The Space Between Us 1.Stillness

1.Stillness

[Scene: A dimly lit bedroom. Rain tapping at the window.]

[Amulya sits cross-legged on her bed, scrolling her phone.]

Amulya

(thought): Tarun posted a new story.

[Phone screen shows a shaky video of a coffee cup with steam.]

Tarun’s Story: "new city. new mood."

Amulya

(thought): Five seconds. Just five seconds. I’ve watched it three times.

Amulya

(thought): Six years, I’ve followed him for six years. But “followed” sounds wrong. Too intense. Too… real.

Amulya

(thought): But how else do you explain remembering the way his hair looked at the beach in 2019?

Amulya

(thought): He’s not even famous. Just... magnetic. Like a song you don’t skip.

[Door swings open suddenly.]

Nivya

I made chai.

[Amulya jolts, turns phone over quickly.]

Nivya

Same account again? You look like you’re decoding alien messages.

Amulya

....Thanks

[Nivya hands her the mug and leaves.]

[Time passes. A knock at the door.]

[Nivya answers. Voices. Boxes. Confusion.]

[Amulya peeks into the hallway.]

[And there he is.]

Amulya

(thought): Tarun.In real life.Taller. Tired. Rain in his hair.

Tarun

Hey. Sorry to bother you. I just moved in next door. Think a delivery came here by mistake?

[He looks at Nivya. Not her.]

Nivya

Oh yeah,we got one with the wrong name. What’s the name?

Tarun

Tarun.

Amulya

(thought): There it is. His name. In the air. In our home.

[Tarun glances past Nivya. Sees Amulya. A flicker of recognition.]

Amulya

(thought): Did he just…?

Tarun

Thanks. Sorry again.

[He takes the package. Walks away.]

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