2nd Episode

Karthik, who is Surya’s best friend and the one who referred him to Wipro, reaches home and calls Surya before his shift starts.

KARTHIK: Hey Surya, your friend Riya was waiting for you at the gate. I told her the truth—that you’re on the 12 AM shift.

SURYA: Why was she waiting for me? For what purpose?

KARTHIK: She said you are her motivation. Apparently, you're the reason she's doing so well. You should meet her in the canteen tomorrow.

SURYA: Does anyone else know I’m your friend and that I’m working the night shift?

KARTHIK: Everyone knows except Riya. She’s a new joinee; she’s only been at Wipro for 6 months.

SURYA: (Laughing) How can you call her a new joinee? she has 6 months of experience! I just joined recently, so actually, I’m the new joinee. Anyway, that’s okay Karthik. I’ll meet her tomorrow.

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## SCENE 40: THE CANTEEN MEETING

The next morning at 7:00 AM, the sun is up over Sholinganallur. Surya has just finished his logout. Instead of heading straight home, he goes to the main canteen. He sees Riya sitting at a corner table, nervously sipping a coffee.

SURYA

(Walking up to her)

I heard someone was waiting for me yesterday. Is that true, Riya?

RIYA

(Surprised and blushing)

Surya! You’re here! Yes... I wanted to thank you properly. Your quote about the fire and the oil... it really changed my perspective.

SURYA

(Sitting down)

I’m glad. But Karthik told me you didn't know he was the one who brought me here. We’ve been friends for years.

RIYA

Karthik? He’s the most senior person in our team! I had no idea you were connected to him. Why didn't you tell me?

SURYA

I wanted my work to speak for itself, not my connections. Besides, being the "Night King" is more fun when it's a mystery.

Karthik, who is Surya’s best friend and the one who referred him to Wipro, reaches home and calls Surya before his shift starts.

KARTHIK: Hey Surya, your friend Riya was waiting for you at the gate. I told her the truth—that you’re on the 12 AM shift.

SURYA: Why was she waiting for me? For what purpose?

KARTHIK: She said you are her motivation. Apparently, you're the reason she's doing so well. You should meet her in the canteen tomorrow.

SURYA: Does anyone else know I’m your friend and that I’m working the night shift?

KARTHIK: Everyone knows except Riya. She’s a new joinee; she’s only been at Wipro for 6 months.

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## SCENE 40: THE CANTEEN MEETING

SURYA

(Walking up to her)

I heard someone was waiting for me yesterday. Is that true, Riya?

RIYA

(Surprised and blushing)

Surya! You’re here! Yes... I wanted to thank you properly. Your quote about the fire and the oil... it really changed my perspective.

SURYA

(Sitting down)

I’m glad. But Karthik told me you didn't know he was the one who brought me here. We’ve been friends for years.

RIYA

Karthik? He’s the most senior person in our team! I had no idea you were connected to him. Why didn't you tell me?

SURYA

I wanted my work to speak for itself, not my connections. Besides, being the "Night King" is more fun when it's a mystery.

------------------------------

## SCENE 41: THE GHOST’S NEW HOBBY

Back on the 10th floor, the office is empty as the day shift begins elsewhere. The Ghost is sitting at Surya's desk. She isn't screaming or crawling on the ceiling.

Instead, she is staring at a picture of Surya and Riya that Surya left as his desktop wallpaper. She tilts her head and let's out a soft, ghostly sigh.

GHOST

(Thinking)

If I can't scare him... maybe I can play matchmaker.

She uses her cold, translucent finger to draw a "heart" shape on the dusty monitor screen over their faces..

SCENE 45: THE TRAP ON THE 10TH FLOOR

Riya cannot sleep. She is confused by Surya’s message about a "gift" on his desk. At 6:00 AM, just before Surya’s logout, she sneaks up to the 10th floor. The lights are dim. She reaches Surya's bay and sees the red heart on the monitor.

RIYA

(Whispering)

I didn't draw this... then who?

Suddenly, the air turns ice-cold. The GHOST appears, but this time she isn't matching hearts—she is furious. She looks at Riya with bloodshot eyes.

GHOST

(Voice echoing)

Vadi! Unakaga tha wait pantu irundha. Unna sagadichanum! Unna epdi varanchu pathiya? (Come here! I’ve been waiting for you. I must kill you! Did you see how I drew you?)

Riya falls back, her heart racing.

RIYA

(Trembling)

Please... enna vittudu! (Please... leave me alone!)

GHOST

(Screaming)

Avan en mukka odachan! Kallu midhichan! Current shock kuduthan! Idhukala karanam nee! Avan kooda serndhu support panra... unna na kollama vidamatta! (He broke my nose! He stepped on my leg! He gave me a current shock! You are the reason for all of this! you support him... I won't let you live!)

The Ghost lunges at Riya, her translucent claws reaching for her neck.

RIYA

(Screaming loudly)

ENNA VITTUDU! SURYAAAA!

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SCENE 46: THE HEROIC ENTRY

One floor below, Surya has just finished his logout. He is walking toward the stairs when he hears a familiar, terrified scream.

SURYA

(Eyes widening)

Riya?!

He doesn't wait for the elevator. He sprints up the stairs, his heart pounding. He bursts through the glass doors of the 10th floor.

Inside, he sees Riya cornered against a pillar. The Ghost is hovering right in front of her, looking like a nightmare. The Ghost turns and sees Surya. Her expression shifts from rage to shock.

Surya still doesn't realize she is a spirit. He thinks it’s just a prankster or a crazy intruder in a costume.

SURYA

(Shouting)

Hey! Who are you?! Leave her alone!

Riya sees Surya and runs to him, hugging him tightly, her whole body shaking.

RIYA

(Crying)

Save me, Surya! I saw it... the ghost! It tried to kill me! It’s real, Surya! It’s real!

------------------------------

SCENE 47: SURYA’S UNREAL REACTION

Surya holds Riya, but he looks at the "Ghost" with an annoyed expression.

SURYA

Riya, stay behind me.

He steps forward, looking the Ghost straight in the eyes. The Ghost is confused—usually, people faint when she looks at them like this.

SURYA

(To the Ghost)

Listen, "Sister." I don't know which department you are from or why you are wearing this makeup at 6 AM. But you scared my friend. That is a major HR violation.

GHOST

(Stunned silence)

...HR violation?

SURYA

Yes! And if you touched my monitor to draw hearts, that’s "Tampering with Company Property." Get out before I call Security Ravi Anna!

The Ghost looks at Surya, then at Riya. She realizes that as long as Surya is around, her "scary powers" are useless because he simply refuses to believe she is dead. Frustrated and defeated once again, the Ghost vanishes into the ceiling.

SURYA

(Turning to Riya)

See? She ran away. Probably a frustrated developer from another floor. Are you okay?

RIYA

(Looking up, still terrified)

Surya... she didn't run away. She... she disappeared into thin air.

SURYA

(Checking the ceiling)

High-speed ventilation, Riya. Don't worry. I’m here now.

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SCENE 75: THE KILLER RETURNS

Senior VP RAJ walks into the 10th floor with a fake, charming smile. The moment he steps through the glass doors, the temperature drops to a bone-chilling level. The air conditioning hums violently, but Raj ignores it.

He walks straight to Surya and gives him a big, theatrical hug.

VP RAJ

(Laughing)

My man, Surya! People told me a ghost lives on this floor. But all I see here is Surya, the legend!

SURYA

(Smiling)

You’re right, sir. There’s nothing here. My friend Riya is the one who keeps watching horror movies at night and getting scared for no reason.

VP RAJ

(His eyes glinting)

Riya? Is she beautiful? Like... someone else I used to know here? I’d like to meet her.

Raj’s mind starts working. He remembers Prathima. He remembers how he controlled her. He wants a new target.

VP RAJ

(Thinking to himself)

If Riya is that pretty, I should bring her to the night shift. It will be easier to "handle" her when the office is empty.

SCENE 76: THE DEADLY SUGGESTION

VP RAJ

Surya, I was thinking... maybe Riya should move to the night shift. It would be good for her. It would make her strong, just like you.

SURYA

(Shaking his head)

Ayyo, no sir! She is a pity baby girl. If she comes here at night, she’ll be terrified. She’s not ready for this.

Behind them, the GHOST of PRATHIMA is hovering. Her face is twisted in pure agony and fear. She sees Raj’s face—the face of the man who took her life. She starts crying, her translucent tears hitting the floor like ice.

GHOST

(Whispering frantically)

Surya... say no! Don’t let her come here. Riya should not suffer like me! Don’t let him near her!

Surya feels a sudden heaviness in the air, but he can't hear her words.

SCENE 77: RAJ’S DEPARTURE

VP RAJ

(Patting Surya’s shoulder)

We’ll see, my dear Surya. I’ll meet you tomorrow and we can discuss the shift changes. Bye for now!

Raj walks out, his expensive shoes clicking on the floor. Prathima follows him to the elevator, her eyes glowing red with fury, but she cannot touch him yet—his "power" in the office is still too strong.

SCENE 78: THE WARNING MESSAGE

The moment Raj leaves, Surya feels an intense shiver. He picks up his phone. He feels an instinctive urge to warn Riya, even though he doesn't know why.

SURYA (MESSAGE):

"Riya, the Senior VP was just here. He was asking about you. Listen... whatever happens, don't agree to any shift changes yet. Something feels weird today."

Riya, sitting in her room looking at the video of Raj killing Prathima, grips her phone tight.

RIYA

(To herself)

He’s already there. He’s looking for me. Prathima, don't worry... I'm coming to finish what he started five years ago.

SCENE 83 – THE MISSING CHILL

The 10th floor is silent. Surya is typing, but he keeps wiping his forehead with his sleeve. He looks at the thermostat; it says 16°C, but he is drenched in sweat.

SURYA

(Fanning himself with a file)

What happened today? Usually, it's so cold I feel like I'm in Ooty. Why is it so hot tonight? Is the Wipro AC finally failing?

He doesn't realize that every night, the "cool breeze" he enjoyed was actually the Ghost standing right behind him. Tonight, she is far away, lost in her own thoughts.

SCENE 84 – THE GHOST’S WORRY

Prathima is sitting on a distant filing cabinet, her head in her hands. She isn't scaring Surya or standing near him to keep him cool. She is terrified.

GHOST

(Thinking)

Raj is back. He wants Riya now. If she comes to this floor, he will trap her just like he trapped me. Surya is brave, but he doesn't know Raj is a murderer. I have to save her.

She looks at the heavy glass doors and the electrical panels. She is calculating how to use her powers to defend Riya instead of scaring her.

SCENE 85 – SURYA CALLS OUT

Surya stops working and looks around the dim office. He sees the Ghost sitting silently in the shadows. She looks small and worried, not like a scary spirit.

SURYA

(Calling out)

Hey! Sister! Why are you sitting all the way over there? Come here, man! It’s roasting hot today. I actually miss your "supernatural AC."

The Ghost looks at him sadly but doesn't move. She is too busy planning for the danger ahead.

SURYA

(Sighing)

Fine, be like that. But if I faint from the heat, don't complain when the productivity drops!

SCENE 86 – THE 10-DAY COUNTDOWN

It is now 5:45 AM. Surya starts his logout process.

The Ghost finally stands up. She walks toward the main elevator and places her hand on the cold metal button. A small spark of blue electricity flickers. She is testing her strength.

GHOST

(Whispering)

Ten more days. Ten days until Riya comes. I won't let history repeat itself.

SCENE 87 – THE MORNING LOGOUT

Surya walks out of the building and sees Riya waiting near the fountain. She looks at his sweaty face and messy hair.

RIYA

Surya! Why are you sweating so much? Is the AC broken?

SURYA

(Wiping his neck)

I don't know, Riya. My "Ghost AC" was on strike today.

RIYA

(Calmly)

Maybe you’re just working too hard, Surya. You should drink more water.

SURYA

(Laughing)

Maybe. But seriously, it was like the "soul" was missing from the floor tonight.

Riya nods, but her mind is miles away. She isn't going to tell him about Prathima's murder. She isn't going to tell him about the video on her phone or the VP’s dark history.

RIYA

(Thinking)

If I tell him now, he’ll do something heroic and get himself fired—or worse. I have to keep this secret until I'm actually on that floor.

SALARY DAY – MAY 31st

The "Salary Credited" notification hits everyone’s phones at the same time. The atmosphere in the cafeteria is a mix of excitement and secret jealousy.

SURYA: 5.0 LPA (Top Performer Bonus)

RIYA: 4.0 LPA (2nd Rank Achievement)

OTHERS: 2.8 LPA (Standard Base Pay)

As per Wipro's strict policy, the exact numbers are supposed to be confidential. However, curiosity gets the better of the day shift team.

SCENE 105: THE INTERROGATION

Surya is packing his bag, ready to logout after his final May shift. Suddenly, DHANUSHREE and a few other colleagues corner him near the elevator.

DHANUSHREE

(Curiously)

Hey Surya! Big day today, huh? Your phone must have buzzed with a heavy amount. Come on, tell us... how much was your salary?

MALE COLLEAGUE

Yeah, Surya. You did 147 tasks! You must have gotten a huge hike. Just give us a hint. Is it double our pay?

SURYA

(Adjusting his bag, perfectly calm)

Guys, you know the rules. Discussing salary is against company policy. It’s better if we keep our focus on the production, not the payslip.

DHANUSHREE

(Teasing)

Oh, look at him! So professional. Just a small range?

SURYA

(Smiling)

If I tell you, I’ll have to give you a "System Error" too. Enjoy your weekend, everyone. See you in June!

He taps his ID card and walks out, leaving them frustrated but curious. SCENE 108 – THE DISAPPEARING ACT

Surya walks through the cafeteria, scanning every table for Riya. He wants to congratulate her on the salary hike and see her before his shift. But she is nowhere to be found. He spots Dhanushree at a corner table.

SURYA

Hey Dhanushree, where is Riya? I haven't seen her since the morning.

DHANUSHREE

Oh, she took a holiday today. She said there’s a big family function she has to attend.

SURYA

(Nodding)

A function? Oh, okay. Let her enjoy. Yesterday she was looking so stressed because of that VP Raj. A break will be good for her.

He heads home, but a few hours later, his phone pings.

RIYA (MESSAGE):

"Happy June 1st, Surya! You have a big surprise waiting for you tonight. Don't be late for your login! 😉"

SCENE 109 – THE BLACK SHADOW

11:55 PM. The 10th floor is pitch black. The security guards haven't turned on the main lights yet. Surya taps his card and enters. The floor feels eerily silent.

SURYA

(Whispering)

Sister? Prathima? Are you playing hide and seek?

Suddenly, he sees a silhouette moving near the window. It looks like a shadow draped in long, flowing fabric. For the first time, Surya’s heart skips a beat.

SURYA

(Walking toward the shadow)

Who is that? Hey! Security?

SCENE 110 – THE SURPRISE

Suddenly, CLICK!

The cabin lights flicker on. Standing there is RIYA. She looks stunning, draped in a beautiful black saree—Surya’s favourite color. She is holding a small, glowing cake in her hands.

RIYA

(Smiling brightly)

Happy Birthday, Surya!

SURYA

(Shocked)

Riya?! What are you doing here at 12 AM? You said you had a family function!

RIYA

(Laughing)

That was the lie for Dhanushree! I had to prepare this. Today is June 1st, Surya. My night shift starts tonight. I’m your new partner!

SURYA

(Grinning)

You idiot! I really thought you were a ghost for a second. If you get scared later and scream, I’m going to beat you on your head! But... thank you. This is amazing. Come inside.

SCENE 111 – THE CAKE CUTTING

They sit at Surya’s desk. The Ghost of Prathima is hovering near the ceiling, watching them. She isn't angry; she is curious. She sees the candle flame dancing.

Surya cuts the cake. As Riya claps and sings, Surya goes quiet for a moment. He looks at the "Happy Birthday" written in cream.

SURYA

(Softly)

The last time I actually cut a cake was back in my school days. After I started working, I forgot birthdays even existed.

RIYA

(Gently)

Well, you’re the King of the Night now. The King deserves a celebration.

SCENE 112 – THE WATCHFUL EYE

As Surya eats a piece of cake, he feels a sudden, familiar chill. He looks at the seat next to him.

SURYA

Hey Riya, sit here. This is your new spot.

Riya sits down, but she feels it—the heavy, cold presence of Prathima. She looks at the monitor where she saw the heart drawn in the dust.