[Greenwood]

nice start looks interesting

Thank you sir
Keep support bro... And enjoy the story

[Greenwood]

Nice update

Yes just for my readers....

[Greenwood]

nice start. but please DO NOT WRITE IN ALL CAPS - it sounds like everyone is shouting all the time... kindly use proper casing (all lower case is fine as well)

Okay brother I'll remember 
Plz rate kardo bhai story ko and continue read karna

[Greenwood]

Upadte 3



Canteen packed hai ,kuch log maggi khate hue, kuch tables pe cards chal rahe hain.
Arjun aur Zaheer ek kone ki table pe baithe hain cold coffee aur samosa leke.
Tabhi ek nervous ladka,1st year wala Rishi aata hai thoda hichkichate hue.

RISHI (low voice): Arjun bhai... Zaheer bhai… thoda help chahiy

ARJUN (half-smile): Bol Rishi... kis teacher ka scooter chori karna hai?

RISHI:Wo nahi bhai… meri girlfriend hostel mein hai. Aaj uska birthday hai.
Main bas 5 minute ke liye usse wish karna chahta hoon... properly.
But hostel ka guard… matlab bhai, impossible hai.

Canteen packed hai — kuch log maggi khate hue, kuch tables pe cards chal rahe hain.
Arjun aur Zaheer ek kone ki table pe baithe hain — cold coffee aur samosa leke.
Tabhi ek nervous ladka, 2nd year wala "Rishi", aata hai — thoda hichkichate hue.
RISHI (low voice):
“Arjun bhai... Zaheer bhai… thoda help chahiye…”
ARJUN (half-smile):
“Bol Rishi... kis teacher ka scooter chori karna hai?”
RISHI:
“Wo nahi bhai… meri girlfriend hostel mein hai. Aaj uska birthday hai.
Main bas 5 minute ke liye usse wish karna chahta hoon... properly.

ZAHEER: Toh chori nahi, toh chori jaisa kaam toh hai.
(Rishi nod karta hai — hopeful)
Arjun aur Zaheer ek dusre ki taraf dekhte hain kuch nahi bolte.
Bas witty smile exchange karte hain  jaise plan already ready ho.

OUTSIDE GIRLS’ HOSTEL WALL
College ka side compound  hostel ka ek concrete wall.
Arjun aur Zaheer low-voice mein baat kar rahe hain, Rishi unke saath chhupa hua hai.

ZAHEER :Left wala light bandh hai... matlab warden ka room dark hai. Guard 15-minute ke chakkar mein gate se round leta hai.”

ARJUN:Rishi, tu ready hai? Ek baar chance mila toh sirf 3-minute hai.

RISHI (nervously):Haan bhai… par andar kaise?

ARJUN:Idhar se wall chhoti hai. Tu neeche se gift aur letter mujhe de,
main ladder pakda raha hoon. Baaki sab Zaheer manage karega.

Zaheer guard ke track pe aake casual chalne lagta hai phone pe loud voice mein:


ZAHEER (fake anger dikhate huye): Arey bhai Maine kaha na battery dead ho gaya toh light nahi jal raha...
Kya tu samajhta nahi kya? Tere CCTV ke wires loose hain

Guard (irritated):
Abe kaun hai tu? CCTV? Light? Kya bol raha hai?

Zaheer: Hostel ka contractor hoon, main,Tu call de admin ko, abhi!

(Guard totally confused — Zaheer usse gate ke left side le jaata hai)

Arjun peeche ke low wall pe Rishi ki madad se chhota ladder lagata hai.
Inside the hostel fence,ek ground floor window se ek ladki slowly curtain side karta hai Rishi ki girlfriend.

ARJUN (whispers):Abey chup, tujhe dikh raha hai na? Ja, wish bol, aur chilla mat.

RISHI (excited, emotional):
Happy birthday, Ria…
(Ladki silent smile karti hai — andar se ek small paper heart hold karti hai)

Arjun quietly unka gift window se pass karta hai.



Zaheer, guard se full technical nonsense bolke usko confuse karta hai:Kal light meter reading mein spike aaya tha, aapka fan overload ho raha hai…

Guard finally kehta hai, Theek hai bhai, tu ja... lekin ye sab mat bol!

Zaheer:Bas duty samajh ke bol raha hoon. Respect hai aapke night shift ko.

Arjun, Zaheer aur Rishi back walk kar rahe hote hain.

RISHI (super grateful):
Bhai, aap dono jaise log… asli college legend ho!

ARJUN:
Bas yeh yaad rakh agle saal same date pe, tujhe guard ke liye pastry bhi leke aani hai.

ZAHEER:Wo nahi khayega... lekin respect milega.
(Dono ek dusre ko look dete hai, mission accomplished.)

Living room shaant hai. Ek kone ka lamp on hai soft yellow glow.

TV off. Kitchen ka shelf half open.
Ammu sofa pe baithi hai, ek side ka earphone laga hai, dusre se textbook dheere-dheere close kar rahi hai.
Main door quietly khulta hai Zaheer shoes haath mein leke andar aata hai.Uska shirt messed up tha lekin wo khud relax lag raha tha.


AMMU (without looking at him):Late night secret missions chal rahe hain kya aajkal

ZAHEER (lightly):Bas thoda social service... dosti ke naam pe.

AMMU:Dosti ya daredevil delivery

Zaheer paani ki bottle leke ek sip leta hai. Ammu ab uski taraf dekh ke book band kar leti hai.

ZAHEER (sitting on sofa ):Ek banda apni girlfriend ko girls hostel ke window tak birthday wish karna chahta tha.
Arjun aur main bas... assistant directors ban gaye.

AMMU (grinning):
Toh tum dono ne hostel wall ko public park samajh ke operation chalu kiya

ZAHEER:Ek dum calculated risk.
Guard ko ghuma diya, window locate ki, gift handover,. Clean exit.

AMMU:Banda apni girlfriend ke liye hostel ke peechhe ghus gaya.
Tum log uske liye time table bana ke aaye

ZAHEER:Tu samjhegi nahi. Real romance logistics pe tikta hai.

AMMU (soft smile):Waise tu bahut chilled hai.
Par tu kuch bhi kare, main samajh jaati hoon.

ZAHEER (softer tone):
Ajeeb hai na...kisi aur ke pyaar ko arrange karte hue kabhi-kabhi sochta hoon,
hum log kya kabhi us zone mein jaate bhi hain

AMMU :Shayad nahi...
Ya ho sakta hai hum kisi aur type ke zone mein hain.
Jahan hum dusron ke liye karte hain, par khud ke liye...
( Dono ek dusre ko dekhtay hain. No over-dialogue.)

AMMU (chuppi todte hue):
Chal, chocolate le aa fridge se. Tu deserve karta hai.

ZAHEER (getting up):Tu har scene mein emotional drop deti hai. Scripted lagta hai.

AMMU:Main toh naturally intense hoon.
Tu soch hostel wall cross karne ke badle chocolate mil rahi hai… fair deal.

ZAHEER (walking toward kitchen):Next time kisi ko propose karna hoga, main tujhe hi bhejunga.

AMMU (chillati hai):
“Chocolate dark wala le aana!”

NEXT MORNING

Campus mein usual hustle bustle chal raha hai students aate ja rahe hain, kuch bench pe gossip, kuch canteen ki line mein.
Arjun aur Zaheer ek kone ki bench pe baithe hain. Zaheer ne backpack god mein rakha hai, Arjun ka face thoda stiff hai dono ke expressions se lag raha hai: kaand ho gaya hai, par pakde nahi gaye.

ARJUN (low voice):Principal ne sirf Ravi ko suspend kiya... hamara naam le bhi deta toh

ZAHEER (casually flipping a pen):Main toh mentally bike bech chuka tha.
Papa ko lagta hai main counter pe khada hoon aur main hostel wall ke peeche ninja mode mein ghoom raha tha

ARJUN:Mujhe toh abhi bhi darr lag raha hai... mummy ne bola tha ‘kisi ladki ke chakkar mein mat padna’… main toh delivery boy ban gaya.

ZAHEER:Tension mat le. Ravi ne bola tha ‘main hi gaya tha, main hi responsible hoon.’
Kya hi banda hai yeh — girlfriend se milne gaya aur jail almost ho gaya.
(Dono moment ke liye silent ho jaate hain, fir thoda sa hansa bhi dete hain)


TAZ college ke main hall se aata hai casual black hoodie, earphones neck pe latke hue. Uska expression hamesha neutral hota hai na friendly, na cold.
Woh Zaheer ke papa ki dukaan pe part-time kaam karta hai, toh familiarity hai.

TAZ :Toh... mujhe laga tum dono breakfast kar rahe hoge.
Par yahan toh chehre latak rahe hai.

ZAHEER :Kya kar raha hai Taz? Dukaan se off leke aaya?

TAZ (shrugs):Zaheer bhai ke liye toh heart bhi deliver kar doon, toh papa mujhpe bharosa kar lenge.Principal ne Ravi ko kaise pakda

ZAHEER :Guard ne kuch dekha tha... rest guesswork tha. Hamara naam nahi aaya.

TAZ :Interesting... matlab kaam perfect hua, lekin jo banda andar gaya woh gaya... aur heroes safe?Chalo, good job.
Waise, agar kabhi koi kaam underground chahiye ho na... ya info chahiye ho,
toh mujhe yaad kar lena.

Waqt ne apna kaam kar diya. College ke corridor, jo pehle sirf dosti aur bunk ki planning se bhare hote the, ab future ki tension ki baat hoti hai.

Zaheer aur Arjun ab apne final year mein hain dono ke chehre pe thodi maturity, lekin aankhon mein ab bhi wahi confidence. Arjun ki kapdon ki chhoti si dukan, jo kabhi nukkad pe chhoti lights mein chalti thi, ab ek proper branded showroom ban chuki hai,glass walls, AC, aur ek board jisme likha hota hai "Singh Clothing Co."
Arjun ke sapne jaise slowly form le rahe ho.

Ammu aur Shanu, ab college mein officially students ban chuki hain naye uniform, naye groups, aur naye nazariye ke saath. Pehle jo sirf unke bhaiyon ki kahaaniyon ka part thi, ab khud apni stories likh rahi hain. Ammu,famous ho chuki hai apni debates aur clean comebacks ke liye, jabki Shanu apne charm aur soft presence ke saath sabko slowly win kar rahi hai.

Vicky Arjun ka chhota bhai ab Delhi mein hai, higher studies ke liye. Uski room se ab loud cricket commentary nahi aati, lekin kabhi-kabhi Arjun ki phone ringtone pe uska naam flash karta hai “king of Logic calling.”

Aur Asma...Usne classical dance join kiya hai thoda stage shy hai, lekin jab music bajta hai, toh pura college hall uski taal pe ruk jaata hai.

Zaheer ke liye ab woh choti behen se zyada ek grown, thinking person ban gayi hai jo samajh gayi hai ki duniya mein kaise khud ko hold karke chalna hai.

Aur fir hai Taz.
Wahi Taz jo ab bhi college mein hai, ab zyada quiet, zyada busy…
Dukaan pe ab bhi part-time kaam karta hai, lekin campus mein uska presence kisi shadow jaisa hai
sab kuch dekhta hai, bolta kam hai… aur kis taraf hai, ye abhi bhi kisi ko pata nahi.

Arjun aur Ammu ki bonding or jyada layer lete ja rahi thi

Dono ek doosre ko mehsoos karte hain, samajhte hain,
aur unki aankhon ke beech wo baat hoti hai jo zubaan kabhi keh nahi paayi.
Unka connection soft hai, clean hai, lekin unspoken.
Kisi ko kuch nahi pata na Zaheer ko, na Shanu ko, na duniya ko
par jab kabhi raasta chhota ho jaye aur dono saath chal rahe ho,
toh lagta hai jaise waqt bhi unki raftar se chal raha ho.

Sab apni-apni journey mein thode aage badh chuke hain.
Dosti wahi hai, faces wahi hain, par kahaani mein ek naya mood aur chhupa hua jazbaat aa chuka hai.

[Greenwood]

There is some mistake in my cell

Sorry for inconvenience 

I'll update soon

[Greenwood]

Update 4

New academic year start ho chuka hai. Campus mein freshers ka halka excitement, seniors ka thoda attitude. Corridor thoda zyada loud, reception pe rush. Posters, fest announcements, chai tapri ke new juniors.Arjun aur Zaheer college ke andar walk karte hue dikhte hain — dono mein final year ka confidence hai, lekin chilled out vibe ke saath.

Arjun:Last year bro. Ek taraf placement ka stress, aur dusri taraf woh same canteen ka stale patties.

Zaheer:Tu toh pehle hi fail karke apna bonus year arrange kar le... scene sorted.

COLLEGE CLASSROOM LOBBY
Class ke baad ka time. Students idhar-udhar baithke chill kar rahe hain.Shanu aur Ammu dono naye admission le chuki hoti hain. First year ka nervous-cool combo. Yeh dono college ke ek kone mein khadi hoti hain, ek dusri se notes discuss karte hue. Dono ke paas woh naya-bag-new-energy vibe hota hai.

Zaheer ki nazar door se jaati hai, but koi obvious reaction nahi. Shanu bhi casually dekhti hai par awkward avoid kar leti hai.

Monsoon ka mausam hai. Aasmaan pe badal chhaye hue hain, lekin koi serious warning nahi. Campus mein sab apne apne kaam mein lage hote hain. SHANU library se nikalti hai, haath mein books aur ek chhoti si chips ka packet. ZAHEER bike stand ke paas khada hai apna raincoat dhoondh raha hai, lekin bag mein kuch aur hi cheezen mil rahi hain.

Pehla boond girta hai.

SHANU (sarcastic):-Wow, weather app ne toh dhoop bola tha.

ZAHEER (bag mein jhaankte hue):-Mujhe laga main raincoat laya hoon…

Tabhi zor se baarish start ho jaati hai ekdum se sab bhaagte hain. Shanu aur Zaheer nearby ek chhoti chai tapri ke tin roof ke neeche jaa chhupte hain.Tin roof pe baarish ki tap-tap sound ho rahi hai. Shanu aur Zaheer dono bheeg chuke hain thoda kapdon se paani tapak raha hai, haath mein chips ki packet chipak chuki hai.

SHANU (looking at chips):-Khaane laayak nahi bacha.

ZAHEER (tapri wale se):-Do chai. Adrak waali.

Shanu thoda surprised hoti hai Zaheer ke tone mein ek calm confidence hota hai jo usually dikhai nahi deta.

SHANU:- Tum hamesha aise calm rehte ho?

ZAHEER:- Nahi… bas baarish mein sab kuch thoda slow ho jaata hai. Main bhi.

SHANU:-Hmm. Mere saath toh baarish mein zyada thoughts aate hain.

ZAHEER:- Toh aaj kya thoughts aaye?

SHANU (shrugs):-Ki shayad sab log waise nahi hote jaise dikhte hain. Tum jaise…

Zaheer thoda confused dekhta hai, but kuch nahi bolta.
Tapri wala chai dete hai. Ek sip ke baad chhoti si silence hoti hai.

ZAHEER:- Main boring hoon, na?

SHANU (thoda smile kar ke):-Boring, but useful. Tum woh pen jaise ho jo hamesha likhta hai… but kabhi dhyan nahi jaata uspe.

Zaheer hasta hai a light, genuine laugh. First time dono ke beech ek warm silence banta hai, bina awkwardness ke.

Ammu apne bhai ko dhundhte huye arjun ke paas aati hai,dono ke paas hi chhata nahi hota or ammu arjun ki taraf dekh kar bolti hai

AMMU:-Itni tez ho gayi, mujhe laga main library mein phas jaungi.

ARJUN:-Come, drop de deta hoon. Free mein sarcasm bhi milega.

AMMU smile karti hai
Arjun apni scooty start karta hai. Ammu baithti hai don’t-touch-me posture mein. Lekin baarish aur thand badhti jaati hai.
Half ride ke baad Ammu thoda Arjun ke peechhe lean kar leti hai not romantic, just comfortable

AMMU (softly):-Barish mein road pe bhi kar leti hoon… tum toh fir bhi insaan ho.

ARJUN (witty):-Philosopher alert.

Barish ki boondein Arjun ke haath pe girti hain, Ammu ke baal uske kandhe se lagte hain. Ek do moment silent hote hain. Dono kuch nahi bolte. No flirting, no tension. Bas feel.

BACK TO TAPRI

Shanu aur Zaheer ek chai aur manga lete hain.

Zaheer apna wallet kholta hai par usme 10 rupaye kam hota hai.

SHANU (teasing):-Dekha… boring ho, lekin broke bhi.

ZAHEER:-Bacha le tu,nahi toh chai waala bhi mujhe reject kar dega.

Dono hans padte hain.

Barish ab halki ho rahi hai...patli road or paani bhara hone ki wajah se aage traffic zam milta,arjun bike rok leta hai

ARJUN:-(helmet nikaalte hue)

Yahaan thoda ruk jaayein,Aage full jam hai.

AMMU (thoda hesitant, phir halki si haan mein sir hilaati hai):-Okay.

Wo dono bike pe hi baithe hain. Barish ke boondein tin shed pe tapak rahi hain. Quietness mein bhi ek sukoon hai. Koi jaldi nahi hai.

ARJUN:-Tu bohot controlled rehti hai na,Jaise har baat pe break laga ke chalti hai.

AMMU(dry tone):-Kya karoon,Agar nahi lagaun, toh kaun sambhalega ?

ARJUN:-Kabhi kisi aur ko sambhalne do na. Tu thak gayi hai, ye aankhon mein dikh jata hai.

AMMU (thoda uncomfortable):-Main theek hoon.

ARJUN:-Theek hona aur zinda hona alag cheez hoti hai.

Ammu uski taraf dekhti hai. Arjun ki voice mein judgement nahi, sirf gentle honesty hoti hai.

ARJUN:-Tu jaanti hai, log tujhe samajhte nahi.

Par tu khud bhi kabhi kisi ko chance nahi deti.

AMMU:-Because chance dena matlab vulnerable hona… aur vulnerable hona matlab...

ARJUN:-...matlab ki log hurt karenge?Maybe.

Lekin kya pata koi ek banda hurt na kare, balki heal kare?

AMMU (softly):-Mujhe darr lagta hai.Ki agar main khud ko khol doon… toh main wahi sab ban jaun jisse main door bhaagti hoon.

ARJUN:-Toh main bolun kya dikhta hai mujhe?

AMMU:-Bol.

ARJUN:-Mujhe lagta hai tu duniya ki sabse zyada ‘put together’ ladki hai jo raat mein sabse zyada broken feel karti hai.Jo sabke liye strong banti hai, but khud ke liye kabhi roti bhi nahi.

AMMU (voice breaks slightly):-Tu mujhe itna kyun samajhta hai?

ARJUN (light smile):-Kyunki tu samajhne layak hai. Tu feel karne layak hai.Tu bas koi aur version ban gayi hai, jisme emotion ko luxury samjha jaata hai.

AMMU (looking down, whispering):-

Main waise rehna nahi chahti thi…

ARJUN:-Toh fir mat reh.

Tu jaisi hai, waise hi mast hai.

Suniye madam… tumhari aankhon mein andar ka raag hai  just music chalu karne ki der hai.

Ammu finally halki si smile karti hai  pehli baar bina guard ke.

Wo Arjun ki taraf dekhti hai… completely open nahi, less closed.

AMMU:-Kya main kabhi confuse ho gayi, toh tu mujhe yaad dilayega na ki main kaun hoon?

ARJUN:-Hamesha.Aur agar tu bhool gayi… toh main phir se introduce kara dunga.

Bike chalu hoti hai.

Barish ruk chuki hai… lekin andar kuch baaki chalu ho gaya hai.

Ammu ride ke dauraan peechhe se Arjun ke kandhe pe lightly tik jaati hai  not romantic, bas ek safe spot mil gaya ho jaise.

Arjun kuch nahi bolta or carefully smile karke bike chala raha hota hai

Barish ab halki halki ho rahi hai,shanu or zaheer abhi bhi usi chai ki tapri ke andar hai.TAPRI wale ne extra stool nikal diye or dono relax hoke beth gaye. Shanu chai ki sip le rahi hoti hai or ek aankh se casually zaheer ko dekh rahi hoti hai.tabhi paas se ek choti bachi or uski maa gujar rahe hote hai,dono ek hi chhate ke niche hote hai or tabhi bachi ka sleeper nikal jata hai.bachi zaheer ki taraf dekhti hai zaheer smile karke slipper uthata hai or bachi ko thama deta hai

shanu:- tu har chiz par perfect reaction deta hai, no seriously tu kabhi haste huye over react nahi karta hai, na gusse me koi gaali deta hai na kisi ko nicha dikhata hai

Zaheer uske tone pe thoda unsure hota hai samajh nahi paata compliment tha ya leg-pull.

ZAHEER:-Mujhe laga tu mujhe sirf used pen types samajhti hai?

SHANU:-Haan… but useful pen toh syllabus pass karwa deta hai.

Tu shayad woh insaan hai jo hero dikhne mein nahi, par kaam karne mein busy rehta hai.

Zaheer kuch nahi bolta. Uska dhyaan ek pass wale uncle pe chala jaata hai jinke haath mein bhari samaan hota hai.

Wo utth ke unki help karne lagta hai  naturally, bina kisi show-off ke.

Shanu chup rehti hai. Uska expression soft ho jaata hai  jaise kuch feel hua ho, jiska wo khud bhi naam nahi de paayi.

Zaheer help karke lautta hai. Thoda bheeg gaya hai shirt se paani tapak raha hai.

SHANU:-Tumhare jaise log kam hote hain.

Aur tumhe khud bhi nahi pata hota ki tum ache ho.

SHANU (halki si smile, looking away):-Kuch nahi. Baarish mein log emotional ho jaate hain.

Main bhi thoda paagal ho jaati hoon.

ZAHEER:-Matlab… tu barish mein mujhe ache adjectives dene lagti hai?

SHANU:-Sirf baarish mein. Kal se tu fir boring hai.

Dono hans padte hain. Lekin Shanu thoda awkwardly dusri taraf dekh leti hai, jaise kuch chhupana chahti ho. Zaheer ke jaane ke baad wo uski chai ki empty cup ko dekhti hai — fir casually pocket mein ek chhota tissue paper nikaalti hai aur us cup ko dustbin mein daalti hai.

SHANU (under her breath, soft tone)

Tu sach mein… alag hai.

[Greenwood]

Update 5

Barish ab thamm chuki hai. gili sadak, thoda mist, aur street lights ki reflection puddles mein chamak rahi hoti hai.

Collage se ghar aate hi Ammu ke ekdam bhav badle huye they Ammu quietly apne room mein enter karti hai. Kapde se halka paani tapak raha hota hai. Wo bag rakh ke khidki ke paas jaake khadi ho jaati hai.

Bahar se baarish ke baad ki thandi hawa aa rahi hai. Wo aankh band karke ek second ke liye feel karti hai.

Table pe uska wet scarf rakha hota hai jise Arjun ne bike chalate waqt uske shoulders pe adjust kiya tha.

Ammu softly smiles. Koi blush nahi, koi dreamy music nahi bas ek fresh, honest si smile.

Wo diary uthati hai… likhne ka mann hota hai… phir ruk jaati hai.

AMMU (under her breath)

Aaj kuch likhne ka nahi... bas mehsoos karne ka din tha.Ammu quietly apne room ka door band karti hai.

She’s still a little damp baal se paani tapak raha hai, lekin uske chehre pe koi urgency nahi.

Bas ek sukoon sa hai.

Wo mirror ke saamne jaake apne baal kholti hai…

Ek pal ko apne reflection ko dekhti hai thoda tired, thoda raw, but strangely beautiful.

Background mein halki si baarish ki aawaaz ab bhi sunai deti hai.

Wo slowly smile karti hai woh wali smile jo kisi joke pe nahi, kisi memory pe aati hai.

AMMU (soft whisper to herself)

Tu ajeeb hai Arjun… lekin… safe lagta hai.

Phir she shrugs, jaise khud ko bhi thoda tease kar rahi ho.

Shanu ka room messy hota hai — kapde idhar-udhar, ek mug bed ke paas. Wo andar aake shoes nikaalti hai, ek long sigh leke bed pe gir padti hai.

Wo apne phone ka gallery kholti hai ek group photo search karti hai, milti nahi.

Phir accidentally camera on ho jaata hai aur wo khud ko screen pe dekhti hai: baal gile, aankhon mein halka sa sparkle, lips pe ek smile.

SHANU (whispers to herself)

Kya Zaheer sach mein boring hai… ya main hi galat padhti thi?

Phir phone side pe rakh ke light band karti hai face pe wahi soft smile bani rehti hai, jo wo khud bhi explain nahi kar sakti.Wo suddenly kuch yaad karti hai Zaheer ka woh expression jab usne bina bole uski help ki, woh halki awkward smile… woh chai wali tapri.

Wo bed pe girti hai pura thak chuki hoti hai, lekin aaj kuch light mehsoos ho raha hota hai uske andar.

Backpack se ek tissue girta hai — wohi wala jo usne Zaheer ke cup ke liye use kiya tha.

Uska haath us tissue tak jaata hai… ruk jaata hai… aur fir wo smile kar deti hai.

SHANU (to herself)

Not bad, Zaheer. Not boring either.

She looks at the ceiling.

Eyes half closed.

Smile full.

Dono apne apne beds pe hoti hain.… par dono ke chehre pe ek hi tarah ki smile hoti hai.

Jaise kisi ne andar ka ek button dabaya ho

na jise dikhaya jaa sake, na explain kiya jaa sake.

Bas… baarish ke baad ka asar hai.

Jo dil tak jaata hai, aur kabhi kabhi raat bhar wahi rehta hai.

Dono apne beds pe, apne apne thoughts mein lete hue

ek ne kisi ke kandhe par lean kiya tha,

dusri ne kisi ka simple gesture feel kiya tha.

Unke chehre pe same muskaan hoti hai

ek aisi muskaan jisme koi naam nahi,

par feel poora hota hai.

Sham ke waqt Ammu kitchen mein sabzi kaat rahi hoti hai baal thode se gile, halki thakan, lekin chehre pe ek ajeeb si soft smile chipki hoti hai.

Background mein baarish ki halki awaaz chal rahi hoti hai.

Asma kitchen ke counter pe baithi hoti hai ek haath mein phone, dusre haath se chips kha rahi hoti hai.

ASMA:-Didi, adrak daal diya? Kal tu bhool gayi thi, sabzi bilkul hospital wali taste lag rahi thi.

AMMU:-Haan daal diya, masterchef junior.

Ammu kaat rahi hoti hai, lekin uska dhyaan thoda udhar hota hai —

Arjun ka woh line yaad aata hai: "Tu jaisi hai, waise hi mast hai..."

Ek second ke liye uska haath rukta hai.

ASMA:-Tu muskura kyu rahi hai? Sabzi mein pyar daal rahi hai kya?

AMMU (snap out karke)

Shut up, Asma. Tere dimaag mein sirf memes hi bhare hain.

Ammu ignore karte hue bhi blush kar jaati hai. Wo chutney nikalti Asma ko dekhti hai dono ki aankhon mein sisters wali masti.

Phir Ammu slowly gas kam karti hai, aur spoon se sabzi taste karti hai...

ek second ke liye palkein band kar leti hai

aur woh soft muskaan fir se aa jaati hai.

Shanu Kapde change karne ke baad, ab sofa par baith ke kapde fold kar rahi hoti hai.

TV par news chal rahi hai, but Shanu ka dhyaan kahin aur hai.

Uske haath mein ek white t-shirt aati hai wohi jo baarish mein pehni thi.

Us t-shirt ko dekhte hi Zaheer ki yaadein flash karti hain chai ki tapri, awkward smile, “main boring hoon na?”

SHANU t-shirt ko fold karte hue halki si smile karti hai. Bina realize kiye softly kuch bol padti hai:

SHANU:-Haan… boring hai tu. Par ache waale boring.

MADHU :- Kisse bol rahi hai boring?

Shanu thoda jhatak ke palat kar dekhti hai — maa kitchen se jhaank rahi hoti hain.

SHANU:-Kuch nahi mummy… t-shirt ko bol rahi thi.

MADHU:-T-shirt se baat karne lagi hai tu?

Baarish mein bheeg jaati ho aur dimaag bhi leke aati ho kya?

SHANU (has ke, folded t-shirt stack karti hai)

Shanu:- Kuch cheezein hoti hain… mummy ko samjhaana mushkil hota hai.

MADHU:-Bas mujhe ye samjha… khana banana hai ki nahi?

SHANU:-Ban jayega mummy... pehle thoda... fold karna therapy chal rahi hai.

Madhu sirf ghoorti hai aur muttering karti hai kuch "drama queen" jaisa, aur kitchen mein chali jaati hai.

Shanu uske jaane ke baad slowly smile karti hai — fir woh t-shirt pakad ke bed ke kone mein softly rakh deti hai, jaise kisi ki cheez ho.

SHANU (under breath):- Zaheer... tu sach mein... not bad.

Subah ka time hai. Footpath pe baarish ke baad ke puddles dikh rahe hain. Hawa halka sa cool hai, students slow walk mein campus ke andar aa rahe hain.

Zaheer apne usual style mein aata hai jeans, simple T-shirt, bag shoulder pe. Headphones ka ek ear nikal ke chal raha hai.

Thoda soaked-in-thoughts lag raha hai as if kuch baaki chal raha ho andar.

Shanu bhi enter karti hai uski entry full confident, lekin aankhen subconsciously usse dhoond rahi hoti hain.

Ek lamha aata hai  Zaheer aur Shanu ek hi narrow corridor se opposite directions mein ja rahe hote hain.

Zaheer sidhe dekhte hue guzar jaata hai.

Shanu bas ek pal ke liye uski taraf dekhti hai aur uska chehra khil uthta hai, bina kisi wajah ke.

Na call out. Na rukna. Na smile exchange.

Bas guzarna. Lekin kuch reh jaata hai.

Shanu ka chehra halka blush karta hai, aur wo apne aap se softly kehti hai:

SHANU (under breath, playful):- Boring… par impact toh hai.

COLLEGE BACKSIDE – QUIET CORNER

Ek quiet jagah hai, chhota sa bench, thoda greenery jahan usually koi nahi hota.

Arjun aur Ammu wahan baithe hain dono ke haath mein chai ke cups hain.

ARJUN:-Tu waise aaj zyada calm lag rahi hai. Kuch khaya-vaya?

AMMU:-Kal raat mein... bas thoda real feel hua. Jaise koi filter hata diya ho.

ARJUN (soft smile):-Tere filter ke bina tu aur bhi interesting lagti hai.

AMMU:-Tu hamesha cheesy bolta hai kya?

ARJUN:-Nahi... sirf tere saath.

Ek second ka pause. Koi flirt nahi, koi forced smile nahi.

Bas ek silence jisme dono comfortable hote hain.

AMMU(looking down at her chai):-Tumhare saath baat karna easy lagta hai... pressure nahi hota.

ARJUN:-Main therapy ki tarah hoon. Side effects kam, result guaranteed.

Dono hansi mein phir se relax ho jaate hain.

Ammu Arjun ke shoulder se halki si takra jaati hai — not romantic, but real. Friendly comfort jaisa.

Dono chai khatm karte hai or apne apne class ko chal dete hai Ammu aur Arjun, dono ek dusre se alag jaake bhi ek baar palat kar dekhte hain — ye wo dosti hai jisme kahin rush nahi hai... sirf waqt hai.

Singh house me dinner time chal raha hota hai or Table pe khana laga hua hai — simple ghar ka meal: daal, bhindi, salad.

Madhu roti garam karte hue sabko serve kar rahi hoti hain. Pratap calmly kha rahe hain, Shanu aur Arjun apni plate mein busy.

MADHU (as she sits)

Aaj bazaar ke corner pe Zaheer mil gaya.

Asma ke college ke liye kuch books le raha tha. Khud cycle leke jaa raha tha — seedha simple baccha hai.

PRATAP

Haan, woh bachpan se waise hi hai.

Na zyada baat karta hai, na attitude.

Kaam quietly karta hai, bas.

SHANU kuch nahi bolti — lekin uske spoon ka motion slow ho jaata hai. She keeps eating… but sunn rahi hoti hai dhyan se.

MADHU

Aur college ke fest mein bhi kaafi help kar raha tha.

Mujhe laga, itna quiet sa ladka hoga kya karega...

Par kaam toh pura organized tha uska.

PRATAP (nodding)

Kya kar raha tha woh?

MADHU

Logistics handle kar raha tha.

Stage ke light-time ka pura schedule usne hi banaya tha. Arjun bata raha tha na?

ARJUN

Hmm. Jab main late tha rehearsal mein, usne hi manage kiya tha sab.

Bina stress ke banda calmly kaam kar jaata hai. I like that.

SHANU ab lightly smile karne lagti hai, bina dekhe.

Ek chhoti si, genuine si muskaan — jaise kuch suna ho jo already mann mein tha, ab kisi aur se bhi confirm ho gaya.

MADHU (without looking up)

Achhe dost hote hain aise log. Na shor, na show.

Bas... sahi waqt pe haazir.

PRATAP

Haan. Reliable hai.

Aur jo reliable hota hai, wo kabhi bhi awkward nahi lagta. Bas... apna lagta hai.

SHANU (softly)

Hmm.

ARJUN (casually)

Kya hmm? Tujhe toh kuch suna hi nahi gaya lag raha hai.

SHANU (without looking up)

Sun liya sab tera dost hai isliye jyada mat ban... Sab janti hu tum log ka

Or (Shanu smile karti chupke se)

EARLY MORNING

Ek typical residential lane — thodi se damp mitti, subah ki halki dhoop.

Doodhwala cycle se aa raha hota hai, ek hand pe bottle wala bag, doosre se balance banaye.

Left side pe: SINGH HOUSE

Gate ke paas Pratap akhbaar le rahe hote hain, pyjama-kurta mein.

Andar se Madhu ki awaaz aati hai:

“Shanu! Breakfast thanda ho gaya!”

Right side pe: QURESHI HOUSE

Zaheer porch pe jhaadu laga ke corner mein rakh raha hota hai.

Andar se Asma chilla rahi hoti hai:

“Ammu Didi! Mere socks kidhar rakhe?”

Gali ke beech ka aam din... lekin hawa mein thoda excitement hai.

Shanu gate se nikalti hai — backpack lagake, hair loosely tied.

Fresh face, lekin aankhon mein kuch soch rahi hoti hai.

Gate band karte hi Qureshi side se Ammu bhi nikalti hai — notebook aur pen leke.

Dono walk karte ja rahi hoti hain.

Aage thoda distance pe Zaheer aur Arjun dikhte hain — casual mode mein, coffee lete hue kisi tapri se.

Ammu aankh bhar un dono ko dekhti hai, fir casually nazar hata leti hai.

Shanu bas ek glance leti hai Zaheer ki taraf — nothing dramatic, sirf ek stillness jaise kuch cheez notice hui ho.

SHANU (lightly)

Kaafi thand lag rahi hai aaj subah...

AMMU (hans kar)

Monsoon hai baby... Andar kuch pehna nahi hai kya aaj tune

Or Ammu hansti hai or shanu use look deti hai

College gate ke andar har taraf posters lag rahe hote hain:

✨ College Trip: Details Soon!

Destination: TBA – Start Packing!

Sab students excited mood mein.

Kahi koi baat kar raha hai about clothes, kisi ko DJ night ka idea zyada pasand aa raha hai.

Zaheer ek side wall pe khada hota hai poster casually padhta hai, phir chal ke andar chala jaata hai.

Shanu kuch doston ke saath guzarti hai  lekin poster pe nazar padte hi walk slow ho jaati hai

Arjun class ke notice board ke saamne bored face ke saath “trip coming soon” poster padhta hai, phir quietly smile karta hai.

Lunch break ka time hota hai:- Ammu canteen ki line mein khadi hoti hai, aur ek corner seat dhoondti hai  jaise ab woh kisi specific ke saath baithna chahti ho, bina confess kiye.

Canteen mein usual bheed hai  chai, samose, chutney ki khushboo hawa mein.

Corner wala ek lamba table mostly khaali hota hai ek sirf do ladke baith ke uthte hi hain.

Zaheer tray leke aata hai chai aur bread pakoda.

Table dekh ke quietly baith jaata hai ek end pe.

2 mins later Ammu around dekhte hue spot karti hai Zaheer ko.

She walks over.

AMMU (casually):-Yahan baithe ho? Yeh table toh VIP zone lag raha hai akele ka.

ZAHEER (light smile):- Main hi waiter hoon yahan. Baith jao... service slow hai, par safe hai.

Ammu laughs lightly, sits diagonally.

Thodi der baad Arjun aata hai — tray mein fries aur coke.

Zaheer ko dekh ke aata hai.

ARJUN:-Oh great. Mere fries ko silence ka saath milega.

Baith jaata hai unke across.

ZAHEER:-Silence bhi snack hai. Toh fries ke saath match hoga.

ARJUN (to Ammu):-Dekha? Shayari level ka ketchup milta hai is bande ke saath.

AMMU (grinning):-Better than cafeteria ka ketchup toh hoga hi.

Itna bol hi rahe hote hain, tabhi Shanu canteen ke main gate se entry leti hai wallet aur phone haath mein.

Kahi seat nahi mil rahi hoti. She notices the trio.

AMMU (calling softly):-Shanu... idhar aa ja.

Shanu pehle hesitate karti hai... fir normal face banake chal ke aati hai.

Zaheer uske aane pe sirf ek glance leta hai  aur phir apni chai sip karta hai.

SHANU (sitting down):-Tum log kuch kha rahe ho ya bas vibes le rahe ho?

ARJUN:-Fries ke saath dosti bhi chal rahi hai.

SHANU (grinning):-Cool. Mujhe samosa chahiye... aur peace of mind.

ZAHEER (without looking up):-Samosa milega, peace thoda time lega.

Sab lightly laugh karte hain — koi flirting nahi, bas ek achha sa flow.

AMMU:-Kya lagta hai trip real hoga?

ARJUN:-Agar college ne sirf poster ke liye kiya ho, toh main complain form bharunga.

Ek full file banake.

SHANU:-Main toh mentally ready hoon.Safar acha lagta hai

ZAHEER (softly):-Kabhi kabhi destination important nahi hota.

Log aur lamhe yaad reh jaate hain.

Shanu ek second ke liye uski taraf dekhti hai zaahir nahi karti, par uske spoon ka movement rukh jaata hai.

AMMU:-Waise agar trip hua... toh tent wala group banega kya?

ARJUN:-Main toh alag tent lunga. Main raat mein logon ka snoring tolerate nahi kar sakta.

Sab table pe hansi chhuti hoti hai. Shanu bhi haasti hai, lekin uski aankhen kuch der se thoda quietly Zaheer par tikti hain.

Zaheer is masti mein full involved nahi hota wo chai stir karta hua chill mood mein rehta hai, lekin Shanu uski har reaction subtly observe kar rahi hoti hai…

SHANU:-(casually, but sirf Zaheer ki taraf dekhte hue)

"Tu kis tent mein hoga?"

ZAHEER(eyes still on his cup):Main? Main toh jungle side tent lunga. Kam se kam log disturbance se dur rahenge.

ARJUN:-Aur tu jungle mein lion ke cousin banke royega poori raat."

ZAHEER:-Main chup rehne wala lion hoon. Sirf zarurat pe dahadta hoon.

Shanu uski is line pe kuch nahi bolti  sirf ek soft smile aati hai, lekin wo smile kisi aur ne notice nahi ki.

Ammu Arjun ki cup kheench leti hai joke mei

AMMU:-Tu chai peeta hai ya dialogues rehearse karta hai?

ARJUN:-Mujhe chai nahi... stage chahiye.

ZAHEER:-Stage mil jaaye toh bolta nahi, fir mic check karte rehta hai.”

SHANU(ab softly hansi rokti hai, but again sideways glance at Zaheer)

Mic toh chal raha hai... par frequency sirf kuch logon ko sunai deti hai.

[i]Zaheer bas ek chhoti si aankh utha ke dekhta hai Shanu ki taraf. No smile, no reaction — sirf eye contact for 1 second.[/i]

[i]Shanu turant aankhen hata leti hai — like kuch feel ho gaya par usne cover kar liya.[/i]

[Greenwood]

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[Greenwood]

Update 6

Shaam ka waqt hai. Sky thoda lavender-orange ho chuka hai. Colony mein halki-thandi hawa chal rahi hoti hai. Neeche se cooker ki seetiyaa radio ki awaaz, aur doodh wale ka horn aa raha hota hai.Ammu chhat pe aati hai kapde lene. Wire pe kuch kurtis latki hoti hain, ek corner pe chhoti se stool rakhi hoti hai.

She’s wearing a loose home kurta, baalon ka messy bun. Ek haath se kapde uthati ja rahi hai, doosre haath se clips nikaalti.Tabhi chhat ke dusre kone se halki si “tap” ki awaaz aati hai. Ammu seedha dekhti hai to Arjun chhat-to-chhat jump karke uske ghar ki chhat pe land kar chuka hota hai.

AMMU: (surprised whisper):-“Tu pagal hai kya? Koi dekh leta toh?”

ARJUN: (casual tone, halki smile):-“Main toh dheere aaya tha... tu hi zyada sun leti hai.”

AMMU:"Yeh koi coffee shop hai kya jo jab chahe aa jaayein?"

ARJUN:Tu agar coffee hoti toh main roz yahin aata.

Ammu ek kapda uske muh pe fake deti joke mein.

AMMU:“Shut up, flirt.”

ARJUN(laughs, holding that dupatta like towel):-Tu serious hoti hai tab bhi cute lagti hai.

Ammu thoda blush karti hai but ignore kar deti hai. Fir quietly kapde fold karte hue bolti hai

Ammu thoda rukti hai. Ek second ke liye uske paas aa jaati hai, bagal mein khadi hoti hai dono chhat ke railing pe tik jaate hain.

Thoda silence.

AMMU:Main usually kisi se itna open nahi hoti... pata nahi tere saath ho jaata hai.

ARJUN:Main tujhse kuch expect nahi karta... isliye shayad tu khud se zyada real ho jaati hai mere saath."

Wind thoda aur cool ho jaata hai. Ammu apne baal thoda adjust karti hai. Arjun uski taraf nahi dekhta wo sky ki taraf dekh raha hota hai, but uska mood calm ho jaata hai.

Ammu softly bolti hai:

AMMU:Tu kabhi milne aaya toh... bas dheere aana. Mujhe pata toh chale.

ARJUN (side glance ke saath):-Tab toh maza chala jaayega.”

Dono thoda laugh karte hain quietly, jaise duniya se chhup ke hasna ho.

Background mein kisi ghar ke bartan bajte hain. Ammu last kapda uthake folded pile pe rakhti hai.

AMMU:Ab jaa... kisi ne dekh liya toh…

ARJUN:Main gaya... but ek cheez chhod ke jaa raha hoon."

AMMU:Kya?"

ARJUN:Apni smell… tu jab terrace aayegi, yaad aayega main aaya tha."

Ammu us par phir se kapda maarne ke liye uthti hai, Arjun has ke chhat ke dusre side se quietly vanish ho jaata hai.

BACKGROUND MEIN RADIO BAJTA HAI:

“…yeh shaam mastani, madhosh kiye jaaye…”

Madhu kitchen mein kaam kar rahi hoti hai pressure cooker ki seeti, tadke ki awaaz, TV living room mein low volume pe chal raha hota hai. Shanu pichhle 10 minute se idhar udhar ghoom rahi hai, exact moment pakadne ke mood mein.

SHANU(kitchen ke gate pe khadi hoti hai, casually):-Maa, ek baat poochhun?

MADHU(palak saaf karti hue bina dekhe):-

Poochhne ka time dekh liya tune? Baat seedha bol.

SHANU(soft voice, testing waters):-College ka trip plan ho raha hai… outstation.”

MADHU(turns toward her, straight):-Kya matlab outstation, Itna jaldi toh pichla bag bhi dhang se saaf nahi kiya tune.”

SHANU(half eye-roll, half smile):-

Maa please… is baar proper faculty ke saath hai. Girls ka alag tent hoga. Ammu bhi ja rahi hai.

MADHU(frown karke, kaam karte karte):-Jab se college join kiya hai, adventure ke peeche hi lag gayi hai tu... pehle club ki night practice, ab jungle mein tent.

SHANU:-Mummy jungle nahi resort area hai… aur sab group mein hi honge.

MADHU:-Tu kisi group mein itni ghulti kab se hai?

SHANU:-Bas... ab ho gayi hoon.

SHANU(pretending to act busy, thoda jaldi bolti hai):-Toh kya jaane doongi ya form cancel kar doon?

MADHU(ruk ke uske face ko dekhti hai, fir soft tone mein):-Ek condition pe.

SHANU(hopeful):-Kya?”

MADHU:-Har raat ek baar call karegi. Or ulta sidha nahi khayegi

SHANU(grinning):-Madhu smile karte hue fir se kaam mein lag jaati hai. Shanu quietly peeche mudti hai aur apne kamre ki taraf jaane lagti hai.

Shanu door band karti hai, bagal ki table pe trip ka form rakhti hai.Saans bahut halki si chhodti hai.Mirror ke saamne rukti hai.Thoda softly mirror mein dekhti hai, smile karti hai. Fir aankhen thoda aur narrow karti hai jaise kisi chehre ka soch ke dikh raha ho.

Zaheer.

Kuch nahi bola jaata, kuch text nahi, lekin uski aankhon mein woh chhupa hua sa khayaal hai.Woh smile karti hai… aur thoda blush bhi. Hawa halka se curtain hila deti hai.

Raat ke 10 baj rahe hain. Fan slowly ghoom raha hai. Bahar se kabhi-kabhi kisi scooter ya kutte ke bhaukne ki awaaz aati hai.Zaheer table pe baitha hai, kuch papers dekh raha hai  lagbhag bills ya dukan ka hisaab. Uska kurta thoda grease se halka sa daag wala hai.Chehra thaka hua, lekin focused.Ammu chhoti thali mein doodh leke aati hai dono ke liye.Apne liye ek plain glass,Zaheer ke liye haldi waala doodh.

AMMU:Piyo. Subah se ek cup chai ke alawa kuch nahi liya tumne.

ZAHEER:(eyebrows raise kiye bina):-Tu kaunsi nutritionist ban gayi hai

AMMU:Nahi, par main woh hoon jo fridge mein akhri dudh ke liye argue nahi karti.

Zaheer halke se hansi rokta hai. Glass le leta hai usse bina nazar uthaye.TV off hai, lights dim hain. Room mein sirf fan aur ek table lamp ki light hai.Ek second ke liye dono chup rehte hain. Ammu bed ke edge pe baith jaati hai  pair fold karke.

ZAHEER:College mein woh trip ka kya hua?”

AMMU:(slowly)Form bhar diya hai… ab Madhu aunty se permission lena hai. Shanu ke saath hi poochhungi.”

ZAHEER: baba ko mat bolna. Tu jaa rahi hai, mujhe farak nahi… lekin unka mood kharab ho jaata hai bina wajah ke.”

AMMU:“Haan… samajh gayi.”

Thoda pause.

ZAHEER:(taking a sip):-“Packing kab karegi?”

AMMU: Sunday ko nikalna hai, toh Saturday night… lekin tu jaane se pehle chappal le aana please. Jo mere paas hai uska sole nikal raha hai.

ZAHEER:Haan, le aaoonga. Bas tu extra socks mat bhoolna, barish ho gayi toh…

AMMU:-(cutting in)Tu mujhe bacchi kyun samajhta hai?”

ZAHEER:(look up finally, soft smile ke saath):-Tu hai bacchi.”

AMMU:“Main trip se wapas aa gayi na, toh tujhe ek bar properly daantne wali hoon.”

ZAHEER:“Aur main tab tak naya cushion le aaoonga. Is wale ka zip bhi kharab hai.”

Dono ek second ke liye hansi rokte hain. Raat ka thakaan unke tone mein hai, lekin connection mein warmth hai.Clock ka second hand sunai deta hai.Ammu apna glass finish karke uthti hai, bartan uthati hai quietly.

AMMU:“Light off karna, mujhe neend aa rahi hai.”

ZAHEER:“Main 10 minute mein.”

Ammu chhup chaap chali jaati hai — uske steps halki si aahat chod jaate hain cement floor pe.Zaheer lamp ki light mein fir se paper dekhne lagta hai, lekin ek second ke liye ruk jaata hai aur Ammu ke doodh ke glass ko dekhta hai jo khali hai,table pe.

Thoda relaxed expression aata hai uske face pe.

[i]Subah ki halki-halki dhoop gali ke kone tak phaili hoti hai. Singh aur Qureshi house ke beech mein doodhwala cycle le jaa raha hai, kuch kids college bags pehne jaa rahe hain.[/i]

SAME TIME

Ammu ironed dupatta fold kar rahi hoti hai. Table pe ek purani pouch, kajal, aur ek notebook rakha hota hai. She’s neat, quick, no-nonsense mode mein ready ho rahi hai.

ZAHEER’S ROOM – SAME TIME

Zaheer mirror ke saamne combing kar raha hota hai — casual kurta-jeans look. Phone charging pe laga hai, aur bag side pe rakh diya hai. He picks up his wallet and keys. Ready to leave.


SAME TIME
Arjun bed pe lete-lete phone scroll kar raha hota hai. Madhu neeche se cheekh ke awaaz lagati hai.

MADHU : “Arjun! 8:15 baj gaye  Jaldi uthja”

Arjun karte karte uthta hai, ek mast smile ke saath mirror mein apna pose check karta hai.


SHANU’S ROOM – SAME TIME

Bathroom ka door khulta hai. Halki steam nikalti hai. Shanu freshly showered, towel wrapped, baal thode gile. Chehra pink aur fresh. Jaise hi wo apne bed ke paas aati hai, corner mein rakha old radio khud se chalu ho jaata hai.

? “Mere khwabon mein jo aaye, aake mujhe chhed jaaye...” ?

Shanu rukti hai. Mirror ki taraf dekhti hai. Phir thoda muskaraati hai.

SHANU:(to herself):-Kya timing hai…”

Shanu towel mein wrapped, wet hair ke saath mirror ke samne aati hai. Chehra fresh, eyes mein shine.
Gaana sunte hi uske lips pe ek naughty si smile aa jaati hai. Ek second ke liye rukti hai  phir mood mein aa jaati hai.She starts lightly grooving full-on Bollywood heroine vibe, mirror ke saamne thoda lip sync, thoda twirl, thoda head tilt.
Suddenly…

ZAHEER (stairs se aata hai, casually shout karta hai):-“Arjun bhai! Chalna hai kya college?”

Arjun ka room cross karke galti se Shanu ka door khol deta hai jo halki si latch pe tha. Door khulta hai  aur saamne Shanu towel mein dance karte hue.

? “...jo dil ko churaaye…” ?

Ek second mein sab freeze. Shanu ki aankh Zaheer se milti hai. Uske haath ka towel halka sa slip hota hai bas girne hi wala hota hai, lekin turant sambhal jaata hai.

Next second Shanu lightning speed se bathroom mein bhaag jaati hai, door band.Zaheer khud pe freeze. Aankh blink bhi nahi karta. Thoda shock. Fir thoda sharminda. Phir... suddenly react karta hai.

ZAHEER:- “Main toh gaya... main toh literally gaya!”

Phir full speed mein neeche ke taraf bhaagta hai.

Neeche Madhu glass leke saamne mil jaati hai.

MADHU: “Arey Zaheer beta, mil liya Arjun se?”

ZAHEER:(stammering awkwardly):- “Haan... matlab... milne gaya tha... par... Arjun nahi mila, lekin… signal mil gaya.... Wo bhi strong wala signal.” Main chalta hoon aunty, late ho raha hai!”

[i]Aur wo literally hawa mein udta hua gate se nikal jaata hai.[/i]

[i]COLLEGE CAMPUS – LATE MORNING[/i]

College ka open courtyard students idhar-udhar chill kar rahe hain, canteen se bread pakora ki smell aa rahi hai. Garmi ka halki si dhoop, aur final year wale apne circle mein baithke usual masti kar rahe hain.

Arjun bench ke edge pe baitha hota hai, bag side mein daala hua. Ammu uske paas khadi hai  dono kisi baat pe casual hansi kar rahe hote hain.

Tabhi gate se andar aati hai Shanu  white kurti, jeans, side bag. Chehra freshly ready, lekin aankhon mein halke se last night ke towel-wale episode ka hangover. Pehle confident walk karti hai, lekin jaise hi aankh casually Zaheer se milti hai, ek second mein expression flicker karta hai. Zaheer bhi corner mein apne doston ke saath khada hota hai  bina kuch bole, uski body stiff ho jaati hai jaise kisi ne pause dabaa diya ho.

Dono ki nazrein ek second ko takraati hain, phir dono ne alag direction mein dekhna shuru kar diya

ZAHEER’S MIND:-

ZAHEER’S MIND

“Mujhe farak kyun pad raha hai? Kya farak padna chahiye?”

Ek soft exhale. Fir uske lips pe ek almost invisible smile aati hai jaise khud ko pakad liya ho kisi thought mein.

Vo note band karke book mein rakh deta hai. Study light band karta hai, aur bed pe jaake stare karta hai ceiling ki taraf eyes open, mind chal raha hai.

ZAHEER’S MIND

“Kya wo abhi mere baare mein soch rahi hogi…?”

Silence.

Fan ghoomta hai. Lights dim.

“Aaj subah jo dekha... woh uske liye kuch aur toh nahi lag raha na? Main... main galat jagah galat waqt pe tha. But... uski aankhon mein... disappointment tha kya?”

SHANU’S MIND :-
Usne mujhe towel mein dekh liya. Main pagal ho gayi thi kya? Usse kya laga hoga... main har subah aise hi dance karti hoon kya? Great, Shanu. Just great.”



Shanu Arjun ke paas aake rukti hai  Arjun ek casual nod deta hai, lekin Shanu ki aankh Zaheer se bach ke reh jaati hai.*

AMMU (low voice):“Kya hua Shanu? Aaj toh full late hai.”

SHANU:“Bas... ready hone mein thoda time lag gaya.”

Shanu thoda awkward sa smile kar ke baith jaati hai, lekin uski aankh baar baar unintentional corner of the eye se Zaheer ki presence check karti hai woh ab bhi kisi se baat kar raha hai, lekin visibly uncomfortable lag raha hai.Dono apne doston ke beech hain, phir bhi mind ek dusre ke reaction pe atka hua hai. Na shanu normal ho paa rahi hai, na zaheer properly present lag raha hai. Small silences, broken eye contact, aur body language hi sab kuch bol rahi hai.

SHANU’S MIND
Mujhe chill hona chahiye… but uske saamne main self-conscious ho gayi hoon. Shit. Yeh toh main kabhi nahi hoti…”

ZAHEER’S MIND
“Wo mujhse nazar nahi mila rahi. Shayad use laga main… cheap tha. Par main wahan Arjun ke liye gaya tha. Main kuch nahi keh sakta… bas door rehna sahi hoga.”

Ek hawa chalti hai. Papers udte hain. Ek second ke liye dono ki aankh fir se milti hai  phir instantly fir down.

Group ke log mazaak kar rahe hain, lekin Shanu aur Zaheer dono emotionally absent dikhte hain.

ZAHEER’S ROOM – EVENING
Kamra thoda dim light mein hai. Ek purani table fan ghoom raha hai. Zaheer apne study table pe baitha hai  books khuli hain, lekin uski aankhen un pe tikki nahi hain.
Haath mein pen hai, par woh kab se ek hi jagah pe ghoom raha hai. Back wall pe Azhar ke kaam ke kuch posters lage hain  goats & meat rate chart, etc.
Uski aankhon mein wohi ek scene baar-baar flash ho raha hai —Shanu towel mein, startled, uski aankhon se ghabrahat, phir uska bathroom mein chhup jaana.


ZAHEER'S MIND
“Mujhe nahi dekhna tha. Main galat waqt pe wahan gaya... Par uski aankhon mein... kya tha woh? Gussa? Shame? Ya bas shock?”

Zaheer apna pen table pe rakh deta hai. Forehead pe haath le aata hai, jaise kuch samajhne ki koshish kar raha ho.
Fan ki awaaz background mein chalti hai. Ghar mein sirf kitchen se halki khanak sunai deti hai. Zaheer apni kursi pe peeche jhukta hai, dono haath sir ke peeche le jaata hai, aur ceiling ko dekhne lagta hai.

ZAHEER’S MIND
“Main itna uske baare mein kyun soch raha hoon? Roz toh milte hain. Roz hi college mein dekhte hain. Par aaj... kuch alag laga.”

Ek beat ka pause.

Wo mujhe dekh ke awkward thi… par main bhi toh... main normal kyun nahi ho paaya?”

Uska hath shanu ek random note uthata hai jo kuch dino pahle hi collage project me usne diya tha

[i][i]ZAHEER's mind[/i][/i]
Mujhe fark kyu pad raha hai? Kya fark padna chaiye ?
(Soft exhale). lips par invisible smile aati hai jaise khud ko pakad liya ho kisi thought mein
wo study light off karta hai or bed par jake stare karta hai ceiling ki taraf eyes open,mind chal raha hai


Zaheer mind

kya wo abhi mere bare me soch rahi hogi ???

Silence fan ghoomta hai,lights dim ho jati hai....

[Greenwood]

Update 7


Next day in college
Canteen Side Afternoon mein.Final lectures khatam.Dhoop mellow hai, chhoti chhoti gupshup chal rahi hai. Ek kone mein low-rise wall pe Arjun, Zaheer, Ammu, Shanu aur 2-3 aur classmates baithe hain. Cold drinks, chips aur bags idhar-udhar.
Trip ka high-pitch discussion chalu hai.

Arjun (full excited) :-Main toh tent ke bahar soyega. Stars ke neeche. Aur koi hile toh laat padegi.”

Ammu:-“Sunset chahiye mujhe. Aur ek full cup chai... silence ke saath.”

Shanu:- I want one night sky so dark ki main watercolors se galaxy bana saku.

Zaheer (smiling) :- Bas raat mein koi speaker na chalayega. Mujhe neend chahiye.

Arjun (laughs):- Tu snore karta hai ya shanti mein meditate?

Zaheer :-Dono. Depends kaun sun raha hai.

Sab hasta hai. Shanu side glance se Zaheer ko dekhti hai. Aankh milti hai, Zaheer aankh chura leta hai. Ek soft undercurrent flow karta hai.

Shanu (softly, notebook me likhti hue):- Maybe... kuch yaadein banengi jo diary tak hi rahengi.

Zaheer uski taraf dekhta hai thoda rukta hai phir firse aankh chura leta hai.

Ammu (Arjun se teasingly):- Tu toh sirf reels banayega. Main sab pe report kar dungi.

Arjun:- Mujhe toh bas ek campfire aur kisi ka secret chahiye. Baaki sab free bonus hai.

Ek light breeze chalta hai. Sab ke chehre pe subtle excitement. Ye ek trip nahi, ek escape lagta hai har kisi ke liye apne tareeke se

Evening

Sky orange ho chuka hai.Road pe traffic thoda jammed hai,lekin Arjun aur Zaheer apni usual style mein bike leke slip karte ja rahe hain.Zaheer peechhe baitha hai, dono ne shades sir pe chadha rakhe hain bina wajah ke.Ek general store ki taraf ja rahe hain trip ke kuch essential lene.

Arjun (while cutting a turn):-Agar trip mein rain hua na… toh sab ke shoes bye-bye.”

Zaheer:- Isiliye main chappal le jaa raha hoon. Local style.

Arjun:-Tu toh tent ke bahar chappal mein bhi bhatak jayega.

Zaheer:-Main toh jungle mein bhi map ke bina nahi ghoomta.

Arjun:-Bro tu GPS nahi, human compass hai.

Dono haste hai.

Bike side mein park karte hain. Arjun chewing gum nikalta hai,Zaheer casually store ke andar chala jaata hai.Dukan chhoti si hai aluminium shelves pe chip packets, soaps, torch, rope sab milega.

Zaheer (to shopkeeper):- Matchsticks, torch, ORS, salt sachets… aur ek lighter bhi.”

Arjun (peek karta hua):-Mujhe chips aur cola de. Mera survival system yehi hai.”

Zaheer:- Tu trip pe gaya ya picnic pe?”

Arjun:- Main jahaan jaata hoon, picnic wahi ban ja

Sky almost dark ho chuka hai. Dono bike pe vaapas nikalte hain, headlights on. Sadak pe halke se bugs ghoom rahe hain. Hawa thodi thandi ho chuki hai.

Arjun (while driving):-
Waise... tent tu kaunse group ke saath laga raha hai?

Zaheer (slow):- Jo ho gaya chalega. Mujhe neend chahiye bas. Bakiyon ko jo karna hai karne do.

Arjun:-Tu toh waise bhi raat mein ‘mute mode’ pe hota hai.

Zaheer:-Aur tu ‘loudspeaker’.

Dono bike pe haste hue disappear ho jaate hain road ke ek smooth turn ke saath. Background mein kuch distant horns, ek dog bhaunkta hai, or fir andhera


Shanu apna suitcase bed pe rakh ke open karti hai. Room mein halki music baj rahi hai lo-fi beat. Light dim hai, fan slow chal raha hai. Kapde already folded hain, bas final cheezein daalni baaki hain.
Phone vibrates. Ammu ka call.

Shanu (call pick karte hi)Bolo madam, ready for jungle adventure?

Ammu
(voice slightly breathless) Ready nahi, confused hoon! Ye bata trip pe kitne panties le jaate hain?

Shanu
(straight face) Jitne dinn ke liye ja rahe hain usse do zyada. Safe side.

Ammu
Maine ab tak sirf teen nikali hain... but ab lag raha hai kya pata tent mein water kam mile... ya main chub jaaun!

Shanu
Aur kya! Main toh 7 daal rahi hoon. Alag alag types

Ammu (laughs)
Main toh sports bra bhi double leke ja rahi hoon. Kya pata trekking ke time kuch hilne-lagne lage!

Shanu :-Mujhe toh stress hai ki tent share karke badhiya wali bra pehn bhi paungi ya nahi…

Ammu :- Aur tu? Kaunsa bra daal rahi hai first day?

Shanu :- First day toh chill... dusre din waali thodi special hogi. Strap wala, colour wala.

Ammu:- Bas ye mat kehna lace bhi le ja rahi hai!

Shanu:- Aye! Tu kya sochti hai main kya hoon? Lace leke tent mein kya karungi?Jungle ke peepal ko seduce karungi?

Dono zor se hasne lagti hain.

Ammu :-Chal sun, ek pouch banale undergarments ka alag se. Warna tent mein koi tera bag kholke surprise na le le!

Shanu:- True that. Aur ek warning tag bhi chipkaungi — “Don’t touch, fragile contents!”

Ammu:- Tu pagal hai! Main tujhe miss karungi tent mein agar hum alag alag rahe to

Shanu:- We’re gonna slay this trip. But pehle... “inner peace” ka pouch full hona chahiye!

Call cut hoti hai. Shanu thoda smile karti hai, phir apna “fragile” pouch zip karti hai. Ammu bhi dusre side pe final cheezein rakh ke light off karti hai.


College Gate – 4:45 AM
Sky abhi poora andhera chhod ke thoda thoda neela ho raha hai. Sard hawa chal rahi hai. Street lights abhi bhi on hain, aur ek ek kar ke students college ke main gate pe jama ho rahe hain.
Ek white tourist bus gate ke bahar khadi hai — uske andar lights on hain, driver coffee pee raha hai.
Gate ke paas teachers aur ek staff registration table lagaye hue hain.
Arjun pehle se hi aaya hota hai — hoodi pehne, bag peeth pe, haath mein coffee cup. Uska mood fresh hai, aankhon mein neend nahi, sirf plans.
Zaheer thoda late aata hai, hands in jacket pocket, halki si thakan aur aankhon mein udaasi mix. Arjun use dekh ke tease karta hai.

Arjun (smirking):- Oye Romeo, tu late kyu aaya? Kahin madam ke sapne dekhte hue jag gaya kya?


Zaheer kuch bolne hi wala hota hai ki Anwar Madam pass se guzar jaati hain formal warm jacket mein, clipboard haath mein.
Unki nazar chhoti si theh jaati hai Zaheer pe ek half-second zyada.

Arjun( jhuk kar)
Ae... did you see that? Teri entry pe slow motion kyun chalu hota hai bhai?

Zaheer
(thoda awkward, aankh chura ke)
Shut up.

Thoda door pe Shanu college ke gate se andar aati hai sky blue sweater, bag crossbody. Baalon se halki hawa khel rahi hoti hai.
Wo Anwar madam aur Zaheer ki awkward nazar dekhti hai, fir Arjun ki muskurahat bhi, lekin samajh nahi paati. Thoda confuse hoti hai, par kuch nahi bolti.

Ammu dusre side se bus ki light mein nazar aati hai ek simple plain cream suit pehna hua, jisme uska complexion aur zyada nikh raha hota hai.
Uska dupatta thoda loose hai,jisse uska cleavage halka sa dikh raha hai or taz ki aankhein yahi tiki hoti hai... wo Ammu ke boobs ko golai ko aankho se maap leta hai or siskiya bhar kar reh jata hai... Ammu ke baat karne se wo thoda idhar udhar hilti hai or itna hi kafi hota hai uske upper boobs ko thoda bahar nikalne ke liye or taz ki siski ko badhane ke liye... lekin Ammu ko is baat ka maloom nahi or uska andaz calm hai.Bag ek side pe, aankhon mein thoda hesitation.

Arjun, jo coffee pee raha hota hai, usse dekhta hi rukh jaata hai.

Arjun
(under his breath)
“Okay... that’s... not fair.”

Uski aankhen freeze ho jaati hain, jaise moment slow ho gaya ho. Uska dimaag blank ho jaata hai ek pal ke liye. Wo bas dekhte reh jaata hai khudko sambhalte hue. Ammu uski taraf dekh ke thoda sa smile kar deti hai ek normal “Hi” type gesture. Arjun aankhon se hi reply karta hai, lekin andar se thoda faint type feel karta hai.

Zaheer, jo registration table ke paas khada hota hai, ek pal ke liye Shanu ko dekh leta hai uski aankhen Arjun aur Ammu ke exchange ko skip karke us frame mein tik jaati hain jahan Shanu apne baal clip kar rahi hoti hai. Uska expression soft ho jaata hai, jaise kuch sochta ho, lekin aankh milate hi nazar hata leta hai.
Sab students one by one bus mein chadh rahe hote hain.

Taz — black hoodie mein quietly khada hota hai, crowd ka hissa. Wo Ammu ko chhupke chhupke observe karta hai stare karta hai, bina kuch bole.Uski nazar uncomfortable si hoti hai  kisi ko notice nahi hota, par ek ajeeb energy hoti hai uske stare mein.

Ammu uski taraf dekhti bhi nahi, apne friends ke paas chali jaati hai.

Anwar Madam(raising her voice)
“Okay everyone, settle in. Final headcount in five minutes!”

Sab students apni seats choose karte hain. Suitcase rack mein ja rahe hain, earphones lag rahe hain, excitement slowly chadh rahi hai.

Early Morning (Around 5:30 AM)
Bus finally chal padti hai. Window ke bahar andhera thoda light blue mein badal raha hai.Andar orange-yellow lights on hain. Seats pe students settle ho rahe hain kuch neck pillows leke, kuch chips packets nikal ke, kuch sirf khidki ki taraf jhagde mein busy.Zaheer ek window seat par baith chuka hai calm, back against the seat, earphones haath mein.Arjun uske bagal mein aake khada hota hai.

Arjun(complaining)
Ae Tu window leke baitha hai, Bro code bhool gaya kya

Zaheer:- Jo jaldi aayega, wahi khidki payega. Bus seat koi dil nahi jo share ho

Arjun (acting hurt):- Mere liye toh seat bhi dil hai... aur dil bhi seat.

Taz peechhe se sunta hai aur beech mein bol padta hai.

Taz (slow voice):-
Poetic line thi, lekin weak tha delivery.

Arjun (looking back, sarcastic smile):-  Tere jaise logon ke liye toh blank page hi poetry hota hai.

Zaheer hansi rokta hai.

Taz(straight face) Window seat mere saamne wali bhi khaali hai... ab dekhte hain kaun aata hai.”

Arjun (teasing)
Tu toh us window ke bajaye, uss reflection mein zyada busy lagta hai.

Shanu, kuch seats aage bethi hoti hai, window side. Usne Zaheer ki baat aur Taz ke reaction pe Arjun ka jawab suna. Ek halki smile uske chehre pe aati hai. Phir wo sideways Zaheer ko dekhti hai, jisme thoda impressed feel hota hai  kyunki Zaheer over react nahi karta, calm stay karta hai.

Arjun ab finally ek doosri seat par baitha hai, jahan ek ladki (Ammu) pehli seat par hai, par camera uska naam ya face fully focus nahi karta.

Arjun, thoda thak ke, lekin still charming voice mein bolta hai poori seat pe spread hoke.

Arjun (half voice mein, window ke bahar dekhte hue)
Kuch log itne saaf, itne khushbu jaise hote hain...
ke bas unke paas baithna bhi ek therapy lagta hai.Na naam lena hota hai, na baat karni... bas unka hona hi kaafi hota hai.

Ammu kuch nahi bolti, sirf softly muskurati hai jaise suna ho ya nahi, pata nahi. Uska dupatta thoda uske haathon pe lapetaa hua hai, aankhen half-closed. Wo bus ke motion mein sway ho rahi hai.


Peechhe se Arjun,thoda apne baal rakh ke fake snore karne lagta hai overdramatic.

Zaheer (peeche se)
“Tujhe chadar leke aana chahiye tha, itna drama expected tha.”

Arjun (aankh band karke)
Chadar nahi, mujhe bas usi ki khushboo chahiye…

Zaheer bas sir hila ke muskurata hai.
Bus ke andar ka vibe gradually warm ho chuka hai. Kisi ke phone se halki music baj rahi hai, kuch log already neend mein jaa chuke hain, kuch chit-chat kar rahe hain.

Bus ek small tapri-type chai shop ke paas ruki hai. Aas paas fog hai, hawa mein chai aur pakode ki khushboo ghoom rahi hai.Sab students thoda fresh hone, thoda snack lene mein busy hain. Arjun ek side par loud group ke saath ho raha hota hai, aur Ammu apni friend ke saath counter ke paas chai collect kar rahi hoti hai. Zaheer ek table ke paas khada hota hai, dono haathon mein chai ke glass. Wo idhar-udhar dekh raha hota hai jaise kisi specific moment ka wait kar raha ho. Tabhi uski nazar Shanu pe padti hai, jo ek banyan tree ke paas khadi hai, apne hands rub karte hue thand se lad rahi hoti hai. Uske paas koi nahi hota. Zaheer slowly uske paas jaata hai. Nervous nahi, lekin cautious.

Zaheer (thoda ruk kar)
Ek chai le lo... garam hai.

Shanu uski taraf dekhti hai,surprise nahi hoti, sirf neutral expression mein uska haath se chai ka glass le leti hai.

Shanu(slow)
Thanks.

Chhoti si silence hoti hai. Dono ek moment ke liye chai ke glass mein nazar guma lete hain.

Zaheer (softly)
Woh... subah ka scene... I mean... main...

(ruk ke)

Main kehna chah raha hoon mujhe dekhna nahi chahiye tha. Main waha... galti se...

Shanu uski baat interrupt nahi karti, na usse aankh milati. Bas chai pe phook maarte hue sunti rehti hai.

Zaheer (cont’d, a bit lower)
Main tumhe judge nahi kar raha tha. Mujhe khud par gussa aaya us waqt.
Lekin maine react nahi kiya... aur wo bhi galat tha.
Main sorry bolna chah raha hoon... seriously.

Shanu slowly uski taraf dekhti hai. Thandi hawa uske baal uda rahi hoti hai. Uska expression clear nahi hota  mixed feelings.

Shanu
(slowly)
Tum waha rukte kyun,Tum bhag jaate...Wo reaction... woh awkward silence... ussi ne sab kuch keh diya tha.

Zaheer (aankh milata hai)
Main confuse ho gaya tha.
Tumhe dekh kar... main pehli baar confuse hua tha.

Shanu ka heart beat thoda fast ho jaata hai.Wo bas neck side se khujlati hai classic nervous habit.

Shanu (thoda soft)
Tumne jo kiya, woh galat nahi tha... lekin awkward zaroor tha.

Zaheer (smiles slightly)
Yahi toh meri speciality hai... galtiya bhi decent kar deta hoon.

Shanu (smiles back)
Haan… decent se thoda zyada.

Ek aur chhoti silence. Dono chai ke last sips lete hain. Background mein bus ka horn bajta hai signal ki sab wapas aa jayein.

Shanu (chai ka glass rakhte hue)
Thanks for saying sorry. Aaj kal log direct baat nahi karte.

Zaheer (glass rakhte hue)
Aaj kal log aankh milakar baat bhi nahi karte.
Tumne ki... isiliye thank you.

Dono ek chhoti si smile exchange karte hain koi declaration nahi.Sirf ek moment jo clean, honest aur zyada keh ke bhi kam keh gaya.Phir dono silently bus ki taraf chalte hain. Ek dusre ke peechhe, par dono ke chehre pe thoda lightness aa chuka hota hai.

Bus ke engine ka halka vibration chalu ho chuka hai.Students ek-ek karke chai pee kar waapas chadh rahe hain. Seat covers halki sunlight mein golden lag rahe hain.Ammu sabse pehle chadh jaati hai ek simple lavender dupatta tightly fold kiya hua, suit ka colour thoda dull ho gaya hai subah ki thakan se.Wo seedha apni purani seat par jaake baithti hai… aur bag hata kar dusri seat khaali chhod deti hai.Ek pal ke liye uske chehre pe soft hope dikhai deta hai. Uski nazar baar baar gate ki taraf jaa rahi hai wo chhup chhup ke Arjun ko dhoond rahi hai. Wo apne haathon se dupatta theek karti hai, thoda adjust karti hai seat par as if trying to make it “welcoming”.

Bus ke andar ab crowd bhar raha hai.

Gate ke bahar Arjun abhi bhi apne doston ke saath khada hota hai  kuch joke maar raha hai, ek ladka uska phone chheen ke selfie le raha hai.Uska dhyan us seat par nahi hai. Na us aankhon par jo baar baar usse dhoond rahi hain.Ammu, chhupke se ek sigh leti hai. Phir halki si smile banake sirf khidki ke bahar dekhne lagti hai jaisa kuch hua hi nahi.
Tabhi ek shadow uske paas aata hai.
Taz black hoodie mein, sunglasses utare hue, baal thode bikhre — slow steps mein uski row tak aata hai.

Taz (halka smile ke saath)
“Yeh seat khaali hai na?”

Ammu pal bhar rukti hai… kuch bolti nahi. Bas ek second ke hesitation ke baad, thoda forcefully muskurati hai.

Ammu
“Hmm… haan.”

Taz baithta hai, thoda lean hoke. Wo directly uski taraf dekhta nahi, lekin uska presence heavy lagta hai.

Taz (half-whisper)
“Tum morning mein bhi itni fresh lagti ho… jaise poori trip ka no filter version ho.”

Ammu, jo khidki ki taraf thi, thoda stiff ho jaati hai. Wo sirf “thank you” type smile karti hai fake, polite.

Taz
Main soch raha tha… tent sharing mein koi fix hai ya open to suggestions

Ammu ab seedha uski taraf dekhti hai.Ek controlled expression na aggressive, na smiling sirf clear.

Ammu
“Main teacher ke tent ke pass rehna prefer karti hoon.”

Taz thoda hilta hai, lekin smile banaye rakhta hai.

Taz
“Smart. Safe choice.”

Uske baad wo seat pe relax hota hai, lekin uska body thoda lean Ammu ki taraf hi rahta hai enough to make her shift slightly toward the window.

Bus start hoti hai. Engine ka sound background mein badhne lagta hai.
Arjun finally chadh ke andar aata hai hansi ke mood mein, loud voice mein kuch bolta hua.Wo aankh ghumata hai, Ammu ki seat pe Taz ko dekh ke ek second rukta hai.Fir kuch nahi bolta, bas aage kisi aur row mein seat le leta hai jaise ignore kar diya ho ya kuch feel na ho. Ammu us moment mein ek pal ke liye khidki ki taraf hi dekhte hue, aankhon se ek cheez clearly express karti hai —“Wait kiya tha.”
Taz, unaware ya careless, earphones lagata hai.
Bus speed pick karti hai. Roads ke turns ke saath, emotions bhi dheere dheere shape le rahe hote hain kuch kehkar nahi, sirf gestures aur aankhon se.

[Greenwood]

Update 8



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Arjun
(earphones nikalta hai, thoda smile karta hai)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Post-Dinner Silence | Around 10:30 PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ammu
“Mil gaya kya?”

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

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

Next Morning | Sunny but Cool


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

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

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

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

Kritika shrugs and leaves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shanu
(thoda nazar milake)
“Thanks.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Uska dimaag flash karta hai — Ammu ki awaaz:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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



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

Wo door se dekh raha hai — Shanu ko.

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

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

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

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

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



Zaheer's Inner Thought (Voiceover Style)

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

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

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

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

Koi cheap emotion nahi — sirf ek pull.

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


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

[Greenwood]

All updates are good, ? 
Slow but interesting start

Thank you anum ji
Bas yuhi pyaar dete rahiye story ko
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Give feedback plz

[Greenwood]

Update 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Usi waqt, Arjun quietly uske peeche aata hai.

Pehle to kuch nahi bolta.

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

Ammu

(thoda chokkar)

“Kya kar rahe ho… koi dekh lega…”

Arjun

(smirking)

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

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

Hawa halki thandi, ekdum fresh.

Ammu

(hushed tone)

“Yahan kyun laye ho?”

Arjun

(seriously, aankhon mein seedha look)

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

Aur mujhe… tu chhupke dekhne ka shauk nahi.”

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

Arjun

(softly)

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

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

Ammu

(fake angry)

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

Arjun

(mischievous smile)

“Haan, par main movie nahi… hero hoon.

Aur ye scene mera favourite hai.”

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

Ammu

(laughs nervously)

“Chalo ab… warna koi aa gaya toh…”

Arjun

(smiling)

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

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

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

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

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

Ammu

(soft tone)

“Tum mujhe yahan kyu laaye ho?”

Arjun

(looking at her straight)

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

Ammu

(thoda sarcastic smile)

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

Arjun

(masti mein)

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

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

Arjun bhi uske paas baithta hai.

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

Dono ke haath ek moment ke liye paas aate hain…

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

Ammu

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

Arjun

(whisper)

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

Dono ek dusre ko quietly dekhte hain.

No kiss, no overacting.

Bas feel — jo hawaon ke saath shift hota hai.

Background mein loud shout sunai deta hai —

“Ammuuuuu! Kahaan gayi tu!”

Arjun aur Ammu smile karte hain.

Ammu quickly uthti hai, dupatta straight karti hai.

Arjun

(softly, peeche se)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swati

(apne ankle par cream lagate hue)

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

Kritika

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

Ammu

(softly laughing)

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

Swati

(acting shocked)

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

All girls laugh.

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

Kritika

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

Swati

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

Ammu

(teasing)

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

Shanu

(with a rare grin)

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

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

Kritika

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

Swati

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

Starry sky ke neeche dinner ki setting simple hai —

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

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

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

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

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

Taz

(smug smile ke saath)

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

Ammu

(surprised but thanda tone)

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

Taz

(laughs)

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

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

Taz

(slowly leaning a bit)

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

Ammu

(thoda side hoke)

“Comfortable hai, fashion ke liye nahi pehna.”

Taz

(smiling)

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

Ammu ab thoda alert ho jati hai.

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

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

Arjun

(voice mein lazy confidence)

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

Ammu

(with relief smile)

“Main bhool gayi… abhi la deti hoon.”

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

Arjun (to Taz)

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

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

Ammu

(soft voice)

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

Arjun

(half-smirk)

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

Ammu halki si smile karti hai…

Aur dono dinner finish karne lagte hain, side mein.

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

Tent ke andar sab ladkiyan light mode mein hoti hain.

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

Suddenly, tent ka flap hilta hai…

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

Anwar Madam

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

Swati

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

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

Kritika

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

Anwar Madam

(laughs)

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

Girls

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

Anwar Madam

(softly)

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

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

Anwar Madam

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

Swati

“Oooh… deep wala banda?”

Anwar Madam

(slight chuckle)

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

Shanu ki aankhon ka stress dheere dheere pighalta hai.

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

Uska mind back jata hai:

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

Uska mann mein uthta doubt

Aur uske baad ka khud se door rehna

Ab sab explain ho gaya hota hai.

Anwar Madam, apni torch band karti hain.

Anwar Madam

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

Girls laugh softly.

Anwar Madam jaati hain.

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

Kritika

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

Shanu quietly slipper pehenti hai, shawl uthati hai.

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

Uske face pe ek calm resolve hoti hai.

Shanu (under breath)

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

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

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

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

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

Flashback Montage – Water Scene (Day)

Shanu ka slow motion mein paani se nikalte hue baal nichodna

Uska sunlight mein geela chehra

Uske pairon ka pani mein halki halchal

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

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

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

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

Zaheer

(andar hi andar, bina bole)

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

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

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

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

Uske lips halki si movement karte hain —

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

Suraj naya naya nikal raha hai.

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

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

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

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

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

Phir ek second ke liye rukta hai.

Zaheer

(thoda hesitant, magar normal tone)

"Uth gayi itni subah?"

Shanu

(soft smile, lekin aankhon mein awkward jhalak)

“Wahi... neend hi kitni aayi thi.”

Zaheer

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

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

Shanu

(raising eyebrows, smile suppress karte hue)

“Tum wahan the kya?”

Zaheer

(looking down, thoda stuck)

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

Shanu

(faint chuckle)

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

Dono ek moment ke liye aankhon se milte hain…

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

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

Good morning soldiers!”

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

Anwar Madam

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

Swati

(half awake)

“Ma’am breakfast ke baad ya pehle?”

Anwar Madam

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

Laughter all around.

Anwar Madam

“Team ka distribution ho chuka hai...

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

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

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

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

Anwar Madam

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

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

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

Task:-----,

Har team ko 5 cheezein 45 mins mein dhoondhni hain.

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

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

20 minutes before Task Start

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

Group B: Zaheer & Shanu

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

Shanu

(pehla clue padhti hai, thoda sarcastic tone)

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

Zaheer

(smirks, without looking directly)

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

Shanu

(eyebrows lift)

“Hmmm. Smart.”

(pause)

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

Zaheer thoda pause karta hai — par smile deta hai.

Zaheer

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

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

Group A: Arjun & Ammu

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

Ammu

(quietly)

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

Arjun

(serious tone, then breaks into a smile)

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

Ammu

(blushing thoda, but confident tone)

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

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

Anwar Madam (Center)

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

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

Arjun check karta hai Ammu ke shoelace bandhe hain ya nahi

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

Mid-Morning | Task Begins

Pedon ke beech se halki dhoop channi hui aati hai.

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

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

Zaheer & Shanu – Trail C Left

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

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

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

Shanu

(Clue padhti hai, slowly)

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

Zaheer

(low tone, almost whisper)

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

Shanu, tree ke neeche se upar dekhti hai.

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

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

Ek awkward second —

Shanu palat kar dekhti hai,

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

Zaheer

"Yeh hawa bhi timing choose karti hai na."

Shanu kuch nahi kehti.

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

Dono ka pair ek hi leaf pe padta hai —

thoda shoulder bump hota hai —

no reaction.

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

Arjun & Ammu – Trail B Right

Arjun jungle ke ek patch pe rukta hai —

pani ke neeche smooth stone dhoondhne.

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

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

Arjun ka nazar bas ek second ke liye ruk jaata hai

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

Ammu

(softly, aankhon se paani me)

“Stone mil gaya?”

Arjun

(taking one out, then casually)

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

Ammu hasti nahi.

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

Ek unspoken pause.

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

Ammu (breaking it)

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

Arjun

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

Ammu aankhon se uski taraf dekhti hai — expression unreadable.

Back to Zaheer & Shanu – Trail C

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

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

Shanu niche se dekhte hue

“Gir gaye toh mein nahi pakadne wali.”

Zaheer feather todta hai, aur neeche aata hai —

tabhi thoda slip karta hai —

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

Silence.

Hawa ruk jaati hai.

Zaheer seedha khada hota hai —

Shanu ka haath instantly peeche chala jaata hai.

Dono kuch nahi bolte.

Bas aankhen milti hain.

Us gaze mein sab kuch tha —

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

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

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

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

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

Tabhi Shanu ka pair ek loose stone par padta hai —

Shanu

“Aahh!”

Wo balance lose karke neeche gir jaati hai —

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

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

Zaheer

“Ruko… don’t move.”

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

Shanu

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

Zaheer uski baat ignore karta hai.

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

Zaheer

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

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

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

Zaheer uske saamne baithta hai —

uske haathon ka motion soft, careful —

wo uski trouser ko knee tak fold karta hai.

Shanu ke pair pe scratch hai, halka bleeding.

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

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

Zaheer (low voice)

“Thoda lagega... bas ek second.”

Jab wo cotton knee pe softly rakhta hai,

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

Ek awkward pause.

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

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

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

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

Zaheer

(gently)

“Done.”

Wo cotton hata ke ek bandaid chipkata hai.

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

Shanu

(softly, almost whisper)

“Thanks…”

Zaheer aankhen uthaata hai.

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

lekin wo smile kar deti hai — ek real smile.

Zaheer

(half-smile deta hai)

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

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

Woh slowly uthti hai.

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

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

between them? Silence.

Lekin woh silence ab awkward nahi, intimate lagta hai.

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

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

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

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

Tabhi peeche se patton ki halki si khadbadahat...

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

Arjun (casually)

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

Ammu (bina dekhe)

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

Arjun

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

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

beech me flask aur chips.

Silence.

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

Arjun flask leke sip karta hai

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

Ammu

“Ajwain paani. Digestion ke liye.”

Arjun

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

Ammu

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

Dono hansi chhupate hain.

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

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

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

Arjun

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

Ammu (softly)

“Toh dosti hi hai na?”

Arjun

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

Ammu uski taraf dekhti hai, ek second ke liye.

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

Ammu

“Tum kabhi serious hote ho kya?”

Arjun (slowly)

“Bas tumhare saath hota hoon.”

Pause.

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

Ammu

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

Arjun (grinning)

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

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

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

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

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

She bends down to check if the jug is leaking.

Tabhi peeche se Taz aata hai, silence me.

Taz (casually, par voice creepy soft)

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

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

Ammu

“Tum? Yahan kya kar rahe ho?”

Taz

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

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

Ammu

“Taz, just… stop. I’ll go.”

Taz (chhoti si smile ke saath)

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

Ammu bag tight pakadti hai, aur jaane lagti hai —

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

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

Taz

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

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

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

[Greenwood]

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

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

[Greenwood]

Awesome update

Thank you genuine readers

[Greenwood]

Update 10

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

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

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

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

Ammu (soft, tezi se)

“Arjun… suno…”

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

Uske aankhon ke neeche halki thakan, par mind alert.

Ammu (close aake)

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

Arjun ka expression shift hota hai.

Woh uske aankhon me dekhta hai.

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

Woh Arjun ko aate dekhta hai — lekin uthta nahi.

Arjun (tight voice)

“Tera problem kya hai?”

Taz (slow smirk)

“Tera problem kya hai? Main kya kiya?”

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

Arjun

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

Taz (provoking)

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

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

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

Taz

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

Arjun

“Ammu meri dost hai—”

Taz (interrupting, mocking)

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

Pause.

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

Arjun (voice breaking but strong)

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

andar se jal jaata hoon main!

Aur jab woh hasti hai…

toh lagta hai duniya mein sab kuch thik hai…”

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

Ammu (chillate hue)

“Arjun!! Arjun, please— stop!!”

Woh dono ke beech aake khadi ho jaati hai.

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

Ammu (chikhti hai)

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

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

Ek weird twisted smile ke saath.

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

Arjun (breathe heavy)

“Mujhe farak padta hai… har baar padta hai

Ammu

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

Arjun (low, broken whisper)

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

Ammu uske samne full break down kar jaati hai.

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

Ammu (crying hard, broken)

“I love you…

I love you, Arjun…

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

Uska chehra Ammu ke kandhe me dhala hua,

aankhon me aansu thame hue.

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

“Tu meri duniya ban gayi hai, Ammu.

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

main jeeta hoon…”

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

Arjun (deep voice)

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

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

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

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

Ammu, Arjun ki taraf dekh kar softly bolti hai:

Ammu

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

Arjun (half-smile)

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

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

Ammu (nazar jhukakar)

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

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

Arjun (soft but firm)

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

Thoda sa silence.

Ammu ek chhoti si hansi leti hai —

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

Ammu

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

Arjun (smirking)

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

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

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

Ammu (teasing tone)

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

Arjun (half smile)

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

Ammu (laughing softly)

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

Arjun (mock offended)

"Abe insult kar rahi hai ya compliment?"

Ammu (grinning)

"Jiska jo mann kare samajh le…"

Dono thoda aur aage badhte hain,

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

Ammu ruk jaati hai — thoda panic expression.

Ammu (suddenly tense)

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

Arjun (gently)

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

Ammu (slow nod)

"Okay…"

Arjun (softly)

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

Ammu uske chest pe halki si knock karti hai,

“Filmy mat ho, drama queen.”

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

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

Shanu sabse pehle Ammu ko dekhti hai  aankhen thoda narrowed.

Shanu (teasing tone)

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

Riya (laughing)

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

Ammu (quickly composing)

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

Aashi (raising eyebrows)

“Ohh… so sweet…”

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

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

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

do second ke liye nazar milti hai,

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

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

Group Division:

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

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

Baaki log alag-alag team me

Start of the Task – Campfire Area

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

Anwar Madam:

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

Ammu (nervous):

“Yeh night trail safe toh hai na?”

Arjun (smirking):

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

Ammu (rolls eyes)

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

Sab laugh karte hain — tension halka hota hai.

Zaheer & Shanu ka Trail

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

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

Shanu (softly)

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

Zaheer (without looking at her)

“Tujhe kuch nahi hoga jab tak main hoon.”

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

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

Shanu (mischievous tone)

“Tujhe bhi darr lagta hai kya?”

Zaheer (half-smile)

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

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

Arjun & Ammu ka Path

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

Ammu (laughing, embarrassed)

“Main hamesha gir jaati hoon.”

Arjun

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

Ammu thoda blush karti hai, but ignore karti hai.

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

Arjun

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

Ammu (softly, smiling)

“Jaanti hoon…”

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

Sab log clues le kar wapas camp pahuchte hain.

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

Anwar Madam unka compliment karti hain.

Anwar Madam

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

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

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

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

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

Anwar Madam (smiling)

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

Sab cheer karte hain.

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

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

Arjun (dramatic)

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

(Everyone whistles)

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

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

“Par ek aag hai jungle me…

Na jale toh hawa thandi…

Jal jaaye toh dil tapak padta hai…”

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

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

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

Shanu (softly)

“Thoda garam zyada ho gaya… try karna?”

Zaheer (smiling)

“Tu sab kuch share karti hai kya?”

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

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

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

Arjun (softly)

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

Ammu (halki hansi)

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

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

Arjun

“Main dekh raha hoon. Har second

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

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

Shanu fire ki flame me dekhte hue sochti hai —

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

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

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

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

Time: 6:00 AM

Ek foggy aur chilled morning hai.

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

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

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

Anwar Madam

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

Pairing:

Arjun & Ammu

Zaheer & Shanu

Baaki log group me

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

Arjun & Ammu

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

Arjun (casual tone)

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

Ammu

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

Arjun (smirking)

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

Ammu camera uthake uske face pe aim karti hai —

Click.

Phir softly:

Already ho.”

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

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

Shanu

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

Zaheer

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

Shanu (teasing)

“Logon ke emotions bhi samajhne aate hain?”

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

Zaheer

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

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

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

Mid-Trail Break

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

Anwar Madam sab se poochti hain:

“Kya seekha jungle se?”

Riya

“Silence.”

Taz (mocking)

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

Ammu (teasing)

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

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

Sab log slowly return karte hain.

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

Zaheer (softly)

“Chalein?”

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

Around 6:30 PM.

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

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

ANWAR MADAM (announces excitedly):

“Tonight’s game — Survival Tag Challenge!

Rules simple hain — do teams: Boys vs Girls

Sab ke peeth pe ek color ribbon bandha jaayega.

Goal: Opponent ke ribbons kheenchna.

Last pair standing wins!”

TEAMS:

Boys: Arjun, Zaheer, Taz, few others

Girls: Ammu, Shanu, Riya, others

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

ROUND STARTS:

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

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

Arjun (shocked):

“Bhaiii yeh kya tha?!”

Zaheer (laughs):

“Hero banne gaya tha, cartoon ban gaya.”

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

MID-ROUND MAYHEM:

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

Unke beech ek thoda awkward body clash hota hai.

Taz (grit teeth, low voice):

“Agli baar bachi toh main nahi chhodunga.”

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

LAST ROUND – FINAL FOUR:

Remaining:

Zaheer & Taz (Boys)

vs

Ammu & Shanu (Girls)

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

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

Zaheer vs Shanu

Sab hush ho jaate hain.

Shanu chhup ke ready hoti hai.

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

Zaheer (low smile):

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

Shanu (playfully):

“Try toh kar le.”

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

Par wo intentional delay karta hai.

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

Shanu uska ribbon kheench leti hai.

Zaheer (softly):

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

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

Girls team jeet jaati hai. Sab cheer karte hain.

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

Bas kuch distant laughter aur jungle ke insects ki awaaz.

Moonlight soft glow de rahi hoti hai.

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

Ek halki si sili padti hai tent ke corner pe.

Faint whisper:

“Chalein?”

Ammu aankhen kholti hai.

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

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

Arjun aage badhta hai, Ammu thoda hesitate karti hai.

Arjun:

“Dar lag raha hai?”

Ammu (softly):

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

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

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

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

Ammu paani me pair dalti hai. Arjun bhi.

Arjun:

“Mujhe laga tu nahi aayegi.”

Ammu (looking ahead):

“Mujhe bhi laga tu nahi poochega.”

Pause.

Arjun:

“Main tumse kuch kehna chahta hoon…”

Ammu uski taraf dekhti hai, thoda sa nervous.

Par Arjun kuch nahi bolta.

Arjun (smiling):

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

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

Ammu (whispers):

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

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

Arjun:

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

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

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

Ammu:

“Main bhi... bas tu bolta nahi tha.”

Silence again.

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

aur dono ke faces paas aate jaate hain...

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

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

Arjun (whisper):

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

[Greenwood]

Update 11

Subah ke 8:00 baje.

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

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

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

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

“Bacchi, subah-subah choodiyan pehnogi?”

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

Arjun (casual):

“Tu chahe toh yeh le sakti hai…”

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

Ammu:

“Tere pas itni chudiyon ki knowledge kaise hai?”

Arjun:

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

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

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

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

Zaheer:

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

Shanu:

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

Zaheer (slightly smirking):

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

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

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

Teesri baar…

Peeche se ek ladka kehta hai:

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

Arjun ne sab sun liya hota hai.

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

Arjun (full calm anger):

“Repeat kar… kya bola?”

Ladka:

“Abey tu kaun hai be?”

Arjun:

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

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

Zaheer:

“Enough! Hatt ja Arjun…”

(Phir wo un ladko se directly kehta hai)

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

Bheed badh jaati hai — nearby shopkeepers bhi aate hain.

Anwar madam door se daudti hai:

“Kya ho raha hai yahaan?!”

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

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

Taz (murmuring):

“Yeh Arjun apni aukat dikhane laga hai…”

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

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

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

Zaheer serious expression bana ke Arjun ki taraf mudta hai.

Zaheer (thoda awkward, khassi maar ke):

"Tu na… thank you."

Arjun (ek sip leke):

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

Zaheer (rolling eyes):

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

Arjun (mock surprise):

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

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

Zaheer:

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

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

Arjun (suddenly drama mein):

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

Zaheer (deadpan):

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

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

Ammu (under breath):

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

Arjun (loudly, Ammu ko dekh ke):

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

Ammu (fake smile):

"Sure… Arjun bhaiya…"

(phir aankhon se maarne wali nazar deti hai.)

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

Arjun:

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

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

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

Ammu (cute innocent tone mein):

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

Arjun (nervously idhar-udhar dekhte hue):

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

Ammu (masoom si shakal banake):

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

Arjun (whispering):

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

Ammu (big smile ke sath):

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

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

Ammu (Arjun ko dekhte hue):

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

Arjun (almost exploding):

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

Ammu:

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

Arjun (muttering):

"Main khud banana peel ban gaya hoon."

Ammu jaate jaate Arjun ke kandhe pe haath rakhti hai:

Ammu (sweetly):

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

Arjun (dead inside):

"Yeh ladki mujhe rakhi pe rakhegi lagta hai…"

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

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

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

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

Scene Starts – Arjun Ka Dimag On Fire

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

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

Arjun (mind voice):

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

Ab time hai… game ulta karne ka.”

Next day breakfast line mein:

Arjun (sweet smile ke saath):

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

Ammu (surprised):

"Abey tu bhaiya nahi raha?"

Arjun (poker face):

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

Ammu (confused laugh):

"Kya chal raha hai iske dimaag mein?"

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

Arjun Ammu ke pass aata hai – casual tone mein:

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

Ammu:

"Kya? Tu theek hai?"

Arjun:

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

Ammu (awkward smile):

"Hatt… pagal hai kya…"

Raat ke campfire mein:

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

Arjun:

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

Sab:

"Oooohhhh!"

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

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

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

Ammu Arjun ke pass aake kehti hai:

Ammu (narrowed eyes):

"Tu kya kar raha hai haan?"

Arjun (leaning slightly, soft tone):

"Jo tu samajh rahi hai… shayad wahi."

Ammu (nervously):

"Matlab…?"

Arjun (wink karta hai):

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

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

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

Campfire bujh chuka hai.

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

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

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

ANWAR MA’AM (softly, with smile)

Toh bachcho…

Yeh raat humare camp ki aakhiri raat hai.

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

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

ANWAR MA’AM (smiling)

Mujhe pata hai aap sab is teen din ko yaad rakhoge

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

Lekin sabse zyada yaad rakhna

Ye waqt wapas nahi aayega.

Sab ke chehre pe ek alag si shanti hai.

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

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

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

SHANU (halki awaaz mein)

Lagta hai kal subah ke baad sab normal ho jaayega.

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

ZAHEER

Haan…

Lagta hai jaise yeh sab koi dusra waqt tha.

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

SHANU

Jaise har cheez ka matlab tha.

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

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

SHANU mitti mein halki rekha kheechti hai ungli se.

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

Aur tabhi...

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

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

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

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

ZAHEER (light cough, tone neutral)

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

SHANU (soft laugh)

Handle toh karna hi padega.

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

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

SHANU uski taraf dekhti hai — slowly.

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

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

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

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


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

kuch keh nahi paaye.

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

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

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

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

(Pause.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EARLY MORNING

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


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

ARJUN (softly, aankhon se)

(Just mouthing)

“Tu thik hai?”

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

ARJUN (nazar jhuka ke)

(again, no sound)
“Sorry.”

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

Woh moment short hota hai, but clear understanding ka.

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

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

Anwar Ma’am (from front)

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

Students cheer karte hain.

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

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

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

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

Arjun mouth se silently bolta hai:
“Friends?”

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

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

ANTAKSHARI shuru hoti hai — pehla gaana:

Chura liya hai tumne jo dil ko..."


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

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

Ammu bina dekhe bolti hai:
Aur hadd bhi.”

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

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


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

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

[Greenwood]

Update 12

sunset

bus gali ke kone pe rukti hai.

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

“bachpan wapas aa gaya lagta hai.”

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

asma (excitedly)

didi! tum logon ne lake mein boat chalayi kya?

dj night bhi hua kya?

tumhara group photo kaha hai mujhe dikhana!

ammu (muskurate hue)

sab kuch hua...

thandi hawa, tent wali raat, fireflies...

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

asma (wide-eyed)

waah! tum kahin dream mein ho lagta hai.

ammu (grinning, holding it back)

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

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

lekin uska chehra halka blush karta hai.

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

madhu uske room mein chai le kar aati hai.

madhu

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

shanu (nodding, softly)

bahut acchi...

pehli baar laga ki main kisi aur duniya mein thi.

jahan log zyada… real the.

madhu

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

shanu (biting smile)

shayad kuch lamhe wapas nahi jaayenge mere andar se

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

“koi crush toh nahi mil gaya?”

shanu (chhoti laugh)

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

madhu chali jaati hai...

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

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

par uske lips pe ek smile chhup nahi pati.

shanu diary likhti hai:

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

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

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

“aaj chhat pe yaad aayi thi tu.”

(lekin send nahi karta.)

early sunday morning

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

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

ammu sirf takiye mein muh chhupa leti hai.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

afternoon – 3:00 pm

location: singh house living room

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

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

shanu (laugh kar)

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

arjun (pointing)

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

zaheer (calmly)

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

ammu (tauntingly)

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

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

asma (excitedly)

mujhe wo lake waali pics dikhao! didi wali!

didi ke baal ud rahe the usme!

arjun (suddenly quiet ho jaata hai)

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

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

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

pratap (chhoti smile ke saath)

yeh photo kisi photographer ka kaam lagta hai.

shanu (slowly)

photo se zyada... timing ka kaam tha.

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

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

ammu quietly

yeh waala moment… kabhi wapas nahi aayega.

arjun (looking at her)

shayad nahi.

par... yaad rahega.

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

qureshi house – evening time

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

shanu

(ammu ke liye excuse bana ke)

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

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

ammu (knowing smile ke saath)

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

shanu (lightly hitting her)

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

dono haste hue seedhiyaan chadh jaate hain chhat ki taraf.

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

ammu

ghar aake bhi trip dimaag se jaa hi nahi raha.

shanu

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

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

ammu

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

dono chhoti chhoti baatein yaad karke hastaati hain.

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

taz

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

shanu (dekhti hai)

arre taz? tu yahin tha?

taz (smirking)

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

ammu (flat)

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

taz

style ki tension mat le...

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

shanu (laughing)

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

taz (grinning)

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

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

ammu

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

taz (holding hands up)

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

aur dono ek shaant sigh ke saath baith jaati hain.

shanu (smiling)

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

ammu (laughing)

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

roshni dheere dheere kam ho rahi hoti hai.

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

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

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

shanu (smiling softly)

“hi…”

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

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

ammu

arre shanu... ruk—

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

shanu

bye… kal milti hoon.

aur seedha nikal jaati hai.

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

zaheer (teasingly)

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

ammu (resisting lightly)

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

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

audio fade out

"arre ruk na..."

"chup kar, tu aaj masala mix karegi!"

"zaheerrr..."

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

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

madhu kitchen mein awaaz lagati hai:

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

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

uska haath ek drawer tak jaata hai —

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

“yeh tujhe suit karegi… thoda hatke lagegi.”

shanu thodi der cap ko dekhti hai,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

arjun paas aakar bolta hai:

arjun (casual)

yeh chudiya… mujhe pehchaan lag rahi hai.

ammu (straight face)

haan… thodi tight hai, par chal jaayegi.

arjun (grin karta hai)

waise pehni kis ke liye hai?

ammu (mock thinking)

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

arjun (hands up)

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

dono side mein baith jaate hain.

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

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

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

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

ek dusre se random nonsense baat karte hue…

arjun (stretching)

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

zaheer (laughing)

tu Goa shift ho ja… college yahin theek hai.

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

bada sa red-blue font:

“sports week – begins monday!

with our new sports coach ms. nikhat siddiqui.”

zaheer (staring at poster)

ms. nikhat siddiqui?

arjun (squinting at name)

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

zaheer

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

arjun (acting)

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

zaheer (laughing)

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

arjun

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

zaheer (smirking)

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

arjun (mock offended)

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

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

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

zaheer (slow whisper)

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

arjun (mock horror)

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

zaheer

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

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

poster pe zoom hota hai…

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

lekin photo blur hai. suspense barkaraar.

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

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

qureshi house ke gate pe knock hoti hai.

ammuuuu,darwaza asma kholti hai

ek chhoti si smile ke saath...

asma

arre shanu didi! ammu upar hai, bulaun?

shanu (smiling)

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

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

ammu (downstairs aate hi)

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

shanu (acting cool)

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

Ammu

Matlab...

Shanu (avoiding eye contact)

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

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

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

zaheer (absentmindedly)

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

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

zaheer (andar se chillate hue)

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

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

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

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

lekin uska dhyan sirf ek cheez pe hai: zaheer.

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

but zaheer... as usual busy, unaware.

zaheer (teasing tone)

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

ammu (laughs)

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

zaheer (mock offended)

achha ji. mere khilaaf conspiracy chalu hai.

shanu (finally speaking)

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

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

zaheer

waise…

yeh cap achhi lag rahi hai tujhe.

maine bola tha na, tujhe suit karegi.

shanu (trying to act casual)

hmm?

cap pe haath ghumaati hai

haan… bas mil gayi thi… sochha pehen lu.

zaheer (slight smile)

achha kiya… cap achhi lag rahi hai.

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

shanu (halki si awkward smile ke saath)

fashion advice nahi thi… suggestion tha.

zaheer (teasing)

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

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

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

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

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

college canteen – morning

canteen ke bahar ka hamesha wala hungama —

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

aur beech mein ek known chaos ka source — taz.

taz canteen wale se bhid raha hota hai:

taz (chillaate hue)

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

main khau ya shoe polish karun?

canteen guy (irritated)

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

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

taz

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

yahan breakfast mein insult free milta hai!

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

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

shanu (half rolling her eyes)

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

arjun (smirking)

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

Ammu

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

taz tabhi un sab ki taraf dekh leta hai…

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

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

Taz

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

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

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

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

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

ek silence chhata hai — taz thoda rukta hai,

aur fir ek badi, loud si hansi nikalta hai:

taz

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

fir sab crowd ko hathaata hai:

taz

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

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

arjun ammu ki taraf dekhta hai:

arjun (softly)

tu sure thi… main toh chhodta nahi usse.

ammu (steady voice)

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

college auditorium – mid morning

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

“sports week 2025 – push your limits!”

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

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

principal chauhan (mic pe aakar)

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

students thoda laugh karte hain softly.

principal (continues)

this monday, we will begin our annual sports week.

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

principal

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

hall suddenly quiet ho jaata hai.

principal

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

strict bhi hain… aur thoda unpredictable bhi.

zaheer (leaning to arjun)

abey... naam suna suna lag raha hai.

arjun (whispers)

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

shanu (overhearing)

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

ammu (laughs softly)

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

principal

lists will be out on the notice board by evening.

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

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

anwar ma’am

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

no excuses. no late entries. samjhe?

hall se bahar nikalte hue crowd

zaheer (to arjun)

nikhat siddiqui… naam mein hi weight hai.

arjun (grinning)

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

“coach nikhat – season 1: pain begins”

shanu (teasing)

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

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

[Greenwood]

Update 13

college sports ground – early morning

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

unki voice calmly echo karti hai ground mein:

principal chauhan

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

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

tabhi…

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

camera slow zoom karta hai…

coach nikhat siddiqui

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

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

background crowd mein murmur shuru hota hai…

student 1 (low whisper)

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

student 2

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

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

ammu ka foot raise halfway ruk jaata hai.

shanu ke haath waist pe the, lekin cap adjust karte waqt woh sirf uski confident walk ko dekh rahi hoti hai.

coach nikhat directly principal ke paas jaati hai —

no smile, no drama, bas ek nod.

principal (announcing)

“everyone… meet your sports coach for the week.

ms. nikhat siddiqui.

don’t go by her size. she trains people twice your age, and twice your attitude.”

coach nikhat mic leti hai — her voice calm, deep aur crystal clear:

nikhat

“morning.

ground mein swag leke mat chalo. yeh modelling ramp nahi hai.

mujhe bas effort chahiye performance nahi.

aur haan boys aur girls dono ko participate karna hai.

no excuses, no drama.”

background mein whistle bajti hai.

sab log awkwardly line mein aa jaate hain.

zaheer (to arjun, low tone)

bhai… aaj toh sach mein daud lagne wali hai.

arjun

tu daud ke bare me soch raha hai or main uske wo..... ?

nikhat (loud)

“3 laps. start moving. let’s see kaun stamina mein aur kaun sirf stories mein strong hai.”

Principal

Inke bare me apko bata du ye hai apki nayi coach...

ms. nikhat siddiqui (sports coach)

age: mid-30s

background: national-level athletics trainer; kuch saal military-style fitness camps mein kaam kiya hai.

ab ek reputed college circuit mein sports coach ke roop mein jaani jaati hai.

strictness:

time ka obsession:

ek second ki bhi late entry pe punishment fix hai. chahe best student ho ya sabse slow — time pe discipline uska non-negotiable rule hai.

no favoritism policy:

girls ho ya boys, first benchers ho ya backbenchers — sabke liye ek hi standard.

“mujhe tumhara talent nahi chahiye, mujhe tumhara effort chahiye.”

clear rules, no drama:

“jo ground pe aayega, use perform karna hi padega.

excuses sirf un logon ke liye hote hain jo haarne ke liye aaye hain.”

punishment drills:

jumping squats, planks, and duck walks —

har chhoti galti pe 2-minute intense drill fix hai.

aur jab koi complain karta hai, toh calm voice mein kehti hai:

"itni takleef hai toh diary likh lo, mujhe mat batao."

fitness level:

subah 6 baje khud warm-up karti hai — usually 5k run solo, bina kisi show-off ke.

students ke saath koi bhi activity ho, wo khud sabse pehle try karti hai — push-ups, relay, long jumps…

aur har baar students thak jaate hain, woh calm breath mein khadi hoti hai.

tight form, high stamina:

jab students ko lagta hai "yeh toh sirf bolti hongi", us moment mein woh khud 200m sprint laga ke unki ego crush kar deti hai

boys:

“main toh soch raha tha easy PT hoga, yeh toh sexy se bhi jyada seductive training hai!”

lekin andar se impressed hote hain — respect and fear dono.

girls:

“uska figure dekh ke lagta hai chocolate chhodo, carrot pe shift ho jaayein.”

gradually unhe realize hota hai ki nikhat sirf fitness icon nahi, ek solid role model bhi hai.

Nikhat

tumse acchi selfie lene wale hazaar honge, par tumse acchi run lagane wale ginte ke hote hain.

ground ke beech, sab students line mein khade

coach nikhat siddiqui front mein khadi hoti hai — arms crossed, eyes sharp.

sab students thak chuke hote hain thoda warm-up kar ke, lekin ab unki energy sirf ek cheez par hai: nikhat madam bol kya rahi hain?

nikhat (calm tone mein bolti hai, bina mic ke)

“tum log yeh soch rahe hoge… yeh woman aayi hai, aur sirf daant ke jaa rahi hai.”

pause

“relax. aaj sirf intro tha.

main kisi ka dushman nahi hoon… lekin main kisi ki maa bhi nahi hoon.

main coach hoon.”

ek second ka silence

kal se training start hogi — real wali.

t-shirts geeli hongi, ego pighle ga, aur jo apne aap ko hero samajhta hai na…

wo sabse pehle girta hai.”

ek student ne halki si hansi nikalne ki koshish ki — nikhat ne usi taraf dekha. sab chup.

nikhat (last line)

“abhi ke liye… class mein jao.

kal ground pe milte hain — shoes band ke, excuses bandh.”

she turns without looking back.

zaheer halka sa smirk ke saath kehta hai:

zaheer (to arjun)

yeh woman... full threat hai.

arjun (sarcasm mein)

aur mujhe lagta tha sports week boring hoga.

ammu shanu ke ear ke paas jhuk kar bolti hai:

ammu

main kal track pants press karke rakh rahi hoon.

pata nahi daud lagani hai ya bhaag ke jaan bachani hai.

shanu (soft laugh)

main toh pehli baar kisi coach ko dekh ke nervous bhi hoon… aur impressed bhi.

fade out with bell ki awaaz aur sab students classroom ke andar ghuste hue... lekin unki aankhon mein sirf ek naam goonj raha hota hai nikhat.

sports ground ka setup thoda relaxed hota hai.

students warm-up ke baad apne apne classroom ki taraf ja chuke hain.

sirf kuch staff aur 2-3 volunteers idhar-udhar rehte hain — including coach nikhat, jo ek whiteboard pe next day ki team drill likh rahi hoti hain.

arjun ek kone se chhup chhup ke nikhat ke aas paas mandrata hai 

pehle water cooler ke bahane, phir cones arrange karne ke naam pe.

first round:

nikhat chalk se board pe likh rahi hoti hain.

arjun, bottle leke uske paas se guzarta hai — aur extra loud sip leta hai.

arjun (under breath)

kaafi intense handwriting hai…

nikhat sun nahi paati — ya ignore karti hai.

arjun chill mode mein corner mein khisak jaata hai.

Second round:

cones arrange kar rahe students mein arjun bhi aa jata hai —

ek cone uthata hai aur unnecessarily 3 second tak adjust karta hai… ussi jagah pe.

zaheer (side se)

yeh cone hai ya taj mahal bana raha hai?

arjun (defensive)

accuracy bhi ek art hoti hai bhai.

nikhat is baar notice karti hai ki arjun wahin aas paas hai… phir se.

but abhi kuch nahi bolti.

third round:

sab log ja chuke hote hain, sirf nikhat aur ek junior coach field ke edge pe khade hote hain.

arjun ek pen leke aata hai:

arjun (casually)

ma’am… aap yeh marker use kar rahi thi kya?

main store room se naya laaya hoon… matlab, just in case.

nikhat, without even turning:

nikhat

tum store room mein bhi jaate ho?

mujhe laga tumhara area sirf spotlight tak limited hota hai.

arjun (caught off guard)

uhh… nahi… main helpfull type hoon. generally.

nikhat finally uski taraf palat kar dekhti hai —

ek sharp look, par smile nahi.

sirf calm, direct stare.

nikhat (firm)

sunna tumhara strong point hai ya ignore karna?

arjun (thoda nervously)

main? dono thoda thoda... mood pe depend karta hai.

nikhat (stepping closer)

mood bhi kal se meri permission se banega.

ab jao. cones apne aap nahi uthenge.

arjun, ek soft smile ke saath haan mein sir hilata hai —

aur quietly wapas corner ki taraf chala jaata hai.arjun cones arrange karne ka drama chhodi deta hai.

ab uska mission clear hai — nikhat se seedha interaction.

wo side se aata hai, haath me ek purani whistle hoti hai — clearly working nahi hai.

arjun (casual tone mein)

ma’am, yeh whistle kaam nahi kar rahi.

main soch raha hoon… aap jaise coach ke liye toh ek custom gold whistle honi chahiye.

nikhat ruk jaati hai.

slowly uski taraf dekhti hai — aankhon mein zero emotion.

arjun (approaching)

ma’am… maine suna fitness ke baad sugar intake zaroori hota hai.

so... aapke liye.

nikhat clipboard se nazar nahi hatati.

nikhat

meri energy dedication se aati hai, chocolate se nahi.

tum le lo… shayad tumhara stamina badh jaaye.

arjun (grins)

ouch.

aap thoda aur sweet hoti toh yeh chocolate match karti.

nikhat ek chalk uthati hai, ground pe ek rough sketch banate hue bolti hai:

nikhat

tumhare compliments ka bhi ek limit hona chahiye.

warna woh bhi exercise ban jaate hain — pointless repetition.

arjun (laughs nervously)

ma’am, repetition se toh muscles bante hain.

nikhat (calmly)

aur bekaar baaton se time waste hota hai.

arjun thoda idhar-udhar dekhta hai, fir ek cone uthata hai

arjun

main help kar doon? cones setup?

nikhat (direct, not looking at him)

nahi. tumhari help tab chahiye hogi jab koi cone uthake bhaag jaaye.

arjun (grinning anyway)

toh main wait karta hoon kisi ke bhaagne ka.

nikhat clipboard band karti hai, uske pass se guzarte hue bolti hai:

nikhat (without stopping)

tumhare pass agar time extra hai, toh stretching shuru karo.

kal tumhara group first sprint karega.

arjun (softly)

ma’am, aapko dekh ke hi meri breath chali jaati hai.

daud ke pehle hi thak jaata hoon.

nikhat (pausing for a beat)

phir kal tak oxygen reserve mein daal lo.

kyunki main tumhari drama se nahi, performance se impress hoti hoon.

aur bina palte, woh ground ke dusre end ki taraf nikal jaati hai.

arjun (to himself)

coach ke piche bhaagna... actual warm-up se zyada hard hai.or agar coach ka piche ka area aisa ho to warm up se bhi jyada pasina lagta hai....

Or arjun muskurata rehta hai

shanu’s bedroom – early evening

shanu mirror ke saamne khadi hoti hai, facewash lagake fresh towel se munh ponch rahi hoti hai.

ek haath me phone hota hai, speaker mode on.

cut to: ammu’s room – same time

ammu apne bed pe baithi hoti hai, ek purani hairbrush se baal suljha rahi hoti hai.

side me asma baithi hoti hai apni comic book leke, lekin kaan poore phone ki taraf.

shanu (laughing )

tu uski legs dekhi thi? full athlete type. matlab… koi line nahi, sirf strength!

ammu (half shock, half awe)

yaar uska figure aise jaise gym me nahi, jungalon me train karti ho.

shanu

main toh sirf uski entry se hil gayi.

bina smile ke woh aise chali aayi jaise kisi film ka climax chal raha ho.

ammu (playfully)

aur woh bolti hai toh aisa lagta hai… jaise hum sab bas time waste hai.

shanu (mocking voice)

“tum log modelling ramp pe nahi ho…”

dramatic pause

“ground mein ho.”

dono hans padti hain. asma bhi thoda smile karti hai quietly.

ammu (relaxed tone mein)

main toh sach bolu… thoda crush jaisa feel ho gaya tha.

not love wala… bas respect wala.

shanu

same bro. mujhe laga main cap nikaal ke usko de du —

“lo ma’am, ab se aap hi hero ho.”

shanu

nikhat ma’am… real deal hai.

aise logon se thoda darr bhi lagta hai… par attraction bhi hota hai.

ammu (seriously)

haan. aur ma’am type logon se milke lagta hai ki hum logo ne ab tak sirf acting ki hai college me.

she’s real. no filters.

short pause hota hai. dono chup ho jaati hain ek second ke liye.

shanu (softly)

kal se asli daud shuru hogi. dekhte hain kaun tikta hai aur kaun nahi.

asma quietly bolti hai background se:

“main hoti na… toh pehle din hi full attendance le leti.”

ammu (smiling at her)

tu rehne de, pehle tu chhoti daud jeet le college ki.

scene fades out as dono behne phone cut karte hain aur mirror mein ek baar khud ko dekhti hain 

jaise coach nikhat se thoda inspired ho chuki hoon woh bhi.

[b]college ground – early morning[/b]

light sun, halki thandi hawa.

students pehn ke aaye hote hain track suits, sab thoda dazed, thoda sleepy mood mein warm-up kar rahe hote hain.

coach nikhat cones ke paas khadi hoti hai clipboard haath mein, whistle neck pe.

her stance stiff and alert.

students jogging line mein lage hote hain.arjun middle mein hota hai, lekin uski aankhon ka goal ek hi — coach nikhat ki attention.

first attempt – jogging mein poetry

arjun (slow jogging ke dauraan, soft voice mein)

“aapki awaaz whistle se tez hai,

aur nazar... stopwatch se bhi exact.”

pause

“main daud nahi raha... main toh attract ho raha hoon.”

nikhat us taraf dekhti bhi nahi.

clipboard mein kuch likhti hai.

uske haathon ki writing speed arjun ki flirting se zyada fast hoti hai.

second attempt – water bottle wala drama

students ka short water break hota hai.

arjun bottle leke nikhat ke paas aata hai.

arjun

ma’am, aapke liye laaya tha. specially filtered... feelings ke sath.

nikhat (without eye contact)

meri pyaas dedication se bujhti hai.

tumhari bottle... tum rakho.

arjun (fake offended)

matlab sirf training ke liye hoon main aapki life mein

nikhat (calmly)

tum meri life mein nahi, schedule mein ho.

wo bhi... temporary.

third attempt – lambi breath leke approach

zaheer, ammu aur shanu cones ke pass kuch drills kar rahe hote hain.

arjun sab se alag hota hai — stretching ke bahane wapas nikhat ke aas paas.

iske expressions full filmy hoti hain.

arjun (low voice, almost dramatic)

aapko dekh ke lagta hai…

fitness ek art hai, aur aap uski sculpture.

nikhat is baar slowly palat ke dekhti hai — finally aankhon mein aankhon daal kar.

but expression? poker face, no drama.

nikhat

tumhare dialogues ke alag registration form lagne chahiye.

filmon mein bhej deti main… lekin yeh ground hai

arjun (thoda smile, thoda awkward)

ma’am… try kar raha hoon.

impress nahi, bas... yaad ban jaaun.

nikhat

yaad wahi bante hain jo finish line tak pahuchte hain.

dialogue baazi finish line nahi hoti, mr. singh.

she walks off again, strong and unbothered.

arjun khud bhi muskurata hai, jaise haar nahi maana —

“abhi toh sirf warm-up chal raha hai.”

Or nikhat waha se daud kar door chali jati hai... Arjun bas use dekhte reh jata hai

[b]college sports ground[/b]

bright sun. thoda zyada garmi.

poora ground boys se bhara hota hai sab track pe line mein lag rahe hote hain, ek ek karke unka fitness assessment ho raha hota hai.

coach nikhat siddiqui clipboard leke khadi hoti hai saath mein ek assistant coach timer ke saath.

nikhat (loud and sharp)

“tum sabko sports week mein participate karna hai toh prove karo.

endurance, speed, balance — sabka test hoga.

aur haan... acting se nahi, performance se result milega.”

sab boys thoda tight ho jaate hain.

Summary of test

kuch boys daudte hain aur 200m ke baad thak jaate hain.

kisi ka push-up form bigadta hai.

nikhat sirf clipboard mein likhti jaati hai — no expression, no reaction.

zaheer ka turn:

zaheer quietly shoes bandhta hai.

apna phone bag me daal ke seedha ground ki taraf chalta hai — full focus mode.

assistant coach:

“ready… 3… 2… 1… go!”

zaheer ka daudna bilkul clean hota hai — no show-off, no drama.

lekin pace constant hai, form perfect, aur stamina solid.

nikhat, clipboard pe likhti jaati hai…

aur uske lips pe ek almost invisible nod aata hai. she notices.

arjun ka turn:

arjun thoda stretching karta hai pehle — aas paas dekhta hai.

thoda swag, thoda overconfidence.

lekin jab daud start hoti hai — woh full serious ho jaata hai.

uski speed impressive hoti hai, thoda flashy lekin control mein.

last 50 meters mein halki si stumble hoti hai…

lekin wo balance kar leta hai.

nikhat, clipboard se nazar hata ke dekhti hai ek second ke liye, but phir expression neutral hi rehta haitest khatam hota hai. students sab side mein water bottles leke chill mode mein aane lagte hain.

assistant coach names call karta hai:

assistant:

“first – arjun singh.

second – zaheer qureshi.”

arjun, already bottle leke bench pe baitha hota hai thoda relax face ke saath.

nikhat, clipboard leke sab ke beech se guzarti hai.

sab soch rahe hote hain ab first ko compliment milega.

lekin...

nikhat seedha zaheer ke paas jaake khadi hoti hai 

thoda pause deti hai, then softly bolti hai:

nikhat

clean form.

you didn’t waste energy.

well done.”

zaheer surprise hota hai. sirf ek chhoti si neck nod deta hainikhat, seedha walk karte hue nikal jaati hai, bina arjun ki taraf dekhe.

arjun ka expression:

ek chhoti si smile.

not hurt… not jealous… bas ek weird mix of ego + amusement.

zaheer uske paas se guzarta hai — arjun ki smile dekh leta hai.

zaheer (confused)

“kya dekh raha hai?”

arjun (still smiling)

“tujhe. tu toh star ban gaya bhai.”

zaheer (flat)

“hmm.”

zaheer bas apna sir hilaata hai… aur nikal jaata hai, full calm mode.

college ground

girls ke liye special fitness test set hota hai.cones lagaye gaye hain, ek rope-jump drill aur hurdle skipping ka small setup hota hai.

shanu, ammu, aur doosri ladkiyaan ek line mein khadi hoti hain sab track suits mein, thoda nervous, thoda excited.

coach nikhat ground ke beech mein khadi hoti hai, clipboard haath mein, whistle neck pe.

expression stone cold focus.

first round shuru hota hai.

ladkiyaan ek-ek warm up aur rope jump drill karte hain.

kisi ka foot placement weak hota hai, koi mid-jump ruk jaati hai, koi rope mein atak jaati hai.

nikhat, ek ek move silently observe karti jaati hai.

jab 6 ladkiyon ka first set complete ho jaata hai —

wo clipboard neeche karti hai, ek second ke liye pause leti hai.

nikhat (calm, thoda thanda tone mein)
this is not dance practice.
tumhare steps pretty lag rahe hain, but yeh fashion show nahi hai.”

girls thoda awkward ho jaati hain. ammu shanu ek dusre ko quietly dekhte hain.

nikhat (walk karte hue cones ke paas jaake)

“you want to jump like a girl? good.
but jump like the girl… who knows what she’s doing.”

pause

nikhat whistle nikaal ke ek ladki ko deti hai.

nikhat
yeh le main dikhati hoon.”

scene shifts into slow motion mode.

background ka music soft beat mein chalu hota hai.camera zoom in karta hai nikhat ke shoes pe 

uska stance, uska balance, uska sharp posture.

[b]wo ek dam se speed mein chalu karti hai:[/b]

[b]Fir jaise koi slow motion film chal rahi ho nikhat rope par uchalti ja rahi thi or ladkiyo ke muh khulte ja rahe they... Uske patle lekin strong hath rope ko ghuma rahe they... Uske hair har jump ke sath hawa me ud rahe they .. uske wo heavy breats,har jump ke sath upar niche upar niche ho rahe they... Kuch ladkiya to pahle se hi in heavy melons se jealous thi or nikhat ko aise uchalte dekh kar un sabki pussy hair jal gaye...[/b]

girls ki aankhon mein sirf ek reaction hoti hai: total awe.ammu ka mooh halki si khuli hoti hai.

shanu whisper karti hai:

shanu (to ammu)
is she even real?”

ammu sirf slow nod karti hai.

nikhat (normal tone mein, breath bhi stable)

fitness ka matlab thakna nahi hai.
matlab hai control… precision… power.kal se tum sab sahi training karogi.
warna main phir se dikhane nahi aaungi — pitwaungi.”

girls ek dusre ko dekh rahi hoti hain — silence mein jese ab unke andar koi naya switch on ho gaya ho.

shanu quietly bolti hai:

main aaj se serious ho gayi.”

ammu (still shocked)

main toh uski tarah seedhi chal bhi nahi paungi…”

college canteen – early afternoon

canteen ki vibe lazy hoti hai.
tables full, students sweaty, thake huye, kuch behaal.sab apna nashta enjoy karne lage hote hain — plate mein samose, sandwich, bread pakoda, chutney overload.

corner table:

arjun, zaheer, ammu, shanu — sab ek hi table par baith kar nashta tod rahe hote hain.

arjun (bite lete hue)
yeh samosa mere liye nahi... meri soul ke liye hai.

zaheer (mouth full)

ek din aur... fir coach ke punishment ke pehle main yeh aloo ka swaad bhoolna nahi chahta.

ammu (laughing)
mujhe lag raha hai training se zyada yeh samosa hi mujhe jeene ki wajah de raha hai.

shanu (dunking her sandwich)
coach ko bas pata na chale yeh sab… warna…

tabhi...

door ki taraf se ek thanda sa shadow padta hai.

canteen ke andar entry hoti hai – ms. nikhat siddiqui.

clipboard nahi hoti, sirf ek stainless steel bottle hoti hai.
sports shoes, tight bun, no smile.
the air changes.
ekdum silence chhajaata hai.
ek student ka chutney waala spoon hawa mein hi freeze ho jaata hai.
nikhat seedha counter ke paas jaati hai, voice loud and clear — no mic, no drama.

nikhat
“canteen menu change ho raha hai.

from today onwards — no samosa, no sandwich, no fried items you’ll get only: boiled chana, fruits, and lemon water.”

ek ladka silently apna samosa neeche rakh deta hai.

nikhat (glancing around)

“sports week ke liye tum logon ko treat nahi, fuel chahiye.aur treat yeh fried triangle nahi hai.
it’s poison with tamarind chutney.”

zaheer, slowly samosa se nazar hataata hai.
arjun, thoda murjha sa jaata hai.
ammu sandwich ka half tukda plate me rakh deti hai.
shanu bas apne juice ka glass uthakar dekhti rehti hai jaise woh bhi suspect ho gaya ho.

nikhat (walking past their table)

aur haan… koi ‘just one last time’ nahi chalega.
next time kisi ne kuch fried item liya — training double.”

wo bina kisi aur baat ke seedha nikal jaati hai.

canteen mein sirf plates ki halki khanak aur crushed hopes ki awaaz bachi hoti hai.

arjun (softly, defeated tone)
“yeh toh... hitler hai. fitness hitler.”

zaheer (low tone)
“aur hum uske prisoner of protein.”

ammu (smiling, but broken inside)
“kal se lunch mein chana. dinner mein chana. dreams mein bhi chana.”

shanu (looking at her sandwich)
goodbye, soft bread… tu bahut acha tha.”

[Greenwood]

Update 14

zaheer’s rooftop – evening

shaam dhal rahi hoti hai. thandi hawa chal rahi hai.

do steel ke glass mein lemon water, ek plate mein chana — chai or biscuit or ammu ke special pakode.

zaheer aur arjun dono chhat ke kone mein, cement ki chhoti boundary pe baith kar halki halki gossip mein busy hote hain.

neeche gali mein cycle waala bell bajata hai, kabootar udd rahe hote hain.

arjun (glass ghoomata hua)

yaar, yeh nikhat ma’am koi coach hai ya fitness ki katrina kaif?

main toh uske steps dekh ke hi thak gaya.

zaheer (casually)

coach hai, bhai. control bhi usi level ka hai.

pata hai kab kya karna hai — wohi toh asli pro hoti hai.

arjun (grinning)

pro toh hai… lekin bhai uska style —

zaheer (shaking head)

woh style nahi hai. woh form hai.

ek-ek move calculate karti hai woh.

arjun (mock serious)

matlab tu keh raha hai main uske style pe nahi, form pe dhyan doon?

zaheer (laughs)

tu pehle khud ka form sahi kar.

kya uske aas paas ghoom raha tha canteen ke din...

arjun (poking him)

arre tujhe bhi toh ghoor te dekha tha maine ground pe!

seedha uske lunges ke time aankhein freeze.

zaheer (half smiling, calm)

dekhne mein burai nahi hai.

respect se dekhta hoon main.

aankhon se nahi, soch se.

arjun (rolling eyes)

abe chhod. tu toh sadhu hai.

mujhe dekh — main toh clear hoon.

agar woh meri PE teacher hoti college mein... main 10th baar fail ho jaata, bas dekhne ke liye.

zaheer (grinning)

aur main pehle attempt mein pass ho jaata — sirf uski discipline follow kar ke.

pause hoti hai. dono chhoti si sip lete hain. hawa thodi aur tez chalti hai.

arjun (softer tone)

waise, mazaak alag hai… but serious mein, woh inspiring hai yaar.

main kabhi kisi coach ko leke itna try nahi kar raha tha.

zaheer (quietly)

hmm. woh sirf body train nahi kar rahi.

mind bhi sharp kar rahi hai sabka.

arjun (smirking again)

mind sharp kar rahi hai... ya dil par  attack de rahi hai?

zaheer (smiling, shaking his head)

tu kabhi sudhrega nahi.

zaheer aur arjun sidhiyaan utar rahe hote hain.

niche se azhar chilla ke bolta hai —

“zaheer! sabzi le aayi kya ammu?”

zaheer (thoda cheekh ke)

“poochhta hoon abbu!”

arjun thoda slow chal raha hota hai, jaise kuch soch raha ho.tabhi unke peeche se halki chappal ki awaaz aati hai.

Arjun turns: ammu chhat ki taraf ja rahi hoti hai.

she’s in her home kurta, baalon ko clip se baandha hua, haath mein ek chhoti tokri.

arjun usse dekhta hai. ammu bhi dekhti hai.

bas ek second ke liye — aankhen milti hain.

na smile, na words — sirf ek silent glance.

zaheer (ammu se)

“oye sun, kya hua? kuch chahiye kya?”

ammu (casually)

“kapde lene ja rahi hoon. sham ho gayi hai na.”

zaheer (nodding)

“haan haan. Din me hi leke aa Jaya kar ammu... Itni sham tak nahi chhodte kapde upar

arjun bas thoda corner mein khada rehta hai, lekin uske chehre pe halka sa expression badal jaata hai  jaise woh samajh gaya ho, yeh signal uske liye tha.

ground floor.

arjun bye bolta hai:

arjun

“main chalta hoon bhai. milta hoon kal.”

zaheer

“haan haan, aaram se ja.”

zaheer andar chala jaata hai.

camera stays on arjun.

Wo apne ghar me enter karta hai waha pratap sofe par bethe tv dekh raha hota hai...

Pratap

Kya khabar hai shreeman... Aaj kal baap ko bhul gaye kya...

Arjun ki aankhein bas sidhiyo ki taraf thi wo bina kuch bole nikal jata hai or tap tap karke chhat par pahuch jata hai... Pratap apna sir node karta hai

Arjun ek chhat se hote huye dosti chhat or fir zaheer ki chhat par pahuch jata hai jaha ammu kapde taar se utar rahi hoti hai.woh palat ke dekhti hai — arjun wapas chhat pe khada hota hai, usi jagah jahan woh pehle tha.

ammu (thoda shocked, thoda amused)

“tu gaya nahi?”

arjun (soft voice)

“signal mila tha... socha miss na ho jaaye.”

ammu uski taraf dekhti hai.

kuch nahi bolti, sirf ek chhoti si smile pass karti hai —

wo bhi aankhon se, lips se nahi.

arjun chhupke se kadam badhaata hai — dono chhat ke corner mein shaam ke halki roshni mein khade hote hain.

ammu (thoda directly)

“ek baat bolu?”

arjun (lazy tone)

“hmm? bol.”

ammu (folded arms, thoda straight)

“woh jo tumhari coach hai na... nikhat ma’am... uske peeche mat jaana.”

arjun (laughs)

“kya? main uske peeche gaya kab?”

ammu (straight face, commanding tone)

“dekh, uski dress sense alag hai... kapde chhote pehenti hai, style dikhawa alag level ka hai.

par tu usko na ghoorega, na uske aas paas ghume phirega.

varna... teri khair nahi.”

arjun (mock shocked)

“arre wah... jealousy aa gayi madam ko?”

ammu (one eyebrow raised)

“jealousy nahi... clarity hai.

sports ke liye respect hai, par tu flirty mode mein gaya toh chhat se hi fenk dungi.”

arjun (hands up)

“okay okay... baba maan gaya.

main bas... exercises sikh raha hoon.”

ammu (closer aake softly but still firm)

“exercises tu mujhse seekh.

fitness ke naam pe drama karna band kar.aur next time uske gym outfit pe comment kiya na, toh samajh le — kapdon ke saath kaan bhi kheench lungi.”

arjun (chuckling)

“tum serious ho ya cute? thoda mix lag raha hai.”

ammu (smirking)

“main serious hoon... aur tumhare liye dangerous.”

dono ke beech ek second ka pause hota hai — halki si eye contact, thoda muskaraahat.

phir ammu tokra le kar niche jaane lagti hai.

ammu (seedhi jaate jaate)

“aur haan… kal se chhat pe bhi full attention chahiye.

kahi coach coach karte karte mujhe bhool mat jana.”

Arjun

Wo sab to theek hai,lekin agar coach ka nahi ghoor sakta to tujhe to ghoorne de... Tu kab pehen rahi hai mere liye wese sexy top and shorts...

Arjun ek second ke liye ammu ko upar se niche dekhta hai or bolta hai

Arjun

Wese teri body par bahut suit karega chote dresses... Maan le meri baat... Ekdam hot lagegi...

Niche se aawaz aati hai Zaheer ki

Zaheer

Niche aa ja ab ammu... Khana ban gaya kya....

Ammu arjun ki baat par muskurati hai or bina dhyaan diye tokri me se ek kapda nikal kar mazak me arjun ke muh par marti hai or khil khila kar niche bhag jati hai

Arjun us kapde ko face se hatata hai to dekhta hai ki wo ek bra hota hai or arjun bina kuch soche samjhe use sniff karne lagta hai or uske chehre par ek naughty smile aati hai or wo us bra ko apni pocket me ghusa kar chhat se bhag jata hai

college ground – next morning

training full swing mein hoti hai.

boys ek row mein push-ups kar rahe hain, dusri row mein high jumps.

coach nikhat tight black track pants aur crop top mein — full active mode mein guide kar rahi hoti hai.

har kisi ko instructions mil rahi hain.

background mein seeti ki awaaz, shoes ki thap-thap aur students ke heavy breaths.

girls’ side

ammu, shanu, aur kuch aur ladkiyaan ek corner mein bethi hoti hain.

shanu dusri girls se baat kar rahi hoti hai, lekin ammu continuously nigaah chhupake boys’ zone ki taraf dekh leti hai.

uski nazar jaa tikti hai — arjun par.

arjun squat drills kar raha hota hai. uska face thoda red, lekin expression calm.

tabhi nikhat uske paas jaati hai, uska posture check karti hai —

uska haath arjun ke shoulder pe aata hai, fir uske back alignment ko touch karke adjust karti hai.

ammu ki eyes waha atak jaati hai.

Ammu

Kitni garmi hai yaar... Bechara mera bhai zaheer aisi garmi me kaise...

Sab ladkiya uski aawaz sunti hai lekin koi kuch notice nahi karta

ammu fir se nazar uthaake dekhti hai — arjun ab dumbbell ke saath core exercise kar raha hota hai,

nikhat waha se dusre ladke ki taraf chali jaati hai.

arjun ek moment ke liye casually idhar dekhta hai —

ammu turant apni nazar hata leti hai aur back straight karke rope uthati hai jaise kuch dekha hi nahi.

college ground – afternoon session

dhoop thodi kam ho gayi hai, lekin garmi abhi bhi chipki hui hai.

sports ground pe sab apne-apne drills mein busy hain.

boys group: plank hold, tyre flips, and box jumps.

coach nikhat active hai, har student ko check kar rahi hai — lekin arjun ke aas paas zyada time bitane lagi hai.

nikhat (arjun ke paas jaake)

“don’t bend your elbow like that. keep it aligned with your shoulder.”

(she gently adjusts his hand position)

“yeah, like this. try again.”

arjun coach ki baat quietly sunta hai, lekin halki smile bhi deta hai.

nikhat bhi casually uske form pe compliment deti hai.

nikhat

“good progress. tumhare stamina mein actual jump dikha hai. keep this pace.”

girls’ corner

ammu ek thanda bottle leke chhoti break le rahi hoti hai.

uska face halkasa sweaty hota hai, lekin nazar sirf ek jagah tikki hoti hai — arjun aur nikhat par.

nikhat ab bhi arjun ke aas paas hai, uske wrist stretch kara rahi hai... aur arjun bas calm expression mein dekh raha hai.

ammu ka grip bottle par thoda tight ho jaata hai.

shanu (jo peeche se aayi hoti hai)

“paani pee ya poison banaya?”

ammu (normal tone mein lekin nazar nahi hataati)

“coach kaafi... dedicated lag rahi hai aaj.”

ammu or kuch nahi bolti, sirf bottle ka cap band kar deti hai aur walk back kar jaati hai

lekin uska mood thoda dull ho gaya hota hai.

later that evening, college gate ke paas

students slowly ground chhod rahe hote hain.

arjun aur zaheer bottle leke bahar ja rahe hote hain.

ammu aur shanu ek bench ke paas khadi hoti hain, shoes nikalte hue.

tabhi arjun casually ammu ki taraf dekhta hai —

ammu usse nazar milane ke bajaye shoe lace pe focus kar leti hai.

evening light mein ammu quietly chhodti hai ground, lekin uski aankhon mein woh unsaid feeling hoti hai… jaise kuch kehna chah rahi ho, lekin sirf khud se.

college ground – late morning

aaj ka din thoda breezy hota hai, sun light soft hai.sports drills chalu ho chuki hain.students ground pe scattered hain warm up, group practice, aur kuch stretching.

arjun corner mein solo push-ups kar raha hota hai.uski t-shirt thodi damp hoti hai, breathing heavy.

tabhi coach nikhat uske paas aati hai, clipboard haath mein.

nikhat (pointing at his arm)

“elbow phir se tight kar le. pressure wrong place pe jaa raha hai.”

arjun (thoda thak ke, smile ke saath)

“aap toh har roz naya angle pakad leti ho... spy ho kya?”

nikhat (nonchalantly)

“main coach hoon, aur meri eyes sab jagah hoti hain.”

arjun (thoda leaning forward)

“sirf field pe ya otherwise bhi?”

nikhat (stern look)

“matlab?”

arjun (half smile)

“matlab... agar aapki observation power itni strong hai, toh ek coffee ke liye bhi ‘perfect place’ suggest kar sakti ho?”

nikhat (pause, phir straight face)

“ye flirt karna hai ya ankle stretch ka naye tareeka?”

arjun (laughs lightly)

“dono mein thoda overlap hai... flexibility toh har jagah chahiye na?”

nikhat ek second ke liye rukti hai, jaise she’s analysing.

nikhat

“tumhara stamina improve ho raha hai. focus wahin rakhna.”

arjun (mock wounded)

“bas stamina? character report card bhi check kar lo... aacha friend ban sakta hoon.”

nikhat (dry smile)

“friendship aur fitness dono mein patience chahiye.

aur tum dono mein thoda kamzor ho.”

arjun (playful sigh)

“kamzor toh tab hoon jab aap pass hoti ho... focus hil jaata hai.”

nikhat uski taraf ek sharp look daalti hai.phir clipboard palat kar chalti hai — bina react kiye.

nikhat (over shoulder)

“extra ten push-ups. flirt karne ka tax.”

arjun (grinning)

“as you say, coach…”

cut to:

ammu girls’ zone mein standing stretch kar rahi hoti hai.

wo door se ye scene dekh leti hai — arjun ka smile, nikhat ka strict aura.

uske chehre pe ek micro-expression aata hai — jaise wo confuse hai ki irritate ho ya ignore kare.

shanu (side se whisper karti hai)

“coach se bonding chalu hai lagta hai…”

ammu (tight jaw, casually)

“bas tips le raha hai... aur shayad thoda zyada le raha hai.”

background mein whistle bajti hai, aur students group drills ke liye ready hone lagte hain.

arjun last push-ups karta hai  smile ke saath, jaise jeet uski ho gayi ho.

[b]college auditorium – late afternoon[/b]

college ke ek side hall mein nikhat aur kuch senior students sports week ki core team bana rahe hote hain.

whiteboard pe events ka schedule likha hota hai – races, relays, volleyball, tug of war, etc.

college ke teachers absent hain — sab exam invigilation mein lag gaye hain.

arjun corner mein khada hota hai, confident ki uska naam player list mein hoga.

nikhat ek final paper uthati hai, naam padhti hai.

nikhat (loudly)

“players team mein zaheer, amit, rohan...

arjun, you’re on logistics and arrangement team.”

arjun (surprised)

“wait, what? i was doing well in training... why not the players list?”

nikhat (calmly)

“you were, no doubt. but right now, i need someone smart enough to run the event — not just run in it.

players change, but managers make it happen.”

arjun (little let down)

“toh reward mila mujhe clipboard aur water bottles?”

nikhat (firm but not rude)

“nahi. tumhe mila trust. aur front row se sab dekhne ka chance.”

arjun (half-hearted smile)

“wow, motivational quote ready thi kya?”

cut to: evening – sports room

arjun ek register leke sitting area mein hota hai.

nikhat waha enter karti hai — hands full with boxes of medals, bands, and printed name tags.

nikhat

“tumhare liye challenge hai — kitne log field mein aate hain, sabka time, sabka order... sab tum manage karoge.”

arjun

“aur agar main galti karu?”

nikhat

“toh tumhare clipboard pe penalty lag jayegi.”

arjun (grinning)

“aur agar perfect ho gaya toh?”

nikhat

“toh tumhare clipboard pe meri signature.”

dono thoda smile karte hain — ek soft professional tuning ban rahi hoti hai.

cut to:

ammu aur shanu door ke paas se guzarte hain. ammu ek second ke liye ruk kar dekhti hai.

andar arjun nikhat ke saath schedule discuss kar raha hota hai, papers arrange karte hue.

shanu

“players mein nahi hai kya arjun?”

ammu (thoda flat tone)

“nahi... ab event ka manager ban gaya hai.”

shanu (teasing)

“manager ya madam ka assistant?”

ammu (quietly)

“jo bhi ho... kaafi serious lag raha hai.”

arjun aur nikhat table ke dono side par baithe hote hain, event list ready karte hue...

do log jo player aur coach se event partner ban gaye.

college ground – drill break

students short break le rahe hote hain.nikhat ek brown envelope leke arjun ke paas aati hai — thoda rush mein hoti hai.

nikhat

“arjun, ye papers sambhal ke rakhna.

principal sir ke signature wale documents hain — event permission, budget pass… sab isi mein hai.

main abhi girls’ relay check karne jaa rahi hoon.”

arjun (casual smile)

“done, coach. safe locker mode on.”

nikhat (strictly)

“no jokes. agar yeh file gayi, toh pura event ruk jayega. tumhare clipboard se zyada precious hai.”

arjun (mock salute)

“samjha, ma’am. jaan se bhi zyada…”

nikhat uski taraf half smile dekar chali jaati hai.

Thodi der baad canteen ke bahar – afternoon

arjun ek group ke saath hansi mazak karte hue chips khata hai.

file uske bag ke zip ke bahar thodi si dikh rahi hoti hai.

tabhi ek junior ladka uska bag uthakar table pe rakh deta hai — zip thoda khul jaata hai.

Short scene :-

thodi der baad arjun uthaata hai bag bina dekhe

file quietly ground pe gir jaati hai

koi aur student bag samajh ke utha kar lost & found mein nahi le jaata… woh file wahin udti rahti hai hawa mein

evening – college corridor ke corner mein

nikhat aur arjun dono staff room ke bahar khade hote hain.

nikhat haath badhati hai.

nikhat

“file do.”

arjun (freeze karta hai)

“…uhh…main… main abhi dekhta hoon bag mein…”

woh pura bag khol ke dekhta hai — file gayab.

nikhat ka expression slowly shift hota hai.

nikhat (thanda tone)

“tumhare clipboard se zyada precious thi na?”

arjun (genuinely nervous)

“main… i swear ma’am, main careful tha… pata nahi kaise—”

nikhat (tez aankhon se)

“tum careless the.

aur mujhe tum par trust tha.

maine file kisi first bencher ko nahi, tumhe di thi, arjun. kyunki mujhe laga tum samajh rahe ho responsibility ka matlab.”

arjun kuch nahi bol pata — sirf aankhon mein guilt.

nikhat

“ab jao. mujhe aur sunne ka patience nahi hai.”

woh seedha staff room chali jaati hai.

late evening – arjun alone in the stands

pura ground khaali hota hai.

arjun bench pe baitha hota hai, file ki chinta, apne upar gussa.

kisi se baat nahi kar raha — phone silent mode mein, aankhon mein clearly heaviness.

Arjun isi bhari Mann se ghar chala jata hai, aaj na use khane ka Mann tha na hi wo Ammu ke ghar gaya tha... Uska phone silent rha pure din or Ammu ki 20 miscall aa chuki thi... Dining table par bhi aaj uska wo charm nahi dikha jo aksar raat ko wo moj masti ke waqt pesh aata tha... Aaj wala arjun ek guilt se bhara hua tha... Na usko koi banter yaad aa raha tha, na hi wo kisi chiz me intrest le raha tha... Wo der sham ghar se nikal jata hai....

nikhat’s quarter – night

door pe knock hota hai.

nikhat casual night tee aur lower mein hoti hai — tired expression.

door kholti hai to arjun khada hota hai — haath mein ek empty folder aur ek folded note.

arjun (low voice)

“maine nahi socha tha ki main aapka trust todunga... but i did.”

nikhat (silent, arms crossed)

“aur?”

arjun

“aur... mujhe ye batana tha ki main sorry hoon.

main sirf event ke paper nahi, aapka bharosa bhi lose kar gaya.”

nikhat (softly, but still stern)

“ye mera pehla event hai.

main is din ke liye teen mahine se kaam kar rahi hoon.

aur tum jaise students se mujhe expectation hoti hai ki woh meri fight ko thoda asaan banayenge… aur tumne woh aur mushkil kar diya.”

arjun (thoda emotional)

“main banda bura nahi hoon… bas kabhi kabhi mazaak mein sab kuch halka le leta hoon.

par aap wali disappointment aankhon mein dekhna... woh bhari pad gaya.”

nikhat thoda soft ho jaati hai, she sits on the couch.

nikhat

“tum young ho, galti karna allowed hai.

par har baar mazaak se sab cover nahi hota.”

arjun ek note table pe rakhta hai — uspe likha hota hai:

"i’ll fix what i lost. just don’t lose faith in me completely."

nikhat note padhti hai... thoda smile karti hai.

nikhat (soft)

“tum jao... kal subah se tum staff room ke under honge, meri help karne.”

arjun (relieved)

“so... punishment mode?”

nikhat (half smile)

“nahi... rebuild mode.”

arjun wapas jaata hai, thoda halka feel karte hue.

nikhat note ko side table par rakhti hai — ek chhoti si smile ke saath, jaise usne bhi apna anger let go kiya ho.

arjun’s room – late night

arjun quietly apna bag ek kone mein fenkta hai.

shirt ki sleeves fold karte hue mirror ke saamne khud ko ek second ke liye dekhta hai.

thakan uski aankhon mein dikh rahi hoti hai sirf sharirik nahi, mental bhi.

arjun (soft sigh ke saath)

“ek din mein do disappointment… solid score…”

woh bed pe baithta hai aur apna phone unlock karta hai.

screen par: 20 missed calls

ek second ke liye wo blank ho jaata hai.

arjun (faintly)

“oh crap…”

woh turant call lagata hai — phone ring hota hai...

aur cut ho jaata hai no answer.

phir se try karta hai same.

ek chhoti si panic uske expression mein aati hai, lekin wo andar hi andar sab dabaa deta hai.

arjun phone table pe rakhta hai aur khud silently bed pe let jaata hai — aankhen ceiling ki taraf.

ek thodi si purani memory flash hoti hai uske dimaag mein. Use yaad aata hai ki Ammu ne use chhat par milne ko bola tha pichli baar or us par kuchh fenka bhi tha.. Arjun ka moog ekdam badal jata hai,wo uthta hai or apne room ka gate band karta hai or windows par curtain dalta hai... Fir apni cupboard se wo kapda nikalta hai jo Ammu ne anjaane me us par fenki thi... Wo tha ek bra... Arjun usko dono hatho me leke mehsus karta hai... Uski aankhein band hone lagti hai or wo Ammu ke khyaalo me kho jata hai... Wo bra ko sniff karta hai, usko apni tounge se lick karta hai... Us bra ko wo apne dono hatho me leke masalta hai jaise ki Ammu ke breats uske hatho me ho... In sab me Arjun ke chehre par ek smile aati hai or wo sochne lagta hai ki Ammu ab ready hai is relationship ko aage badhane ke liye warna wo mujhe ye kyu deti... Usne jaan bujh kar yeh diya hai, to kya wo tayaar hai ek step aage jane ke liye... Shayd isliye hi uski 20 miscall hogi... Or main pagal pure din se phone silent karke betha hu...Arjun us bra ko ek baar or ache se dekhta hai or fir se sniff karke cupboard me rakh kar so jata hai...