INT. HOSPITAL – ROOM 213 – LATE AFTERNOON
Golden sunlight filters through the blinds, casting soft shadows across the floor. Saif sits propped up against pillows, his left arm bandaged, IV line trailing into his wrist. The room is still, quiet — until the door creaks open.
Dr. Mahi Shaikh steps in, holding a small bouquet of fresh white lilies and a small pastry box in one hand. A faint, almost shy smile touches her lips.
MAHI:
"I thought your room could use a little color."
SAIF (blinking in surprise):
"Flowers…?"
(then noticing the box)
"And what's that?"
MAHI (playfully):
"A bribe. To make sure you actually eat something today."
She places the lilies in a vase near his bedside, then carefully opens the pastry box to reveal a slice of rich chocolate cake topped with a glossy layer of ganache.
SAIF (almost whispering):
"…Chocolate cake?"
He looks at her, stunned — his tough exterior cracking just slightly. Something vulnerable flickers in his eyes.
SAIF:
"How… how did you know I love chocolate cake?"
MAHI (smiling softly):
"You think I don't notice things?"
(she pulls up the chair beside him)
"I've seen you in the cafeteria — late shifts, corner table, same routine. Chocolate cake and coffee. Every time."
Saif stares at her — silent.
Not because she brought cake.
Not because she remembered.
But because she saw him.
And no one ever really does.
SAIF (quietly):
"I didn't think you'd ever noticed me."
MAHI (without missing a beat):
"You're kind of hard to miss, Saif."
He chuckles — a low, genuine laugh that surprises even him.
MAHI (gently):
"You don't have to talk if you don't want to. Just eat. Rest. Heal."
She hands him a fork, but instead of digging in, he watches her — the tension between them fragile, suspended.
SAIF (softly):
"You remember my cake. My coffee. My silence. You see more than I thought you did."
MAHI (smiling, standing to leave):
"That's what doctors do, Saif. We see what others miss."
She walks to the door.
SAIF (under his breath):
"I hope you never stop seeing me."
She hears it.
She pauses — just for a second.
Then walks out, quietly closing the door behind her.
And inside, Saif stares at the cake, the flowers, and the empty space where she just stood — heart aching with something sweet… and dangerous.