Arjun ka wait kar rahi hai… Toh phir Asad ke saath “settle” mat ho, Ammu. Tu koi option nahi hai kisi ke liye.

(Ammu ki aankhon mein aansu aa jaate hain. Shanu uska haath zor se pakad leti hai. Silence mein dono beti rehti hain ek moment tak.)

Ammu (slowly)

Main khud Arjun se baat karungi.

Ek baar… saaf-saaf.

Ya toh woh bole…

ya main khud chali jaaun.

Ammu ke dil mein clarity aa rahi hai. Usne finally decide kar liya hai ki chhupna band karegi — aur apne emotions ke liye khud stand legi. Storm is coming.

[b]Location: Arjun ke ghar ka drawing room – sab log rest kar rahe hain. Shanu aur Madhu kitchen mein busy hain. Ammu apne phone ke saath couch pe baithi hai.[/b]

(Asad quietly aata hai, haath mein ek glass juice leke. Uska expression calm hai, lekin aankhon mein sochi-samjhi seriousness.)

Asad (smiling)

Ammu…

Juice piyogi?

Ammu (polite smile)

Nahi, main thik hoon… thank you.

Asad (baithte hue, softly)

Thoda waqt mil sakta hai tumse?

Ammu (thoda cautious)

Haan… boliye.

(Pause. Asad haath ke glass ko table pe rakhta hai. Voice low aur soft karta hai.)

Asad

Dekho Ammu… main yahan tumse zabardasti kuch lene nahi aaya.

Main sirf clarity ke liye aaya hoon.

Tumhara answer — haan ya naa — dono izzat ke saath manzoor hai.

Ammu (gulps slightly)

Main... abhi sure nahi hoon, Asad.

Kuch cheezein... abhi samajh nahi aa rahi mujhe.

Asad (nods gently)

Samajh sakta hoon.

Par ek baat yaad rakhna... main yahaan sirf tumse milne nahi

Azhar uncle ke kehne par aaya hoon

(Ammu ka chehra serious ho jaata hai.)

Asad (thoda emotional tone mein)

Unhone mujhe bola tha — “Asad, mujhe yeh rishta dekh kar sukoon milta hai.”

Woh... abhi tabiyat se bhi thoda upar neeche chal rahe hain.

Tum jaanti ho na?

(Ammu silent ho jaati hai. Uska guilt active hota hai.)

Asad (leans forward, softly)

Ammu, kuch log hote hain jinke liye hum faisla lete hain...

Kuch log hote hain jinke liye hum faisla karte waqt do baar sochte hain.

Main nahi chahta ki tum pe pressure ho.

Par tumhare ek “haan” se... kisi ka blood pressure normal ho sakta hai.

Ammu aankhon mein thoda pani le aati hai. She’s caught off guard emotionally.)

Ammu (faintly)

Mujhe bas... thoda aur waqt chahiye.

Asad (soft smile)

Waqt le lo.

Par waqt khud bhi intezaar nahi karta, Ammu.

(Asad uthta hai, juice ka glass leke wapas jaata hai. Ammu akeli baithi reh jaati hai — guilt aur pressure dono uske andar bajne lagte hain. Uski aankhen Arjun ki photo frame pe jaati hain — kuch kehna chah rahi hoti hain.)

Asad waha se uth kar ja chuka hota hai lekin arjun ko yeh baat pata chal jati hai ki Asad ne indirectly ammu ko push kiya hai rishte ke liye wo bhi azhar ka naam lekar... Shanu ne yeh sab sun liya or arjun ko sab bata diya tha...

Arjun thoda frustrated sa lawn mein walk kar raha hai, aur Asad ek file leke phone pe baat karte hue verandah se nikalta hai.

(Asad phone rakhta hai, sunglasses nikaalta hai. Arjun uski taraf dekhta hai. Kuch second tak dono aankhon mein aankhon daal ke dekhte hain. Silence — but heavy.)

Asad (friendly tone, but sharp eyes)

Arjun bhai… kuch kehna hai?

Arjun (straight)

Haan

Tere aur Ammu ke beech ka jo silsila chal raha hai... usme thoda brake laga le.

Asad (smirks)

Brake? Mujhe laga aap log toh rishte ke liye haan keh chuke ho.

Arjun (voice low, intense)

Rishte sirf papers pe nahi bante, Asad.Jis ladki ka tu rishta leke aaya hai... uske dil mein ab tak koi aur basa hai.

Asad (a little amused)

Woh koi aur… tum toh nahi ho, Arjun?

(Ek second ka pause. Arjun ke chehre pe tension saaf dikhta hai, lekin woh control mein rehta hai.

Arjun

Jo bhi ho... main sirf itna keh raha hoon —

Ammu ko space de.

Decision lene ka time de.

Ye 3 din ka stay honeymoon nahi hai.

Asad (chuckles lightly)

Tum itna irritated kyun lag rahe ho?

Tum uske kya lagte ho, Arjun?

(Arjun thoda close aa jaata hai, eye contact tight.)

Arjun

Jab waqt aayega… woh tujhe bata degi.

Tab tak ke liye... tu uske aas paas bhi mat dikhna.

(Asad ka expression serious ho jaata hai. Uska casual smile chhup jaata hai.)

Asad (firmly)

Main yahaan kisi ki permission leke nahi aaya hoon.

Main yahaan rishta leke aaya hoon — izzat se.

Arjun

Toh izzat se hi jaa bhi sakta hai.

(Pause. Dono ke beech ka tension ekdam electric ho chuka hai. Shanu window ke paas se yeh sab dekhti hai — uska chehra pale ho jaata hai. Woh jaanti hai — kuch bada hone wala hai.)

Asad (softly, almost threatening)

Mujhe rasta dikhaane ka shauk nahi hai, Arjun.

Ammu kya chahti hai… woh uska decision hoga. Na tumhara, na mera.

Arjun (tight jaw, cold tone)

Waqt kam hai Asad. Tu samajhdar lagta hai…

Toh exit le le, jab tak cheezein tameez mein hain.

Arjun (gritted voice)

Ammu koi trophy nahi hai jise convince karne wala jeet jaata hai.

Woh insaan hai… aur uska faisla uska haq hai.

Tere jaise log us haq se khilte nahi… usse manipulate karte hain.

(Asad silent ho jaata hai. No smile now. Bas stare karta hai Arjun ko — aankhon mein pehli baar clear challenge. Arjun turn karke nikal jaata hai room se.)

Arjun terrace ke ek kone mein jaake khada ho jaata hai, frustrated sa — dusri taraf dekhte hue. Peeche se halki si awaaz mein chappalon ki aahat aati hai. Ammu aati hai, thoda hesitant, lekin directly uske paas jaati hai.)

Ammu (softly)

Tum itne gusse mein kyun the?

Arjun (surprised, then soft)

Tumne suna?

Ammu (directly)

Sab kuch.

(Silence. Arjun aankhon mein aankhon nahi daal paata. Ammu uske saamne aa jaati hai.)

Ammu

Main confuse hoon, Arjun…

Par itni bewakoof nahi ki samajh na paaun ki tum mere liye kitna ladh rahe ho.

Arjun (gulps softly)

Main kuch expect nahi kar raha, Ammu. Bas… tu thik rahe

Ammu (firm)

Nahi… mujhe jawab chahiye.

(Arjun rukh jaata hai. Ammu ek kadam aur aage badh jaati hai.)

AMMU

Arjun… agar main kehdu ki mujhe rishte se farak nahi padta hai,

aur tujhse padta hai…

toh kitna serious hai tu mere liye?

(Pause. Arjun finally uski aankhon mein dekhta hai — bina blink kiye.)

Arjun (slow but deep voice)

Main uss din se serious hoon… jab tune mujhe pehli baar “bhaiya” bolke chheda tha,

aur mera dil tod diya tha.

Aur uss raat se aur bhi… jab tu roti hui mujhe maaf kar gayi bina ek bhi shart ke.

(Ammu apne emotions control kar rahi hai.)

Arjun (one step closer)

Main tujhse pyaar karta hoon, Ammu.

Aur main kisi rishte ka wait nahi kar raha  main tere faisle ka wait kar raha hoon.

(Background mein Asad chhat ke stair end pe khada hota hai. Usne poora conversation sun liya hota hai. Pehli baar uska face stiff ho jaata hai  serious, calm, but eyes intense.)

(Ammu Arjun ke bilkul saamne hoti hai. Hawa mein ek sanket sa chal raha hota hai emotional, heavy, still pure.)

Arjun (softly)

Main tere saath hoon.

Aaj bhi… aur agar tu chaahe toh humesha.

(Ammu uski aankhon mein dekhti hai. She doesn’t answer verbally — par aankhon se ek clarity aa jaati hai. Ek decision uske andar form ho gaya hai.)

Asad silently chala jaata hai stair se neeche.Ammu terrace se quietly nikalti hai lekin pehli baar bina guilt, bina tension ke.Arjun wahi khada rehta hai… hawa ke saath uski saans halka saas le rahi hoti hai jaise usne apna dil finally rakh diya ho, khud ke samne bhi.

Scene: “Lunch Table... Aur Chhupi Jung”

Location: Zaheer ka ghar – bada dining hall

Time: Lunch – around 2:00 PM

Setting:

Dining Table: 8-seater rectangular.

Full desi thali: biryani, raita, salad, mix veg, paneer, rotiyaan, aam ka achar, papad, thanda paani

Left Side: , Asad, Taz

Right Side: Asma,Ammu, Arjun

End chairs: Zaheer (head), Shanu (foot) – diagonally across from each other

Scene Start

Taz (mouth full, biryani se bhara hua)

Yaar ye biryani toh dil le gayi… matlab… agar ye biryani ladki hoti na, toh main usse shaadi kar leta.

(Table pe halki si hansi goonjti hai. Madhu muskara deti hai. Ammu slight smile karti hai — lekin aankhen jhuki hain. Arjun ek halki smile deta hai… lekin aankhen sirf Asad pe tikki hui hain.)

Silent War: Arjun vs Asad

(Asad raita le raha hota hai, lekin Arjun ke look ko feel karte hi sideways glance deta hai — eyes sharp. Arjun ka hand deliberately Asad ke glass ke paas chala jata hai. Asad thoda peeche hat jaata hai — subtle tension.)

Asad (soft taunt, without looking away)

Khane mein sukoon hai… kabhi kabhi silence mein bhi taste hota hai, hai na

Arjun (cold, steady voice)

Kabhi kabhi silence se pehle kuch hazam bhi kar lena chahiye.

(Ek moment ke liye table pe silence. Ammu ka haath mid-air freeze ho jaata hai — roti todte hue. Uske chehre pe clarity nahi, andar se guilt, pressure aur uneasiness tezi se badh raha hai.)

Taz’s Comic Relief

Taz (awkward silence todte hue)

Yaar... raita itna patla kyun hai? Isme biryani dooba ke mil rahi hai mujhe.

Shanu  (muskarake)

Toh tu biryani ko samundar samajh raha hai kya?

Taz (dramatic expression)

Nahi beta biryani toh pari hai... main uska raita hoon! Dil se chipka hua.

(Sab log hanste hain. Ammu bhi thoda muskura deti hai — thoda relief milta hai. But sirf surface pe. Underneath, tension wapas build ho raha hai. Arjun aur Asad fir ek dusre ko corner eye contact se taap rahe hain.)

Under-the-Table Chemistry: Shanu & Zaheer

(Table ke neeche Shanu ka pair accidentally Zaheer ke pair ko touch karta hai. Woh turant apna pair hata leta hai. Lekin shanu dheere se apna pair wapas le aati hai — halka sa rub karti hai.)

(Shanu ki saans thodi tez ho jaati hai. Woh uski taraf nahi dekhti pehle, par aankhon ke corners se ek shy smile nikal aata hai. Tabhi Zaheer bhi sideways dekhkar nazar mila leta hai — both silently aware of what’s brewing.)

Zaheer (low whisper, sirf lips move karti hai)

Behave kar…

Shanu (almost inaudible)

Kya karoon, control hi nahi hota…

Back to Arjun–Asad Tension

(Asad biryani le raha hota hai, par phir Ammu ki plate ki taraf dekhta hai. Ek spoon uski taraf badhata hai — as if offering her. Arjun turant interrupt karta hai.)

Arjun

Woh le legi… agar lena hoga toh.

(Ammu confused si un dono ki taraf dekhti hai. Arjun ka tone casual tha, par Asad uss line ko ache se samajh jaata hai — uska smile disappear ho jaata hai.)

Asad (calm but sharp)

Har baar uske behalf pe bolne ki zarurat nahi padti, Arjun.

Arjun (ice-cold)

Par har baar uske emotion se khelne ki bhi nahi.

Final Shot Before Scene Ends

Camera pans on Ammu — beech mein baithi, dono ke faces dekh rahi hai.

Ek taraf woh ladka jo uska dil samajhta hai, doosri taraf woh jo uske decision ka weight samjharaha hai.Ammu ka haath plate ke paas hai, par uska dimaag kahin aur ja chuka hai.

Taz (with a mouthful)

Biryani aur drama — dono full spicy hai aaj!

(Madhu haansti hai, Shanu thoda blush karti hai, Zaheer aankhon se “main serious hoon” signal deta hai. Arjun aur Asad — chhup-chaap lekin jang mode mein.)

Lunch table par sirf khana nahi, har plate ke neeche koi na koi emotion simmer kar raha hai:

Arjun vs Asad: Eyes-only battle

Ammu: Silent breakdown building inside

Shanu–Zaheer: Romance sneak peek

Taz: The much-needed spoonful of comedy

[b]Location: Verandah ka side corner, lunch ke baad ka waqt[/b]

Time: 3:10 PM – Lunch ke baad sab thoda relaxed mode mein

(Shanu thali leke kitchen jaa rahi hoti hai. Madhu aur Ammu andar busy hote hain. Tabhi peeche se Asad aata hai, ek glass paani leke. Shanu se nazar milti hai — Asad thoda smile karta hai.)

Asad (soft tone)

Shanu... ek second?

Shanu (polite but guarded)

Haan?

Asad (casual start)

Tum Arjun ki... bahut close ho na?

Shanu (slight smile)

Bachpan se. Bhai hai.

Asad (eye contact bana ke)

Toh kya tum uska har decision... bina soche samjhe support karti ho?

(Shanu ruk jaati hai. Glass uske haath mein thoda tilt hota hai, par wo Asad ki aankhon mein direct dekhti hai. Voice calm, par tone solid hota hai.)

Shanu

Main uska support hoon, par uska shadow nahi.

(Asad thoda impressed, thoda intrigued hota hai. Lekin chhupata nahi.)

Asad (leaning slightly forward)

Agar tumhe kabhi lage ki Arjun galat hai... tab bhi kya uske peeche rahogi?

Shanu (tight but steady)

Galti pe chhodti hoon.

Lekin kisi aur ki soch se pehle... main uski niyat dekh leti hoon.

(Ek second ka pause. Asad uska face study karta hai. Usse lagta tha wo easily provoke kar lega, lekin Shanu stonewall jaise saamne khadi hai.)

Asad (thoda cold smile ke saath)

Tum loyal ho... dangerously loyal.

Shanu (straight face, one eyebrow lift)

Aur tum... dangerously polite.

(Shanu thali seedha andar le jaati hai. Asad peeche dekhta hai, par bolta kuch nahi — uska chehra stiff ho jaata hai. Pehli baar usne Arjun ke support system ke roots dekh liye hain.)

Asad samajh gaya — Ammu ke aaspaas sirf Arjun nahi, uski team bhi solid hai.

Shanu ka calm defence ek warning ban gaya hai: “Yeh ladkiyaan sirf khaamosh nahi rehti… jab bolti hain toh todti hain.”

[Greenwood]

Update 35

Location: Arjun ke ghar ka guest room

Time: 3:25 PM – Lunch ke thodi der baad

(Andar ka room semi-dark hai. Curtains thode band hain. Mirror ke saamne Asad khada hai  shirt ke first two buttons khule hue, sleeves thodi fold ki hui, thoda thaka, lekin aankhon mein rest nahi, sirf uljhan.)

(Uska reflection usse tak raha hai — jaise woh khud apne aap se sawaal kar raha ho.)

Asad (low voice, mirror se aankh milakar)

Kya kami reh gayi mujh mein?

(Pause. Deep breath.)

Asad

Ek rishta — jo sabke liye perfect lagta hai...

Woh bhi us ladki ke liye confusion ban gaya.

(Wo mirror ke samne thoda aur paas jaata hai — apne collar thoda adjust karta hai, jaise control wapas laane ki koshish kar raha ho.)

Asad (mocking smile)

Aur sabse bada competition?

Ek ladka jo “protector” ban gaya hai...

Hero nahi, guard dog.

(Mirror mein Arjun ka mental image flash karta hai uske dimaag mein — Ammu ke saamne khada, seedhi baat karta hua. Asad ka face tighten ho jaata hai.)

Asad (to himself)

Main tum jaise nahi hoon, Arjun.

Main chillake pyaar nahi jeetta...

Main yakeen se jeetta hoon.

(Uske haath ka fist tight ho jaata hai. Wo hair gel ki bottle uthata hai, par rakh deta hai — unsure move. Silence. Just heavy breathing. Then suddenly —)*

Asad (firm, whisper)

Ammu ko main chhod ke nahi jaaunga.

Uska decision... uska hoga.

Lekin main... last tak yahin rahunga.

(Wo mirror se door jaata hai, par uski aankhon mein ek nayi tezi aa chuki hai. Jo thoda shaant Asad tha — wo ab controlled aggression mode mein aa gaya hai.)

Location: Shanu ka bedroom

Time: Late afternoon – 4:00 PM

(Shanu aur Ammu dono bed pe baithe hain. Thaliyan kitchen mein chali gayi hain. Bahar sab apne kaam mein lage hain. Shanu ka room quiet aur safe space jaisa lag raha hai. Window se thodi dhoop aa rahi hai.)

Shanu (softly)

Thak gayi hogi… sabke beech mein rehke?

Ammu (slow nod)

Jaise… har waqt koi na koi kuch expect kar raha ho.

Main bas... theek rehna chahti hoon sabke liye.

(Shanu uska haath pakadti hai.)

Shanu (gently)

Sab ke liye mat soch.

Ek baar khud ke liye soch.

(Ammu usse dekhti hai — aankhon mein thoda confusion, thoda guilt.)

Ammu

Main confuse hoon, Shanu.

Asad… perfect rishta hai. Sab keh rahe hain.

Lekin jab Arjun saamne aata hai na… toh sab kuch aur feel hone lagta hai.

Shanu (thoda directly)

Toh bata…

Tu kisey chahti hai, Ammu?

Asad ko… ya Arjun ko?

(Ammu chup ho jaati hai. Bahar se ek do crow ki awaaz. Silence heavy ho jaata hai room mein. Shanu usse dekhti rehti hai, wait karti hai — no pressure, sirf sach.)

Ammu (soft whisper)

Arjun…

jab paas hota hai na…

toh mujhe lagta hai main safe hoon. Jaise main main hoon.

Shanu (encouraging)

Aur Asad?

Ammu

Uske saath… main perfect dikhne ki koshish karti hoon.

Smile karna padta hai… kuch na kuch justify karna padta hai.

(Ek second ka pause.)

Ammu (slowly)

Main Asad ke saath secure feel nahi karti…

main responsible feel karti hoon.

(Shanu halki si smile karti hai. Ammu ki aankhon mein aansuon ki ek halki si layer aa chuki hai.)

Shanu (softly)

Toh phir tu kis taraf khadi hai, Ammu?

(Ammu mirror ki taraf dekhti hai — wohi reflection jisme kuch waqt pehle Asad ne apne aap se poochha tha: "Main kam hoon kya?"

Aur ab… Ammu wohi mirror mein apni aankhon mein dekh kar whisper karti hai —)

Ammu (clear voice, to herself)

Main Arjun ke paas hoon… dil se.

Shanu uska haath kas ke pakad leti hai.

No dramatic hug, no rona-dhona  bas ek decision ki clarity.

Ammu ke chehre pe pehli baar ek calm expression — jaise andhar ka storm thoda shaant hua ho.

Location: Zaheer ke ghar ka chhota sa verandah

Time: Shaam ke 5:45 PM – dhoop dhalk rahi hai, halki si hawa chal rahi hai

(Ammu ek kone mein bench pe baithi hoti hai — simple cotton dress mein, sir thoda jhuka hua. Haath mein ek diary hai, par kuch likh nahi rahi. Chhup si hai. Tabhi Zaheer wahan aata hai — ek bottle paani ke saath. Bina bole uske paas baith jaata hai.)

Zaheer (soft tone)

Pani piyegi ?

Ammu (slowly leke)

Haan… bhai

(Thoda silence. Zaheer uski taraf dekhta hai, par kuch nahi bolta. Ammu diary close kar ke godh mein rakh leti hai.)

Zaheer (gentle)

Sab tension de rahe hain, na?

Ammu (half-smile)

Sab pyaar se push kar rahe hain...

but haan… kabhi kabhi saans lena mushkil lagta hai.

(Zaheer uski baat calmly sunta hai. No judgment, no “bhaisaab” tone — sirf ek elder bhai ka patience.)

Ammu (after a pause)

Zaheer bhai…

main kuch kehna chahti hoon…

Zaheer (nods)

Sun raha hoon.

Ammu (softly, eyes down)

Mujhe thoda waqt chahiye…

Main itni jaldi decide nahi kar sakti.

Main abhi… sirf doosron ke liye nahi… apne liye bhi sochna chahti hoon.

(She pauses. Phir slow smile ke saath add karti hai:)

Ammu

Aur meri college bhi toh abhi khatam nahi hui...

Zaheer (smiles – soft, content)

Toh?

Tu toh waise bhi apni duniya ki rani hai.

Jab tak tu ready feel na kare… tab tak koi tujhe push nahi karega.

(Ammu uske taraf dekhti hai — eyes slightly moist, but peaceful.)

Zaheer (light tone)

Aur tu bhool gayi kya…

main tere saath hoon.

(Ammu ke lips pe halki si smile aa jaati hai. Wo sir halke se jhuka deti hai “thank you” bina bole feel hota hai. Zaheer apne haath se uske head pe halki si thapthap karta hai — jaise chhoti behen ko aashirwaad deta ho.)

Zaheer (playfully)

Par haan… jo bhi decision le, mujhe bata dena.

Main tere le lad bhi sakta hoon... aur tere le sabko sambhaal bhi sakta hoon.

Ammu (whisper)

I know...

Zaheer uth kar chala jaata hai — shoulders relaxed, smile soft.

Ammu diary dubara kholti hai… aur ek word likhti hai:

“Waqt.”

Location: Pratap & Madhu ka drawing room

Time: Agle din dopahar – 12:30 PM

(Bahar Asad ka suitcase ready hai. Ek cab road par khadi hai. Drawing room mein sab log casual tone mein baith ke usse bye kehne aaye hain. Hawaa thodi heavy si hai — sab polite hain, par heart se clear hai ke yeh goodbye casual nahi hai.)

Asad looks at Pratap & Madhu

Asad (respectful smile)

Uncle, Aunty... aap logon ne itne din apne ghar mein rakha, comfort diya...

Shukriya kam padega.

Madhu (softly, polite)

Tum mehmaan nahi the, Asad. Apne jaise ho.

Pratap (formal nod)

Apna khayal rakhna, beta. Aur...

(Chhoti pause — Pratap bas ek subtle look Arjun ki taraf daalta hai, jo thoda peeche sofa pe baitha hai. Phir Asad ki taraf dekh kar continues:)

Pratap

Zindagi mein har faisla waqt se pehle nahi hota. Jab waqt aaye... tab sahi hoga.

(Asad thoda smile karta hai, aankhon mein halki si sharpness. Then he turns to rest of them.)

Taz & Zaheer

(Taz aage badhta hai, as always thoda drama karta hai.)

Taz (emotionally)

Jaa raha hai?

Tu toh mere raita–biryani ka bhai tha yaar…

(Asad hans padta hai. Taz ko tightly gale lagata hai.)

Asad

Tu sabse real tha yahaan.

Drama kam kar... par dil bada rakh.

(Zaheer aata hai. Dono eye contact mein jaate hain. Gale milte hain — dosti, respect aur unsaid maturity ka touch hota hai.)

Zaheer (soft voice)

Safe journey, bhai.

Asad (whisper)

Tumhara ghar... aur tumhare log. Sambhal ke rakhna.

Asma

(Asma thoda door pe khadi hai. Asad uske paas jaata hai, uske sir par pyaar se haath rakhta hai.)

Asad (gentle)

Kamyabi sirf books mein nahi hoti, Asma.

Zindagi bhi pass karni hoti hai.

(Asma silently smile karti hai, thoda confused, thoda samajhne ki koshish mein.)

Shanu

(Asad Shanu ke saamne rukta hai. Dono ke beech ek civil, controlled silence hota hai. Bas ek mutual understanding aur chhupi respect.)

Asad (polite nod)

Tumhara support… kaafi solid hai.

Shanu (slight smile)

Tumhara patience bhi.

(Dono light smile exchange karte hain. No bitterness, no closeness — bas mature goodbye.)

Arjun – The Final Eye Contact

(Asad Arjun ke saamne rukta hai. Na haath milata hai, na baat karta hai. Sirf aankhon mein aankhon.

Arjun apni jagah se uthta nahi. Uska expression calm hai — par aankhon mein ek warning hai.)

Asad (fake smile)

Shayad tum samjhte ho ki yeh khatam ho gaya...

*(Arjun apne face pe ek dry smile laata hai — jaise keh raha ho: “Main bhi wahi soch raha hoon.”)

(No words. Sirf look. Sirf tension. Sirf ek unfinished scoreboard ka signal.)

Ammu – Silent Pause

(Sab ke baad, Asad finally Ammu ki taraf dekhta hai.

Woh kuch nahi bolta — sirf ek stare jo 3 seconds tak chalta hai.

Jaise keh raha ho:

“Main jaa raha hoon... lekin tera jawab ab bhi yahin kahin ruka hua hai.”)

Ammu aankhon se contact banaye rakhti hai — par kuch keh nahi paati. Her eyes say: "Mujhe waqt chahiye."

Scene Shift: Azhar ke ghar

(Door knock hota hai. Azhar (bimar par stable) sitting chair par hota hai. Asad andar aata hai, thoda formally.)

Asad (low voice)

Uncle, main jaa raha hoon.

Aap apna khayal rakhiye...

(Azhar slowly nod karta hai. Asad unke paas baith jaata hai.)

Asad (gently)

Aur... ek salah dunga. Ammu ko waqt dijiye.

Jo log uske aas paas hain, wo sab kuch keh rahe hain…

lekin uska andar abhi tak chup hai.

(Azhar thoda surprise hota hai Asad ke tone se — pehli baar vo ego ke bajaye sense aur softness dikha raha hai.)

Asad (final line)

Main waapas aunga… agar waqt ne bulaya.

(He gets up. Ek baar ghar ke andar glance deta hai… aur chala jaata hai. Gate band hone ki awaaz aati hai.)

Asad gaya…

Lekin kisi se bhi poori tarah alvida kehke nahi gaya.

Uske goodbye mein ek silent line likhi thi:

"Main haara nahi hoon… main ruk gaya hoon."

Chai, Chand, Aur Chhed-Chhaad” – Arjun & Shanu Terrace Chat

Location: Arjun ke ghar ka chhat

Time: 11:00 PM

Props: Thermos mein chai, do steel ke cup, ek old blanket bichha hua hai, aas-paas quietness

(Scene opens with Shanu chhat pe aati hai — haath mein do cups. Arjun already blanket pe baitha hota hai, haath peeche tek ke, asmaan dekhte hue. Moonlight unka chehra soft bana rahi hoti hai.)

Shanu (cup extend karte hue)

Lo, Mr. Mastermind. Tumhari mission success wali chai.

Arjun (cup leke)

Aah... taste of victory.

(Sip lete hain. Halki si silence. Arjun aankhon se thank-you bolta hai. Shanu uska chehra observe karti hai — thoda tired, lekin relaxed.)

Shanu (grinning)

Baaki sab to samajh aata hai…

Taz ka distraction, mujhe Ammu ke aaspaas rakhna, Asad ko outing pe bhejna...

Lekin plan mein Nikhat ko shamil karna? That was a banger.

Arjun (chuckles)

Bas socha… agar Asad ko Ammu se door rakhna hai, toh mujhe kisi aise ke paas jana hoga jo uska “focus” hila de

Shanu (laughing)

Aur Nikhat ne toh full distraction package ban ke entry li. kya flirty ladki hai wo,bhai, tu toh ladka hilaa diya!

Arjun (shrugs playfully)

Call it… psychological warfare.

Shanu (sipping chai, teasing)

Haan, haan… ab mujhe lagta hai tere dimaag mein double chip lagi hai.

Ek emotional processor… aur doosra prankster mode.

(Arjun smiles, eyes soften. Thoda pause. Hawa chalti hai.)

Arjun (quietly)

Warna kya karta, Shanu?

Ammu mere saamne hoti thi… aur main kuch keh nahi sakta tha.

Sirf yeh plan hi ek tareeka tha… usse khud se sochne dene ka.

Shanu (softly, proud)

Aur usne socha. Apne liye.,Aur tujhe choose kiya… dil se.

(Arjun uski taraf dekhta hai. Smile karta hai — pure gratitude aur sukoon se.)

Shanu (curiosity)

Lekin tune yeh sab kiya kaise

Arjun (flashback mode on

Location: Nikhat ka apartment, small rooftop balcony

Time: 1 din pehle

(Nikhat white kurti mein, headphones pehn ke painting kar rahi hoti hai. Arjun entry leta hai — balcony ke corner pe rukta hai. Nikhat usse dekh ke surprise hoti hai.

Nikhat (removing headphones)

Oye… tu zinda hai

College kya, Instagram tak se gayab ho gaya!

Arjun (smirking)

Tu bhi toh kam nahi…

College ki stage tere bina blank lagti hai.

Nikhat (sitting down with brush)

Flattering se kuch nahi hone wala.,Bol, aaya kyun hai?

(Arjun thoda pause leta hai — serious expression.)

Arjun (gently)

Ammu ke liye.

Main usse…

Main usse waise hi chahta hoon jaise tu apni coaching ko

(Nikhat ka haath freeze ho jaata hai brush pe. Ek second ka silence.)

Nikhat (tight smile)

Interesting metaphor.,Toh problem kya hai?

Arjun (exhaling)

Problem yeh hai ki uske aas-paas har waqt log hai — opinion, pressure, confusion...

Aur main nahi chahta ki main bhi ek aur pressure ban jaun.

Main chahta hoon… ki uska dil bole, na ki logon ka logic.

Nikhat (dry laugh)

Aur tu chahta hai main tujhe jealous angle dikh ke help karun?

Wah Arjun. Tera style alag hi hai.

(Arjun uski aankhon mein dekhta hai — soft, respectful tone mein bolta hai.)

Arjun (slowly)

Main tujhe use nahi kar raha, Nikhat.

Main tujhe iss game mein partner bana raha hoon.

(Nikhat thoda hurt feel karti hai — ek second ko uski aankhon mein kuch flash karta hai. Usne kabhi Arjun ke liye soft corner feel kiya tha — aur yeh moment woh thoda mehsoos bhi karti hai.)

Nikhat (masking with smirk)

Aur agar main keh doon ki main tujhe jealous dekhna chahti hoon?

Arjun (smile)

Tab main sirf itna kehunga...

“Main toh pehle se hi jal raha hoon.”

(Nikhat zor se nahi, lekin ek corner smile karti hai. Phir thoda serious.)

Nikhat (softly)

Tere aur Ammu ke beech kuch hai, Arjun…

I can see that.

Aur tujhe dekh ke lagta hai...,tere jaise dard kam hote hain.

(Pause. Uske baad Nikhat aankhon mein aankhon daal kar bolti hai.)

Nikhat

Main help karungi.

Par acting main karungi… likh ke de de, overacting nahi.

Arjun (smirking)

Deal.

(Phir dono normal ho jaate hain. Brush, painting, chai — aur thodi masti bhari light baatein.)

Flashback ends

Shanu

Tu toh asli emotional manipulator nikla.

Aur Nikhat…

She actually did well. Mujhe laga wo beech mein plan blow kar degi.

(Shanu uska cup khali karti hai, thoda proud smile ke saath uske kandhe se thoda dhakka deti hai dosti wala.)

Shanu

Kya kahun…

Tu mera bhai hai, toh genius toh hona hi tha.

Shanu (mock serious tone)

Waise ek baat bolun?

Arjun

Hmm?

Shanu (raises brow)

Next time agar kisi mission mein mujhe involve kare na… toh mujhe pehle se batana.

Main tujhse zyada smart hoon, bas halka time lagta hai samajhne mein.

Arjun (laughs)

Tujhe involve kiya hota toh tu overact kar deti.

Aur waise bhi… tu emotional ho jaati.

Shanu (fake offended)

Excuse me?! Emotional main hoon?

Tum dono raat bhar sad songs sunte ho, aur main emotional?

Arjun (teasing)

Arre… main toh “feels specialist” hoon.

(Dono haste hain. Cup se last sip lete hain. Blankets ko wrap karte hain thodi si thand se bachne ke liye.)

(Shanu Arjun ke shoulder se thoda sa lag jaati hai. Dono chhat pe baith ke sky dekhte hain — no drama, no tension — sirf ek solid bond.)

Shanu (softly)

Achha kaam kiya tune, bhai.

Na sirf Ammu ke liye... apne liye bhi.

Arjun (quietly)

Ab dekhte hain... aage kya hoga, uske liye bhi ready rehna padega

[b][i](Dono silence mein aasman ki taraf dekhte hain — moonlight unke chehron pe padti hai. Ek mission khatam, lekin ek [b]nayi beginning ki tayyari shuru.)[/i][/b][/b]

[Anum sheikh]

Snacks, chaye, cool drink, biryani, uffff is story me jitna khaya pia ja rha soch rhi Yaha apna restaurant khol lu.

[Greenwood]

Snacks, chaye, cool drink, biryani, uffff is story me jitna khaya pia ja rha soch rhi Yaha apna restaurant khol lu.

To kya bolte ho,
Kara du ek nayi entry anum Sheikh rest. 
Simple bubbly jolly girl with huge life expectations

[Greenwood]

Update 36

Scene: “Back to Campus” – Light Mein Chhupi Layers

Location: College Campus – Main Lawn, Benches aur Canteen area

Time: Next day, 10:30 AM

(Camera opens with bright morning light. Students idhar-udhar baatein kar rahe hain. Canteen mein chai aur samose ki khushboo hai. Basketball court se thodi door guitar baj raha hai kisi ka. College ka original bubbly vibe wapas hai.)

Ammu, or Shanu Bench Pe

(Ammu white kurta aur light blue dupatta mein hai — fresh & peaceful lag rahi hai. First time woh khulke muskurati hai. Shanu uske bag se ek chikki ka packet nikaalti hai.)

Shanu (munching)

Dekha? Itna drama ke baad bhi college wahi ka wahi hai.

Chikki, gossip aur backbenchers.

Ammu (laughing)

Aur hum bhi wahi ke wahi... bas thode zyada sane ho gaye hain.

Shanu (teasing tone)

Ya thoda zyada filmy...

(Dono hans padti hain. Background mein slow breeze chalti hai. Ammu ke chehre pe relaxed glow hai.)

Zaheer Walks In – Shanu ki Nazar Jaati Hai

(Zaheer white shirt mein, bag shoulder pe. Wo casually aata hai. Shanu usse dekh leti hai. Dono ke beech ek slow smile exchange hoti hai — no drama, no tease — bas ek soft connect.)

Zaheer (casual voice)

Library jaa raha hoon… koi aayega toh bol dena main zinda hoon.

Shanu (smirking)

Tu zinda hai, par kabhi-kabhi cute bhi lagta hai.

(Zaheer thoda blink karta hai — shayad blush kar gaya ho... ya samajhne ki acting kar raha ho. Wo aankh maar ke nikal jaata hai.)

Arjun Entry – Eye Contact Moment

*(Arjun black shirt mein entry leta hai — college ke main gate se seedha andar aata hai. Dhoop thodi uske chehre pe padti hai. Uski nazar seedha Ammu pe jaati hai.)

Ammu bhi usse dekh leti hai.

Ek second. Phir do.

Sirf aankhon ka connection.

Dono ke expressions mein soft smile, respect, aur ek "we are okay now" feel.

(Background mein koi soft acoustic tune bajta hai – bina lyrics ke. Aankhon se pehle waali language bol rahe hain.)

Shanu (side mein softly whisper karti hai)

Aisa lag raha hai jaise dono ka dil wifi se connected ho...

...aur password sirf aankhon se khulta hai.

Zaheer vs Arjun – Chhupi Jhalak

*(Scene shift hota hai canteen ke paas —

Zaheer vs Arjun – Chhupi Jhalak

(Scene shift hota hai canteen ke paas — jahan Arjun ek bench pe Taz aur ek junior ke saath khada hota hai. Tabhi Zaheer bhi udhar aa jata hai — same bench ke paas.)

Junior (casually)

Sir, next week ka match final ho gaya hai... Zaheer sir ke under team ban rahi hai kya?

Arjun (light tone)

Waise team ko leadership chahiye hoti hai... naam nahi.

(Zaheer sun leta hai. Pehle thoda ignore karta hai. Phir slowly pass aata hai.)

Zaheer (half-smile)

Aur kabhi-kabhi naam hi itna hota hai ki team khud aa jaati hai peeche.

(Arjun turns. Eye contact. Canteen ka mood thoda tight ho jaata hai. Students side glance maarte hain.

Taz awkward sa smile kar deta hai.)

Taz (trying to break tension)

Chai le aao kya dono ke liye? Sugar free waali ya full taunt flavor?

(Zaheer Arjun ko ek look deta hai — "I see you."

Arjun bhi lightly smirks — "I’m still here."

Tension reh gayi... sirf neeche dabaa di gayi hai.)

Zaheer–Arjun: Rift abhi bhi zinda hai… chill ke peeche chhupa hua

Baatein Jo Reh Gayi Thi” – Arjun & Ammu, Garden After Class

Location: College ka backside garden – green bench ke paas

Time: Same day, 3:45 PM

Vibe: Shaant, halki dhoop, patton ki halki awaaz

(Ammu ek chhoti si diary aur bottle leke garden mein aayi hoti hai. Uska mood relaxed hai. Bench pe baithne hi wali hoti hai jab usse saamne se Arjun aate hue dikhta hai – ek file haath mein, lekin aankhon mein halka sa hesitation.)

Ammu (gentle smile)

Ab tum bhi garden mein time spend karne lage?

Arjun (smiling)

Bas... socha thoda natural environment mil jaye.

Tumhare aas-paas rehkar oxygen ka level bhi badhta hai.

Ammu (eyebrows up)

Line maar raha hai?

Arjun (straight)

Nahi. Bas sach bol raha hoon.

(Pause. Ammu usse bench ke side mein baithne ka signal karti hai. Dono baith jaate hain. Thodi der dono side-view mein same direction dekhte hain – phir Ammu bolti hai.)

Ammu (softly)

Thank you.

Sab kuch… handle karne ke liye. Mujhe space dene ke liye.

Arjun (low voice)

Main tujhe khona nahi chahta tha... isiliye door raha.

Kabhi kabhi pyaar chilla ke nahi… thoda saans leke bolta hai.

(Ammu uski taraf dekhti hai. Arjun uske chehre pe koi jawaab nahi dhoondhta — bas present mein hai.)

Ammu

Mujhe clarity chahiye thi...

aur tune mujhe confuse nahi kiya.

Bas ek cheez puchhni hai…

Arjun (ready)

Puchh.

Ammu (softly)

Jab Asad mujhe Azhar Baba ka naam leke push kar raha tha…

toh tujhe gussa aaya tha?

Ya darr?

(Arjun thoda smile karta hai – calm, honest.)

Arjun

Aaya toh sab kuch...

Par sabse zyada yakeen aaya tha — tere decision pe.

Mujhe pata tha tu agar mujhe chhodega bhi… toh khud ke liye chhodega, kisi aur ke pressure mein nahi.

(Ammu ka face soften karta hai. Aankhon mein halka moisture, lekin smile bhi.)

Ammu

Tu pehle jaisa nahi raha…

Arjun

Kyuki tu bhi toh pehle jaisi nahi rahi.

(Silence. Phir Arjun halki muskaan ke saath ek leaf todta hai aur uski taraf karta hai.)

Arjun

Ek naye page pe likh lein kya?

Ammu (whispers)

Slow se likhna…

taaki har word samajh aaye.

(Dono smile karte hain. No hug, no hands – just presence, just peace.)

Ammu and Arjun finally on the same emotional page

No pressure, no big declarations – bas ek nayi shuruaat ka ahsas

Zaheer & Shanu in Library

Location: College Library – Upper Floor, Window Side Tables

Time: Same Day, 4:45 PM

Mood: Shaant, afternoon light, low student footfall

(Library ke upper corner mein Shanu ek table pe baithi hai — notes bana rahi hai, saamne ek thick psychology ki kitab open hai. Do pencils, ek highlighter, aur ek water bottle uske bagal mein padhe hain. Light uske baalon pe pad rahi hai, uska focus pura book pe.)

(Tabhi corner se Zaheer entry leta hai — casual white shirt, neck pe ID card. Uski nazar directly Shanu pe jaati hai. Lekin vo seedha uske paas nahi jaata — thoda distance pe, diagonally opposite table pe baith jaata hai.)

Silent Setup

(Zaheer pretend karta hai ki usse koi aur shelf se book leni hai. Woh uth ke book lane jaata hai, lekin waapas aake same jagah pe baithta hai — Shanu ke across mein, face thoda tilted.)

(Shanu nazar uthake dekhti hai — thoda surprise, thoda amused.)

Shanu (half-smile, teasing whisper)

Yahan toh rarely aate ho... kya baat hai, library ka GPS reset ho gaya kya?

Zaheer (softly, looking at his book)

Kabhi kabhi... silence zaroori hota hai.

Aur shayad... company bhi.

(Shanu blink karti hai. Ye line unexpected thi. Uska smile deeper ho jaata hai.)

Shanu (playfully)

Badi philosophical line thi. Notes mein likh loon?

Zaheer (still not looking directly)

Agar likhne layak lage toh…

Bas page ke kone pe likhna, taaki baar baar dikhe.

Micro-Moments of Bonding

(Ek chhoti si pencil Shanu ke haath se gir jaati hai table ke neeche. Zaheer bina kuch kahe seedha jhukta hai aur woh pencil uthake uske saamne rakhta hai.)

Zaheer (softly)

Tumhari cheezein tumse zyada restless lagti hain.

Shanu (grinning)

Aur tumhari lines tumse zyada smooth.

(Dono ke beech eye contact hota hai – ek second, do seconds. Then Shanu phir se notebook ki taraf dekh leti hai, lekin uski aankhon mein sparkle hota hai.)

A Soft Exit

(5-6 minutes silence mein dono apna kaam karte hain – lekin dono ek dusre ki presence mein comfortable hain.)

Phir Zaheer quietly uthta hai, bag leke jaata hai. Jaane se pehle ek second ke liye rukta hai aur pehli baar directly dekhta hai.)

Zaheer

Tumhare aaspaas… kitaabein bhi zyada dhyaan se padhi jaati hain.

(Shanu uski taraf dekhti hai — is baar blush nahi, bas ek calm, knowing smile.)

Shanu

Aur tumhare aaspaas... log dheere dheere interesting ho jaate hain.

(Zaheer smile kiya bina, halki aankhon mein shararat chhodke chala jaata hai. Shanu uski peeth dekhte hue muskurati hai, phir diary mein ek chhoti si line likhti hai — camera zoom nahi karta... sirf uski muskaan dikhti hai.)

Zaheer pehli baar Shanu ki taraf actively drawn feel karta hai, lekin subtle way mein

Shanu also notices it, but plays along — with grace and teasing charm

Unke beech ka spark real and slow-burning ban raha hai

Scene: “Whistle Pe Tanaav” – Arjun vs Zaheer: Sports Ground Clash

Location: College Sports Ground

Time: Next Day, 5:30 PM

Event: Inter-department football practice

Props: Whistles, cones, team bibs, score clipboard

(Scene opens with energetic vibe – boys warm-up kar rahe hain, kuch cones set ho rahe hain. Zaheer clipboard leke warm-up drills bata raha hota hai. Arjun thoda door khada hai, 2–3 juniors usse bhi direction puch rahe hain.)

⚽ Start of Confusion

Junior 1 (to Arjun)

Sir, warm-up wahan se start karein ya yeh new pattern follow karein?

Arjun (confidently)

Start yahin se karo.

Main drills design kar raha hoon toh coordination easy hoga.

(Zaheer ki nazar padti hai. Wo clipboard band karta hai aur Arjun ke paas aata hai.)

Zaheer (neutral tone)

Drills already set hain, Arjun.

Let’s not confuse the boys.

Arjun (smiling, slightly sarcastic)

Confusion tab hota hai jab direction clear na ho.

Zaheer (still calm)

Direction clear hai.

Just because we’re in the same team doesn’t mean we’re running two captains.

Arjun (leaning slightly forward)

Same team mein hona aur same approach hona — dono alag cheezein hoti hain.

(Thoda pause hota hai. Pass mein Taz aur kuch juniors awkward ho jaate hain. Taz slowly whistle bajata hai to break the tension.)

Taz (half-joking)

Kya yeh match hum logon ke beech hai ya tum dono ke?

? Control vs Strategy

(Zaheer clipboard Arjun ke haath mein dekh ke bolta hai.)

Zaheer

Tactics tumhare ho sakte hain,

Lekin field control mujhe better pata hai.

Arjun (firmly)

Aur game pressure mujhe…

Team sirf discipline se nahi, moment se jeetti hai.

(Don’t shout. Don’t fight. Just stare. Dono ke beech mein ek thin line of ego and dominance visible hai. Aas-paas ke players dekh rahe hain. Ammu door se dekh rahi hoti hai – uska chehra neutral, lekin andar se notice kar rahi hoti hai sab kuch.)

Refree Enters

(Tabhi Shanu ground ke edge pe aati hai — scorecard leke. Wo scene ka temperature mehsoos karti hai.)

Refree(sharp tone)

Zaheer, Arjun…

Tum dono field ke alag side sambhalo. Team split karo A & B.

Aur match ke baad decide ho jayega kaun sa approach better tha.

*(Zaheer aur Arjun ek dusre ko dekhe bina accept kar lete hain. Whistle bajti hai. Game start hota hai – but war abhi bhi hawa mein hai.)

? Final Glance

(Before team split hone lagti hai, Arjun Zaheer ki taraf dekh ke softly bolta hai – almost whisper)

Arjun

Game toh ground pe khelte hain…

Lekin kuch log har waqt prove karne pe kyun lage rehte hain?

Zaheer (without looking back)

Shayad kyunki kuch log prove hone se darte hain.

Tension silent and classy – not aggressive but competitive

Zaheer aur Arjun ke beech rivalry sirf Ammu tak simit nahi — har jagah feel hoti hai

College ke students divide hone lagte hain — Team Zaheer vs Team Arjun

[Greenwood]

Update 37

Scene: “Dilon Ki Light Off Hone Se Pehle” – Ammu & Shanu Night Room Chat

Location: Shanu ka room, shared bed

Time: Same night, 11:45 PM

Mood: Soft yellow lamp light, window half open, halki hawa

(Room mein dim light hai. Shanu bed pe blanket lapet ke half-laid position mein diary likh rahi hoti hai. Ammu opposite side pe, legs folded, ek cup mein haldi doodh leke baithi hoti hai. Dono comfortable clothes mein — makeup-free, thaki hui, lekin inner peace ke paas.)

Shanu (pen ghumate hue)

Toh... kya hal hai Miss Ammu?

College mein tumhari smile dekhke laga aaj badal bhi chamak gaye honge.

Ammu (half-smile)

Smile thi... lekin andar se abhi bhi kuch adhoora lagta hai.

Jaise ek paheli ka last tukda abhi missing hai.

(Shanu diary band karke uski taraf turn hoti hai — ready to listen.)

Shanu

Batao. Paheli sunane ke liye best friend toh hun main.

Ammu (looking down at cup)

Asad gaya... par uska pressure abhi bhi hawa mein hai.

Papa ki tabiyat, expectations, logon ki baatein... sab ek taraf.

Aur Arjun… usne sab kuch sahin tarah se handle kiya.

Bina bol ke… bina force kiye.

Shanu (softly)

Tumhe yakeen tha us par?

Ammu

Nahi... pehle nahi tha.

Par jab usne mujhe space di, jab mujhe sirf khud ke liye sochna tha…

Tab mujhe uski kami mehsoos hui.

Na Asad ki security… na papa ke emotions…

Sirf ek Arjun ki khamoshi.

(Pause. Shanu uska haath pakad leti hai – no advice, just presence.)

Ammu (eyes slightly moist)

Par mujhe dar lagta hai Shanu.

Pyaar ke baad kya hota hai?

Log badal jaate hain… ya waqt?

Shanu (gently)

Jo sachha hota hai… wo badalta nahi.

Wo evolve karta hai.

Aur Arjun… mujhe lagta hai… wo evolve ho gaya hai tumhare liye.

Pehle possessive tha, ab protective hai.

Pehle loud tha… ab present hai.

(Ammu lamp ki taraf dekhti hai. Hawa se parda halkasa hilta hai.)

Ammu (soft voice)

Kabhi kabhi lagta hai… main late samjhi sab kuch.

Par shayad… main thik time pe samjhi.

Shanu (teasing tone mein)

Late samajhna allowed hai…

Bas late bolna mat.

Warna main proposal card khud likh dungi, “From Shanu, on behalf of confused Ammu.”

(Dono hans padti hain. Light moment aa jaata hai. Ammu uske shoulder pe sir rakh deti hai — ek silent thank-you ke saath.)

Ammu (whisper)

Tu nahi hoti na... toh shayad main kabhi khud ko nahi sun pati.

Shanu (smile)

Aur tu nahi hoti… toh main kabhi iss house mein itna zyada coffee nahi peeti.

(Dono halki hansi ke saath lamp band kar deti hain. Scene end hota hai — warm silence ke saath.)

Ammu now feels seen, heard and understood

Shanu proves again why she’s the soul anchor of this story

Arjun ka support silently echo karta hai, even when wo scene mein nahi

CONTINUATION: Tackle to Tantrum

(Ball Arjun ke pass hoti hai, Zaheer full-speed mein aake takkar karta hai — legal tackle, but full body use. Arjun zameen pe girta hai. Crowd “ooof!” bolta hai. Arjun gusse se uthta hai, mitti jhaadta hai, seedha Zaheer ke paas aata hai.)

Arjun (snapping)

Chutiye! Game khel raha hai ya badla le raha hai?

Zaheer (gritting his teeth)

Tu jo bhi samjhe. Teri aukaat nahi hai ground pe mujhe sikhane ki!

Arjun (stepping in)

Aukaat ka bata raha hai tu? Tere jaise toh pichwade mein hawa bhar ke hero ban jaate hain!

(Zaheer bhi aage badhta hai — dono ki noses almost touch kar rahi hain. Crowd bilkul silent. Breath heavy, full fire.)

Zaheer

Tere jaise chutiye toh bas muh se bhaagte hain…

kaam se nahi, drama se jeetne ki baat aadat hai teri.

Arjun (pushing with his shoulder)

Tu toh wahi hai na jo har baar doosre ke naam pe sympathy leke chal deta hai?

“Azhar Baba ki tabiyat… meri behen... Ammu…”

Emotional blackmail ka baap ban gaya hai kya?

Zaheer (grabs Arjun’s collar)

Apni zubaan sambhaal Arjun!

Tere jaise cheap dikhawa karne wale log…

sirf photo mein ache lagte hain, asli mein tu ek selfish kutta hai.

Arjun (grabbing Zaheer’s throat of shirt)

Aur tu kya hai? Hero banne ki koshish karta hai par

andar se insecure, jala-bhuna loser hai!

(Tension explodes. Dono ek dusre ke collars pakad ke kheench lete hain. Shirt ke folds tight ho jaate hain. Breath takrane lagti hai. Students peechhe hat jaate hain, phones nikalne lagte hain.)

Zaheer

Tu toh sirf ek frustrated lauda hai…

Jo har ladki ko possess karne ka shauk rakhta hai! Tharki sala

Arjun

Tu pehle bhi aisa hi tha kya?

Hamesha dusron ki chhoti baaton pe zyada mehnat karta hai!

Zaheer (boiling)

Main kam se kam dikhawa toh nahi karta,

tu jaisa harami har kaam ke peeche ek love story chipka deta hai!

Arjun (dead serious)

Mere jaise log toh kam se kam beech mein muh maarne nahi aate

(Ab crowd hil gaya. Shanu aur Ammu dono stunned. Ammu ki aankhen moist ho jaati hain. Coach aur 2 senior boys aake beech mein padte hain — forcefully dono ke haath alag kiye jaate hain.)

? Coach Blasts:

Coach (shouting)

Yeh sports ground hai ya gully ke laundeon ka akhada?!

Ek aur aisi harkat… sports se nahi, college se nikalwa doonga tum dono ko!

Final Word Exchange – After Pulled Apart

*(Dono ko opposite directions mein le jaaya jaa raha hota hai, lekin dono still staring – breathless, shirt collars loose, hair messy.)

Zaheer (spits sideways)

Tere jaisa banda… team kya, dosti ke laayak bhi nahi hai!

Arjun (wiping his mouth, sarcastic smile)

Aur tu… tu hamesha doosre ke shoes mein fit hone ki koshish karta hai.

Khud ka pair banake dikha pehle!

(Dono turn karke opposite side walk out karte hain. Crowd shock mein. Slow motion mein Ammu ka face dikhaya jaata hai — confusion, guilt, helplessness. Taz side mein khada hai, cheek quietly le raha hai or upar gardan karke bolta hai– “Kya hi dekh liya aapne.”)

Dono ki rivalry full-blown – now public, personal aur personal se bhi deeper

Ammu torn between silence and decision

Shanu observing everything like a quiet strategist

Shanu & Arjun – Gussa Tootne Ki Aahat”

Location: College backside stairwell

Time: Same time, parallel moment

(Arjun baitha hota hai stair pe — shirt lose, breath heavy. Gusse ka volcano thoda cool ho chuka hai. Tabhi Shanu chhupke se aati hai. Hands folded, aankhon mein disappointment.)

Shanu (calmly)

Kya yehi maturity hai?

Yehi tera control?

Zaheer ke saath gale pad gaya tu?

Arjun (irritated)

Tu nahi samjhegi, Shanu.

Shanu (stepping forward)

Tu bhool gaya kya?

Woh Zaheer…

Jo tujhe “Bhai” bolta tha sabke saamne?

Jo hamesha tera back cover karta tha jab tu galtiyan karta tha?

Arjun (jaw clenching)

tune use nahi dekha kya???

Chali aayi mujhe sunane, dimag kharab hai abhi shanu...

Shanu

Aur tu dikhata kya hai? Ego!

Gussa!

Woh Arjun kahan gaya jo doston ke liye pura college stir kar deta tha?

Ammu & zaheer:--

Zaheer apni bike pe elbows tikaye baitha hota hai. Shirt collar half-torn, uska face abhi bhi garam. Tabhi Ammu tez kadam se aati hai, aankhon mein naraazgi aur dard dono.)

Ammu (angrily)

Zaheer!Tu pagal ho gaya hai kya?

Football match tha ya boxing ring?

Zaheer (dryly)

Toh tu ab uski side le rahi hai?

Ammu

Main kisi ki side nahi le rahi.

Main uss zaheer se baat kar rahi hoon jo mera bhai hai…Jo ek waqt pe Arjun ko apna bhai jaisa maanta tha.

Zaheer (bitter laugh)

Wahi Arjun jiske liye sab kuch maine kiya, par usne hamesha mujhe neecha dikhaya

Ammu (hurt)

Zaheer, Main teri behen hoon... aur Arjun tera bhai tha.

Tum dono ek dusre se kya ban gaye ho?

Zaheer

Main confuse nahi hoon, Ammu.

Main bas thak gaya hoon…

Hamesha uske shadow mein rehke.

Ammu (firm but gentle)

Tu shadow mein nahi tha, Zaheer.

Tu hamesha uske equal tha par ab tu dosti nahi, dushmani leke chal raha hai.Agar Arjun ne kuch galat kiya, toh tu us jaisa ban gaya uske against jaake.

Ammu (softly)

Please... bhai... isse pehle ke sab kuch toot jaaye,

Soch le... dosti aur ego mein kya zyada zaroori hai?

Location: Zaheer ka ghar – chhat

Time: Shaam – sunset hour, halki thandi hawa

(Chhat pe hawa chal rahi hai. Dhoop dheere dheere dhal rahi hai. Chhat ke kone mein ek chhoti si bench aur railing ke paas do chai ke cup,ek cup abhi bhi bhara hai ammu railing se thoda door khada hota hai, arms folded, hawa mein dekhte hue. Tabhi peechhe se Arjun aata hai, halki footsteps, lekin uske pair ki aahat hoti hai chhat par koodne se)

Arjun (softly)

Pata tha tu aayegi.

Ammu (approaching slowly)

pehle ek baat bolu? Tum dono... pagal ho.

(Arjun halka sa muskarata hai, phir aankhon mein chhupa guilt lekar Ammu ki taraf dekhta hai.)

Arjun

Usne pehle tang maara tha.

Ammu

Aur tumne “emotional blackmail ka baap” bol diya tha.

(Dono thoda khamosh ho jaate hain. Phir Arjun quietly bench pe baith jaata hai, chai ka cup uthata hai. Ammu uske opposite side baith jaati hai.)

Arjun (looking at cup)

Yeh chai sahi hai kya

Garam bhi hai, thandi bhi.

Bitter bhi hai, soothing bhi.

Ammu (lightly teasing)

Toh chai bhi tumhare jaise hi ho gayi?

Confused?

Arjun (half smile)

Nahi. Mujhse zyada sorted hai.

Main toh bas… tere aas paas hoon.

Aur iss baar… bina pressure, bina plan, bas...

Jaisa hoon waisa.

(Ammu uski taraf dekhti hai. Arjun ka expression serious ho jaata hai. Dhoop uske face pe padh rahi hai — thoda tired, thoda soft.)

Ammu

Tum dono ki ladai dekh ke… acha nahi laga.

Zaheer mera bhai hai, Arjun.

Aur tum… tum meri peace ho.

(Arjun halka sa jhuk ke dekhta hai. Phir aankhen meet karta hai.)

Arjun (quietly)

Main tujhse kuch nahi chhupana chahta…Na gussa, na jealousy, na dard.Main bas chahta hoon tu khud decide kare…Main hoon yahan.Wahi Arjun… bas ab kaafi sambhal gaya hai.

Ammu (teasing tone mein)

Sambhal gaya hai? Toh fir zaheer ka gala kyun pakad liya tha, sambhale hue insaan?

Arjun (shrugging)

Mere andar ka wrestler kabhi kabhi jaag jaata hai.

Ammu (laughs)

Wrestler? Arjun Singh…WWE nahi, Dil ke ring ka player ban.

(Arjun bhi hans padta hai. Phir dono ek pal ke liye sirf sunset ki taraf dekhte hain. Shaam ki light unke faces pe golden si chamak daalti hai.)

Soft Touch Moment

(Halki hawa chalu hai. Ammu ke baal uske face pe aa jaate hain. Arjun slowly haath badha ke uske baal side karta hai bina kuch bole. Ammu palak jhapkati hai. Aankhen mild widen hoti hain.)

Ammu (soft whisper)

Tum… change ho gaye ho.

Arjun (softly)

Tere liye… sirf better hua hoon.

(Ek pal. Fir Ammu uski chai le leti hai bina pooche. Arjun confuse hota hai.)

Ammu

Tumhare cup se peene ka mann kar raha tha.Bitter bhi sahi lagti hai jab insaan sahi ho.

Arjun (smiling)

Toh final verdict?

Ammu (nazar milate hue)

Not guilty.But still… under observation.

(Sunset poora ho chuka hai. Chhat pe sirf halke andhere mein dono ke silhouettes baithe hain — ek bench, ek silence, aur ek bonding jo phir se shuru ho gayi hai.)

Location: College Library

Time: Next day, 11:30 AM

(Library mein ek calm si vibe hai — fans ki awaaz, paper flip hone ki halki rustling. Shanu corner ki ek wooden table pe baithi hoti hai, notes bana rahi hoti hai — uska concentration full-on hai, glasses thodi si slide kar rahi hoti hai nose se.)

(Door se Zaheer aata hai — casually, bina noise kiye — aur usse 2 tables chhod ke baith jaata hai. Shanu notice karti hai, par react nahi karti. 2 min ke baad Zaheer uth ke uske opposite seat pe silently baith jaata hai. Shanu pen rok ke slowly dekhti hai.)

Shanu (low whisper)

Tumhe library ka rasta kaise yaad aaya?

Zaheer (matching tone)

Aaj dimag zyada chal raha tha. Socha usse sambhal lu…

Aur kisi ne kaha tha “books toh dosti karti hain.”

Shanu (smirking)

Haan, par books questions nahi poochti.

Na follow karte hain table chhod ke.

Zaheer (shrugging)

Main toh bas... table closer chahiye tha.

Window side boring lagti hai.

(Shanu thoda sarcasm laati hai, bina hassi ke)

Shanu

Window se light aati hai…

Aur tum andhera pasand karte ho na?

Zaheer (gently)

Andhere mein kuch chehre clear dikhte hain.

Tum jaise logon ki... jinse roshni mein aankh chhup jati hai.

(Shanu ek pal ke liye uski aankhon mein dekhti hai. Phir nazar hata ke page palat leti hai.)

Shanu (slowly)

Tum hamesha itna... thoughtfully ajeeb bolte ho?

Zaheer (leaning forward, teasing)

Sirf jab saamne waala react karta ho.

Tumhara chehra... reaction ki kitab hai.

(Shanu thoda blush karti hai lekin cover kar leti hai. Page pe pen chala ke kehti hai)

Shanu

Main class topper hoon… meri kitaab padhi nahi jaati, solve ki jaati hai.

(Dono ek pal ke liye chup ho jaate hain. Fir ek student librarian se kuch poochta hai, thoda background noise hota hai. Tabhi Shanu casually Zaheer ke saamne ek sticky note rakhti hai — uspe likha hota hai:)

“Tum agar seedha baat nahi kar sakte, toh chhupke hints dena band karo.”

(Zaheer padhta hai, thoda fake offended face banata hai, phir apne notebook ka ek corner chhupke phaad ke uspe likhta hai:)

“Seedha bolna mushkil hota hai jab saamne waali har baat pe smile chupake bhaag jaati ho.”

(Shanu note padhti hai, phir aankhon se “Hmmm” wala expression deti hai  like she’s pretending not to be impressed.)

Shanu (softly)

Next time sticky note nahi, chai le aana.

Zaheer (lean forward, whispers)

Aur agar tum ho… toh biscuit bhi le aata hoon.

(Shanu sir jhuka leti hai, smile control karti hai. Background mein clock tick karta hai, dono table ke same side pe notes share karne lagte hain. Bas halki halki non-verbal bonding chalu ho jaati hai.)

Chemistry subtle and intelligent

Dialogue mein teasing, lekin dil se softness

Location: College sports ground ke edge pe — benches

Time: Same day, afternoon

(Nikhat ground ke corner bench pe apna clipboard review kar rahi hoti hai. Arjun aata hai, casually uske paas baith jaata hai — bina formalities ke, jaise dosti mein hota hai.)

Arjun (grinning)

Tumhara entry toh waise hota hai jaise college mein breeze aayi ho — sab thoda sudhar jaate hain.

Nikhat (laughs softly)

Aur tumhara entry?

Jaise breeze ke saath ek chhota tufaan bhi aa gaya ho.

(Arjun hans padta hai. Fir thoda serious ho jaata hai.)

Arjun

Aaj kal Ammu zyada mature ho gayi hai…

Pehle react karti thi, ab observe karti hai.

(Nikhat thoda stiff ho jaati hai, par smile bana ke rakhti hai.)

Nikhat

Waqt sabko change karta hai…

Kuch log toh ek mahine mein hi strangers se someone ban jaate hain.

Arjun (looking away)

Uska silence mujhe maar deta hai kabhi kabhi.Lekin main chahta hoon woh khud choose kare bina pressure, bina drama.

(Nikhat aankhon se halka sa blink karti hai. Phir clipboard band karti hai.)

Nikhat (light tone mein)

Tumhari honesty kabhi kabhi dangerous hoti hai.Ek din kisi ki aankhon mein asar kar degi... ya… kisi ke dil mein nasha.

Arjun (teasing)

Tu toh shayari mein jaa rahi hai.

Yeh coach wali Nikhat hai ya artist wali?

(Nikhat thoda muskura ke khadi ho jaati hai, bag uthati hai.)

Nikhat

Main chalti hoon…Woh Taz se kuch drills discuss karni hain.Tumhara dard thoda... heavy ho gaya aaj.

Arjun (softly)

Tu sun leti hai toh halka lagta hai.

Nikhat (pausing, then softly)

Kisi din khud pe bhi sun le na…

(She walks away — poori dignity ke saath. Arjun uske jaane ke baad bas chhup baith jaata hai, hawa mein dekhte hue.)

“Nikhat vs Taz – Coach aur Clown”

Location: College indoor court ke side mein

Time: 15 minutes later

(Nikhat ek side pe khadi hoti hai, notes le rahi hoti hai — court drills ke liye. Tabhi Taz full running mein ball leke aata hai, aur ek thoda awkward turn le ke seedha uske just paas gir jaata hai — bas thoda balance bacha ke.)

Taz (panting, shock mein)

Coach Nikhat! Main girta girta... sirf... aapki izzat bacha paya!

Nikhat (straight face, strict tone)

Izzat ka kya karu Taz?

Footwork pe focus karo — yeh dance show nahi hai.

Taz (straightening)

Dance toh dil mein chal raha hai, coach...Aap khadi ho toh full Bollywood zone on ho jata hai.

(Nikhat thoda disbelief mein uski taraf dekhti hai.)

Nikhat

Taz…

Kal se 20 extra push-ups.

Aur compliment ke badle core training.

Taz (dramatically)

Matlab...Main dil se khush rehna chah raha tha, aapne use abs mein badal diya?

(Nikhat clipboard band karti hai.)

Nikhat (dryly)

Abs zyada useful hote hain...Dil se zyada.

(Taz confused expression ke saath bas kehta hai:)

Taz

Coach… Aap heartbreak bhi warm-up ki tarah leti hain.

(Nikhat halki si hansi rokti hai, par expression mein ek second ke liye softness aa jaata hai. Phir wo palat ke chali jaati hai, aur Taz bas confused khada rehta hai, ball ko ghoorte hue.)

Arjun–Nikhat scene emotional, layered, aur full of restraint

Nikhat hurt feel karti hai, par maturely nikal jaati hai

Taz–Nikhat moment comic, awkward, and fresh light tension, it looks subtle one-sided attraction from Taz...Tone overall balanced between romantic weight and comic relief

[KK001]

I was reading this story like I eat rice (trust me I eat lots of rice). Even when arjun start to flirt with nikkhat like a cheap movie hero . I thought that after nikkhat got impressed by him he will reject her like all film hero do. but he had sex . that was also ok (to err is human)  , but what arjun did next leave me speechless . the guy I thought gonna be hero (arjun) has  no shame!! no regrate, zero guilt. and he started  to planning  how to get away ammu from a marriage arrangement.  what a shameful display. 
Now I am reading very slowing , its hard to digest. 
Please bear my English , I am not very good at it .

[Kuchnahi24]

Har kahani apna hero chunti hai ab tak to arjun hi kahani ka hero hai.. umar ka asar ya mijaj ka galati kar baitha, par ammu bhi zaheer ke jaise use galat nahi samjhati to shayad nikhat frame mai nahi aati asad tak ki kahani wo mere yaar ki shadi hai movie ka concept laga.

Sari tension arjun ke liye hi aayi h abhi tak pahle taz phir ammu se duri , nikhat aur asad… par story kisi movie ke jaisi aankho ke aage chal rahi h.. kya hi tarika h boss likhne ka superb…
Will wait how story goes forward

[KK001]

ammu was right about asking explanation bcz arjun was shamelessly flirting  with nikkhat before sports start. how can you say ammu misunderstood arjun like zaheer !!!!  
.
She just wanted explanation why everyone talking about nikkhat and arjun , Thats It , but arjun is a hero , filmy hero so his ego get heart and had sex with someone else and not even feel guilty about that !!!

bcz Arjun is a hero we dont want to see his bad side.

[Kuchnahi24]

ammu was right about asking explanation bcz arjun was shamelessly flirting  with nikkhat before sports start. how can you say ammu misunderstood arjun like zaheer !!!!  
.
She just wanted explanation why everyone talking about nikkhat and arjun , Thats It , but arjun is a hero , filmy hero so his ego get heart and had sex with someone else and not even feel guilty about that !!!

bcz Arjun is a hero we dont want to see his bad side.

Hey bro i didn’t replied your comment. I have commented on story every one has different points of view and thinking nothing wrong 
And who said hero galat nahi hota aur aajkal to sab kuch GREY hota h ..
All okay bhai story ka maja lo aur apna view do rest leave it to writer

[KK001]

Hey bro i didn’t replied your comment. I have commented on story every one has different points of view and thinking nothing wrong 
And who said hero galat nahi hota aur aajkal to sab kuch GREY hota h ..
All okay bhai story ka maja lo aur apna view do rest leave it to writer

bro , sorry if i was sound like fighting . I was just trying to have conversation with a fellow reader who like this story. English is not my mother tong not even hindi. hope you dont mind me trying  to communicate with you .

[Kuchnahi24]

bro , sorry if i was sound like fighting . I was just trying to have conversation with a fellow reader who like this story. English is not my mother tong not even hindi. hope you dont mind me trying  to communicate with you .

Hey chill bro … 
Sounds like you are good let me share my viewpoint hero means idealism not everytime… i am talking about this story hero and that is arjun till now .. story is revolving around him now that is his character full of swag, free soul … definitely he has made a great mistake but he has learnt ? or still has to learned that is inside story… 
I have choosen my pair that is arjun and my queen ammu..
Asad has failed when he tried manipulating things and i think his real character is hidden… 
Zaheer still has to start his heroism 
As per story till now 
Hero - arjun ( story is revolving around him) 
Herion - shanu ( trump card , mature) 
Zaheer - still has to start ( kaan ka kaccha aadmi ) 
Ammu - love 

For me story is ammu ghar 

Green Bro what you say… ?

[Anum sheikh]

Q lag rha nikhat ek khilona ban kr ai hai, pehly bf then Arjun and ab taaz

[Greenwood]

Relax guys
Story is not yet over... 

I will concern your complaint or pov
But in my pov I just want to show a grey side of his character 
I don't wanna show him such a bad way... 


Lets chat in dm for further talk

[Greenwood]

Update 38

Location: College Garden – central lawn, stairs ke paas

Time: Midday break – students idhar-udhar chill kar rahe hain, dhoop soft hai

(Camera pans over college lawn — kahin koi guitar bajaa raha hai, koi couple bench pe baitha hai, kuch log cold coffee leke laugh kar rahe hain. Us bheed mein ek kone mein Ammu baithi hai — ek stone step pe, earphones ek ear mein lagaye hue. Haath mein mango drink. Bas apne mein lost.)

(Tabhi Arjun piche se aata hai, ek chhoti chip choco-bar leke. Uske pair ki chappal ki halki awaz se Ammu bas aankhon ka kone se dekhti hai, par seedha nahi dekhti.)

Arjun (smirking)

Ek tum ho jo lunch break mein bhi main character wali vibe leke baithi ho…

Ammu (bite of smile, without turning)

Aur ek tum ho — har frame mein ghus jaate ho bina bulaye.

(Arjun uske bag ke side baith jaata hai, uski mango drink ki taraf dekh ke eyebrow raise karta hai.)

Arjun

Tujhe har baar mango drink mil jaata hai?

Mujhe toh queue mein bhi “out of stock” bol diya.

Ammu (sassy)

Universe bhi selective hota hai, Arjun.

Arjun (fake hurt)

Yani main rejected list mein hoon?

(Ammu finally uski taraf dekhti hai — aankhon mein woh usual calm, par smile control kar rahi hoti hai.)

Ammu

Tum… waiting list ho.

(Arjun choco-bar khol ke ek bite leta hai, fir uske saamne karta hai,Ammu uska choco-bar le leti hai, bite leti hai. Arjun uski aankhon mein dekh ke quietly smile karta hai. Background mein koi guitar bajaa raha hota hai, kuch soft laughter bhi sunai deta hai.)

Arjun (soft)

Tu sirf baithti nahi...

Scene bana deti hai.

Ammu (mocking)

Tum bas line maarte ho...

Aur acting karte ho ki feel ho raha hai.

Arjun (leans a little closer)

Nahi...

Feel toh ho raha hai.

Acting sirf tab ki thi… jab tu kisi aur ko dekh ke hans rahi thi.

(Ammu thoda blush karti hai, par us blush ko chhupane ke liye mango drink se sip le leti hai.)

Ammu

Tum jealous easily ho jaate ho?

Arjun (playful)

Main territorial hoon.

Tu lawn pe bhi kisi aur ke saath baithe na, toh mujhe feel hota hai jaise meri chai kisi aur ne pee li.

Ammu (laughs)

Tumhare dialogues... full time writer hire kar rakha hai kya?

Arjun (seriously)

Bas tu ho toh... line bhi feel ban jaati hai.

(Pause. Dono kuch nahi bolte. Aas-paas ke noise ke beech unka ek bubble ban jaata hai. Fir Arjun halka sa uske hand pe tap karta hai.)

Arjun

Tu chahe mujhe waiting list mein rakhe…Main tere notice board pe pehla naam banne ke liye everyday ready hoon.

(Ammu uska choco-bar wapas karti hai — half eaten — aur kehti hai softly)

Ammu

Abhi bas attendance mark kar rahe ho tum…Final viva tak waqt hai.

*(Arjun bas smile deta hai — woh wala jisme dard bhi hai aur hope bhi.)

Location: College corridor – lunch break ke baad ka time

Time: 2:15 PM, mid-noise – lockers khul rahe hain, stairs pe log baatein kar rahe hain

(Zaheer water cooler ke paas khada hota hai, bottle bhar raha hota hai. Tabhi Shanu neeche se aati hai — haath mein books, ek earphone ka wire latak raha hota hai. Jaise hi woh uske paas se guzarti hai, ek book gir jaati hai. Zaheer naturally bend karke uthata hai aur uski taraf extend karta hai.)

Zaheer (casual)

Tumhara gravity se purana rishta lagta hai…

Shanu (takes the book)

Aur tumhara har scene mein time pe aana...

Main bolun ya background music chalu ho?

(Zaheer thoda sa hassa. Dono side-by-side chalne lagte hain. Corridor ke edge pe ruk jaate hain — side wall ke paas.)

Zaheer (softly)

Tum jab aise random bolti ho na…

Mujhe lagta hai tumhare dimaag mein koi full-time scriptwriter baitha hai.

Shanu (smiles)

Nahi.Bas… jab saamne wala suna kare, toh bolne ka mann karta hai.

(Zaheer is quiet for a beat. He wasn't expecting that.)

Zaheer (a little thoughtful)

Toh tum sabko aise hi sunati ho?

Ya main…

Shanu (looking straight, soft smile)

Tum mujhe kabhi judge nahi karte.

Mere mood swings ho, ya random jokes…

Tum bas ho. Steady.

Zaheer (half smile)

Main toh sochta tha tum mujhe ignore karti ho…

Shanu (looks at him)

Ignore nahi.Bas… notice chhupke karti hoon.

(Ek beat. Dono aankhon se aankhon milate hain. Corridor ke noise se alag, ek stillness ban jaati hai. Zaheer pehli baar Shanu ki aankhon mein kuch aur dekhta hai — woh curiosity, woh unsaid warmth… jo pehle dosti lagti thi, ab thodi personal lagne lagi hai.)

(Shanu fir casually uska haath tap karti hai — ek halki si friendly thap — aur bolti hai:)

Shanu

Main staff room ja rahi hoon…

But haan, next time agar koi “ignore” kare na…

Toh aankhon se padna seekh lena.

(Zaheer bas wahi khada rehta hai, uske jaane ke baad bhi. Haath mein book hai, par dimaag uski baaton pe atka hai. Uska expression shift karta hai — first confused, then thoughtful… as if kuch realise ho gaya ho.

Zaheer ko feel hone laga hai Shanu se uski bonding “normal” nahi rahi

Shanu ki har baat mein ek softness hai, jo ab dosti se aage lagne lagi hai

Dialogue flirty nahi, lekin intimate

A moment that changes Zaheer's lens slowly

Location: College Staff Room ke bahar, back corridor ke bench par

Time: Same day — 3:45 PM (classes almost khatam ho chuki hain)

(Sunlight golden hai — dhoop slant hoke corridor ke floor pe patches bana rahi hai. Corridor mostly quiet hai. Ek wooden bench pe Nikhat baithi hai — haath mein ek closed notebook, bag side mein rakha hai. Uska expression outwardly normal hai, lekin uski aankhon mein thoda weight chhupa hua hai.)

(Wo notebook kholti hai… phir bina kuch likhe, bas pen ghumaati hai. Phir uska focus khulke padta hai Arjun ke ek recent dialogue pe — flashback jaisa echo.)

Flashback voice (Arjun)

“Main chahta hoon woh khud choose kare — bina pressure, bina drama.”

? Nikhat’s reply (in memory)

“Kisi din khud pe bhi sun le na…”

(Nikhat ka pen ruk jaata hai. Uski aankhen lawn ki taraf chali jaati hain jahan se Arjun aur Ammu ki laughter ki halki awaaz sunai deti hai — door kahin pe woh dono casual baat kar rahe hote hain.)

(Nikhat ek second ke liye unki direction mein dekhti hai, lekin fir aankhen neeche kar leti hai.)

Nikhat (soft whisper, to herself)

Main toh bas... ek scene thi.

Puri story kabhi meri thi hi nahi.

Ek chhoti si smile aati hai, bitter-sweet. Jaise apne emotions ko samajh bhi gayi ho, accept bhi kar rahi ho — lekin thoda time chahiye heal hone ke liye.)

(She slowly closes the notebook, uspar pen rakh deti hai. Tabhi ek patta uske shoulder pe girta hai — neem ka. Wo us patte ko dekhti hai, ungliyon se ghumaati hai, phir softly bolti hai:)

Nikhat

Coach hona easy hai…

Par audience ke bina dil nahi jeeta ja sakta.

Golden dhoop, quiet bench, aur ek ladki jo heartbreak chhupa ke smile karna seekh rahi hai — quietly, gracefully.

Nikhat ka internal acceptance arc start ho gaya hai

Arjun–Ammu ko leke koi nafrat nahi, bas ek silent goodbye

Nikhat strong hai, lekin andar se soft bhi

Coach vs Cartoon”

Location: College Gym Hall – indoor space, thoda echo wala

Time: Next morning, 7:30 AM – training session start

(Gym mein kuch hi log hain. Side wall pe mats lage hain, cones aligned hain. Nikhat clipboard leke centre pe khadi hoti hai — full coach zone activated: tight ponytail, whistle around neck, no-nonsense expression.)

(Taz door se entry maarte hue full filmy style mein aata hai — bottle spin karta hua, towel shoulder pe, aur ek fake limp leke jaise woh injured ho.)

Taz (dramatically)

Coach Nikhat...Mujhe lagta hai meri calf ki muscle ne resignation de diya hai.

Nikhat (without looking up)

Calf muscle ka contract renew ho chuka hai.Warm-up pe 4 rounds aur lagao.

Taz (holding chest)

Aapne toh seedha HR ban ke notice de diya...Dard bhi ignore ho gaya.

(Nikhat uski taraf dekhti hai — death stare level 3)

Nikhat

Taz…Tumhara sarcasm ka calorie count zero hota hai.

Start running.

(Taz jog start karta hai, par chhupke se cones ke beech se chhoti shortcut lene lagta hai.)

Nikhat (dry)

Taz, agar tujhe itni hi baatein karni hain…

Toh main tujhe skipping rope ki jagah mic de deti hoon.

Taz (grinning)

Mic se yaad aaya… kal mujhe sapna aaya tha ki main India’s Next Fitness Icon ban gaya hoon.

Nikhat

Aur phir tu uth gaya…

Aur bread pakoda kha raha tha canteen mein.

(Ek assistant trainer corner mein hansi rokh nahi paata. Taz usse aankh maar ke kehta hai:)

Taz

Tu hans, tu hans…

Mujhe toh bas Coach Nikhat ki taareef chahiye…Ek smile hi mil jaaye toh… jeevan safal ho jaaye!

Nikhat (without blinking)

Toh jaldi safal ho ja…

Aur 5 km treadmill pe daud le.

(Taz floor pe baith jaata hai drama karte hue, towel se apna chehra ponchta hai jaise koi old Bollywood heroine.)

Taz

Aap ke training mein sweat nahi…

Emotion nikalta hai

Nikhat

Agle session mein agar emotion ka drop bhi nikla,Toh tu mop leke saaf karega.

Taz treadmill pe chadh raha hota hai, “billo bage billiya” gaa raha hota hai or thhumka laga raha hota hai,

Nikhat clipboard mein check kar rahi hoti hai jaise kuch suna hi nahi

Background mein ek aur student kehta hai:

“Yeh banda gym aata kam hai, nautanki zyada karta hai.”

[b]Location: College Football Ground – Match Prep Day[/b]

Time: Late afternoon – 4:30 PM

(Ground full energy mein hai — orange cones, stretching drills, goalposts set ho chuke hain. Assistant coach students ko warm-up kara raha hai. Team divided hai: Arjun ek group ko lead kar raha hai, Zaheer dusre group ko. Taz referee vest pehne, center mein confused khada hai — jise match-friendly banaye rakhna hai.)

(Ammu, Shanu aur kuch students bench side pe baith kar dekh rahe hote hain.)

Taz (whistle blow karta hai)

Arjun’s team — left flank.

Zaheer’s team — right flank.

No fouls, no flex, just finesse!

(Game start hota hai — friendly, fast-paced. Lekin jese hi Arjun ball control karta hai, Zaheer extra sharp tackle karta hai — borderline foul. Crowd thoda react karta hai.)

Arjun (glaring at Zaheer)

Wo ball thi… ya main?

Zaheer (dryly)

Tu confuse ho gaya hai.

Main toh sirf ball ke peeche tha.

(Taz awkwardly beech mein aata hai.)

Taz

Bhaiyo, yeh ball FIFA certified hai, Arjun certified nahi!

(Crowd thoda hans padta hai, but Arjun ka expression serious hota jaa raha hai. Game continues — Arjun ek perfect through-pass deta hai, aur Zaheer uske cross pe ek risky interception karta hai. Jab dono pass se hote hain, shoulders takrate hain — deliberate nahi, but intense.

Arjun (low voice, face close)

Har tackle ke peeche tujhe main dikh raha hoon, na?

Zaheer (cold smile)

Tujhe kaun banaya tha hero is kahaani ka?

Main bhi lead karta hoon kabhi kabhi.

Taz (phir se whistle)

Stop! Time out.

Tum dono ball khel rahe ho ya Badlapur 2 ki shooting chal rahi hai?

(Assistant coach aankhon se Arjun ko calm hone ka ishara karta hai. Arjun jaw clench karta hai. Zaheer thoda paani peeta hai, but nazar Arjun pe hi.)

Ball ek taraf ghoom jaati hai…

Arjun aur Zaheer ek second ke liye ek dusre ko bas stare karte hain — all words unsaid, all fire in the eyes.

Tension visibly rising

Arjun aur Zaheer dono mein ego war  direct conflict nahi, lekin intentional intensity

Location: College canteen ke bahar, railing ke paas wali cemented boundaryTime: Late afternoon – crowd thin ho chuka hai, hawa thodi chal rahi hai

(Canteen ke andar lights dim hain, zyada students nahi. Bahar corner pe railing ke paas Ammu khadi hai — ek chhoti bottle se paani pee rahi hai. Uske shoulder pe bag, aankhon mein thakan hai.)

(Tabhi Nikhat aati hai — sports jacket pehne hue, clipboard under her arm. Thoda sa tired, lekin composed. Woh Ammu ke paas khadi ho jaati hai bina kuch bole.)

(2 second silence.)

Nikhat (softly)

Canteen ke is kone mein... hawa kaafi real chalti hai.

Ammu (just nods)

Haan...Yahan sab kuch real lagta hai.

(Ek beat. Nikhat railing se thoda lean karti hai. Door students football ground pe practice kar rahe hote hain. Nikhat unhe dekhte hue slowly bolti hai — jaise kuch soch ke, kuch chhupa ke.)

Nikhat (calm voice)

Kuch logon ke paas...Woh sab hota hai jo baaki sirf imagine karte hain.

(Ammu uski taraf dekhti hai, confused expression ke saath. Nikhat uski taraf nahi dekhti, bas saamne horizon ki taraf gaze karti hai.)

Nikhat (half-smile, eyes steady ahead)

Unke aas paas pyaar hota hai, care hoti hai, aur koi aisa...Jo unka har mood, har silence bhi samajhta hai.Kuch log lucky hote hain.

Aur kuch bas...Ek scene ka part hote hain kisi aur ki kahaani mein.

(Ammu ka haath railing pe tighten hota hai. Woh kuch bolti nahi aankhon mein woh awkward, frozen reaction jaise kuch samajh toh gayi ho... lekin keh nahi pa rahi.)

(Nikhat finally uski taraf dekhti hai. Smile karti hai — mature wali. Dard chhupa hota hai, par dignity se. Fir uska clipboard adjust karti hai aur seedha khadi hoti hai.)

Nikhat

Tere liye sab easy nahi hoga…

Par tu jis tarah se sab handle karti hai na...Main genuinely proud hoon.

(Woh halki si nod karke seedhe chal deti hai  no drama, no turn back. Ammu wahi khadi rehti hai still frozen. Woh na guilt mehsoos kar rahi hoti hai, na sympathy… bas ek heavy silence uske andar jam gaya hota hai.)

[b]Nikhat indirectly apni feelings express karti hai — Arjun ka naam liye bina[/b]

Ammu sirf sunti hai — kuch bhi reply nahi karti, aur wahi scene ka power hai

Dard hai, lekin class bhi — koi blaming, jealousy nahi

[Kuchnahi24]

Relax guys
Story is not yet over... 

I will concern your complaint or pov
But in my pov I just want to show a grey side of his character 
I don't wanna show him such a bad way... 


Lets chat in dm for further talk

BINGO …

[Greenwood]

Update 39

Location: Raat 11:45 PM – Ammu aur Shanu apne-apne kamre mein

Scene type: Late night phone call, both lying on bed, light off, just phone screen ki roshni

(Ammu bed pe late hue, phone ka speaker on. Light band hai, sirf phone screen uske chehre pe soft glow daal rahi hai. Shanu apne kamre mein usi tarah — pillow pakad ke baat kar rahi hoti hai, face pe thakawat bhari muskurahat.)

Shanu (teasing tone)

Toh madam... Nikhat se canteen ke paas kya baatein ho rahi thi?

Tum dono ka conversation full TED Talk tha ya emotional podcast?

Ammu (laughing lightly)

Ajeeb ladki hai. Har baat mein thoda sa kuch chhupa hota hai.

Kuch bolti hai... kuch dikh jaata hai.

Shanu

Jaise kuch log kuch bolte hi nahi...

Bas sab chhupa ke rakhte hain.

(Ammu yeh line ignore karti hai jaise sun ke bhi nahi suna.)

Ammu

Aur Arjun aur Zaheer ki toh full hero-villain wali rivalry ban gayi hai.

Taz toh referee se comedian ban gaya hai...Poori team ki naak mein dum hai.

Shanu (giggles)

Aur tum? Tum kahan ho is full Bollywood drama mein?

Ammu (pause)

Main?Main beech mein hoon.

Dono taraf se kheech rahi hoon…

Lekin ab… ab thak gayi hoon chup reh kar.

(Ek beat. Shanu serious ho jaati hai — pillow ke andar haath daal ke tight grip karti hai.)

Ammu (softly, almost a whisper)

Mujhe ab samajh aa gaya hai Shanu…Waqt ka koi bharosa nahi.

Jo baat dil mein hai, woh keh deni chahiye.Chaahe aansu ho, ya pyar…

Chhupa ke kuch nahi milta.

(Shanu ki aankhon mein woh line sunkar ek chamak si aati hai — jaise kisi ne uska inner switch on kar diya ho. Uska chehra suddenly blank nahi, focused lagne lagta hai.)

Shanu (slowly)

Hmm…

Sahi keh rahi hai tu.

(Ammu ko andaza nahi hota ki uski baat ne Shanu ke dil ke kisi band drawer ko quietly khol diya hai.)

Ammu (casual sigh)

Accha chhod...Kal college mein terrace chalte hain lunch ke baad?

Bas… breeze chahiye mujhe.

Mann bhari hai.

Shanu (still lost in thought)

Haan… breeze bhi…Aur kuch cheezein udane ka mann bhi hai.

(Ammu thoda hansi mein react karti hai, lekin Shanu ki tone deep ho jaati hai. Call khatam hone se pehle ek moment dono ke phone screen pe ruk jaata hai — jaise kuch decide ho gaya ho silently.)

“Kuch baatein hoti hain jo dusron ke liye advice hoti hain…

Aur apne liye turning point.”

Ammu: Emotionally aware, thodi exhausted, but deeply real

Shanu: Uska internal resolve silently trigger ho jaata hai — ab aur nahi chhupana

Mood: Calm, warm, and quietly powerful

Sab Keh Diya… Bas Ek Baat Chhod Di”

(Lunch ke baad ka terrace scene)

Location: College garden, shade ke neeche ek bench

Time: 2:20 PM – Lunch ke turant baad ka waqt, halki si dhoop, hawa tez chal rahi hai

(Terrace mostly khaali hai. Lunch ke baad zyada log classrooms mein laut chuke hain. Window ke paas wali bench pe Zaheer khada hai, railing se tikke, sunlight ki taraf dekh raha hai — thoda lost sa.)

(Usi waqt seedhiyon se Shanu aati hai  haath mein bottle hai, lekin uski grip tight hai jaise kuch control mein rakhne ki koshish ho. Uska saans thoda tez hai, aankhen thodi halki si bhari woh ruke-ruke kadam se chalti hai, ek baar ruk jaati hai Zaheer ko dekh ke. Phir khud se halke se steady breath leke uske paas jaakar rukti hai.)

Shanu (trying to act casual, but voice thodi heavy)

Zyada deep mat socho…

Bas terrace ka hawa chahiye thi, aur tum… by default furniture ho yahan.

(Zaheer chuckles lightly, phone pocket mein daal deta hai. Shanu slowly bench pe baith jaati hai peeth seedhi rakhne ki koshish, lekin haath bottle ke upar kaafi firmly placed hai.)

Zaheer

Toh kya aaj ka weather emotional hai ya dramatic?

Shanu (softly, aankhen fixed sky par)

Dono.

Aur thoda honest bhi.

(Ek beat. Zaheer quietly uske paas baith jaata hai still thoda space rakhta hai. Shanu apne words chhupke se andar se arrange kar rahi hoti hai jaise koi rehearse ki hui script finally bolne ka moment ho.)

Shanu

Main na… kabhi sochti thi ki life easy hai.

Lekin log complicate kar dete hain.

Kahi baar kisi ko sirf ek baar pakad ke kehna hota hai — “Ruk jao, mujhe tumse baat karni hai…”

Zaheer (quietly)

Toh bol deti.

Shanu (breathes in deeply)

Main bol rahi hoon na.

(Zaheer uski taraf slightly turn hota hai. Shanu ki aankhon mein thoda panic dikh raha hota hai lekin woh words sambhalti hai. Now voice flows naturally shaky nahi, lekin filled with quiet emotion.)

Shanu

Tumhare saath main… alag hoti hoon.Na mujhe smart banne ka pressure hota hai, na strong.Tumhari aankhon mein… mujhe sirf main dikhayi deti hoon.

Zaheer (now completely focused on her)

Shanu…

Shanu (interrupts gently)

Main khud se bhi kabhi kabhi jhoot bolti hoon.Lekin tumse nahi bol sakti.

(Woh thoda jhuk jaati hai, bottle ka cap kholti hai lekin paani nahi peeti — sirf usse band karke haath mein ghoomati hai.)

Shanu

Tumhare jokes bura nahi lagte, tumhara gussa bhi manageable hai…Tumhare saath silence bhicomfortable lagta hai.

(Zaheer usse bas dekhta hai — slowly realising the depth behind her usually chilled-out facade.)

Shanu (halki si muskaan ke saath, lekin aankhon mein ek dhundh)

Main tumse kuch expect nahi karti.

Bas… chahti hoon tumhe pata ho.

(Uska haath lap par tight ho jaata hai jaise woh apne aapko hold kar rahi ho. Phir woh slowly uthti hai ek composed grace ke saath.)

Shanu (turning to him with a quiet nod)

Main ab chalti hu,Class shayad miss ho gaya hoon… par ye moment miss nahi karna chahti thi.

(Woh uske answer ka intezar nahi karti. Zaheer wahi baitha rehta hai  stunned nahi, lekin emotionally stirred. Uski aankhon mein ek respect aur naya nazariya ubar aata hai.)

Background thought:

“Kuch jazbaat itne pure hote hain…

ki lafz ke bina bhi woh sab kuch keh jaate hain.”

Time shift done: post-lunch vibe — warm, quiet, intimate

Shanu ka nervousness aur courage dono dikhta hai

Zaheer ka reaction: silent realisation of how much she means it

Location: College campus – amphitheatre ke peeche wala corner, jahan ek chhoti cement ki bench aur piche ek big tree ka shade

Time: 3:30 PM – Lunch ke baad ka soft dhoop, thodi-thodi hawa chal rahi hai

(Ammu aur Shanu bench pe baithi hain dono apne bags side mein rakhe hue hain. Shanu apne haathon mein ek pen ghooma rahi hoti hai bina kuch likhe, jabki Ammu apna cold coffee sip karte hue usse silently observe kar rahi hoti hai.)

Ammu (thoda tilt ho ke)

Shanu…

Shanu (without looking)

Hmm?

Ammu (eye narrowing)

Yeh pen ghoomana kisi formula solve karne ka tareeka hai ya kuch feelings andar hi andar ghuma rahi hai?

Shanu (chhoti si laugh, but trying to act casual)

Bas aadat hai. Soch rahi thi kuch.

Ammu (playfully)

Tu soch rahi thi ya kisi ke baare mein sochti reh gayi?

(Shanu finally uski taraf dekhti hai, ek half-smile ke saath, lekin aankhen thodi halka sa moisture pakde hue. Woh kuch bolti nahi, sirf pen ruk jaata hai uske haath mein.)

Ammu (softly)

Lunch ke baad se tera chehra alag glow maar raha hai.

Vo skin-care wala nahi… heart-care wala.

Shanu (chup reh ke, aankhen neeche)

Kuch cheezein bas…

Aaj ke terrace hawa mein udd gayi shayad.

Ammu (closer lean in, teasing)

Tera dil ud gaya kya?

Shanu (halki si muskura ke)

Ruka hua tha…Aaj halka laga.

Jab tumhare saamne khud ko chhupane ki zarurat na lage,

Tab lagta hai ki shayad woh insaan sahi hai.

(Ammu thoda surprised hoti hai — pehli baar Shanu itni vulnerable lagti hai. Woh coffee ka sip le ke usse dekh rahi hoti hai — curious but quiet.)

Ammu (soft smile)

Yeh baat tu mujhe bol rahi hai ya khud ko yaad dilaa rahi hai

(Shanu ki aankhon mein halki si chamak aa jaati hai. Woh bas sir hila deti hai, aur ek sigh ke saath piche wall se tik jaati hai. Ammu uske shoulder se lightly bump karti hai, jaise “I got you” keh rahi ho bina bole.)

“Har baat lafzon ki mohtaj nahi hoti… kuch baatein aankhon se bol di jaati hain.”

Shanu opens up almost completely  just short of "I love you"

Ammu supportive, teasing, and observant

Mood: Quietly emotional, with warmth and sisterhood

Location: College football ground

Time:– 4:00 PM, practice match ongoing

(Match chal raha hai. Ground pe energy high hai. Whistle bajti hai, crowd ke side se light claps. Dono teams hustle mein. Zaheer mid-field pe hai, lekin uska chehra blank hai. Aankhon mein koi focus nahi. Ball uske paas se guzarti hai, lekin woh react nahi karta.)

(Background faint ho jaata hai — voices, crowd, shouts — sab muffled ho jaate hain. Sirf ek echo chalta hai uske dimag mein.)

Shanu (flashback echo)

“Main khud se bhi kabhi kabhi jhoot bolti hu, lekin tumse nahi bol sakti”

(Zaheer bas hawa mein dekh raha hota hai. Phir ek thokar padti hai — ball ke liye ek ladka Arjun ki team se aata hai, Zaheer usse lightly takra ke door ghasit ke gir jaata hai. Crowd mein se kuch “oooh!” wali awaaz aati hai. Referee whistle bajata hai.)

Arjun (corner se)

Abe jhantu! Dhyaan kidhar hai, panga lega kya firse?

*(Arjun already ready hota hai  jaise Zaheer gussa karega toh woh bhi thanda nahi rahega. Dono aankhon se contact hota hai.)

BUT — Zaheer ka expression totally alag hota hai — blank, quiet, still lost.)

*(Zaheer slowly uthta hai — koi attitude nahi, koi reaction nahi. Bas apne gire hue gloves uthata hai, jersey ka dust saaf karta hai, aur silently ground ke edge pe jaake baith jaata hai.)

(Poora crowd confuse. Teammates confused. Arjun apni aankhon ko narrow karta hai — jaise samajhne ki koshish kar raha ho — “Yeh kya chal raha hai iske dimag mein?”)

*(Camera tight zoom deta hai Zaheer ke chehre pe — uski aankhon mein game nahi, sirf ek ladki ka chehra.)

Shanu.

Aur uske woh words, baar baar… slow motion mein chal rahe hote hain:

Shanu (voiceover)

“tumhare sath silence bhi comfortable lagta hai”

(Uski aankhon ke saamne goalpost blur ho jaata hai. Bas uske dil mein ek shabd baar-baar ghoomta hai — "Shanu.")

Sirf ek thought dikhayi deta hai screen pe:

“Kabhi kabhi… match ground pe nahi, dil ke andar chalta hai.”

Arjun notices kuch weird, lekin kuch keh nahi paata

Zaheer quietly steps away — no gussa, no ego, just... emotionally stunned ,Flashback and echo-style memory add a cinematic slow-burn feel,Shanu ki baatein uska pura emotional state capture karti hain

[b]Location: zaheer ki chhat[/b]

Time: 6:45 – Golden sunlight, soft breeze, end of college hours

(Scene open hota hai – Ammu ne dupatta loosely daala hua. Arjun peeche se aata hai — dono ke steps almost sync mein. Dono thode distance pe, lekin hawaon mein pehle jaisa tension phir se hai.)

Arjun (softly)

Tu pehle jaise kyun nahi rahi?

Ammu (without turning)

Aur tu… pehle jaisa tha kab?

(Ammu rukti hai, uski aankhon mein wo familiar “don’t mess with me” look. Arjun aake uske side mein khada hota hai — thoda tilted smile ke saath.)

Arjun

Main pehle bhi pagal tha…Ab bhi hoon…Bas tu tab sirf ghoorti thi,Ab aankhon ke saath shabd bhi chalane lagi hai.

(Ammu aankhen narrow karke dekhti hai. Arjun uski aankhon mein directly jhaankta hai — playful and confident.)

Ammu

Main sirf ghoorti thi?Tu mujhe dekh ke poori dressing sense ki insult karta tha.

Arjun (grins

Correction.Main tujhe observe karta tha.Tu jab white kurti pe blue leggings pehenti thi…

Aur jab tera dupatta thoda lose ho jaata tha… collarbone se halki neckline dikh jaati thi...

(Ammu turant uska haath thoda push karti hai. Arjun haanste hue peeche hota hai.)

Ammu (blushing, fake anger)

Shut up, Arjun. Tujhe sirf cheap baatein yaad rehti hain!

Arjun

Or wo din yaad hai, jab tu wo lene aayi thi tera... And kitni embracing lag rhai thi

Ammu

Arjun… tu pagal hai…Mat yaad dila wo din…

Main mar gayi thi embarrassment se!

Arjun (soft, slow voice mein)

Lekin main toh zinda ho gaya tha…

Us din tujhe dekhke…Jo blush tu ne kiya tha…Usme mujhe teri aankhon ka ishq dikha tha.

(Ammu ab thoda confused si smile ke saath aankhen jhuka leti hai. Dupatta adjust karti hai — thoda protectively apne chest ke around. Arjun notice karta hai.)

Arjun (playfully)

Tu ab bhi blush karti hai…Par tujhe samajh nahi aata, main tujhse flirting nahi…Teri taareef karta hoon.

(Ammu aankhen uthake Arjun ko thoda ghoorti hai — jaise kehna chahti ho “You’re impossible.” Arjun us ghoor ko enjoy karta hai.)

Arjun (low tone)

Main tumhare figure ke baare mein kuch bolu?Ya fir… us tarah chalti ho na…Jaise tumhara dupatta bhi meri taraf hota hai…

(Ammu ka expression full stunned. Thoda shocked. Phir aankhen narrow karti hai, aur baal ek side karte hue bolti hai:)

Ammu (sarcastic)

Tu control mein rehega ya thappad chahiye?

Arjun (confident)

Main toh thappad ke badle hug choose karta hoon.

(Ammu smile suppress nahi kar pati. She rolls her eyes and turns to walk away. Arjun peeche se kehta ha, isi bich suit thoda mess hone se ammu ka bra strep dikhta hai pink:)

Arjun

Waise… tu pink mein aaj bhi divine lagti hai.

Ammu (hanste huye)

Oye ye pink suit nahi hai pagal,

Arjun(indirectly ishara karte huye) pp

Par andar ka same hai ammu

Usse bhi zyada sexy hai.

(Ammu sharma jati hai,or apna dupatta sahi kar leti hai)

Ammu

Tu ab bhi wahi hai… Lafzon se chhedta hai, lekin aankhon se sach bolta hai.

( Arjun uske peeche khada, aur Ammu halki si blush ke saath aage chalti hai lekin uska chehra camera ko smile dete hue frame se out hota hai.)

Arjun: Flirty but real, teasing but observant

Ammu: Blush + thoda resist + thoda attracted

[b]Undergarment memory: Subtle but spicy[/b]

[Greenwood]

Update 40

Time: 1:25 AM

Location: Zaheer ki chhat – top floor,

(Wide shot – andhera hai, bas moonlight aa rahi hai. Hawa slow speed pe chal raha hai. Zaheer khat pe letke aasman ko ghoor raha hai  aankhen khuli hui, expression blank but heavy.)

(Voice-over format mein Shanu ki pehli line gunjti hai – soft echo ke saath)

Shanu (echoed memory)

"Main sab bol chuki hoon… bas ek lafz chhod diya hai."

(Zaheer slowly aankhen band karta hai, par fir turant khol deta hai. Woh side mudta hai, pillow adjust karta hai… lekin fir bhi sukoon nahi milta.)

Zaheer (andar se – soft thought)

Uski aankhon mein darr bhi tha... par saaf tha…Wo mujhse kuch chhupa nahi rahi thi... sirf rok rahi thi.

(Slow zoom-in – Zaheer uthta hai, bistar se nikal ke balcony ke paas aata hai. chhat pe nazar jaati hai breeze slow chal rahi hai, kahin door ek dog bhauk raha hai.)

(Woh haath se railing ki grill pakad ke khada ho jaata hai aankhon mein deep reflection.)

Zaheer (andar hi andar)

Jab usne kaha ki uska sab mere liye tha…Toh main kuch keh hi nahi paaya… kyunki mujhe lagaa…

Main deserve hi nahi karta tha.

(Thoda sa back flash mein — Shanu ki aankhen, wo corridor mein nervous body language, aur uski shaky voice screen pe momentarily flash hota hai.)

Shanu (echoed)

"Mujhe tere saath waqt chahiye Zaheer… bas waqt…"

(Zaheer apne haathon ki taraf dekhta hai — jaise us waqt usne Shanu ka haath pakda hota, par nahi kiya.)

Zaheer (whispered tone)

Tu kyun bol gayi ye sab…

Ab neend kahaan aayegi?

(Woh ek halki si thandi saans chhodta hai moonlight uske half face pe padti hai. Slow instrumental piano background mein bajne lagta hai.)

(Zaheer apna phone uthata hai, WhatsApp kholta hai — Shanu ka chat open karta hai. Cursor blinking… kuch type karta hai, fir delete… fir blank screen.)

*(Zoom on screen: “Typing…” likha aata hai… fir sab erase.)

(Last mein sirf ek voice note open karta hai, phir cancel kar deta hai.)

Zaheer (andar se – final thought)

Waqt toh chahiye tujhko…

Lekin main khud… kab se us waqt mein atak gaya hoon.

Zaheer fir kamre me bistar pe jaake let jaata hai blanket sirf pair tak.Aankhen khuli hain.Camera slowly zoom out karta hai ceiling fan, soft moonlight, aur ek dil mein uthta hua khayal:

"Wo ladki mere dil ke liye zyada soft hai…

Isliye main har waqt uske baare mein sochta hoon… loud nahi, lekin poore volume mein.

Vibe:

Pure late-night emotional stillness

Shanu ke baatein bina uske present hone ke zaheer ke dil pe chal rahi

No drama, no noise — just silent unrest

Location: Gali ka mod – Arjun aur Zaheer ke ghar ke beech ki chhoti gali

Time: 7:55 AM – College ke liye nikalne ka waqt

(Zaheer blue hoodie pehne, backpack daale, bike ke side stand hata raha hota hai. Tabhi gali ke dusre corner se Arjun aata hai — usual casual shirt, bag shoulder pe, earphones gale me latke.)

(Dono ek dusre ko door se spot kar lete hain. Ek lamha freeze hota hai. Dono ke chehre pe non-verbal static tension. Na hello. Na nod. Sirf aankhon mein wo “tu fir samne aa gaya” wali energy.)

(Zaheer helmet pakadta hai, par pehenta nahi. Arjun bhi chhoti si rukawat ke saath slow walk karta hai. Jab dono almost pass se guzarte hain, ek side-eye exchange hota hai — na gussa pure gaya, na pyaar wapas aaya.)

(Background mein halki morning breeze. Koi choti ladki college bag leke side se guzarti hai, uske saath ek puppy bhi. Wo scene ki awkwardness ka contrast ban jaata hai.)

Arjun (andar se, thought only)

Kaash hum dono sirf college ke teammate hote…Yeh personal chapter kab kaat gaya?

Zaheer (andar se, parallel thought)

Bolne ko kuch nahi hai…Par lagta hai sab keh chuka hoon uske haathon se collar pakad ke.

(Arjun silently nikal jaata hai seedha. Zaheer opposite direction mein kick maar ke bike start karta hai. Dono ek dusre ki back ko last baar dekhte hain — without turning heads.)

“Shanu's Library Hour”

Location: College Library – Window seat

Time: 9:15 AM

(Shanu corner table pe baithi hoti hai open notebook, pen haath mein, par likh kuch nahi rahi. Uski aankhon mein halki si thakaan hai, lekin ek softness bhi. Kabhi-kabhi window ke bahar dekhti hai, phir diary mein kuch doodle kar leti hai.)

(Flashback style mein previous night ka Ammu ke saath call yaad aata hai)

Ammu (echoed memory)

“Waqt ka kya bharosa…

Isliye kuch bhi dil mein nahi rakhna chahiye…”

(Shanu diary ke ek kone mein likhti hai:)

"Kuch bhi dil mein nahi rakhna chahiye..."

Phir turant us line ke neeche ek chhota sa smiling face bana deti hai jaise apne dil ko thoda sa push kar rahi ho positivity ke taraf.)*

(She remembers Zaheer’s eyes — jab usne usse almost sab keh diya tha. Ek chhoti si blush uske lips pe aata hai, lekin wo hide kar leti hai.)

Shanu (andar se)

Main toh keh chuki hoon sab… bas “woh” lafz chhod diya…

Ab uske jawaab ka intezaar hai… bina maange.

(Tabhi ek book shelf ke peechhe se Zaheer ka silhouette nazar aata hai. Woh door se kisi dusre shelf ke samne khada hota hai, unaware ki Shanu usse dekh rahi hai.)

(Shanu bas quietly usse dekhti hai na smile karti hai, na chhupti hai. Just observes. Ek silent beat.)

(Woh diary band karti hai, aur sirf itna bolti hai apne andar se)

Shanu (softly)

Tune toh raat meri neend uda di…Aaj subah meri subah bhi tu hi ban gaya hai.

Zaheer bookshelf se ek novel uthata hai (but clearly he's not paying attention).Shanu us moment ko smile ke saath accept karti hai.

Light instrumental score fade in hota hai soft guitar notes.

Location: College Canteen – Left window corner table

Time: 11:50 AM – Lunch break se thoda pehle ka rush

(Canteen mein halki bheed hai. Log tray leke idhar udhar jaa rahe hain. Ek side table pe Ammu already baithi hoti hai  ek novel khola hua, aur chhoti si coffee cup uske paas. Uska dhyaan book mein hai.)

(Arjun apni tray leke dusre end se aa raha hota hai, aur uska dhyaan table pe nahi, balki apne phone pe hota hai Taz ka koi meme bhej raha hota hai. Without looking, woh Ammu ke table pe baith jaata hai — SAME TABLE — aur turant uske haath Ammu ke haath se TOUCH kar jaate hain.)

*(Ek second ka freeze.)

(Dono ek dusre ki aankhon mein seedha dekhte hain.)

Ammu (surprised)

Tum…?

Arjun (phone side rakhte hue)

Main? Main toh seat dhoondh raha tha… Aur mil gayi… galti se sahi.

(Ammu ka haath instant reflex se hatt jaata hai, lekin nazar wapas Arjun pe chali jaati hai. Arjun tray adjust karta hai, casually.)

Arjun (with half smile)

Tu coffee pi rahi hai? Waise… tu kaunsi cheez chhodti hai taste ke naam pe?

Ammu (deadpan)

Bakwas chize chhodne ki koshish ki thi. Lekin tum gaye nahi.

(Arjun laugh choke karta hai halka cough, fir muskarata hai.)

Arjun

Tera sarcasm pehle jaise sharp hai.

Lekin ek baat kahun?Tu coffee ke saath… aur bhi mature lagti hai.

Ammu (raised eyebrow)

Mature ya budhhi dadi

Arjun (leans in slightly)

Mature…

Old toh tab bhi nahi lagegi thi jab tu 80 baras ki budhhi ho jayegi, or teri khoobsurati aisi ki aisi rahegi

(Ammu ka chehra full blush + glare. She looks around to check if anyone heard. Arjun us moment ka pura maza le raha hota hai.)

Ammu (hushed)

Tu mar jaa na please.

Arjun (smirks)

Tere haathon se marne ka idea… kaafi romantic lagta hai.

(Suddenly ek ladka aata hai aur unki table se takrata hai,thoda jhatka lagta hai. Table hilti hai aur Ammu ka coffee cup girte girte bachta hai. Arjun jaldi se cup pakadta hai uska haath Ammu ke hand pe fir se touch hota hai. Lekin iss baar dono haath hataate nahi. Ek lamha rukta hai.)

(Background se soft slow music ka instrumental vibe — halki si breeze chalti hai.)

Arjun (seriously)

Kabhi kabhi accident…Sabse honest moment hota hai.

*(Ammu bas uski aankhon mein dekhti hai. Phir slowly haath hataati hai, cup wapas uthati hai, lekin kuch nahi bolti.)

(Ek chhoti si smile — na haan, na naa — bas confused warmth.)

Ammu (softly)

Mujhe class ke liye nikalna hai…

Arjun

Toh jaa… Lekin agle “accident” ke liye tayyar rehna.

(Ammu uthti hai, tray pakadti hai, lekin jaane se pehle palat ke ek baar Arjun ko dekhti hai — long look. Arjun sirf wink karta hai.)

(Scene cut on Ammu's blush + eye-roll mix expression as she walks off — aur Arjun ka slow sip of coke with that “she’s still into me” confidence.)

[i]Ammu jaise hi canteen se bahar jaati hai, Arjun uski back dekhte hue thoda dreamy ho jata hai. Pehle ka touch, woh nazar… sab yaad aa raha hai. Tabhi  Ek sudden thud! Taz apni tray lekar usi bench pe Arjun ke saamne jhat se baithta hai.)[/i]

Taz (mouth full)

Bhai… bhai… tu toh Romeo 2.0 lag raha hai.

Laga… laga… current toh gaya hai tujhmein!

(Arjun thoda jump maar jaata hai)

Arjun

Abe tu kaha se tapak gaya be?

Taz

Kahi nahi…Tere aur Ammu ke nayan-milap ki sixth-row audience tha main.Mujhe sab dikh gaya.

Arjun (sighs)

Haan yaar… maaf toh kar diya usne…

Lekin lagta hai spark kuch missing hai.Wo baat… jo pehle thi…

Taz (tray side rakh ke lean karta hai)

Toh sun…Taz Baba ka totka number 143.

(Arjun suspicious look deta hai.)

Taz

Sabse pehle — tu uske saamne emotional ho ja.Full filmy style.

“Main tere bina zinda nahi reh sakta Ammu…”

Aur tab tu chhup chaap… ek pyaaz ka juice pee ja.

Aankhon mein aansu aayenge — real!

Arjun

Bro… pyaaz?

Taz

Trust kar bhai. Ye scientifically tested hai… main khud ro chuka hoon isse.

Arjun

No. Not happening.

Taz (excited)

Theek hai, plan B.

Uske liye ek love dance kar.

Canteen ke beech mein.

Koi bhajan pe nahi — “Tumse Milke Dil Ka” wale beat pe.

Shirt phaad ke chest pe likh — “Only Yours”

Arjun (horrified)

Tujhe security officer ne kab chhoda tha last time?

Taz

Plan C.

Ammu ko apne paas bula…

Aur dheere se uske kaan mein bol —

"Main tujhe dekh ke hi brush karta hoon…"

Arjun

Taz, tu brush se direct pyaar mein kaise jump karta hai yaar!?

Taz (seriously)

Bro... tu emotion mein invest kar raha hai.Main hygiene mein feel laa raha hoon.

(Arjun facepalm karta hai.)

Arjun

Bas. Chup. Ab tu bas khana kha.

Aur mere aas paas mat aana.

Taz (chewing, proud expression)

Bhai… kabhi kabhi mujhe khud pe garv hota hai.

Log saleem-javed bolte hai…

Main Taz-Kitchen ke naam se pyaar baant raha hoon.

(Camera slowly zoom out karta hai. Arjun uski tray uthake dusri taraf move karne lagta hai Taz uske peeche “aur bhi advice hai” kehke chillata hai.)

Taz (background me)

Next time ke liye chikni mitti ka pack try kar le bhai! Usse ladkiyon ko instant spiritual connection hota hai!

(Arjun peeche se “NAHINNN!” jaisi expression deta hai, lekin smile dikh jaata hai uske chehre pe.)

Camera canteen ke upar wale fan pe zoom karta hai…

Fan slow ghoom raha hai…

Canteen ka ambient noise fade hota hai…Arjun aur Taz dono scene se out ho jaate hain…Bas ek soft music fade-in hota hai.

Location: College Football Ground

Time: 5:30 PM – Practice Match Prep

(Football ground pe college ke boys warm-up kar rahe hain. Ek team Arjun ki lead mein hai, doosri Zaheer ke under. Coach abhi tak nahi aaya. Practice informal hai, lekin intensity full hai.)

(Zaheer ball ko juggle kar raha hai, thoda aggressively. Arjun dusre side se aake cones set karwa raha hota hai. Dono ke beech clearly koi communication nahi hai.)

(Tabhi ball roll hoke Arjun ke paas aata hai. Arjun us ball ko pick karta hai, aur thoda force se Zaheer ki taraf phenkta hai — not violently, but with attitude.)

Zaheer (catch karte hue, cold)

Tameez se bhi de sakta tha.

Arjun (straight face)

Tujhse tameez ki ummeed bhi nahi thi… toh kya fark padta hai?

(Silence. Kuch players pehle confuse, fir alert ho jaate hain. Ek team member bola jata hai "Arey chill guys…")

Zaheer (walks toward him)

Tu mujhse takraane ka mauka dhoondh raha hai Arjun…Kya chahiye? Ek aur collar pakadne wali yaad?

Arjun (steps forward)

Mauka nahi… wajah dhoond raha hoon.Aur tu toh har jagah bikhra pada hai… wajah banne ke liye.

Hero banne ka shauk tha na… ab villain lag raha hai tu.

Zaheer (laughs dry)

Tu toh pehle se villain tha…

Arjun (boils)

Aur tu kya tha?Behen ka guardian banne chala tha…Lekin usi ko emotional guilt mein dhakel diya Asad ke haathon!Tu toh bhai ke naam pe dhabba nikla!

Zaheer (flares up)

Apni maa baap ki izzat rakhi hai tune? Log kehte the Arjun sharif hai…

Main kehta hoon tu ek number ka manipulative chutiya hai!

Arjun (pushes cone aside, steps real close)

Chutiya bol ke bach gaya tu…

Warna iss baar tujhe ball nahi… muh todke dena tha mujhe!

Zaheer (nose to nose)

Aa na phir…

Ground hai, log hain, sab dekhenge ki Ek achhe dikhte hero ki asli aukaat kya hoti hai, sabko dikha de!

(Dono ke beech physical space minimum. Dusre players tension mein aa jaate hain. Ek do banda beech mein aake lightly push karta hai  “Arey rehne do yaar, kya kar rahe ho?”)

Arjun (clenched jaw)

Tu sirf Ammu ka bhai nahi…Ek insecure, ego wala kutta hai Jisko hamesha lagta hai ki har ladki ko protect karna uski duty hai.

Zaheer (eyes red)

Aur tu us har ladki ko possess karne wala harami hai…Pyaar karna nahi aata, bas jeetna aata hai tujhe.

(Ek final glare. Dono ek dusre ko almost dhakka dene ke mood mein, lekin coach ke whistle ki awaaz aati hai background mein dono ka moment freeze ho jaata hai. Coach aate hi sab fake busy ho jaate hain. Dono aankhon se aag barsa rahe hote hain.)

Coach (strict)

Jo personal war chal raha hai na…

Usse ground ke bahar chhodo.

Yeh college ka match hai, gully ka nahi!

(Dono silence mein distance bana lete hain —lekin aankhon mein clearly likha hai: “Ye khatam nahi hua.”)

Arjun aur Zaheer opposite ends pe khade hain Same team ke members confused

Pure hate & fire

Zero filter words

⚡ Emotions at edge

[Anum sheikh]

Oops, ye dono bs ankho or zuban se katlo ghrat krty rhain gay ya such churiya chaqoo nzer ayi gi