Weights clang. Breath trembles. Skin glistens under a single pale light.
NAIRA, fists wrapped, slams her hands into the punching bag. Again. And again.
NAIRA (Voiceover)
I'm too weak.
NAIRA (Voiceover)
I have to become stronger.
Not to fight.
But to carry what he can't.
She stares at her trembling hands. Then—
FLASHBACK – NIGHT AFTER THE INCIDENT
AARAV is slumped on the couch. His jacket is bloodied. Hands bruised. Asleep.
NAIRA stands by the door, arms folded, trying not to shake.
A soft voice:
NAIRA
Anahata... how do I become strong?
A low hum, then the Anahata speaks—gentle, almost reluctant.
ANAHATA
What kind of strength?
NAIRA
The kind he can rely on.
The kind that stands, even when he falls.
ANAHATA sliding a metal box toward her—inside, rows of sleek, glimmering syringes.
ANAHATA
These were never meant for you.
But these…
(thoughtful pause)
These are the least harmful.
She nods once. No hesitation.
NAIRA (Voiceover)
I didn't want power.
I just didn't want to slow him down.
FLASHBACK – THE FIRST TIME THEY MET
A junkyard under grey skies.
NAIRA, cornered by a gang. Desperation in her eyes.
Then—
A figure crashes in. Wild, reckless, furious.
NAIRA (Voiceover)
That day... I thought it was luck.
But now I know—
It was the start of everything.
FLASHBACK – IN THE SUIT TOGETHER
Bullets rain like metal thunder.
She's inside the same suit as Aarav, her body braced against his.
Every impact slams through the shell—vibrating through their bones.
She feels the pain ripple through him before it reaches her.
NAIRA (Voiceover)
He never cried out...or maybe he did.
And I… I wanted to be protected like that again.
I wanted to stand next to him.
FLASHBACK – NAIRA'S HOUSE
AARAV stands at her doorway. She's asleep inside, unaware.
AGAIN...
FLASHBACK – POLICE RECORD ROOM
Guns. Chaos. Red lights.
AARAV in the middle of it all—sweating, dodging, pushing past danger.
NAIRA (Voiceover)
I watched from the screen.
USELESS...
INT. BASEMENT – NOW
NO MORE...She opens the syringe case.
Takes one.
Stares at it.
No hesitation.
Plunges it into her arm.
Breathes out.
NAIRA (Voiceover)
If I break—so be it.
But I won't let him break alone.
Her reflection stares back—red-rimmed eyes.