third shelf left side

written, shot, directed by shaurya During a long summer vacation in Kolkata, sharp-tongued and closed-off Aadya spends her days arguing with friends and pushing people away—until she keeps running into Max, a quiet, observant girl at a bookstore who sees more than she lets on. As their unexpected friendship grows through books, trams, and shared silences, Aadya begins to question the walls she has built around herself. When she hurts her openly queer friend Ridam with her dismissive attitude, Aadya is forced to confront her own prejudices and the reason behind her constant defensiveness. Through small moments of courage, honest conversations, and the support of people who truly care, Aadya learns to unlearn judgment, embrace empathy, and finally allow herself to be seen. A story about growing up, letting go, and choosing kindness—towards others and yourself.