What's Ash up to, and how will this affect the dynamics between her and Ali?
*IN ALI'S APARTMENT - DAY**
*The doorbell rings, and Ali's teammate, ZYAN, opens the door. Robert and his dad, KEN, enter. Robert, with a mix of concern and anger, heads towards Ash.*
**ROBERT**
(looking at Ash)
Hey, are you okay?
**ASH**
(nervously)
Yeah, I'm fine. What brings you guys here?
*Meanwhile, Ali's teammate, KALI, guides Ken into a study room. Ali joins them, and the atmosphere becomes tense.*
---
**IN. STUDY ROOM -
*Inside the study room, the door closes behind them.*
**ALI**
(to Ken)
Look, I appreciate the offer, but I can't take money. I did what I had to because I care about Ash.
**KEN**
(gruffly)
You're just a bodyguard. Don't get involved in family matters. Take the money.
*Ali's refusal escalates the tension. Meanwhile, Robert, watching from a distance, misinterprets the situation.*
---
*Back in the living room, Robert throws a punch at Ali.*
**ASH**
(shouting)
Stop!
*Ali's teammates, Kali and Zyan, quickly intervene, separating them.*
**ALI**
(calmly)
I need some personal space. We'll talk later.
*Ali walks away, leaving Robert puzzled and Ash concerned.*
---
**IN. ALI'S APARTMENT - LATER**
*The atmosphere is heavy with tension. Ash follows Ali into the kitchen.*
**ASH**
(softly)
Ali, what's happening? Why is Robert so angry?
**ALI**
(taking a deep breath)
There are things I can't tell you right now. Just trust me, okay?
**ASH**
(concerned)
I do trust you, but I need to understand.
*Ali glances at her, conflicted.*
I apologize for the confusion. Let's adjust the scene accordingly.
---
**IN. ALI'S APARTMENT - DAY**
*The doorbell rings, and Ali's teammate, ZYAN, opens the door. Robert and his dad, KEN, enter. Robert, with a mix of concern and anger, heads towards Ash.*
**ROBERT**
(looking at Ash)
Hey, are you okay?
**ASH**
(nervously)
Yeah, I'm fine. What brings you guys here?
*Meanwhile, Ali's teammate, KALI, guides Ken into a study room. Ali joins them, and the atmosphere becomes tense.*
---
**IN. STUDY ROOM - CONTINUOUS**
*Inside the study room, the door closes behind them.*
**ALI**
(to Ken)
Look, I appreciate the offer, but I can't take money. I did what I had to because I care about Ash.
**KEN**
(gruffly)
You're just a bodyguard. Don't get involved in family matters. Take the money.
*Ali's refusal escalates the tension. Meanwhile, Robert, watching from a distance, misinterprets the situation.*
---
**IN. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS**
*Back in the living room, Robert throws a punch at Ali.*
**ASH**
(shouting)
Stop!
*Ali's teammates, Kali and Zyan, quickly intervene, separating them.*
**ALI**
(calmly)
I need some personal space. We'll talk later.
*Ali walks away, leaving Robert puzzled and Ash concerned.*
---
The atmosphere is heavy with tension. Ash follows Ali into the kitchen.
ASH (softly) Ali, what's happening? Why is Robert so angry?ALI (taking a deep breath) There are things I can't tell you right now. Just trust me, okay?
ASH (concerned) I do trust you, but I need to understand.Ali glances at her, conflicted.
IN. ALI'S APARTMENT - DAY
Ali, noticing Ash's distant behavior, tries to talk to her.ALI (softly) Ash, we need to talk about what's going on. You've been distant since the party.
ASH (avoiding eye contact) It's nothing, Ali. I just need some space.
ALI (worried) Ash, we've been through a lot together. Can you at least tell me what's bothering you?Ash hesitates, then begins packing her things.
IN. ALI'S CAR - LATER
Ali drives Ash to her house in silence. The tension is palpable.
ALI (trying to break the silence) Ash, you can't just shut me out like this. We're a team, remember?
ASH (looking out of the window) I just need time to figure things out, Ali.Ali respects her need for space, continuing the drive in silence.
EXT. ASH'S HOUSE - LATER
Ali pulls up to Ash's house. Ash, with her bags, opens the car door.
ALI (earnestly) Whatever it is, we can face it together. Don't shut me out.Ash steps out of the car without saying a word, leaving Ali with a sense of unease as she walks toward her house.
**IN. ASH'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT**
*Ash, with a conflicted expression, sits on the couch. Ali stands nearby, concern etched across his face.*
**ALI**
(looking into Ash's eyes)
Ash, I can sense something's not right. Please, talk to me.
**ASH**
(avoiding eye contact)
Ali, it's complicated. I want to be with you, but... it's not safe.
**ALI**
(frustrated)
I can handle whatever it is, Ash. We promised to face everything together.
**ASH**
(looking down)
It involves danger, Ali. I can't risk your life. I need to handle this alone.
*Ali, frustrated and worried, paces around the room.*
**ALI**
(pleading)
Ash, we can find a way. I can't stand the thought of you facing something alone.
**ASH**
(teary-eyed)
It's to protect you, Ali. I can't lose you.
*Ali, torn between his love for Ash and the fear for her safety, takes a deep breath.*
**ALI**
(softly)
Whatever it is, Ash, we'll find a solution together. I can't let you face it alone.
*Ash, overwhelmed by emotions, looks at Ali, silently thanking him for his unwavering support.*
---
**IN. ASH'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT**
*The room falls silent after Ash's revelation. Ali, struggling to contain his emotions, finally speaks.*
**ALI**
(angry)
Pause? What do you mean, Ash? You can't just drop a bomb like that and expect everything to be okay.
**ASH**
(teary-eyed)
Ali, I can't explain everything now. It's complicated, and I need time to sort things out.
**ALI**
(voice rising)
Complicated or not, we promised to face everything together. Now you want to hit the pause button?
*Ali, feeling betrayed and hurt, storms towards the door.*
**ASH**
(pleading)
Ali, please try to understand. This is for your safety.
*Ali, without turning back, opens the door.*
**ALI**
(resentful)
I can't be in a relationship that hits pause when things get tough. Figure it out, Ash.
*The door slams shut, leaving Ash alone in the dimly lit room.*
---
**IN. UNIVERSITY CAFETERIA - DAY**
*Kali and friends sit at their usual table, exchanging concerned glances as Ali's absence becomes more noticeable.*
**KALI**
(whispering)
Something's off with Ali. He didn't show up for class today.
**ZACK**
(nodding)
Yeah, and he didn't respond to any messages. Even during basketball practice, he seemed distracted.
*The friends share worried looks, unaware of the unfolding drama in Ali and Ash's relationship.*
---
**IN. UNIVERSITY CAFETERIA - DAY**
*Ash and Ali sit separately, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. Kali and Zack approach Ash with concern evident on their faces.*
**KALI**
Ash, seriously, what's happening? We've never seen Ali like this.
**ASH**
(avoiding eye contact)
It's just... personal stuff. Don't worry about it.
*Meanwhile, Ali's friends gather around him, sharing puzzled looks.*
**ROBERT**
(leaning in)
Ali, man, you've been acting strange. Everything okay?
**ALI**
(sighs)
Just some things on my mind. It's nothing you guys need to worry about.
*Both groups of friends exchange glances, sensing that there's more to the story than they're being told.*
---
**EXT. UNIVERSITY GATES - DAY**
*Ali, watching from a distance, observes as a luxurious car pulls up. His concern deepens.*
**ALI**
(muttering to himself)
Where is she going?
*The car door opens, and Ash steps in. Ali, torn between curiosity and respect for her space, decides not to follow.*
---
**IN. UNIVERSITY CLASSROOM - DAY**
*Ali, visibly distracted, barely registers the lecture. Robert notices his friend's troubled state.*
**ROBERT**
(concerned)
Hey, Ali, everything okay?
*Simultaneously, Kali and Zack approach, sensing something is amiss.*
**KALI**
(nudging)
Where's Ash? Do you know?
*Ali, caught off guard, struggles to keep his emotions in check.*
---
*Kali and Zack, determined to find Ash, search every corner of the campus. They inquire with classmates and check common hangout spots.*
**KALI**
(to Zack)
She wouldn't just vanish like this. Something's not right.
**ZACK**
(nodding)
Agreed. Let's keep looking.
*Meanwhile, Ali, torn between worry and his own troubles, contemplates whether he should join the search.*
---
**IN ASH'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING**
*Ash walks into her home, and to her surprise, finds Kali, Zack, Robert, and Ali waiting for her. Their expressions mix concern with relief.*
**ASH**
(confused)
What's going on? Why are you all here?
**ZACK**
(with a hint of frustration)
We've been looking everywhere for you. No one knew where you went.
**ALI**
(looking worried)
You weren't answering your phone.
**ROBERT**
(adds)
We were concerned. You vanished abruptly.
**KALI**
(sympathetic)
We just wanted to make sure you're okay.
*Ash, feeling a mixture of emotions, takes a moment to respond.*
---
**ASH**
(smiling)
Relax, guys. I'm not a kid. I just went shopping. And guess what? I got some gifts for you all.
*Ash takes out a bag of gifts and distributes them to her friends. They all look at each other, a mix of surprise and relief on their faces.*
**ROBERT**
(teasing)
You had us worried there for a moment.
**ASH**
(laughing)
Sorry for the drama. I just needed some time alone.
*Ali, still looking concerned, tries to hide his feelings.*
**ALI**
(nodding)
Well, as long as you're okay.
*The tension eases, and they all start opening their gifts, bringing back a sense of normalcy.*
---
**ALI**
(smiling)
How about we save the movie for another night? You seem tired after a busy day.
*The group agrees, and everyone heads to their rooms.*
**ASH**
(still texting)
Sure, Ali. Maybe tomorrow.
*Ali notices Ash texting and feels a sense of unease. He wonders who she's talking to.*
---
**ASH**
(smiling)
Guys, why are you staring at me? Is there something special today?
**KALI**
(teasing)
Well, you just look extra radiant today.
**ASH**
(laughing)
Stop it, you're making me blush.
*Ash continues to take pictures and exchange texts, leaving Ali curious about the mysterious recipient.*