chapter 55.

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INT. AHANA'S HOUSE - EVENING

Ahana's mom sits on the couch, eyes glued to the TV. An excited advertisement blasts through the speakers.

TV VOICEOVER
"FINALLY! THE ASSAM TRIP YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR - THREE NIGHTS AT A LUXURY HOTEL, AIRFARE INCLUDED..."

Her mom quickly dials a number, eyes lighting up.

AHANA'S MOM
"Fourteen tourist attractions in Assam... meals included too..."

TV
"ONLY ₹30,000! BOOK NOW!"

Ahana rushes in, snatches the phone from her hand.

AHANA
"I should've known better than to let you have a break."

AHANA'S MOM (pouting)
"Hey! It's a special offer! I'll never get this price again. Let me book it before the ad ends-"

AHANA
"We can't afford a trip right now! Yash has his SATs coming up, we already have so many expenses... You can go when things settle down."

AHANA'S MOM (softly)
"And when will that be? Life's short, Ahana. If you keep waiting for the 'right time,' you'll die having done nothing..."

She sighs and walks to her room. Ahana exhales, guilt creeping into her chest. She follows.

AHANA
"You can go after Yash's exams. Just not now... please."

AHANA'S MOM (forcing a smile)
"You must be tired. Go shower."

---

INT. KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER

Ahana pours a glass of water. Her phone buzzes. It's Yash.

AHANA (on call)
"Yeah? What is it?"

YASH
"Why aren't you answering Aunty's calls?"

AHANA
"Aunty called? I must've missed it... I was arguing with mom. Why is your mom always so dramatic?"

YASH (voice serious)
"Ahana... don't freak out, just listen."

AHANA
"What is it? Did you get into trouble again?"

YASH (quietly)
"Mom has breast cancer."

Ahana's hand trembles. The glass nearly slips. The world seems to stop spinning.

AHANA (barely audible)
"What...?"

---

INT. DON MORDEN - PRACTICE HALL - NEXT DAY

Ahana approaches Reyansh.

AHANA
"Can we adjust the training schedule?"

REYANSH (surprised)
"I planned it around everyone's availability... why, something changed?"

AHANA (hesitates)
"I might need to take on more shifts... Could we rearrange a little?"

REYANSH
"We're getting close to the rivalry with St. Teresa. You can't miss individual training either..."

AHANA (nods slowly)
"I understand..."

---

INT. PRACTICE ROOM - LATER

Everyone is practicing. Ahana messes up repeatedly. Her mind's clearly elsewhere. Shravani halts the music.

SHRAVANI
"Ahana Singhania! Get it together!"

AHANA
"I'm sorry..."

SHRAVANI
"Let's take ten."

Ahana slumps to a corner. Advika comes over and hands her a water bottle.

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