Scene: 1
EXT. A BEACH IN GOA- DAY (PAST)
On a sunny day, a photographer, a man of around thirty, in a Hawaiian shirt and a broad rimmed hat and three-quarter shorts, explores a busy beach in Goa through his lens. The scenes that meet his eyes are usual for a beach. Some men and women play volley ball in their beach wear. Some people run to the sea with their surf boards to try surfing in vain on a plain sea with no surf waves and some people bask in the sun on the beach recliners laid out by the resorts facing the beach for their patrons. 
The photographer adjusts his lens and takes some photographs here and there before resting his lens on a beautiful girl in a bikini. The girl is around twenty years old. She has beautiful olive skin and thick brunette hair. Her dark bikini accentuates her measured curves. She sits on a carpet laid out under a beach umbrella, staring ahead at the sea. She looks conscious of herself and unsure about her surroundings. The photographer clicks a few frames of her and then he walks straight up to where she sits. The girl looks up at him. The photographer extends his hand for a hand shake.   
photographer
Hello, I am Vivek.
Vivek points to his camera.
photographer (cont’d)
A photographer by profession. It appeared to me that you could do with some company. Mind if I join you?
The woman looks at Vivek for a few seconds. She then looks at the camera and seems to come to a decision. She extends her hand for the hand shake. 
elena
I’m Elena.
Without further ado, Vivek sits down beside her. He gives her a greasy smile. Elena feels instantly uncomfortable. She looks away.
vivek
Hi Elena! Nice to meet you!
Elena fixes him with her gaze.
elena
Were you taking my photographs?
Vivek throws both his hands in the air, owning to it.
vivek
Guilty!
Elena extends her hand to take the camera.
elena
May I see them?
Vivek willingly hands her the camera. Elena browses through the photographs. She finds them interesting. But she accidentally browses further ahead and sees a photograph of a naked girl in a different setting. She is momentarily shocked but at the same time Vivek snatches the camera from her hands. Elena looks at him suspiciously.
elena (cont’d)
What kind of a photographer are you?
Vivek looks away as he answers.
vivek
I’m a fashion photographer.
This reply piques Elena’s interest. She looks around with interest to see if she can find models hanging anywhere around, ready for a shoot.
elena
What are you doing out in the beach today? Is there a fashion shoot scheduled here? 
vivek
Looking for a muse!
Elena stops searching and looks right back at Vivek with surprise and excitement. Suddenly she lets her guard down and a childlike innocence and excitement appear on her face.
elena
Did you find one?
Vivek notices the change in her reaction. Sensing victory, he tries to play it cool.
vivek
Not sure.
elena
I am a model.
vivek
Really? What was your last campaign?
This question brings back Elena’s self consciousness.
elena
I have not worked here yet. Back home, in Ukraine, I did a few ads here and there… 
vivek
That’s wonderful! Do you have a portfolio?
elena
No. 
Vivek laughs in a sly manner.
vivek
Darling, no one will give you work here without a proper portfolio! 
elena
Can you help me make one?
Vivek realises that the power dynamics between him and Elena has completely reversed. He looks at her once and sweeps his gaze up and down across her body. 
vivek
I won’t mind. But how do you intend to pay me?
Elena is thrown off guard by this question. She looks down in discomfort. Vivek gives her a sarcastic smile. He takes out a purse from his pocket and from there he takes out his visiting card and hands it to Elena.
vivek (cont’d)
Meet me tomorrow sharp at six in the morning at Ashwem Beach. We can work out a deal. Carry this bikini.
Vivek stands up and walks away without once looking back at Elena. Elena’s face is apprehensive. She looks down and glances at the card with Vivek’s details and contact. 
                                               CUT TO:
scene: 2
int. bedroom of elena’s shabby apartment- night (PRESENT)
The card, carrying Vivek’s details, is now old and blotched. The hard paper has tuned soft with time. A tear drop blotches it further. Elena crumples it in her hand and throws it away in disgust. She rummages further into her handbag and brings out her mascara. Elena looks at the mirror. Her eyes are red and paunchy. They are welled up. Her face is wrinkled. Age is apparent on her face. She hastily applies the mascara. But her kajal is all smudged. Elena tries to dab her face with a puff but that is not enough to cover her tired face.
Elena has a sexy black, backless, knee length dress on with a plunging neckline. She still retains the wonderful figure. She puts on her black stilettos and takes her keys from the key holder. She is about to open the door and go out but she stops midway, and walks back to the bedroom. She pushes the door slightly. A child of around seven is sound asleep under the sheets. Elena tiptoes into the room and gives the child a small peck on the cheek. Then she comes out of the room.
The child opens her eyes and looks after the disappearing figure of Elena. Elena opens the main door and goes out of the flat, making as little noise as possible. 
                                             CUT TO:
scene: 3
ext. ashwem beach, goa- morning (past)
The young Elena poses in her bikini for Vivek’s camera. She poses on the rocks, deck chairs, in the sea, with surf boards, with volleyballs and Vivek clicks her beautiful and sexy pictures one by one in his camera.
                                             CUT TO:
scene: 4
int. in an office- evening (past)
On a laptop, these sexy photographs of Elena are displayed. Behind the laptop sits Vivek. Excitement and anticipation are clearly apparent on his face. Someone browses through the photographs, facing the laptop. Only the bald back of the man is visible as he browses the photographs. 
the man
Hmm… these are really good. They will light up my site as soon as I post them!
Vivek appears extremely pleased with himself. 
vivek
Glad you liked them sir! I clicked them myself!

the man
Is she your find?
Vivek draws himself to his full height.
vivek
Yes sir, absolutely!
the man
Those visiting cards are paying off I see!
Vivek looks expectantly at the man for further orders.
the man (cont’d)
Bring her to me tomorrow. I need to see her myself before I refer her to my clients, needn’t I?
vivek
Sure sir, absolutely!
the man
And don’t worry, if I find her as good as she looks, you will be paid more than you expect!
Vivek’s face lights up in joy.
vivek
Thank you sir! Thank you!
Vivek springs up on his feet and takes his leave.
                                              CUT TO:
scene: 5
INt. a hotel corridor- night (present)
The aged Elena in her black dress and stilettos makes her way through an empty corridor of a posh hotel. She carefully looks at the room numbers. She comes to one room and stops and faces the door. She opens her tied hair down and takes out a small mirror from her purse and a lipstick. She applies the dark lipstick on her lips and then puts the mirror and lipstick back in her purse. She then rings the bell. The door is opened by a man whose face is not visible. She puts on a fake sexy smile and walks in the room. The door closes with a bang.
                                             BLACK SCREEN:

scene: 6
int. bedroom of elena’s shabby apartment- day (present)
An alarm clock rings. It is seven in the morning. The hand of a child slowly approaches the clock and shuts the alarm. It is the little girl whom Elena had kissed before departing; Elena’s daughter Ellie. Ellie sits up on the bed and rubs her eyes. She then gets down and goes to the washroom. Ellie brushes her teeth. She comes back to the room and starts folding her bed sheet into neat folds. She does her bed so perfectly that it is apparent she has been doing this for a long time. She then approaches a small desk at one corner of the room. On it, school books and copies lie scattered. Ellie takes them and puts them all in a school bag. Suddenly she hears the click of the front door opening. She runs to the drawing room.
Elena enters. She looks even more tired. Her eyes are red and she has a stole on her to cover herself with. Her hair is all messed up. Yet Ellie smiles the brightest smile to see her mother home. Elena smiles back at her. Elena too appears younger when she smiles back at Ellie. Elena approaches Ellie, ruffles her hair and then kisses her on the forehead. As she is about to go to the bedroom, Ellie speaks to her. 
ellie
Mom, today there is a PTM in my school.
Elena looks at Ellie and leaves a deep sigh. Then she approaches Ellie, takes her hand, sits on the couch and pulls her closer.
elena
Ellie, you know I cannot go to your PTM, don’t you?
Ellie looks crestfallen and almost on the verge of tears.
ellie
Mom, the teacher always asks me why you are never there!
elena
Have you told your teacher that I work late night shifts? 
A drop of tear runs down Ellie’s cheek. She rubs it with her small hands.
ellie
Yes I have. But you are home now. Why can’t you come today? All the other parents will attend!
Elena pulls Ellie into a hug.
elena
Trust me baby, it is better if I do not go. 
ellie
You always say so!
elena
One day I’ll tell you why, I promise.
Elena tears up as well. She then pulls Ellie away and with a forced smile on her face, wipes off Ellie’s tears. 
elena (cont’d)
If we are not going to the school today, that means today is a holiday! Let’s stop crying and make the most of this day. Have you had your breakfast yet?
Ellie nods her head in a no.
elena (cont’d)
Then don’t eat cornflakes today. I will make you something special. And after that, we will go out and watch a movie. Ok?
Ellie’s face lights up at the suggestion. Elena walks into the bedroom with a bright smile.
                                            CUT TO:
scene: 7
INT. bathroom of elena’s apartment- day (present)
Running the shower really fast, Elena sobs silently in the shower for some time. Then she takes the soap and violently rubs it on her body. 
                                            CUT TO:
scene: 8
int. Arjun’s villa in goa- day (present)
Arjun, a man of around thirty, well-built but with a look of intellect on his face, welcomes Aisha for the first time in his villa in Goa. Aisha is a woman of around twenty-nine. She is a natural beauty. Aisha does not look much excited but she tries to look excited for Arjun. Arjun opens the lock and throws open the doors and takes a step into the villa.
arjun
I welcome you to my humble abode ma’am. When the city gets too noisy and troublesome, this is where I coup up!
Arjun stands with a broad smile on his face, waiting for Aisha to react. Aisha takes a few steps and then crosses Arjun to explore the house by herself. First she goes to the kitchen. It is a spacious one but Aisha is more interested to check the ration. Most of the jars are empty, even the one containing coffee is almost empty. Aisha leaves a deep sigh, as if she feared this. She shows the jar to Arjun.
aisha
Who does the shopping around here?
arjun
My caretaker usually. He lives in the outhouse.
aisha
I didn’t see him anywhere around. Did you at least tell him we will be here for some time?
Arjun scratches his head in embarrassment. 
arjun
Yes, I did. But since the plan was sudden, I informed him yesterday night!
Aisha looks disappointed. 
aisha
The plan was not sudden Arjun. At least, not from my side. I had everything ready. The tickets to go to the hills, reservation at the best resort… you made me cancel all of that to be here because you wanted a quaint place where you can concentrate on your story!
Arjun tries to pacify Aisha who is apparently disappointed.
arjun
I just wanted to avoid all that site seeing and meeting new people, and taking selfies with them! I really need peace and quiet to write this plot. 
Arjun approaches Aisha from behind and hugs her.
arjun
You know how important this movie is for me, don’t you?
Aisha gives in. She smiles reluctantly.
aisha
Ok. But this holiday is too precious to me to spend it all up in household chores. So please ask your caretaker to take care of all this!
Arjun slowly pulls her away and leads her to another door.
arjun
Then let me show you the place where you can just sit and relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings.
He has Aisha’s eyes covered with his hands. He leads Aisha to the beautiful pool side. He opens her eyes slowly. Aisha’s face lights up in excitement. 
                                             CUT TO:
scene: 9
EXT. various locations in the city- day- montage (present)
Elena and Ellie enjoy their day out in the city. Elena takes Ellie to watch an animation movie. Then they go to a beach side restaurant where Ellie gives the orders. Ellie is a chubby, bubbly girl and she is very talkative when she is in the right mood. She keeps on talking to her mother and laughing with her. Her mother then takes her to a local fair. There in a stall her mother wins a teddy bear for her by throwing balls. Ellie is super happy to get a new toy. Elena then takes her to a ride on the ferris wheel. They take cute selfies of each other. All the while, Elena keeps on getting calls from Vivek. But she avoids taking the calls. She is visibly disturbed by Vivek’s constant calling but she puts up a happy face for Ellie. Finally they end up on a sea beach in the evening where Ellie is in the middle of narrating a story to her mother.
ellie
So Reshmi tore his copy and told him never to speak ill of me again. If he ever does that, she will punch him in the face next!
Ellie excitedly punches in the air while telling this story in an animated manner. 
Elena stares at the beautiful, innocent face of the child. A lock of her hair plays in the sea breeze over her eyes, Elena extends her hand and moves the lock behind Ellie’s ear with care.
elena
But you must tell your friend never to fight with others, no matter what they say!
Ellie does not like this.
ellie
But why mom? Why can’t she defend me when I am not wrong?
elena
Of course she can defend you. But would you want your friend to get hurt for you? It is never wise to pick fights! 
Ellie stares at her mother for some time. 
ellie
Mom, did you ever have a friend like Reshmi, who would pick fights for you, to defend you?
Elena looks at Ellie in surprise. Then she smiles at her.
Elena
El, once you grow up, it gets more difficult for you to find friends who would pick fights for you. You’re luckier than I ever was. You should never take that for granted. God sends His angels to us in many ways to protect us and take care of us, may be your friend is one such angel; just as you are mine! 
Elena pulls Ellie to a tight hug.  
                                               CUT TO:
scene: 10
INT. in a fashion house and its studio- day (past) MONatge
A young Elena arrives at a fashion house for audition. She is visibly flustered as if she is in a hurry and a little self-conscious as if she is trying to avoid someone. She inquires her way around the place and is led by a girl to a waiting room where other girls are waiting as well. Her phone rings incessantly. Vivek calls her time and again but she has her phone on silent and she avoids his calls. Moments later she is called into a room where few people look at her portfolio, the one made by Vivek, and take her interview. After the interview Elena shakes their hands and comes out, looking jubilant.
Next day, the fashion house does a photoshoot of Elena in their studio. The photographer is one of her interviewers. There is one other model by the name of Adira in the photoshoot alongside Elena. She is around twenty one, and has a dark and sexy appearance. After a long day of photoshoot, Elena and Adira sit and talk in a room while relaxing. Both have coffee. Adira lights a cigarette and offers one to Elena. Elena takes one. Adira releases a mouthful of smoke. 
adira
I badly want this campaign. I have worked really hard for this! 
elena
May be, you will get this campaign. 
Elena says this with a sweet smile, trying to comfort her. Adira looks at her curiously.
adira
Are you trying to be smart with me?
Elena is surprised at this reaction as she was indeed trying to be nice to her.
elena
No. Why would you say so?
adira
Don’t you want this campaign bad? You do realise I am your competitor, don’t you?
elena
I just admire your confidence. I saw your shots, you were really great!
Adira scoffs.
Adira
You don’t know these people here. They are always partial of you foreigners. They love your colour!
Adira scans Elena from top to bottom.

elena 
I think they would not have chosen two such starkly different models as us if they were biased! 
Adira considers this for a moment. She sighs.
adira
So, you are from which country?
elena
I’m from Ukraine.
adira
Why have you come here? You could have gone anywhere in the world!
elena
Circumstances brought me here. Any other fashion capital is too harsh for poor newcomers like us.
adira
You think Mumbai is cheap?
Adira scoffs again.
elena
No, but it is definitely cheaper than Paris or Milan! 
Adira looks at Elena for a long time without speaking. 
adira
You know, I have been rejected from fifteen auditions before this because of my skin colour.
Elena looks at Adira in disbelief.
elena
It can’t be as bad as that here?
adira
Trust me, it is! It can drive you insane, this discrimination. You start hating your own skin, your own body. I started inflicting pain to myself! I started getting skin lightening treatments. Had allergies… I suffered a lot for this…
Elena is dumbstruck.
elena
But that is so unfair!
Adira smiles and looks away. 
adira 
It is what it is. You can’t change things in a day. 
elena
But one can at least protest!
Elena says this with utmost innocence. 
adira
Who will? Will you protest if you get this campaign? They will not even tell you why they have chosen you! But I can bet that if they do, it will most certainly be because of your ethnicity!
Elena looks down solemnly. 
                                        CUT TO:
scene: 11
INT. interview room of the fashion house- day (past)
Next day, Elena finds herself sitting in front of her interviewers. They congratulate her on getting the campaign.
female interviewer 
Elena, we are more than happy to have you on board. You have a fresh beauty and an innocence that really is charming.
photographer interviewer
Not to mention that your ethnicity will make you an instant hit amongst the Indian youth. There is an added appeal to it, the fact that you are a foreigner!
This makes Elena visibly uncomfortable. 
female interviewer 
But Elena, before we sign you on, we need to be sure that you have the required work permit as this is a long term campaign. We need your passport and visa for the paper works.
Elena looks worried but nevertheless she thanks them and comes out of the room. Elena takes out her phone from her handbag and finds innumerable missed calls from Vivek and messages.
                                            CUT TO:
scene: 12
INt. vivek’s shady apartment- day (past)
Elena lies on the floor on her knees. Her hair is all messy and she is nursing her right cheek with her hand where she has just been slapped hard by Vivek. Her lips are bleeding. Vivek sits down beside her and comes closer to her and holds her hair in a strong grip. This hurts Elena and she struggles but he does not let go. 
vivek
You avoid my phone calls for days, keep away from your apartment and now you come to me begging for your passport? Do you know how many clients I had to let go of because of your absence? Do you?
Tears stream down Elena’s eyes. She is in extreme pain but Vivek shouts on.
vivek (cont’d)
Do you know how much money you have made us lose? You will never ever see your passport again! 
He gets up and gives Elena a kick. Elena stays curled on the floor, crying. 
                                          CUT TO:
scene: 13
INT. ELena’s shabby apartment- night (present)
Elena sits in her drawing room, staring into the night through the broadest window in her flat. Light breeze moves the curtains of the window and her hair. She smokes a cigarette. Her eyes are moist. On the table beside her, below the ashtray is a newspaper with a huge photograph of Adira who is the face of a campaign on the paper. 
Suddenly Ellie creeps up from behind her. When Elena hears her footsteps, she immediately puts off her cigarette and tries to look normal. She wipes her eyes. Ellie rubs her sleepy eyes as she approaches her mother.
ellie
Mom, you are home tonight? Why don’t you come to bed with me then? I want to hug you and sleep.
Elena smiles faintly at Ellie and stands up. Ellie takes her hand and takes her to the bedroom.
On the table her silent mobile lights up once again. Vivek is calling. The call is missed. There are sixty three missed calls from Vivek.
                                           CUT TO:
scene: 14
int. arjun’s villa in goa- day (present)
Aisha wakes up next morning. She gropes her hands with her eyes closed under the sheets expecting to find Arjun but she finds the bed empty. Arjun is already awake and up. Aisha sits up and rubs her sleepy eyes. She then gets up and wraps her gown on her flimsy night gown and walks to the toilet door. She knocks on it, but gets no answer so she swings it open and finds it empty. She walks down the hallway to the kitchen. Then she moves to the portico outside, she checks the pool side. There is no sign of Arjun. At last she calls out his name in desperation. 
aisha
Arjun! Arjun! 
From within the house, she hears Arjun answer.
arjun
In here, babe! 
Aisha follows his voice and approaches a room that she did not enter the previous day. She knocks on the door. 
arjun (cont’d)
Wait, coming!
Aisha hears the sound of a chair pulling out and then footsteps approaching the door. Arjun opens the door and stands blocking the entrance.
arjun (cont’d)
What is it dear?
Aisha is a bit suspicious. She tries to push Arjun and enter. Arjun tries to block her playfully. But she enters nevertheless. The room appears to be Arjun’s writing office. It is strewn with his i-pad, laptop, printer, papers, crumpled papers. One wall is covered by a green board that has pictures and writings pinned on it. And two other walls are covered in books. Aisha takes the whole of it in. And then realisation dawns upon her.
aisha
So this is why you were so desperate to come here?! This is you den! 
Arjun smiles guiltily.
aisha (cont’d)
Don’t give me that look. You knew I wanted to spend this vacation only with you!
arjun
But you are only with me! Do you see anybody else here, keeping me occupied?
Arjun throws his hands around.
aisha
But it’s not the same! You crept out of the bed without telling me and it appears to me by the look of it that you are knee deep in work.
From exasperation, Aisha’s face turns into sadness.
aisha (cont’d)
Arjun, you just wrapped up the shoot of one feature and you did your best for it. You worked hard on it. You will have to devote your time to the post production and I will go back to my work in a few days. We will both be back to our mundane lives once again… can’t we seize this opportunity to spend some quality time with each other?
Aisha slowly approaches Arjun and puts her arms round his neck and brings her lips closer to his. Arjun too pulls her closer. They both kiss. Aisha hopes to initiate foreplay by trying to push him over to the table but Arjun keeps his balance and stops her.
arjun
Babe, I woke up really early. I’m starving! Let’s have breakfast, shall we?
Aisha leaves him disappointed and pushes him away. She swiftly moves out of the room and into the bedroom.
aisha
 Best of luck in making it! 
Arjun realises he has to make it all by himself and he is dumbstruck. 
                                          CUT TO:
scene: 15
int. elena’s apartment- day (present)
Ellie sleeps hugging her mother. But a rough door bang wakes Elena and Ellie up from their slumber. Elena immediately gets up from bed and runs to the door. She looks through the peephole and finds Vivek standing outside the door, visibly angry. Elena looks back to see Ellie stand and stare dumbstruck. Elena gestures Ellie to go to the bed room door. Ellie senses something bad is about to happen. She stands her ground and refuses to go. Elena gestures again but as Ellie does not move she pushes Ellie into the room and locks the door from outside. Then Elena opens the door cautiously and confronts Vivek.
elena
Ellie’s home. Please don’t make a scene here! 
Vivek makes no effort to put his voice down. In fact this enrages him further and he shouts. 
vivek
You dare avoid my calls again?
Vivek takes Elena harshly into his grip. This hurts her.
elena
You are hurting me! 
Vivek does not listen.
vivek
How is the family doing Elena? Has your handicapped sister started fetching for herself? Doesn’t she need a help any longer? Has the mother come back from the asylum? Or is it just bullshit to gain more sympathy from your clients?
Elena does not want Ellie to hear what Vivek is saying. She looks repeatedly at the bedroom door.
On the other side of the door, Ellie stands with her ears on the door, her eyes streaming with tears. 
Elena tries to release herself from Vivek’s grip.
elena
Vivek, please go away now, I will meet you in the evening somewhere else!
vivek
I can’t risk going away now and getting avoided by you again! You might not have family emergencies any longer, but remember Elena, I am getting married soon. I need that sweet money that you earn for me! 
Elena has a sarcastic smile on her face.
elena
Does your fiancé know how you earn your ‘pocket’ money?
Vivek gets extremely angry and slaps Elena across her face.
vivek
Don’t you dare talk to me like that you whore! 
Elena punches Vivek right back in the groin. Vivek rolls on the floor in pain.
elena
Don’t you dare call me a whore! And don’t you dare raise your voice in front of me. Now get out of my house! 
Elena helps Vivek get up but pushes him out of the door and shuts it behind her. She then staggers to the bedroom door and opens it. A scared, teary eyed Ellie comes out and hugs her mother. 
                                          CUT TO:  
scene: 16
INt. arjun’s villa in goa- day (present)
Aisha has a refreshing swim in the pool. Afterwards she comes out of the water and sits on a deck chair near the pool with a magazine. She sips the orange juice that was kept on a table beside her chair. But she appears fidgety. She cannot concentrate on the magazine. She gets up and moves inside the house. She goes to Arjun’s office and knocks. 
aisha
Arjun, are you done with your writing?
Arjun’s voice is heard from inside. 

arjun
Not yet. I am at a very important juncture right now.
Aisha heaves a sigh. 
aisha
Does that mean, you won’t be able to go to the beach today?
arjun
We just arrived here yesterday. You will get ample time to go to the beach.
Aisha looks dejected. She starts walking away. Arjun speaks again after a pause.
arjun (cont’d)
Aisha, don’t go to the beach alone. 
A picture of Arjun receiving his award hangs on one wall of the hallway. When Arjun speaks the last words, Aisha crosses that picture. She doesn’t reply to Arjun verbally. She shows her middle finger to the hanging picture and goes to the bedroom to change. 
                                         CUT TO:
scene: 17
ext. arjun’s garage- morning (present)
Aisha gets ready and goes to the garage. She prepares to go for a drive in the car but when she is about to take the car out from the garage, through her rear view mirror she notices an old bicycle. She immediately comes out of the car and approaches the cycle. She checks the cycle. It appears old and unused for ages. She knocks the caretaker’s door i.e, the outhouse door. The caretaker opens the door slightly. 
aisha
Raghu, can you tell me if there is a garage nearby where I can take my bicycle for servicing?
                                        CUT TO:

scene: 18
ext. a road in goa- day (present)
Aisha enjoys a pleasant bicycle ride through the paddy fields of Goa. She snaps a few photos of little children going to school and farmers working in the field on her phone. Aisha feels rejuvenated. 
                                       CUT TO:
scene: 19
int. elena’s apartment- day (present)
Elena arrives from an unusual day call to her apartment in a flimsy gown and wearing heavy make up. She did not expect Ellie at home as she should have been in a school run by the local church. But as she comes in hurriedly, she finds Ellie sitting at the corner table, looking depressed. Ellie is in her school dress. Elena is visibly surprised. 
elena
Ellie, what are you doing back home now?
Elena tries to cover herself up with her stole. She goes and sits beside Ellie. Ellie looks up at her.
ellie
Today was games day at school where I could not participate.
elena
Why?
Ellie slides a form to her mother over the table. 
ellie
We had to fill this up for participation but mine was returned as it was not completely filled up.
Elena takes up the form and sees that in place of the ‘Father’s Name’ there is a blank. 
ellie (cont’d)
Mom, you told me that it doesn’t matter that I don’t have a father and I believe you. But why does it matter so much to other people? Dinesh’s father is dead. People call him an orphan but he is not. He has his mother, just as I have you!
Elena is touched and proud at the same time to see her daughter so brave. 
elena 
It doesn’t upset you that you don’t have a father?
Ellie nods her head. 
Ellie
Father Vincent says Jesus was the Son of God. We are all His sons and daughters. Jesus did not have a father in flesh and blood. He had his mother Mary… 
elena
But he had a father who brought him up! Joseph…
ellie
But I do not need anyone if I have you. 
Elena is unable to control her tears of joy. Ellie stands up and goes and hugs her mother. 
                                          CUT TO: 
scene: 20
ext. a beach in goa- evening (past)
Young Elena steps down from a car that leaves the moment she turns her back. She has a red short dress on and red lips. But her face still bears the sign of an assault. Her lips where Vivek’s slap had cut her, have not completely healed yet. Somehow, these scars make her look even more beautiful. Elena consults a small note handed to her by Vivek and comes to a lonely portion of a beach. She can see no one here, but she sees a curious arrangement. On a carpet laid out on the sand, there is a bottle of champagne and a basket full of fruits. Elena stares at them for a while. Suddenly she hears a voice from her back. She turns back in fear.
man
You are the bikini girl?
The man (he will only be in suggestion throughout the incident, his face will not be shown) approaches Elena. Elena looks confused. The man reads her expression. 
man (cont’d)
You were in a bikini in your photos. I requested the same bikini for this rendezvous! 
Understanding dawns on Elena.
elena
I am wearing it under this dress.
man
Then strip down, let me see it!
The man says it in a commanding tone. This offends Elena a bit but she nevertheless progresses to do the needful. But the man suddenly comes closer and draws down her back chain and starts pulling down her red dress. After pushing it further down Elena’s waist he lets it drop on the sand. Then, very suddenly, he leaves her and walks to the carpet.
man (cont’d)
Let’s have some champagne. I am celebrating tonight.
Elena feels a little abandoned. But she plays along. She goes and lies down on the carpet in a provocative manner. 
elena
What are we celebrating tonight?
The man opens the champagne cork and pours a glass and hands it to Elena.
man
You are not celebrating, I am celebrating. You are my celebration!
Elena feels horrible, reduced to an object. But she swallows her pride. The man pours himself a glass and extends it towards Elena. Elena clinks the glass with his like a robot and takes a small sip. She can sense that the man is a little awkward. But the man too senses her feeling.
man (cont’d)
My apologies! We are celebrating my son’s graduation today!
Elena looks around in horror, expecting to find his son nearby. The man intercepts her.
man (con’d)
Don’t worry. He is not here. He stays with his mother, in another city. 
Before Elena can judge him, he further explains.
man (cont’d)
We are divorced. Have you ever been so lonely in life that you had to share your happiness with strangers? 
This question strikes a familiar chord in Elena’s heart. Within seconds, her eyes moisten. 
elena
I’ve been lonely ever since I have come to this country. 
The man stares at Elena.
man
Your eyes are welled up. Don’t hold the tears. Who did you leave behind?
Elena’s tears roll down. The man approaches Elena and sits near her.
elena
A mother who suffers from amnesia and a sister who is in a wheelchair. 
man
Are you in touch with them?
Elena nods her head affirmatively.
man (cont’d)
Do you take care of them?
Again Elena nods her head.
man (cont’d)
Then never ever be ashamed of how you earn your living. 
Elena bows down her head. The man extends a hand and wipes her tears. 
elena
But I did not come here to do what I do… I wanted to be a model… I wanted to be able to tell my family the truth about what I do…
man
Girl, you are young… don’t speak like your life is ending… may be someday…
He clinks his almost empty glass with Elena’s. Elena drinks her champagne at a go. The man takes the glass from her and keeps the two glasses aside. He makes Elena lie down on the sand. Then he slowly starts kissing her face, neck and cleavage. He unties the top of her bikini and rolls over to the dark sand with her.
                                        CUT TO:
scene: 21
int. in a posh hotel room- night (past)
Elena writhes under another man in bed but she has an expression of pain on her face. Suddenly she feels nauseated. She pushes over the man with a strong hand and makes straight for the bathroom door. The man shouts behind her.
man
What was that for you bitch? 
Elena does not stop to listen. She closes the bathroom door behind her and controls her nausea. 
                                         CUT TO:
scene: 22
INT. Elena’s apartment- day (past)
Elena stands with a pregnancy determination stick in her hand where the result is positive. An expression of fear and anticipation plays on Elena’s face but then she faintly remembers a voice. It is her own voice. 
voice
I’ve been lonely ever since I have come to this country.
The voice changes her fear into determination. She takes her phone, and with a confident expression, dials up Vivek.
                                         CUT TO:
scene: 23
int. a nightclub- night (present)
A drunk Vivek sits on a plush sofa in a night club, hungrily watching the exotic dancers, with a glass of scotch in his hands. He is accompanied by other friends who are busy making lewd comments at the dancers. Suddenly, Vivek’s phone rings. At first he tries to avoid but then he sees the name of the caller. It reads ‘Mr. Sahay’. Vivek gets up in a hurry and comes out of the bustle of the club into the quiet of the street and takes the call.
vivek
Hello, sir!
voice on phone
Where have you been?
vivek
Nowhere sir, I am at your service sir… tell me…
voice on phone
Don’t act smart Vivek, you know the deal and yesterday was the deadline. Do you have my money ready?
vivek
Sir, give me one more day sir… 
voice on phone
You are not trying hard Vivek! You know what I want, right? It’s either the money or…
Vivek looks desperate and afraid at the same time.
viivek
Sir, it is not easy for me to lay my hands on the girl… she lets me nowhere near her! 
voice on phone
Vivek, don’t tell me you don’t know your ways around a woman! 
vivek
Sir, if she gets an inkling of it, I’m sure she will flee… and she is one of our highest earner.
voice on phone
She was. She is not getting younger Vivek. We need young flesh…
Vivek looks helpless and shameful.
vivek
But sir, the girl is just about eight…
voice on phone
The younger the better Vivek, you know it!
vivek
Sir, are you asking me to kidnap the girl? 
The man on the other end of the phone draws a deep breath.

voice on phone
Vivek, I sincerely hope your actions are faster than your thoughts!
The man disconnects the phone. Vivek stares blankly at his phone and then, in desperation, he kicks the tyre of a car parked near him. 
                                        CUT TO:
scene: 24
ext. on a beach- evening (present)
Aisha walks the shore all alone. She carries her footwear in her hand and walks the beach in bare feet. The water caresses her feet. But Aisha looks solemn. She looks at the people around her. Some laugh with friends, some couples take selfies and hold hands, some children walk with their parents. All appear happy and contented and no one is alone. Aisha smiles sadly at them. She tries in vain to take some selfies of herself. She clicks a few but she likes none. She gives up the attempt in desperation. She goes and sits where the beach is dry to watch the sunset.
As the sun sets slowly and the surrounding become darker, suddenly a laughter catches Aisha’s attention. Aisha looks around to see a little girl of about four playing with her mother on the beach. The girl runs around and the mother tries to catch her. The girl falls on her knees while running but the mother picks her up, she is about to cry but her mother gestures her not to and makes it up to her by buying her an ice cream from a nearby ice cream stand. Aisha has a faint smile on her face as she watches the two of them. When the two walk away, she realises that she must be looking funny, smiling like that all alone. She straightens her face, gets up and walks off to the direction of Arjun’s villa. 
                                        CUT TO:
scene: 25
int. arjun’s villa- evening (present)
As Aisha enters the villa, she takes a peep at Arjun’s office. She finds the door open. She quickly goes into the bedroom and finds Arjun all dressed up. Aisha’s expression changes into a broad smile. She approaches Arjun.
aisha
I thought you will never come out of that dreary room of yours! What a pleasant surprise! 
Arjun smiles back at her as he puts on his scent. He looks dapper.
arjun
Go get ready. We will go out tonight.
Aisha can hardly hold back her excitement. She literally skips as she goes to select an appropriate dress for the evening. As she opens the wardrobe for selecting her dress, she speaks. 
aisha
So where are we going? Is it somewhere posh? Do I need to wear something sophisticated?
arjun 
Definitely! We are going to The Grand Hyatt to meet Mr. Sahay… the producer of my next film. He is most excited to listen to the story I am presently working on!
Aisha emerges from her wardrobe, visibly disappointed. 
aisha
That is why you are out of that room! 
Arjun senses Aisha’s mood in her voice. 
arjun
No! I want to treat this as a proper date… 
aisha
How will this be a date if you visit Mr. Sahay? You have planned a whole meeting with him!
arjun
I honestly wanted to take you out to dinner tonight! Fortunately, Mr. Sahay called me up today to check if I am still in Goa. I had tried to contact him the day we came here… he returned my call today.
Aisha
So you thought that the date can wait but the producer can’t?
Aisha looks up at Arjun to catch at that precise moment an expression on his face that says. ‘well, obviously’. This flares her up. Arjun senses her rage. 
arjun
Aisha, the meeting will hardly last an hour or two. We will have the rest of the night to ourselves. Don’t make a big deal out of this. Just try to look your best and get ready for some fun. 
Arjun walks out of the door without further ado. Aisha flops on the bed, frustrated. 
                                        CUT TO:
scene: 26
int. elena’s apartment- night (present)
Ellie sits at one corner of the table near the kitchen with her books open in front of her. Elena is at home. She cooks in the kitchen. Suddenly there are loud bangs on the door. Ellie freezes at the very sound of it and looks helplessly at her mother. Her mother comes out of the kitchen and motions her to go in the bedroom. But this time Ellie is adamant. She does not want to go. Her mother approaches the door carefully. Ellie hides behind Elena. Elena sees Vivek through the peephole. She opens the door carefully. 
Vivek is completely drunk. He seizes hold of Elena’s hair and moves her away. He takes a plunge at Ellie. Ellie tries to flee his grip but Vivek holds her and lifts her on his arms and runs. Elena stands up and runs behind them.
elena
Nooooooooooo!
                                       CUT TO: 
scene: 27
ext/int. arjun’s car and villa- night (present)
Arjun’s car comes to a screeching halt in front of his villa. Aisha comes out of the driver’s seat. She has a look of disgust on her face. Arjun sits on the front seat but he is completely drunk. Aisha does not bother to ask him to come out. She enters the villa and goes directly to her room and locks the door. 
                                       BLACK SCREEN

scene: 28
int. arjun’s villa- morning (presentt)
The sound of the lawn mower on the lawn outside wakes up Aisha. She takes some time to remember what she has done the last night. She stretches her arms and stops midway as a look of horror dawns on her face. She gets up quickly and wrapping the gown around her shoulders she comes out of the room. She first checks Arjun’s office and finds it empty. She then goes around the house but finds him nowhere. She then goes to the pool side. She finds Arjun taking a swim. But Arjun gets up as soon as he sees her and storms up to her. 
arjun
Are you insane? You left me out last night? I had to grope my way into the house! 
Aisha momentarily enjoys the frustration on Arjun’s face. 
aisha
I am surprised you could do that. I half expected to find you still slumped inside the car with no clue about your whereabouts! 
arjun
Aisha, do you realise how insanely revengeful you are?
aisha
Arjun, do you realise how insanely selfish you are? Ever since we have come here, it has been about your work!
arjun
Yes, well because creativity comes in a flow. I cannot decide to take leave and enjoy a vacation.
aisha
Neither can I. Arjun, I am a doctor! I cannot decide when to have patients and when not to… I have patients waiting for me to come back, worried parents who trust me with the lives of their children. Do you know how hard it is to decide on a right time to take a leave as a practicing doctor?
Arjun mocks Aisha.
arjun
Matter settled. You are a doctor, you save lives! Why did you at all bother to come on a vacation?
aisha
You know better than me how much we needed this vacation for us, for our relationship. Arjun we are engaged for two years now and we have not been able to fix a date for our wedding yet because of our busy schedules! If we are unable to give time to each other before our marriage then how can we even hope to have a normal married life?
arjun
Look at us Aisha. We are already living together and quarrelling about time. I feel like an old married couple. Why would you at all bother to make that official?
Arjun storms off from there. Aisha is dumbstruck. 
                                         CUT TO: 
scene: 29
ext. in the roads of goa- day (present)
Aisha is out again in the beautiful sunshine with her bicycle. She goes through the same roads and paddy fields and encounters the same kids, locals and farmers but she does not stop for them or smile at them like before. Her eyes are red from crying and she cycles to cool herself down. After cycling for a while, Aisha pauses. She has come to a road that is pretty deserted but very beautiful. The tall trees on either side create a canopy over her head with their branches and the narrow yet smooth road winds down through the fields. Aisha gets off from her cycle and starts walking. She pulls the cycle along with her. The soft breeze caresses the locks of her hair. Aisha draws a long breath of fresh air and a faint smile appears on her face.
As Aisha looks ahead in the distance, suddenly below one of the trees at a distance she sees a dark spot. Aisha takes a few steps ahead. It looks like a black mass of something. Aisha gets on her cycle once again and approaches the point. She starts cycling faster when she realises that it is a human body. Aisha leaves her cycle and lets it fall off and approaches the person. Aisha finds the unconscious body of a child. Aisha kneels down beside her and takes her over her lap. It is Ellie. Her eyes are closed and her entire body is dusty and scratched. Aisha takes her ears to Ellie’s chest and feels her heart beat. Then she takes Ellie’s face and slaps it and shakes it to make her conscious. Ellie responds to this and she opens her eyes ever so slightly. She is unable to make out Aisha’s face properly. Her parched lips part and she mumbles something. Aisha leans down to hear her words carefully.
ellie
Wa-ter… please give wa-ter.
Aisha springs up and looks around her. But she can find  no one in that spot. The doctor in Aisha tells her to act quickly. Seeing no help around, Aisha scoops the limp body of the girl in her arms and gets on her bicycle. Ellie had a stole, her mother’s stole around her. Aisha takes that, makes Ellie sit on the carrier seat and ties herself to her with the help of that stole and cycles back to the villa at the maximum speed she can manage thus. 
                                         CUT TO:
scene: 30
INt. arjun’s villa- day (present)
When Aisha enters the villa frantically with Ellie’s limp body in her arms, Arjun is nowhere to be seen. Aisha keeps Ellie on the lounge sofa and peeps at the door of Arjun’s office. There hangs a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign. Aisha sees that and decides against calling Arjun. She pours some water in a bowl and takes a large spoon and goes back to Ellie and makes her drink the water one spoonful at a time. Ellie smacks her parched lips with every gulp. After a little while, her eyes open a little wider. But not for long. Ellie finds difficulty in keeping her eyes open. But Aisha decides not to let her sleep. She starts boiling water to make tea for Ellie. Every time Ellie tries to fall asleep she gives her more water and tries to keep her awake. Aisha checks Ellie’s pulse and finds it a little faster than usual.
Aisha brings tea and makes Ellie have the tea in a similar manner. She then goes to the bathroom and runs the bath. She makes the water a little warm and when the tub is filled she brings Ellie into the bathroom. 
As Aisha removes her clothes she finds Ellie all scarred in her hands and feet. Aisha gives her a proper bath and cleans the mud and dust off her. Ellie is now able to sit up and respond to Aisha’s administrations. Aisha then scoops her from the tub in a white, soft towel and brings her to the guest bedroom. She makes Ellie sit their and runs to her closet and brings out an old t-shirt to dress Ellie in it. She then nurses all Ellie’s visible wounds one by one with cream and bandages, wherever needed, all the while looking awestruck at Ellie and her innocent face. Ellie is too dazed to respond to anything done to her properly. Aisha then calls the police from her cell phone. 
aisha
Hello, police station! 
                                        CUT TO:
scene: 31
int. a clinic- day (present)
Aisha sits in the waiting room of the clinic. In front of her sits Inspector Gupta. Aisha has just finished telling him the particulars of the morning. Suddenly, a nurse comes and interrupts the police interrogation.
nurse
Doctor, the brain scan reports are normal. She doesn’t have a clot. We can release her immediately.
Aisha stands up with a smile of relief. She shakes the nurse’s hands.
aisha
Thank you so much!
Aisha then looks at the police.
aisha (cont’d)
I was afraid she might have a concussion. Inspector, I have told you all I could. She has been physically assaulted. It does not appear that there has been any sexual assault.  
The police inspector stands up as well.
inspector gupta
Doctor Aisha we have noted your testimony. We will start our investigation accordingly. But mean time, do you think the kid should stay here? Will that be safe?
aisha
Inspector, the kid is my patient. I will keep her with me if that is alright? 
Inspector Gupta smiles in relief.
inspector gupta
I was hoping for that doctor. I hope you don’t find it an imposition. The kid needs medical attention at this point and I also feel that a private villa, apparently unrelated to any sort of trouble will also be a safe place for her. Until we make some permanent arrangements for her, which takes time.
aisha
Don’t worry inspector. I’ll take care of her. She is my responsibility now and the investigation is yours!
Inspector Gupta smiles cordially.
                                        CUT TO:
scene: 32
int. arjun’s villa- afternoon (present)
Arjun fidgets at the kitchen in hunger looking for scraps of food when he hears the car outside. He sees from the kitchen window as Aisha comes out. Arjun is enraged but he controls his temper as he goes to the door. Aisha opens it and enters.
arjun
Where have you be…
Arjun stops midway when he sees Ellie walk in slowly with Aisha. Arjun is dumbstruck. Aisha does not even look at Arjun but takes Ellie directly to the guest bedroom and makes her lie down on the bed. She then tucks her in the bed, smiles at her and comes out of the room. She closes the door behind her and finds Arjun just behind her. Arjun stands there, his eyes full of questions.
arjun (cont’d)
Who is she?
Arjun points at the guest bedroom. Aisha tries to keep her tone down and walks to the kitchen to prepare Ellie’s food.
aisha
She is a child Arjun, as you can see… 
Arjun keeps following Aisha.
arjun
I can see that. But where did she come from and what is she doing here?
Aisha brings out a loaf of bread from the fridge and a few cucumbers, tomatoes and sandwich spread and proceeds to cut the loaf of bread.
aisha
I found her today lying unconscious on the side of a road. She is all scarred and wounded. I brought her here…
A look of genuine horror dawns on Arjun. 
arjun
What? Did you inform the police?
Aisha looks at him exasperated that he believes she will not do something so obvious. 
aisha
Yes Arjun, I informed the police. While you were busy with your writing, I brought the girl home, I tended to her, made her conscious, gave her a warm bath, took care of her wounds and then took her for an MRI scan. I met the police at the clinic and told them about where and how I found her…
arjun
Then why did you bring her back home? Why didn’t they take her?
Aisha stops chopping the vegetables and looks at Arjun as if she can hardly believe him.
aisha
Arjun, she needs medical attention! 
arjun
Precisely! Shouldn’t you have kept her at the clinic?
aisha
Arjun, may I remind you I am a paediatrician and she is a child and I found her on the road and as a doctor it is my duty to take care of her. I know the medicines she needs right now and I know how to best take care of her!
Arjun throws his hands in the air in exasperation.
arjun
I know you are a paediatrician Aisha. This is the second time in a day you have made me understand the importance of your job. But this is not a hospital Aisha. This is my house. 
aisha
Are you suggesting I should have left her untended?
arjun
No. I am simply suggesting that you should have let the police take care of her.
aisha
Actually the police too believe that it is a good idea that I keep her with me. It will keep her safe.
Arjun gets another shock.
arjun
Safe? Safe from what?
aisha
Safe from whoever is trying to abduct her, kidnap her, assault her… in short, whoever did this to her.
Aisha has finished preparing the sandwiches. She keeps them on a plate and takes the plate to the guest bedroom. 
arjun
Brilliant! That means we can be targeted by them as well.
Arjun follows Aisha to the door. Aisha swings the door open to find Ellie sitting on her bed, looking helpless. Silent tears roll out from her eyes. She has been listening to their conversation. Aisha looks angrily at Arjun. She enters with the plate of sandwich in her hand and shuts the door behind her, leaving Arjun in an awkward situation. 
                                         CUT TO:
scene: 33
int. guest bedroom in/and arjun’s villa- day
Aisha looks on as Ellie gorges on her food. Ellie does not look up once at Aisha. She chomps on her food hungrily. Aisha smiles to herself. 
aisha
I was worried you might not like it! I had nothing else to give you right now! 
Ellie looks up momentarily to hear Aisha speaking directly to her. She has a look of fear in her eyes. This disturbs Aisha.
aisha (cont’d)
I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you! Please finish your food! 
Aisha waits patiently for Ellie to finish the food. Then she takes the empty plate away from Ellie. She stands up. 
aisha (cont’d)
Would you like to eat some more?
Ellie does not look up. She keeps still. Aisha keeps the plate on the side table and bends down. She helps Ellie to lie down and tucks her in. Ellie is tired and sleepy but she tries to keep her eyes open. Aisha forces them shut with her hand and she takes the plate and comes out of the room. She shuts the door behind her.
As Aisha washes the plate, her cell phone starts ringing. She rubs her wet hands with a towel and goes to pick up her phone from the kitchen counter. It is an unknown number. Aisha picks up the phone nonetheless. Inspector Gupta is on the other side. 
aisha
Hello!
gupta
Dr. Aisha this is Inspector Gupta.
aisha
Yes Inspector, tell me…
gupta
Ma’am, I am right now at the place from where you rescued the girl…
Aisha gets excited.
aisha
Could you locate the exact spot? 
Gupta
I am presently scouting the area ma’am. No trace of anything suspicious as yet. Any success at your end?
This question confuses Aisha.
aisha
I don’t understand..
gupta
Did she tell you her name?
aisha
No Inspector. She refuses to talk. Which is normal I guess… she underwent a lot of trauma no doubt and I am a stranger to her.
gupta
If you say so ma’am. Just remember, the sooner she speaks, the better it is for us… 
aisha
Yes Inspector, I understand. But the patient might not respond well to pressure at this age… she is very young for all this…
gupta
Yes ma’am we understand. We will try to do our best right now with what we have.
aisha
Thank you Inspector!
Aisha disconnects her call and heaves a sigh of relief.
                                                CUT TO:
scene: 34
int. arjun’s villa- night
Ellie sleeps peacefully. Aisha stares for a moment at her innocent face and then she covers her with the bed sheet. She slowly comes to the door and looks back at Ellie. She switches off the light of Ellie’s room and keeps the door slightly ajar and comes to her own bedroom. 
Aisha finds Arjun already in bed, awaiting her return. At first Aisha deliberately avoids looking at Arjun. She is still upset with him. She combs her hair in front of the mirror without speaking a single word and ties her hair. Then she comes to the bed and sits with her feet covered in the sheet. She picks up a novel from the side table and without casting a glance towards Arjun, she concentrates on the novel.
Arjun fidgets with his phone. But it is simply a pretext to show that he is busy. He repeatedly looks sideways at Aisha to see if she is showing any sign to strike up a conversation. Seeing that Aisha is in no such mood, he makes the effort and speaks up.
arjun
How is she?
Aisha is startled to hear Arjun’s voice. She looks surprised and looks askance at Arjun.
arjun (cont’d)
How is she?
aisha
Good. Sleeping now. 
Arjun looks apologetic. He senses Aisha is still cold towards him.
arjun
I believe my behaviour earlier was uncalled for.
Aisha does not look at Arjun. Neither does she reply. She pretends to read her novel with great concentration. Arjun accepts defeat.
arjun (cont’d)
I am sorry!
Aisha ultimately looks at him. Arjun looks down ashamed.
arjun (cont’d)
What you did today was commendable! I am proud of you!
aisha
I don’t think I did anything exceptional. I found a child unconscious on the road and I rescued her. I’m sure you would have done the same thing if you had been in my place!
arjun
Was that a dig at me because I wanted you to take her to the police?
aisha
Certainly not! If I had not been a doctor, probably I would have done the same thing. 
arjun
But you do know that she can’t stay here forever, right?
Aisha looks at Arjun exasperated.
aisha
Yes Arjun, I know that. I am equally surprised as you to see that the police want me to keep her with me. I’m sure they need her to recover fully to help them in their investigation. Probably that is why they want me to cure her as soon as possible.
Arjun heaves a sigh of relief. Aisha looks at him suspiciously.
aisha (cont’d)
What is the matter?
Arjun shakes his head in response.
arjun
Sometimes I feel really worried for you! 
aisha
What do you mean?
Arjun looks straight into Aisha’s eyes.
arjun
You get too involved.
Aisha looks down guilty but tries to hide it from Arjun.
aisha
Arjun, have you seen the face of the girl properly?
arjun
No. Why?
aisha
You should!
Aisha looks away. She keeps her novel back on the side table. She switches off the bed side lamp and rolls over to her side. Arjun stares cluelessly at her and then he too gets to bed. Within minutes, Ellie’s scream tears through the silence and Aisha sits up hurriedly and switches on her lamp. Arjun too sits up with a look of fear. Aisha rushes to the door and opens it and runs to Ellie’s room. She pushes open Ellie’s door and discovers her in the dim light sitting upright on her bed, her face all sweaty, a look of fear in her eyes and tears streaming down from them. Aisha approaches her and sits beside her. Ellie looks at Aisha and starts sobbing uncontrollably. Aisha pulls her close and lies down on bed with her head on her bosom. She starts stroking her hair as Ellie buries her face and continues sobbing.
                                               CUT TO:
scene: 35
ext. local market in goa- day Montage (present)
Aisha makes her way through the busy market. There are makeshift stalls selling beach hats, cheap Hawaiian shirts, beach balls and cheap sunglasses. People bargain with the shopkeepers. Some stalls sell coconuts, some sell fruit juices and some cell ice cream sundaes. Aisha looks around in amazement at the crowd and the colours surrounding her. She buys some fresh fruits from a stall. Then, as she looks around her, she spots a girl of Ellie’s age in a bright and beautiful frock, walking past her, holding her mother’s hand. Aisha finds the sight heart-warming. She smiles to herself and then she starts looking around with a purpose. A few showrooms past, she discovers a showroom for apparels. Aisha moves into the showroom. 
Aisha goes to the children’s wear department and browses through beautiful frocks, skirts and tops. Aisha holds some of them in front of the mirror to check them out. She decides on a few and she buys them from the counter and goes out happily with her merchandise.
                                              CUT TO:
scene: 36
int. arjun’s villa- day (present)
Her hands full of merchandise and a happy smile on her face, Aisha enters through the door and starts calling out for Arjun in excitement.
aisha
Arjun! Arjun! 
Aisha keeps her merchandise aside on the counter and starts pacing towards her bedroom. She finds the bedroom empty. She goes to Arjun’s office and knocks on it. There is no answer. Aisha swings the door open cautiously. The room is dimly lit but empty. Aisha looks disappointed. Her excitement subsides a little. Then she goes to the guest bedroom and gently opens the door. Ellie is still asleep. Aisha smiles at her sight and then she comes back to the kitchen. 
As Aisha cleans the fruits and rubs them and keeps a few in a bowl and starts slicing up some other, Arjun enters from a run, all sweaty. Her excitement returns to see him. 
aisha (cont’d)
You went for a run today? That’s a first!
Arjun appears to be in a sombre mood. He sits down on the sofa and takes off his running shoes.
arjun
You didn’t come back to bed tonight.
Aisha looks apologetic.
aisha
I couldn’t. She slept off hugging me.
arjun
I thought she was terribly afraid and not talking.
aisha
She is. Probably she was looking for the warmth of her mother!
Aisha looks genuinely sympathetic. Arjun is about to tell her something but then he decides not to. Aisha does not notice that. Her eyes fall on her merchandise and she chirps out excitedly.
aisha (cont’d)
I wanted to show you something. See what I bought…
She brings out the clothes that she has bought for Ellie and holds them up for Arjun to see. 
aisha (cont’d)
Aren’t they pretty?
Arjun looks on in surprise. 
arjun
Are all these for her?
Arjun points towards the guest bedroom. Aisha nods in excitement.
arjun (cont’d)
Aren’t they expensive? 
Aisha looks disappointed with Arjun’s reaction. She again puts the clothes inside the bag. Arjun gets up and starts moving towards his office.
arjun (cont’d)
I’m just saying. What’s the point in making her feel so comfortable in life? You will not be there to pamper her forever and she has a tough life ahead as it is!
Arjun walks off. Aisha looks on disappointed.
                                           CUT TO:
scene: 37
int. arjun’s villa- day (present)
Aisha takes a tray full of fruits, pancakes and tea and knocks on the guest bedroom door. No one answers so she gently pushes the door. Ellie is awake now. She stares blankly at the window. When she sees Aisha approach her she looks down. Aisha sets the tray on the bed. Then she holds the plate of pancakes in front of Ellie. Ellie does not respond. She looks away.
aisha
I made these especially for you! They have chocolate chips inside. Won’t you taste them?
Ellie gives the plate a hungry glance but lowers her eyes again. Aisha understands that she feels awkward.
aisha (cont’d)
Ok. I will help you.
Aisha takes up the fork and cuts the pancake to pieces. She then picks up one piece and holds it to Ellie. After a pause, Ellie slightly parts her lips. Then she opens her mouth slowly and Aisha feeds her the piece. Ellie starts munching it.
aisha (cont’d)
How’s it?
Aisha looks apprehensive. Ellie does not reply. She just opens her mouth for the next bite. Aisha understands and feeds her the next piece with a smile. 
aisha (cont’d)
I didn’t get the opportunity to formally introduce myself to you… My name is Aisha, and you?
Ellie does not look up. Nor does she reply. 
aisha (cont’d)
Anyway, thank you for liking my cooking! I don’t usually cook, but I enjoy it! 
She offers her a fruit this time. It’s an apple. Ellie does not eat it. Aisha understands that the apple is not to her liking. She offers her a piece of watermelon. Ellie eats it. 
aisha (cont’d)
You do know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away? No wonder you landed up with me!
Ellie looks at her in surprise.
aisha (cont’d)
I am a doctor! I look after little children like you!
Ellie still does not speak up. Aisha keeps the plate on the tray and holds Ellie’s hands. Ellie looks up at her.
aisha (cont’d)
Ellie, you are not well. You need to get well. I can help you, but only if you tell me what has happened to you… with you. You can take your time and you can trust me… I won’t let you down. 
Aisha presses her hand in assurance.
                                           CUT TO:
scene: 38
int. arjun’s villa- day montage (present)
Aisha fills up the bath tub and checks the temperature of the tub. She then fills it up with soap bubbles. She smiles at her work proudly. Then she brings Ellie to the bathroom. She slowly undresses her. The scars on Ellie’s body disturb her. She tries to look indifferent as she does not want to make Ellie feel self-conscious. She gestures to Ellie and Ellie steps into the tub. Then Aisha bathes Ellie thoroughly. She tries to make Ellie laugh with various antics like making a bubble crown over her head and playing with a rubber duck, but nothing she does brings a smile on Ellie’s face. Then Aisha picks her up from the bath carefully and wraps her in a soft towel and brings her back to her room. 
In the room Aisha brings out a first aid box and she takes out an anointment from within. Now she anoints the wounds of Ellie slowly. She is conscious not to hurt Ellie but she looks at Ellie as she addresses each wound. Ellie looks away. There is a particularly deep gash on one of Ellie’s arms. Aisha anoints that carefully and looks at Ellie askance. Ellie looks down. Aisha nurses the wound carefully. 
Then Aisha brings out the bag of new clothes. And from there, she brings out a bright new frock. She looks at Ellie, smiling. Ellie stares at the frock dumbstruck for some time. Then slowly, for the first time, she looks at Aisha straight into the eye, gratefully. Aisha tears up to see her thus. She makes her wear the dress. She then pulls her in front of the mirror and looks on at Ellie’s beautiful reflection in an admiring manner.
Aiha takes another towel and starts rubbing Ellie’s mass of dark hair. She then combs the hair. One particularly difficult tug hurts Ellie. She yelps. Aisha looks apologetically at Ellie. Ellie looks at Aisha through the reflection of the mirror and ever so slightly smiles at her. Aisha feels emboldened by the smile. She makes Ellie two perfect braids. Ellie looks prettier than ever. 
                                           CUT TO:
scene: 39
int. arjun’s villa- afternoon (present)
Aisha draws up a chair for Ellie at the dining table and gestures her to sit down. Then she serves her food. She has prepared fresh vegetables and chicken soup for Ellie. The food appears healthy and appetizing. Aisha serves the soup in a bowl and gives it to Ellie.
aisha
Here… now eat this up like a good girl…  
Aisha smiles at Ellie. Ellie takes the bowl and picks up a spoonful and inserts it in her mouth. Then she gulps it carefully. Aisha looks eagerly at her. Ellie takes another spoonful. Aisha is pleased. 
Suddenly Arjun comes up from behind.
arjun
What’s for lunch today?
Aisha gets busy to pour some soup in another bowl.
aisha
Wait, I’ll make you a plate.
Aisha adds the boiled vegetables and some bread and pushes the plate towards Arjun as he sits down at the table. Arjun stares at the food for a while. 
arjun
Aisha, where is the real food? I am very hungry… I haven’t had breakfast properly today.
Aisha stares at Arjun blankly.
aisha
This is the only food we have right now!
Arjun looks angry but he suppresses his anger and speaks in a calm tone.
arjun
Aisha, who cooked lunch today?
aisha
I did.
arjun
Why? What was Raghu doing?
aisha
I asked him not to cook for a few days. 
Arjun looks dangerous. Aisha senses the tension in his voice but she tries to look unperturbed.
aISHA (cont’d)
Well, because his cooking is rich. And that is not good for her at this stage…
Aisha gestures towards Ellie. 
aisha (cont’d)
And eventually, not good for you as well.
arjun
Oh, so now on we will have food according to her taste?
Arjun blatantly points at Ellie with his fork. He seethes in anger. Aisha looks at Ellie and sees that she has stopped eating and she looks extremely scared. Aisha too feels angry but she stops herself from losing control in Ellie’s presence.
aisha
Arjun, control your temper. We have been having rich food ever since we are here. It won’t hurt you to have plain food for a few days… in fact, it will do you good. 
Arjun leaves his plate and gets up. He walks and stands dangerously close to Aisha.
arjun
Aisha, you are a paediatrician, a children’s doctor. Not an adult’s. Don’t you dare tell me what I can or cannot eat. Don’t try to mess with my food habits. And definitely don’t you dare assume that I will change them because of a stranger living in my house and reaping the benefits of the comforts of my home. 
Aisha looks at Arjun disgusted. She whispers in a low voice to him.
aisha
You are talking about an eight year old child in this manner?
Aisha scoffs.
aisha (cont’d)
Grow up Arjun, behave your age.
Arjun looks down. He steals a glance at Ellie’s scared face and walks off from the table. He goes towards the main door and shouts Raghu’s name at the top of his voice. 
arjun
Raghu! Raghu!
Aisha heaves a sigh of relief and looks at Ellie. She smiles at her in an assuring manner and takes the bowl of soup and feeds her a spoonful.
                                              CUT TO:
scene: 40
int. Arjun’s villa- evening (present)
Aisha lay across the couch, her eyes closed, listening to music on her earphones. Suddenly she hears an indistinct sound like a door opening. She opens her eyes and sits up. She stops the song playing on her mobile and takes her earphones out of her ear. She yawns and looks around. She can see no one around her in the house. Aisha gets on her feet and rubbing her belly, goes to the fridge and opens it. She looks around for food. She takes out containers of leftover food but she does not like any of them. Then she opens the deep freezer and takes out a small bucket of chocolate ice cream. 
As Aisha is about to pour the scoop of ice cream into a bowl, she stops. She walks off from the counter to the guest bedroom. She opens the door. She finds the bed empty. A bit worried, she goes to the adjacent toilet. The door swings open. Even the toilet is empty. Aisha comes out of the room in a hurry.
The ice cream lies on the counter, almost on the verge of melting. But Aisha walks around frantically to look for Ellie. Suddenly stops and glances at the front door. The front door is ajar and through the narrow opening, she sees the silhouette of Ellie, sitting at the porch. Aisha’s tension subsides from her face and she smiles to herself. She then goes to the kitchen counter and scoops out two bowls full of ice cream. She keeps the rest back in the deep freezer. Then she takes up the two bowls and walks out on to the porch. She sits down beside Ellie. Ellie notices that. 
Aisha hands one bowl to Ellie. Ellie at first hesitates but then extends a small hand and takes the bowl. Aisha starts eating her own ice cream. Ellie also takes a mouthful. Aisha looks at her. She notices a look of pleasure in Ellie’s eyes as she gulps down her ice cream. She looks much relaxed. 
aisha
You love chocolate?
Ellie nods in affirmative. Aisha looks amazed at this unexpected response. 
aisha (cont’d)
I too… 
Aisha takes another mouthful.
aisha (cont’d)
When I was a little girl like you, I would get up in the middle of the night and eat chocolate ice cream while hiding under the table so that I don’t get caught! And every morning when my mother discovered the ice cream half gone, she would scold me… 
Aisha looks for reaction from Ellie. Ellie pays attention but she does not show it. 
aisha (cont’d)
And then one day her worst fears came true…
Ellie is now fully attentive and looks at Aisha with a questioning glance.
aisha (cont’d)
One morning I woke up with a terrible toothache and she took me to the dentist and the dentist told us that I have a cavity… That day onwards, she stopped buying ice creams. She would only buy them when I did well in studies.
Ellie looks at her sympathetically. Then she speaks in a very low voice.
ellie
You were lucky!
Aisha is startled by her voice. She stoops low to hear her speak. She looks questioningly at Ellie after hearing her last words. Ellie replies.
ellie (cont’d)
We only had ice creams from the ice cream stall… never at home. 
Aisha smiles at Ellie. Ellie’s locks move in the light sea breeze. Aisha extends one had and with her fingers she removes the locks from her eyes and tucks them behind her ears, very similar to how her mother used to do. Ellie is taken aback for a while. Aisha registers the shock in her eyes. She takes her hand away.
aisha
What happened? Did I do anything wrong?
Ellie simply nods her head and looks away. Her eyes well up. The two sit silently for some moment. Aisha grows conscious of Ellie. Her face looks tensed. She fidgets in her pocket and brings out a pack of cigarettes. She brings out a lighter too and lights one cigarette and takes a puff. Ellie looks at Aisha. 
ellie
Do you do that in front of all your patients?
Aisha looks at Ellie. Ellie points to the cigarette. Aisha stares at her dumbstruck, unable to answer.
ellie (cont’d)
My mother smoked too… but never in front of me!  
Aisha quickly puts off the cigarette and throws it away.
aisha
I’m sorry… I.. I don’t know why I did that… usually I don’t smoke in front of kids… I guess I am too nervous!
It is Ellie’s turn to be surprised. 
ellie
Why?
Aisha hesitates. Then she looks directly at Ellie.
aisha
I have never been good at making friends… but I want to be your friend… I want you to be able to confide in me…
Ellie looks away consciously. Aisha understands she is still not ready to share. But she pushes further.
aisha (cont’d)
Ellie… do you trust me?
Ellie stares at Aisha blankly.
aisha (cont’d)
You can tell me about yourself. 
Ellie reflects for a moment.
ellie
Thank you!
aisha
For what?
Ellie raises the finished bowl.
ellie
For the ice cream!
Aisha smiles at Ellie. Ellie stares at her.
ellie (cont’d)
You are a good doctor. My mother never allowed me to have ice cream in the cold.
aisha
Actually, ice creams are less harmful in winter! You can have as many ice creams as you want in the winter without catching a cold… unless you have tonsillitis… 
Aisha smiles and takes the finished bowl from Ellie’s hands.
aisha (cont’d)
Do you want more?
Ellie nods a no. Aisha tries to keep the conversation alive.
aisha (cont’d)
So… what else does your mother say? Is she strict?
Ellie looks cautious. Her eyes turn moist. She whispers.
ellie
No…
Aisha senses the tension in Ellie’s voice. She suppresses her curiosity and tries to keep the conversation normal. She extends a hand and keeps it lightly on Ellie’s shoulder.
aisha
You can tell me more about her. What does she do?
The reaction is exactly the opposite of what Aisha expected. Ellie’s moist eyes well up in no time and she starts sobbing violently. Aisha feels helpless momentarily. Then she pulls Ellie closer and she readily buries her face in Aisha’s bosom. Aisha feels suspicious, sad and worried. She stares ahead of her in deep thought, hugging Ellie tightly.
                                            CUT TO:
scene: 41
ext. a deserted road and paddy fields- night (past)
Two pairs of bare feet appear to be running frantically in the night. Elena and Ellie run through the deserted roads and paddy fields. They hold each other’s hands. Elena looks back repeatedly to check if they are being chased. A while later, Ellie tumbles and falls on her knees. She cries out in anguish. Elena pauses to pick up Ellie and at the same time she tries to muffle her screams with her hands. Both pant and sweat in the rush. But the scream alerts Vivek, who stands looking for them in the dark at a distance. He too pants, as if in a hot chase for a long time. When he hears the scream he starts running towards its direction. 
After a few paces, Vivek notices a dark shadow amidst the trees. He runs faster. He raises his phone to his ear and instructs someone.
vivek
Keep the car on the highway. They are moving towards that! And keep the headlights off. 
Vivek runs faster and Elena and Ellie run fast as well. After a while, Elena looks back. She sees no one so she grabs Ellie and hides behind a nearby trunk. She unties her scarf from her hair. The scarf is broad and has a floral print on it. She wraps Ellie in it and she whispers instructions to Ellie fast.
elena
Listen, I need you to be very quiet, okay? Sit here and don’t stir. Don’t come running behind me. I need to distract him. Promise me, you will not move from this place until I come. 
Ellie looks at her mother in fear and anticipation. She shakes her head and holds a handful of her clothing to stop her from leaving her behind. 
ellie
Mom, please don’t leave me here… what if he finds me?
elena
He will not. Ellie, I need you to trust me. I will distract him, he will never know you are here…
Elena tries to get up. Ellie stops her. She hugs Ellie and kisses her face all over and runs off into the darkness. The little Ellie stays quiet but alert. A little while later, she sees another shadow following the footsteps of her mother. 
As she waits in anticipation, she hears the sound of crunching branches at a distance. Then she hears a heart wrenching cry. Ellie looks on for sometime and then starts sobbing. She muffles her sobs in the scarf. Suddenly she hears the screeches of a break. She faintly sees a few shadows lugging something heavy into a faintly visible car at a distance. Then suddenly the headlights turn on and they blind Ellie momentarily as she hurries to hide. But the car zooms off in to the darkness. Ellie lies their listlessly. Then she slowly faints, calling out for her mom.
ellie
Mom, mom… mo…
                                            CUT TO:
scene: 42
int. arjun’s villa- night (present)
On her bed in Arjun’s guest room, little Ellie tosses and turns in her sleep. She sweats in the pleasant winter night. She calls out to her mother in her moans. Suddenly, a chink of light appears and falls on her face. Then that light gets guarded by a shadow. Aisha checks on Ellie on her way to the bedroom. When she sees Ellie in such a state, she rushes to her room and collects her pillow and quilt. As she is about to move out of the room, Arjun, sitting on the bed, working on his laptop, looks up and stops her.
arjun
Where are you going with those?
aisha
To the guest bedroom. 
arjun
Again? Why?
aisha
She is not well Arjun. I think she is having trouble sleeping.
arjun
Okay. Go make her sleep… and be quick, I am waiting for you… and leave those here…
Arjun gestures at the empty place beside him on the bed.
aisha
Please don’t wait up for me… I will sleep with her tonight.
arjun
You slept in that room yesterday as well. Is this going to be a regular thing?
aisha
I did not sleep with her yesterday. Only you were not waiting up for me yesterday when I came in. And yes, if she needs me, I will sleep with her.
arjun
How do you know she needs you? Aisha, you are over-thinking this and you are getting involved here. The outcome will certainly not be good for you… 
Aisha stares at Arjun nonchalant. Arjun tries harder.
arjun (cont’d)
The girl is here for a few days. You will miss her when she is gone… and trust me, as soon as she starts talking, the police will take her away… 
aisha
Arjun, a little girl is unable to sleep. I think she needs someone to hold her… and that’s all I am doing…
arjun
You don’t need the whole night for that! Or are you deliberately trying to avoid me?
aisha
Why would I need to avoid you? What is there to avoid you? Two days back you would stay buried in your laptop for hours at night… how is it any different from that? Just that I will fall asleep in another room instead of beside you! 
Before Arjun can say anything further, Aisha walks out of the room.
                                          CUT TO:
scene: 43
ext. near a ditch- day (present)
Inspector Gupta is on call. He stands near a ditch. A few other police, a police van and a medical van stand there. Some onlookers also crowd at the scene.
inspector gupta
Sir, we have just rescued a body from a ditch by the same highway where the girl was discovered two days ago… the body is all bloated. It is difficult to identify it… there is as yet no solid reason for us to link the two incidents still, one can hope…
The inspector listens on the call for a few seconds. A deep voice of a man booms from the other side.
voice on phone
You can certainly bring in the girl for identification. If she can recognize the face then…
inspector gupta
Sir, I don’t think we can bring the girl for identification as yet. She is still dealing with her trauma. We don’t even know her name as yet. 
voice on phone
Inspector Gupta please don’t tell me you haven’t tried other ways of identifying the girl? 
Inspector Gupta looks scared. He gulps and answers.
inspector gupta
Sir, I was hoping Dr. Aisha would counsel her effectively… she will soon tell her all about her experience and that will help in our investigation.
voice on phone
You can click her picture and ask the locals about her. But obviously you haven’t given it much thought!
Inspector Gupta remains silent for some time.
voice on phone
Gupta, please don’t tell me you don’t have a picture of the girl!
The voice sounds irritated and Gupta tries hard to console him.
inspector gupta
Don’t worry sir, we will have it ready in no time and let you know about the following developments.
voice on phone
Gupta, gather your wits and act fast!
The phone clicks. Gupta stands dazed staring at the phone for a few seconds.
                                           CUT TO:
scene: 44
ext. sea beach- day (present)
Aisha strolls along the beach, bare feet. Behind her, Ellie takes small steps. The wind blows both their curls. Aisha’s shoes dangle in her hand. Ellie wears little sandals. After walking a while like that, Ellie too takes off her sandals and starts walking in bare feet. The breaking waves sweep both their feet. Aisha looks back from time to time to see Ellie. 
Ellie appears aloof and upset to Aisha. She avoids Aisha’s stare. Aisha understands that she needs space hence she moves a little further up the beach. She keeps watching Ellie. But she pretends to mind her own business. She starts gathering conch shells. She picks one from here and one from there. In no time, she grabs Ellie’s attention.
Ellie watches Aisha, standing still at one place. Then she too looks down. Right where she stands, beside her right foot, she spots a perfect shell. She stoops to pick it up. Then one by one, even she starts picking up shells. Then suddenly Ellie spots a big shell. She picks it up and approaches Aisha. She holds it up to Aisha. There is an expression of satisfaction on Ellie’s face. Aisha admires the shell, but she promptly returns it to Ellie and starts looking for more shells. Then she picks one up and shows it to Ellie. It is a bigger shell than Ellie’s. 
This gets Ellie excited. For some time, the two have a silent competition on who can pick up the largest shell. They go around stooping and taking a close look at the shells half hidden in the sand. Every time they see a big shell, they pick it up and show it to one another. In this way, soon both their cupped hands become full. 
Aisha squats down on the beach and keeps all the conch-shells in the folds of her skirt. Ellie too sits down beside Aisha and after a little deliberation, pours all her conch shells in the folds of Aisha’s skirt. Aisha smiles at Ellie. Aisha starts building a sand castle in the wet mud. Ellie too starts making her own sand castle like a pyramid. But she notices that Aisha’s castle does not look like a pyramid. She in fact takes the pain of building a castle with turrets and a moat surrounding it. A little while later a wave comes and breaks Ellie’s castle and partially Aisha’s castle but her moat fills up with water. Ellie helps Aisha in rebuilding it. 
Then slowly, Ellie takes up the conch-shells one by one and starts decorating the sand castle. It is a curious decoration. Nevertheless, Aisha is amazed by her creativity. 
Then a big wave comes unexpectedly and topples the whole castle. Ellie looks on for a second, stunned. Aisha looks anxiously at Ellie to check if she is about to cry. But Ellie breaks into a laughter all of a sudden. Aisha too starts laughing when she sees Ellie laugh. There is a look of relief on her face. Ellie looks at Aisha while laughing and then stops suddenly only to stare at her. Aisha does not notice this and continues laughing. 
ellie
You look so beautiful when you laugh!
Aisha is startled by Ellie’s sudden compliment. She pauses and looks at Ellie.
aisha
You also look very beautiful when you laugh heartily. And this is the first time I saw you laugh! You should laugh more often!
ellie
You too!
Ellie does not look up as she says that casually. Aisha looks at her questioningly. Ellie senses Aisha’s silence and looks up to face her glance. Ellie explains.
ellie (cont’d)
This is the first time I saw you laugh as well!
Aisha looks down in shame. There is an awkward silence between the two when Ellie realises that she has embarrassed Aisha. Ellie looks away.
After a while, seeing Ellie look uncomfortable, Aisha tries to salvage the situation.
aisha
Would you like to play with the waves?
Ellie looks askance. Aisha gets up and goes nearer to the sea. When a wave hits, Aisha runs back to Ellie. 
Ellie gets up too. She too goes nearer to the sea with the receding waves and draws back with the coming waves. They start playing like this. Sometimes they succeed in coming back in time and sometimes they fail. When they fail, they get drenched by the waves. They laugh. The two hold each other’s hands and keep playing the game. Their laughter merges with the smashing of the waves in the shore. 
                                             CUT TO:
scene: 45
int. arjun’s villa- day (present)
Arjun prepares breakfast. He looks like he has just woken up and he fixes himself a plate of bread butter and scrambled eggs. The eggs looks a little burnt as he pours them on a plate and then he takes some butter and starts applying it on his bread. At that precise moment, the main door opens and he looks up to see Aisha and Ellie come in. Both are wet, they have wet and sandy feet. Water drips from their clothes. Aisha gives Arjun an embarrassing smile as he stares at both of them wide eyed. Aisha opens a wardrobe and brings out a huge, white towel. She wraps Ellie in it and whispers to her.
aisha
You go quickly and take shower and change into dry clothes. 
Ellie nods her head and walks off to her room, dripping water all over. Aisha too brings out another white towel from the same wardrobe and is about to go away when she is intercepted by Arjun. Arjun looks disgusted.
arjun
You went to the beach with her without even telling me…
Aisha stops and looks back at Arjun and heaves a deep sigh.
aisha
You were asleep when we went out. I didn’t want to wake you up.
arjun
And what is this?
Arjun points at Aisha’s wet clothes and Ellie’s sandy footprints.
arjun (cont’d)
Who is behaving like a kid now? You are a mess… were you two drowned or what?
aisha
We were playing at the beach.
Arjun nods his head disapprovingly.
arjun
You’ve lost your mind Aisha! First sleeping with her every night and now this? She is your patient, not your twin sister! 
Aisha looks hurt and angry.
aisha
Why do you always have to be so difficult Arjun? Few days ago, I went to the beach alone… you had a problem with that! Now I went to the beach with her… you have a problem with that as well… yet I never see you accompanying me to the beach ever! Do you resent seeing me happy?
arjun
I thought that the whole point of keeping her in my villa was to keep her safe. If you roam around in the open with her, how is that safe? Did you make me open my doors to a stranger for no apparent reason? 
aisha
She is a kid Arjun. What do you imagine she might do to you?
arjun
If there are dangerous criminals looking for her, then that means we have jeopardised our safety by keeping her here. And you know Aisha my take on kids… it is very uncomfortable for me to have her around!
Aisha is surprised to hear Arjun speak like that. She widens her eyes and approaches closer to him.
aisha
No Arjun. I do not know your take on kids… and I cannot fathom how the presence of a quiet eight year old can make you uncomfortable! Please enlighten me… I am most curious.
The two stare at each other for a while, both seething in rage. Arjun loses his calm.
arjun
I hate kids. I have always hated kids. I can’t help it. 
Aisha looks dumbstruck. This unexpected revelation causes her immense shock and pain that she tries to suppress. 
aisha
I am glad you told that to me Arjun! 
Aisha tries to walk off. She takes a few steps towards her bedroom but she changes her mind and comes to Arjun again.
aisha (cont’d)
You know I love children, right?
Arjun nods his head in silence.
aisha (cont’d)
Then when were you planning to tell me this… considering that it is a pretty fundamental difference in us?
Arjun shrugs his shoulders. 
arjun
I never thought I would ever need to. 
aisha
Why?
arjun
Because I assumed we will never have kids.
This answer offends Aisha.
aisha
And why would you assume that?
Arjun looks fixedly at her.
arjun
Because I assumed you would have enough kids to deal with in your line of work to bother having any at home!
Seething in anger, Aisha stares at Arjun for some seconds. Then she walks off to her bedroom and closes the door behind her with a bang.
                                          CUT TO:
scene: 46
int. police station- day (present)
Inspector Gupta sits in his chamber looking occupied. One of his constables knocks on his door.
constable
May I come in Sir?
Gupta does not look up.
INSPECTOR Gupta
Yes.
constable
Sir, I think we have been able to identify the murder victim.
Gupta looks up in excitement and the constable hands him a file.
constable (cont’d)
Sir, since the victim is a foreigner, she was easy to narrow down.
Gupta opens the file and peruses it with great interest. 
constable (cont’d)
A few years earlier, a Ukrainian woman named Elena Kravets came to the station to complain about one Vivek Tirke. She said that he had forcefully taken her passport and kept it with himself.
Gupta reads the report closely. Then he looks up worried. 
inspector gupta
Yes… the woman in the picture certainly looks like her… but did she complain about him only about her passport?
Gupta looks unconvinced. The constable smiles at him.
constable
Yes sir. She complained only about that but later we discovered that this Vivek Tirke guy was her pimp and she was a very high profile escort. 
Gupta raises his eyebrows.
inspector gupta
And what did you do about it?
constable
Nothing Sir. Vivek Tirke works indirectly for Mr. Sahay!
The constable looks down ashamed. Gupta flares up.
inspector gupta
And you left him, knowing what this meant?
The constable does not dare to look up.
isnpector gupta
Now it has lead to this mess! A murder has occurred. You could have even kept an eye on the whole matter! Instead you chose to turn a blind eye! Now if news gets out about this murder and about the nationality of the victim, do you realise how messy it can get?
Gupta thinks for a moment. 
INSPector gupta (cont’d)
I think the rescued girl is related to this woman because the girl too looks like a foreigner. Get me a good photograph of this Vivek Tirke… I need to pay a visit to this girl today. She is not speaking but now she needs to… may be she is a witness… she might be hiding something really dark and disturbing inside her.
Gupta stands up.
                                             CUT TO:

scene: 47
int. arjun’s villa- evening (present)
The door bell rings and Aisha comes and opens the door. Inspector Gupta smiles at her. Aisha is a little taken aback to see Gupta. Nevertheless, she opens the door wide and invites him inside.
aisha
Inspector Gupta, please do come in!
inspector gupta
I must say, you have a very well kept lawn.
Aisha smiles awkwardly and the inspector steps in. She invites him to sit on the couch. He sits down and she herself sits opposite to him.
The two stare at each other for some moment. It is apparent that Gupta is hesitant to give her the news and Aisha too is interested only in serious talks and no small talks. At last Gupta gives in. 
inspector gupta
Ok Dr. Aisha, let me cut to the chase. We have discovered a woman’s body from a ditch on the same highway where you had discovered the girl. By the appearance of the dead body, we have reason to believe that she was somehow related to the kid. She is around thirty and Ukrainian. 
Aisha draws a deep breath and looks down.
aisha
The kid did have a mother. She spoke to me about her. 
Inspector gupta
Did she tell you her name?
aisha
No. She seemed very sensitive about that topic.
inspector gupta (cont’d)
Naturally! 
Aisha looks intrigued.
inspector gupta (cont’d)
Did she tell you her own name?
Aisha nods her head to say no.
aisha
What have you gathered about this woman so far?
inspector gupta
She was a high class escort. And she did have a daughter.
Aisha looks frustrated.
aisha
Yes. That explains the child’s unwillingness to talk about her mother.
inspector gupta
Dr. Aisha, so far we do not know who the murderer is. But we have our theory. As you can gather that the two incidents are linked and probably occurred on the same day. So it might very well be that the child is a witness to the crime. 
Aisha nods her head.
aisha
Yes, that is very likely the case. Because the girl is awfully quiet ever since she came.
inspector gupta
Well, we needed to start somewhere so we thought of starting with her pimp who seems to be absconding. She had a rough relationship with the man. He exploited her a lot. I happen to have a picture of the man with me right here.
Gupta brings out his wallet and from there he brings out the picture of Vivek and hands it to Aisha. Aisha looks at it with interest.
inspector gupta (cont’d)
His name is Vivek Tirke. I was wondering, it would be of immense help if the girl can identify him as the murderer or assaulter.
Aisha looks shocked. She looks at Gupta with wide eyes.

aisha
Inspector Gupta, the girl hasn’t spoken a word about the incident to me. I understand your urgency but I don’t think it is a good idea to show her the picture as yet. It might bring up memories that might push her further into the trauma. In that case, recovery will be really doubtful and slow. 
Inspector Gupta sits upright.
inspector gupta
Doctor, as much as I understand your concern, I cannot overlook the fact that a murder has taken place and it is the murder of a foreigner! If the authorities and the media come to know about it without us knowing any further about it, it will be a disaster!
Aisha looks down in deep thought. 
inspector gupta (cont’d)
Also, the girl cannot stay here forever and she will have to face investigation. The whole point of sending her to be with you was to make her stronger and prepare her for what is awaiting her in future… She has to participate in enquiries. She is our only hope…
aisha
Alright Inspector, I will bring her here… but please be gentle with her… I am not hopeful that she will talk but if this man is really who you are saying he is, then you will definitely get a reaction from her…
Aisha stands up and goes to the guest room. She knocks twice on the door and then she opens the door slightly. She sees Ellie near the window, looking at the sea. Aisha approaches her and takes her hand. She bends down to her.
aisha (cont’d)
Someone has come to meet you.
Ellie reacts unexpectedly. A look of fear immediately dawns upon her face and she starts breathing heavy. Aisha tries to calm her down. 
aisha (cont’d)
You don’t have to worry. You don’t know him. He is a police inspector. He needs your help. You will have to try your best to help him. He needs to find out the person who did this to you. 
Ellie stares at Aisha, wide-eyed and in fear. Aisha starts pulling her to the door. At first Ellie resists. Aisha understands her hesitance. She comes closer to Ellie and sits down on her knees, facing her.
aisha (cont’d)
I understand why you are so afraid! But if you do not speak, if you are unwilling to help, then it will be difficult for the police to find out the truth. Do you want the person who did this to you to go unpunished?
Ellie nods her head to say no. Aisha stands up and brings her out with her to where Inspector Gupta sits. When Inspector Gupta sees Ellie and her innocent face, he becomes nervous. He gives Ellie a nervous smile.
inspector gupta
Hello! I am Inspector Gupta! 
Gupta extends his hand for a hand shake. Ellie stares at it. She does not extend her hand. Gupta feels awkward and takes his hand back.
inspector gupta (cont’d)
Please sit down.
Gupta gestures at the couch in front of him. Aisha makes Ellie sit on it and she sits on the other couch. 
inspector gupta (cont’d)
What is your name beta?
Ellie whimpers but almost inaudibly mouths her name. Aisha bends down to listen to her. Then she looks at Gupta and answers him.
aisha
Ellie Kravets.
Gupta looks relieved and confident now. He exchanges a meaningful glance with Aisha.
inspector gupta
Was… is you mother’s name Elena Kravets?
Ellie nods her head to say yes. Inspector Gupta looks at the photo twice before deciding to show it to Ellie. Then, with much hesitation, he holds the photo up to her.

inspector gupta (cont’d)
Ellie, I need you to look at this picture carefully and tell me, do you happen to know this man?
Ellie looks at the photograph wide eyed and her eyes turn red and well up. Her whimpers turn into violent sobs and in no time she gets up from the place and runs out of the house into the garden. 
Aisha looks at Gupta helplessly. Gupta looks apologetic. Aisha is about to follow Ellie but she dismisses Gupta before that.
aisha
Inspector, I will take her to you when she is willing to speak. Pease excuse me now. I need to be with her.
Gupta nods his head in agreement and Aisha runs after Ellie. Gupta walks out of the door crestfallen. 
                                             CUT TO:
scene: 48
ext. villa’s garden- evening (present)
Aisha runs down to Ellie and finds her sobbing. Tears stream down her eyes. Aisha at first tries to wipe off her tears. But they do not stop. She then pulls her closer in a hug.
aisha
It’s ok! It’s ok… you are safe here… nobody will harm you! 
Ellie keeps sobbing.
aisha (cont’d)
Ellie, look at me… look at me…
Aisha shakes Ellie. Ellie looks into her eyes.
aisha (cont’d)
Do you trust me? Do you?
Ellie nods her head to say yes.
aisha (cont’d)
Then you will have to believe me when I say this: you are safe here… I won’t allow anyone to harm you in my presence! But Ellie, you need to open up to me! You need to tell me who that man is… you obviously know him, don’t you?
Ellie tries to look away from her gaze. But Aisha turns her face with her hand.
aisha (cont’d)
Ellie, take all the time you want but when you are ready, please let me know who that man is… it is very important for the police to know if you know him… and if he did any harm to you.
Ellie grabs Aisha and buries her face in her bosom.
                                            CUT TO:
scene: 49
Int. arjun’s villa- night (present)
That night, a little late, Aisha tiptoes into Ellie’s room and discovers her still sobbing to herself. When Ellie sees Aisha, she looks at her directly with red, swollen eyes. Aisha sits down beside her. Ellie talks to her between sobs.
ellie
Did they find my mother? Is she alive?
Aisha does not know how to reply to her. She stays silent. She looks at Ellie with sympathetic eyes. Her eyes too well up. She pulls Ellie closer and tries to wipe her tears. 
ellie (cont’d)
She isn’t, is she? I heard her scream that night… she said she will come back for me… but she never did…
Aisha makes Ellie sit on her lap. She grabs her tightly and starts to swing her to and fro in an attempt to calm her down. 
aisha
Ellie, who was that man? Was he the man who attacked your mother?
Ellie nods her head to say yes.
aisha (cont’d)
Then Ellie, you need to tell me everything you know about that man. Who he was, how did you know him, what did he do to you… everything; because that man cannot be spared. He needs to be punished for his crimes, don’t you think so?
Ellie looks at Aisha unconvinced. Then she nods her head vigorously. 
ellie
He was Vivek. Mom never spoke to me about him but she used to call him that whenever he came to our house. 
Aisha listens in surprise.
aisha
He often came to your house?
Ellie nods to say yes.
aisha (cont’d)
Why?
ellie
He would take money from mom. She never wanted to give him… he would always force in and scare her to take money from her.
Aisha’s face turns into stone. 
aisha
Did he hurt your mother?
ellie
Yes.
aisha
Did he ever try to hurt you?
ellie
Not before that night!
aisha
What happened that night Ellie?
Ellie continues with her sobs.
ellie
That night, mom was at home… she was cooking for me… when Vivek knocked on the door… He did not knock, he made loud, banging noises! I was very scared!
Aisha tightens her grip on Ellie to make her feel safe.
ellie (cont’d)
When mom opened the door, he couldn’t even stand properly! He pushed her and came in and he grabbed me and took me away… mom came running behind us but the man took me in a car and the car went off. I did not know then that mom was still following me! 
The story makes Aisha uncomfortable. She seems helpless. Nevertheless, she hears Ellie patiently. 
aisha
What happened when you were inside the car?
ellie
He tied my eyes with a black cloth and my hands behind me. After that I did not know where he took me… but he took me to a place where he kept me hidden for some time. 
aisha
How did you come out of the place?
ellie
My mother rescued me from there!
aisha
How?
ellie
I don’t know! I just remember lying there for a long time! I heard some sounds… footsteps, and my mother’s voice… I was asleep, my hands were tied and my eyes covered when she woke me up. 
Aisha looks suspicious.
aisha
Did he feed you anything forcibly?
Ellie nods her head to say yes.
ellie
He fed me milk and then… then…
Ellie again breaks into sobs. She points out to the scars on her legs and near her neck and chest.
ellie (cont’d)
He hurt me here…
Aisha looks on disgusted. Tears run down her eyes. 
aisha
Did he hurt you anywhere else?
Ellie nods her head to say no. Aisha looks slightly relieved. Ellie continues.
ellie
He left me there… and I fell asleep. But then I heard mom’s voice. She untied my hands and my eyes. She was crying but she was happy to see me… then she took me with her and ran off. 
aisha
Where did you run off too…
ellie
On the dark and lonely road, through the bushes and trees… he followed us… then… then… mom made me hide under a tree… she covered me with her scarf and asked me not to make any noise… she said she will find me… but she never came back… I stayed quiet but she never came back…
Ellie’s words are difficult to make out through her violent sobs and her story makes Aisha cry too. Aisha again wipes her face.
aisha
I know… I know… do you know why she never came back?
ellie
I just know that he ran after… 
aisha
Are you sure you don’t know anything else?
Ellie looks at Aisha, her eyes full of fear. Aisha sees the hesitation in Ellie’s eyes. 
aisha (cont’d)
Ellie, you can tell me everything… if something terrible has happened, not believing it will not make it untrue, you know…
Ellie takes some time. Then she speaks up in a hoarse voice.
ellie
I heard my mom scream and then I saw the lights of a car… and in that light, I saw them hauling someone inside the car…

aisha
Was that someone moving?
Ellie nods her head to say no.
aisha (cont’d)
Was it your mother? Ellie, was it your mother?
Aisha shakes Ellie vigorously. Ellie seems to come out of a stupor. Then slowly Ellie nods her head to say yes. 
Aisha pulls Ellie to her bosom. She closes her eyes and she sees faint flashes.
Aisha sees a faint face, laughing cruelly at her. She sees herself as a small child. A hand creeps in and tries to touch her on her breasts and thighs. She screams and the hand stops her scream by covering her mouth. The hand touches her down their inappropriately when suddenly the person gets hauled over by a blow. She sees her mother looking murderous with a blunt object in her hand. Her mother picks her up and hides her behind her. 
Tears stream down Aisha’s eyes. Then she stills her face and a rage similar to her mother’s engulfs her. She speaks to Ellie. 
aisha
Ellie, promise me, you will be a brave girl and you will come with me tomorrow to the police station and tell the police everything that you have told me…? This is the only way we can punish this man! 
Ellie nods her head to say yes and buries her face deeper into Aisha’s bosom.
                                          CUT TO:
scene: 50
int. in the police station- day (present)
Aisha and Ellie sit in the chamber of inspector Gupta. Ellie has just finished relating her experiences to Inspector Gupta. The latter appears flabbergasted and also strangely apologetic. Aisha looks at Inspector Gupta for reaction. Ellie looks at Aisha for validation which she gets when Aisha runs her hand supportively over her head and smiles reassuringly at her. Inspector Gupta clears his throat.
inspector Gupta
Well, this puts things into perspective. If this is what has happened that night then I am sure it has indeed been very tough for you Ellie and we will do all we can to see to it that the culprit is apprehended and punished. 
Aisha gets up. Ellie follows her. Aisha extends her hand to Inspector Gupta for a handshake. 
aisha
Inspector Gupta, it was indeed a pleasure to be able to help you.
Inspector Gupta stands up and takes hold of Aisha’s hand. 
inspector gupta
Dr. Aisha, would you mind to stay back a little? I would really like to talk to you in private.
Gupta raises his voice. 
inspector Gupta (cont’d)
Karthik… Karthik…
A constable appears at the door. 
inspector gupta (cont’d)
Please escort Miss Ellie here to the lobby and see if she would like to have some ice cream…
Inspector Gupta gives Ellie a sugary smile as he instructs Karthik. But Ellie looks apprehensively at Aisha when Karthik approaches her and takes her hand. Aisha shakes her head reassuringly.
aisha
You go and wait outside, I will be out in a minute. 
Ellie walks out with hesitant steps. Aisha turns to Inspector Gupta.
inspector gupta
Dr. Aisha as you very well know, we will continue with our investigation because the more evidences we gather to back up Ellie’s story, the better for us because at the end of the day, she is just a child. 
Aisha’s face turns solemn. She nods her consent. 
inspector gupta (cont’d)
But nonetheless, since she is the only witness to the crime committed, she has to testify in court. And things there can go really nasty because we have reasons to believe that this Vivek Thirke guy has important connections through his business, that might act as an impediment. 
Aisha looks worried.
inspector gupta (cont’d)
She has to be prepared for the worst. Lawyers can be gruelling in court and under no circumstances should she falter! I understand that we are already extremely thankful to you for your services but since she has grown so dependent on you…
Aisha nods her head.
aisha
I understand Inspector Gupta. You don’t need to worry. You can depend on me as far as Ellie is concerned. I am determined to see it through.
The inspector looks fixedly at Aisha with praise and gratitude in his eyes.
                                                 CUT TO:
scene: 51
ext/int. in the market place/church- day (present)
Aisha and Ellie walk hand in hand. Ellie has an ice- cream stick that she licks away happily. Her hand is full of the molten ice-cream. After she is done, she throws the stick in a nearby dustbin and Aisha pulls her closer and wipes her hand and mouth clean with her handkerchief. 
aisha
Now, would you like to go back home or would you like to go somewhere fun?
Ellie reflects for a moment.
ellie
Fun?
A smile spreads on Aisha’s face. Ellie also smiles back. Aisha drags her and takes her in to the crowd. After a short walk she brings her to a beach side fair. They stand gaping at the foot of the giant ferris wheel. Aisha gestures Ellie to the wheel and she nods and they both ride the ferris wheel. With each round Aisha notices Ellie’s smile broadening. Both their hair ruffle in the wind. Aisha points at the tiny children standing at the foot of the wheel and looking up at them but when high up, Ellie closes her eyes in panic. Both of them enjoy a lot on the ride.
After coming down from the ride Ellie runs to the shop selling candy floss. She is in full mood now and Aisha does not want to do anything to dampen it. She points at a candy floss and looks with a cute begging face at Aisha. Aisha nods her head.
aisha
But you just had an ice cream!
Ellie persists.
ellie
Just one! I will share with you… promise!
Aisha breaks into a smile to see Ellie’s persuasive face. She buys her a candy floss. Ellie takes it excitedly and then skips her way out of the fair. Aisha starts following her. After a few steps, Ellie turns back and offers the candy floss to Aisha. Aisha takes it and bites into it. The moment she starts chewing, she grimaces.
ellie (cont’d)
What happened?
Aisha covers her one cheek with a hand. 
aisha
That cavity!
ellie
It still hurts you?
Ellie looks apprehensive. Aisha nods.
aisha
It often hurts! 
Ellie looks away worried. She takes back the candy floss and finishes it and then throws the stick away.
ellie
From now on, I will have only one sweet a day… 
Aisha smiles approvingly. They continue walking. They come across a church. Ellie becomes unbelievably solemn to see it. She looks up at Aisha and points to it.

ellie
Can we go inside that church?
aisha
Yes, of course!
Ellie guides Aisha to the church. As she enters, she keeps on looking out for someone. But the church is almost empty except a few tourists. Ellie walks to the altar and takes a candle and lights it. Then when she is about to offer that candle in front of the statue of Mother Mary with little Jesus, a booming voice calls her from behind.
voice
Ellie!
Aisha and Ellie both look back. One in fear and the other in excitement. They find the church priest standing behind them near the entrance with a countenance of surprise and with open arms. Ellie keeps her candle and runs to him.
                                               CUT TO:
scene: 52
int. in the churchyard adjacent to ellie’s school- day (present)
Ellie appears to be busy catching up with her peers. They are all in school uniform. They are happy to have Ellie around and Ellie feels really happy after days. Aisha is in deep talk with the church priest. They discuss Ellie and her past as Ellie play with her friends. Aisha has her attention divided. She keenly listens to the Father and also looks at Ellie fondly as she plays.
father
Ellie has always been like this… smiling and happy. I have seen children in my school cry day long at the altar, complaining about poverty at home, missing parents, but Ellie has always been brave and accepting of her condition.
Aisha looks on at Ellie with tenderness.
aisha
It must have been very difficult for her!
The Father nods.
FATHER
It was! Elena and Ellie were regular at church. They never missed mass on Sundays. A lot of people opposed Elena’s presence in the house of God. They will not share the same pew or say hello to her… Ellie witnessed all of this. She witnessed her mother’s struggles everyday. May be that’s why she was more attached to her mother than other kids! They were like a team!
Aisha sees Ellie laughing about something with a friend. 
aisha
I have never had the good fortune of seeing her this happy before!
The Father looks sad. He shakes his head disappointingly.
father
I have heard what has happened. The police came here as well. It is most unfortunate. Elena was a really pious girl. I intend to give her a proper funeral!
aisha
She was an enrolled member of this church? I heard she was a foreigner!
father
Oh yes she was! She enrolled herself almost around when Ellie was born. As I said, a lot of people had opposed that. But I never doubted her faith and piety. And I believe, in the eyes of God, we are all same, no matter what we do. And she did it all only to give a good education to Ellie. 
At this point the Father looks down in shame.
father (cont’d)
And partly also because she was forced into it and she was trapped.
Aisha nods her head.
aisha
It is most unfortunate!
father
Elena also provided for her family back home! She had an ailing mother and a paralysed sister! I can only imagine their plight after they come to know about Elena’s death.
Aisha’s eyes become moist. 
aisha
I wish I knew her. I have not seen her but I have immense respect for her after what you just said. I wish I could help her in some way!
father
But you are already!
Aisha is surprised to hear the priest speak that way. She looks at him askance.
father (cont’d)
I never believed someone other than Elena can take care of Ellie so well. But to me Ellie appears to have accepted her loss naturally. And I am sure it is possible because of you! 
Aisha looks down embarrassed. 

father (cont’d)
Promise me child, you will take care of her this way forever!
Aisha is dumbfounded. She feels helpless. She looks down and nods her head.
aisha
I’ll try my best. Father, I have taken up a lot of your precious time. I think we should leave now. If I can, I will bring back Ellie here. 
The father nods in agreement. Aisha shouts to Ellie.
aisha (cont’d)
Ellie let’s go. We will come back soon. Let your friends go back to their class. 
Ellie looks momentarily disappointed. She bids goodbye to her friends and approaches Aisha with a solemn expression on her face. 
ellie
Do we really have to go home so early?

aisha
You don’t want to go home?
Ellie shakes her head. Aisha looks thoughtfully. Then she smiles.
aisha (cont’d)
Okay. Let me take you somewhere fun!
Ellie smiles to see the excitement in Aisha’s eyes.
                                                 CUT TO:
scene: 53
ext. on the pier- afternoon (present)
Aisha and Ellie sit on the pier of a beautiful lake. Aisha has a fishing pole in her hand and a bucket of worms beside her. Ellie looks excited when Aisha gives her the pole to hold.
ellie
I have never done this before!
Aisha is pleased to see Ellie so happy.
aisha
It is easy. It just needs a lot of patience. Let me know if you feel a tug!
ellie
Okay! 
Ellie looks at Aisha. She stares at her for a while.
ellie (cont’d)
I don’t mind sitting here for hours with you! I like to hang out with you!
Aisha feels embarrassed and flattered at the same time. She does not know how to react.
aisha
Thank you!
There is an awkward silence for some moment. Aisha then pitches in.
aisha (cont’d)
Ellie, why did you not want to go back home with me earlier?
Ellie looks down in sadness.
ellie
I know Arjun does not like me! 
It is now Aisha’s time to feel embarrassed. 
aisha
It’s not you in particular. I do hope you know that. Arjun does not like kids!
Ellie shrugs.
ellie
I don’t like him either. I don’t like the way he treats you because of me!
Aisha feels embarrassed. Her eyes become moistened. She is amazed to find Ellie so understanding. Then she controls herself.
aisha
Again, he doesn’t treat me like that because of you… he treats me like that because it is in his nature!
ellie
It is in his nature to treat you badly? Then how come you are friends? Friends do not treat each other badly!
Aisha smiles and nods.
aisha
You are right. I should talk to him about it.
ellie
Of course you should. You should tell him how you feel.
Ellie’s last words amuse Aisha. 
aisha
Nobody has made me feel this good and sure about myself before. You are a good friend Ellie.
ellie
So are you Aisha! 
They again stare at the water for some time. Then Aisha resumes.

aisha
So… what were your friends telling you today? 
Ellie keeps quiet for a moment.
ellie
They were asking where I have been and when will I come back to school.
Aisha takes a deep breath.
aisha
Ellie, you do know that the police will need your help further…
Ellie looks at Aisha with wide fearful eyes. Aisha consoles her.
aisha (cont’d)
They will need you to tell everyone what had happened that night in the court. And you will have to be prepared for that. 
Aisha takes the fishing pole from Ellie’s hands as Ellie turns numb. Ellie closes her eyes and in a flash she sees the face of her mother as she had seen it for the very last time. 
ellie
Aisha, will you take me to my mother when all of this is over?
Aisha stares at Ellie dumbstruck. Ellie reads her expression. 
ellie (cont’d)
I know where she is. I overheard Father David when he spoke to you about the funeral.
Ellie has tears in her eyes. 
aisha
You want me to take you to the funeral.
Ellie nods.
ellie
No. I want you to take me to her when all of this is over so that I can tell her that I have been brave, just as she had wanted. 
Now it is Aisha’s time to have tears in her eyes. Aisha pulls Ellie closer to her and hugs her. Then she bends down to kiss her. 
aisha
I promise you, I will.
Against the sunset in the background, Ellie and Aisha sit together, holding their fishing pole.
                                                CUT TO:
scene: 54
ext/int. in the forest/ellie’s bedroom- night (dream sequence- present)
Two little feet run through the forest. It is Ellie. She runs and she is out of breath. She keeps looking for someone. She looks anxious. Suddenly she sees someone ahead of her. She sees the scarf her mother had given her to wrap herself. Someone runs ahead of her. From the back it appears to be her mother. Ellie runs and runs. She stumbles midway and she blacks out.
Ellie opens her eyes after sometime to find herself in a magical place. She is still in the forest. But the forest is lit up with a strange light. There are huge round balls of light bobbing in the forest. Some are red, some yellow, some blue. The effect is magical. Ellie stands up on her feet and gapes at the lights. At a distance she sees the scarf hanging from a tree. The scarf moves in the gentle breeze. Ellie approaches the scarf. She then sees her mother standing at a distance. Elena has her back to Ellie but Ellie can recognize Elena’s cascade of brown hair. Ellie approaches her mother in tip toe.
ellie
Mom, you have come?
Elena does not reply. Ellie extends her hand and keeps it on Elena’s shoulder. Elena turns back. But it is not her. It is Aisha. She looks almost like a fairy. She looks beautiful. Aisha smiles at Ellie. Ellie is stunned.
ellie (cont’d)
Aisha, where is mom?
Suddenly Ellie sees Elena peeping from behind Aisha. Elena too looks ethereal. Ellie is hypnotized by their beauty. Ellie approaches Elena.
ellie (cont’d)
Mom do you know Aisha?
Elena nods her head to say yes. Ellie is confused.
ellie (cont’d)
But how?
Elena gestures her to be quiet by placing a finger on her lips. She then looks up. Ellie looks up to see the beautiful starry sky. They are no longer in the forest. It appears that they are on a lonely beach. Ellie listens carefully as she looks up. Elena comes close to her and speaks into her ears.
elena
I will always be with you!
Ellie shudders and becomes teary to hear that. She turns to look at Elena. But when she turns, she finds Aisha. She looks at Aisha hypnotized. Then she looks around but sees her mother nowhere. Aisha smiles at Ellie and pulls her by the hand. There in the beach, in the wet sand, decorated in shells and phosphorus, magically illuminated, sits the sandcastle built by Ellie and Aisha. Ellie sits down beside it mesmerized. Aisha sits opposite her. Suddenly a strong wave comes towards them and Ellie and Aisha both dive in and surround their castle with their arms and bodies as if to save it from breaking down.
Suddenly Ellie wakes up from her dream and breathes heavy. She sees Aisha sleeping beside her. She smiles to herself. Then she lies down on bed again and cosies herself up to Aisha. Aisha takes her into her arms in her sleep. Ellie closes her eyes.
                                                   CUT TO:
scene: 55
INT. arjun’s villa- morning (present)
Aisha and Ellie have breakfast together on the dining table. Aisha pours some honey on Ellie’s pancake and cuts the pancake into pieces. She then pours some juice in a glass and places it in front of Ellie. She cuts some fruits into pieces and munches them and keeps some away for Ellie on a plate.
aisha
You need to have a heavy breakfast to stay healthy! And you also need to have fruits. 
Ellie grimaces.
aisha (cont’d)
I know you don’t like all fruits but they are delicious and they are good for health. 

ellie
But I like fruit juice.
Aisha smiles at Ellie.
aisha
Fruit juice is healthy too but you need to have actual fruits. They help in digestion. 
Ellie looks doubtful. Aisha is about to explain. Suddenly the bell rings and both look at the door. But before Aisha can get up, Arjun comes running from his room. He goes to the door eagerly and opens it. He ushers in two strangers.
arjun
Hello, yes please come in… I am Arjun, I made the phone call. 
Two females step in. They look around and spot Aisha and Ellie at the table. Aisha looks clueless. 
One of the women waves at them. She is Sabita.
sabita
Hello! I am Sabita, I am from the department of Women and child development and welfare and she is Ruhi, from the Sunshine Orphanage. And this must be little Ellie.
Sabita and Ruhi smile awkwardly at Ellie. Ellie looks at them dumbfounded. Aisha is still clueless but she gets up with a smile on her face and walks up to them to greet them. She looks back at Ellie and senses a strange fear in her facial features.
Aisha
Ellie, please take your breakfast to your room and finish it.
Ellie gets up from her chair and promptly carries her plate to her room. Aisha concentrates on the newcomers. 
aisha (cont’d)
Please sit down.
Aisha gestures to them to sit and takes a seat herself. She looks askance at Arjun. Arjun stands but he looks down. The two women sit down in front of Aisha. 
sabita
We received a call yesterday from Mr. Arjun, telling us about Ellie. We must say, we were contacted by the police as well, but we were specifically informed that she is now under the care of her doctor. In the meanwhile, we were also making the best possible arrangements for her. 
Aisha listens to her every word with concentration and with every word her cluelessness disappears as understanding dawns on her and her expression becomes rigid. Sabita continues. 
sabita (cont’d)
We have been able to find her a spot in Sunshine Orphanage, a quaint little place in the outskirts of the city. Ms. Ruhi is the in-charge there.
Aisha gives Ruhi a smile of courtesy. 
sabita (cont’d)
If you don’t mind, may I know who…
Sabita points at Aisha politely. Aisha becomes conscious. She draws herself to her fullest.
aisha
I am Dr. Aisha Dewan. Ellie is my patient.
Understanding dawns on Sabita’s face. She becomes flustered.
sabita
Oh, I am so sorry ma’am. I did not realise you were monitoring her from your residence.
aisha
Well, technically it is not my residence. It is Mr. Arjun’s residence. He has been nice enough to allow us to put up here but I can assure you he did not consult me, her doctor, before calling you.
Aisha says each word sharply and glares at Arjun. Arjun looks away in embarrassment. 
Sabita and Ruhi feel the tension in the room. They too feel embarrassed.
sabita  
Ma’am we would like to assure you that Ellie will be taken care of very well in our facility. We will follow your prescribed diet and medicines. Anything that is needed to help her recuperate. 

aisha
I do not doubt that but at the end of the day, your facility is a government run facility. 
Aisha smiles awkwardly. 
aisha (cont’d)
I was taking care of Ellie here by myself. And she is yet to recuperate from her trauma. She has grown comfortable around me. I doubt if it is safe for her to be away from me right now.
sabita
But ma’am I do hope you understand that this arrangement cannot go on forever. Ellie is now an orphan with no family members in the country. She is a child of the state. She has to move out from here. If this is Mr. Arjun’s residence then we cannot force him to keep her against his will.
At this moment Ruhi brings out some official documents from her bag and hands them to Aisha.
ruhi
Ma’am, if you would like to have a look. All the paper-works are in place. We are to bring Ellie with us to Sunshine Orphanage today. You can of course always come and visit her and we would also consult with you regarding her health, but we have come to take her with us.
Aisha becomes helpless and desperate as she realises that the situation is beyond her control.
aisha
But she has recently survived a terrible trauma! She needs a familiar face around her. And she won’t feel safe if I am not around. 
Sabita appears beyond her wits. Ruhi takes control of the situation.
ruhi
Ma’am I understand your anxiety. But by law, Ellie is supposed to be under the government’s custody. We are grateful to you and Mr. Arjun that you have opened your home to her but she has to leave. I know she will feel out of place in the beginning but it can’t be helped ma’am. There are many kids like Ellie who are as unfortunate as her, she has to face whatever is in store for her!
Aisha is almost in the verge of tears. She looks at Arjun desperately in anger. Then she storms out of the room. Sabita and Ruhi look helplessly at Arjun.
                                           CUT TO:
SCENE: 56
int. guest bedroom in arjun’s villa- day (present)
Angry and helpless, Aisha storms into Ellie’s room and finds her sitting on her bed, her food untouched. Ellie has tears rolling down her eyes. She looks at Aisha helplessly. Aisha goes and sits down beside her. Ellie buries her face in her bosom. 
ellie
I do not want to go away from you! 
Aisha and Ellie cry holding each other for some time. 
aisha
Ellie, I will go and visit you every day. And I promise you, I will not keep you away from me for long. You trust me?
Ellie nods her head. 
aisha (cont’d)
Then listen to me carefully. You promise me you will be good. I will come and visit you tomorrow. 
Aisha kisses Ellie on her forehead. But Ellie keeps on crying ceaselessly. Aisha goes to the cupboard and takes a bag and starts folding Ellie’s dresses that she had bought her and packing them in. As she moves around the room packing every needful, Ellie stands at one corner and cries. 
ellie
Why can’t I stay with you? Why are they taking me away?
Aisha stops working and goes near Ellie and pulls her close. She looks directly in her eyes and wipes her tears.

aisha
Ellie, legally I have no right over you. In their eyes, I am no one to you but only your doctor! 
Ellie whimpers. 
ellie
But that is not true! I can tell them that… 
Aisha is touched by Ellie’s passion. She hugs her tight. 
aisha
They don’t care. In the eyes of the law, we are not related. I know it doesn’t matter to us, but to them it does… 
Ellie looks at Aisha with fear and apprehension in her eyes.
ellie
Will you not love me anymore?
Aisha nods to say no.
aisha
Nothing in the world can stop me from loving you. 
Aisha says that intently. She pauses for a moment. 
aisha
I promise you, I will not let them separate us… I will find a way.
Ellie calms down after a while.
                                                  CUT TO:
scene: 57
int. arjun’s villa- day (present)
Sabita and Ruhi sit and wait for Ellie in the drawing room. There is an awkward silence. Arjun looks equally speechless. They just exchange an awkward smile. After a while Ellie and Aisha come out of the guest bedroom. Ellie has changed into her travelling clothes but she has red, welled up eyes. When Sabita sees her she tries to smile at her but Ellie looks away. Aisha hands over Ellie’s luggage to Ruhi. Aisha too looks exhausted. 
aisha
I will visit her tomorrow at the earliest. Please take care of her.
Aisha bends down once again to kiss Ellie on her forehead and turns around, gives Arjun a scathing look and goes to her room and shuts the door. Sabita and Ruhi stare more awkwardly at Arjun.
                                              CUT TO:
scene: 58
int. arjun’s villa- evening (present)
Aisha lies in the dark in her room. Outside her room, Arjun roams around decorating the house, happily whistling away. He decorates the living room with strings of lights with Raghu’s help. He keeps clean wine glasses on the table. Raghu makes delicious snacks and Arjun spreads them out. The whole house gets ready for a party. Slowly guests come in.  Not much in number, only around six people. Aisha is unaware of all of this. When everyone is in party mood, Arjun slowly creeps to Aisha’s door. He has a proud smile on his face. He knocks on the door.
arjun
Aisha, someone has come to meet you!
Arjun waits for Aisha’s reaction patiently. Aisha clears her throat, wipes her tears. She does not know whom to expect but nevertheless she is mildly excited. She turns on the light, checks her reflection on the mirror and tidies herself up. Then she goes and opens the door to find Arjun standing in front of her with a straight face. 
Aisha looks at him askance but he does not reply. Instead he shows her to the living room. The room appears dimly lit. Aisha goes there but then suddenly the light is turned on and Aisha gets dazzled. The people present greet her in unison.
guests
Surprise!
One man among the guests, very flamboyant, approaches Aisha with a glass of wine in his hand. His name is Mohit.
mohit
Arjun called us to say you were feeling a little under the weather. So we thought why not we all take some time out from our schedule to cheer you up!
Aisha looks around in disbelief at all the cheerful faces around her. At first she does not understand how to react. Then she turns on Arjun. She has anger written all over her face on the verge of venting out. Arjun’s proud smile wipes off within seconds and he cowers under Aisha’s stern look.
aisha
What is this? You told them I am ‘a little under the weather’?
Arjun looks down embarrassed. Mohit understands Arjun’s plight and tries to take control of the situation.
mohit
Never mind what he told us. He wanted to cheer you up. We were in town on our vacation so he called us all in to throw you a surprise party!
Aisha appears even angrier. She again turns to Arjun.
aisha 
Why did you want to cheer me up?
Arjun becomes desperate. He approaches Aisha and holds her hand.
arjun
I could sense that you are upset. I really wanted to see you happy so I thought I should give you the vacation that I always intended to but I failed initially. From now on, all my time is for you. My screenplay can wait. Please Aisha, I know you have gone through a lot. But it’s over now… let us go back to our old lives.
Aisha forces her hand out of Arjun’s grasp. 
aisha
It is all over, is it, Arjun? And who gets to decide that? You? You pick up the phone, call the orphanage, and just decide by yourself that it is time for Ellie to go away! You did not even bother to ask me. And you expect me to be okay about it and enjoy a party at a time when I am sure that girl is breaking into pieces. The little hope that I was able to instil in her with my love and care is evaporating from her life! This is your solution? A party with friends…?
Aisha’s voice rises up with every syllable she utters. She ends in a ringing voice. The smiles wipe off from everyone’s faces. Mohit takes a few steps back in fear as if Aisha will explode any moment. Arjun feels insulted. But he has a very calm voice. 

arjun
Aisha, I know you and I have a lot to talk about but presently we have guests so let’s try our best to be good hosts to them.
Aisha smiles sarcastically.
aisha
And now we are back to square one! 
arjun
What do you mean?
aisha
I thought you just now said that all your time is now for me. I am the centre of your attention and all of this is for me. Then why should I have to pretend that I at all care about if these people are having nice time?
Mohit takes the cue.
mohit
I get the idea that something very serious has happened between the two of you. This is something that you should sort out by yourselves.
Mohit looks at Arjun.
mohit (cont’d)
Arjun, I think it is not the right time for us to be here… so if you don’t mind, we would like to take leave.
The other guests also get up. They all start moving to the door. Arjun intercepts. 
arjun
Guys, please.
Mohit and the others look at Aisha. Aisha turns her back on them. They walk out. Arjun stares dumbfounded as they walk off and Aisha shows no interest to stop them. Arjun now turns on Aisha.
arjun (cont’d)
You just insulted my guests and drove them out of my house! 
Aisha looks like she can hardly believe her ears.
aisha
I am so sorry! Would you like me to go out as well? Since it is not my house and since you make it pretty clear no one gets to stay in your house if you do not like them…
arjun
Aisha, what is wrong with you? Why are you behaving like this?
aisha
I can’t believe you are asking me this question after what you have done to me this morning!
arjun
I didn’t do anything to you. I just helped find a permanent address for the girl!
aisha
Permanent address? It is an orphanage for crying out loud.
Arjun
So good for her. She would probably end up in a good foster home and leave all of this behind.
Aisha now loses her mind and breaks down.
aisha
Leave all of this behind? Arjun, do you at all know what has happened to her? That girl got kidnapped and molested and then she saw her mother getting murdered in front of her eyes by her molester. She was in trauma. She was unable to trust anyone around her, I tried my best to bring her back to her normal life by winning her trust and just as she was beginning to feel slightly normal again, you separated her from the one person on whom she was placing her trust! And you expect her to leave all of this behind?
Arjun is overwhelmed to hear Ellie’s story for the very first time. He sits down, helplessly. He is unable to look eye to eye with Aisha. 
Aisha flops down on a couch near him.
aisha (cont’d)
You did not even ever ask me about her. Arjun, do you realise how selfish you are? How utterly incompetent you are to understand someone else’s plight? Leave the girl, you will argue you did not know her. But do you realise how uncaring you are about my feelings? What I go through? 
Arjun hangs his head in shame. There is an awkward pause. Then he speaks.
arjun
Aisha, I realise my mistake. I am extremely sorry for it. But the girl anyway couldn’t have stayed here forever. The law wouldn’t have allowed that. And I was feeling disconnected from you due to her presence. You were continuously obsessing about her and her well being and I was feeling lonely and uncared for… 
aisha
Do you mean to say I was not paying attention to you?
Arjun nods his head in agreement.
aisha (cont’d)
You sound like a miserable little boy complaining to his mother for paying less attention to him compared to his sibling! Tell me Arjun, don’t you feel ashamed to behave like a kid and to compete with a kid for my attention?
Arjun’s face turns red in shame and anger. He starts to breathe heavily. Aisha gets up in disgust.
aisha (cont’d)
You are worse than a pampered, entitled, self obsessed kid! 
Aisha stomps off in anger to her room and bangs her door shut. Arjun flinches a little at the loud sound.
                                              CUT TO:

scene: 59
int. sunshine orphanage- day (present)
Following morning Aisha waits in the lobby of Sunshine orphanage to meet Ellie. As she sits there, waiting for Ellie to come down and meet her, she sees some kids playing in the courtyard. An attendant accompanies Ellie. When Ellie sees Aisha on the other end, she runs to her and hugs her. Aisha finds Ellie crying. Her eyes are tired and paunchy as if she has cried the entire night. Aisha’s eyes are also red and swollen.
ellie
Please take me away from here! I don’t want to stay here… I want to be with you!
Aisha makes Ellie sit down on the bench and sits beside her.
aisha
Ellie, please give me some time to put everything right… I promise you, you won’t have to stay here for long.
Ellie continues sobbing. 
aisha (cont’d)
Ellie, how are the people here? Are they taking care of you?
Ellie nods her head in affirmative.
Aisha (cont’d)
Are you having your food properly?
Ellie keeps staring away.
ellie
It is not as good as your cooking! 
Aisha smiles amidst tears. 
aisha
Thank you! I didn’t know I was such a good cook. Are you having your fruits?
Ellie again nods in affirmative.
aisha (cont’d)
Good girl! Now pay attention to what I say. I want you to be your best. I will come to you every day, so you will see me daily. Don’t feel that you are alone. Make friends, play with them, talk to them, you will feel good! And give me some time. I promise I will get you out of here…
Aisha hugs Ellie.
                                                  CUT TO:
scene: 60
int. room of the warden in sunshine orphanage- day (present)
Aisha sits in the empty office of the warden, drumming her fingers on the table in restlessness when the in-charge, Ruhi, enters with some files.
ruhi
Good morning Dr. Aisha, did you meet Ellie?
Aisha stands up to see her. She looks tensed. 
aisha
Yes of course.
Ruhi sits down at her table and gestures Aisha to sit as well. Aisha sits. She looks worried about something. Ruhi consoles her.
ruhi
She will fit in… there are many children of her age in here… she will most certainly enjoy her stay here in a few days… you should not worry.
aisha
Thank you very much but I am not worried about her fitting in. I just wanted to know, what do you usually do in these cases? I mean the children do not stay here forever, do they?
Understanding ultimately dawns on Ruhi.
ruhi
Oh no, not all of them. We give them up for adoption, sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. Sometimes, some people take care of their education. We support them till they are adults, often enrol them in any skill oriented program… we just ensure that they end up independent and capable of taking care of themselves.
Aisha looks devastated to even think of it.
aisha
So with Ellie, too…
Ruhi nods her head. 
ruhi
With Ellie things are going to be a little more difficult. First of all, we need to continue with her counselling, we have a very good in-house counsellor here, and we need to help her overcome her trauma. We will also run some physical tests to ascertain if everything is alright with her health… we need to inform the interested foster parents about her background… then there is also the lawsuit… god knows for how long that will run… any foster parent interested in her needs to be aware of that! 
Aisha gets agitated. 
aisha 
How do you ascertain that these kids end up at a good foster home?
ruhi
It is difficult to ascertain how these people are as parents of course but we definitely do some background checks on them, we see if they have the finances, whether they are mentally prepared… the amenities, their future plans with the kids and we regularly visit them at least for the first few years to see how the kids are adapting to the new environment.
Ruhi looks at Aisha for a few seconds.
ruhi (cont’d)
Look Dr. Aisha, I can see that you have really gotten attached to Ellie in these few days and you constantly worry about her… But I can assure you we will do our best by her… we will see to it that she gets a good foster home… 
Aisha nods her head. 
ruhi (cont’d)
You know Dr. Aisha, I think you should have a word with Mr. Arjun regarding this matter. If he agrees, then you can also try and adopt Ellie…
Aisha looks up hopefully but suddenly she looks sad.
aisha
Mr. Arjun and I are engaged to be married, but we are not married yet.
Ruhi smiles at her.
ruhi
Then I would suggest you to fix a date and get along with it as soon as possible… I think it is best for all the parties involved.
Aisha feels uncomfortable discussing her future plans with a total stranger. She nods her head and gets up to go but stops at the door and looks around.
aisha
Can I adopt her as a single parent if I want to?
Ruhi looks surprised. She purses her lips and considers the proposal for some time. 
ruhi
It is not impossible but it is most certainly much more difficult. It might mean a long legal battle!
Aisha smiles to herself.
aisha
Either way, it is gonna be really difficult for me, but I will do it! 
Aisha turns around and walks off.
                                               CUT TO:
scene: 61
int. arjun’s villa- night (present)
Arjun returns from a night out somewhere late at night. He opens the door and switches on the lights to discover Aisha sitting at the dining table, looking worried and exhausted. Arjun feels embarrassed. He does not know how to react. He looks at Aisha, thinks for some time, lowers his head and he is about to walk out of the room when Aisha speaks up.
aisha
Arjun, can I talk to you for sometime?
Arjun pauses. Bracing himself, he faces Aisha.
arjun
Yes, sure.
Aisha stares at him for sometime, trying to bring her thoughts together. Arjun, self-consciously, misreads her expression and proceeds to give an explanation.
arjun (cont’d)
I was out with Mohit and others. After yesterday’s fiasco, I thought I should make it up to them.
Aisha couldn’t bother less. She speaks up so suddenly as if she has not even heard him properly.
aisha
Arjun would you consider getting married to me any time soon?
Arjun looks dumbfounded.
arjun
What are we talking about?
aisha
We are talking about what we had decided long back before coming to this trip that we should discuss… 
arjun
Of course! We should get married as soon as possible. In fact, we should start the preparations immediately after we go back to Mumbai. 
aisha
And are you still adamant about the fact that you don’t want kids?
Arjun leaves a sigh. Then he smiles at Aisha.
arjun
Aisha, to tell you the truth, I have never liked kids. Kids complicate your life. And parenthood is so difficult. You are good around kids, you get them. I don’t. Will you ever be able to forgive me for this?
Aisha’s eyes well up as she listens to Arjun speak like that.
aisha
And you are not even open to the idea of adoption?
Arjun looks surprised.
arjun
Adoption? I did not know that was on the table… I don’t have anything against natural babies… it’s the very idea of babies…
Suddenly something strikes Arjun. His eyes widen up. He throws his hands in the air in frustration.
arjun (cont’d)
You are not thinking of adopting that little girl, are you?
Aisha nods her head in affirmative.
arjun (cont’d)
Aisha, I can’t believe this!
Arjun looks helpless. Then he walks up to Aisha to hold her hand. 
arjun (cont’d)
Aisha, why are you doing this? We love each other, we are engaged to each other, we will marry in a few days, and a few days ago, everything was alright between us! Can’t you just think of it as a phase and move on. Why are you letting it become a bone of contention between us?
aisha
Arjun, we have never quite spoken about it very clearly. But I think it’s time we do. Arjun I am sorry if I have made you think this girl as a phase in my life. She is not. I love her. She has lost her mother and I want to make sure that she does not miss out on a motherly love. I want to bring her up. I want to adopt her. Now, knowing this about me, tell me, will you marry me anytime soon?
Arjun is dumbstruck. He simply shakes his head as if he is having a hard time to believe Aisha. 
arjun
I seriously can’t believe this. You are deliberately making it difficult for me!
Suddenly, something strikes Aisha.
aisha
Actually no. I am deliberately making it difficult for myself! 
Arjun stops shaking his head and looks straight at Aisha. He does not catch her meaning.
arjun
What do you mean?
aisha
I am sorry Arjun, I should be more open to you. Arjun, I have always wanted kids. I cannot imagine myself without them. You assumed since I see too many of them already around me through my work, it won’t matter to me much but it will. And I love Ellie. I know that I have known her for only a few days, but I don’t know why, I feel I cannot live without her… I believe it was destined that in her dreariest times, I will find her… it is not a coincidence. 
Arjun looks angered and he is about to open his mouth to speak but Aisha stops her. 
aisha (cont’d)
I am not done yet. Arjun, for many days now, I feel very distanced from you… we both stay busy with our works. We spend very little quality time with each other. No wonder we do not know the most basic things about each other! And when we do actually make out time for ourselves, like this trip, you stay occupied with your creativity… which is all very good for you Arjun and I am proud of you, but it is not so good for me. The effort is too one-sided I feel…
arjun
What the hell are you trying to indicate?
aisha
I am not trying to indicate anything… I am just saying, this relationship is not working for me anymore.
Arjun looks dumbstruck.

arjun
Are you kidding with me Aisha? We have been engaged for so long, and now you are breaking up with me for that kid?
Aisha nods her head.
Aisha
Arjun, you are right. We are ‘engaged’ for too long… engaged Arjun, not ‘married’… I think there is a reason why… I think we both knew deep within, the fundamental differences in us. May be that is why we never took the ultimate step. Ellie is not the reason here… her presence just forced us to look within ourselves and realise that we are fooling each other!
Arjun drops down on a chair. He is unable to believe what Aisha is saying. He looks devastated.
aisha (cont’d)
I am sorry I was asking you to marry me. That was selfish of me. You see, as an unmarried woman it will be difficult for me to win Ellie’s custody. But I would have been doing wrong by both you and Ellie that way. This way is more difficult but this feels right. I may be alone, but I will give her the best I can. 
Aisha looks down in shame.
aisha (cont’d)
Tomorrow I will move out first thing in the morning. Bye Arjun!
Aisha goes to Arjun, gives a peck on his cheek, takes out the engagement ring from her finger and walks out of the room.
                                             CUT TO:
scene: 62
int/ext. arjun’s villa/hotel/market– day (montage-present)
Next morning, Aisha packs her bag meticulously. She has a smile of satisfaction on her face. She gets ready, makes a delicious breakfast for Arjun, keeps it covered on the table and keeps a flower beside it. Then she takes her bag and moves out before Arjun can come out of his bedroom. Arjun wakes up later on to find the house empty, all Aisha’s belongings gone and the delicious break fast on the table. Beside the food lies a note. Arjun reads it : I will be staying at the Kohinoor Hotel, near the orphanage. Wish me luck for my new beginning. Aisha.
Aisha checks into a moderate hotel. She goes to her room and freshens up. She wears a beautiful dress. She looks very beautiful and excited. She goes out and buys a lot of merchandise from the market. She buys soft toys, chocolates and a beautiful dress for Ellie. And she does all of this with extreme pleasure. 
                                               CUT TO:
scene: 63
int. orphanage- evening (present)
Aisha sits and waits at the orphanage for Ellie with all her gifts. Suddenly, the warden Ms. Ruhi comes across to her.
ruhi
Lovely gifts Dr. Aisha, are they for Ellie?
Aisha nods in affirmative.
ruhi
Did you reach a decision?
aisha
Yes…
ruhi
And…?
aisha
I don’t care how difficult it is but I will adopt Ellie. 
Ruhi feels curious by Aisha’s words.
ruhi
Alone? 
aisha
Yes.
Ruhi breaks into an appreciative smile.
ruhi
God bless you!
Suddenly they notice Ellie standing at one corner and crying. Aisha looks at Ellie and drops on her knees and extends her hands and beckons her. Ellie comes running into her arms. Both of them cry, hugging each other tightly.
                                            FADE TO BLACK
the end