Scene 1: Wedding Morning
It's finally here.
The sun rises over the steppe.
Ainur sits with Gulzhan, getting her hair braided and gold clips woven in.
GULZHAN (smiling):
"You're glowing like you've already won."
AINUR:
"I did.
I just want today to be simple."
It won't be.
Scene 2: Arman—Gone
Back at Arman's home, his mother enters his room.
His suit is untouched. His shoes are missing.
A single note lies on the bed:
"I'll be back before the first drumbeat. I promise."
– A.
He's disappeared hours before the wedding.
Scene 3: The Vanishing
Ainur's smile fades.
Guests arrive. Musicians tune instruments.
The red carpet is rolled out.
But Arman doesn't show.
The imam whispers, "Should we delay?"
AINUR (heart cracking):
"No. We wait."
Gulzhan grabs her hand and says nothing.
She's never seen Ainur look scared like this.
Scene 4: Arman's Mission
Far outside the village, Arman pulls up to a dusty building.
He meets the man who has been watching Ainur's family—the government agent.
ARMAN:
"You want to bury her name?
Then do it to my face."
AGENT:
"You're brave. Or stupid."
ARMAN:
"No, I'm in love. And I'm not afraid anymore."
The agent hands over a sealed envelope.
Inside: Ainur's clearance papers.
"Marat's daughter no longer listed. History has been rewritten."
AGENT:
"Make your wedding.
But know that someone else will always be watching."
Scene 5: Just In Time
Back at the village—
The first drumbeat begins.
Ainur stands alone at the end of the aisle.
Suddenly—
A motorbike screeches into the scene. Arman jumps off, out of breath, holding the envelope in one hand.
ARMAN (shouting):
"She's free!
Forever!
And I'm never leaving her again!"
He runs down the aisle.
Ainur doesn't wait.
She drops the bouquet and runs too—into his arms.
The village erupts into clapping.
Scene 6: The Vows Begin… But One Person Leaves
As they sit before the imam, ready to exchange vows—
Dana, hidden in the crowd, stands.
She watches them, no longer angry—just… defeated.
She whispers to herself:
DANA:
"I loved the wrong way.
But maybe… they didn't."
She walks away. Disappears for good.