My Cruel Love..
Living Room.
Maya has returned to the Shahriar Mansion—not as a wife, but as a broken woman carrying the weight of loss and survival.
Her father is on his deathbed. She's lost her job, her dignity hanging by a thread.
To Sabina, she's just a housemaid.
To Arman, she's a stranger.
Only Abir stands by her side.
But under one roof, old feelings don't stay buried for long --?
MRS. SABINA (coldly):
So Maya, how does it feel being a live-in assistant in our home?
Maya lowers her head, hiding her shame.
MAYA (softly): It's. fine.
MR. ANWAR (surprised):
Maya? Wait - what do you mean? A housemaid? Here?
MRS. SABINA (dryly):
She's out of money and options. So now Arman's letting her stay - doing a few chores around the house.
And guess what? She's joining the company too. Apparently, someone liked her designs.
MR. ANWAR (raising an eyebrow):
If she's talented, she belongs in the office. Why keep her here like a maid?
MRS. SABINA (accusing):
Ask your son. He brought her in. Says it's temporary - but I don't buy it.
She's probably just trying to get close to Arman again.
MR. ANWAR (firmly):
That's enough, Sabina. Whatever her reasons, this isn't how you treat someone who's struggling.
Maya clenches her fists, holding back tears.
She didn't choose this - Arman left her no other way.
ABIR (breaking the silence):
Uncle. Maya's father is dying. Stage four cancer.
She lost her job, ran out of money - she had nowhere else to go. That's why she's here.
Everyone falls silent.
Maya breaks down - not out of shame, but from sorrow.
Arman, who had been descending the stairs, stops midway, frozen.
ANJUMA (gently):
Don't cry, sweetheart. Everything happens for a reason.
Miracles do happen - you never know, your father might recover.
She hugs Maya gently. Maya sobs in her arms.
MR. ANWAR (resting a hand on her head - a quiet gesture of support):
We're here for you.
MRS. SABINA (under her breath):
What a show.
Everyone hears her.
Maya wipes her tears and straightens herself.
Arman enters.
ARMAN (stoically):
Maya, bring me a coffee. Black. No sugar.
ANJUMA:
She just got here. Let me -
ARMAN:
No. It's her job now.
MAYA:
It's okay, Mrs. Anjuma. I'll get it.
ANJUMA (smiling):
"Just call me Anjuma. No need for formality anymore."
MAYA (softly):
Okay. Anjuma.
MRS. SABINA (rolling her eyes):
So fake.
She walks out, muttering.
ABIR:
Maya, could you ask Ruby to bring me a coffee in my room?
MAYA:
I'll take care of it - really. You go freshen up.
MR. ANWAR:
I'll take some tea too, dear. But no rush.
MAYA:
I'll bring it.
INT. KITCHEN - LATER
Maya enters with a tray. She serves tea to Mr. Anwar, Mr. Manowar, and Anjuma.
Then places a bowl of soup in front of Samira.
SAMIRA (blurting out):
Thanks, sister-in-law - I mean. sister.
An awkward silence.
ANJUMA (gently stepping in):
Maya, Arman's in his room. Could you take him his coffee?
MAYA:
Sure. Also. which room is Abir's?
ANJUMA:
Just next to Arman's.
INT. ARMAN'S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Maya enters and sets the coffee on the table.
ARMAN (quietly):
Maya. how's your father?
MAYA (with a cold smile):
Like any man with terminal cancer.
She exits.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
MR. MANOWAR:
Anjuma, arrange a room for Maya.
ANJUMA:
Of course. Come with me, dear.
INT. MAYA'S ROOM - LATER
ANJUMA:
This used to be my father-in-law's room. It's simple, but peaceful.
MAYA:
I love it.
ANJUMA:
Unpack. We'll talk later.
Maya begins unpacking.
She calls the hospital, then neatly arranges her clothes and toiletries.
She pulls out a diary of her dress designs.
Opening a small locker, she finds an old wooden box.
She hesitates. then closes the locker without opening it.
KNOCK KNOCK.
SAMIRA (smiling):
Mind if I come in?
MAYA (opening the door):
Not at all.
They sit and talk on the bed.
SAMIRA:
I always thought of you as my sister even after the divorce.
MAYA:
Let's not dwell on the past.
SAMIRA:
You're right. Still, I'm glad you're here.
Calling you "sister" just feels right.
Maya smiles.
FADE OUT.
TO BE CONTINUED...