Ishana:(thinking)
(I was still standing on the terrace, trying to catch my breath when my brothers came up the stairs...)
Yash (eldest brother):
"Hey, sis! I guess your little trick didn't work, huh?"
"Hahahaha! Told you, this stupid idea of yours was bound to fail!"
Youngest brother:
"Ahahahaha, she's so dead now!"
Second brother:
"So, what's next in your brilliant escape plan?"
Ishana:(groans)
"Just shut up, all of you! Instead of teasing, help me get out of this mess!"
Yash:(laughing)
"Sis, too late. Everyone's coming tomorrow — all the relatives!"
"Even our cousins are arriving... with their wives!"
"It's going to be a full-blown celebration!"
Ishana:(panicking)
"What?! Why is my life moving this fast? This is faster than I expected!"
Youngest brother:(squinting toward the stairs)
"Hey, guys... look over there. Someone's coming."
"Ohhh! It's our soon-to-be brother-in-law!"
"Woooww!! Welcome, jiju!!"
(The brothers laugh and nudge each other.)
Youngest brother:
"We should probably leave now. Let's give them a little privacy!"
Abhi:(walking up, sarcastic)
"Oh, hi! No need to go anywhere, guys."
"We're not lovers who need to whisper in private."
"At this rate, I feel like even our first night will be planned by our parents — step by step!"
Yash:(laughing hard)
"Whaaaat! You already planned the first night too?!"
"Hahahaha!"
Ishana:(snapping)
"Are you stupid, Abhi?! Don't blabber such nonsense!"
Youngest brother:
"Bro, don't scare our poor sister!"
"She's already a scaredy cat — now she's gonna faint!"
Ishana:
"I'm NOT scared! Got it?!"
Yash:(teasing)
"Oh really? We know you too well, sis."
"We can read your face like a book."
Abhi:(raising hands playfully)
"Hey, guys, relax! I was just stating facts based on our situation."
(looks at Ishana with a playful grin)
"But really, Ishana... you got scared?"
"Don't worry. I'll be gentle."
Yash, Second Brother & Youngest Brother:
"Hahahaha!"
"Seriously bro, didn't know you were this flirty!"
Ishana:(thinking, eyes narrowing)
(What are they even talking about?! They're all so shameless! And what did he say? He'll be gentle?! Huhh! Just wait — I'm not gonna let you even come close to me!)
"I SAID STOP IT, GUYS!"
(Suddenly, their father walks up onto the terrace. Everyone goes quiet.)
Father:
"Listen, everyone!"
Ishana:(thinking nervously)
(Here we go again... I'm sure he has another bomb to drop on me...)
Father:
"Abhi is going to stay here till the wedding!"
"Since both of you said you need time to understand each other, this is the best way!"
Ishana:
"No! I don't want him to stay here!"
Abhi:
"Uncle, it's okay. I can stay at my house."
"I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable."
Father:(firm tone)
"No discussion. You two need to spend time together, so he stays here. End of story."
(Everyone falls silent again. Ishana looks away, frustrated. Abhi stands awkwardly, hands in his pockets. The brothers glance at each other, holding back laughter.)