Nightmare -5
Morning. Naina’s father has brought home his old friend and his two sons. One of them is Naina’s childhood friend.
Rajesh verma ( Fl father )
Naina, look who’s here! This is Mr. sharma— you remember him, don’t you? He’s known you since you were a baby.
(Naina slowly enters, holding the tea tray. Her hands tremble slightly. She keeps her eyes lowered as she places the cups on the table.)
Pradeep sharma ( Ml father )
you are introducing like she doesn't know us
Pradeep sharma ( Ml father )
she is my daughter
Tara Verma ( Fl sister )
oh hi Vikram and arjun
Arjun Rawat ( Ml friend )
hy
Arjun sharma ( Ml brother)
hy
Arjun Rawat ( Ml friend )
Naina how are you ???
Naina Tripathi ( Fl )
Fine * glup hard *
(Naina glances at him for a split second — recognizes him — and quickly looks away.)
Vikram Sharma ( Ml)
(vikram smiles faintly, but his eyes stay on Naina. He notices something different — a heaviness in her face, a fear in her silence.)
Naina Tripathi ( Fl )
(Meanwhile, Naina steps back, heart racing. The presence of familiar male faces suddenly feels unfamiliar. Unsafe.)
Naina Tripathi ( Fl )
*I know Arjun and Vikram. I grew up with him. Why can’t I look him in the eye now?
They’re not the ones who hurt me... but still, I feel cornered.
My body doesn’t trust any man anymore.*
kiran sharma ( Ml mom )
Naina beta, come sit with us.
kiran sharma ( Ml mom )
(smiling kindly)
Naina Tripathi ( Fl )
(Naina gives a soft smile and sits hesitantly on the edge of the sofa.)
kiran sharma ( Ml mom )
Beta, you seem tired. Is everything alright in your sasural? You can tell me like I am also your mother, hmm?
Naina Tripathi ( Fl )
(Naina’s fingers grip the edge of her dupatta. She shakes her head.)
Naina Tripathi ( Fl )
Everything is... fine. Just a little tired from the travel.
Vedika sharma ( Ml sister)
You don’t have to talk, Didi. We’re just happy to see you.
vikram’s Mother (exchanging a quiet look with her daughter):
kiran sharma ( Ml mom )
*She’s changed. Something is different in her eyes... but she won’t say it.*
Naina Tripathi ( Fl )
(Why are they all so kind? So warm?
If only they knew what I’ve survived... would they still smile at me like this?
I want to fall into someone’s arms and cry... but I can’t.)
That evening. After the guests have stayed a while, Vikram steps outside into the garden for air. Naina, needing space too, ends up there accidentally. They speak — alone for the first time.
Vikram Sharma ( Ml)
Naina...? You okay?
Naina Tripathi ( Fl )
I just needed... a little fresh air.
(A pause. Silence hangs between them. Fireflies flicker in the dusk. A gentle wind brushes the silence.)
Vikram Sharma ( Ml)
You’re not like how I remember you.
Naina Tripathi ( Fl )
I’m not the same anymore.(eyes on the sky)
Naina Tripathi ( Fl )
(Another pause. She turns slightly toward him. Her voice low, trembling but clear.)
Naina Tripathi ( Fl )
Vikram... I used to... think about you. Even after I got married.
Sometimes I wished... it had been you.
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