[Scene: Morning. Kitchen. Light rain whispers on the windows. Kabir enters, sharp in a charcoal suit, white shirt cuffed just right, black coffee already in his hand. Hair still damp. Phone buzzing. Power walking, but he stops when he sees Inaaya tying up the milk packet.]
Kabir
Kabir
(briefly pausing):
You’re always up before me?
Inaya
(without turning):
You’re later than usual.
Kabir
(checks his Rolex):
Had back-to-back calls with Singapore.
And now a board meeting. Monday’s not playing nice.
Inaya
Neither is your collar.
[She walks over, adjusts it — quick, neat fingers. Their breath brushes in silence.]
Kabir
(quietly):
Thanks.
Inaya
(still close):
You forget things when you think too much.
Kabir
(half-smiling):
I run a company. Thinking too much is literally my job.
Inaya
But who remembers your ID card?
Kabir
(blinks):
You?
Inaya
Dining table. Left it beside the newsprint.
Moved it to your laptop bag.
You're welcome.
[He looks at her differently now. The woman in soft cotton, not boardroom polish — but precise in a way he understands.]
Kabir
You’re observant. That’s rare.
Inaya
(gently):
You’re not used to being seen, are you?
Kabir
(after a pause):
Not like this.
[He sips his coffee. She pours her tea. No rush, no noise. Two people navigating a marriage like a new language.]
Kabir
(glancing at the time):
I have to go.
Inaya
(nods):
Drive safe.
Kabir
I’ll be late. There’s a dinner with the investors.
Inaya
(simply):
Okay.
Don't forget to eat something before you charm them.
Kabir
Charm’s not my thing.
Inaya
(soft smile):
Exactly why it works.
[He walks to the door. She doesn’t follow. But he turns around anyway — maybe out of habit, or… hope.]
Kabir
Do you want anything?
Inaya
From where?
Kabir
Anywhere
Inaya
(a pause):
Something that reminds you there’s a home to come back t
Kabir
That’s a very cryptic shopping list.
Inaya
(shrugs):
You’ll figure it out. CEOs always do.
[He nods once, leaves. She stands in the kitchen, kettle still warm. Her fingers graze the edge of his untouched toast — but she doesn’t eat it.]
> "Something that reminds you there’s a home to come back to."
[At a red light, he finally texts.]
Kabir
Don’t cook tonight. Let’s order in. You choose.
Inaya
(after a moment):
Anything with garlic… and peace
[He lets out a slow breath. Traffic moves. But this time, so does he — not just through the city, but toward something unnamed.]
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