EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS – MORNING – RUSHED MOOD

Akanksha runs through the college gate, breathless but cheerful.

AKANKSHA

(while running, glancing behind)

Ahana jaldi! Roz ki tarah late ho jayenge!

AHANA

(breathing fast, catching up)

Haan haan, aa rahi hoon!

They both stop outside their classroom, panting. Akanksha looks at her, hands on her knees.

AKANKSHA

(gasping)

Finally! Roz teri wajah se late ho jaate hain. Aakhir tu karti kya hai subah-subah?

AHANA

(softly)

I know… par tujhe meri stepmom ke baare mein toh pata hi hai. Roz kuch na kuch…

Akanksha notices a fresh burn on Ahana’s hand and grabs it gently.

AKANKSHA

(concerned)

Ek second… ye haath pe chot kaise lagi?

AHANA

(hesitates, pulling hand back)

W–woh… kuch nahi. Chhodo, chal class mein chalte hain.

AKANKSHA

(stubbornly)

Nahi, pehle bata!

AHANA

(looking away)

Bataungi... par abhi nahi. Please, class shuru ho gayi hogi.

AKANKSHA

(sighs)

Thik hai. Let’s go.

INT. COLLEGE – CAFETERIA – RECESS TIME

They sit at their usual corner table. Akanksha leans in, eyes sharp.

AKANKSHA

Ab bata. Tere haath ka kya hua?

AHANA

(quietly, after a pause)

Kal… meri stepmom ne mujhse unki dress iron karne ko kaha tha.

Iron karte waqt thoda sa jal gaya... toh... unhone woh garam iron mere haath pe rakh diya.

Akanksha's expression hardens. She slams her hand on the table.

AKANKSHA

(shocked and angry)

What?! What kind of witch is she?!

Tu us ghar ko chhod kyun nahi deti, Ahana? Kyu rehti hai unke saath?

AHANA

(gently)

Please… unhe aise mat bol. Wo jaise bhi ho, meri maa hain.

Aur mai sirf unke saath nahi, apne dad ke saath bhi rehti hoon... jo mujhse bahut pyaar karte hain.

She tries to smile and change the topic.

AHANA

Acha chhod... kya mai aaj tere hostel aa jaaun painting ke liye?

Ek customer ne couple painting ka order diya hai — teen din mein lene aayenge.

AKANKSHA

(smirks)

Of course. Tu college ke baad mere saath chal lena. Wahin painting kar lena.

AHANA

Thanks...

AKANKSHA

(straight face)

Chup! Agar dubara thank you bola na… dekh lena!

INT. AKANKSHA’S HOSTEL ROOM – EVENING

Ahana sits on the floor, stretching her arms.

AHANA

Uff… I’m tired. Agar abhi so gayi toh time waste ho jaayega.

AKANKSHA

(smiling from kitchen area)

Don’t worry, main tere liye coffee banati hoon. Phir tu paint kar lena.

AHANA

(humming)

Hmm...

MOMENTS LATER

Akanksha returns with coffee.

AKANKSHA

(leaving cup beside her)

Le… teri coffee.

AHANA

(taking a sip, eyes lighting up)

Ahh… thank you. Ab thoda better feel ho raha hai.

Ahana sets up her canvas and begins painting — brushstrokes full of emotion.

AHANA

Bas detailing reh gayi hai. Kal kar dungi.

Touch mat karna, okay? Acche se sukhne dena.

AKANKSHA

(raising hands)

Okay okay!

AHANA

(smiling softly)

Now I’m going. Bye.

AKANKSHA

Bye... and text me once you reach.

To be continued.....