The Proposal: Dil-e-Nadaan

Episode 1:

Introduction
Anaya and Zayaan are cousins, living under the same roof in a joint family setup. Anaya’s family occupies the first floor, while Zayaan’s family lives on the top floor. They grew up together, sharing childhood memories and family traditions.

Anaya, a simple and kind-hearted girl, has silently admired Zayaan since they were kids. She never expressed her feelings, keeping them locked away as her little secret. Zayaan, however, has always seen Anaya as a typical, traditional girl who doesn’t fit into the modern, ambitious life he envisions for himself.

After years of studying abroad, Zayaan has returned to Pakistan, full of confidence and plans for his future. Little does he know, his grandmother (Dadi) has her own plans, which are about to shake up his world.

Scene 1: The Announcement
It’s a lively afternoon in the family lounge. Everyone is gathered, laughing and chatting. Dadi, sitting at the center, taps her cane to get everyone’s attention.

Dadi (excitedly):
“Maine ek zaroori baat karni hai!”
(“I have something important to say!”)

The room quiets down, and everyone looks at her curiously.

Dadi (smiling):
“Maine faisla kiya hai ke Anaya aur Zayaan ki shaadi kar dete hain.”
(“I’ve decided that we should get Anaya and Zayaan married.”)

The room falls silent. Anaya, sitting next to her mother, feels her heart flutter with excitement. She glances at Zayaan, hoping for a positive reaction.

But Zayaan’s face darkens, and his jaw tightens.

Shahana (Anaya’s mom, excitedly):
“Amma, yeh toh bohot acha faisla hai! Dono bachpan se saath hain, ek dusre ko samajhte hain.”
(“Amma, this is such a great decision! They’ve been together since childhood and understand each other well.”)

Kamal (Anaya’s dad):
“Haan, Amma. Yeh rishta humare liye perfect hai.”
(“Yes, Amma. This match is perfect for us.”)

Zayaan abruptly stands up, unable to contain his frustration.

Zayaan (angrily):
“Dadi, yeh aap kaise faisla le sakti hain? Mujhse bina poochhe?”
(“Dadi, how can you make such a decision without asking me?”)

Dadi (calmly):
“Tum dono ek dusre ko bachpan se jaante ho. Mujhe pata hai, tum dono ki jodi perfect hai.”
(“You both have known each other since childhood. I know you two make the perfect match.”)

Zayaan (firmly):
“Mujhe maaf kijiye, lekin mujhe Anaya se shaadi nahi karni.”
(“I’m sorry, but I don’t want to marry Anaya.”)

Anaya’s smile fades, and her heart sinks. She excuses herself quietly, pretending everything is fine.

Scene 2: The Confrontation Upstairs
Zayaan storms upstairs to his family’s portion of the house. His parents, Salma and Aslam, follow him.

Anaya, unable to stop herself, follows after a few minutes, hoping to understand Zayaan’s reaction. She stops outside his room when she hears voices.

Zayaan (angrily):
“Ammi, mujhe aise backward ladki ke sath shaadi nahi karni.”
(“Mom, I don’t want to marry such a backward girl.”)

Salma (disappointed):
“Zayaan, Anaya bohot achi ladki hai. Tumhari Dadi galat nahi hain.”
(“Zayaan, Anaya is a wonderful girl. Your Dadi isn’t wrong.”)

Zayaan:
“Achi ladki hone se kya hota hai? Mujhe modern, independent aur meri soch ke sath chalne wali partner chahiye.”
(“What’s the use of being a good girl? I want a modern, independent partner who matches my mindset.”)

Aslam (calmly):
“Beta, tumhari soch galat hai. Shaadi rishta hai samajhne ka, ek dusre ko support karne ka.”
(“Son, your thinking is wrong. Marriage is about understanding and supporting each other.”)

Zayaan (coldly):
“Mujhe maaf kijiye, lekin meri zindagi ka faisla main khud karunga.”
(“I’m sorry, but I’ll make my own decisions about my life.”)

Scene 3: The Heartbreak
Later that night, Anaya is asked by her mother to take some food upstairs for Zayaan’s family. She hesitates but agrees. As she reaches their kitchen, she hears Zayaan talking to his younger brother, Rayyan, from the living room.

Zayaan (sighing):
“Pata nahi Dadi ko kya lagta hai. Main aur Anaya ek dusre ke bilkul opposite hain.”
(“I don’t know what Dadi thinks. Anaya and I are complete opposites.”)

Rayyan (teasingly):
“Tumhara matlab hai ke tumhare dimaag ke upar she doesn’t fit?”
(“You mean she doesn’t fit your high standards?”)

Zayaan:
“Haan. Mujhe classy aur forward-thinking ladki chahiye. Anaya bas ek simple ghar ki ladki hai.”
(“Yes. I want a classy and forward-thinking girl. Anaya is just a simple, homely girl.”)

Anaya hears every word, her heart shattering further. Quietly, she places the food on the counter and walks away, her vision blurred with tears.

Scene 4: Silent Pain
In her room, Anaya stares at an old photograph of her and Zayaan as kids, laughing together.

Anaya (to herself):
“Zayaan, tumhare liye main sirf ek backward ladki hoon…
(“Zayaan, to you, I’m just a backward girl… )

She wipes her tears, looking at herself in the mirror.

Anaya (firmly):
“Lekin agar tum mujhe nahi chahte, toh main bhi koi giri pari nahi hoon. Mujhe apni izzat karni hai.”
(“But if you don’t want me, I’m not someone to be pitied. I need to respect myself.”)

She decides to put her feelings aside and focus on herself, vowing not to let Zayaan’s words define her worth.