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Chapter 48 - The Silence Between Yes and No

The soft hum of a fan. Half-lit room. AARAV sits at his desk, staring at his terminal. Naira, in the living room, flips through a worn book, not reading.

NAIRA (V.O.)

He'll say it.

He'll stop it.

Any moment now.

AARAV (V.O.)

She's going to shut this down.

She hates this kind of stuff.

Right?

Silence stretches. The air hangs heavy. No one speaks.

INT. GARAGE – NIGHT

Bidu glows on a hovering panel sipping soda.

BIDU

Message drafted. "Uncle, we liked the outdoor setup. Keep it intimate."

ANAHATA

Add a smiley face. Softens the blow.

BIDU

Emojis uploaded. Sent.

BEEP. MESSAGE SENT.

They high-five.

CALENDAR PAGES FLIP

Naira opens a wedding invite by mistake—stares, confused.

Aarav sees a bag of wedding clothes delivered—thinks it's a prank.

Uncle sends another message: "So happy! It's finally happening!"

Both ignore it, waiting for the other.

NEXT DAY- MORNING

AARAV stirs tea. NAIRA leans on the table.

They glance at each other. Look away.

AARAV (V.O.)

She's not saying anything.

Is she okay with this?

NAIRA (V.O.)

He's not stopping it.

Does that mean he wants it?

DING-DONG.

Door opens.

UNCLE stands with a bag of sweets. His AUNT follows with folded sarees and wide smiles.

UNCLE

Aarav, Naira! We're ready!

AARAV

Ready…?

NAIRA

For what?

AUNT

The wedding, of course! Mandap's set, food's being made. All that's left is...you two.

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