Ishana (frustrated, almost whispering):
If those people weren't in our lives…
Do you think I'd even be in this situation?
Forced to marry you... and thinking about running away?
This whole mess wouldn't even exist.
(Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupts them.)
Nurse (from outside):
Doctor, there's a patient waiting for you.
Abhi (calling back):
I'll be there in a minute!
Nurse:
Okay, Doc!
Ishana (standing up):
I think you're busy... I'll be going now.
Abhi (calmly):
Hmm. We'll continue this at home.
Ishana (pausing at the door):
Oh, I forgot to mention—my relatives are coming this evening.
Including my cousins.
Don't try to get too friendly with them.
They know me well enough to figure out there's nothing real going on between us.
Abhi (raising an eyebrow):
Cousins, huh? And you're that close to them?
How close are we talking?
Ishana (firmly):
Close enough to discuss everything.
Everything.
Abhi (frowning slightly):
I don't follow.
Ishana (dryly):
Do I really need to explain it to you?
Anyway, aren't you getting late for your patient?
Abhi (sighs):
Yeah, yeah. Let's talk about the rest at home.
Ishana (opening the door):
Fine. Bye.
Abhi:
Hmm.
Scene Shift: At Home – Later That Evening
Father (smiling as he watches the clock):
I think they're getting along well…
Mother:
Yeah, see? It's been more than two hours since she left, and she hasn't returned yet.
Father:
That's a good sign.
If they're already comfortable with each other, there won't be problems after the wedding.
(Just then, the doorbell rings.)
Mother:
That must be them! The relatives are here.
Father (opening the door):
Oh wow, it's been so long! Come in, come in! Sit down, relax!
(He turns to his wife)
Can you go get some tea for them?
Mother (heading toward the kitchen):
Of course, you all chat—I'll be back in a minute.
Father (to the cousins):
So, how have you all been?
Cousin 1:
We're perfectly fine, Uncle. Everything's going well.
Cousin 2:
Yes, no complaints.
Father (to Cousin 1):
Beta, it's been three years since your wedding, hasn't it?
Shouldn't you be thinking about having kids by now?
Cousin 1 (forced smile, thinking):
Kids? Seriously? I haven't even touched her. Where are these imaginary kids coming from?
(Out loud):
Yes, Uncle. We're looking forward to that.
Wife 1 (thinking, annoyed):
Looking forward? He doesn't even look at me!
First try touching me before talking about kids.
What does he think—babies will drop from the clouds?
Father (laughing, nudging him playfully):
Beta, just looking forward won't help.
You've got to do something to make it happen!
Hahaha!
Cousin 1 (nervously laughing):
Haha… yeah… of course.
(Thinking):
We don't even get along. Why would I want to sleep with her?
Father (turning to Cousin 2):
And you, beta?
It's been two years since your wedding too!
What are your plans?
(Cousin 2 and his wife exchange awkward glances as the pressure in the room rises.)