The fourth season of Flames begins from the same point where the last season had ended, and amidst its dynamics of a new ‘tuition’ classroom, there embarks the journey of Rajat and Ishita as they deal with a new challenge of a potential ‘long-distance’ in their relationship. Will love a way to blossom again? The story here is delicate while deftly finding its way through the complexities of a modern day relationship, specifically in the teenage demographic. There are some heartfelt moments along the way with a sense of some newfound maturity between the characters that is a far cry from the innocence that was the core of infactuation between them to begin with. The screenplay standing at 5 episodes of roughly 30 odd minutes each is breezy and frothy while also being compelling with a bout of intensity thrown in the narrative. Also, the familiar surroundings of a classroom returns to the arena after briefly being skipped in the previous season. 

Designed as a lesson from a Chemistry textbook(and interestingly the names of episodes paint a completely different picture), The drama begins with the re-introduction of the protagonists who are very much in love with each other. The backdrop is of the pre-boards and boards of 12th standard that in itself presents a conflict of its own. Yet this time around, the writing wishes to push the boundaries to an extent by weaving a conflict around the future of the characters with respect to the relation that the protagonists share with each other. The roller coaster of emotions that a relationship is subjected to, is quite well highlighted here along with moments of sensitivity while staying true to the character traits of the individuals on show. 

The proceedings are compelling and relatable with just a dash of humour thrown in the narrative that often lightens the drama at various junctures. But essentially, the tone of the drama is a little on the serious side, exploring the crux of the relationship between the individuals and testing it with every passing conflict. Amidst this, there are a few subplots revolving other characters as well with respect to the brush with the digital era, or a few characters going through their own vulnerabilities of their own relationships along the way, or just friendship between characters. There is a tactful buildup with a layer of tension simmering as an undercurrent for most parts of the narrative that felt a little repetitive at times. The payoff though is good and it adds the much needed intensity to the drama. 

The drama does get a little convoluted but it is the intensity that is seamingly palpable throughout, and this virtue is often letout in different forms like an outburst or even contrasting moments of calmness. There is a genuine sense of heartfeltness in the drama that adds a bittersweet flavour to the proceedings, particularly in the events leading up to the final act. I did feel that the final act was a little simplistic but I didn’t mind that at all. My issue was in a slight abrupt ending whereas a little hint about the lives of the protagonists could have been added, either from a future timeline or otherwise with distance playing a part in it. But overall, the screenplay is quite impressive and heartfelt, something that will brighten up your day, that much more.