• Synopsis: "Kabir's Descent"
• Genre: Crime Thriller, Psychological Drama
• Length: 15-minute pilot episode
• Logline: In the vibrant city of Mumbai, a recovering addict's life spirals into paranoia and madness when he becomes obsessed with the idea that a thief hiding in his building poses an imminent threat.
• Synopsis: In Mumbai, 25-year-old Kabir, a recovering addict battling mental health issues, wakes up to a WhatsApp group warning of a thief in the building. This message triggers his deep-seated paranoia, convincing him he's in immediate danger. His girlfriend, Rhea, loves him but is exhausted by his instability, straining their long-distance relationship. Kabir's ongoing job hunt adds to his frustration. Meanwhile, the thief, hiding in the building’s maintenance shaft, plots his next move while struggling with his own heroin addiction. Kabir's obsession with the thief grows, driving him further into madness and pushing Rhea away. The episode climaxes with Kabir confronting his imagined threat, leaving him teetering on the edge of reality and delusion.

This pilot sets the stage for a tense, psychological drama as Kabir's paranoia and the real danger of the thief intertwine.

As the beat of "5% Tint" by Travis Scott pulses in the background, the camera pans over the sprawling expanse of Mumbai's urban landscape, a labyrinth of lights and shadows. Amidst the towering buildings, one structure stands out, a monolith against the night sky. It's a high-rise, its windows shimmering with a faint glow from within, a beacon of both wealth and secrecy in the darkness.

Cut to a narrow maintenance shaft running along the side of the building, barely wide enough for a person to squeeze through. Inside, nestled amidst the pipes and wires, lies our protagonist, the thief. He's tall and wiry, his silhouette blending seamlessly with the shadows. Despite the cramped space, he appears strangely at ease, as if this makeshift hideout is his natural habitat.

The thief reaches into his pocket, retrieving a small packet of heroin. With practiced efficiency, he prepares the drug, his movements fluid yet precise. As he inhales the intoxicating fumes, his bloodshot eyes gleam through the mask he wears, a stark contrast against the darkness surrounding him.

The heroin takes hold, flooding his senses with euphoria and numbness in equal measure. He leans back against the cold metal of the shaft, a contented smile playing on his lips. But his ritual is not yet complete.

From a tin box hidden within the depths of the shaft, the thief retrieves a delicate pair of women's underwear. Holding it to his face, he inhales deeply, savouring the lingering scent of his ill-gotten gains. A sigh escapes his lips, laden with a mix of longing and satisfaction as if this simple act brings him closer to some elusive sense of fulfilment.

In this solitary moment, amidst the pulsating rhythm of the city and the haze of narcotics, the thief finds solace in his stolen treasures, a fleeting escape from the harsh realities of his existence.

INT. BUILDING COMMITTEE OFFICE - DAY

Three members of the building committee sit around a table, sipping on coffee as they discuss the recent incident. They're all middle-aged, dressed in formal attire, with concerned expressions on their faces.

MR. SINGH: (leaning forward) So, let me get this straight. The resident wasn't even home when the theft occurred?

MRS. MEHTA: (nodding) That's correct. She claims she had a biometric safe installed, but when she returned, it was gone. She suspects foul play.

MR. SHARMA: (rubbing his chin) And you said the watchmen spotted someone on the duct area around 4 am?

MR. SINGH: (nodding) Yes, that's correct. They received a complaint from the maid who lives in that apartment about a strange noise. When they went to investigate, they saw a tall, lanky figure sitting on the duct, but by the time they reached there, he vanished into thin air.

MRS. MEHTA: (frowning) Did they manage to catch him on the CCTV?

MR. SHARMA: (turning on the monitor) Yes, take a look at this.

They watch intently as the grainy CCTV footage plays, showing a masked figure darting past the camera in a blur of motion. He swiftly climbs up one of the pipes, disappearing from view.

MR. SINGH: (impressed) He's quick, I'll give him that. But we need to catch this thief before he strikes again.

MRS. MEHTA: (nodding) Agreed. I'll send out a WhatsApp broadcast message to the building group, along with the footage. We need everyone to be on high alert. And let the cops know too.

As MRS. MEHTA sends out the message, the tension in the room palpable.

*  *  *

INT. KABIR 'S APARTMENT - DAY

KABIR jolts awake to the sound of his phone buzzing incessantly with notifications. He groggily picks it up and reads the WhatsApp message from the building committee, detailing the theft and sharing the CCTV footage.

His eyes widen in alarm as he watches the grainy footage, the figure in the mask sending a shiver down his spine.

KABIR : (muttering to himself) FUCK.

Instantly paranoid and intrigued, KABIR 's mind races with thoughts of potential danger lurking in the shadows of his own building. Little does he know, this newfound obsession will consume him in ways he never imagined.

INT. KABIR 'S APARTMENT - DAY

KABIR paces back and forth in his cluttered apartment, his eyes darting nervously between his laptop and his phone. He's been scouring job listings for hours, his frustration growing with each rejection email.

KABIR : (frustrated) Another rejection. Great.

His phone buzzes with an incoming FaceTime call from RHEA. He answers with a forced smile, trying to hide his mounting stress.

KABIR: Hey Rhea!

RHEA : (concerned) Hey, Kabir. How's the job hunt going?

KABIR : (sighs) Same old, same old. No luck yet.

RHEA : (sympathetic) I'm sorry, Kabir. I know it's tough out there.

KABIR nods, appreciating her understanding but feeling the weight of his own inadequacy.

KABIR: Yeah, it's just... frustrating. I feel like I'm never gonna find anything.

RHEA : (encouraging) Don't give up, Kabir. I believe in you. You'll find something eventually.

As they talk, KABIR 's gaze keeps drifting towards the CCTV monitor in the corner of the room, his paranoia simmering beneath the surface.

KABIR : (suddenly) Hey, uh, Rhea, did you see the message I sent you from the building committee about the thief?

RHEA : (curious) Yeah, I saw it. But Kabir, I think you're overreacting. It's probably just some petty thief.

KABIR : (defensive) But what if it's not? What if he's dangerous?

RHEA : (trying to reassure him) Kabir, calm down. It's gonna be okay. Just focus on finding a job, okay? Everything else will work itself out.

KABIR nods, but the unease lingers in the air, casting a shadow over their conversation.

KABIR : (quietly) Yeah, you're right. Sorry, I'm just... stressed.

RHEA : (softly) I know, Kabir. But we'll get through this together, okay?

As they say their goodbyes and end the call, KABIR is left alone with his thoughts, the weight of his paranoia pressing down on him like a leaden blanket.

*  *  *

In the next scene, we could delve deeper into Rhea's perspective as she grapples with her own doubts and fears about their long-distance relationship, while also navigating the unexpected attention from AHAAN on Instagram.

INT. TRENDY RESTAURANT - EVENING

RHEA, SASHA, and PRIYA sit at a table, immersed in conversation and laughter. The atmosphere is vibrant, with the clinking of glasses and the buzz of chatter surrounding them.

PRIYA: (excitedly) So, Sasha, tell us about Rohan's latest business venture. Vintage cars, right? How's that going?

SASHA: (beaming) Oh, it's going great! Business for him has really been booming. He's got collectors from all over the country flocking to him.

RHEA : (smiling) That's amazing, Sasha. Rohan really knows his stuff.

As they chat, the conversation turns to PRIYA's boyfriend, who recently received a promotion at his advertising firm.

PRIYA: (proudly) Yeah, things are really looking up for Aryan. He's been working so hard, and it's finally paying off.

RHEA listens to her friends' success stories, feeling a pang of envy mingled with guilt. When the conversation inevitably turns to her own relationship, she hesitates for a moment before speaking.

SASHA: (curious) So, Rhea, how's Kabir doing? Still job hunting?

RHEA forces a smile, her discomfort evident.

RHEA : (casually) Oh, you know Kabir. Still figuring things out.

SASHA and PRIYA exchange knowing glances, sensing the tension in RHEA's response.

As they chat, RHEA's phone buzzes with a notification. She discreetly checks it and sees a message from AHAAN, the hotshot actor she went on a date with via Hinge.

SASHA: (teasingly) Ooh, who's that, Rhea? Secret admirer?

RHEA blushes, trying to play it cool.

RHEA : (jokingly) Oh, just some guy I went on a date with ages ago. Nothing serious.

SASHA raises an eyebrow suggestively, her curiosity piqued.

SASHA: (teasing) Ahaan, right? The one who's always posting those shirtless selfies on Instagram?

RHEA laughs, knowing exactly who she's talking about.

RHEA : (rolling her eyes) Yeah, that's him. Mr. Splits Villa himself.

SASHA grins mischievously, enjoying the opportunity to tease her friend.

SASHA: (playfully) So, did he ask you out again? Or is he just sliding into your DMs with those cheesy pickup lines?

RHEA chuckles, shaking her head at SASHA's antics.

RHEA : (playfully) Oh, you know, the usual. Just trying to resist his charm.

Deep down, both RHEA and SASHA know that her heart belongs to KABIR , but they continue to banter and laugh, finding solace in each other's company.

*  *  *

EXT. RESTAURANT PATIO - NIGHT

RHEA and SASHA step outside for a smoke, the cool night air a welcome relief from the crowded restaurant.

SASHA: (smirking) So, spill the tea, Rhea. What's the deal with Ahaan?

RHEA takes a drag of her cigarette, her mind drifting back to her brief encounter with the charming actor.

RHEA : (thoughtfully) He texted me, you know. Asked if I wanted to grab coffee sometime.

SASHA raises an eyebrow suggestively, knowing that RHEA is in a committed relationship with KABIR.

SASHA: (teasingly) Coffee, huh? Is that what they're calling it these days?

RHEA laughs, knowing that SASHA means well.

RHEA : (playfully) Oh, stop it, Sasha. You know I'm with Kabir.

SASHA: (lightly) What's really going on with you and Kabir?

RHEA takes a deep breath, her guard dropping in the presence of her closest friend.

RHEA : (hesitant) It's just... complicated, Sasha. I care about him, I really do. But sometimes I wonder if we're on the same page, you know?

SASHA nods in understanding, her expression sympathetic.

SASHA: (gentle) I get it, Rhea. It's okay to have doubts. You have to think about what's best for you in the long run.

They continue to talk, their conversation meandering from relationship woes to lighthearted anecdotes about their wilder days.

SASHA: (playfully) Speaking of which, remember that one time we crashed that party and ended up skinny dipping in the pool?

RHEA laughs, the memories of their carefree antics bringing a brief moment of joy amidst her uncertainty.

Their conversation continues, a mixture of lighthearted banter and genuine heart-to-heart moments. Despite the distractions and temptations that surround her, RHEA knows where her heart truly lies—with KABIR.

*  *  *

INT. RHEA 'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Alone in her apartment, RHEA lies in bed, her thoughts drifting back to her conversations with SASHA and the message from AHAAN. Despite the playful banter and the allure of past flings, she knows that her love for KABIR runs deep.

As she closes her eyes and drifts off to sleep, she finds comfort in the knowledge that no matter what challenges lie ahead, she and KABIR will face them together.

INT. RHEA 'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

RHEA lies in bed, her phone buzzing with an incoming FaceTime call from KABIR. She answers with a warm smile, but she can't shake the feeling of unease from their previous conversation.

RHEA: Hey

KABIR : (forced cheerfulness) How was dinner with the girls?

RHEA : (lightly) Oh, you know, the usual. Sasha was being her usual outrageous self, as always.

KABIR 's smile falters slightly, sensing the underlying tension in RHEA's response.

KABIR : (tentatively) Everything okay?

RHEA : (brushing it off) Yeah, yeah, everything's fine. Just tired, I guess.

KABIR nods, not entirely convinced, but he doesn't press the issue.

KABIR : (changing the subject) So, uh, have you heard anything else about the thief in the building?

RHEA sighs inwardly, knowing where this conversation is headed.

RHEA: Kabir, we've been over this. It's probably nothing. Just your imagination playing tricks on you.

KABIR : (frustrated) But Rhea, I can't shake this feeling. I keep hearing things at night that I've never noticed before. And I swear, sometimes it sounds like someone's trying to break in.

RHEA's heart sinks at the desperation in KABIR 's voice. She struggles to find the right words to reassure him.

RHEA : (gentle) Kabir, listen to me. I know you're scared, but you can't let this consume you. The thief is probably long gone by now. You need to focus on taking care of yourself.

KABIR nods reluctantly, but the fear still lingers in his eyes.

KABIR : (softly) I know, Rhea . I'm sorry. It's just... hard.

RHEA's heart breaks for him, knowing that his struggles with paranoia and anxiety are taking a toll on their relationship.

RHEA : (sympathetic) I know, Kabir. But we'll get through this together, okay?

As they say their goodbyes and end the call, RHEA can't shake the feeling of helplessness that gnaws at her insides. She knows that KABIR needs her now more than ever, but she's not sure how to ease his fears.

*  *  *

INT. KABIR 'S APARTMENT - EARLY HOURS OF THE MORNING

KABIR paces back and forth in his dimly lit apartment, the weight of his paranoia pressing down on him like a leaden blanket. He can't shake the feeling that someone is watching him, waiting to strike.

Suddenly, he hears a sound outside his door, like a faint whisper in the darkness. His heart pounds in his chest as he cautiously approaches the peephole, his hands trembling with fear.

He peers through the dirty glass, straining to see through the darkness. And for a brief, terrifying moment, he swears he sees a shadowy figure lurking just beyond his door.

His breath catches in his throat as he stares, frozen in fear, unsure of what to do next.

Little does he know, this moment will mark the beginning of a descent into madness, as his paranoia and obsession with the mysterious thief threaten to consume him entirely.

INT. KABIR'S LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON

Kabir is sprawled on the couch, a cricket bat lying beside him. The room is dimly lit, curtains drawn tightly. He stirs, groggy and disoriented, blinking slowly as he tries to get his bearings. Dark circles frame his eyes, and his unshaven face adds to his haggard appearance.

KABIR: (groaning) What time is it?

He reaches for his phone on the coffee table, knocking over an empty beer can in the process. The screen lights up: 3:00 PM. Six missed calls from Rhea and several job rejection emails glare back at him.

Kabir sighs heavily, the weight of his troubles pressing down on him. He sits up, rubbing his temples, then reaches for a pack of cigarettes on the table. His hands tremble slightly as he lights one up, taking a long drag to steady his nerves.

KABIR: (muttering) Great, just great.

He dials Rhea's number, the phone pressed to his ear. It rings and rings, but no answer. His frustration mounts. He tries again, more desperate this time, but still no response.

KABIR: (voice cracking) Rhea, please...

He hangs up, staring at the phone in disbelief. The silence in the room is deafening. Kabir takes another drag of his cigarette, exhaling slowly as he leans back against the couch, feeling more alone and lost than ever.

KABIR: (sighing) What am I doing?

His eyes wander to the cricket bat, a symbol of his growing obsession. He knows he’s spiraling, but he feels powerless to stop it. As the cigarette burns down, he crushes it in the ashtray, resolve hardening in his eyes. He can't go on like this. Something has to change.

INT. RHEA'S BEDROOM - MORNING

The morning light filters through the curtains as Rhea slowly wakes up. She groggily reaches for her phone on the bedside table, checking for any messages or missed calls. Seeing none from Kabir, she dials his number, but it goes straight to voicemail.

RHEA: (sighing) He’s probably still asleep.

Annoyed, she remembers his promise to wake up on time. She tosses the phone onto the bed and gets up, heading to the kitchen for breakfast.

INT. KITCHEN - MORNING

Rhea walks into the kitchen where her mother is already seated at the dining table, sipping tea and reading the newspaper. A plate of toast and a bowl of fruit await her.

RHEA'S MOTHER: (looking up) Good morning, Rhea. You're up late.

RHEA: (grumbling) Morning, Mom.

Rhea grabs a piece of toast and sits down, hoping to eat in peace. Her mother, however, has other plans.

RHEA'S MOTHER: So, what's the plan for today? Have you talked to Kabir yet?

RHEA: (tired) No, Mom. He didn't pick up. Probably still asleep.

RHEA'S MOTHER: (scoffing) Typical. You know, Rhea, a man who can't even keep his promises isn't worth your time. How's his job search going, by the way?

Rhea feels her irritation rising. Her mother’s questions feel more like an interrogation.

RHEA: (defensive) He’s still looking. It's tough out there.

RHEA'S MOTHER: (rolling her eyes) Still looking? Rhea, you can do so much better. You deserve someone who has their life together.

Fury flares in Rhea’s eyes. She pushes her plate away and stands up abruptly.

RHEA: (snapping) Enough, Mom. Just drop it.

She storms back to her room, slamming the door behind her. The noise reverberates through the house, echoing her frustration.

INT. RHEA'S BEDROOM - MORNING

Rhea throws herself onto the bed, breathing heavily. She grabs her phone and dials Kabir again, her anger fueling her determination to have that conversation. But once again, it goes to voicemail. She curses under her breath.

Just then, a notification pops up on her screen. It’s a message from Ahaan. He’s double-texted her about the coffee date.

AHAAN'S MESSAGE: Hey, what do you think about grabbing coffee today? How about 2pm?

Still seething with anger and frustration, Rhea impulsively replies.

RHEA'S REPLY: 2pm today? Sure.

As soon as she sends it, a wave of guilt and shame washes over her. She instantly regrets her decision, her heart heavy with the weight of her actions. She stares at her phone, hoping for a response from Kabir that doesn’t come, feeling trapped by her own choices.

Rhea lies back on her bed, staring at the ceiling, questioning everything as the minutes tick by.

INT. MAINTENANCE SHAFT - NIGHT

The thief, a gaunt and wiry figure, shifts within the cramped confines of the maintenance shaft. His movements are deliberate, almost mechanical, as he gathers his meager belongings: an empty packet of Lays, a crumpled Thumbs Up bottle, and a small tin box. His eyes, bloodshot from days of drug use, scan the darkness with a feverish intensity.

EXT. MAINTENANCE SHAFT - NIGHT

The camera captures the thief from behind as he emerges from the maintenance shaft, his silhouette blending with the shadows of the towering building. He pulls on a black mask, obscuring his face completely. The cool night air hits his skin, a stark contrast to the stifling heat of his former hideout.

NARRATOR (V.O.):

For days, he survived on stolen snacks and the numbing high of heroin. But the shaft was no longer safe. He needed a new sanctuary.

INT. STAIRWELL - NIGHT

It’s 2 AM. The stairwell is dimly lit, casting eerie shadows on the walls. The thief moves with practiced stealth, his footsteps nearly silent on the concrete steps. He knows the building well, every creak and groan of its old structure. Tonight, his target is the empty flat on the seventh floor, a temporary haven from the world outside.

NARRATOR (V.O.):

The seventh floor. Empty at night, save for the occasional construction worker during the day. It would be his new home.

As he descends, the faint sounds of life echo through the stairwell: a distant laugh, the click of heels, the hum of an elevator. The building's residents return from long days and longer nights, oblivious to the figure slipping past them in the shadows.

INT. SEVENTH FLOOR - NIGHT

The thief reaches the seventh floor, pausing just outside the stairwell door. He pushes it open and steps through, but in his haste, he doesn't wait for the door to close gently. It slams shut with a loud, resonant bang. He freezes, every muscle tensed, listening.

NARRATOR (V.O.):

A mistake. The door's echo reverberated through the empty halls, a loud announcement of his presence.

To his right, a door. To his left, another. A sound—a faint creak, perhaps a footstep—emanates from one of the doors. Panic surges through him. In an instant, he darts back to the stairwell, his heart pounding in his chest.

INT. STAIRWELL WINDOW - NIGHT

He spots a window and, with the agility of a practiced thief, climbs through it into the empty apartment.

INT. EMPTY APARTMENT - NIGHT

The apartment is in mid-renovation. Exposed wires dangle from the ceiling, and plastic sheets cover the floors. Scaffolding and ladders are scattered around, along with buckets of paint and stacks of tiles. The place smells of fresh plaster and dust.

The thief surveys his new surroundings, a twisted smile playing on his lips. This would be his new hideout, a temporary refuge from the relentless pursuit of his past.

NARRATOR (V.O.):

His work was done. For now, he could rest. He could find solace in this unfinished sanctuary.

He walks to one of the windows and stares out at the ocean. The moonlight casts a silver sheen over the water, a stark reminder of the world he could never truly be a part of.

NARRATOR (V.O.):

The ocean. A view reserved for the rich. A constant reminder of what he could never have. He grew up knowing he would never get what he wanted, no matter how hard he tried. So he took it.

FLASHBACK SEQUENCE

A rapid series of disjointed, haunting images flood his mind: a young boy, cowering in a dark room; an older figure, looming and menacing; the sound of breaking glass; a scream, sharp and piercing. The memories are fragmented but visceral, a jarring reminder of the trauma that shaped him.

NARRATOR (V.O.):

His past, a shattered mosaic of pain and loss. It drove him, and fueled his need to take what was never freely given.

INT. EMPTY APARTMENT - NIGHT

The thief blinks, the flashback fading. He is back in the present, staring out at the ocean. A determined look crosses his face. He turns away from the window, ready to make this place his temporary home, knowing that, for now, he is safe.

FADE OUT.

End of episode 1.

.    .    .