Kaise yeh yaarian

Part 32

SPACE – TERRACE – EVENING

 The air is heavy — not with noise, but with the weight of choices.

Nandini stands near the edge of the terrace, gripping the railing. Her hair dances in the breeze, but her stillness speaks volumes.

Footsteps. Familiar.

MANIK
(softly)
You're going to burn a hole through the railing if you keep gripping it like that.

NANDINI
Not funny.

Manik walks to her side, slowly. He's calm, but watchful.

MANIK
I heard. The principal... rusticating Navya?

NANDINI
(scoffs)
As if being pregnant is a crime. As if she's a disgrace.
(beat)
She was already breaking, Manik. He just pushed her off the edge.

MANIK
He's a coward with a nameplate.

(slight pause)
Listen... Nyonika's back in two days. If I speak to her—

NANDINI
(cuts him off)
No.

MANIK
(tilts head, surprised)
No?

NANDINI turns to him, firm. Eyes sharp.

NANDINI
I know the kind of strings she pulls. And I know what she'll ask in return.

MANIK
Let me handle that.

NANDINI
But why should you have to? Just to get Navya back? You'll be forced to play her game. Give her something she wants — something that takes a piece of you every time.

MANIK
(sincerely)
I can take it.

NANDINI
I can't let you.

(beat)
This isn't your fight, Manik.

MANIK
But it's yours. And that makes it mine too.

She looks away, struggling, then exhales.

NANDINI
I have a plan. With the principal.
(beat)
He wants to punish Navya because she was "immoral" in his eyes. I challenged that.

MANIK
How?

NANDINI
I told him it's the 21st century — and if having a physical relationship is grounds for rustication, then half this college should be packing their bags.

(beat)
He didn't like that.

MANIK
(smiling slightly)
I'm sure he didn't.

NANDINI
So I made him a deal. A vote. Anonymous. One question.
"Have you had a physical relationship after turning 18?"
If the majority says yes — Navya stays.
If not — he can go ahead and remove her.

Manik stares at her, impressed. But he's also aware how risky this is.

MANIK
That's a bold move. And messy. You know most people lie when fear is involved.

NANDINI
Then let them. But I'll at least expose the double standards.

(beat)
This fight... it's not just about Navya anymore. It's about every girl who's ever been shamed for something a guy is applauded for.

Manik steps closer now, gently. His voice softens.

MANIK
You really think this will work?