Scene 1: Ainur's House – Wedding Whispers Begin
Sunlight filters through lace curtains. Ainur's mother and aunt laugh in the kitchen, preparing baursak and tea.
AUNT:
"She hasn't said the word 'wedding,' but I've already picked her dress color!"
MOTHER (smiling):
"She's glowing like a bride already."
Ainur, listening from her room, blushes. She touches her wrist where Arman tied the gold thread in Chapter 10.
Scene 2: Arman's House – A Ring and a Plan
Arman holds a small velvet box. Inside is a delicate silver ring shaped like an open tulip—Kazakh-style, simple but powerful.
He takes a deep breath and whispers:
"I'll ask her properly this time."
He doesn't know what's about to hit him.
Scene 3: Village Square – Unwanted Guest Arrives
The square is busy. Kids chase each other. An old man tunes a dombra.
Suddenly—a fancy black car rolls into the village. Dust. Silence.
From it steps Dana.
Yes. That Dana.
Tall, sharp, city-dressed, and wearing red lipstick like a war flag.
She walks right up to Arman and says loud enough for the aunties to hear:
DANA:
"Really? This is what you left me for?"
The air goes ice cold.
Ainur sees. Everyone sees.
Scene 4: Orchard – The Confrontation
Later, Ainur stands near the orchard, the sun sinking behind her. Arman rushes toward her, breathless.
ARMAN:
"I swear—I didn't invite her. I haven't seen her in months!"
AINUR (quiet, trembling):
"Then why does she know where to find you?"
ARMAN:
"She found me… because she never let go. But I did. Ainur, I left her for a reason."
He reaches into his pocket, shows her the ring.
ARMAN:
"I wanted to give this to you tonight."
AINUR (angrily):
"You think a ring fixes what I just felt?"
He drops his arm. The box stays closed.
Scene 5: That Night – Torn
Ainur lies in bed. Her heart is thundering.
She remembers Dana's voice: "This is what you left me for?"
She stares at the ceiling.
And she asks herself the one question she thought she buried:
"Was I just the safer choice… or the real one?"