Morning Scene at Shah House
Zayan was still asleep when Wali suddenly burst into his room and jumped onto his bed, shouting with joy.
Wali (grinning): "Happy Birthday, my little cutie!"
Zayan groaned and rubbed his eyes, slightly irritated.
Zayan: "Wali, you're so annoying. Get off me, idiot."
Wali: "Yes, yes, I am! But today is our birthday, man!"
Zayan gave a lazy nod, still lying down.
Zayan: "Hmm… yeah, it is."
Wali was glowing with excitement, but Zayan didn't show any. His lack of energy didn't go unnoticed.
Wali sat beside him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
Wali (genuinely): "Hey… what's wrong? Why do you look so down?"
Zayan looked at him and gave a faint, bittersweet smile.
Zayan: "It's my birthday… but the one person who made it truly special isn't here. My mom."
The mention of her name softened Wali's expression. He paused for a moment, then spoke in a calm voice.
Wali: "You know… I actually hate my birthday."
Zayan looked at him, surprised.
Wali: "Dad is always too busy with work. Every year he sends me gifts, but I'm not waiting for those. I wait for a call… even just a text. But nothing. Not even a single message. And that silence hurts more than anything."
He glanced away briefly, then smiled softly.
Wali: "When I entered my teenage years, I had my first birthday celebration—with friends who truly cared about me. That day I realized… don't pause your happiness for the ones who aren't here. Celebrate it with those who are here. Who loves you. Who sees you."
Zayan looked at Wali with a soft, emotional smile and pulled him into a tight hug.
Zayan: "Happy Birthday, Wali."
Wali (smiling warmly): "Okay okay, enough with the drama. Let's go plan an epic birthday party!"
Scene: Shah House Hall — Birthday Preparations
The hall of the Shah house is buzzing with activity. Helpers move around with balloons and lights, decorating every corner. Laughter and chatter echo in the air. Zayan and Wali descend the stairs slowly, stopping halfway as they watch the chaos below with confused expressions.
Zayan (raising an eyebrow):
"Do you have any idea what's going on?"
Wali (crossing his arms):
"Nope. But I'm guessing Mr. Faisal Shah is cooking something... big."
Zayan (hopeful tone):
"Hey, what if Dad planned all this for us?"
Wali (smirking):
"Are you dumb? That's impossible. For Dad, only his work matters — not us."
Zayan (frowning):
"Mr. Wali, can't you think positive for once in your life?"
Wali (dryly):
"I'm not someone who lives in dreams."
Suddenly, a warm hand rests gently on Wali's shoulder. He turns around — surprised — to see Faisal Shah standing there with a calm smile.
Wali (awkwardly):
"Oh… it's you."
Faisal opens his arms and hugs both his sons, pulling them close.
Faisal (gently):
"Happy birthday, my sons."
Zayan smiles warmly. Wali stiffens slightly but doesn't pull away.
Zayan:
"Thank you, Dad."
Faisal (stepping back):
"So… Do you guys like it?"
Zayan (looking around):
"Yes, Dad. It looks beautiful."
Wali (tilting his head):
"Wait... did you get married again?"
Zayan and Faisal both look at Wali, eyes wide.
Faisal:
"What?! Are you okay?"
Zayan (embarrassed):
"Wali, behave yourself!"
Wali (shrugging):
"What? I just asked."
Faisal (sighs, amused):
"This... is for you both, idiot. You're turning 18. I wanted to make it special."
Zayan (softly):
"That's really sweet, Dad."
Faisal turns to Zayan, his voice lowering.
Faisal:
"I know it's your first birthday without your mom. I didn't want it to feel empty. That's why… this."
Zayan hugs his father tightly, touched. Wali watches them silently, unreadable.
Wali (to himself, half-whispered):
"Keep going, Dad… You'll win Best Actor someday."
Faisal pulls back and smiles.
Faisal:
"Now go — both of you — and invite your friends. Let's make it a birthday to remember."
Zayan and Wali nod. They turn and walk away, side by side — one smiling, the other hiding his thoughts.
Scene: Kitchen
The aroma of freshly cooked food fills the warm kitchen as Zoya and Zara help Ayesha with the preparations.
Zoya (fanning herself): Ughh… what the hell, man? It's boiling in here!
Ayesha (smiling): Of course, honey. We are in the kitchen.
Zoya: No, seriously, this isn't a kitchen anymore. You've turned it into an oven.
Zara (teasing): I agree, Aunty. We should probably install an AC in here—just for our beloved drama queen.
Ayesha (laughs): Good idea. She deserves royal treatment.
Zoya (sarcastic): Wow, very funny. You both should start a comedy show.
Ayesha: Alright now, enough chit-chat. Cut these vegetables properly, please.
Suddenly, Zoya's phone buzzes. She checks a message, and her expression instantly changes to a glowing smile. Without saying a word, she grabs Zara's arm and pulls her out of the kitchen.
Ayesha (surprised): Girls? Where are you two going?
Zoya (walking off): Sorry, Mom! Emergency! We can't help anymore!
Ayesha just shakes her head, smiling to herself.
—
Scene: Zoya and Zara's Room
Zara (confused): What the hell, girl? What are you doing?
Zoya (excitedly): Just look at this!
She hands her phone to Zara.
Zara (reading): Why is he inviting us to his birthday? Text him and tell him we're not coming.
Zoya: That's so rude! I already replied and accepted the invitation.
Zara: Fine then—go alone.
Zoya: Zara, Zara... my sweetheart, my sweet sister, listen to me.
Zara (firmly): I'm not listening to you, okay?
Zoya: What's your problem? Zayan is a good guy, a true gentleman. He'll be hurt if we don't go.
Zara: Why should we care? We're not that special to him. And just so you know, Wail is also there for him—so you don't have to worry about him at all.
Zara turns and walks out.
Zoya (calling after her): Hey—wait! Listen!
Scene continues – Outside Zara and Zoya's Room
Zoya follows Zara down the hallway.
Zoya: Zara, Zara, please listen to me… at least for a second!
Zara (without turning back): I already told you.
Just then, Uncle Javed walks in.
Javed: What's going on, girls?
Zoya quickly walks to her father with puppy eyes.
Zoya: Dad, our friend invited us to his birthday, but Zara's being rude—she doesn't want to go.
Zara rolls her eyes and thinks to herself:
Zara (in her head): How dramatic can she be?
Zoya (softly): You know what, Dad? It's his first birthday without his mom…
Javed looks at Zara, a bit disappointed.
Javed: Zara, that's not nice. You should go and support your friend.
Zara (reluctantly): Okay, Uncle...
Zoya hugs her dad, then pulls Zara into a quick hug too.
Zoya (smiling): Thank you! Come on—let's get dressed!
Javed (chuckling): Be careful, girls.
Scene: Shah House – Zayan's Room
Zayan stands in front of a mirror, adjusting his black three-piece suit. He looks sharp, composed… but his eyes wander to a framed photo of his mother on the side table.
Zayan (softly):
I wish you were here, Mom.
Why did you leave me so early?
Just then, the door swings open. Wali walks in casually.
Wali:
Hey, birthday boy! All dressed up?
Zayan turns to face him. Wali smirks.
Wali (grinning):
Damn, bro—looking handsome! Girls are gonna be falling over you tonight.
Zayan (with a small smile):
Cut it out. And you? You're still not ready?
Wali:
Yeah yeah, I'm going now—
Zayan holds up a hand, stopping him.
Zayan:
Wait, Wali… hold on.
He opens a drawer, pulls out a small flash drive, and places it gently into Wali's hand.
Wali (confused):
What's this?
Zayan:
A gift… from Mom.
Wali stares at the flash drive, eyebrows drawn together in surprise and curiosity. There's a moment of silence.
Wali (softly):
Oh...
Anyway—I'm going to change. See you downstairs.
He walks out, leaving Zayan alone with the weight of memory and anticipation.
Scene: Shah House – Party Hall
The room is alive with energy. Laughter echoes, music thumps, and guests are swaying on the dance floor. Twinkling lights cast a warm glow across the elegant space. Everyone seems to be having a great time.
But Zayan stands still near the back, his eyes fixed on the entrance—like he's waiting. Waiting for someone special.
Suddenly, Ahmed appears beside him and casually places a hand on his shoulder.
Ahmed (grinning):
Happy birthday, handsome.
Zayan (smirking):
Thanks. Nice drip, by the way.
I think Sara's going to be impressed tonight.
Ahmed (with a shrug):
Thanks—but this look isn't for Sara.
Zayan (raising an eyebrow):
Wait… don't tell me—you've got another crush now?
Ahmed (half-joking, half-serious):
Yeah, bro. I kept trying with Sara, but… I've realized I deserve better. So I've moved on.
Zayan (with a teasing smile):
Yeah… she deserves better.
Ahmed (suspiciously):
Wait—what?
Zayan (laughing):
I mean you, idiot.
Both of them laugh, the moment light but meaningful. The camera lingers on Zayan's face—his smile fades slightly as he glances back at the entrance… still waiting.
Scene: Wali's Room – Evening
Wali stands in front of a full-length mirror, adjusting the collar of his sleek black shirt. The warm light highlights the sharp angles of his face, his hair perfectly styled.
Wali (to himself with a smug smirk):
How can someone be this handsome?
Suddenly, his phone buzzes on the table. The screen lights up with a message notification. He picks it up, glances at the screen—his smirk deepens into a cold, calculated smile.
He begins typing a reply with composed fingers.
Wali (typing):
"Good. Alright. Give me the rest of the information as soon as possible."
He locks the phone just as a knock echoes on the door.
Servant (from outside):
Sir, your father is calling you downstairs. Everyone is waiting for you.
Wali (sliding on his watch, expression cool):
Of course. I'm coming.
He gives one la
st look in the mirror—confident, unreadable—before turning toward the door.
Wali steps out of his room, the echo of his polished shoes fading down the marble hallway. Below, music and laughter echo through the grand Shah House—but behind his calm smile, something darker stirs. The night is just beginning.