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Chapter 21 - words that always turn into wounds

Episode 21: Shadows Between Us

Opening – The Darkness Breathing (Suspense Build-Up)

Start with complete silence after the shadow outside the door.

Describe Aaniya's heartbeat echoing in her ears, her breath shaky, the smell of smoke stronger now.

Suleman gestures to her to stay still, but Aaniya can see the tension in his jaw and the way his hand keeps hovering near the drawer with the gun.

Aaniya whispers something like "Who is it?", but he shakes his head, signaling silence.

Tone: Close POV on Aaniya's fear and confusion, sensory details (rain, smell of smoke, flickering light).

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Scene 1 – The Close Call

The doorknob moves slightly, making her choke on her breath.

Suleman steps closer to the door, one hand behind his back (maybe holding the gun now).

The shadow on the glass lingers… then moves away.

Both wait — seconds feel like hours — until they hear footsteps fading down the corridor.

Tension lingers, but they can't relax because "What if it's a trick?"

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Scene 2 – Locked In and Close (Romantic Tension Begins)

Suleman closes the curtains and locks the windows.

Aaniya sits on the desk because her knees feel weak.

He tells her firmly: "You should've stayed at home."

She fires back: "If you think I can just sit there after what I saw—"

Their argument turns into an intense moment. She accuses him of hiding things, he says he's doing it to keep her alive.

Physical closeness happens naturally — he steps closer while speaking, and she realizes how near he is. The air feels heavier, charged.

Describe his voice low and rough, her breath catching, and her fingers tightening on the edge of the desk.

Mini-romantic beat:

He says something like: "You think I'd ever let anyone hurt you?" — and for a second, she believes him completely.

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Scene 3 – The Photograph Secret Hints

She asks about the photo again, softer this time: "You and Aaliyaan… tell me what that was."

Suleman finally admits: "I knew him. Long before you married him."

Suspense line: "What kind of 'knew'?"

He doesn't fully explain yet, but says: "He wasn't who you thought he was."

Before he can say more, a loud crash outside makes both of them jump.

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Scene 4 – Power Cut and Darkness

Suddenly, the power goes out, plunging everything into complete darkness except for the faint glow of streetlights through the rain-streaked glass.

Aaniya panics slightly, but Suleman grips her wrist gently, pulling her close so she doesn't trip.

He murmurs: "Stay close to me."

Romantic tension heightens in the dark — describe warmth of his hand, sound of his breathing, her racing pulse.

They move to a safer corner, sitting low against the wall as footsteps echo again outside.

In that moment of fear, their closeness becomes almost unbearable — her head brushing his shoulder, his arm around her protectively.

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Scene 5 – The First Real Spark

While waiting in silence, they whisper. Aaniya asks: "Why are you doing this for me?"

His answer: "Because I can't lose you too."

(This is the first strong emotional reveal hinting at his feelings.)

She's stunned but before she can respond, the door handle jerks violently this time — someone is definitely trying to get in.

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Scene 6 – The Intruder

Suleman pushes her gently behind a cabinet, whispers "Don't move."

He takes out the gun quietly, his silhouette tense.

The lock rattles, then a voice calls out (chilling tone):

"Suleman… open the door. We need to talk."

Suleman doesn't answer.

Aaniya recognizes the voice — but she can't place it immediately.

Suddenly, the sound of something sliding under the door — a folded piece of paper.

Suleman picks it up, opens it — his face hardens.

(We don't reveal what's written yet, to keep suspense.)

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Scene 7 – The Escape Plan

Suleman realizes staying is dangerous. He whispers: "We're leaving. Now."

Aaniya protests: "In this rain? With whoever that is outside?"

He looks at her with such intensity: "I'm not giving them what they want."

Romantic touch: as they prepare to move, he helps her with her coat, his fingers brushing her hair back — and for a moment, they just stare at each other, soaked in adrenaline and something else neither wants to name yet.

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Ending Cliffhanger

They move toward the back door, the rain roaring louder now.

Just as they reach it, a gunshot shatters the glass of the front door.

Aaniya screams, Suleman drags her down, covering her with his body as shards rain around them.

His lips near her ear: "Run when I say run."

Last line:

Outside, through the shattered door, a silhouette appeared — cigarette glowing in the dark like a single, watching eye.

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