SCENE – 1
INT – It's the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. That winter evening, Sekhar was waiting to receive Pratap, his childhood friend and classmate, settled in the U.S.A.
SFX – Soundtrack of Airport activity such as the announcements of the flight schedules, the take-off and landing of the aircraft.
EXT - The exit point of the 'arrivals' section is crowded with people waiting to welcome their relatives, friends or visitors among the incoming passengers.
SFX - Buzz of the motor cars bringing in more people and the sound of the car doors being slammed. The passengers begin appearing at the exit and those in waiting hail their names.
SEKHAR: Hi, Pratap.
PRATAP: Hi, Sekhar.
SFX - Buzz of an aircraft taking off.
SEKHAR: (OFF) Raju bring the vehicle. (PAUSE) Mother India welcomes its prodigal son.
PRATAP: Let me see what's in her lap for me.
SEKHAR: What else but love and warmth.
PRATAP: If only that's in tune with my longing.
SEKHAR: What you've got to long for here. Why, you never bothered to contact any of us all these years.
PRATAP: That I'll tell you.
SEKHAR: Only me.
PRATAP: Who else is interested?
SEKHAR: Vimala your old flame.
PRATAP: She lost her man it seems.
SEKHAR: That's a year-old tragedy.
PRATAP: Of my week-long knowledge.
SEKHAR: How did you come to know about it? I don't know of any you're in touch with.
PRATAP: It was by chance that I've heard somebody talk about the tragedy at a gathering.
SEKHAR: Oh, your empathy at work. So, it's flattered to be deceived.
PRATAP: I plead guilty.
SEKHAR: No need to be apologetic. It's in jest.
PRATAP: It's just the catalyst. (PAUSE) How's she, the poor thing?
SEKHAR: She's gotten over it.
PRATAP: I'm glad to hear that.
SEKHAR: Our guys at Amalapuram want you there.
PRATAP: I'm flattered really.
SEKHAR: Without being so, I'm glad you've made it at last.
PRATAP: After twenty years that is.
SEKHAR: It's a long time in our short life.
PRATAP: Dragging time in a drab life.
SEKHAR: Be serious; tell me all about your life.
PRATAP: Want to be done with me here and now.
SEKHAR: Count on me till you're done with Vimala.
SFX – It's a roar of an aircraft take-off followed by the sound of a car coming to its screeching halt.
PRATAP: So, what I see confirms what I've heard.
SEKHAR: What's that?
PRATAP: This world class airport and your first rate sedan. Are they not in tune with the 'emerging India' buzz?
SFX - The car doors are slammed thrice followed by the sound of the speeding car.
SEKHAR: You deserter, you took the first flight to the U.S. when India was in dire stairs.
PRATAP: Why blame me for not wanting to sink in our socialistic mire. Who did foresee then that our own P.V. would clean up the things with his reform broom? Tell me if you know a soothsayer who had predicted. I want to consult him.
SEKHAR: Is it for a prediction about the U.S. recession?
PRATAP: Don't think the U.S. is only about materialism. I'm altruistic in my quest for a zest-filled life.
SEKHAR: What's up your sleeve?
PRATAP: You hold the key now.
SEKHAR: Why did you hold-up all these years?
PRATAP: What do you want to know first, the reason for my inaction or the cause of action?
SEKHAR: Let's get into action…
PRATAP: In Vimala's reflection.
SEKHAR: Oh! The old flame still singes.
PRATAP: It's nothing cut and dry about it Sekhar. It's all mixed impulses and hazy emotions. My initial impulse was of a childhood friend, I wanted to share her grief. Then my love on hold came to the fore. I've here to explore know not what.
SEKHAR: In the shadow of her widowhood.
PRATAP: Has she lost much, you know what.
SEKHAR: What if and if not.
PRATAP: Don't tell me you don't know how it matters.
SEKHAR: What if she's balloon like.
PRATAP: Sadly, it would be a platonic retreat.
SEKHAR: I know but …
PRATAP: It's not fair I press you for her statistics.
SEKHAR: I too don't see her statistically.
PRATAP: One competitor less, isn't it?
SEKHAR: So you presume she inspires.
PRATAP: Oh, don't kill me, tell me …
SEKHAR: You can ask my wife, her cousin of sorts.
PRATAP: Why didn't you tell that before?
SEKHAR: It's like the pot calling the kettle black. You didn't think of me all these years and you expect me to remember you had a crush on Vimala which is history now.
PRATAP: With her too?
SEKHAR: How am I to know?
PRATAP: Okay baba, come to the point.
SEKHAR: She's no less a Liz Hurley herself.
PRATAP: Oh, you've an update on middle-aged women.
SEKHAR: Without eyeing them (V.O. a car horn)
PRATAP: Now I'm full of hope.
SEKHAR: Is it because I don't eye her.
PRATAP: What about other possibilities.
SEKHAR: With a widow you mean.
PRATAP: Partly right but I'm single to boot.
SEKHAR: I've heard you married an American.
PRATAP: We were divorced for ages.
SEKHAR: But still, I've to discourage you.
PRATAP: Why, she wants to be forever wedded to her husband's memory or what?
SEKHAR: She's not the one to live in the past any way.
PRATAP: Then what's the hitch?
SEKHAR: It's her daughter.
PRATAP: Why should she be a hurdle?
SEKHAR: Its emotional stagnation my boy, India is not sexually modern.
PRATAP: What is she doing?
SEKHAR: M.B.B.S pre-final.
PRATAP: I'm glad Vimala would see herself in her daughter as a doctor. What's her name?
SEKHAR: Prati.
PRATAP: (OFF) Pratap and Prati, sound similar, don't they?
SEKHAR: What are you thinking about?
PRATAP: Oh, what dreams Vimala had of becoming a doctor? I had a hard time consoling her when she missed the bus.
SEKHAR: Well, I don't know. So you were closer than we thought you were. But still, she may not like to hurt her daughter's future. If she ties up with you, her daughter's marriage would be jeopardized.
PRATAP: Damn the cultural prejudices. How they make life materially complex.
(PAUSE)
SEKHAR: Don't lose heart; love hath its way, more often than not.
PRATAP: With your pushing and prodding, hope it leads us to the altar.
SEKHAR: So that I'll do the décor. Well, I've booked for you in the Krishna Oberoi, but still I prefer you stayed with me.
PRATAP: It's okay that way.
SEKHAR: With my wife and son having gone to my in-laws place. PRATAP: What a shame! I didn't enquire about Vijaya and Suresh.
SEKHAR: Understandable preoccupation, isn't it? For the record, Suresh is doing his M.B.A program in the Central University here.
SFX - Their car drives into the corridor of the Krishna Oberoi. Sekhar and Pratap come out of the car as the latter's luggage was picked up by the chauffeur.
SCENE – 2
EXT - Sekhar and Pratap and go up to the reception at the Krishna Oberoi and the receptionist allots Room No. 303 to Pratap. The hotel attendant transports the luggage as the friends go up to the elevator. Once out of the elevator at the third floor, they all reach Room No. 303.
INT – The attendant opens the door and Pratap and Sekhar go in. As the attendant leaves the room, the friends settle down.
b/g – Sound track of classical instrumental music.
PRATAP: Oh, what a hotel.
SEKHAR: They say it's the best.
PRATAP: To begin the stay with Glenfiddich.
SEKHAR: Welcome toast from a U.S. citizen
SFX - Setting the table for a drink and the creaking sound of breaking the seal of Glenfiddich bottle. Clinking sound of glass as the friends set out to drink.
PRATAP: Cheers to Mera Bharat Mahan.
SEKHAR: Cheers to P.V the P.M. who made it possible.
PRATAP: Why disjoint the mind Manmohan Sing?
SEKHAR: What to cheer about him now?
PRATAP: Why?
SEKHAR: Means you're not up to date. P.V's chela is now Sonia's chamcha.
PRATAP: Politics can wait tell me all about you.
SEKHAR: Why the protocol of a hypocrite. Let's begin with Vimala.
PRATAP: Oh, you.
SEKHAR: Enough of close to the chest, show your love-card.
PRATAP: Printed in the press of Sarat's Devadas.
SEKHAR: The classic of an unfulfilled love.
PRATAP: Pending the ending, our life had run the fictional course as we grew up together. Like Devadas and Parvathi we too became fond of each other and to the same affect. Vimala's dad said no, I got into depression and my uncle too me to the U.S. Devadas embraced Bacchus but I latched on to Mammon. But our beloveds got glued to their respective spouses. Now the story seems to fork. Devadas might've died unfulfilled but I've a possibility, of possession.
SEKHAR: Is there a Chandramukhi you had spurned?
PRATAP: If I were Devadas, I wouldn't have been a stupid to slight such a lover.
SEKHAR: But you married any way.
PRATAP: My wife failed me emotionally and I dulled the pain with materialistic malady.
SEKHAR: If I'm not curious ….
PRATAP: Martha is her name and no faulting her. Why, she had her own expectations of life. We were childless, but that was not the hitch. Well, there is a price to pay for the so-called progress. And that's interesting. What the primitive man could've expected from life than food and sex. Maybe they were better off for that.
SEKHAR: Better off or worse off, what's life without progress. What more we had than a girl's furtive glance in our teens? See now, every fool has a girl friend. Oh, how I wish we were teens these days.
PRATAP: But still parents remain spoilers.
SEKHAR: At least not in the educated classes. Thank the laws; they are scared of saying no for the fear of being booked.
PRATAP: What of women's lib?
SEKHAR: Why, Vimala wears her bindi. She says husband's death can't take away woman's birth rights.
PRATAP: A mate is a birth right too.
SEKHAR: But I told you the hurdle is her daughter.
PRATAP: I'm sure we can get her around.
SEKHAR: It's hard as it is and ….
PRATAP: It's as if you're again it.
SEKHAR: You may know Vimala doesn't share our materialistic ethos. If you marry her by miracle, you may not stick together for long. She would never cross our shores and you can't remain fish out of water here.
PRATAP: Maybe so, but let me see what life has in store for us.
SEKHAR: I don't see any scope for hope. You want to get into her ex's shoes. But Bhadru walked his life only in sandals, that too as an Engineer in the Department of Roads and Buildings. Bribe is more of a norm there than exception.
PRATAP: I heard he was killed in a contrived road accident.
SEKHAR: Well, he was known to take on the errant, that too head on. And a roguish contractor did him in a stage-managed road mishap.
PRATAP: It's said one's nature is one's fate.
SEKHAR: Its other way round, mind goes the way fate takes it, buddhihi karmananusarine.
PRATAP: It seems the Eastern and the Western philosophies are the obverse and the reverse of the same thought-coin.
SEKHAR: And that shows in the ways and values of life.
PRATAP: True, what are Vimala's ways and means?
SEKHAR: They have an ancestral house in Himayatnagar and she helps run a small pickles unit.
PRATAP: Nice simple living..
SEKHAR: With high thinking. The pickles succor the family of their car driver. Sadly, he too died in the accident.
PRATAP: He should've known, discretion is the better part of valour.
SEKHAR: There you are. Your name symbolizes chivalry, but the same applies to you. Why burn your heart a second time with the same flame.
PRATAP: That's all about first love, in my case, the only love.
SEKHAR: Who knows, she too feels the same way.
PRATAP: What makes you think so?
SEKHAR: She's has agreed to go with us to Amalapuram.
PRATAP: Oh really! When is it?
SEKHAR: Day-after tomorrow's Gowthami Express.
PRATAP: Don't you think it's encouraging?
SEKHAR: What if it's for old time's sake.
PRATAP: So be it. Art of life lies in making good of half chances. If we travel by car, I'll have more room to maneuver.
SEKHAR: And I can see games lovers play.
PRATAP: In the shadow of love on hold.
SEKHAR: If she agrees we'll go the day-after tomorrow..
PRATAP: Why not by the morrow.
SEKHAR: What about your jet log?
PRATAP: Isn't it a silly question?
SEKHAR: Vimala may answer that better. Wish you a dreamy night.
PRATAP: After all those dreary years. Thanks a lot.
SEKHAR: Be ready by eight, bye.
PRATAP: Wait.
(PAUSE) This is a Rolex for you to be on time.
SEKHAR: Thank you, I'll cherish it.
PRATAP: It's my pleasure. These are for Vijaya and Suresh.
SEKHAR: I'm glad. Good night, bye,
SFX – Slamming sound of the door.
SCENE – 3
EXT – Sekhar self-drives his sedan into the corridor of the Krishna Oberoi and as he gets out of it, a hotel staff drives it away. Sekhar goes into the hotel lounge and takes the elevator to make it to Pratap's room. SFX - Door buzzer followed by door opening.
PRATAP: Has she agreed?
SEKHAR: We're going to pick her up on the way.
PRATAP: Can I thank you enough?
SEKHAR: No thanks, she didn't need any persuasion.
PRATAP: What did she say?
SEKHAR: She said she would join us, no more and no less.
PRATAP: What of her tone?
SEKHAR: Rather dry I suppose.
PRATAP: Oh, come on, don't tell me that.
SEKHAR: Did you expect her to jump for joy or what?
PRATAP: What to expect from the mistress when the messenger is so candid.
SEKHAR: Anything but coyness. I shall tell her I didn't find you eager either. Why, I expected you in the lounge, waiting impatiently.
PRATAP: Know I've been trying all my dresses on me.
SEKHAR: Why bother about that, you don't carry your age any way.
PRATAP: Why don't you make her see me through your eyes?
SEKHAR: You may be better off with her eyes.
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: Chalo, onto the un-chartered course of love.
SFX - Sound track indicates the locking of the door, getting into and getting out of the elevator, opening of the car boot, opening and closure of the car doors and the speeding of the car.
SEKHAR: Are you nervous or what?
PRATAP: It's a flux of fact and fiction.
SEKHAR: I feel she's also in a similar fix.
PRATAP: (V.O. a car horn) Now I'm really nervous. Maybe, raised expectations, oh, what an irony life is!
SEKHAR: Perhaps, I'm too practical to understand all that.
PRATAP: Life worries you less as you miss much of it.
SEKHAR: But business worries you no less
PRATAP: But anxieties of love are wearisome.
SEKHAR: Didn't Faiz say there are worries in life other than the love-induced and there are fulfillments too other than love-making.
PRATAP: Maybe, but my festering love-wounds sorely need the balm of our union.
SFX – The car comes to a halt.
SEKHAR: We're at the ground zero.
PRATAP: Thanks for bringing me this far.
SEKHAR: Now it's for you to find the right entry.
SFX – Indicative sounds of their car having come to a halt, Sekhar and Pratap were getting down from it.
SCENE – 4
EXT – Sekhar and Pratap get down from the sedan near Vimala's house in Himayatnagar. Sekhar opens the iron-gate and they enter the compound.
SEKHAR: Beware, Prati could be around.
SFX - Sekhar presses the door buzzer and Vimala readily opens the door.
(PAUSE)
VIMALA (OFF): He loves me still, his eyes show that.
PRATAP (OFF): She's glad to see me, her face radiates!
(PAUSE)
VIMALA (OFF): Isn't he looking around for Bhadru's photograph, he's staring at it, how his face has changed.
SEKHAR: Hi, Prati, meet our classmate Pratap Varma, a U.S. citizen.
PRATI: Hi uncle.
PRATAP: Hi, I hear you're a nice girl.
PRATI: Uncle, don't go by Sekhar uncle's words.
PRATAP: What do you say Vimala?
VIMALA: Nice but not easy.
PRATI: Oh mummy.
PRATAP: Why, that's the way it should be, given a little flexibility. (PAUSE) Will the mother and daughter do me an honour?
VIMALA: I thought you are in the States, Pratap, not in Victorian England.
PRATAP: Glad you've retained your spark. (PAUSE) Please let these Rolexes help you time your moments.
(PAUSE)
PRATI: Lovely it is, thanks uncle.
VIMALA: Thanks Pratap, it's nice of you.
SEKHAR: It's time we get started. Wish we could have taken Prati along but she would be a fish out of water. Who would have time for her chatting about our old times?
PRATI: I'm glad mummy is making the trip. I was after her to go out a bit but she wouldn't listen.
VIMALA: Why not we have some filter coffee before we leave.
PRATAP: I'll have a mug-full. It is ages since I had any.
VIMALA: I've guessed that and got the decoction on hand.
PRATI: Let me prepare mummy.
VIMALA: No, I've some scores to settle with Pratap.
PRATAP: So, you haven't forgotten that. Prati, once I'd put salt into your mummy's coffee. You can payback later, but not now.
VIMALA: Okay, I'll keep it on hold. But there is no escaping.
PRATAP: I'll surrender my passport to you.
VIMALA: I'll serve you in flat five minutes. (OFF) It feels we've picked up where we'd left.
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: Prati, any idea of going to the U.S for higher studies?
PRATI: No uncle. My Hippocratic Oath is some time away. But mummy had already sworn me into Indian medical service.
PRATAP: Nice but not easy, your mother is.
VIMALA: Sekhar, why didn't you tell me that Pratap runs an immigration agency in the U.S? I would have let a 'No-entry' board greet him.
SFX – Indicative of Vimala serving them coffee.
PRATAP: Jokes apart, with the right incentive, I'm a candidate for remigration.
SEKHAR: Who won't welcome you with open arms?
PRATAP: Don't be too sure my boy.
VIMALA: I'm ready.
SEKHAR: To welcome or to leave.
VIMALA: Both.
PRATAP: Let me handle your luggage.
VIMALA: Why bother?
PRATAP: If age didn't wither you chivalry didn't desert me.
SEKHAR: Vimala, oh, the same old Pratap for you.
VIMALA: What to do, what can't be cured should be endured.
PRATAP: Am I supposed to take it as a compliment?
PRATI: Thank you Pratap uncle, I've never seen mummy so lively.
PRATAP: Maybe, old-timers meet ushers in new times.
SFX – Indicative sounds of opening of the compound gate, the car boot and closing the same, the opening of the back door to facilitate Vimala's entry and closing it thereafter. Opening of the car front doors by Pratap and Sekhar and closing the same and the sound of ignition.
VIMALA: Prati dear, take care.
PRATI: Wish you all a happy journey, bye.
SEKHAR and PRATAP: Bye Prati.
SFX – Indicative of the car speeding away.
SCENE – 5
EXT – Journey by car with the hustle and bustle of the morning life in Hyderabad.
PRATAP: Think about school times, you think of teachers' nicknames. Birada, Pakodi, kothhimeeri katta.
VIMALA: What about the nicknames you had for girls?
PRATAP: I don't remember any but..
VIMALA: Halwa.
PRATAP: Are you still fond of it?
VIMALA: I've stopped having it.
PRATAP: But why?
VIMALA: Who was to tease me?
(PAUSE)
SEKHAR: Pratap, Rama Rao maastaru is keen on seeing you.
PRATAP: I don't know why, he thought I would come well in life.
SEKHAR: And so it is.
PRATAP: Yes and no.
VIMALA: You've always been like that, 'yes and no'. Am I right?
PRATAP: Yes and no, and I can't I fault you for thinking so.
SEKHAR: Pratap, why talk in circles.
PRATAP: Because I can't be forthright.
SEKHAR: What's the restraint?
PRATAP: It's my constraint.
SEKHAR: What is it?
PRATAP: That I can't tell you without being forthright.
SEKHAR: Why back to square one via your nonsensical route.
SFX – Car screeching to a halt.
SEKHAR: Oh, what an ass he is? If he came under, I would've been hauled up for manslaughter not amounting to murder? Oh the goddamn legal jargon.
PRATAP: Is the Indian road sense any less nonsensical? We've hardly clocked a kilometer and I'm already crazy really.
SEKHAR: The chaos on the roads was no less yesterday.
PRATAP: Wasn't my mind more chaotic yesterday?
SEKHAR: Yes and no.
VIMALA: Pratap, he won't leave you till you commit yourself
PRATAP: Okay then, bank deposits "yes", emotional withdrawals "no" and future course "don't know".
SEKHAR: It's the way life these days. What do you say Vimala?
VIMALA: Ladies come last …
PRATAP: With their last word.
VIMALA: Glad you haven't lost your wit a wee-bit.
PRATAP: And you, your ability to appreciate.
SEKHAR: Why make me feel left out?
VIMALA: Are you not in the driver's seat.
SFX –A lorry whizzes past.
PRATAP: Is he drunk or what?
SEKHAR: Drink or no drink they drive insane.
PRATAP: I've come here to mend my life, not to break my bones.
VIMALA: Don't worry; if it comes to that I'll tend your bones.
PRATAP: Won't I mend my life as you tend them?
VIMALA: How am I to know?
SEKHAR: You may know you're in safe hands.
PRATAP: But still, we've a long way to go, to and fro.
SEKHAR: Why worry, you'll get used to our traffic ways by then.
PRATAP: Only to lose my way on the U.S. roads.
VIMALA: But you said you would come back for good.
PRATAP: That is, if I don't go back out of heart.
SEKHAR: Vimala, have you ever heard of an Indian American discarding his suffix.
PRATAP: Why do you prejudge to prejudice her mind?
VIMALA: I've a mind of my own and you know that.
PRATAP: But out of sight is out of mind.
VIMALA: Not with the nursery to degree kind of …well, I don't suffer from Alzheimer's disease, at least for now.
PRATAP: I tell you those days make the almanac of my life.
VIMALA: Well tucked in the attic to gather dust.
PRATAP: I can't fault you for faulting me.
VIMALA: That Houdini like vanishing act and the prodigal son like hibernation. What to make out of that?
PRATAP: Silence of the lamb.
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: Let bygones be bygones, won't you let me dust my almanac.
VIMALA: You may need a broom for that. Wait till I fetch it.
PRATAP: Meanwhile let me clear the air. I felt sorry for you when I heard about your tragedy
VIMALA: (OFF) Hypocrite.
PRATAP: I took the first available flight.
VIMALA: I'm glad you care.
PRATAP: I wish I were there right then.
VIMALA: Maybe, it would have helped (PAUSE) or might not have. Now I've come to see it more as a tragedy of our country.
PRATAP: When Sekhar told me about it, I too thought so. I'm ashamed for what the world thinks of us Indians.
VIMALA: Why feel apologetic at all. Why, was it any worse than the senseless outrages in the U.S campuses? Bhadru's killers had an ill-motive at least. But there, don't sick-minds routinely gun down the unwary. What a shame, the so-called gun culture.
PRATAP: Leave alone the U.S., tell me what went wrong here.
VIMALA: Blame the businessman, present company excluded.
SEKHAR: I've my share of sins and there is no shying away from that.
PRATAP: But give the devil where it is due. But for their enterprise India wouldn't have been what it is economically.
VIMALA: It's like not seeing the wood for the trees. It is they who corrupted our society and weakened its moral fabric.
SEKHAR: What do you mean by that Vimala? It's the so-called government servants who started it all. Will they ever touch a file without greasing their palms? If I'm right, Nehru said that bribes act like lubricants in the smooth running of the government machinery. And what's his daughter's take on corruption? Didn't Indira Gandhi say it was a global phenomenon? Mind you, both of them together ruled the country for the best part after independence, what do you say about it?
VIMALA: Well, the need to bribe the black sheep is not same as corrupting the entire flock. That's what the business community did over the years. Who hasn't heard of their bribe talk, khushi se dete hai or sabhi lete hai and such? Bhadru used to say only ten percent officials were corrupt in the seventies. I need not tell you less than ten percent could be honest now.
PRATAP: What do you say Sekhar?
SEKHAR: In hind sight, I think she is right.
VIMALA: Seems we've lost the foresight forever.
PRATAP: What about having some garam chai to rev up a little.
VIMALA: Why not, we've a dhabha nearby.
(PAUSE)
SFX – Indicative of the car being parked near an open air eatery and the passengers alighting from the same.
SCENE – 6
EXT - Pratap, Sekhar and Vimala take their chairs at a table in the open
VIMALA: Sekhar will you find out if there is a toilet somewhere here.
SEKHAR: Wait, let me go and check up.
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: How can you think of a passable loo in this filthy place?
VIMALA: I understand your obsession for cleanliness. But if you focus on what is lacking, you lose sight of all that is different.
PRATAP: Now I realize, much of your appeal is the way you think.
VIMALA: Are you dismissing me as a bluestocking?
PRATAP: Won't my body language answer that.
(PAUSE)
SEKHAR: Vimala, it's in the backyard.
(PAUSE)
SEKHAR: You've set her heart on the right beat.
PRATAP: But I've lost my heart all again. Never mind your Liz Hurly hint, how to imagine she would be so fascinating. But if I can't have her I'll have a twice broken heart to mend. And that would be my undoing.
SEKHAR: I don't think you've to worry about it. I've a hunch she would not like to miss out either. But she may not like to migrate to the U.S.
PRATAP: What I've got to do with the U.S any way. Know I am counting on you to tilt the scales.
SEKHAR: If need be, with the combined weight of my wife.
PRATAP: Quiet, she's coming along with some bearer. (OFF) What a lovely frame in that graceful gait.
VIMALA: Hi Pratap, you seem to have lost yourself.
SEKHAR: Why are you after the poor fellow?
VIMALA: Sekhar, better get your eyes checked up.
PRATAP: Why, don't I see that koya dora approaching us.
VIMALA: Wonder how these koya doras are such good face readers!
It's an idea to let him predict Pratap's future.
PRATAP: Why not let me enjoy in the suspension of belief.
VIMALA: Why, don't you see he's focusing on you?
(PAUSE)
KOYA DORA: I've got it from our goddess Poleramma. Beta, you are at the crossroad now. Is it not true?
PRATAP: When your goddess tells you, why do you ask me?
KOYA DORA: Oyoye. (PAUSE) You loved and lost. She agreed but not her father. You went west and married. Amassed wealth but not happy, no love, no children.
SEKHAR: Pratap is it all true; I mean to the last million. No yes and no please.
PRATAP: Yes, including a meager fortune.
SEKHAR: It's a sort of yes and no again. But why didn't you tell me about that?
PRATAP: You know I'm never boastful. I've a small chain of Indian eateries over there.
SEKHAR: Understatement again, Koya Dora, what about his wife?
Koya Dora: I'll see his hand. (PAUSE) She left you, ten years ago, right.
PRATAP: True.
SEKHAR: What about his future?
Koya Dora: He won't go back. (PAUSE) Gets a beautiful wife, (PAUSE) she bears him a son, (PAUSE) long and happy married life. Give some money to please Poleramma.
(PAUSE)
KOYA DORA: Poleramma says I should take the money from beti's hand.
PRATAP: Vimala, would you mind obliging him.
KOYA DORA: Beti, Poleramma says you'll get what you want.
SEKHAR: What about my future Koya Dora?
KOYA DORA: Give me your hand. (PAUSE) You're happy with your family. You'll be a very rich man. Your son goes abroad.
SEKHAR: Will he come back or not?
KOYA DORA: I have to see his hand. (PAUSE) Poleramma blesses all of you.
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: Wonder how he's on dot about my past!
VIMALA: They've a knack of telling the past and gain confidence.
SEKHAR: What about their ability to foresee into the future.
VIMALA: That time only would tell.
SEKHAR: If this Koya Dora has his way, Pratap can blissfully wait and you can choose for sure, but what about me? God forbid, if his prediction comes true, I will be lost without my Suresh by my side.
PRATAP: Why don't you take advantage of his prediction?
SEKHAR: What advantage in a disadvantaged situation?
VIMALA: Wait Pratap. Sekhar, thank the Koya Dora for not taking advantage of his disadvantageous prediction.
SEKHAR: It's fine if you are thankful to him but not me. He gave you a blank cheque and me a bleak future, didn't he?
VIMALA: Why are you cut up with him? You should be thankful to him.
PRATAP: Vimala, what this rubbing salt into his poor wounds.
VIMALA: You may not know but Sekhar knows the way the soothsayers operate. But this Koya dora neither offered to do some puja nor wanted Sekhar to wear a tayattu. What's more it was a free consultation.
PRATAP: Any doubt he would've fallen for the bait, hook, line and sinker.
VIMALA: Well, I've nothing against astrology if it's not handled by charlatans. If things are destined to go wrong, they will go wrong, never mind their fake supplements. I believe it pays to know the realities of life. I don't think there was ever a way of making life a smooth sailing affair, all the way. Better, we learn to weather out the storm till it subsides. After all, it can't last forever.
SEKHAR: I don't see the clue to my rider lies in your theorem.
PRATAP: Then why not draw from the American way of life. What's this parental urge to get glued to bearded children? Why not let them go on their own from adolescence as the Americans do.
VIMALA: Isn't it the other extreme? What is adolescence if it's not vulnerable? It's stupid to abandon children at the crossroads of life. It's insensitive even; we know freedom without responsibility spoils, more so at the tender age.
PRATAP: Maybe, if we average both cultures, we have the optimum.
VIMALA: I think you've got it.
SEKHAR: Let's go then. (RAISED YONE) Bearer, bring the bill.
PRATAP: Sekhar, do you remember what lifting little finder in the class meant.
SEKHAR: Well, you can relive yourself but it's an open affair here.
PRATAP: I'm relearning to be an Indian in India.
VIMALA: Is it under the koya dora's influence or what?
SEKHAR: What laggards these bearers are. Let me go and see what the hitch is.
(PAUSE)
VIMALA: Pratap, why don't you answer my question?
PRATAP: As he said you'll get what you want, I think the answer to your question lies in his prediction.
VIMALA: What a puzzle for an answer.
PRATAP: What you want might solve the puzzle.
VIMALA: What I want is what I may get.
SFX – Pratap and Vimala break into laughter
SEKHAR: If you are not making fun of me, I'm glad to see Vimala laugh again.
VIMALA: Thank you.
PRATAP: Let me go into the wilderness.
VIMALA: I hope you don't get lost
SEKHAR: Don't worry, I'm going with him.
(PAUSE)
SFX - Indicating that they get into their car and proceed on their way.
SCENE – 7
EXT –Continuation of their journey in the hustle and bustle of the vehicular traffic.
SEKHAR: I may say, no friend like a childhood friend.
PRATAP: I would add, no sweetheart as the first love.
SEKHAR: I don't know. Ours is marriage kind of love.
PRATAP: Would it be any different with women Vimala?
(PAUSE)
VIMALA: Man or woman, love is love, isn't it?
PRATAP: But the love in question is the first love.
VIMALA: My answer is, silence is golden.
SEKHAR: Is it a conspiracy of silence?
PRATAP: Are you not poking your nose too much.
SEKHAR: Maybe, for you, personal space is spacious but for us privacy yields to inquisitiveness.
PRATAP: Both cut both ways. I repeat, average these two for optimizing the way of living.
VIMALA: One day I may have to sit with you and arrive at the mean.
SEKHAR: Then I would stand guard (PAUSE) Look, how the guy is frantic for some help. It's clear his car broke down and he would've left the jack in his garage.
PRATAP: Let's find out.
SFX- Indicating the stoppage of the car.
PRATAP: Hi, what's the matter?
DR. RAGHU: Lift up to Hayatnagar please.
SEKHAR: Vimala, don't mind accommodating him.
SFX - Opening and the shutting of the car door.
DR. RAGHU: Thank you madam. I'm Dr. Raghu.
VIMALA: Never mind, I'm Vimala. He's Pratap and he's Sekhar.
PRATAP: Doctor, you may know her daughter Prati is a doctor in the making.
DR. RAGHU: Nice to know, in which year is she auntie?
VIMALA: Pre-final in the Gandhi Medical College.
DR. RAGHU: I did my M.S. in the Osmania.
VIMALA: What a chance meeting.
DR. RAGHU: It's my pleasure really.
PRATAP: No less ours, meeting a young and handsome doctor.
SEKHAR: Possibly an eligible bachelor.
DR. RAGHU: I can only say I'm a bachelor.
PRATAP: When it comes to eligibility, you might have heard the saying. It's for the mother-in-law to know what a good son-in-law one makes.
DR. RAGHU: I've heard the father-in-law version.
PRATAP: What difference does that make if one is not snubbed?
SEKHAR: Having a doctor at home is fine. But at corporate hospitals it's like you are thrown at the wolves.
DR. RAGHU: No denying sir, but do you know why it is so?
SEKHAR: Whatever be the provocation, I don't see any justification. Oh, how they short change you at every turn. Why the unwarranted tests and the uncalled for hospitalization. By the way, when did a doctor last felt his patient's pulse by hand? Bemoan the society with doctors without integrity?
DR. RAGHU: I will come to that later but our problem is our selective condemnation. We speak of political corruption, baeuracratic kickbacks, and business bribes, but not in the same vein. We don't see the corrupt spring from our midst but don't descend from Mars.
SEKHAR: Don't tell me, you can put judges and doctors on the same footing.
DR. RAGHU: Why do you want place them on a moral pedestal raised on an immoral ground. Don't they see others take an unholy dip in our polluted waters? It's stupid to expect they go home dry and clean. What about our dual morality. We're critical of corruption but not our corrupt caste-men.
SEKHAR: All that is fine, but why the fleecing at the corporate hospitals?
DR. RAGHU: If you know about the capital involved and the return on investment, you get the answer. Have you ever thought why healthcare has become a corporate business in our country?
SEKHAR: That way you can explain away every shortcoming.
DR. RAGHU: I'm talking about specifics. You know our people and politicians alike bankrupt our country. We as a people evade, if not avoid, paying taxes. You know how the politicians are ruining our economy with their populist schemes.
SEKHAR: Well India is no Utopia.
VIMALA: Bhadru, used to say corruption makes us collectively poor Well, Raghu, he's my late husband. (PAUSE) You could've heard about the engineered accident of an engineer.
DR. RAGHU: Who didn't, but who thought I would meet you some day.
VIMALA: Maybe, that's life all about, it makes and breaks. Back to the corrupt, they won't have it easy any way. One may have a Benz but it doesn't help much on our congested roads. It goes like that with everything else.
SEKHAR: It won't be easy for Raghu till he clears the mess in the corporate hospitals.
DR. RAGHU: In the no-profit-no-loss hospitals of our own Gates and Buffetts.
PRATAP: Would our doctors like to work in such hospitals?
DR. RAGHU: Why not, if they get their due and the patients are not billed unduly.
PRATAP: What if I provide money, would you run the show.
DR. RAGHU: What a fillip that would.
VIMALA: Are you into it already!
DR. RAGHU: I run a twenty-bed hospital at Hayatnagar.
PRATAP: It's my word and money is no constraint. Give her your contact number and we'll call you up.
DR. RAGHU: I have no words uncle.
VIMALA: I've enough words of praise.
PRATAP: Vimala, know I owe it your inspiration.
(PAUSE)
VIMALA: Oh, you too live in Hyderabad. What are your parents?
DR. RAGHU: My father owns a couple of bulk-drug units in Hyderabad. My mother is a full time housewife and part-time accountant at my father's office.
SEKHAR: With such a pedigree, you can't deny your eligibility.
DR. RAGHU: Why are you after my bachelorhood sir?
PRATAP: Caught in the shackles of marriage, he's jealous of your freedom
VIMALA: Is it that you want to be shackle-free.
PRATAP: The saying, do as I say but don't do as I do, goes with me too. To tell you the truth, I'll be happy being a netted fish.
VIMALA: Empty words, what do you say Sekhar.
SEKHAR: He's deemed right till you prove him wrong.
VIMALA: It's stupid of women to expect justice in an all male court.
DR. RAGHU: Don't feel let down aunty. I'll assert you are right till Pratap uncle proves you wrong.
VIMALA: (OFF) Buddhu, you've played his card. It's good you're not a lawyer.
PRATAP: Vimala, you know I'm a game.
(PAUSE)
SEKHAR: Looks like we've some trouble on hand. Why the traffic came to a halt. Don't you see the police are all over?
DR. RAGHU: Oh, we've almost reached my hospital
SFX – the sound of the door opening and closure.
PRATAP: Could be a traffic jam.
SEKHAR: You don't know, police are hardly seen in such times. It could be a major road mishap or worse.
SFX – the sound of the door opening and closure.
DR. RAGHU: It's a Naxalite attack on a police convoy near my hospital. It seems, landmines blew away a couple of vehicles. No way forward now for me too.
VIMALA: I think we should go back.
SEKHAR: What do you say Pratap?
PRATAP: I'll go with Vimala.
VIMALA: What if I say, I'll go with you.
SEKHAR: It will be a case of pehle app and missing the bus.
SFX – Car being reversed amidst the chaos.
(PAUSE)
VIMALA: Sekhar, what about train tickets?
SEKHAR: It's slipped from my mind.
VIMALA: So, forgetfulness helps.
PRATAP: And remembrances too.
SEKHAR: Now it helps to go back.
SFX - Sound of picking up speed.
SCENE – 8
EXT – continuation of the journey in the hustle and bustle of the vehicular traffic
SEKHAR: The Naxal trouble is back for worse. Didn't our government claim they fled to Chattisgarh with broken backs?
DR. RAGHU: If they're weakened in one area, they strengthen themselves in another. West Bengal first, Andhra Pradesh next and now it's Chattisgarh with Orissa being the only constant menace.
SEKHAR: I don' see how anyone in his right mind can believe that a band of brigands can capture Delhi by hiding in the jungles.
DR. RAGHU: You know too much disparity in society leads to revolution with topsy-turvy as ideology. Gaining political power has always been the goal of revolution to bring about the change and the revolutionaries see bloodshed as the means to serve that end. The only drawback is the danger of death, but then, it's the narcotic of martyrdom. What to say, sensitive minds with utopian dreams resort to senseless killings.
SEKHAR: Maybe, it was the case before; we were not even born then. Now assorted characters fill the Naxal ranks. Oh, the way they arm-twist businessmen, Naxalism is nothing but extortionism. That's not all. It could've been a hard grind earlier in their jungle hideouts. And now, with women cadres around the Naxals don't miss out much of life. Can't you imagine the jangal me mangal. I say, the social fringes are better off in deep jungles.
R. RAGHU: It's true but it's not the incentive. I think it's the moral kick they get as gun-wielding Naxalites.
SEKHAR: But why should they kill the police? After all, it's the poor who join the police force.
DR. RAGHU: I don't think they have an answer. It's a dichotomy of their ideology.
SEKHAR: Don't tell me there ever was an ideology of social parity. What about communism? Banish the czars to make the proletariat the czars. What do you say?
DR. RAGHU: I say the bourgeoisie got it right.
SEKHAR: I think Naxals should realize democracy is the best bargain for the poor in our bad world. But then, if they get into our democratic circus they too would become corrupt buffoons.
DR. RAGHU: My father says, earlier, people were better off with karmic theory. The poor believed the rich were rich because of their good deeds in previous births. That way, without envy, people tried to be good for a better rebirth.
SEKHAR: But was it not anti- progress.
DR. RAGHU: No, theory is about progress in order and not chaos in progress as we have now. In a way, we had thrown out the baby with the bathwater. .
SEKHAR: But do you subscribe to your father's old values?
DR. RAGHU: Well, we were brought up on that diet; I've a younger sister, Swarna.
SEKHAR: What's your sister doing?
DR. RAGHU: She's in the final year engineering.
PRATAP: Why, the biggest 'graduate engineer' factory in the world is in India
He could've called you up. Located in South India. (PAUSE) I don't see my car here. Hopefully Raju could've moved it to a repair shop.
SEKHAR: Oh these guys are bloody stupid. Why didn't he call you?
DR. RAGHU: He's a sensible fellow. Of all the days he forgot to carry his cell today. And you know there are hardly any public telephone booths these days.
SEKHAR: That is all about giving with one hand and taking with the other. Well, for good or bad, Dhirubhai's dream of seeing a cell in every Indian hand is on hand. (PAUSE) Pratap, what're you dreaming about?
(PAUSE)
SEKHAR: Vimala.
(PAUSE)
SEKHAR: What's this conspiracy of silence?
VIMALA: What's the matter?
SEKHAR: Raghu, excuse me doctor for dropping the prefix, I find it …
DR. RAGHU: You're welcome sir.
SEKHAR: Vimala, he belongs to your school of thought.
VIMALA: Nice. I hope he has a lesson or two for you.
SEKHAR: Were in your dreamland or what, that's what he has been doing. (PAUSE) What about you Pratrap?
PRATAP: It's good you dropped his prefix; why not help me drop my suffix.
VIMALA: Why make it Greek and Latin?
SEKHAR: He's desperate to turn an Indian from an Indian American.
VIMALA: Let him apply for the visa and then I'll see.
PRATAP: Vimala, is there a standard format?
VIMALA: Boy, be a little imaginative.
SFX- Thudding sound of a head-on collision. (PAUSE)
SCENE – 9
EXT – Accident site, Sekhar, Vimala and Pratap shout for help.
PASSERS BY: Catch him, the lorry driver is on the run. (PAUSE) The fellow next to driver would've surely died. (PAUSE) Miracle he's still alive, pull him out fast.
SFX- Soundtrack of the hustle and bustle of rescue activity.
VIMALA: Are you okay Pratap (PAUSE) why don't you talk? (PAUSE)
Raghu see what's wrong with him.
(PAUSE)
DR. RAGHU: Nothing to worry, he's in a sort of trauma, that's all.
VIMALA: Thank God.
SEKHAR: He bore the brunt, it's a miracle really.
DR. RAGHU: I see a little concussion here but it's minor.
VIMALA: Raghu, what about shifting him to hospital.
DR. RAGHU: No need auntie, he can rest at home.
SEKHAR: Wait, I'll find some vehicle.
VIMALA: Be quick Sekhar.
(PAUSE)
VIMALA: Raghu, are you sure there's no danger?
DR. RAGHU: Relax auntie.
SFX – An approaching car and its coming to a halt.
DR. RAGHU: How lucky, it's my car.
VIMALA: Oh, really! (In high pitch) Sekhar come back quick.
(PAUSE)
DR. RAGHU: Slowly …
VIMALA: Are you okay Pratap.
PRATAP: (Feeble tone). It's paining here.
DR. RAGHU: Is it severe?
PRATAP: It's some pain.
DR. RAGHU: Bear it for a while. (OFF) Raju stop at the Raja Medicals.
SFX – bang of the car doors.
SEKHAR: I'll join you soon.
VIMALA: Why, what's the matter.
SEKHAR: I've to report to the police.
VIMALA: But how can we leave you alone.
SEKHAR: Don't bother about me, take care of him.
VIMALA: Know he's in safe hands.
DR. RAGHU: Raju be with uncle and handle the police for him.
RAJU: Ji.
SEKHAR: Thank you Raghu, hope to catch up with you soon.
SFX – opening and closure of the car door (PAUSE) Starting of the car engine and speeding of the car.
DR. RAGHU: Auntie, you make him lie down. I see, more than medicines, he needs a reassuring touch. If you don't mind..
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: Thank you Vimala, but..
VIMALA: Be quiet or suffer a parody of Saigal's lullaby, soja raja kumara soja.
PRATAP: As you tap me to sleep.
VIMALA: One more word, I'll bang your head.
(PAUSE)
SFX – Stoppage of the car.
DR. RAGHU: I'll get some medicines for him.
VIMALA: And a bottle of mineral water, all to be billed later.
DR. RAGHU: Hopefully to uncle's hospital.
VIMALA: I tell you, he means what he says and does what he means.
DR. RAGHU: I think you are no different.
SFX – Opening and closing of the car door.
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: (FEEBLE TONE). Vimala, I've kept my love on hold and lived without hope. I can feel my love unbinding in your lap. What a living feeling, I don't mind dying now.
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: No, I don't want to see you in tears.
PRATAP: I'm dying to be on my knees with flowers.
SFX – Opening and closing of the car door.
DR. RAGHU: Auntie, help him have these tablets.
(PAUSE)
VIMALA: Wish I had a son like you.
DR. RAGHU: Auntie, why not treat me as one. (PAUSE) You can ease him out of your lap and feel easy yourself. He will sleep in no time.
VIMALA: It's son-like, Raghu, you're a godsend really.
DR. RAGHU: You may use the backrest as the headrest.
VIMALA: No, I don't want to disturb his sleep.
DR. RAGHU: Auntie, nice you're concerned. (PAUSE) I'm glad he's not harmed. You know how he has raised my hopes. Frankly, I feared fate had duped me.
PRATAP: (drowsy). Don't worry Raghu, I've made a will in her name. Even if I die, I know she'll stand by my word.
VIMALA: Who's going to let you die?
PRATAP: (drawling) Vimala, I don't want to live without you
(PAUSE)
DR. RAGHU: He has slept off. Now you can relax in the front seat.
VIMALA: Didn't you hear what he has said? If he wakes up and won't find me, he may get it all wrong.
(PAUSE)
DR. RAGHU: Auntie didn't you say, I'm like your son?
(PAUSE)
VIMALA: You want me to confide to you, don't you?
DR. RAGHU: I believe it helps you in your situation.
VIMALA: Maybe, there may not be a better soul than you.
DR. RAGHU: Thanks for the nice feeling. I swear I won't reveal.
VIMALA: You might've heard the story of Devadas and Parvathi.
DR. RAGHU: Why, I've read the Sarat classic in Telugu translation.
VIMALA: We were like Devadas and Parvathi, we fond of each other from our childhood. My father rejected Pratap because our sub-sects are different. He left for the States in dejection and I took Bhadru's hand in helplessness. We remained lost to each other ever since and we met only this morning. After that fate's tragedy now it's life's surprise. I had a sense of my love gushing out from every recess of my heart.
DR. RAGHU: It's promising, but what about him, I mean his wife and children.
VIMALA: Well, he's without encumbrances and it's clear he kept his love on hold. As you've observed he wants to unbind it now. To let him or not is my dilemma.
DR. RAGHU: I think life made amends for love to run its course.
VIMALA: I know love is beckoning us. But I'm afraid of our fate, what if it plays spoilsport the second time. If my father was prejudiced against him then my daughter is possessive about me now. Also she's over obsessed about her father's memory. I've to choose between them and you know it's no choice.
DR. RAGHU: I see you've a Gordian knot to cut to tie the nuptial knot. (PAUSE) I think you take the Telugu cinema lane for evasion.
VIMALA: What's that by the way? I am no movie buff anyway.
DR. RAGHU: We may trick Prati into believing that you've cancer and won't live long. Pratap uncle offers to play the Good Samaritan to be your companion for the short reminder. And for better affect you can play the sentimental card of wanting to die a sumangali. Well, it won't work; being a doctor she would call our bluff.
VIMALA: Doctor or not, my daughter is no fool.
DR. RAGHU: Let's take it as a trial balloon to get started. If only Prati has a boyfriend, we can try to get her around through him.
VIMALA: I've to wait till she finds one. I welcome if you are the one.
DR. RAGHU: Who knows when air is so thick with love?
VIMALA: Like to see her picture in my cell phone.
(PAUSE)
DR. RAGHU: Picture perfect.
SFX- ring tone of Vimala's cell phone.
SEKHAR: (OFF). How is Pratap?
VIMALA: No worry, he's in deep sleep. What about you?
SEKHAR: (OFF). I've just finished with the police. Raju is quite handy. Thank Raghu for me. Where are you now?
VIMALA: We've crossed Koti.
SEKHAR: (OFF). Where will you put him up?
VIMALA: In my place, where else.
SEKHAR: (OFF). Nice, that helps. I'll catch up.
VIMALA: Bye then.
(PAUSE) Sekhar wants me to thank you for sending Raju.
DR. RAGHU: Raju is one in all. Where do you stay in the city?
VIMALA: Road No. 3, Himayatnagar.
DR. RAGHU: Shall I get some food parceled at Minerva.
VIMALA: I've sambar and vankai koora. I've only to cook some rice for us. It must be ages since the poor chap had a proper food.
DR. RAGHU: I am afraid I've to skip this time
VIMALA: (OFF) Maybe, he wants to leave us alone.
VIMALA: Stop near that gate. (PAUSE) wake up Pratap, we've reached home.
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: Now I'm okay; take me to the hotel.
VIMALA: Why not if you book a suite for us.
(PAUSE)
SFX – Creaking of the compound gate.
VIMALA: Pratap, mind your step, wait.
PRATAP: Misstep now, no way.
SFX - Opening of the house door.
SCENE – 10
INT – Vimala, Pratap and Dr. Raghu in Vimala's three bed-room house.
VIMALA: Pratap, lie down now. (PAUSE) Raghu, just see…
PRATAP: Why make fuss, I'm a little weak, that's all.
VIMALA: Let it come from the horse's mouth.
DR. RAGHU: I say it's an unusual recovery.
PRATAP: Satisfied Vimala.
DR. RAGHU: Uncle, I think you're remarkably strong.
VIMALA: Agreed, but know he's irritably obstinate.
PRATAP: Wait, you'll see how mellowed I am.
VIMALA: It helps, but what a fool I'm …
PRATAP: A sentimental fool.
VIMALA: Don't think that life didn't teach me. I'm not the timid Vimala you knew. But you too were never a candidate for a bravery award.
PRATAP: Bet, I'll win it hands down now.
VIMALA: Okay baba, but not on an empty stomach.
PRATAP: Raghu, it's slightly paining here.
VIMALA: For all I know its pangs of hunger. Let me cook some rice.
(PAUSE)
SFX – Indicative of a running tap, rice being washed, stove being lit and such kitchen activity.
DR. RAGHU: Auntie, he's okay, let me go.
VIMALA: If you come in the evening.
DR. RAGHU: I'll for a cup of filter coffee.
VIMALA: Prati prepared.
(PAUSE)
DR. RAGHU: Auntie, I've seen the photograph in the newspapers.
VIMALA: Yes, that's the last one, taken by Prati. She's so fond of photography; you only have to stand still for a second.
DR. RAGHU: Lot was said about his integrity and incorruptibility, that he was a workaholic, used to drive his staff crazy and such.
VIMALA: That's true; all his life, he was honest to the core.
DR. RAGHU: It was said he was as brave as Caesar.
VIMALA: You know how the media exaggerates. I tell you, nothing scared him more than his death. It's sad and silly; he was so obsessed about playing with his great grand children. Maybe, what we crave, life denies us.
DR. RAGHU: Or gives without warning.
VIMALA: But with strings attached.
DR. RAGHU: It pays to break loose at times.
VIMALA: Thank you for trying to strengthen my hands. I'll tell you a secret I won't like to share even with Pratap. You can imagine me as a reluctant bride but try visualizing my marital life.
DR. RAGHU: How can I?
VIMALA: I'll give you a clue. Bhadru was uprightness in motion and discipline in relaxation.
DR. RAGHU: Now I can, machine like. Would Prati ever understand that?
VIMALA: I don't wish my fate for her, if I can help. If only Bhadru was an average man, I tell you, Prasad would've been like any other man in my life, even early in my married life. But thanks to that upright soul, he remains my only love. Now, I don't want to miss the first honeymoon of my life. I know it would put me at odds with my daughter. So be it. (PAUSE)
DR. RAGHU: I would love to be uncle's best man at your wedding.
VIMALA: Can he find a better man? (PAUSE) But is there something didn't strike you.
DR. RAGHU: What's that auntie?
VIMALA: The phonetic likeness of Pratap and Prati.
DR. RAGHU: Believe me; I've got it in the car itself.
VIMALA: You're smart. But what you see of my love is a fraction of what's hidden in my heart.
DR. RAGHU: How I envy uncle.
SFX – opening of the door.
VIMALA: Ragu don't give a miss to the miss.
VIMALA: Oh, you're smarter than I thought
SFX- Closing of the door.
VIMALA: (OFF) Why not I give him food in bed, as a prelude.
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: Why spoil me Vimala …
VIMALA: Wanting reciprocity.
PRATAP: Oh, you're always one step ahead.
VIMALA: Why not follow me in my footsteps.
PRATAP: I need energy for that.
VIMALA: I'll feed you with my hand for that.
PRATAP: Be warned, I'm really hungry.
VIMALA: You can have my share by right. Open your mouth (PAUSE) that's a good boy.
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: I told you, I've willed my whole to you.
VIMALA: But keeping yourself to you.
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: When you were a half-self.
VIMALA: What's now, now that I'm myself?
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: Now I'm yours, what more do you want?
VIMALA: Pratap, Junior.
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: Vimala, oh, what we've missed.
VIMALA: What's that?
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: Sumptuous times.
VIMALA: I want hard evidence.
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: You'll have it in ample measure.
(PAUSE)
VIMALA: Well, I'll join you soon.
(PAUSE)
SFX- Cleaning of vessels in the kitchen.
(PAUSE)
VIMALA: I thought you would be in siesta.
PRATAP: I was waiting to tell you something.
VIMALA: Why wait, you should've called me.
PRATAP: Do you know why I married a white?
VIMALA: Why, you men crave white skin, don't you?
PRATAP: Oh, my wheatie, no other desi.
VIMALA: And no fun with pardesis.
PRATAP: Eyes glued on my Liz Hurley
VIMALA: Habits die hard, I give up.
PRATAP: Give up on me or my habits.
SFX - Door buzzer sounds (PAUSE)
VIMALA: It could be Sekhar.
(PAUSE)
SCENE – 11
INT - Vimala in the drawing room.
VIMALA: Who's that?
PRATI: It's me, mom.
SFX- Soundtrack of a door opening.
VIMALA: What Keerti, both of you bunked classes or what.
KEERTI: Auntie, you know it's not possible with Prati.
PRATI: What happened to your trip mummy?
VIMALA: Well, it's a long story of only a few miles journey.
PRATI: What mummy, you talk so strangely.
PRATAP: Hi, Prati.
PRATI: Pratap uncle, you, here.
KEERTI: Prati, maybe we've come at a wrong time. I better leave.
VIMALA: No Keerti, you couldn't have come at a better time. I'm happy to tell you, my friend Pratap has proposed and I've accepted.
PRATI: How could you…
VIMALA: Why not…
PRATI: In your situation…chee chee.
SFX – banging of the door.
KEERTI: Pardon me aunty. (PAUSE) You know I never misbehave; surely some devil entered my head. (PAUSE) I've made it worse for Prati, I'm ashamed really.
VIMALA: I don't blame you Keerti.
KEERTI: But I'm worried about Prati.
VIMALA: Don't worry, she would get over.
KEERTI: It won't be easy auntie; you're an angel for her.
VIMALA: Am I a devil now?
KEERTI: You know how she cherishes her father's memory.
VIMALA: I'm sure she's concerned about her mother's life.
KEERTI: Why doubt, sorry once again.
VIMALA: Bye.
KEERTI: Bye uncle.
PRATAP: Good luck.
(PAUSE)
VIMALA: Be on hand if I need.
PRATAP: Handle with care.
VIMALA: Don't I know.
(PAUSE)
SFX – A crying Prati in her room.
(PAUSE)
VIMALA: You hate your mummy, don't you?
PRATI: (Sobbing) I love you mummy, sorry for hurting you but..
VIMALA: You don't want me to remarry.
PRATI: I never thought you would.
VIMALA: Why so?
(PAUSE)
VIMALA: You took it for granted.
PRATI: Maybe.
VIMALA: You want me to live and die as your father's widow.
PRATI: I don't want to be rude but …
VIMALA: Remarriage is amoral for a forty year old woman with a teenage daughter.
PRATI: Why do you put words into my mouth? I just can't think of any man in your life.
VIMALA: But why? Have you thought about it?
PRATI: You know what father's memory means to me.
VIMALA: Are you not bothered about your mother's life?
PRATI: I'll give up my life for you.
VIMALA: But you don't want me to improve mine.
PRATI: Like it or not, your life is behind you.
VIMALA: What about the rest of it. Won't it count?
PRATI: It's different if you were a young widow.
VIMALA: How it's different being an older widow?
PRATI: Don't you've a teenage daughter?
VIMALA: What if I were childless.
PRATI: Why, you would be shaming none.
VIMALA: So you're not against widow marriage. But she should be a young mother or a childless oldie. You make me envy young widows with or without children.
PRATI: And pity middle-aged ones with teenage dudes like me. You may curse your luck but at your age there's sanctity to widowhood.
(PAUSE)
PRATI: I know you're guilty. Why marry on impulse and live in guilt.
VIMALA: You got it wrong. I don't wish to talk about my married life with you because it involves your sentiments of your father.
PRATI: It's no excuse; there is nothing I don't know about you and father.
VIMALA: I never knew you were an eavesdropper and a voyeur combined into one.
PRATI: Oh, I don't mean it that way.
VIMALA: Leave it at that, and get to the realities of your life.
PRATI: What realities?
VIMALA: I won't mean much to you once you marry…
PRATI: If you drop your idea, I won't get married at all.
VIMALA: These are no Mahabharata days my dear. But still if you keep your vow, it will make it worse for me. Well, Bhishma didn't marry to let his father have the woman he fancied. And you want to remain unmarried to prevent your mother from marrying the man who loves her.
PRATI: But don't love him, do you?
VIMALA: What for you if I love him or not?
PRATI: Won't it reflect on your marriage?
VIMALA: You're just a girl not even a newlywed.
PRATI: Maybe, I'm old enough to understand.
VIMALA: If only life is as simple to comprehend…
PRATI: I know it's the stock stuff to gag the young mouths.
VIMALA: Okay, I'll tell you about a stark reality. If ever you were in my position, you would feel as much need for a male company as I do now.
PRATI: Don't think I don't care for your needs. But I can't bear your shaming dad's memory by marrying. If you still go ahead, I know I can't prevent it. But I'm not sure whether I want to live to see you as someone else's woman.
VIMALA: I think doctors save lives and not take lives.
PRATI: Why do you forget I'm no less a devoted daughter.
(PAUSE)
VIMALA: Prati dear, know my love is as precious as your life.
PRATI: What, you love him!
VIMALA: Had my father cared for my feelings, Pratap would have been your father. (PAUSE)
SCENE – 12
INT – Vimala goes to Pratap.
VIMALA: The sentimental fool has put her life on line.
PRATAP: Didn't you foresee that?
VIMALA: No, I thought I could put some sense into her stupid head.
PRATAP: Now would you put my love on line or what?
VIMALA: No way come what may.
PRATAP: What if she acts stupid; it'll cast a shadow on our love life.
VIMALA: So be it, no missing you even at the cost of my life.
PRATAP: That's the love I crave, but still we've to save her life
VIMALA: I'm glad it's father like.
PRATAP: If the koya dora gets it right, won't I become a proper father.
VIMALA: The day I deliver, would be the day of my life.
PRATAP: Never mind, the daughterly rebuff.
VIMALA: Mind you, only a woman would know that.
PRATAP: Wish I were one to be able to feel like you.
VIMALA: You would know as I open my heart and soul to you. Now see how we can save Prati's life without wasting ours.
PRATAP: Maybe, Sekhar could help us out. Why no word from him.
VIMALA: I don't think so, yet Raghu may make some difference. But self-help is the best help, isn't it? You apply your mind and I'll find out what she is up to.
(PAUSE)
VIMALA: The she devil is sleeping. (PAUSE) I know you've an idea, it's written on your face.
PRATAP: It's husbanding trouble ahead.
VIMALA: What do you mean?
PRATAP: What else, wife being a face reader.
VIMALA: Oh, how I've been missing life.
PRATAP: And I, for the lack of inspiration.
VIMALA: That's behind us any way; tell me what next.
PRATAP: As your logic failed to cut her sentimental ice, we shall melt it with her emotional heat.
VIMALA: But how?
PRATAP: By feigning our suicide.
VIMALA: What an idea really, but how to go about it?
PRATAP: We bleed a little by slashing our writs and Sekhar will alert Prati to our suicide pact. Then we all should be smiling for our wedding album.
VIMALA: But what if the timing goes wrong?
PRATAP: I see your drawing hall wall is wide enough to accommodate our photographs. Why doubt, Prati's sentiment would ensure that.
VIMALA: It's no time to joke any way.
PRATAP: It's all nuts and bolts my dear. Don't you have a razor blade at home?
VIMALA: I think it's there somewhere.
PRATAP: You get hold of it as I get Sekhar on line.
(PAUSE)
SEKHAR: (OFF) How do you feel now?
PRATAP: Quite fit to think and act.
SEKHAR: (OFF) I'll be reaching there shortly.
PRATAP: It's the climax scene here. I've a role for you too.
SEKHAR: (OFF) I know it's hard to handle Prati.
PRATAP: Listen carefully so that you won't mess it up. Prati has threatened to commit suicide. I thought of vajram vajrena bhedyate. You'll find Vimala and me in blood with our wrists slashed. You alert Prati and work on her emotion for the turnaround. Call me back to give us five minutes and we'll keep the main door ajar.
SEKHAR: (OFF) What an idea sirji. I'm sure it makes Ajitab Bachan proud.
PRATAP: Wait, Vimala has something to say.
VIMALA: Sekhar ask Raghu to follow you with his medical kit, just in case. You call him on 9246209733, okay.
SEKHAR: (OFF) Done, I'm glad you've got your man Vimala.
VIMALA: We'll wait for your call.
SEKHAR: (OFF) Be ready, I won't take long.
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: Nice you found it. (PAUSE) It looks new.
VIMALA: How to go about it, I mean…
PRATAP: Hand in hand in the bed for better affect. Go and open the front door and keep it ajar. Don't make noise.
(PAUSE)
SFX – Two rings of cell phone.
SEKHAR: (OFF) I'll be there in five minutes. Raghu is on the way, he said he'll bring some bandage along with him. Better be careful.
PRATAP: Don't goof up, okay.
(PAUSE)
SCENE – 13
INT – Sekhar enters Vimala's house and finds Vimala and Pratap in a pool of bed.
SEKHAR: Oh my god, (loud tone) Come Prati, be quick.
PRATI: (OFF) Sekhar uncle, what's wrong with you?
SEKHAR: (loud tone) Your mother … .
(PAUSE)
PRATI: Oh, God.
(PAUSE)
PRATI: Mummy, are you okay?
VIMALA: Please leave us?
(PAUSE) How can you do this to me? Uncle, get something to stop the flow.
SEKHAR: Okay, let me see.
(PAUSE)
PRATI: Are you okay uncle?
(PAUSE)
SEKHAR: Here's is a saree. (PAUSE) Why he's not responding?
PRATI: He'll be okay. Please get some glucose from the medical shop.
SEKHAR: I'm back in a minute.
SFX – Soundtrack of cloth being torn.
VIMALA: Doesn't save us.
PRATI: I'm sorry mummy.
(PAUSE)
PRATI: I'm ashamed uncle.
PRATAP: I don't blame you Prati.
PRATI: Don't you forgive me mummy.
(PAUSE)
PRATI: Sekhar uncle, with water.
SEKHAR: Why this madness Vimala. I thought he would give you new life and not abet you to suicide.
VIMALA: Don't blame him.
PRATI: Uncle, have some glucose please.
PRATAP: Give your mummy.
PRATI: Mummy, please.
(PAUSE)
PRATI: If you have, uncle also will have.
(PAUSE)
PRATI: That's a good girl. (PAUSE) Uncle, be a good boy.
(PAUSE)
SFX- sound of the door buzzer.
SEKHAR: Prati, find out who it is.
DR. RAGHU: (OFF) I'm Dr. Raghu, I came to check up Pratap uncle.
PRATI: (OFF) Who has called you?
DR. RAGHU: (OFF) Don't you know about the car crash?
PRATI: (OFF) What's that?
DR. RAGHU: (OFF) It's Sekhar uncle's car. Pratap uncle was a little traumatized?
PRATI: (OFF) It's news to me. But how do you know?
DR. RAGHU: (OFF) I was in the car myself.
PRATI: (OFF) Please come in.
(PAUSE)
SEKHAR: How timely. Prati is taking care but surly you can help.
DR. RAGHU: Oh god, but why their wounds are not dressed up?
PRATI: Oh, I haven't thought about it.
DR. RAGHU: It happens when doctors treat their own people.
PRATI: I'll go and get some bandage.
DR. RAGHU: No need, I've it with me. Let's move them out from here.
(PAUSE)
PRATI: Mummy, steady, (PAUSE) Sekhar uncle, help Pratap uncle (PAUSE) This way, to mummy's room.
(PAUSE)
DR. RAGHU: Pratap uncle, how lucky, you've escaped death twice today.
PRATAP: What luck it is when I couldn't live life one day in twenty years.
PRATI: Uncle, with mummy with you can't you let bygones be bygones
VIMALA: I know you love me dear. That's why I don't want to embarrass you anymore. I would go to the States with Pratap. I hope you understand.
DR. RAGHU: I think you should lead by example.
PRATI: Mummy he's right.
SEKHAR: It's no to Vimala's visa.
PRATI: On one condition.
SEKHAR: What's that?
PRATI: Pratap uncle should surrender his passport.
DR. RAGHU: And make me his best man.
PRATAP: Can I have a better man for that.
VIMALA: It's just not you..
DR. RAGHU: Auntie, I get you, but one step at a time.
PRATI: Why leave me out of the loop.
VIMALA: You may know Pratap is going to fund Raghu's pro-poor hospital project.
PRATI: Oh, I'm glad I've a job already..
DR. RAGHU: Of a managing partner if you please.
PRATI: One step at a time.
DR. RAGHU: Takes to the right destination.
SEKHAR: All's well that ends well.
SFX – Marriage tunes
The End