Abhi
(quiet, devastated)
"It's not like we can do anything about it. You know that as well."
Ishana
(softly, but firmly)
"I know. But at least we could try."
(She looks around briefly at the others — all now quiet, watching, unsure what to do.)
Ishana
(takes a breath)
"I'm not the villain in your story, Abhi. I'm just someone who doesn't want to live a lie."
Abhi
(frustrated)
"I know all of this! What are we supposed to do, according to you? Just fly away like you plan to? Why don't you understand the damn simple thing? What's the problem with you? I really don't understand... I love you. I know you don't, but it's okay. It's fine with me. I said — whatever your terms are, I agree with you."
Ishana
(taken aback)
"My problem?! It's you, Abhi! I really didn't want this whole marriage thing to begin with..."
Nick
(thinking: "If it goes on like this, they're gonna make this fight big... ugh, damn my stupid friend.")
(aloud)
"Guys, please. Calm down. Both of you can talk this out calmly. Right, Abhi?"
Abhi
(snaps)
"Nick, stay out of it."
Nick
"I'm staying out of your personal stuff, but come on — this convo isn't going anywhere. It's just gonna blow up. Let's cool down. You can talk to her later."
(He grabs Abhi by the arm and gently pulls him aside, away from Ishana.)
Abhi
(pulls his arm away but doesn't resist further)
"I don't need a babysitter, Nick."
Nick
(calm but firm)
"I know. But right now, you're not thinking straight. And neither is she. You both should talk later,isnt it better than yelling in front of everyone."
(Across the fire, Ishana stands motionless. Her fists are clenched at her sides, eyes glistening with unshed tears.)
Sophia
(quietly to Ishana)
"Are you okay?"
Ishana
(softly, shaking her head)
"No. But I will be."
(She turns, starting to walk away.)
Abhi
(watching her leave, quietly)
"I never wanted to hurt you…"
Ishana
(stopping, without turning)
"i know you never wanted to hurt me but... "
Abhi
(staring at the path she just walked down, his expression shifting from anger to panic)
"Shit... it's getting dark."
(He glances at the sky — heavy clouds rolling in, snow thickening.)
Abhi
(to himself, voice tightening)
"She didn't even take a jacket..."
(He takes a step toward the path, hesitates. Nick grabs his arm.)
Nick
"Abhi. Give her some space, man. She needs time."
Abhi
(snaps, louder than he means to)
"She's walking into the woods. Alone. At dusk. In the cold. With nothing on but that shawl. How much time do you think she has before it gets dangerous?"
(Nick opens his mouth to argue, then sees the genuine worry in Abhi's eyes and lets go.)
Sophia
(softly, rising from the log)
"He's right. Temperature dropping fast. She didn't even have gloves."
(Abhi is already grabbing his jacket off a nearby branch and yanking it on. He grabs a flashlight from his bag and checks the battery.)
Abhi
(urgently)
"Nick — if I'm not back in an hour, call. Bring someone. Anyone."
Nick
"You sure about this? What if she doesn't want to be found right now?"
Abhi
(turns to him, eyes fierce)
"I don't care if she yells at me again. I just want to make sure she's safe."
(He jogs off into the growing darkness, flashlight cutting through the trees, calling out as he walks.)
Abhi
(shouting into the cold air)
"Ishana! Come on — it's not safe to be out here!"
(Snowflakes swirl around him as he moves faster. The forest is growing quiet — too quiet. His breath comes out in clouds. His voice cracks with emotion.)
Abhi
"Please don't do this... I know I messed up, okay? I should've listened instead of talking. Just... talk to me. Or yell. Or anything. Just don't walk away like this…"
(His voice echoes back at him. Silence.)
(Suddenly, he sees something — footprints in the snow veering off the trail. He follows them, his heart pounding.)
Abhi
"Ishana!"
(A few meters ahead, beneath a crooked pine, he sees her — sitting on a low rock, arms wrapped tightly around herself, trying to keep warm. Her eyes flicker up as the flashlight beam lands on her.)
Ishana
(weakly)
"You followed me…"
Abhi
(rushes to her, takes off his jacket, wrapping it around her shoulders)
"Of course I did. What the hell were you thinking? You could've gotten lost. Or worse."
Ishana
(cold, shivering)
"I just needed to breathe, Abhi. I didn't expect it to get this cold this fast."
Abhi
(kneeling beside her)
"I know. I should've stopped talking and just....."
(She doesn't answer. Her hands are trembling. He gently takes them in his, rubbing warmth into them.)
Abhi
(softly)
"Let's get you back, okay? We don't have to talk right now. Just let me get you somewhere warm."
(She nods slowly. He helps her up, steadying her as she stands.)
Ishana
(quietly)
"You really came after me... even after all that."
Abhi
"Because I care. Even if I don't always show it the right way."
(They walk together, slowly, back toward the flickering light of the campfire in the distance.)
Night. The tents are up, dinner is cooking, and friends are gathered around the fire. Laughter fills the air as Abhi and Ishana return. She's still wearing his jacket. They walk slowly, side by side.]
(The group notices them and pauses for a second. Then—)
Luca
(grinning)
"Look who's back from their romantic walk!"
Tia
(teasing)
"Was that a fight or a secret date in the woods?"
Justin
(to Kevin, fake whispering)
"I bet they got married under a tree."
Kevin
(deadpan)
"With a squirrel as the priest."
Pooja
(smiling warmly, walking over)
"You okay, Ishana?"
Ishana
(nodding)
"Yeah. Just needed some space. Didn't expect it to get so cold."
Rocky
(handing them hot cocoa)
"You two missed all the fun. We were building tents like it was a reality show."
Krish
(mock complaining)
"Daniel made me fold the tent like it was origami. Disaster."