Everyone is on the bus. Shreya and Sneha are sitting together. The same goes for Astha and Nitin. Prashant is sitting with another passenger, looking out the window with a serene smile on his face, reminiscing about the Nagarkot trip and his conversation with Shreya.
Flashback: Nagarkot
After reaching the resort and freshening up, they head out for sightseeing — magical views of the mountains, and a local market filled with historical charm. While wandering around a nearby village, it suddenly begins to rain, leaving them with no choice but to return to the resort.
Despite the off-season, the resort staff lights a bonfire because of the rain. Everyone gathers around, chatting and laughing. Prashant suggests playing truth and dare, but everyone shuts him down.
Shreya: “So, you all are school friends, right? I mean, you guys know everything about each other. What did I miss by not coming into your lives earlier?”
Astha: “Nothing much really… I’m sure Sneha must have told you.”
Shreya: “Ah… but still, maybe that’s why I feel so close to you all. (pointing at Astha and Nitin) You two are like made for each other.”
(Astha and Nitin smile.)
(Looking at Sneha)
Shreya: “People talk about them, but what about you? What kind of guy do you want?”
Sneha: “Nothing specific… you’ll know when he comes. But leave me — what about you?”
Shreya: “Oh, I’m the crazy-in-love type. I want everything in him!”
(Everyone hoots and laughs.)
Astha and Nitin are sitting at a different table, while the other three sit at another table facing them from a distance.
Shreya: “I really find them good together, you know.”
Prashant: “Hmm. They’re nice.”
Sneha: “Really?”
Shreya (looking at Prashant): “Oye… let’s talk about you for once! You never say anything. Tell us something!”
Prashant (puts his finger on his lips trying to hush her): “There’s nothing to say!”
Shreya looks at Sneha, then back at Prashant, who seems like he’s about to say something.
Sneha: “I’m going to the bathroom.” (She leaves.)
Shreya: “Oi! When will you tell her?”
Prashant: “Tell who what?” (pretending not to get the reference)
Shreya: “You know exactly what, and so do I — even Astha and Nitin have mentioned it. You can’t act in front of me. You think no one knows? You kept staring at Sneha in class. Even when passing her, you’d look like you were hypnotized. And when you got a message from her, your face would literally light up.”
Prashant: “Wait… Sneha knows???” (a bit curious) “It’s complicated right now… I think she sees me only as a friend.”
Shreya: “I’ve tried talking to her many times, but she just says you’re a close friend. It’s not like she doesn’t know, but I don’t think she’s ready for a relationship. Still, you should definitely tell her how you feel.”
Prashant: “No, no, no… a BIG NO. I know she doesn’t feel the same way. I don’t want things to get awkward. She might feel uncomfortable too — I know her. We’re not just schoolmates or classmates. We’re neighbors too. We’ve known each other since we were 3 or 4 — my mom says we used to play together as kids. So yeah… I know she thinks of me as just a friend.”
Shreya: “But I think she just can’t express it… she has a soft corner for you.”
“God knows if your love story will go anywhere or not…!”
Back to Present – On the Bus
Prashant looks at Sneha in the back seat, who’s fast asleep. He smiles and remembers Shreya’s words:
“God knows if your love story will go anywhere or not…”
He jerks himself out of the thought and looks away.
Suddenly, Shreya speaks up.
Shreya: “Oye, I want the window seat!”
Sneha: “Why? You know I always sit by the window!”
Shreya: “Nope, today it’s my turn!”
Sneha: “I love looking at the view — this is my hobby!”
Shreya (smiles mischievously): “Fine, I’ll exchange seats with Prashant then!”
Sneha: “Ugh, again?? Why?”
Shreya (to Prashant who’s in the front seat): “Oye Prashant! Come here — let’s exchange seats!”
Prashant: “No need! I’m fine right here.”
(Shreya pulls on Prashant’s t-shirt)
Shreya: “Are you really refusing?? Such a small request! What kind of friend are you?!”
Prashant (pulling his shirt back): “Okay okay! Don’t tear my t-shirt! You’ll ruin it, you crazy!”
(Sneha watches them hopelessly and smiles. They exchange seats.)
Prashant: “Hi!” (waves and smiles)
Sneha: “What hi! Acting like we just met!”
Prashant: “You’re not even talking properly.”
Sneha: “I’m super sleepy. I’m taking a nap.”
Prashant: “Sleepyhead! You were making noise all night!”
Sneha: “It’s my eyes, I’ll do what I want!” (She closes her eyes and puts in earphones.)
Prashant: “Born lazy.” (He pinches her nose.)
Sneha: “Don’t mess with me!” (slaps his hand) “Don’t disturb me, got it?” (in a cute, irritated voice)
Sneha: “I’m sleeping. Don’t even have time to breathe!”
(She puts in earphones and closes her eyes.)
Prashant looks at her and smiles. After a while, he falls asleep too. Both are now sleeping, leaning on each other for head support.
Shreya’s Exit
After some time, Shreya’s stop arrives. She gets up to bid goodbye but sees Prashant and Sneha asleep with their heads resting on each other. She sighs, hesitates to wake them, and clicks a funny photo instead. She bids Astha and Nitin farewell and leaves.
Astha (looking at the sleeping duo): “She’s finally sleeping… Sneha can’t fall asleep anywhere but her own home.”
Nitin (on his phone): “Prashant and I were up chatting all night.”
Astha: “What kind of chatting? Was it a secret?”
Nitin: “No… just life, career, further studies.”
Astha: “Whatever it is, I know Prashant will do something great in life!”
Nitin: “I asked Prashant about Sneha last night… and he admitted he likes her a lot.”
Astha: “Sneha knows that… she just doesn’t acknowledge it.”
Nitin: “It won’t work out…”
Astha (in an annoyed tone): “What?? I’m not their matchmaker, okay? That’s their decision. Let her realize it on her own. And feelings can’t be forced!”
Nitin: “Okay okay!” (gives up seeing Astha irritated) “We’re at their stop — time to wake them.”
Nitin: “You go wake them.”
Astha: “They’re not waking up… Let them find out they missed their stop. It’ll be funny!”
(Both laugh.)
Bus Conductor Wakes Them
The bus conductor shouts at the last stop and taps them twice.
Conductor: “Brother, sister — please wake up. This is the last stop!”
(Prashant wakes up first and looks around. The bus is empty. He quickly wakes Sneha.)
Prashant: “Oye, wake up! Look — everyone’s gone!”
Sneha (in a sleepy tone): “What happened??”
Prashant: “Look where we’ve reached! Get up!”
Sneha: “Ugh… what a mess…” (takes out her wallet and gives money to the conductor)
Prashant: “Eh eh, I’ll pay — leave it.”
Sneha: “Tch… I already paid, stop nagging! Just walk!”
(They both get off the bus.)
Sneha: “Couldn’t you wake me up??”
Prashant: “YOU couldn’t wake ME up???”
Prashant: “Let’s go find the others!”
Sneha: “They’re probably already gone… look at my hair — such a mess!” (frowns)
(They take another vehicle and leave.)
