INT. Indiana Airport – day
Gagan steps off the plane and into the busy airport, he looks around taking in the new environment with excitement and nervousness, he pulls his suitcase behind him making his way through the crowd
Gagan: Indiana feels unreal, I bet this is the start of something big, something I have dreamed about
Cut to
INT. Hotel Lobby – afternoon
Gagan walks into the hotel lobby checking in at the front desk, the lobby is filled with people, and the receptionist smiles as she hands him the room key
Receptionist: Welcome to Indiana Mr Gagan I hope you enjoy your stay
Gagan: Thank you, I'm sure I will
Gagan heads to the elevator, his suitcase rolling behind him, he finally reaches his room and opens the door
Gagan enters the room, setting his suitcase down he looks around his room, comfortable space, taking a moment to relax, he looks out the window at the city skyline, reflecting on the event he's about to attend
Gagan: It's strange being away from home, but this is a chance to make a name for myself, I need to make the most of it
He pulls out his phone and reviews the details of the award show, checking the schedule and venue information. He takes a deep breath and decides to get ready for the evening
Cut to
INT. CONVENTION CENTER – NIGHT
The grand hall is buzzing with activity. Attendees, dressed in formal wear, mingle and chat. The space is adorned with banners and lights celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Scriptoria Honors. Gagan arrives, looking both excited and overwhelmed
Gagan: So many accomplished writers here. It's a little intimidating. But I belong here as much as anyone.
He makes his way to the table and grabs a drink. As he sips his drink, he scans the room, observing the various groups and conversations. He spots a group of people engaged in animated discussion.
Gagan: I need to stay focused. It's not just about being here it's about making an impression.
A woman, in her thirties, with confident, notices Gagan standing alone. She approaches him with a polite smile.
Woman: Hello I haven't seen you around before, are you a writer?
Gagan: Yes mam, my name is Gagan.P I'm from India. I've written a novel called Thunder Knight. (leans his hand forward for a handshake)
Woman: (Shaking his hand) Oh, that's nice. I'm sure it's quite... charming. How many followers do you have?
Gagan: I'm sorry what (he didn't quite hear her)
Woman: How many people have read your story
Gagan: A little over 7 thousand mam
Woman: (Smirking) 7 thousand, that's it (disappointed) (puts her hand on Gagan's shoulder) Well good luck with your story (turns back and leaves) I can't believe that Scriptoria Honors would invite a small author like him, I'm disgusted to even stand next to him, he's a fucking nobody in front of me (she knew damn well that Gagan could hear her but she still preceded to talk louder)
Gagan's smile fades away, and the woman turns back to her friends, leaving Gagan feeling self-conscious.
Gagan: Why did I let her get to me? I'm not just here to be seen. I'm here to learn and to grow. I can't let one negative experience overshadow the positives.
He decides to leave the event, feeling disappointed and determined.
INT. HOTEL ROOM – LATE NIGHT
Gagan sits at his desk, typing furiously on his laptop. He channels his frustration and motivation into his novel, working on the next chapter.
Gagan: If she thinks my audience is small, I'll show her. I'll work harder. I'll come back stronger.
Cut to
Gagan packing his suitcase, preparing to return to Bangalore. He takes a moment to reflect on his experience in Indiana.
Gagan: This was just the beginning. I'll take what I've learned here and use it to improve. I'll return stronger making her feel like she has a small following in front of me
Cut to
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Gagan sits at the small desk in his hotel room, his laptop open in front of him, he stares at the screen, a blank document open
Gagan: I'll use the next four years to write something they can't ignore
Gagan begins typing furiously on his laptop, ideas pouring out of him with new energy
On The Screen: The words "GOALS FOR 2027" appear as he types a list
1. Finish Thunder Knight - 60 chapters
2. Grow my audience
3. Attend the 2027 Scriptoria Honors
4. Prove myself as a writer
Gagan: I'll come back, not as someone they can laugh at, but as someone they respect
He hits the save button on his document and closes the laptop
Cut to
EXT. INDIANAPOLIS AIRPORT - DAY
The next morning, Gagan is at the airport, holding his suitcase, he looks back at the city before heading inside the terminal
Gagan: This isn't the end It's just the beginning
Cut to
INT. GAGAN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Back in his room Gagan is now at his desk again, he opens his laptop and gets back to work on Thunder Knight
On The Screen: The document title reads Thunder Knight - Chapter 24: The Sacrifice Path. Gagan smiles as he types
Gagan: Four years from now… I'll show them all
The End Of Chapter 02...