Title: Is That True?
Episode 5 – "The Van Ride"
Scene opens with the school bell ringing, signaling the end of another day. Vanni walks toward the school van, feeling the weight of the recent events—her growing feelings for Naitik, the tension with Nari, and the confusing behavior from Naitik.
Vanni gets into the van and sits in her usual spot. She notices Naitik is sitting by the window, looking lost in thought. The air between them feels heavy, like something unspoken is hanging in the air.
Suddenly, the van driver, Mr. Sharma, announces that he needs to change positions because of some technical issue with the steering wheel. He walks to the back of the van, leaving the front seat empty.
Mr. Sharma:
"I'll just be a moment. Someone needs to take the front seat to keep the van going."
Vanni and Naitik exchange glances. Neither of them wants to take the front seat, but Vanni gets up and moves toward the front.
Vanni (softly, to herself):
This feels awkward.
Naitik, sensing the awkwardness, unexpectedly stands up as well.
Naitik (quietly):
"I'll switch with you. It's fine."
Vanni looks at him, surprised by his gesture. She hesitates but then nods.
Vanni:
"Okay."
They both move to the front seats. Naitik sits in the driver's seat, while Vanni takes the passenger seat. There's an uncomfortable silence between them as the van starts moving.
Vanni (thinking):
Why does this feel so strange now? We've sat in the same van for so long, but now everything feels different.
Naitik glances at her briefly, his eyes betraying something he's holding back. He clears his throat.
Naitik (quietly):
"You know, you don't have to sit up here just because I'm driving. It's really fine."
Vanni (looking out the window):
"It's not about that... I just want things to go back to how they were."
Naitik doesn't respond, focusing on the road. Vanni can't help but feel a strange pull toward him, but she's unsure whether it's friendship or something more.
Suddenly, the van swerves slightly, and Vanni grabs onto the seat in front of her, her heart racing. Naitik quickly steadies the van.
Vanni (nervously):
"What happened? Is everything okay?"
Naitik (nodding quickly):
"Yeah, just a little bump. Sorry about that."
Vanni looks at him, her heart still racing. There's a moment of silence before Naitik speaks again, his voice quieter now.
Naitik:
"I know I've been distant lately. It's not that I don't care. It's... complicated."
Vanni turns to him, her eyes softening.
Vanni (gently):
"You don't have to explain everything right now, Naitik. But if there's something you want to say, you can."
Naitik glances at her, clearly torn.
Naitik (quietly):
"Maybe... but not just yet. I don't want to make things worse."
Vanni nods, sensing the conflict inside him. She leans back in her seat, trying to process everything.
Vanni (thinking):
Why is everything so complicated with him? But... I still care. I want to know the truth.
The van continues to drive in silence, but now there's a subtle connection between them—a quiet understanding that, maybe, they're both holding on to something they can't quite let go of.