Chapter 4: Boundaries and Breakthroughs
Scene: Office – Zara’s Workspace
Zara was immersed in her designs when Riya appeared, her cheerful energy lighting up the room.
Riya Malhotra (Aarav’s Sister)
Surprise! I brought you coffee. You looked like you needed a break.
Zara Kapoor (FL)
(Smiling) You’re a lifesaver. Thanks, Riya.
Riya Malhotra (Aarav’s Sister)
(sitting beside her) So… how’s Bhai treating you?
Zara Kapoor (FL)
(hesitating) He’s… busy.
Riya Malhotra (Aarav’s Sister)
That’s just Aarav-speak for “emotionally constipated.” He’ll come around, Zara. I’ve never seen Dadi so determined about anything.
Zara chuckled softly, feeling a little lighter.
Private Chat: Zara & Aarav
Zara Kapoor (FL)
Can I talk to you for a moment?
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
About work?
Zara Kapoor (FL)
No. About us.
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
There is no “us.”
Zara stared at the screen, the bluntness of his words cutting deep. She didn’t reply.
Scene: Malhotra Mansion – Evening
The family gathered in the living room for tea. Dadi sat with a photo album, flipping through old pictures.
Dadi (Grandmother)
Zara, come here. Let me show you Aarav’s childhood photos.
Zara walked over, sitting beside Dadi. Aarav, who had just entered the room, froze.
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
Dadi, there’s no need for this.
Dadi (Grandmother)
Nonsense. Zara deserves to know more about you.
Dadi held up a picture of a younger Aarav, dressed as a tiger for a school play.
Riya Malhotra (Aarav’s Sister)
Oh, this is gold! Zara, look at his face. He hated wearing costumes.
Zara Kapoor (FL)
(Laughing softly) He looks adorable.
Aarav’s expression darkened.
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
I’ll be in my room.
As he left, the atmosphere grew awkward. Zara excused herself, following him.
Scene: Aarav’s Room
Zara knocked on the door before stepping in. Aarav was at his desk, pretending to work.
Zara Kapoor (FL)
Aarav, I didn’t mean to embarrass you.
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
Why are you here?
Zara Kapoor (FL)
I’m trying, Aarav. But you keep shutting me out.
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
(coldly) I didn’t ask you to try.
Zara felt the sting of his words but stood her ground.
Zara Kapoor (FL)
Maybe you didn’t, but I’m your wife now. Whether you like it or not, we’re in this together.
Aarav’s eyes flickered with something—conflict, guilt, or perhaps anger—but he said nothing.
Group Chat: Maya, Zara & Kabir
Maya Singh (FL Female Best Friend)
He’s impossible! How do you stay so calm?
Zara Kapoor (FL)
Because losing my temper won’t solve anything.
Kabir Sharma (FL Male Best Friend)
You’re stronger than me, Zara. I would’ve thrown his attitude back in his face.
Zara Kapoor (FL)
It’s not that simple. He’s carrying baggage I don’t understand yet.
Scene: Office – Late Night
Zara was the last to leave, finishing up some designs for a meeting. Aarav appeared at her desk unexpectedly.
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
You’re still here?
Zara Kapoor (FL)
(startled) I had some work to finish. What about you?
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
I live here, remember?
Zara gave a small smile but didn’t reply. Aarav hesitated before speaking again.
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
Your designs… they’re good.
Zara Kapoor (FL)
(surprised) Thank you.
For the first time, Zara saw a glimpse of something other than cold indifference in his eyes.
Private Chat: Aarav & Rahul
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
I don’t know what to make of her.
Rahul Oberoi (Aarav’s Best Friend)
You’re actually thinking about her? Progress.
Aarav Malhotra (ML)
Don’t get ahead of yourself.
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