[Flashback – Zayan with his mother]
Zayan laid his head gently in his mother's lap. She ran her fingers softly through his hair, her touch full of warmth and quiet sadness.
Zayan (softly):
Mom… can I ask you something?
Mom (humming):
Hmmmm… of course.
Zayan:
Why did you choose me instead of Wail?
There was a pause.
Then, a single tear slipped down her cheek… landing on Zayan's face.
Zayan (alarmed):
Mom? What happened?
Mom (voice breaking):
I didn't want to leave him. How can a mother choose between her children?
(beat)
But Zayan... if I hadn't chosen you, you would've died.
Zayan blinked, confused. His heart raced.
Mom (quietly):
When you both were born, Wail was perfectly healthy.
But you… you were fragile.
The doctors said you'd need years of careful care, or you wouldn't survive.
And I knew... if I left you with your father, Faisal Shah, he wouldn't protect you. He doesn't care about anyone but himself. He doesn't love — he uses. That's not a man. That's a stone.
Zayan's hands tightened around hers.
Zayan:
Mom... what about Wail? Was he okay with Dad?
Mom (tears in her voice):
I don't know. Every time I tried to contact him, your father stopped me.
The last I heard… he was in Turkey.
(beat)
Zayan, I came here to celebrate your 18th birthday.
But what I truly wished… was to see my sons together, just once.
I guess I'm just... an unlucky mother.
She gently reached into her shawl and pulled out a USB drive, her hands trembling.
Mom (softly):
This is my last message… for Wail.
My final wish… is that you give it to him.
Zayan hugged her tightly, breaking down in her arms like a child.
Zayan:
I won't let you go, Mom. You'll be fine. We're in London — the best doctors are treating you.
Once your surgery is done, I'll take you to Turkey myself.
We'll see Wail together. You'll ask him everything… face to face.
She cupped his face, wiping his tears with the edge of her dupatta.
Mom (smiling sadly):
No, Zayan. I won't come back.
I won't get to hug you again… or see Wail's face.
(beat)
But you… you're the gentleman I always dreamed your father would be.
Promise me something — protect your brother.
Make him like you.
Because I don't want another girl to suffer the way I did.
Take care of him, Zayan.
---
[Present Time]
Zayan stares at his mother's picture on the shelf, his eyes glassy.
Auntie Fatima enters quietly.
Auntie Fatima:
Zayan… come downstairs.
Wail just returned from the police station.
---
--- Scene: Broken Bonds
[Location: Faisal Shah's Mansion – Drawing Room]
Faisal Shah's furious voice echoed through the mansion, sharp and cruel.
Zayan rushed through the hallway and found Uncle Jack standing tense near the door.
Zayan (whispers angrily):
What the hell? Why is he treating Wail like that? He's already scared!
Uncle Jack (blocking him):
Zayan, stop! You can't go in — your dad won't allow it.
Zayan:
Who cares?
He shoved the door open.
---
[Inside the Drawing Room]
Faisal (mocking):
Perfect! Come in, Zayan. Join me — watch what your beloved brother has done this time.
Zayan (firmly):
You can't treat him like this. He's already shaken — and you're only making it worse!
Wail sat on the floor, his back hunched, a red mark on his cheek. He didn't look scared — he looked tired, almost numb. He glanced at Zayan and gave a half-smile — a smile full of pride, but also pain.
Wail (in his head):
Scared? No. I'm just done. Tired. And this time, the hit really hurt.
Faisal (shouting):
Scared? That's a joke.
Zayan, your brother is seventeen and already a disgrace — racing on streets, addicted to trash, fighting like a gangster… and now he's totaled my brand new BMW!
Zayan stared at Wail. Wail only smirked like he didn't care.
Zayan (calm but burning inside):
So you care more about a car than your own son?
Faisal (coldly):
Because that car gives me value — unlike him.
He's just a useless mistake who came into this world to waste my name… and my money.
Sometimes I wonder — why was he even born?
Wail (half-laughing):
Well… that's not my fault.
You should ask yourself that, Dad.
He turned and bolted out of the room.
Faisal (shouting):
You jerk! Don't you dare walk away from me!
Zayan (shouting back):
Enough! Do you really think beating him or screaming at him will fix him? You're not helping — you're destroying him more every day!
He doesn't need lectures — he needs your love. Your care.
You're building hate in his heart, not character.
Faisal (low and poisonous):
So now I should take parenting advice from a criminal?
Zayan froze.
Faisal (stepping closer):
What do you think — I don't know?
Your dear uncle told me everything… how you killed people.
(beat)
Just imagine…
If your precious brother knew the truth — the real you — do you think he'd still love you?
(closer)
If you want to keep your brother's love, Zayan…
Stay out of my business.
Stay away from me.
And stay away from my son.
Scene: A Mother's Hug, A Daughter's Strength
[Location: Home – Zoya's Bedroom]
The door burst open. Ayesha ran in, her eyes already filled with tears.
She threw her arms around Zoya, holding her tightly.
Ayesha (choked voice):
Oh thank God! You're completely fine. Girl, you scared me half to death.
You have no idea how I rushed here… I thought I'd lost everything.
Javed stepped in behind her, his expression soft and shaken.
Javed:
Yeah, my love. You really scared us this time.
For a moment… it felt like we'd lost our whole world.
Zoya (smiling weakly):
Mom, Dad — I'm completely fine now.
But honestly… if anyone deserves your thanks, it's Zara.
She carried me to the hospital on time, stayed with me… took care of me.
Ayesha turned toward Zara, her expression softening. She reached out and gently held her hand.
Ayesha (gently):
Thank you, beta.
Are you okay?
Zara (nodding):
Yes, I'm alright.
Javed (serious):
Who was the blind idiot driving that car?
Can't he see two girls on the road?
Zoya (interrupting softly):
Dad… just forget about it. I'm fine now — that's all that matters.
Zara (quietly):
Actually… that "blind man" was the one who rushed her to the hospital.
Ayesha raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Ayesha:
Oh? Really?
Well… in that case, I guess we can forgive him.
Javed (sighing dramatically):
Alright, alright… enough of this depressing mood.
To turn this disaster into a happy evening — I've ordered pizza for all of you!
Zoya (grinning):
Now that's what makes you the perfect dad!
---
📱 Scene: Two Hours of Silence and Solace
[Location: Zara's Bedroom – Nighttime]
Zara quietly slipped into her room, shutting the door behind her. The chaos of the day still echoed in her mind — the accident, the hospital, Zoya's near-death, the emotions she'd buried all day.
She sat on her bed, picked up her phone… and opened her favorite chat.
Zara (typing):
"Al… are you there?"
A reply came instantly.
Al (Chamo):
"Always here for you."
That one line was all it took.
Zara started pouring her heart out — from the street, to the accident, to how she was blamed, to the way Zoya hugged her, and how Wail tried to help. Everything.
She didn't even notice how two hours passed — time melted between her fingertips and his calming replies. She wasn't looking at the clock. She was looking at someone who listened without judgment.
She smiled softly at the screen, her eyes a little lighter, her chest a little less heavy.
For once… she didn't feel alone.
---
Scene: Mirror Talk & Hidden Pain
Wail stood in front of the mirror, dabbing at the bruise on his cheek with a cold cloth.
Wail (muttering):
Ugh… not again.
Dad, why do you always go for the face?
Do you really hate me that much, Faisal Shah?
Trying to ruin my looks now?
A soft voice came from behind.
Auntie Fatima stood in the doorway, arms crossed but smiling warmly.
Auntie:
Don't worry, Wail — nothing can ruin that handsome face.
Wail turned, giving her a crooked grin.
Wail:
So, you've been spying on me?
Auntie (teasing):
Not spying. Watching over you — same thing.
Wail (laughs, then winces):
Ouch. That actually hurts.
Auntie (concerned):
Does it hurt badly?
Wail (shrugs):
Come on, Auntie… you know I'm used to this.
It's not the first time.
Honestly, these bruises — this pain — it's like… part of my life now.
He looked away, but she stepped closer.
Auntie (softly):
Wail… I didn't give birth to you.
But I've cared for you like my own.
That's why I can see the pain behind your smile.
Wail smiled again — this time smaller, sadder. He hugged her gently.
Wail (half-laughing):
Ahh Auntie, don't get me emotional this early in the morning.
(beat)
Anyway, where's my brother? Or that precious man, my father?
Auntie:
Zayan's in his room. Your dad? I don't know.
Wail (smirking):
Hmm… I bet he's out on a date.
Auntie (warning tone):
Wail! Watch your words — he's still your father.
Wail:
Exactly. That's why I said it.
Yesterday, I saw him chatting with his girlfriend — I mean, seriously, that girl was gorgeous.
Still can't figure out what she sees in that old man.
Auntie (frowning):
You're crossing your limits now.
Go. Check on your brother.
Wail (grinning):
Alright, alright. But before I go… one question.
Auntie (sighs):
What now?
Wail (playfully):
Ever had a crush on someone?
Auntie froze. Her eyes widened, cheeks flushed — then she gave him death stares.
Wail (laughing):
Okay okay! I'll stop!
As he walked away, Auntie shook her head, a faint smile on her lips.
Auntie (to herself):
Who would believe this boy was beaten black and blue by his father just this morning?
---
Scene: "I'm Not a Criminal"
The door creaked open slowly.
Wail peeked inside — the lights were off, the room cloaked in shadow.
Wail (softly):
Zayan?
Zayan, where are you?
No reply — just the faint sound of muffled whispers.
Wail froze. Then he heard it — from under the table, a voice trembling in the dark.
Zayan (whispering over and over):
I'm not a criminal… I'm not a criminal…
Please… don't hate me… I didn't kill anyone…
Wail stepped forward, heart pounding. He crouched beside the table and looked underneath.
There, curled up in the corner, was Zayan — his face red, his breathing uneven, eyes wide with fear.
Tears streamed down his cheeks as he rocked slightly, repeating the words like a broken record.
Wail (gently):
Zayan?
Zayan suddenly reached out and gripped Wail's arm tightly — like a drowning man clinging to shore.
Zayan (panicking):
Wail! Please believe me — I didn't kill anyone!
I'm not a criminal! Please don't hate me!
Don't hate me…
Wail (calmly, holding his shoulders):
Okay… okay, Zayan. I believe you.
I don't hate you, bro. I swear.
Zayan (pleading):
You're listening, right?
Please… please don't hate me…
Wail (nodding, pulling him into a hug):
I'm here. I'm right here, Zayan.
No matter what — I'm not leaving you.
Zayan broke down in his brother's arms, his sobs finally escaping the silence.
Wail closed his eyes, holding him tighter — no words, just brotherhood.
---
---
Scene: Morning Comfort, Lingering Questions
Zayan slowly opened his eyes, the sunlight brushing against his face.
He felt warmth beneath his head — a heartbeat.
As he looked up, he realized he was resting on Wail's lap, wrapped in the quiet safety of his brother's arms.
For a moment, it almost felt like he was with his mother again.
Wail (groaning):
Oh, so Sleeping Beauty finally woke up.
Ugh… my legs… they're numb!
Zayan (half-sitting, sheepish):
Did it hurt?
Wail:
Of course it did!
You slept like a log — used me as a human bed.
What am I? A deluxe mattress?
Zayan chuckled softly.
Wail (smiling):
Ah, thank God… at least you're smiling now.
Zayan (quietly):
Thank you, Wail.
You're the best.
Wail (grinning):
Don't mention it. I know I am.
Zayan:
No seriously… you are.
Wail:
Alright, alright — enough brotherly love.
Go freshen up. We're already late.
After this long vacation, we can't walk into college like ghosts.
Wail stood, stretched his legs dramatically, and limped toward the door.
Wail (teasing):
By the way — if you ever crush on someone, don't practice sleeping on me. Got it?
Zayan laughed lightly, the darkness from the night before now a little softer.
But as Wail stepped into the hallway, a shadow crossed his face.
He glanced back toward the room.
Wail (thinking):
Did he really… kill someone?
I thought he was the clean one.
But maybe… Zayan has his own mystery too.
He shook his head.
Wail (to himself):
No matter what — he's still my brother.
And I'll find the truth.