is this love?

Chapter - 3 - Unspoken Promises

[INT. RUDRA'S HOUSE - DAY]

The scene opens with Rudra and Shradha arriving home, where Sanjay awaits them.

Sanjay: Oho Anni! First time seeing the bride riding her own horse...this deserves a picture. (He clicks a photo)

Granny: (panicking) What happened? Where is the driver?

Shradha: Paati, calm down. Actually, I wasn't feeling well. It seems there's gas also...I don't like the smell, so I just requested the driver for self-drive. Please don't mistake me.

Granny: I am sorry, ma...I didn't mean to hurt. Seeing you in the driver's seat got me worried. Now, are you okay? Do you want anything?

Shradha: No, Paati, I'm good, thanks.

[Meanwhile, Rudra enters the house.]

Sanjay: Brother, she's someone different. I think she will nail it, man. Congrats.

Granny approaches Rudra.

Granny: Rudra! What are you doing? Any idea why Shradha is still outside?

Rudra: What should I carry her?

Granny: Obviously! That's her first Grahapravesh (home entering ceremony).

With a sigh, Rudra goes out and sees Shradha's teary eyes. She quickly controls her emotions. After Arathi, Granny asks for some promises as a bride and groom, and then asks Rudra to lift Shradha inside.

As Rudra bends to lift her, Shradha steps inside with her right leg, saying...

Shraddha: I believe in equality, Paati, so "it's okay, I'll come myself."

[Rudra's anger flares up.]

Sanjay: Anni, we know that, and we saw how you ride your own palanquin (car). But this is for our happiness. We want our Rudra to lift you.

Shradha: What if he lets me down?

[Rudra's expression changes suddenly as he ponders her words.]

Shradha: I mean, it was such a long day. He might be tired and exhausted. What if he dropped me? I don't want him to suffer because of me.

Sanjay: Woah, Anni. You win my heart. If all girls were like you, there wouldn't be any issues.

Granny: But let him.

[Shradha interrupts her.]

Shraddha: But, Paati, I have done my grahapravesh with Guru. I'm inside only.

[While she was discussing with Granny, Rudra steps forward and picks her up quickly.]

Shraddha: Oh my! (She holds his collar tightly in fear)

[Both share a moment of eye contact, Rudra looking at her proudly while Shradha gazes back with panic and teary eyes.]

Rudra: (in a caressing voice) I won't let you down! Oh yeah, (in a different, taunting tone) I won't drop you down.

[Shradha moves her eyes from him, not wanting him to notice her, but his eyes are entirely fixed on her, understanding her pain and need for him.]

Rudra starts to walk, lifting her, and Guru also climbs onto Shradha's waist. Rudra then places them comfortably on the sofa.

Shradha notices that Rudra didn't move until she adjusted her attire, ensuring she was comfortable.