01x01 - Episode 1

[bunniefuu]

This programme contains some scenes of
a sexual nature and some strong language

Dad?

Where the hell are you?

LIFT BELL DINGS

Aria.

Sorry to keep you.
So, what do we think?

It's perfect.

And your father?

Stuck in court. OK.

I'm taking over the firm
in a couple of months.

It's my call.

How about that view?

A hard no to eight million.

Divorce is supposed to be equitable.

PHONE CHIMES

To leave both parties

with a fair and even
distribution of assets.

That's all I'm asking for here,
Becca.

Some fairness, some decency.

Why don't we just agree
to meet at 11 million?

No to nine,
but we may consider 10.5

if you throw in the apartment
in Saint-Tropez.

Excellent.

I'll confirm in open correspondence

and send over the revised
agreement first thing.

♪ I guess I was scared

♪ Feet, don't fail me now

♪ I got to stand my ground... ♪

You're back. Yeah.

Hey. Guess who just settled

the Prasad case? Oh, that's amazing.

I knew you could.

I told you, didn't I?
How about the viewing?

How was that?
Oh, Neal, it's perfect.

Like, right in the middle
of the legal district.

Thank you. Floor-to-ceiling views of
the city.

There's so much light.
That sounds incredible.

I guess we're moving, then.

It's exactly where I want to be
when I'm running the place.

Annoying Dad didn't show up.

Sod him!
This is the place, I know it.

Well, he probably just got
held up with the new associate.

Excuse me?

I... only just found out,
if that makes it any better.

Well, I'm going to k*ll him.

Can you maybe do it later?

I just need you to swing
by the boardroom for a minute.

What for?

Well, actually, it's a surprise.

But I hate surprises.
Yeah. That's unfortunate.

Hey! Hey!

Surprise!

ARIA: What's all this?

Brace yourself.

Consider this
an affectionate intervention.

Come on. Champagne.
There you go.

Give me your bag.

OK. Come on, Dhruv.

Aria, beti.

You went above and beyond
when your mother became unwell,

and postponed your marriage

and took time off work.

Moved out of Neal's
to go home and care for Mum.

Yes, yes. And stayed
to make sure that I was OK.

And helping me keep Kishan Law
at the top of its game.

But it's been six months.

And my son tells me
that you've been too busy

to even think about getting
the wedding back on track.

Well, I've been
on the Prasad case all month,

headhunting a new associate,

who I hear you hired
without consulting me,

instead of coming to the viewing.

Well, we can't have a wedding
without an engagement,

so we'll start with the chunni.

Tomorrow evening.

That's not enough time.
Everything is taken care of.

I had Kav steal
your wedding folder

a couple of weeks ago...

HE MOUTHS

and all your wishes
have been followed to a T.

A bloody intervention!

Don't freak out now.

It's a bit late for that. Ohh...

You've got it. Bye.

You didn't think to give me
a heads up?

Neal begged me not to.

What could I do?

You know the power
of his puppy-dog eyes

more than anyone.

I don't have time right now
for a wedding.

Or a honeymoon. Or bloody babies.

What's the rush?
You've been together

since you were 18.

Is it hot in here?
I can't breathe.

Just put the poor man out
of his misery, for God's sake!

I mean, look at me and Michael.

Wedding bliss. Hmm.

I know it's hard without Mum.

She wouldn't want you to put
your life on hold, you know.

DOOR OPENS

I knew that would stress
the hell out of you,

which is why I've asked Maya here

if she would be kind enough
to take you out for a drink

whilst I help Mum
with the logistics.

I'm going to leave you to it.

Good luck. Thank you.

You all ambushed me.

Technically we did, you're right.

I just don't think
now's the right time

to be splitting focus.

I get it work's important.

But frankly, I'm just not
too sure how much longer

I can fend off the women
of Manchester.

Personally, if I were you,
I'd put a ring on it fast.

Idiot.

I just want to marry you before
I get senile. Is that so wrong?

Just no more surprises, please.

Yeah. Yeah, deal.

Go and help your mum.

Go and have that drink.

Hi.

What are you doing here?

Luke!

Dhruv. Hey. Welcome.

Good. You've met Aria.

Yes.
Actually, we've met before.

Oh, really? When?
Oh. It was, um...

Uh... It was at a conference.

Sorry. Why are you here?

Meet our new senior associate.

You didn't know I was coming?
No matter.

You're here now.
Uh, come on through.

I'll bring you up to speed.

I'll see you in the morning?

You ready? Thirsty?

Yeah. Just...

give me a minute.

But... we're going to miss
the two-for-one spicy margs.

SIRENS WAIL

BREATHES RAGGEDLY

Hey, Mama.

Morning.

Hey! Where are you coming from?

I may have met
a nice accountant called Eric

on the tram journey home.

Well, let's hope
you pass your exams next time

so you can get your own place,

so you can do your shagging
where your clothes live.

Oh, unmotivational. Thanks.

Shouldn't your results
have come through by now?

Any day now. You'll be the first to
know. Where's Dad?

Had an early conference call
in the office.

Said we'd meet him at the temple.

We need to leave now, actually.

Oh, my God. Look.

TV: Tash is, of course,

one half of celebrity couple
Tash and Alex,

whose Marriage Works podcast

has more than three million
monthly listeners.

It's knowing that
in a world full of uncertainty,

that you've chosen someone
to face the chaos with,

and that's what we're talking about

when we say marriage works.

Because it's never going
to be easy,

no relationship is, but...

Turns out marriage doesn't work,

even if you're national treasures.

This is going to be huge.

BROADCAST CONTINUES

Linda, have you seen the news?

Has Dad reached out yet?

Can you call him now?

Offer him a consultation, ASAP.

Bye.

Dad not available?

He's backed up this morning,

but he wouldn't want us to delay.

Not when it's a friend of his.

Let's start preparing
a containment strategy.

Also, set up a meeting
with the rep man midday.

Are you writing this down?

Rep man, meeting, midday -
I got it.

Hey! The new guy's hot, right?

Met him yesterday.

Yeah.

If you're into that kind of... look.

What, like, hot?

A hot look?

DOORBELL

And remember, you've chosen
each other for a reason.

Go back there...

Harshika, Auntie! We're here to set
up the marquee.

For your engagement party.
Of course!

In you go. In you go. Come.

In, in, in.

Mind the carpet.

Oh, I can't wait for you
to see the lehenga

I've chosen for you for tonight.

It's out of this world!

Hello! Auntie!

Why are you just standing there?

What are you waiting for? Hurry up!

Why are you walking so fast?
Cos we're running late.

It's not fair. How do you rock up
looking all Vanity Fair

and I had to throw up in a bin
outside Costa?

I feel fine.
Had a run and everything.

Weren't you wearing that yesterday?

He's literally doing the walk
of shame to God's house.

When will you start behaving
like an actual grown-up?

Since when has being a grown-up
mean I can't have sex?

WOMEN GASP

Namaste, aunties.

sh*t. Do either of you have
an apple?

Why would I have an apple?

Fruit is fruit. God won't care.

You're late.

It's two minutes past.

Exactly.

You OK?

Six months. It's hard to believe.

Wonder what she'd say
if she was here.

She'd have something to say

about those trousers you're
wearing, that's for sure.

What's wrong with my trousers?
She loved these trousers.

No, she didn't.

Did you never wonder
why she'd always ask

if you'd just got back
from the gym?

They're very Sporty Spice, circa
'96.

Well, why didn't she...?
Why didn't any of you tell me?

We just didn't want to hurt
your feelings.

You were really
feeling yourself at the time.

I hate you both.

Sh!

It's true.

Not even God likes those trousers.

Alex Edwards is coming in
this morning.

I take it you heard the news?

When did he reach out?

Uh, we reached out,
offered him a consult.

Did we?

How did you not know?
Wanted to get in there early.

Kav was just filling me in
on the Alex and Tash situation.

You should hit the new flame
with a gagging order,

make sure she doesn't go
running to the press.

Oh, she's getting bored
of the home life.

Missing the action, are we?

Endless late nights
in the office,

drowning in applications

and surviving on coffee alone
for days? Hmm...

No, I'm not, thank you very much!

OK. Let's go. Maya.

Love you, Dad. Love you.

Bye.

KISSES REPEATEDLY

Mwah!

Go live your best life.

Thank you. I will.

We were supposed to do all
the hiring together from now on.

Well, you were in court, and he was
about to be snapped up by Fearnleys.

Dad, we agreed I should choose.

I'm going to be running the firm.

In three months,

you couldn't find anyone
who would match your standards.

Luke comes highly recommended.

His background
is in financial forensics,

which, as you know,
would be incredibly useful.

Harshika wants to know
if you have a preference -

for ginger or cardamom chai for the
chunni? Um...

Alex Edwards is downstairs.

Uh, I don't have time
this morning, Linda.

For now, Aria can handle
the initial consultation.

Please pass on my apologies
to him.

Right. Well, I think I'm just
going to go down there now

and walk him up. How's my hair look?

Fit.

Notify the juniors.
No hanging around the hallways.

"Please" would be nice.

Cardamom.

And change your shirt.

Hey, Aria, um,
when you've got a minute,

it'd be good to clear the air.

Yeah. Sorry. I have a client.

And can we keep things
strictly professional, please?

Yeah, yeah. For sure.

So lovely to see you.

I'm sorry about the circumstances.

Aria.

Your dad not joining?

He got caught up, unfortunately.

Actually, I wondered
if he wouldn't mind

if you might represent me for this.

Tash and I have known him for years.

I wouldn't want him
to have to take sides.

How can I help?

I presume you've seen the pictures.

I have.

Have you spoken to Tash
since the story broke?

I don't know what to say
that won't come out wrong.

That won't make everything worse.

Have you tried counselling?

Having a third party there to help?

We've written books on the subject.

I know when something's broke
beyond fixing.

No. I want to file for divorce.

And I want you to help me
do that as quickly as possible.

Of course.

I'll start preparing
the necessary documents.

We met when I was 19.

Working in a chippy.

I didn't know what I was doing
or where I was going.

And then she turned up and just...

made sense of it all.

I'm so sorry you're going
through this.

I'll be honest.

Divorce is like cutting off a limb.

There'll be days that you'll
feel like

you won't make it
to the other side.

But trust me,
you will get through this.

And I'll be there
every step of the way.

Thank you.

I just don't know who I am
without her.

He wants to serve. No.

Once we file,
reach out to the other side,

see if they'll agree
to an emergency round table.

Last thing we want is them feeding
any nonsense to the press.

Also, pull up the
Macklin Macklin file from 2017.

Oh, that, uh, influencer's
hanging around outside again.

f*ck's sake. Not again.

No, no, Ashok. I told you before -

we don't want gossip vultures
round here.

I prefer the term truth-teller.

So, has he left yet?

Alex Edwards. I saw his car
out front earlier.

Are you representing him?
You're wasting your time,

as usual. Nothing to say to you.

There'll be a load more paps
behind me.

Why are you following me?

I'm not asking for much.

Just a few minutes of your time.

One minute, exactly.
Right, let me talk to Alex.

Help get his side out first.

Do you know why I became
a family lawyer?

You have an appetite
for financially crippling

the heartbroken men
and women of Manchester?

Because I believe that everyone
deserves to go through

the most painful moments
of their lives with dignity.

Meanwhile, you exploit them
for likes and clicks.

That's not true. My channel
is about giving people

the information they deserve to
know.

Please, Time magazine you are not.

No, but I do have a shitload
of followers

who would love to know
what Alex has to say.

I neither confirm or deny

that I represent
that particular individual.

Oh, come on, we both know
you're becoming the go-to

for Manchester's A-listers.

Is that your attempt at flattery?

It depends. Did it work?

You do know,
with the new transparency laws,

I'll get the lowdown eventually.

You let him in? Minute's up.

You can see yourself out.

Leave, then.

You look nice.

Aria, what did he want?

Scandal, as usual.

Partners' meeting's in 15.
Breakdown figures?

Um, of course.

Yeah. I'll just grab them now.

Kavinder! Sorry.

This week was one of our biggest.

We had three successful
freezing injunctions,

and yesterday,
Aria settled the Prasad deal

for 10.5 million.

Oh, fantastic! Well done.

And this morning, I closed
the Chancery case at 26.

Wow!

And I've just received
instructions from Alex Edwards.

Hmm.

Where are we with prenups?

Ten currently in process,

along with three challenges
on family estates...

DOOR OPENS

and five will alterations.

OK. And Dubai?

We won jurisdiction in
the Martel case. Just waiting

on the court dates. Excellent. Good
work. Thank you.

Apologies. HR kept me
longer than expected.

Everyone, this is Luke Christos,

our new senior associate.

Luke here is a trailblazer when
it comes to financial forensics

and will be working closely
with me.

Thank you, Dhruv.
I'm excited to be here.

You were saying?

Just, um, the skeleton argument
on the Seth appeal.

There's quite a lot to get through,

so Linda will let the juniors
know what area

they've been assigned.

Which just leaves the subject

of the new premises when Dad
retires.

I viewed a property yesterday,

and I'm thrilled to say
it surpassed my expectations.

But obviously there are a lot
of things we need to weigh up

before we commit to a relocation,

but we will keep you all informed.

That's it for now.
Thank you very much.

Kav.

Hey. I thought you could
show me around.

Uh, sorry, I can't. I'm busy.

Neal Sharma, senior associate.

Hi. I'll give you the grand tour.

Between you and me,
I know where they hide

the good biscuits. Oh, great!

Dad. Can we talk about this?
Ginny's a friend.

She kept it off the market
as a personal favour.

They all say that.

Still, people are expecting
your retirement.

I mean, even the big clients
are coming to me now.

Is that the same as poaching
them from behind my back?

If it's Alex you're referring to,

I didn't poach him.

He requested I represent him.

And regardless,

it makes sense to announce me

as managing partner at the same
time as a location change.

Let the clients get their head
around a brand-new start

for Kishan Law.

I'd like to get Luke's thoughts
on this.

Luke?

He's barely in the door.

PHONE RINGS

Oh.

Yeah?

No, we got the papers. Thank you.

Yeah, I've been through them.

We should definitely talk.

Over time, it becomes
less about romance

in the cinematic sense.

We're not saying it's not normal

to have your head turned
sometimes.

Of course, but what's important

is that you don't mistake
that initial flutter of desire

as anything other than that.

What are you doing?

Just looking for something.

Right.

Well, I've got the lehenga.

A Varanasi silk.

No expense spared.

Just one sec.

Hey. Just wondering where
you're putting the new guy.

Office next to yours.
Leak's finally been fixed.

Hey, he's causing quite a stir
with the paralegals.

Although, from what I hear,

the lad has an eye
for the ladies.

Where'd you hear that?

A woman in HR in his old firm.

She called him
the Casanova of Canary Wharf.

Still, don't think I'd kick him
out of bed for eating crisps!

Aren't there lots of other women

that you could be stalking?
Yes,

but they all took out
restraining orders, so...

Look, I didn't know
that you worked here

until after I was offered the job.

And you didn't think
to walk away at that point?

No, because I thought

that you had a hand

in my being headhunted, which I see
now is clearly not the case.

No, I didn't mention you to anyone.

Why would I?

Well, that's great.

Clearly, I made a wonderful
impression.

Did my dad give you that?

Yeah. Yeah, he asked me
to look through it.

And...? Well, I don't feel

comfortable discussing it
without him present.

Are you kidding me?
I wrote the bloody thing.

Yeah, but he is my boss.
Not for long.

Sorry to interrupt.

Hello. I'm Maya, the older sister.

You must be Luke. Yes. Hi.

Hi.

Uh, don't we have a thing to try on?

So... Oh. It was nice to meet you.

Lovely to meet you.

What was that in there?
What do you mean?

You were only in there
for ten seconds,

but you looked like you were
about to punch him in the face,

which is a record, even for you.

Oh, God.

Is it on?

If you laugh, I will k*ll you.

Oh, would I ever? Just come out.

Oh, God!

It's so bad.

You're the worst of the worst
sisters.

You look like the dancing emoji.

Oh, this is exactly why
I didn't marry an Indian boy.

I have zero
mother-in-law obligations.

You can't even walk in it!
It's so heavy.

Oh, God. OK, OK!

I'll get it to my tailor.
There's no time.

Well, she'll do it.

I basically helped her
whole family with their wills

without charging her a penny.

So, um, what's the deal
with this hot new guy?

Is he married? Divorced?

g*y? How would I know?

Can we not talk about him?

OK.

You need to take this off
cos it's hurting my eyes.

Linda, can you see

if we received a list of
Tash and Alex's shared accounts

so I can scan them before we meet?

Already done.

But why are Halletts sending someone

all the way up from London
to represent Tash?

It's a power play.
They know the whole country's

going to be tuning in to this one,

and celebrity cases are
Zoya Bassu's bread and butter.

Hotshot, then, is she?

She's got a reputation
of getting her way,

but not to worry.

So do I.

Can I pick you up at eight?

I've found a place that does
better baklava than my nan.

You can't just ask me out. Why not?

Is that...? Is that not
how dating usually works?

Because it's not appropriate,

given the circumstances.

What, me asking you out?

Yes, that. Exactly that.

OK.

OK. All right. I will try not to.

Is that better?

Yes. No. Well...

It was just... one weekend.

It was just sex.

Much like your usual conquests,
I imagine.

No, actually.

Um...

Our encounter stood out
from the throng.

I mean, I'm happy to go through
the reasons why,

if you're free. No.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Sorry, am I interrupting?

No.

We're done here.
In that case, I need you

to take a look at the menu
for the chunni.

What's a chunni?

Punjabi engagement party.

Oh, cool. Who's, uh...
Who's getting married?

We are.

Yeah. Wow.

That's great. Hmm.

That's really great.

Congratulations. Thank you, thank
you.

Only took her ten years or so
to say yes.

Wow. Wow.

Have you been together that long?

Yeah. Yeah.

Zoya Bassu is here.

Great. Excuse me.

Oh, you should come.
To the chunni.

Oh... He probably already
has plans.

Oh, well, if you don't, we
would love to have you there.

If nothing else, it'd be
a great chance for you to meet

the rest of the team. Yeah. Yes.

Uh, if I finish at a reasonable
hour, I'll swing by.

Yeah. Good man.

I think if we take
those two paragraphs...

Yeah, got them.
And then change the...

Like that? Yes.

In fact, just copy and distribute
all of them. OK.

Goodnight.

Tash is just parking up. Zoya?

Mm-hm. Aria Kishan.

Hello. And this is my brother Kav.

Hi. So great to finally meet you.

Cool portrait.

Very "meet the establishment".

More my father's taste than mine.

Just give us a moment. Sure.

Great shoes. I know.

Tash's lawyer's here.
Don't let her intimidate you.

Look her in the eye,
and let me do the talking.

Good to see you. And you.

SOMEONE SIGHS

Pleasure to meet you, Mr Edwards.

Sorry I'm late.

I had to go around the block
twice to dodge the paps.

Ridiculous. Not as ridiculous

as you having an affair
with someone half your age.

Oh, so this is how it's going
to be. Handbags at dawn.

And it's not just an affair.
Can we just get on with this?

We received
the sole divorce application

from Mr Edwards this morning.

You should know that my client
plans to contest it.

As you well know, Ms Bassu,
contesting a divorce

is almost impossible
since the no-fault legislation.

There are grounds on which it
may be considered by the court.

Limited grounds.

Tash, contesting a divorce
is time-consuming

and financially draining.

Frustrating as he can be...

I love my husband

and I have done for over 40 years.

Then, why have you thrown
everything away

for a midlife-crisis fling?

I'm well past midlife

and I'm tired of people pleasing.

I just want to be honest
about who I am

and what I want from now on.

I... I love her.
Forgive me. I'm confused.

You clearly want a relationship
with this woman.

Why would you want to contest
the petition?

Because I don't want a divorce.

I want an open marriage.

Is that some kind of joke?

An open marriage?

For a couple whose entire brand
is commitment and loyalty.

That's not true.

We've helped many couples
negotiate open relationships.

Can't we at least explore
the possibility?

Haven't you humiliated me enough?

It's OK.

Why don't we all pause there,

take a lunch break to cool down?

Sounds good.

It'll be fine. OK.

I mean, do you really think

contesting's in either
of their best interests?

Does it matter? It'll rack up
plenty of billable hours,

which I'm sure
your father won't object to.

Well, actually, we try
to minimise conflict here.

Maybe you should try it.

Someone please eat these
before I make myself sick.

We have candyfloss barfi,
banoffee pie,

and a whole array of other very
confusing taste sensations.

You always have mithai
in the office?

Sadly, no. No, it's just a one-off.

There is the most incredible
place.

It's in Delhi, near the station.

Kamala's?

Sorry. This is Neal,
my soon-to-be fiance.

Neal, this is Zoya Bassu. Hmm.

Congratulations. Thank you.

Well, nice to meet you.

PHONE BUZZES

Oh, sorry. I have to take this.

Hello? No, no, no,
I'm on a break. Talk to me.

No, no, no. Listen to me.

Neal...

I'm going to need a second pair
of eyes on these financials.

Oh, sorry. I've got a meeting.

But that's literally
why Luke's here, so... Yeah.

The Tash & Alex super brand.

I need to know
the financial implications

should the marriage collapse.

I know you've been across
something similar -

Weston Shapiro.

Mm-hm. Do you think you could

look over the contracts
and sponsorship deals?

I'm concerned his net worth
position may become unstable

should they divorce.

Yeah. Yeah, sure.

Why didn't you tell me
you were engaged?

Technically, I'm not
until after the chunni tonight,

and, for the record,

I was on a break...

when you and I... Right.

Still, it's important to me
that no-one here finds out.

Yeah. No. It's fine. Um...

I'm really not here
to blow up your life, so...

Yeah. And there's no reason
we can't work together.

We're professionals, right?

No reason at all.

Hiya. Your dad wants to see
the both of you.

Luke, I understand
that your last firm

experienced some issues
when they were upscaling.

Yeah, there were
some teething issues

around resource allocation,

and we did lose clients
who preferred

a more personal approach, but...

We've been through this.
I don't want us

to just tread water
for the next 30 years.

We need this move
to make my vision a reality.

You know, Luke,
when I arrived in this country,

I just had one change
of clothes and £5 in my pocket.

I had to work sometimes three jobs

to pay my way through law school.

Kishan Law is a result
of a life of sacrifice

and hard graft.

So how it grows and what it
represents

is not something I ever take
lightly.

Mm-hm.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Good. Let's leave it there.

You know, there's a reason
the dinosaurs became extinct.

I know what I'm doing, Linda.

Oh, don't be daft.

She's right. You know she is.

If they divorce,
their contract with the sponsor

ceases with immediate effect

and they forfeit 20% of the fee
received to date.


amount.

Have you ever seen someone

work their way around
one of these things?

It's possible,
but they're usually watertight.

A divorce could leave him bankrupt.

I'll speak to him ASAP.

Thanks.

How much are we talking?

Could be in the region of two
million.

You could benefit
from slowing things down,

just so that you have time
to protect your assets.

I don't know what's right.

Our friendship, our legacy.

That's the real cost here.

Tash is in so much pain...

because I'm forcing her into
a divorce she doesn't want.

But in an equal partnership,
both people's feelings matter.

You know, last year I was
listening to your podcast

when my mum was sick.

I remember there was this one
episode

where there was a couple.

One of them had cheated,

and you said people usually stray

because the relationship
was already fractured.

Tash is my whole world. I know.

But you need to ask yourself,

would you prefer an imperfect
marriage to an unknown future?

If the marriage is to end,

both parties will need to pay back
the sponsor

a size able amount of money.

In the region of two million.

My client was not aware of this,

and I've just had sight
of this contract.

What about our podcast?
What about Marriage Works?

If we divorce, it dies.

We need to accept that
we only make business sense

as a couple.

This is the end of the line.

Before we go down that route...

my client has a proposal
we would like

Mr Edwards to consider.

One that could save their brand

and ensure financial stability.

Tash is offering to terminate
her relationship with Tilly,

issuing a statement saying
it was a lapse in judgment...

avoiding divorce altogether.

Would Mr Edwards consider

giving the marriage another chance?

I thought you loved her.

I've loved you longer.

You're my other half.

So, if I have to choose,
then I choose you.

Why didn't you do that
before any of this started?

I just...

I guess I just got tired
of seeing myself in your eyes.

Comfortable. Predictable.
Already fading out.

She makes me feel...

everything.

Like the volume on life's
been turned up again.

Like I'm not quite done yet.

OK, we'll go ahead
with the divorce.

Well, I've told you,
I will contest it.

No, you won't.

What if this was
just a turning point?

You could fight
to retain the careers

that you've poured
your hearts and souls into.

I mean, it's your legacy, right?

You could fight for it,
despite your marriage ending.

Why not tell your listeners
the truth?

Just be honest.

See if they're willing
to stand by you.

You both deserve happiness
without sacrificing

everything you've worked
so hard to build.

I need you to be ready
when your dad gets home.

He's taking you to dance.
I thought you were taking me.

I can't, I'm helping out
at Aria-masi's chunni.

He'll bring you there after.

You know he'll have forgotten.

Hiya!
FRONT DOOR CLOSES

There he is.

Where are my little monkeys?

How are you getting on?
How's your homework?

Mwah!

Hey, sweetheart.

That looks nice. Thanks.

Hey. Yeah, I know,

I know. I'm sorry. You're late.

I know. Hearings ran late
all morning.

My half-day went out the window.

How's the hangover? Appalling.

Thank you for asking.
Well, you see,

I figured as much.
So I stopped off at the corner shop

on the way home and I got you these.

Ohh! Peace offering. Yeah?

Thank you. Mm.

Uh, right. They've eaten.

Please don't forget to bring
the chunni outfits

when you're leaving.

Ahhh! I told you he'd forget.

Michael! Argh!

I've got an urgent
abduction application.

Becca asked me to cast
an eye over it. I'm sorry.

I'm supposed to be helping Aria.

Yeah, well, Aria won't mind.
She'll understand.

I do all the pick-ups,

the music lessons, the play dates.

Someone has to pay the bills.

Yeah, well, the other one does
absolutely everything else.

I didn't mean that. Just... Charvi,
grab your things. Danny, shoes.

Leave the dishes. Your dad can
do them when he gets home.

Would you mind taking
the bins out before you go?

Yep.

Come on. See you later, mate.

Bye, Charvi.

FRONT DOOR CLOSES

Maybe we could discuss it
over dinner?

You think they made the right
choice?

I think
there's something more honest

in being able to admit
who you are and what you want.

Or maybe it's a dream.

An impossible desire
to have it all.

I can't believe
you had convinced her

to give up her girlfriend.

Made smart financial sense.

But it would have broken her heart.

My job is to advocate for my client.

It's also not much fun being
in love when you're bankrupt.

I don't suppose we could lure
you to Manchester?

I'm taking over the firm,

and I could do with another
brilliant woman on my team.

Flattered, but, um,
timing isn't quite right.

Oh, Maya called. She's forgot
to bring your outfit, and asked

if you could swing by hers
to pick it up.

She said you know
where the spare key is.

Sorry, it's my chunni tonight.

Oh, yes, of course.

Why are you still here? I'm going.

If you change your mind. Sure.

He said we need to be
very specific about it.

I'm just going to leave these
on your desk

and I'll come back later. OK?

Just give me two minutes.

WOMAN GASPS AND MOANS

What the actual f*ck?

This isn't... Becca!

I'm so sorry. Sorry?

Wait, wait. Aria... Aria, wait.
Please wait! Wait.

Wait, Aria.
Please don't tell her. Please!

You think I would keep this
from her?

No, no. Just... Please.

Ohh.

Don't f*cking help me! All right.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Got a minute?

Of course. I just wanted to explain
about... Aria?

There's no need.

You made an excellent choice.

ALEX SIGHS

Tash never liked me drinking whisky.

Hated the smell.

Ohh...

Ooh, look at you,

already finding the silver linings.

Too soon?

You know, I envy you, Alex.
You can still argue with Tash.

Raina just wins silently
from the great beyond.

To our wives.

Between them, they covered
every exit strategy going.

BOTH CHUCKLE

CHATTER INSIDE

FOOTSTEPS

Oh, you're in here.

Wow!

I know.

Um...

What's wrong with the dress?
Does it not fit?

I haven't even looked at it yet.

God, it's so heavy.

Oh, Aria, it's completely
natural to have cold feet.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Can I see?

She hates the dress,
but you look hot.

Why do you hate the dress?

Come on, it can't be worse
than what you wore to prom.

When she was deep in her emo phase!

It was Goth chic, actually.

I just...

I didn't think I'd be doing
any of this without her.

I thought she'd be here to help.

No-one really knows what they're
doing.

Marriage is honestly just two people

trying not to hurt each other
over and over and over again.

But it is worth it, I promise.

HARSHIKA: Aria, sweetie?

Oh, for f*ck's sake. Oh, God.

OK, I'll cut her off
with a samosa. Yeah?

Don't be long.

I had a wobble the night before
my wedding. Do you remember?

What, you mean when
you threw up peach schnapps

all over my bed? Yeah.

Ah!

Genuinely, though,
I do think marrying Michael

was one of the best decisions
I've ever made.

And you and Neal, you just fit.
You always have.

Come on. We need to get
that lehenga on you.

Ohh!

You just wait till Harshika sees

what I've done to her dress.

Fit.

You look like a vision.

Not so bad yourself.

Your mother chose this suit.

I was there. She haggled
with the vendor for 45 minutes.

Yes.

She never lost a haggle in 30 years.
Hmm.

But she insisted
on paying full price for this.

She wanted me to give this
to you tonight.

I want you to know how much

I appreciate everything
you've done for me here

since she left us.

Yeah, I know, Dad.

But I know
you can't stay here for ever.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

So, do you come here often?

INDISTINCT

It's what a man dreams of, isn't it?

A lifetime of affectionate insults.

You look stunning. Beti.

You look fantastic. Oh, thank you.

Oh, cleavage?

Mum. It's OK. Come this way.

Oh, wow.

Aria, you put the stars to shame.

You look absolutely beautiful.

You'll ruin my make-up.

Oh, darling.

Thanks for inviting me.

Right, let's go and say hello
to your auntie. Aria!

Look who's here! Hi, cutie.

Oh, my God, you look beautiful.

So do you.

I am not going to tell you
you look beautiful,

because you are more than that.

Come here.

Too tight. Sorry.

I love you.

Hi, love.

Hiya, sweetheart. How are you?

Thank you.

Right, let's go find Grandad.

So the couple who wrote
the textbook on staying together

have penned their final chapter.

ALEX: We wanted to be honest
with you all.

We're choosing a path
to our own happiness.

TASH: It's about being true
to yourself, despite the odds.

More power to you, Tash.

Do you think Harshika might have

gone a tad overboard with the
catering? Hmm.

When are we going to find

a lovely bride for you, Kav?

Maybe in another life, Auntie.

I mean, if you hear of a groom,
then do let us know.

In fact, I hear
that your son is single.

Again.

Mubarakan. Thank you, thank you.

Thank you.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Ooh... There...

That's for you. Thank you.

MAYA: Danny, don't eat all those,
please.

Thank you.

APPLAUSE

Lookie there, Neal.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

About time.

Thank you. Thank you,
everybody, for joining us here

and bearing witness
to these two young,

beautiful people embarking on

the greatest adventure
of their lives.

Aria, as a child, you were
mischievous, curious,

always running here, running there,

and giving us a challenge
or a surprise at every turn.

We are so, so proud of you.

Neal, you are more
than anything Raina and I

could have imagined
as a son-in-law.

Thoughtful,

loving, diligent, hard working,

loyal. Harshika, thank you so much

for bringing your son
into our lives.

And that is why it gives me
great comfort

to announce that when I step down,

I have now decided
that Aria and Neal...

will be the joint managing
partners of Kishan Law.

SCATTERED APPLAUSE

I know that Kishan Law
will be safe

with both of you together
at the helm.

So please raise your glasses
to Aria and Neal.

ALL: Aria and Neal.

APPLAUSE

What the f*ck? I know.

Why did he do that? I don't know.

Aria...

Please... Please
just try and enjoy tonight.

Look, look.

This is about you and Neal
starting your lives together.

It's not about anyone else.
It's definitely not about Dad.

When Michael and I got married,

we made a decision
to always put each other first.

Michael was with Becca.

When I went to the house earlier.

Yeah, I know, he told me.

She needed his help.

That's not what I saw.

I know you're nervous,

but don't try and discredit
my marriage

just cos you're looking for reasons
to avoid one of your own.

Whatever happens, I'm going
to make sure you're OK.

Oh, yeah?

Stop.

MUSIC BLASTS

KNOCK ON DOOR

Aria.

Dad.

I thought we had a plan.
Plans change.

We have to adapt.

So you don't think
I can do this alone?

There's not many people who could.

Other than you, right?

Sometimes you lead
too much with your emotions,

and that makes you unpredictable.

Unpredictable? Yeah.

What do you call this stunt
you've pulled tonight, then?

Oh, this is not the time.

Exactly. But you did it anyway,

in public,
so I couldn't challenge you.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Yes?

Hey.

Charvi's got a surprise.

You coming?

Mm-hm.

GENTLE MUSIC

TEMPO INCREASES

CHEERING

Go, Charvi!

MUSIC FADES

Hey. Hey, what's wrong?

I... can't breathe...

One sec.

SHE GASPS

Hey, hey.

Are you OK? What happened?

Why did you come here?

I came because I wanted to see

if there was more between us
than just a one-night stand.

And...?

And you're getting married.

Aren't you?

I can't.

♪ It was just a conversation

♪ Been a while since I felt so alive

♪ Leaning on the stairwell as you
lock your eyes on mine

♪ They're closing up the bar now

♪ Don't know how it got to closing
time

♪ Standing on the street then

♪ Waiting to say goodbye

♪ Ohhh. ♪