Parallel Lines: a story of memory, silence, and first love

Finally

Everyone laughed.
Arvind actually blushed.
Tiara laughed too — but it was quieter.

—

Sahil – (Truth)

"If you could change one moment in your past, what would it be?"

He smiled at Ankita.

"Not saying yes to you sooner."

A collective aww filled the air.
Ankita covered her face.

—

Tiara – (Truth)

"Have you ever lied to someone you love?"

The fire cracked loudly.

Everyone waited.

She looked at Kabir.

"Yes."

She didn't elaborate.
Kabir didn't ask.

—

Arvind – (Truth)

"What's something you've never told anyone?"

He stared at the fire. The orange glow danced across his face.

"I used to talk to my parents... after they died.
In my head. Every night. For months."

Silence.

Kiara reached for his hand, gave it a gentle squeeze.
He didn't pull away.

Scene 4 – Scattered Conversations

The game dissolved naturally. Some went inside. Others stayed near the fire.

Tiara wandered to the edge of the beach.
Arvind followed a few minutes later, unsure why.

They stood beside each other.

Not close. Not far.

Tiara:
"I didn't mean to keep things from Kabir.
But I didn't know how to explain you."

Arvind:
"You don't have to explain me."

A beat of silence.

Tiara:
"Do you still talk to them?"

Arvind (nodding):
"Sometimes. When it's really quiet."

Another silence.
But this one didn't feel heavy.

Tiara:
"I think I've spent the last year being loud... just to avoid that kind of quiet."

Arvind:
"I know."

And he did.

Return to the House

Back at the beach house, everyone was half-asleep.

Ankita had curled into Sahil's side on the couch.
Kabir sat alone at the far end of the balcony, staring out at the sea.
Kiara dozed on a beanbag, one hand still holding her phone.

Arvind watched them all.

Then turned toward the stairs.

Before going up, he looked back at Tiara — still standing outside, arms folded.

She didn't speak.
She didn't need to.

Final Narration – Closing Beat

Not every reunion is loud.
Not every truth is clear.

But sometimes, sitting near the same fire is enough —
even if you're not ready to burn together again.

Act 5.1 – After the Storm