The rooftop is quiet. The night air is cool, scented with mogra and faint smoke drifting from distant fireworks. Below, the courtyard glows with mehendi lights and decoration. Children laugh. Women chatter. Bangles clink.
From up here, everyone looked smaller—happier. Lanterns swayed in the breeze, and someone called out:
VOICES (O.S.)
"Just a few more minutes! We'll see the moon—yaay!"
Mahi stands at the edge, arms wrapped around herself. A small smile tugs at her lips—but her eyes seem distant.
Suddenly—
A whisper. Close. Gentle. Familiar.
SOUMIK (O.S.)
"What are you doing here, princess?"
GASP.
She flinches. Her breath catches. That voice.
She turns halfway. It's him.
MAHI
(stumbling)
What are you doing here?? Everyone downstairs needs your help.
Also… those girls. Go help them.
(Jealousy. She didn't mean to say it like that.)
SOUMIK
(smiling, calm)
I've done everything.
Lights—check.
Decor—check.
Food prep—done.
He takes a step closer. His voice lowers, softer now.
SOUMIK
Now I just want to see the moon in peace—
A pause.
SOUMIK
—with my moon.
Pause.
MAHI (INNER MONOLOGUE)
Whaaaat?!
Her heart's doing gymnastics. Her brain's buffering.
He gently places a hand on her shoulder—warm, grounding.
SOUMIK
"Look up."
They both glance skyward.
THE CLOUDS PART.
THE MOON APPEARS.
Full. Glowing. Wrapped in silver like a bride. Serene.
They stare.
Then slowly—
They turn to each other.
And in that still rooftop silence…
It's clear—
One of them isn't watching the moon anymore.
They've already found something more beautiful.
And they're both looking right at them.
---