eyes that remember
Reyan Malhotra
we need clean, minimal and bold. No more soft corners.
Aira Verma
(whispers to dev)
He really hates softness, huh?
Reyan Malhotra
(without looking at Aira)
Speak louder next time, Aira!
Aira Verma
(startled)
Sorry--- wasn't meant for you.
Reyan Malhotra
(finally looked at her)
Then maybe don't say things you can't defend.
(his gaze lingers too long. She looks away first. Again.)
Dev
(smirking)
Yo, Aira, new task---- listen to Reyan's voice note instructions without flinching.
Aira Verma
He sends voice notes?
Dev
Yeah. Clear, clipped, zero emotions.
Aira Verma
Challenge accepted!
(she received a voice message. She plays it. It's him, but not the same voice. Lighter. Slower. Intimate.)
Reyan Malhotra
I've been thinking.
What if we met once already.... And just don't know it?
Aira Verma
(typing)
What, like strangers in a past life?
Reyan Malhotra
No.
Like shadows in the same hallway.
Aira Verma
I keep hearing you in my head lately.
Which is terrifying, because I don't even know your face.
Reyan Malhotra
What if I've seen yours?
Aira Verma
Then you'd leave.
Reyan Malhotra
You underestimate what I hold onto.
Even if it bleeds me dry!
At Reyan's private workspace
(he plays her voice from a quick team reel. Just a laugh. Then back to velvet app. Replays her voice note from yesterday.)
Reyan Malhotra
(whispering)
Same breath.
Same pause.
Same broken edge.
(he exhales slowly, clenching the desk.)
Aira Verma
You still there?
Reyan Malhotra
Always.
I just needed to hear from you again.
Reyan Malhotra
Because I think I'm falling for your voice.
And it's scaring the hell out of me.
Aira Verma
Can I ask you something?
Aira Verma
Have you...ever wanted to un-love someone? Like, just earse them?
Reyan Malhotra
(after a pause)
I tried!
But I only erased myself.
She stayed.
Aira Verma
Then maybe you didn't try hard enough.
Reyan Malhotra
Or maybe she was unforgettable.
Like you.
Reyan Malhotra
(Calmly, while pointing to her side)
This layout! It's emotional.
You designed it?
Aira Verma
(nervously)
Yes, I.... followed the brief but....
Reyan Malhotra
(interrupting)
Don't add anything.
Unless you're ready to be seen.
He stares too long AGAIN!
Aira Verma
You ever feel like someone's watching you all day?
Reyan Malhotra
maybe someone is.
Aira Verma
What if they are not watching to judge .....
But to remember?
Reyan Malhotra
Then you should let them remember. Even if you've forgotten everything.
At Reyan's Apartment
Lights off
Voice message playback again
AIRA'S VOICE- I don't remember how to feel safe around men. But somehow...with you, I do.
Even without knowing your face.
He plays it again. Again. Closes his eyes. And finally whispers-
Reyan Malhotra
(whispers)
Aira.
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