(Ishana is on a video call with her close friends. The background is filled with laughter, gasps, and reactions as the group realizes Ishana has been hiding something.)
Friend 2:
Wait... you didn't tell us you're seeing someone?
Friend 3:
Wah! You're really something, Ishana!
Friend 4:
Congratulations, girl!!
Abhi (from the couch, half-laughing):
Wah! Who even informs their friends like this?
Ishana (smirking):
You guys have way too many questions. I'll answer them all tonight. Are you free?
Friend 1:
Of course we're free — anything for you!
Friend 2:
Even if we weren't, we'd still make time for you.
Friend 3:
Yes! 100%.
Friend 4:
Just tell us the time and place — we'll be there.
Ishana:
Perfect. I'll text you the location and timing.
Okay then — bye! See you tonight.
(Call ends. Ishana puts down her phone and leans back. Abhi looks at her, amused and slightly confused.)
Abhi:
That's it?!
You didn't even tell them anything — and they're still ready to show up?
Ishana (grinning):
Yep. That's what real friends do. Why, are you going to send an official invitation letter to yours?
Abhi:
No, no, not that.
I just meant... my friends would be like, "Who is she? How did you meet her? What's going on?"
They'd need an entire PowerPoint presentation.
Ishana (laughs):
Oh, that! Don't worry — you'll get all your answers after you meet them tonight.
Abhi (narrowing his eyes):
Why all the suspense?
Ishana (playfully):
You'll find out soon enough.
By the way, this pizza? So freaking good!
Abhi (brightening):
Ooooh! You liked it?!
Ishana (grinning, teasing):
Don't react like that — it's cheesy… like this pizza.
Abhi (mock dramatic):
What?! Did you just fall for me right now?
Ishana (laughing):
No way! Not a chance.
Abhi (suddenly sincere):
Exactly. But… why not?
Why can't I be the one you want to love?
(Ishana's smile fades just a little. The air gets heavier. She takes a deep breath.)
Ishana (softly):
It's not like you can't be the one...
(murmurs under her breath)
(You just don't know… you already are.)
Abhi (leaning forward):
Then what is it?
What's stopping you?
If you think there's something in me that's not enough — tell me. I'll fix it. I'll change. Whatever it is.
Ishana (looking at him, eyes guarded):
Are you sure you'll be able to do that?
Abhi (nodding):
Absolutely. Just say it.
Ishana (quiet, voice trembling slightly):
Then… change me.
(Abhi looks stunned for a second.)
Ishana:
Because I'm the problem.
I'm not someone who deserves the kind of love and care you give.
And one day, you'll realize that — and regret everything.
Abhi (firmly):
Don't say that. Please don't.
That's the one thing I never wanted to hear.
I didn't ask you to change yourself. I asked what I could change to make you feel safe… loved.
(He gets up and sits beside her, voice steady but gentle.)
Abhi:
Why do you think you're not worth loving?
You're not just someone to me, Ishana.
You're the person I'll never regret meeting — no matter what happens.
(A beat. Ishana looks away, blinking quickly. Her walls are still up, but they're starting to crack.)