EXT. SMALL MARRIAGE VENUE – DAY
Aarav and Naira stand at the entrance. The place is simple – cloth banners flutter in a warm breeze, flowers tied to bamboo poles. A few colleagues from Aarav's work, his college friends, and neighbor's smile, gathered around plastic chairs.
AARAV(INNER MONOLOGUE )
I can hear my heart…why is it so loud?
Why does this feel…wrong and right at the same time?
NAIRA(INNER MONOLOGUE)
He isn't saying anything…
Does that mean he's okay with this? My heart…why is it beating so fast?
People come to greet them.
WOMAN (smiling, patting Naira's shoulder)
Congratulations, beta. You both look perfect together.
Naira forces a smile. Aarav bows slightly, hands folded.
A child hands them marigold garlands. Their fingers touch while taking it. Both flinch, hearts pounding.
Naira's eyes flick around the venue, distracted. Suddenly she freezes.
At the entrance, a GIRL IN A WHEELCHAIR is being pushed forward by a caretaker. She looks thin, her hair tied with an old pink ribbon, gaze calm but distant.
Naira's breath catches. Her chest tightens. Words gather in her throat but refuse to come out. Her fingers tremble against the edge of her saree.
The garland slips from her hand and lands on the dusty floor.
Aarav turns to her, confused, then follows her gaze. His eyes lock onto the girl in the wheelchair.
The girl in the wheelchair looks up. Their eyes meet. For a moment, the noise of the world vanishes. The girl's lips part softly, blinking in surprise.
Aarav feels something tighten painfully inside him. His vision blurs.
Why does this hurt…?
Why do I feel…like I've known her…like...He swallows, chest heaving with confusion and something deeper he can't name.
Naira takes a small, shaky step forward. Tears slip down her cheek silently.
She tries to speak. Her lips part but no voice comes out at first. Then, barely audible, just a breath against the quiet hum of fans and chatter.
NAIRA (under her breath, broken whisper)
…didi…