Dilruba: coughing R-remmmember w-when weee d-danced here??
clutches onto Cooper's arm It was... the beginning of everything. Do you remember?
Yes I do remember it. It was the start of everything for us, but it was not all sunshine and roses for us either.
stands up straight, trying to regain composure Y-yes... I remember. looks around cautiously We were so in love back then.
Yes we were. You were my everything back then.
narrows her eyes, searching for hidden cameras Eyes everywhere... always watching. whispers Did you ever feel... trapped?
Trapped? Yes I did feel that way at times, but I also felt lucky to have you in my life.
takes a step back, voice filled with pain Lucky? You think having me in your life was a lucky break? smirks
Yes I do because I still remember how we met and what you had been through before we met.
steps forward, invading Cooper's personal space What I had been through? Oh, you have no idea, Cooper. leans in close, whispering You want to know?
If you wish to tell me then I am all ears.
pauses, takes a deep breath Alright, Cooper. Prepare yourself for the darkest tale you've ever heard. gazes into his eyes
pauses, her voice trembling It started when I was just a child... her eyes glaze over, lost in memories
You were a child when we met, so it makes sense that we would have a dark past.
her voice grows colder, detached No, Cooper, it wasn't just a dark past. It was a living nightmare. pauses, searching his eyes for empathy
A living nightmare? What happened?
As Dilruba begins to recount her traumatic past, tears stream down her face, and she starts to tremble with anger and pain.
embraces Dilruba, holding her tightly I'm here for you. I'll protect you from anyone who tries to hurt you again.
pulls away from Cooper's embrace, wiping her tears Protect me? No, Cooper, you can't protect me. No one can. voice filled with bitterness
Why would you say something like that? I can and I will protect you.
snorts, rolling her eyes Oh, Cooper, you're so naive. crosses her arms Protection? It's just an illusion, a fleeting promise.
Well I am a man of my word, so I will protect you with my life if I have to.
smirks, leaning in closer to Cooper Ah, the classic knight in shining armor act. How quaint. playfully pokes his chest