The Proposal: Dil-e-Nadaan

Episode 7

Scene 1: Morning Realizations

(The sun has just begun to rise, casting a golden hue over the lawn. The air is crisp, carrying the gentle scent of dew on freshly cut grass. Zayaan, usually not an early riser, steps outside, drawn by the tranquility of the morning. Wearing a casual white t-shirt and pajama pants, he runs a hand through his slightly messy hair and takes a deep breath, savoring the peace.)

(As he steps onto the lawn, his eyes land on Anaya. She’s wearing a simple pastel-colored shalwar kameez, watering the plants with care. The sunlight dances on her face, highlighting her soft features. The morning breeze plays with her hair, and a strand keeps falling over her face as she works. She tries to tuck it behind her ear, but it keeps slipping forward. Unaware of his presence, she hums a soft tune to herself.)

(Zayaan stops in his tracks. For the first time, he sees her in a way he hadn’t before—graceful, calm, and effortlessly beautiful. Something stirs within him, a feeling unfamiliar yet comforting.)

Zayaan (muttering to himself, smiling slightly):
“Kya yeh wahi Anaya hai jo hamesha itni simple lagti thi? Aj toh… kuch alag hi lag rahi hai.”
(Is this the same Anaya who always seemed so simple? Today, she looks… different.)

(He stands there, unable to look away as she continues watering the plants. The sound of water hitting the soil and the chirping of birds create a peaceful melody in the background.)

(Finally, Anaya senses someone’s gaze and looks up, startled to see Zayaan standing there. She quickly adjusts her dupatta and gives him a small, awkward smile.)

Anaya (surprised):
“Zayaan? Tum!
(Zayaan? You!)

Zayaan (softly):
“Good morning, Anaya. Subah-subah itni mehnat? Impressive.”
(Good morning, Anaya. Working so hard this early? Impressive.)

(Anaya looks up, a bit surprised by his polite tone, and smiles faintly.)

Anaya:
“Good morning, Zayaan. Tum uth gaye? Koi khaas baat?”
(Good morning, Zayaan. You’re up? Any special occasion?)

Zayaan (calmly):
“Nahi, bas socha subah ki fresh hawa le loon. Aur tumhe kaam karte dekh kar lag raha hai, tumhara passion gardening hai.”
(No, just thought I’d enjoy the fresh morning air. And seeing you work, it seems gardening is your passion.)

(Anaya looks at him curiously, surprised by his genuine tone.)

Anaya (smiling slightly):
“Haan, mujhe plants pasand hain. Nature ke saath time spend karna acha lagta hai.”
(Yes, I like plants. I enjoy spending time with nature.)

(He walks closer, his eyes still subtly observing her as she resumes watering the plants. Her focus shifts back to her work, but the strand of hair once again falls across her face. Zayaan watches as she struggles to move it, and without thinking, he steps forward.)

Zayaan (gently, surprising even himself):
“Ruko, main kar deta hoon.”
(Wait, let me fix it.)

(Anaya freezes, her hand stopping mid-motion as Zayaan reaches out. He carefully tucks the strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers brushing against her skin for a fleeting moment. She looks up at him, her eyes wide with surprise, while he meets her gaze, his expression soft and thoughtful.)

Anaya (flustered, stepping back slightly):
“Umm… shukriya. Main… main kar leti.”
(Umm… thank you. I… I could’ve done it myself.)

(For a brief moment, Zayaan feels a warmth in the conversation, almost enjoying the sincerity of the moment. But then, as if realizing he’s getting too soft, his expression changes, and he decides to mask his feelings.)

Zayaan (grinning):
“Lekin ek baat batao, tum yeh plants inka naam lekar bulati ho ya seedha ‘tum’ keh kar baat karti ho?”
(But tell me something, do you call these plants by their names, or do you just talk to them as ‘you’?)

(Anaya blinks, confused at the sudden change in tone.)

Anaya (frowning):
“Kya? Zayaan, tum phir shuru ho gaye?”
(What? Zayaan, you’ve started again?)

Zayaan (pretending to be serious):
“Nahi, seriously pooch raha hoon. Dekho, tumhari bonding lag rahi hai inse.
(No, I’m seriously asking. Look, you seem bonded with them.

Anaya (irritated):
“Zayaan, tum agar bas mazaak karne aaye ho, toh wapas chale jao.”
(Zayaan, if you’re here just to joke, then go back.)

Zayaan (laughing):
“Arre nahi, main toh tumhari talent ki tareef kar raha hoon. Waise, inme se kisi plant ne tumhe complain kiya ho toh mujhe zaroor batana.”
(Oh no, I’m just praising your talent. By the way, if any of these plants ever complain about you, do let me know.)

Anaya (angry now):
“Zayaan, tum seriously impossible ho! Kya tumhare paas kuch aur kaam nahi?”
(Zayaan, you’re seriously impossible! Don’t you have anything better to do?)

Zayaan (grinning mischievously):
“Nahi, abhi ka toh mera kaam tumhe irritate karna hai. Aur mujhe lagta hai, isme main champion ban gaya hoon.”
(No, right now, my job is to irritate you. And I think I’ve become a champion at it.)

(Anaya picks up a small watering can, glaring at him.)

Anaya:
“Zayaan, agar tum abhi nahi gaye na, toh yeh paani tumhare upar hoga!”
(Zayaan, if you don’t leave right now, this water is going on you!)

(Zayaan bursts out laughing and takes a step back, holding his hands up in mock surrender.)

Zayaan (laughing):
“Arre, arre! Relax, Anaya. Main jaa raha hoon. Tum paudhon ke saath enjoy karo.”
(Alright, alright! Relax, Anaya. Enjoy with your plants.)

(Anaya huffs angrily, and Zayaan, still laughing, turns and runs toward the house. He glances back briefly, grinning as he sees her muttering angrily to herself. As he enters the house, his laughter fades, and a thoughtful expression takes over.)

Zayaan (to himself):
“Kya kar raha hoon main? Bas casual rehna… aur kuch nahi.”
(What am I doing? Just stay casual… nothing else.)

(But deep inside, he knows this moment will linger in his mind longer than he’d like to admit.)

Scene 2: A Thoughtful Conversation

(Kamal is sitting in the cozy living room, sipping tea and reading the newspaper. He notices Zayaan walking by, seemingly lost in thought. Kamal calls out to him.)

Kamal:
“Zayaan, beta, zara idhar aao. Thodi der baith ke baat karte hain.”
(Zayaan, son, come here for a moment. Let’s sit and talk.)

(Zayaan stops in his tracks, hesitates for a moment, and then walks over to sit on the sofa across from Kamal. He keeps his expression calm but neutral.)

Zayaan:
“Ji, Uncle. Kuch baat karni thi?”
(Yes, Uncle. Did you want to discuss something?)

Kamal (smiling warmly):
“Haan, beta. Dadi ne jo tumhara rishta propose kiya tha Anaya ke liye, uska kya socha tumne?”
(Son, your grandmother proposed your match with Anaya. What are your thoughts on it?)

(Zayaan shifts slightly but responds with respect.)

Zayaan:
“Uncle, mujhe Anaya ki izzat aur aap sab se meri rishtedari ka ehsaas hai. Lekin maine pehle bhi kaha tha, mujhe lagta hai yeh faisla dono taraf se dil se hona chahiye.”
(Uncle, I deeply respect Anaya and our family connection. But as I’ve said before, I believe such decisions should come from both hearts.)

Kamal (nodding thoughtfully):
“Bilkul sahi baat hai, Zayaan. Lekin humain laga ke tum dono ek saath bade hoye ho, ek doosre ko bohot achhe se jante ho. Toh agar hum tum dono ka rishta kar deinge, toh tumhe koi problem nahi hogi”
(That’s absolutely right, Zayaan. But we thought, since you both grew up together and know each other so well, there shouldn’t be an issue if we proceed with your match.)

Zayaan (sincerely but cautiously):
“Ji, Uncle, hum dono ek doosre ko bohot achhe se jante hain. Anaya meri sabse achhi dost hai, lekin maine kabhi usse ek achhi dost se zyada nahi socha.”
(Yes, Uncle, we know each other very well. Anaya is my best friend, but I’ve never thought of her as anything more than that.)

(Kamal studies Zayaan carefully, his expression calm but slightly questioning.)

Kamal:
“Main tumhari baat samajhta hoon, lekin kabhi-kabhi dil ke decisions logic se zyada waqt ke saath aate hain. Tumhare mann mein is baare mein koi confusion ya reason hai jo tum share karna chahte ho?”
(I understand your point, but sometimes matters of the heart take time and go beyond logic. Is there any confusion or reason you’d like to share about this?)

Zayaan (pausing for a moment, then speaking earnestly):
“Sirf itna ki mujhe lagta hai ke Anaya deserve karti hai ke usey woh insaan mile jo uska dil jeet sake. Aur main khud ko uss maqam pe nahi dekhta.”
(Just that I feel Anaya deserves someone who can truly win her heart, and I don’t see myself in that place.)

(Kamal sighs but smiles softly, appreciating Zayaan’s clarity and respect.)

Kamal (changing the topic):
“Acha, tumhe toh pata hoga ke abhi recently Saad ke dost Sameer ka rishta Anaya ke liye aaya tha.”
(Okay, you must know that recently Saad’s friend Sameer proposed for Anaya.)

Zayaan (nodding):
“Ji, Uncle. Saad ne mujhe bataya tha.”
(Yes, Uncle. Saad told me about it.)

Kamal (leaning forward):
“Tumhe Sameer kaisa lagta hai?”
(What do you think of Sameer?)

Zayaan (calmly):
“Acha lagta hai, Uncle. Sameer ek achha insaan hai.”
(I think he’s good, Uncle. Sameer is a nice person.)

Kamal:
“Acha, toh ek kaam karo. Saad se baat karke meri usse akele mein ek meeting set karwa do. Main uske baare mein aur jaanna chahta hoon.”
(Alright, do me a favor. Talk to Saad and arrange a one-on-one meeting for me with Sameer. I want to learn more about him.)

(Zayaan freezes momentarily, taken aback. Another meeting was definitely not part of the plan, and panic flickers in his eyes. But he quickly masks it, not wanting to raise suspicion.)

Zayaan (hesitating but nodding):
“Ji, Uncle. Main Saad se baat karta hoon aur meeting arrange karwa deta hoon.”
(Sure, Uncle. I’ll talk to Saad and arrange the meeting.)

Kamal (smiling reassuringly):
“Shabash, beta. Tumhare jazbaat ki izzat karta hoon. Par yeh baatein clarity ke liye zaruri hoti hain.”
(Good, son. I respect your feelings. But these discussions are necessary for clarity.)

(Zayaan nods politely, his mind racing as he stands up to leave. As he walks away, he wonders how to navigate this unexpected twist.)

Scene 3: The Conference Call

(Zayaan is pacing in his room, phone in hand. He hesitates but finally dials Saad and Sameer, setting up a conference call. The phone rings, and Saad answers first.)

Saad:
“Hello, Zayaan bhai! Kya hua? Tumhara serious tone suna toh laga koi dhamakedaar khabar hai.”
(Hello, Zayaan! What’s up? You sound serious, so I thought it must be something explosive.)

Zayaan:
“Dhamakedaar hai. Tumhe baad mein thank you bolunga iske liye!”
(It is explosive. I’ll thank you later for this mess!)

Saad (confused):
“Arre, pehle bata toh sahi. Kya baat hai?”
(Whoa, at least tell me what’s going on first!)

(Sameer joins the call, his cheerful voice cutting in.)

Sameer:
“Conference call? Kya chal raha hai, bhaiyo? Mujhe laga dosti ka World War shuru ho gaya!”
(A conference call? What’s going on, guys? I thought it was the beginning of World War Friendship!)

Zayaan (grumbling):
“World War toh ab hone wala hai, Sameer. Tum dono suno.”
(World War is about to start, Sameer. Listen up, you two.)

Saad (excited):
“Oho, dramatic entry! Batao, kya scene hai?”
(Oho, dramatic entry! Tell us, what’s the scene?)

Zayaan:
“Scene yeh hai ke Uncle Kamal tumhare Sameer bhai se ek aur meeting karna chahte hain. Akelay mein.”
(The scene is that Uncle Kamal wants to have another meeting with your dear Sameer. One-on-one.)

Sameer (shocked):
“Bhai, baat toh sirf ek meeting ki hui thi! Ab ek aur, wo bhi akele mein?!”
(Bro, it was supposed to be just one meeting! Now another, and that too alone?!)

Saad (laughing):
“Arre Sameer, tera rishta kya college ka admission hai? Pehle written test, phir viva?”
(Sameer, is your proposal like a college admission? First a written test, then a viva?)

Zayaan (cutting in):
“Jitni mazaak karni hai kar lo. Meri halat socho. Uncle ne mujhe kaha hai ke main Saad se baat karoon aur tumhari meeting arrange karoon. Tum samjho, Sameer. Meri jaan atki hui hai!”
(Laugh all you want. Think about my situation. Uncle told me to talk to Saad and arrange this meeting for you. Understand, Sameer, I’m the one stuck here!)

Sameer (panicking):
“Tumhe apni jaan ki pari hai, aur yahaan agar meri hone wali biwi ko pata chal gaya ya meri family ko pata chal gaya ke main kya karta phir raha hoon, toh shaadi ke khane ke bajaye mere soyam ka khana hoga!”
(You’re worried about your situation, but if my future wife or my family finds out what I’m up to, there won’t be a wedding feast—it’ll be my funeral feast!)

Saad (laughing hard):
“Arre bhai, apne soyam ke liye chicken biryani rakhwana. At least khana toh acha hoga!”
(Bro, make sure to serve chicken biryani at your funeral. At least the food will be good!)

Zayaan (annoyed):
“Saad, tumhari bakwas khatam ho gayi ho toh kuch kaam ki baat karein?”
(Saad, if you’re done with your nonsense, can we talk about something important?)

Saad (still teasing):
“Haan haan, Sameer, tum apni CV bhi le jana. Achhe dulhe wali!”
(Yeah yeah, Sameer, take your CV along. One that fits a good groom!)

Zayaan (frustrated):
“Sameer, tum is fazool insaan ki baat mat suno. Please yaar, bhai nahi hai, bhai ke kaam aa ja ek akhiri baar!”
(Sameer, don’t listen to this nonsense guy. Please bro, be a brother and help me out one last time!)

Saad (mocking):
“Haan haan, kal ko yeh kahega, ‘Bhai, shaadi bhi karle ek akhiri baar.’”
(Yeah yeah, tomorrow he’ll say, ‘Bro, just get married for me one last time.’)

Sameer (shocked):
“Kya?! Main?!”
(What?! Me?!)

Zayaan (hurriedly):
“Nahi nahi, isko chhoro. Tum bas please, ek akhiri baar!”
(No no, ignore him. Just please, this one last time!)

Sameer (sighing):
“Acha, par yeh last hai. Samjhe?”
(Okay, but this is the last. Understood?)

Zayaan (relieved):
“Haan haan, bilkul last! Thank you, bhai!”
(Yes yes, absolutely the last! Thank you, bro!)

Zayaan:
“Theek hai, Saad. Uncle se baat karke meeting ka time fix karo. Sameer, tum apna best performance dena!”
(Fine, Saad. Talk to Uncle and fix the meeting time. Sameer, give your best performance!)

Sameer:
“Don’t worry, Zayaan bhai. Tumhare liye ek Oscar-winning performance dunga!”
(Don’t worry, Zayaan. I’ll give an Oscar-winning performance for you!)

(The call ends with laughter, leaving Zayaan slightly more relaxed but still anxious about the meeting ahead.)

Scene 4: Setting the Meeting

(Saad is lounging on his couch when he dials Kamal’s number. Kamal picks up, sounding calm as ever.)

Kamal:
“Hello, Saad beta. Kaise ho?”
(Hello, Saad. How are you?)

Saad:
“Bas uncle, aapki dua se theek hoon. Aapka kaam kar diya hai. Sameer kal aapse milne ke liye tayar hai.”
(I’m good, Uncle, by your blessings. I’ve arranged everything. Sameer is ready to meet you tomorrow.)

Kamal:
“Shukriya, beta. Kahan milna hai?”
(Thank you, son. Where should we meet?)

Saad:
“Uncle, ek restaurant mein mil lete hain. Aap batayiye kahan jana pasand karenge? Main aur Zayaan sab set kar lenge.”
(Uncle, let’s meet at a restaurant. You tell me where you’d like to go, and Zayaan and I will arrange everything.)

Kamal (chuckling):
“Thik hai, beta. Bas mere liye ek aisi jagah ho jahan sukoon ho aur baat karne ka mauka mile.”
(Alright, son. Just make sure it’s a quiet place where we can have a proper conversation.)

(Saad assures Kamal and finalizes the plan. The next day, Kamal arrives at the restaurant and meets Sameer, who is already seated, nervously fiddling with his tie.)