Scene 1: Present Day — The Tense Alliance
The lab was cluttered with scattered papers and blinking devices. Outside the window, city lights flickered faintly against the dark sky. Alex and Brad sat side by side, staring intently at a holographic map of the approaching meteor. Gaurav stood near the door, arms crossed, jaw tight.
Alex: "We don't have much time. The meteor is closer than anyone admits."
Brad: (glancing at Gaurav) "We can't do this without you. You've got the skills. Don't shut us out now."
Gaurav's eyes flashed with bitterness.
Gaurav: "Easy for you to say. You've never had to fight just to be noticed."
Alex: (softly) "That's why we're here. To change that."
The three exchanged tense, uncertain looks. The weight of their mission—and their fractured bond—hung heavy in the air.
Scene 2: Flashback — The Bullying
Six months earlier, in a crowded school hallway buzzing with students rushing between classes, Gaurav navigated through the crowd, head down. Suddenly, a group of older students blocked his path.
Bully 1: "Hey, four-eyes! Lost your spaceship again?"
Bully 2: "Maybe you're just too smart for this planet, huh?"
Gaurav gripped his backpack strap tighter, refusing to meet their eyes.
Bully 3: (snatches Gaurav's notebook) "What's this? Rocket science homework? Bet you can't even fix your own life."
The bullies laughed, tossing the notebook aside. Gaurav quietly picked it up, face flushed, and walked away.
Scene 3: Alex and Brad Notice
In a crowded physics class, Alex and Brad glanced at Gaurav sitting alone, scribbling complex formulas. They exchanged a glance.
Alex: (whispering) "He's a genius. And they treat him like dirt."
Brad: (determined) "We can't just stand by."
Scene 4: The First Approach
After class, Alex and Brad found Gaurav sitting on a bench outside, headphones on, lost in thought.
Alex: (tentatively) "Hey, Gaurav. Mind if we sit?"
Gaurav glanced up, wary but didn't move.
Brad: (smiling) "We wanted to say... we get it. You're smart, different. That's cool."
Gaurav: (defensive) "Why? So you can laugh with the others later?"
Alex: (earnest) "No. We want to learn. Maybe... hang out. No pressure."
Gaurav looked away, conflicted.
Scene 5: The Invitation
A few days later, Alex texted Gaurav:Party at my place Friday night. No pressure. Just good vibes.
Gaurav stared at the message for a long time before typing back a hesitant Okay.
Scene 6: The Party
Friday night. Alex's modest apartment was decorated with colorful lights and posters. Music played softly. Students laughed and chatted. Gaurav stood near the door, clearly uncomfortable.
Alex: (calling out) "Gaurav! Come on in. It's just us."
Brad: (grinning) "No aliens here, promise."
Gaurav managed a small smile and stepped inside. As the night went on, Brad challenged Gaurav to a goofy dance-off. Laughter broke out, and Gaurav's walls started to crumble.
Scene 7: A Quiet Moment
Outside on the balcony, the trio sat watching the stars. The party hummed behind them.
Alex: (softly) "We know something big is coming. The government's hiding it. We want to figure it out."
Brad: "But we can't do it alone."
Gaurav: (quietly) "Maybe... I don't have to be alone anymore."
The night sky glowed faintly, a silent warning of the meteor speeding toward Earth.