24thAug‘15Tamasha

Script

Sc#1 Night,Interiors GrandOpera Lightsintheauditoriumfadingdown.Thecurtainonthestageisbeinglifted,revealingagrandtheatrestage.

Frontstageisaroboticfigure,walkingonatreadmill.Behindhimisajokersittingonarockwithbacktous,fishing.

Silenceforamoment,thenthereisasmallbeepsoundandthen–Robot Kabhikabhimeredilmeinkhayaalaatahai

Joker Itnizorseaatahaikipantmeinhihojaatahai… Audienceresponse.Robotturnssharplytothejoker,turnsback.Robot KabhikabhimeredilmeinkhayaalaatahaiJoker Tophirdimaghmeinkyaaatahai?(turns)Bolo…Bolobolo…Robot Shutup.Quiet.Silence.

Kabhikabhimeredilmeinkhayaalaatahai(quick)Mainkaunhoon?

Joker (stands)Votomujhepata…Yesyes… Tuvohihaijosubahkoofficejaatahaiaurshamkogharaatahai. Jobosskidaantkhaatahaihahahaparkisikonahinbatatahai. Bayalisseatkibusmeinjoeksaubayalislogchadhtehainunmein

seektuhitohai.Robot Warning–AudienceaachukihaiJoker (sings)Aapandarsekuch,baaharsekuchaurnazaraatehain…

Asthisisgoingoninthefront-stage,lightsbegintocomeoninthebackstage.Manysectionsinthesetcomeintoview,eachhavingadifferentsettingandcharacters.Itlookslikevariousstoriesplayingoutsimultaneouslyonstage.

Ram,SitaandsomecharactersfromtheRamayan,LailaandMajnu,anautorickshawanditsdriver,HelenofTroy,atenyearoldschoolboyatReportCardDayatschoolandafewothers.Meanwhile,withthejokerandrobot–

Robot Getout.Getout.ShoJoker Achcha…?Robot Gogo… Joker Areyterehotemainkaisego?(coy)Apnatotaankahaina…?Janam

janamkaatootbandhan,jeenamarnateresang,dobadanekjaanRobot SOSSOSCharliecomeinCharlieSecurityJoker (turnstoaudience)Henhhenhhenh…Maafkardobechaareko…

Dilkaachchahaiye–aaphikitarah.Magarkyakareindilaurduniyakebeechkahinphansgayahai–aaphitarah.Karnabahotkuchchahtahai,parhaalatsemaarkhaatahai–

Thejokerextendsherhandtotheaudiencemeaning‘Aaphikitarah’

Joker Kintuparantubutmagar…Mainhoonna…yes,mainhoon…iske

dilkiaawaaz…

TheJokershowsafinger,thentouchesittotheRobot’sheart.

Joker TingTheheartbeginstothrob.Therobotgetsworkedupandspeaksin

agitation–Robot Diltopaagalhai Thodakachchahaiji Sheeshahoyadilho Dilcheezkyahai

DilDilDilJoker Maanakidilhaibeqaraar

Isseykhatrehainhazaar… Paraisemachinekitarahjeena–nonsense,bekaar…

Thejokershowsapalm,thentouchesittotherobot’sheart.

Joker TongTheheartbeginstothrobfaster.Thesetbeginstocapsize,thingsfall,

lightsfuse,sparksfly.Therobotbecomesmoredamagedandspeakswithgreateragitationinthebackground– Robot DisruptivetechnologyABtheetabeetagaamazaalimlotion

paanchsaupachchattarmethods,festerorganicgrowthmeasure

successsquareroot74.7tothepowernbytheimpactonLadoSarai,Malkagunj,KingKong,Teriyaki,MonAmor…

Meanwhile,thejokercomesclosertotheaudienceandspeaks–Joker Toaudienceyaaraisahai… Isneyetamashabanayahaitumhaareliye…Dilsebanayahai…to

pasandaayetotaalivaalibajadenayaar…hain…?Aurkoibhool-chookhojaayetomaafkarna…theekhai…?Nana,iskichintamatkarna…mujheiskesaarebuttonpatahain…jhatsetheekhojayegaye…masttamashadikhayegahaan…To…araamsebaitheho?Shurookarein…?

Thenthejokerpicksupafunnyhammer.

Joker Ready,steady…Thejokerrunsandhitstherobot’sheartwiththehammer.

Joker Dharraaang…

Amassiveshortcircuithappensontheset.Therobotbeginstobreakdowncompletely.Sparksflyinalldirections,sirensoundsareheard.Thingsfall.Alllightsgooff.Whenthechaossubsidesthereisonlyonesectionofthebackgroundthatislitandactive. Itisthesetofthereportcarddayinschool.Ateacherisheardcomplainingaboutthestudentboytohisfatherastheboystandswithhisheaddowninshame.{1½mins}

Sc#2 Day,Int/Exteriors SimlaSchool Mid1990s

Theboy’sfaceashelooksdowninshame.Theconversationofthedisapprovingteacherandtheupsetfathercanbeheard.Specialmentionisofthepoorperformanceinmaths.

Manytableslaidoutinaschoolhall.Teachersandparentssittingacrosstables,schoolboysstandinginfrontofthetables.Otherparentandteacherswaiting. Asignboardstandsoutsidethehallsaying–ReportCardDistributionforStd.3,4&5. Theboyiswalkingbehindhisfumingfather,downtheschoolcorridor.Fatherisholdingthereportcard.

Theboy’sheadisstilldowninshame.{1/2min}

Sc#3 Day,Ext/Int SimlaHouse Mid1990s Acardrivesintoanold,largehouseinSimla.

Theboywalksthepassageinthehousewithhisheadhunginshame.Hismotherandsisterareseenlookingathim,goingintoanotherroom.

Helooksbackfurtivelydownthepassage,thenquicklyshutsthedoor.Insidetheroom,hehurriestoadesk,climbsitandgetsontothewindow

sill.Hetakesoutanoldtinboxfromahidingspot.Heopensitandtakesoutsomecurrencynotesfromit.Hekeepsthenotesinhispocket.

Theboycomesatthemirrorhavingchangedhisshirt.

Hecombshishair.Hesmilestohimself,thensaluteshimselfandclickswithhismouthatthe

sametime,tosaybye. Hewalksouttotheporchofthehouseinanonchalantmanner.

Hewalkscausuallytowardsthegate,sneakinglooksupstairs.Hewalkssomemoreandlooksbackandsuddenlyrunsahead.

{1/2min} Sc#4 Day,Exteriors SimlaLanes

Theboyemergesfromthedrivewayofthehouse,runsdownthelane.Heisseenrunningdowntheslope.

Herunsup,turnsintoalane.ThehousesofSimlatownareseeninthe

backgroundasherunsaway.

Anotherboy,slightlyolder,issittinginacorner.Heseestheboycomingup.Theylookateachotherandnodtomakesureallisokay,thentheolderboyleadsandtheywalkon.

Theyrundownapath.{1/2min}

Sc#5 [A] Evening,Exteriors StoryCornerinSimla Mid1990s

Anoldman.Takesasipfromhisoldblueporcelaincup.Theboyswalkupanislandontheroad.Therearesomestallshere,one

sellingteaetc.Theoldmanisseenseatedattheendoftheisland.Theboyswalktowardshim.

Thecurrencynotesbeingcounted.Theoldmanfinishescounting,thensays–

Storyteller Aadhaghanta…Theboyssitinfrontoftheoldman,theyoungeronestillbreathing

heavily.Theoldmanfinisheshistea,looksattheboys,theboysarelookingat

him.Thentheoldmanfacesupandmakessomeinvocation,thenlooksbackatthem,hiseyesbrighternow,andbeginsthestory–

Storyteller Aajsebahotjugpehle…auryahaansebahotkosdoor…

Ekdestha…Anokhades…JosaariduniyameinmashhoorthaApnerajakenaamsenahin,apnerajkumarkenaamseAnokhaRajkumar…jagsenirala…Hardilkidhadkan,haraankhkatara.GaataAyodhyajiskijayjaykaarRajchhodjisnevanvaaskiyasweekarJisnekiyadushtRaavankakaamtamaamJiskanaamhai–

Ramleela[A]

Ram.Intheboy’simagination.Standingwithhisbacktous.OperaticmusicofRamayan.

Theboyisimagining.Ramisstandingatthestoryteller’sspotinthestorycorner.Heisdressed

fortheforest.Therearechantsofhisnamefrombelow.

Heraiseshishandtoacknowledge.

Sita.Risesfrompalatialriches–whichisimaginedinapartofthestorycorner,behindtheboyashelookstowardsthestoryteller,engrossed.

Sitagetsupandwalksout,awayfromluxury. SitawalksuptoRam,inthegardenoftheSahnihouseinSimla.Nowsheisdressedfortheforestaswell.

Ramturnstoher.

SitaandRamlookateachotherinthegardencorner.

Sc#5 [B] Evening,Exteriors StoryCornerinSimla Mid1990s Theyoungboyisfascinatedastheoldstorytellercontinuesthestory–Storyteller ‘BankepagpagmeinkaantehainRani…TuKomalhai,Rajkumari

hai…Jangalterijagahnahin…’ YesunkarrajkumariSitakehtihai–

Ramleela[B] Intheboy’simagination.Inthecornerofthehousegarden.AdevotedSitaprotests–Sita Teenonlokkasaarasukh…Aapkebinadhoolhaimereswami… Aapsaathhon Aapkahaathho Toharkaantaphoolhai. Sc#5 [C] Evening,Exteriors StoryCornerinSimla Mid1990s Theboyarelisteningtothestoryteller.Storyteller SaavdhaanRajkumari…

Inasmallclearingbetweensometreesinthehousecompound,Ramisreadytochasethedeer.SitaandLaxmanlookathim.

Ram SaavdhaanRajkumari… Yebansundarhaijitna,haiutnahibhayanak. Saavdhaan. Lakshmantumhaarirakshakarega.Iskiaagyakabhinataalna. Abmainchala…ushirankeshikaarmein. Sc#5 [D] Evening,Exteriors StoryCornerinSimla Mid1990sStoryteller Bas…hogaya… Theboyisshocked.Boy Kya…? Storyteller Aadhaghanta…Chalojao… Boy Arey…magar…aagekyahotahai…?Storyteller Kahaanikhatam,paisahazam…Chalophuto… Theolderboygetsuptoleave,butthemoreenchantedyoungerboypleads–Boy Achchathodasa…Please…phirkyahotahai…?

Thestorytellerlooksattheboycaustically.

Boy Pleasenaplease…

Storyteller Paanchminute… Theboysettlesquickly.Theolderonesitsdownagain.

Ramleela[C]

Thesameclearingbetweenthetrees.TheLaxmanRekhaisalsoseen.RavandancingaroundSitaandlaughingloudly.Sitaismakingbracinggestures.

Ravanlaughsmore,thenliftsSita.

{1/2min}

Sc#5 [E] Night,Exteriors StoryCornerinSimla Mid1990s Theoldstorytellerispackinguphisstufftoleave.Theboysareseenhurryingaway.{2½mins}

MoneyCollectionMontage

TheSimlahouseinlateafternoon.Theboyiscominghomefromschool. Hecrossesnexttoaverandahwhereayoungwomanisputtingclothestodry.Shelooksathim.AagayeBedu,shecallsouttohim.Helooksatherandnods. Helooksatheragain. Later,theboyispressinghisgranny’slegs,stillinschooluniform. Grannygiveshimtwocoins.Helooksatthem.Boy Bas…?Granny Toaurkya? Theboykeepsthecoinsintheoldtinbox,hecheckstheremainingmoneyinit. Inthecornerofthehousegarden,wherehehadimaginedSitameetingRam,theboyiswalkingupanddowninsomethought.Hesuddenlymakesadramaticpostureoftakingoutthearrowfromquiverandshootingabow,noticesthathisfatherislookingathim,onhiswaytothegardenchairwithhisnewspaperandtea.Theboystraightens,looksdownandcontinuestostroll.

Theboyistip-toeingintohisparents’roomastheysnoozeintheafternoon.

Hecreepsuptohisfather’spantsthatarehangingandquicklychecksthepockets.

Hetakesanote,keepstherestback,movesawayveryquickly. Earlyevening.Theboymovestothemirrorinhisroomandlooksathimself.Boy Maintochala.Ushirankeshikaarmein…

Hecorrectshishair,thensmilesnaughtily.Thenclicksandsalutes,then

leaves.

Theoldhouseatearlyevening.Theboyisseencomingouttotheporchinanonchalantmanneragain,casuallytakingafewstepsahead,sneakinglookupstairsandsuddenlyrunningahead.

{1½mins} Sc#6 LateEvening,Exteriors StoryCornerinSimla Mid1990s

Thestorytelleriscountingthemoney.Theboyisstandinginfrontofhim.Thestorytellerregardstheboyforamomentthenspeaks.

Storyteller Lasttimekahaantaksunaithi…?Boy Vo…badmashRaja..Raavan…aakeRajkumarikouthaletahai… Storyteller (remembers)Haan…

Thestorytellertakesthelastsipfromthebluecup.Theboyquicklysettlesdown.

Storyteller AchchaRajavaapasaatahaitokyadekhtahai…?KeRajkumari

ghayab…DushtRajauseyuthalegayahaidoorsamandarpaarapnirajdhaniTroy.TovofauranUnaankesaareRajaonsemiltahaiaurkehtahai“bhaiyyon…meriraniHelenkoParisnedhokeseagwaahkarliyahai.Humhazaarjahaazsamandarmeinutaarenge,ladhengeTrojanmahayudhaurapnizeenat–apniHelenkovaapaslayenge…

Boy (cuts)E…ekminute…Storyteller Hain…?

Thestorytellerisannoyed.Boy Lasttimeaapmujhekoiaurkahaanisunarahethe…RamaurSita

ki…AurRavanuseylegayatha…Lanka…

Thestorytellerisconfused.Amomentofsilence.Thenthestorytellerspeakssuddenly–

Storyteller Haantokyatakleefhai…?Problemkyahai?Kahaanikahaanihotihai…aurvohikahaaniharjagahchaltihai,harwaqt…Ayodhyamein,Unaanmein…Laila-Majnu,Romeo-Juliet,Sikandarkichadhai,Lankakiladaiaurtumhaarizindagi…Vohikahaani…ekhi…Tosochomatkekahaanaurkabaurkiski…basmazalokahaanika…Dilkholke…Theekhai…?

Theboynodsenthusiastically.

Storyteller Aaraamsebaitheho?Shurookaroon…?Boy (happily)Haan…

Thestorytellerfacesupandcloseshiseyes,invokes–

Storyteller Mahaaththaam…Lechalapnejahaan…Meriawaazmeintubolrani,shurookarkahaani,jahaansebhiteradilchaahe….

{1½mins}/9mins/

TitleMontage

Song#1 Therobotisbackonthegrandoperastage,performingtheopeningofthissongofstories.Andsothestorygoes…,heissinging.Alwaysthesamestory.Thejokerisdancingaroundtherobot.

Titlesbegin.

LatenightamongthemarketsandhousesinSimla,peoplegatheredto

watchalocalRamleelaplay.Ram,Sita,RaavanandsomeoftheothercastofRamayanprancingaround

astheyarebeingintroducedonstage.Thestageisinthecornerofalargeterrace.Peoplearewatchingfromvariousplaces.

Theboyissittingwithsomeothers,lostintheplay. Anotherday,thekidisrunningdownthelanestothestoryteller. Thestorytelleristellingthekidapassionatestory. Thekidisseeingtheyoungwomanoftheverandahinhishouseasshewalksintheeveningfurtively,tomeetsomeone.HeimaginesherasSohnigoingtomeetMahiwal.

TheterracestageinthemiddleofSimla.Peoplearegatheredtowatch.Theboysittingwithsomeothers.TheinfantKrishnainabasket,beingcarriedbyVasudevacrosstheriver.

TheinfantMosesbeingrecoveredinthepalaceofEgyptfromtheNile.

Schoolchildreninanauditorium,watchingatheatreplay.RomeoandJulietbeingperformedonstage–ascenebetweenRomeoand

Juliet.Theboysittingwithhisclassintheaudience.JulietwaitingonherbalconyforRomeo.

Theboyislostintheplay. SitainimaginationwaitingforRaminAshokVatika,imaginedinapartofthecompoundofthehouseinSimla.

Shegetsastartsassomeoneenters.Shelooks. HanumanistearinghischesttoshowtheimageofRam.

Theboyinclass,lookinglonginglyathishistoryteacher.

Theboyintheschoolassemblyinthechapel.Thechoiriswalkinguptheaisle. Thehistoryteacher,whoisSamyuktaintheboy’simaginationiswalkingtowardsthelightatexitofthehall.Storyteller’sV/O KiskitarafjarahihaiSamyukta?Vokaunhaijosamaajke

daayrekebaaharseuskobularahahai…? Thestorytellerandtheboy.StoryTeller Haathmeinvarmaalaliye,yoonhichalte-chalteSanjukta

mahalkebaaharaajaatihaiBoy (corrects)Samyukta… Thestorytellerlooksdisapprovingly.StoryTeller YamunahaiyaJamuna? Theboywonders.StoryTeller JosephhaiyaYusuf,JesusyaEesa,MoosayaMoses?

Batao…?(deeperthought)BrahmahaiyaAbraham…?YaIbrahim?(excitement)HindunadihaiyaIndus,hindhaiyaIndia?

Boy Sanjukta ThestatueofPrithvirajChahuan.Sanjuktalooksatit,smiles,placesthegarlandaroundit’sneck. ThestatueisPrithvirajhimself.HeholdsSanjukta,sheisstartled,happy.Hewhisksheraway.

Amontageoftheboyrushingtoandfromthestorytellerondifferent

days.Thestorytellerisnarratinganotherstorytothekidoneday–

Storyteller Aakhirkaar…jabhojaatihaiLailaQaeskerubarootovokya

dekhtihai…?Keuskaqaesqaesnahinraha…Theboyistellingastorytohisfriendsattherecessinschool.

Boy Gasnahin…Qaes,Qaes…anywayabvoMajnubangayahai…matlabpagal…pagalonkiterehbehavekartahai…Charonhaath-pairsechaltahai,bandarkitarah…

Theboywalksonallfours,likeamadman,hisfriendslaugh.Fancydresscompetitionontheschoolstage.Variousboysdressedas

bandits,kings,jokers,beggars,priestsetc.,standinginline.Themiddleschooliswatching.Teachersarejudging.Theboycomesup,dressedasMajnu.Hetakesposition.Thenstarts

screaming–

Boy Laila…Laila…KahaanhaituLaila…(pause)Laila…Thankyou.

Hebowsslightlyandshylyandwalksback.

HanumanjumpsfromatreeinfrontofSitainAshokVatika.

Sitaisstartled.Hanumanbowsandfoldshishandstoher. Hanumantearstheskinofhischestandshowstheimageoframinhisheart.Sitafoldsherhandindevotion.Twodemonwatch-womenareseenfaintinginthebackground.

Julietonstageintheschoolplay,prancingaroundinthehappinessofthethoughtofRomeo.

Helenaboardtheship,beingtakenawaytoTroy.MenelausmeetsaGreekking,theylockarms.

Theschoolhallwherethereportcardwasdistributedisburningwith

fakelookingspecialeffectfire.Hanumancomestothesideofthemainschoolbuildingwithhisflaming

tailandsetsitonfire,jumpsout.Themainschoolbuildingisseenburninginthefakefire.

JulietlamentingthedeathofRomeointheschoolplay.Julietstabsherself.

Hanumanemergesfromarailing,jumpsup.Behindhimthecityisseenablazeinthethefakefireeffect.

TheRam-Leela–theearthpartsandSitaisgettingswallowedontheterracestageinSimla. Anotherdayatthestorycorner,anotherstory– Storyteller Hohohahahaha…chiraghkajinnAlauddinkesaamne

haazirhogayaaurbola–Hukummereaaqa…

Theboywalksoutofhisroom,goingtoschool.HeisimaginingthegenieofthelampfromAladin’stale.Thegenieisbouncingaround,looking,posturing,promisingandescorting.

Theboystepsoutofthedoorofthehouse,stopslooksinside.Inhisimaginationthegenieisdancingaroundthemagicallampthatis

creatingalotofsmoke.Themagiccarpetstandsbehindhim.Theboyturnsandwalksaway.Insidethedoor,theservantofthehouseis

seenblowingthepoojaincensesomeintheroom. Theboy,nowacollegestudent,doesastand-upactinthecollegeauditorium.Ved Andthegeniesays–Hukummereaaqa…SoAlsays–Listen

jinndude,kuchaisakar…kimain…girl’shostelmeinrehnelagoon…samajhrahahai…?

Laughterfromtheaudience.

Ved Kyaaapkairaadapakkahai…?Pakkapakka…Girl’shostelmeindaaldemujhebas,apnebaaqikearmaanmainkhudhipoorekarloonga…

Whistlesfromtheaudience.

Therobotonstage,makinganinvocationtothemusebeforebeginningthestory–“Takemyhandgoddess,leadtometheenchantedlandofstories.Speakinmyvoice,oprincess,andbeginthestorywhereveryouwill.” Thetitlesend.{3½mins}/12½mins/

ApproachingCorsicaMontage

Opensky,opensea–lookingintothewater. Lookoutofwateratjaggedrocks,unsteadypoint-ofview.Movingthroughtherocksinthesea. Emergingfromacoveinthesea. Approachingacliffonthesea–glimpsesofacity.

Thepoint-of-viewsettlesonthepicturesqueandoutlandishislandofCorsica.

{1/2min}

Sc#7 Day,Ext/Interiors CorsicaTavern

Atavern.Peoplecomeandgo.Attheentrance,agirlisinsomesortofa

squabblewiththeownerofthetavern.SheseemstobemakinganappealinEnglish.HeseemstonotknowEnglishwellandisdisqualifyingher.

Owner (impatient)Nononomoney,no…

Girl Listentome…justlistenokay?Iamnotaskingformoney,Iam

askingtomakeacall…Aphonecall…

Owner Nonophone,go…Girl It’llbeonesecond,okay?I’lljustcallandquicklyaskthemtocall

back.Owner (rudely)NononoGirl Listenpleaseyaa…please…Owner (loud)NononomoneygoGirl Okayfine…

Shesmilesfakely,controllingherrage.

Girl …finesaalejhand-fakeer…sooarkiaulaad…Marjakameenethankyou.

Quickfadetoblack.Titleappears–TejakaSona.

Quickfadein.Wearelookingatthegirlandthetavernownerfrominside

thetavern.Wearebackafewsecondsintime,weseethesameactionfromthispointofview.

Owner Nononomoneygo…

She Okayfine…finesaalejhand-fakeer…sooarkiaulaad.Marja

kameenethankyou.Someoneinsidethetavernreactstotheabuse,looksout.ThisisanIndianmaninmidtwenties.Hehasheardsomethingfamiliar

andunexpectedintheseparts,helooksout.Heseesthetavernowner,comingbacktohiscounterandagirlwalkingawaytothestepsontheside.

Themanwalksouttotheentrance,lookstowardsthesteps,looksatthe

tavernowner.

Themanclimbsthesteps,seesthegirlstandingneartherailing,in

obvioustension.Helooksback,thenwalksuptothegirl.Shelooksathim.

He That…jhand-fakeer…Yousaid? Shecloseshereyes,quicklyexhales,openshereyes.She SeeIwasaskingthat…the…He …soarkiaulaad…She …toletmemakeaquickcall,justforasecond,but… Hetakesouthisphoneandoffersittoher.He Here…

Shelooksathim.She IhavetocallIndia…He Haankoibaatnahin,karleejiye… Shetakesthephone.Hesmiles,takesastepback.Shechokes,looksdown,thenswiftlylooksupandblurtsout–She Merabagghayabhogayaactually…Usmeinpassportthaaur

phoneaurcash,creditcardsshit…vobagjokabhinahinkhotehain…HowcanIbesostupid…?yatochorikarliyakisene…Immideatelyvaapasgayeeferrymein…harjagah…baarbaar,subahseaurispooreCorsicameinekbhiaadmikoEnglishnahinaatibloody…(mumbles)AsterixinCorsica…

Shecloseshereyes,makesashortexhaletocontrolherself.

He Sorry…?

She Asterix…Comics…That’sthereason,actually.AsterixinCorsicamerifavouritethi…Hardinpadhtithi,sketchesdekhtithi…sochtithibadihokarkeekdinvahanjaoongizaroor…YahanParismeinconferencethianddamnmujhesabkesaathvaapaschalejaanachahiyethamagarnahin…maintobadihogayeehoon…aurbachpanabhinahingayamera…

Shecloseshereyesagaintocontrolherself.

He Aap…phonekarleejiyepehle,okay?

She Yeah…Yes…Thanks…{2½mins}

Sc#8 Day,Exteriors CorsicaTavern

Heisattherailing,lookingout.Afewminuteshavepassed.Shereturnstohim.

She Hi…Vomujhecallbackkarenge.Isnumberpar–Isthatfine?He Absolutely…She Fiveminutes…Tomainjust…

Shemakeshandgesturestosignifythatshe’djusthangaroundhim.

He Sure,please…Hemakesthesamehandgesturesasher,smiles.Shesmiles.

She Andlisten… Sheturnstofacehimsquarely,shakesherheadingratitude.She Thanksalot,okay…?He Areypleasedon’tdothat…She NoIhavetodoit…Youdon’tknowwhatmyhaalatwas…God

knowsaapnahinmiltetokyahota…Bytheway,(extendshand)mynameis…

He (quick)Stop…She Haan…?He (gesturestvremote)Pause Shelooksathim.Helooksatherforsometime.

He Hmm…Aapapnanaambataengi,mainapnanaambataoonga,humekdoosrekojaanjayenge–kahanrehtehainkyakartehainaur‘ohwow…whatasmallworld’bhihojayega,commonfriendsbhinikalayengeaurmainvohibanjaoongajomainsaalbharhotahoon–ghise-pitejokessunaoonga,aapkoimpresskarnekikoshishkaroonga,decentlybehavekaroonga…decentlybehavekaroonga…?(opensarmswide)Corsicamein…?Ittimightmaarkeyahaanaayahoon,jahaankoimujhenahinjaanta,mainkoibhihosaktahoon,kuchbhikarsaktahoon,kisikopadinahinhai…Don…

HehaslapsedintoDon,hishandisextended.Don Baarahmulkonkipolicemujhedhoondhrahihaiaurmainyahan,

isanjaantapumein,Tejakesonekaintezarkarrahahoon.

Shelooksathiminintrigue.HeisDon.Sheextendsherhandtohim.

Don Auraap?

She Main…?

Don Ji…aap…Koitohongiaap…

She Main…Mona.MonaDarling.MainTejakesaathkaamkartihoon.

Don TomainaapkoMonakahoon,yadarling…?Mona (withdrawingherhand)MrDon…

Donlaughs. Don Ilikeit…Magarisbaatkakyasaboothai…kiSonadarasal

tumhaarepaashai?

Mona Isbaatkakyasaboothai…kitumdarasalDonho?Don (laughs)SabootkanoonkiduniyakakhilonahaiaurDon…us

duniyakebaharkakhilaadi…VaisepoochsaktahoonkiTejakhudkyonnahinaaya?

Mona Vo…MrTejakadentistappointmenttha

Don Isee

Mona Voiswaqt,yahansehazaaronmeeldoor,apnarootcanalkarva

rahehainDon O

Thephoneringsinhispocket.Sheperksup,hetakesthephoneout.

Don Interpol…

Theylookatthecallingnumber.

Mona Mainhandlekartihoon…

Hegivesherthephone,winksather.Shewinksathim.

Don+Mona Hahaha…

Hebacksout,sheturnsandwalksaway,speakingwithattentionintothephone–

Mona Hello…?Yesdad…Nono…Okay…Yes…{2½mins}

Sc#9 Day,Exteriors TownSquare,Tavern AmusicalparadetravellinginthelanesoftheCorsicantown.Fairlikeatmosphere. Theparadewalksupsomestepscomingforward.Musiciansareplaying,greatcheer.

Thesunissetting,theeveningbreezeisblowing.Monaisseenattherailings,speakingonthephone.Theiconsoftheparade.Parademovingwithgreatvivacity.

Nearthetavern,MonacomeslookingforDontoreturnthephone.Thetavernownerwalksuptoher.

Shelooksathim.Hegivesheracard.It’sthecardofarestaurant.Thetavernownerindicatesthatitisinthesquarebelow.Sheflipsthecard.Onthatsideisscribbled–Don(jiskopakadnamushkilhinahinetcetc...)Shesmilestoherself.Inthemeantime,thetavernownerhasreadsomethingfromaslipofpaperandnowsays–TavernOwner (withdeliberation)Mainkuttakabachahoon…She Correct…Shakalsedikhtahai…

Henods.Shelaughsassheturnsawayandwalks.Shelookstowardsthesquare,wherethemusicoftheparadeiscoming

from.{1min}/19mins/

Sc#10 Day,Exteriors TownSquare,Restaurant Monawalksupfromastreet,followingthesoundoftheparade.

Theparademovinginthelanes.

Monawalksintothesquarethroughanarch–theparadeiscrossingfromfront.

Shewalksthroughthefete,phoneinhand,lookingforDonandtherestaurant.Shefindstherestaurant,walkstowardsit.Awaiterseemstohavebeenwaitingforher.Hewalksuptoher.

Waiter Don…? Shesmiles,nods.Heasksforthecardinherhand,looksatit,nods.ThenheseatsMonawithbriskhospitality.Sheisintrigued,looksaround–Donisnotseen.

Amuscat,asalad,abowlofrisottoandabottleofwineareservedtoher.Waiter Allpaid…Bonappétit.

Sheissurprised,looksaround,thenbeginseating.Musiciansintheparadeenjoyingthemusic.Theparadetakesapause,

stopsmarching,morepeoplegathernear–clappinganddancing.Monatakesasipofthemuscat,theneatsfasterassheisterriblyhungry.Sheisinalargesquare,theparadegatheringisseeninthedistance

behind.Monaeatingfaster.Takesasipofthewine.

{1min}

Sc#11 Day,Exteriors TownSquare Alittlelater,Donisseenwalkingupfromonesideofthesquare. Monaisalmostdonewithherfood,looksinthedirectionofDon,finishesthewineintheglass.

Donwalksup,turnstoaprettywaitresswhosayssomethingtohim.Hestartsspeakingtoheratoneofthetalltablesthatsheissettingup.

Monawalksin,bottleofwineinhand.Sheturnsandpourswineintoa

glassonthetableforhim.

Mona Bhookekokhilaanekatouchachchatha.Magarpilaana…Idon’tknow…

Shewithdrawstowardsthesquare.Theparadeisseenontheotherendof

thesquare.Themusicanddancehavepickedup.

Don Kyon?Kyakarnewaalihai…?

Mona Idon’tknowSheisswayingabittothemusic.Hegulpsdownthewineinoneswig–Aahhh…,keepstheglassonthe

table.Then–

Don Ialsodon’tknow

HemovestowardsMona,feelingthemusic.Theyfloatforsometime,takingswigsfromthebottle.Shelooksaround.

Theatmosphereofthesquare–morevibrantnow.Shelooksaround,indisbelief.

Mona Whoa…Whatisthisplace…?Kahanhainhum…?Don Bataoon…?Onceuponatimepar…Mona Haan…?

Heislookingather,asthoughobservinghimselfandherfromthe

outside.Don Ekkahaanishuroohorahihai…

Theycontinuetodance.

Mona Hmm…Achchihogikahaani…?

Don Problemyehaikikahaaniekhihotihaihamesha…Onceuponatime–ekladkaekladkisemiltahai…aurimmediatelylinemaarnishurookardetahai…Jaisekiuskidutyhai–Linemaarnihai,pataanahai…Phirkisibahaanetouchandfeel,pakad-dhakkadchumma-chaati…Mainladkahoon,yemerarolehai…Nibhaoonga…Planningkaroonga,situationcreatekaroonga…yesabCorsica-phorsicagayatellenemaintosirfyehisochtarahoongakikaisetouchkarloon,kaisephysicalhojaoontumhaaresaath…

Mona (regret)Arey…TabtomujheMsTouchMeNotbannapadega…

Safedistancerakhnipadegi,harwaqtcarefulrehnapadega…Aurmainjokarnachahoongi,jomeradilkarega…votomainkarhinahinsakti.No…Mujhetoapneaapkoroknahoga…

Hestopsmovingashesays–Don Nahinnahin…Apneaapkoroknahoga…?VobhiCorsicamein…?

Mona Whattodo?Don Becausesharmisauratkagehna…?

Mona (giggles)Correct…Don Hmm…Chalnahinkaroonga.Mona Kya?Don Kameenapan…Move…nahinkaroonga,matrokapneaapko…

Shelooksathim.

Don Karoongahinahin

Shecranesheadclosertolookathimclosely.Hebringshiseyesforwardforinspection.

Don Dekhle…(pause)Jabaanderahahoonjabaan…Samjhi…?Samjhi

kya…?

Withthathebeginsmovingtothemusicagain.

Don Jabtakhaijaan…jaanejahaan…

Shebeginstomoveagain,smiling,thensays–

Mona Saatdinlagengemerenayepassportkoaanemein

Don Apunbhihaphtabharhaiidhar…Mona Kal-parsontakmerepaiseaajayengeDon Kal-parsuntalakapunkarokdachaljayenga…

Pause.

Mona Tohumekdoosrekonahinbataengekihumkaunhain?Don Koibhihosaktehain…Idon’tknow…Mona Sachmeinnahinbolenge…?

Hestopsdancing.

Don Sachbolengehinahin…Aao,vaadakarein…kihumapnebaare

meinjokuchbhikahenge,jhootkahenge… Shelocksarmswithhim.Mona Aurjhootkesivakuchnahinkahenge…Don AurCorsicakebaad–whoosh…ghayabhojayenge…Magic.Mona Aurphirkabhinahinmilenge…

Shelooksathim,fascinatedattheidea.Don Kahaanimeintwist…Yebanegihatkekahaani…Mona Tojobhihonahai,yaheenhonahai…Andwhathappensin

Corsica… Both …staysinCorsica…

Hewhistlesincelebration,looksather.Theylookateachother,thenhecomesforwardandhead-buttsher.{4min}/24mins/

Song#2

DonandMonastepaway,lookingateachother.Hebeginstoswaywiththemusic,shefollowssuit,areliefsetsoverthem.Shespins,theybegintodance.Musicchangescolour,theparadebeginstomoveinthedirectionofDonandMona.Hebeginstodancemoreandmoreintensely,beginslocaldesidancing.Shelaughs,dancesalong,triestoapehim.Hemakesthedancebiggerandbigger.Andmoredesistyle.Hebeginstosing.Nonsenselyrics.Peoplenotice,fascinated.Hesingsanddanceswithconviction.

Heandshemovearound.Thentheymoveintotheparade.Heclimbsonamake-shiftstageandsings.Shedances.Peoplecheer.They

dothefulloutdesidance.InthemiddleofitsomewhereheswiftlytransformstoDevAnand–and

beginstodotomusicwhatDevAnanddoes.Shelaughs.HesingslikeDevAnandnow.Nooneelsecanseethepointofwhatheisdoing,buthedoesitwithfullconviction.

Later,hemovesaroundthevivaciousatmospherehungontoMonalikea

coat,pilingontootherpeopleonthewayandprancinginandoutofplaceswiththehands’swaggerasDevAnandwoulddo.HeisDevAnand.{4mins}

Sc#12 Evening,Exteriors HarbourOffice

Wipe.Theywalkoutofanoffice.DevAnandiscarryinghisbagonhisback,alsopushingherverylargesuitcasenow.Heleavesthebagsandstepsuptothesea,turnstoher.Dev Baby..mujhepatachalahaikivahaanuslighthousekepeeche..aaj

raatsmugglinghonewaalihai.Tejakasona,kisiDon..naamkeaadmikomilnewaalahaiauriskaam..koanjaamderahihaindilkashnaazneenMonaDarling–naamtosunahoga…

She Tejakhudkyonnahinaaya?Dev Taaza..reportmilihaikivoapnedentistkesaathkisicanal…ke

routesejaldipahonchrahahai.AurmainInterpolkitarafseunsabkoakelaarrestkarneaayahoonnihattha…

Shelaughsdeliberatelyandfakelylikeanoldfimlymoll.Helooksathera

bitdisapprovingly,thencontinues–

Dev Samaarangeenhai,mausamhaseenhai,aurbaby..agaraapkedilmeinyaqeenhaithen..followme…

DevAnandproceedstopushMona’ssuitcaseupthestairs.Monafollows.{1min}

Sc#13 LateEvening,Exteriors UphillLane DevAnandandshearepushingherverylargeandheavysuitcaseupthelane.Hehashisbagonhisback.Hewipeshissweat.Dev Hmmhmmhmmnajaanekya..raazbandhainisbaksmeinjoye

itna..bhaarihai…Moll Itnesebojhsedargaye…?

Shegoesfronttopull,heisprancingandswaggeringaroundabitbetweenthepushes.Dev Interpolkaafsarhoonmain…(notices)aurusnaateaapkoye

bataanamerafarzhaikiaapkehusnkivaadiyaan…iswaqtdikhrahihainjihaan…

Shewonderswhathemeans.Thenlooksathercleavage,coverstheflap,smiles.

Henodsapprovingly,makestopushagain,butshepauses,somethoughthavinghither.Sheremovestheflapthatshehadcovered.Sheopenstheotherflapaswell.Thensheremovesherblouseandchucksitontheroad.DevAnandisreactingtoallthis.Heisnotsureifheisexcitedordisapproving.Thenwithoutsayinganything,sheresumestopullthesuitcaseandhepushes.

Theyareseencrossingastreet,pullingthesuitcaseaway.{1min}

Sc#14 Night,Int/Exteriors Hotel,Room Thehotelownerlookingon,saying–easy,easyinFrench.

Theypushtheheavysuitcaseupthehotelstaircase.Heiscarryinghisbagaswell.

Theywheelthesuitcaseupthecorridor.Heopenstheroom,pushesthe

suitcasein.Shelooksathim,enters.

{1/2min}

Sc#15 Night,Interiors HotelRoom

Sheemergesfromthebathroomwithatowelaroundhershoulders,chewinggumloudly.

Heislookingoutofthewindow,turnstolookather.Shewalkscheaplytohim,sitsonthebed.

She Haan,tokyakarnekahai? Devlooksather,sitsonthechairsaying–Dev Kya..karnekahai…?She Tukaekulaayamujheidharroompe?Sexkarnekona?Dev Kaisibehki–behkibaateinkarraheenaap?Main..Interpolka

aadmihoon.She Interpolaadmikapolenahinhotakya?Dev CheecheecheecheeShe Dekhmainpehlaclearkardetihai–extrakaextralagenga,baad

meinbolnekanahin.*&&%**#kapaanchsauhoyenga,@$$%$^$kadosau,$$#@&*^kahajaaraur*&&^&%&^*nahinletimain.

Throughallthis,DevAnandisgettingfitsinreaction–findingitutterlydistastefulandsayingwordslike–Dekhiye…HareRam…Interpoletc.Shefinishestalking,isshockedforamomentatwhatshehasdone.Shelooksathim.Thengetssuddenlyshy.Dev Kyabaathaikyabaathai…

Heoffersherabottleofwatertakesonehimself.He WelcometoCorsica…

Shebreaksintoloudlaughter.Hewhistles.

Theylaugh.

{1min}/31½mins/

Sc#16 Day,Exteriors CaronCountryRoad Wipe.Carinvastlandscape.

Wipe.Crossingthroughrockyhills.Facesintherockspassing.SheisdrivinganopenroofcarHeisfullyreclinedonthepassenger’sseat,

lookingupatthehills,talkingtothem.

He Bolde…bolde…Batadekyaraazhai,aisemude-tudehuyekyonhosaare–ghussemein…?Waisetobadapyaarhaitumhaaredilmein…Obviously,bilkulpatahai…Haan…Okay…achcha…achcha…Ohhaha…hamaarejailmeinsurang…?

Sheislookingathimfromtimetotime.Helaughs,thenbecomesabit

reflective.

He Patanahinyaar…Areychhodna,yahankyayesab…?Vahanbhitensionnahinhai,basvahi…LakeerkaFakeer…,samjha…?ApraadhiKaun?Tuteradekh.

She Binpherehumtere He BolbachanAmitabhBachchanShe Yebikiniabnahintikni…He Ghaagremeindhoom-dhaam… Shelaughsaloud.Hewhistles.She (screams)Yoohooo…. Cardrivesawayonscenichillroad.{1½mins}

Sc#17 Evening,Exteriors Cliff Therockymountaininsunset. Theyaresittingonacliff,lookingatthevalleyandthehillsinfrontofthem.

Shelooksathim.Heisenthralledbythehills.Heisconnectedtotheterrain.Shelooksbackatthehills,triestoconnectwiththemlikehim.{1/2min}

Sc#18 Day,Int/Exteriors HotelRoom/Street

Wipe.Thenextday.Shehaswokenuponthebed.Shelooksaround,getsup. Heisnotintheroom.Shewalksuptowardshisextracot.Shenoticesabookfallenonthefloor,picksitup,evensitspages.Shenoticessomethinginthebook.

Itisthelogoofabookstore,withthesketchofaturtle.Shecanhearsoundsfromthestreet.Shelooksatthebook.Shemakesto

openthefirstpage–shecansensethathisnameiswrittenthere.Shestopsherselffromturningthepage,shesmiles,thenkeepsthebookontheside,movestothewindow,looksout.

Somekidsareplayingsoccer.Heisthere,playingwiththem.Itisarough

gamewithten–twelveyearoldsandheisfullyinvolved–screamingandcomplainingandbeingasaggressiveasthekids. Afterawhile,shecomestothestreetwithabigmugofcoffee,wearingsunglasses.

Shesitsonthepavement,againstawall,lookingatthesoccergame.Sherelaxes.

{1/2min}

Sc#19 DayExt/Interior SunsetCafe Heandsheenteracafe,lookaround.Theylookateachother,heshowsthumbsup,sheshowsthumbsup.Thentheyquicklyturnandenterdifferentareas. Sheislookingaround. Heislookingaround. Shemovesforward,lookingforsomething,seeshiminthedistance. Heseesher,looksaround.

Theycrosseachother.Shelooksaround.

Heseessomething,shecatcheshislook.It’saprettyFrenchgirlsittingatatable,readingabookandhaving

lemonade.HeleersatherandmovestotheFrenchgirl.Sheisuneasy,movesquicklyintheotherdirection.HeapproachestheFrenchgirlquickly–

He (innocent)Excuseme…hi…Meparle-vousnoFrench…Canyouhelpmeplease…?

Sheisseeninthebackgroundlookingaroundforsomeoneashetalksto

theFrenchgirl.

He HowyousayinFrench–Youareverybeautiful.

TheFrenchgirllooksathim,thentranslatesthatinFrench.Heglancesinherdirectionwithasuperiorlook,looksbackattheFrench

girlandinanaïvemannerrepeatstheFrenchlinetotheFrenchgirl.TheFrenchgirlbeginstosaythathesaiditcorrectlybutthenbecomessuspicious.Heislookingatherinnocently,thenspeaks–He Andhowyousay–Areyoufreethisevening?

Sheisdisappointedinhersearch.Lookstheotherway,atacircularpitwheresomesundecksarekept,noticesaguylookingtowardsher.Theguyhasbeenlookingatherforawhile.Hesmiles,shecallhimurgently–

She Aaja… TheFrenchguytakesamomenttoconfirm.She Aajajalditimenahinhai…Frenchguy (French)Who…?Me…?She Areyaana…

Sherushesuptohim,themanrushestoher,shetakeshisarmandsays–

She Buymeadrink…

Shequicklyturnsandwalksoutwithhim.

He,inthemeantime,isstillworkingattheFrenchgirl.He Andhowdoyousay–Willyoutakemeoutthisevening…?

TheFrenchgirlislookingathim.Helooks,seesthatsheiscrossingfrombehindwiththeguy,lookingathimandmakingabigvictorygesture.Hehaslost.Shepasses.TheFrenchgirlspeaksnow,helooksather.TheFrenchgirlspeakswithsuggestiveinnocence–

FrenchGirl (French)Willyoutakemeoutthisevening…?

Helooksatherforasecond,thenspeaksininaterriblyexaggeratedIndianaccent–

He WelcometoIndiaforSambarvadameiduvadapaavvada…It’s

veryverynice.Namaste.

Heleaves.

Hewalksoutoftheareaintotheopen.Inawhile,shecomesinandwalksalongside,makingjubilantsignsofvictory.Heshakeshishead,walksonlikealoser.{2mins}

Sc#20 Evening,Exteriors TownLane Wipe.Sheandhearewalkingupalane.Sheisdressedup.Heissulking.Hespeakssuddenlyanddramatically–He Kyakaroon,bhikaaribanjaoon…?Bheekmaangoonrasteparde

baba…?She Yetobetlagaanekepehlesochnatha…Dekhodekho,koimehnga

restaurantdikhrahahai…?He (tothesky)Heybhagwaanagartoonemujheladkibanayahota…

tomainaajischauraaheparapniizzatbechkarisbhukkadkapetbhardeta.Abtoohibatamainkyakaroon…?

Sheisgiggling.

He Sunrahahaihaibhagwaan…?

Heseessomething.

It’sachurch.Ithasafrontyardwhichseemstobegettingreadyforalocalfeast.Localfolkintheirformalclothesaremillingabout,greetingandchatting,enteringtheenclosure.He Areybhagwaan…?Aaptotoocoolnikle…

Hemovestowardsthegathering.

He Aaja…She Arey…?

Aviolinistisplayinginthemiddle.Thegatheringofpeoplenearthechurchfoyer–greetingeachother,

chattering,laughing. Heismovinguptothosepeople,shereacheshim.She Plankyahai…?He Kyapata…?She Listen…

Sheholdshimback,hetakesherarmandwalksonsmiling.

Hewalksintothegroupofpeopleandinstantlybeginstogreetand

chatterwiththem–justlikethem.He Bonjour,Bonjour…Hello…Hahaha…CavaBien…Ouiouiouioui…

Hahahaha…(praisessomeone’slook)Magnifik…magnifik…

Theothersarelookingathim,oneortwoaresmiling.Sheistryingtopullhimout.Heintroduceshertothem–He ThisisfamousmoviestarfromIndia…BelleMadhubala…She

makepictureinCorsica…

Theothersbegintogreether.Shebeginstorespond.Henowbeginstoinvitetheotherstogoinfordinner. He Come…Please…Welcome,welcome…

Theygoin.Nearthetable,sheenterswiththeothers.

She (modest)Mercimerci…butI’llbehappyonlyifhecastsmeinhis

nextmovie.(tohim)Whydon’tyoutellthemyourlateststory…? Heislookingstraightather.She Youwill?Bravo…bravo… Shestartsclapping.Someothersstartclappingtoo.She BigmoviedirectorfromIndiawilltelllateststory….Bravo…

Hesmiles,bowstothem.

{1½min}/37½mins/

Sc#21 Night,Interiors

ChurchYard

(PartOne)

Festivedinneratthelocalcommunityhall.Wineandfreelaughtergoingaround.Longtable,heisattheheadofthetable,manyfamiliessitting,standingaround,freelyapplaudingatthestorythatheisnarratingtothem.

He (inflair)…andthenheputtheguntotothethief’sheadandsaidI

amgoingtokillyou,preparetodie…andthethiefsaidmerci,mercibeaucoup…ThankyouGod,youhavefinallyansweredmyprayers…MonsieurBandito…ForoneyearItrytokillmyself…IshootmyselfBang…thechandelierbrokedhhooshhh,Imiss…Itakepoisontodie,nextmorningIwakeupwithhangover…Ohhh….ThenIcutmyvein…Igetinfection,doctorgivemeseveninjectionshotsahhh….myasssore…Nowgodsendyou…s’ilvousplait…hurryupkillme…please,shootrightnow…butwait…Ihavetopeepee…FirstIpeepeethenyoushootme…Ahwhatdoesitmatter,whenIdieInohavetopeepee…Shootme…comeon…butwait…whatifyoushootmeboomandwhooshhhhIpeeonyourshoe…suchlovelyshoeolala…whatbrandshoe…JimmyChoo…?no…Armani…?OhIamtiredoftalking,pardonmeIwantwine…Whereisthewine…?Vin…Vin…

Hetakesasipofthewine,everyonecheers,helookstoaside.Agroupof

younggirlsintraditionalcostumearestandingthere,lookingathim.

He Prettyprettygirls…Ihavemessageforyou…This–BelleMadhubala…Shemenotogether,okay…?Shenogirlfriend…

Shegetsuptoannounce–

She Yes…BelleMadhubalaisfree…BelleMadhubalaavailable…

Thereisapplausefromthemen.

He (tothegirls)Andinmyheart…thereislotoflove…Amor….Iwanttogiveyou…love…Comeclose…come…

Cheerandmusic.SomesevenmencomeandtakeMonaawaytodanceon

theside.Thegirlsmoveinclosertohim.

(PartTwo)

Sometimehaspassed.Sheisdancingwithmanymenofdifferentages.

Thereisgreatcheer,sheishavingagreattime.Shelookstowardshim.Heissittingatthetablewithsomemen,andafewgirlsintraditional

costume.Helooksather.Shesmiles.Hemakesthesamegesturesofvictoryandjubilationthatshewasmakingearlier.Shelaughs,dances,lookstowardshim.

{2½mins}

FeastNightMontage

Firecrackersinthesky,thecityisaglowatnight. Sheandheareonaferry,sittingquietly,lookingatthecity.

CorsicaMontage Apolyphonysinginggroupperformingasonginanoldchurch. Wipe.Sheopensapacketatthereceptionofthehotel.Ithascash.Shethankstheownerofthehotel.Thesoundofthechurchperformancemusiccontinues. Dooropensandsheisshownintohernewroom,thehotelownerhelpingwithherluggage. Theculturalmusicperformanceinthechurch.

Wipe.Goingthroughmarketlanesofthecity.Wipe.GoingthroughlanesandstreetsofaCorsicanvillage.Sheisseen

comingfromadistance.Hecrossesinfront.Anotherlanegoingdown-hill.Theyappear,movingupandcross.Goingthroughanotherlane.Heandsheareseensittinginacorner,

havingadrink.

Themusicperformanceintheantiquechurch. Hillyforest.Heandsheseenracingthroughit.Theyareclamberingonallfoursattimes,fightingtogetaheadoftheother.{1½mins}/41½mins/

Sc#22 Day,Exteriors ForestRiver Ahillriver.Heclambersdowntotheriver,exhausted.Shecomesinafterhim.Hecomestohisknees,thentoallfoursandlowershisfaceashereachesthewater,drinkswaterlikeawildcat.Feelsrefreshed.Shegiggles,comestoherkneesandfoursnexttohim,looksathimforinstruction.Thenshelowersherheadanddrinks.

Thenhecomesuptoagrassypatchandsprawlsout.Shecomesalong,

flopstosit.Sheevensherbreath,lookstowardshim.Heislookingather.Shelooks,hecontinuestolook.Pause.Then–She Kya…?He (lost)Hunh…?

Sheraiseshereyebrowstoask.He Dekhrahahoontumko…She Dekhkarkehikaamchalaanapadega.Vaadajokiyahai.He Kyon…? Heraiseshisfingertoher.Sheraisesherfinger.Fingerstouch.He Ting.Dekha…?She Haan,itnahiallowedhai…He Dukhhorahahai…?Hain…?Terejismkibhookterevaadeko

kamzorbanarahihai?She Magarabkyakarein…He Ekbaarcommitmentdedito…?She Tophiraisehitouchkarkekaamchalaanapadega…Ting…He Niraashnahoraani…tingkyon…?Humtongbhitokarsakte

hain…?

Heraiseshispalm.

She Owow… Shehitshispalm.

He Tong…She Whatfun…!He Funhasjustbegunbaby,kyonkihumbahotkuchkarsaktehain…

Jaiseki… Herisestositting.He Idharaabataatahoon… Shecomesforward.Heinstructshertoopenherarms.Shedoes.Hehugsher.She Yebhiallowedhai…?He Haan,ismeinkyahai...?Allowedtoyebhihai… Hepullshimselfandhertotheirknees,beginstodanceonthekneeswithher.Theyhug.She Yepakkaallowedhai?He Whynot,whynot…BaslinenahincrosskarniShe Matlabmainyebhikarsaktihoon…? Sheholdshimfromhisback.He Auryebhi… Heholdsherfromherneckandwaist.Theyareinposition,theylookateachother.She Linebahotnazdeekaagayeehai…He Magarcrossnahinhogi… Helowershertotheground.She Sure…? Helooksather.Sheislookingathim.Pause.He Jabaandihaijabaan… Hebeginstopart.Theyseparate.Theyliedownseparately,tryingtoeventhemselves.Meanwhile–

She (complainsmelodramatically)Maineaapkodildiya…auraapnedeesirfzabaan?

He IsduniyakadilusduniyameinnahinchaltaZohrabai.She (lament)Hai…

Heisthinking.He Vahaankeniyam,kanoon,rivaaj…(underbreath)sabkuchalag

hai…Alagthalag…

Pause.Theyarestilltryingtosettlethemselves.She Yeghalatkiyahumne…He Yejagahhighalathai…Yahanna…Kuchkuchhotahai…She Tokyakarein…?Bhaageyahanse…? Pause.Thenhesuddenlyrousesand–He Bhaagbhaagbhaagbhaag… Hegetsupandrunsaway,shescreams,runsafter.

Weseethemrunningawayinthedistance.TheStoryteller’sVoiceOverbegins–

Storyteller’sVO Auristarahwaqtbeettagaya,mulaqaatkimohlatkhatm

hotigayee…{3½mins}/45mins/

Sc#23[A] Day,Int/Exteriors StoryCorner Mid1990s Flashback.Boy Tch…Yeaisahikyonhotahaiharbaar?Storyteller (disturbed)Aiyen…?

ThestorytellerhasbeentellingtheboythestoryofSohniandMahiwaal.

Boy Achchatimeittijaldikhatmhojaatahai…Phirvohiulta-seedha,sabtensionhonelagtihai…AisanahinhosaktakiSohnivaapashinahinjaaye,vaheenrukjaaye…?

Thestorytellerhasbeenglaringattheboy.

Storyteller Vaheenrukjaaye?Hain…?Tokahaanibhivaheenrukjaayegiphir,ushidweepparaurtabtusunegakyakhaak…?

Boy Sorry…Storyteller Terimarzisechalegikahaani…?Hain…?YekahaaniSohni-

Mahiwaalkihai,ismeinvohogajoSohniaurMahiwaalkarenge…AbSohnikojaanahai…tojaanahai…

Theboyisnoddinginagreement,sothatthestorytellercontinuesthestory.Storyteller Yehitodikkathaiwaqtki…vobeettajaatahai.

ShoreMontage AwavelashesontherocksofaCorsicanshore,settlesdown.

Sc#24 Evening,Exteriors

VantagePoint Sheandhearesprawledoutnearthepicnictheyhadonahillatsunset.Rooftopsofthetownareseenbelow.Thestoryteller’sV/Oisheard–Storyteller’sVO Shaamdhaltijaatihai…charontarafandheraphailnelagta

hai…Hartarafseishaarahonelagtahai…kiwaqtkhatmhorahahai…

Birdsflyintheeveningsky.

{1/2min}

Sc#25 Evening,Exteriors ThreshingCircle Theeveningskyandseafromadistance. Fromadistanceweseehimandherdancingtoasilentdisco,listeningtomusicontheirheadphones. Comingclose,weseethatthattheyareintheirownspaces.Theyareawayfromeachother,swayinganddancingandmovingthewaytheywantto.Theyareintoxicated.

Shelooksathim.Helooksather,atherbody.Hedropsthedancesuddenlyandmovesquicklytoher,whispersfurtivelyinherear–He Abmujheyakeenhogaya…She Kya?He KiTejakasonaterepaashai…Darasal…

Shegiggles.Hesuddenlybeginstodanceagainandgoawayfromher.Shedanceswithgreathappinessnow.

Theydanceintheirownworlds.

{1min}

Sc#26[A] Day,Int/Exteriors HotelLounge

AEuropeanmanstandsupasshewalkstothehotellounge.Hegreetsher.Agent Bonjour…

Herpassportishandedovertoher.Shelooksatthepassport,looksup.

She Adayearly? Sc#23[B] Evening,Int/Exteriors StoryCorner

Flashback.Thestorytelleristellingthekid– Storyteller Duniya…Duniyasebachnamumkinthodehihai…?Sohni

nabhichaahevaapasjaanatobhikyahoga…?Duniyachaliaaaayegiuseylene…Alaghojayengedono.Phiraagemilennamilein,kyabharosa?

{1/2min} Sc#26[B] Day,Int/Exteriors HotelLounge

Thestoryteller’svoiceoveraboutSohnifadesoutasshelooksather

agentandhisvoicefadesin.

Agent (OC)Therewereafewphone-callsfromtheministryinNewDelhi.Youcantellmewhenyouwanttoflyout.Iwillmakebookings.

Shenods.

{1/2min}

Sc#27 Day,Int/Exteriors HotelCorridor,Staircase,Lounge Sheclimbsthestairsandmovestowardshisroom,butstopsatthedoor.Shecloseshereyes,exhales.Thensheturnsandwalksbackquickly.

Shecomesdownthestaircaseinahurry.Shewalksupthelounge,theagentstands,sheaskshim–

She Whattimeistheflighttoday?{1/2min} Sc#28 Day,Interiors HotelRoom TheStoryteller’sV/Oisheard–Mulaqaatkiisghadimeinkoisukoonnahinhaimujhe…Sirfdarrhai,ghabraahathai–kiyewaqtbeetjayegaaurphirtummerepaasnahinhoge.Toaisewaqtmeinkhushkaisehosaktihoonmain…? Shoesarestuffedintothesuitcase,theflapisclosed.

Shecomesinfrontofthemirror,closesthezipofherdressinahurry.Sheputsherhairback,picksuphershoes.

Sc#29 Day,Int/Exteriors HotelCorridor,Reception,Room,Caronroad

Herdooropens,awaitertakeshersuitcaseout.Sheappears,hurried,carryingherbag.

TheStoryteller’sV/Oisheard–Issebehtartojudaaihai…jismeinkamsekamjudaaikadarrtonahinhota…Tumhinahinhotemerepaas,totumheinkhonekakyakhauf?

Shelooksathisdoor,quicklylooksaway,rushestowardsthestaircase,

climbsdown.

Thetravelagentisstandingatthereception.Agent Thehotelbillhasbeensettled.

Herluggageisbeingkeptinthetaxioutside.Inthelounge,thehotelowneriswalkingherandtheagenttothedoor.

Owner AuRevoir…Haveagoodflight…She Thanks…Bye… Shetakesanotherstep,thenstops.Sheturnsandlooksback,forawhile. Agent Bastiaairportwilltakeexactlyonehour… Pause.She Onesec… Shestridesbacktowardsthestairs. Sherushesupthestaircase. Sherushesupthefinalflightofstairs. Shecomestothedoorofhisroom,enters. Heissleepingonthebed.Sheshutsthedoor,hurriestohim,getsontothebedonherknees,reacheshim,toucheshisface.

Heopenshiseyes,thenrisesinsleepypanic.

He Haan…?She Kabhinahinmilenge…

Sheshakesherhead,thenkisseshimonthelips.Helooksatherinconfusion.Shekisseshimagain.

Shehurriedlyknocksoffhershoesandslidesclosetohim.Theykiss,andholdandquicken.

Sherunsoutofhisroom,leavingthedooropen.

Sheskipstowearhershoesasshemovestowardsthestairs,hurriesdown.

Shehurriesdownthefinalflightofstairs,rushesupthelobby,raisesherhandtothehotelownerasshecrosseshim.

She AuRevoir

Sheslamsthedoorofthetaxishut,sherestsherheadonthebackrest,thetaximoves,sheremainsinthesameposture–heartbeatup,breathuneven.

Boldaccordionplays.{2mins}

AccordianMontage Astheaccordionmusicplays,weseethesmallboylookingatthestoryteller,sad.

SohniandMahiwalpartintheboy’simagination.Insilhouette,atsunset.Sohnihasalargeearthenpotinherhand.Sheismovingtowardsawater-body.

ThesmallboywalksbackhomeinSohni’ssadness.Inaschoolplay,RomeopartsfromJulietasshestandsinthebalcony.FadeOut.

{1/2min}/50½mins/

Song#3(PartOne)

Fade-in.Anemptystageinavillage.Aturbanedmancomesinwithatumbi.Headjustshisturban,takesposture,indicatestocallothers.Fourotherturbanedmencomeinbehindthemanandbegintoplaydifferentinstruments.Thenthefrontmanmakesabigperformancesmiletothecamera,beginstoperform.Theothersjoinin.

Themanbeginstosing–OjiHeerisverysad.Sheissosad…Herheartisbroken,sheismissingherloverandchokingonherfoodandsuffocatingonherbreathandohsheissosad…sheisverysad…

Theyallsmileandbegintomovetheirshouldersinahappydance.

Montageshowingthelifeandtimesofthegirlaftershereturnsfrom

Corsica.ShereactsdifferentlytoherboyfriendattheCalcuttaairport,cannotgetDonoutofhermind,cannotbethewayshewasbefore,cannotbewithanyoneelse.SheissittingatherhomeinCalcuttaonenight,readingthecomicbook–AsterixinCorsica.

Theturbanedmusiciansreturnonscreen,smiling,continuetosing–

Everyoneissayingshehasfallenill,sheisunderaspell,shehaslosthermind,shehasgonecrazy,shehasfalleninloveandsheissad,sheisverysad…Ohsheissosad.Andtheysmileanddance.

Themontagecontinues.Fouryearsgoby.Shecanstillnotforgethim,she

cannotacceptthatshewillneverseehimagain.HerdadsendshertoDelhionalongassignment.

SheiswalkingatamarketplaceinDelhioneday,seesthesignboardofa

bookstore.IthasthesamelogothatshehadseeninhisbookinCorsica.Herheartbeatrises.

ThePanjabimusiciansonstage.Tarawalkstoentranceofthebookstore.Thereisalongcorridorleading

inside.Shewalksdownthecorridor.Sanjuktaiswalkingdownthecorridorwiththegarlandinherhands,asin

thekidVed’simagination.Tarawalksintothebook-store,whichisalsoacafeteria.Shelooks

around.Musicends.

{4½mins}

Catch–22Montage

AcopyofCatch22–thebookthatVedwasreadinginCorsicaisseenona

rack.Tarapicksitupandlooksatit.Smiles.Tarashowsthebookatthereceptiontoborrowit.Shesitsincafeteriawiththebookandbeginstoreadit.Anotherday,afewdayslater.Sheissittinginacorner,havingtea,reading

thebook.Anotherday.Aweeklater.Sheisreadingthebookintheworkstation

areaofthecaféandshelooksup.Sheseeshim.Shelooksdown,closeshereyes.Herbreathbeginstorise,shebeginstogetanxious.

{1/2min}

Song#3(PartTwo)

ThePanjabimusiciansareback,musicandperformancebuilduptoa

crescendo.Atthecafeteria,Taragetsupandstealsaway,beginstoclimbdownthe

stairstogoaway,stops.Shetakestwomorestepsforward,thenturns.Thenwalksbackupafewsteps,stops.Sheturnsaround.Pause.Thenshebeginstowalkdownbutturnsback,shakingherheadwitha‘whoareyoufoolingyouidiot’kindofsmileandwalksuptothelandingofthestairs.Shelooksahead,thencloseshereyes.Thensheevensherself,evensherface.Musicfadesout.Thenshemakesacasualappearanceandwalksinhisdirection.{1/2min}

Sc#30 Night,Interiors Granny’sRoom Flashback.Theboyislyingwithhisgrannyonthebedtosleep.Afteramoment–Boy Dado…

Sheturnstohim.

Boy Mujhepatachalgayahai…kipyaarkyahotahai…Shelooksathim.Helooksather.

Boy Aapkotopatahoga…Badonkopatahotahai.Dado Sabhikopatahotahaipyaar…usmeinkyahai…?Boy (knowinggrin)Vowaalapyaarnahindado…Realwaala…joaap

logbachchonkonahinbataatena,vowaalapyaar…Joladkeaurladkikebeechhotahai…

{1/2min}/56½mins/

TitleonBlackScreen–IshqwaalaLove Sc#31 Day,Ext/Interiors BookstoreCafeteria Heissittingwithtwocolleaguesatatable,talkingsemi-formally.Helooks,seessomeonefamiliar.Shecrosseswithoutlookingathim.Helooksather,thenturnstohiscolleagues.He (tocolleagues)Justamomentplease…(calls)Excuseme…

Sheturns,hestands.Shelooksathim.Hestepsforward–

He Hi…Remember…?Shetakesamoment.Then–

She (realizing)Corsica…Omygod…Theystepuptoeachother.

She Yahaankaise…?

He Areyyahantomainbahotaatahoon…AapDillisehain…?She Listen…Humnetodecidekiyathakabhinahinmilenge…

Heshrugshisshoulder.

He Parabkyakarein…?

She Kyakarein…?Hesmileskindly,extendshand.

He Ved… Shetakeshand.She Ved…?LikeRigVed…?Ved Yeah…She I’mTara…TaraMaheshwari…Ved VedVardhanSahni…

Tara Yerealwaalanaamhaina…? Hesmiles,giveshisbusinesscard.Ved Haan,yerealwaalamainhoon…VedVardhanSahni,Product

ManagerMCMTechShesmiles,looksdown,looksup–

Tara (sudden)Listen,yeco-incidencenahinhaiokay…?Yeah…Abhimainactingkarrahithi…Mujhehintthikitumyahanaatehotomainbaar-baaraanelagi.Calcuttase…yahanassignmentparDilliayeehoon…Mainnahinroksakiyaar,I’msorry…really…

Ved Areyplease,it’sokay…It’sfine.

Tara Sure…?

Ved Haan,sure…

Sheisstilllookingathim.Then–

Tara Aurbhihai… Helooksather.Then–Tara UsdinjabmeinCorsicasenikli…tomujhe…bahot…Parmujhe

lagatheekhojayega,hameshatheekhojaatahaimagarchaarsaalhogayeaurabhibhivohihaalandIdon’tknowwhatitis,youknow…?Yesabloveandall…mainesochaphirlagahowstupidamIandmainhameshaaisehikyonbehavekartihoonjabbhitumsemiltihoon…?

Shelooksdown,embarrassed.Heislookingather.

Tara Vo…Tumhaarefriendswaitkarrahehain…

Helookstowardshiscolleagues,looksbackather.Shelooksdown.

Ved Paanchminutemeinaasaktahoon…?Tara Yeahyeahsure… Hernervesareup.Ved Okay…

Tara Andlistenyaar…Pyschemathojao,okay…?Iknowmainekcrazy

stalkerkitarahdikhrahihongimagaraisahainahin…matlabmainpile-onnahinkaroongiyaar,okay…?Tumhaariapnilifehaiaurtumhaaarikoigirlfriendbhihogiofcourseandit’sallcool…allgood…yeah…

Sheisnodsomemore.Ved Merikoigirlfriendnahinhai.

Shelooksdown.

Tara Ohokay…Ved Yeah… Hesmiles.Tara Okaytumjao…Ved Paanchminute.

Shenods,stilllookingdown.

Ved Achchakiyatumne…Abhiaaya…

Shenodsagain,thenturnsandwalksallthewaytohertableashereturnstohis.Shesits,lookingdown.Afewmomentspass.Thenasmilestartsbreakingonherface.Shelooksdown.Agushisrisinginsideherchest,heartispoundingmoreandmoreandsheissmilingmoreandmoreandshecoversherfaceandtriestocontrolbutshefeelssheisgoingtoexplode.Melodramaticromanticmusic.{3½mins}

LoveMontage

Distressedblackandwhitefilm.IndianCinemaofthe1930’s.TheactressLailaswayingmelodramaticallybetweenartificialtreesofthe

archaicfilmset.Laila…Laila…,saystheactorMajnu,lookingforherintheforest,equallymelodramatically.KahaanhaitumeriLaila…?

Theboyissittingaloneinaroomandwatchingthisontelevision.

Theboylisteningtothestoryteller–

Storyteller …ekfaqtaudkarsaamnepedparbaithjaatahaimagardoosrefaaqtekoLailajaanenahindeti,useyapnichhatiselagaletihai…aurjaisejaisefaaqtekedilkidhadhkanbadhtihai,Lailadedilkidhadhkanbhibadhjaatihai…Lailabhiushiaagmeinjalrahihai…

Laila,intheboy’simagination,standingatherwindowwithafakedove.QaeswatchesfrombelowasLailaisseenatthewindowhighabove.Theboycontinuesthestoryteller’staletohisgrannyatbedtime–

Boy …aurphirLailafemalechidiyakochhoddetihai…aurvophhurrseudkarmalechidiyasemilnechalijaatihaiaurLailabhiMajnusemilnachahtihai…

Dado Kyon?

Helooksathersuspiciously,shekeepsherfacestraight.

Boy Aapkonahinpata?Dado (innocent)Nahin…

Boy Tch…UskopyaarhainaMajnuse…

Dado Oh…

Boy Haan…Pyaar…

Operamusic.Onthegrandstage–Laila,highatherwindow,releasesadove.Shelooksatthedoveasitfliesawaytothetree.Qaes,onthelowerlevel,acrosstheboundarywallwithhishorse,watchesher.ThisspectacleisclearlyinspiredfromimagesofVed’searlyimagination.AlsoseeninthebackgroundisJulietinherbalconyandRomeolookingatherfromthegroundbelow–mirroringLailaandQaes.{1min}/61mins/

Sc#32 Night,Ext/Interiors Apartment,Street Taraatherwindow,lookingdown.

Vedcomesoutofhiscaronthestreetandwavestoher.Shewavestohim,looksathim.Thenaskshimtowait.Shequicklyturnsandrushesandpicksupherpurseandrushestothe

door,opensit,stops,closeshereyes,triestorelaxbygesturingtoherselfwithherhands.Thenshewalks. Tarawalksdownthestairs.{1/2min}

Sc#33 Night,Exteriors Driveway

Aflowerbouquetintherearseatofthecar.ThedooropensandVedtakesitout.Taraisseenwalkinguptothecar.Vedshutsthedoor. Shewalksuptohimingreatexcitement,hegivesherthebouquet.Tara Oh…(stops)WowVed Hi…You’relookinggreat

Shelooksathim,smiles.

Tara Really…?Ved OfcourseTara (giggles)Okay…Ved(reachingforbouquet) Iskomainback-seatparrakhdetahoon…

Hetakesthebouquetbackfromher.Thereardooropensagain.Vedputsthebouquetbackwhereitwas.The

doorshuts.{1/2min}

Sc#34 Night,Ext/Interiors JapaneseRestaurant VedandTarawalkupacorridortoarestaurant,escortedbyastaffmember.

TaralooksatVedasshewalksalongwithhim.Shegetsathrilltobewithhim,towalkalongsidehim.Helooksather,smileskindly.Shesmiles.

Hegesturescourteouslyforhertoenterforward. Anexquisitetable.Aladystewardandawaiterstandingontheside.TheescortisleadingVedandTaratoit./jump/

Chairsaretakenoutwithgracefulhandgesturestosit.Tara(sitting) Thankyou…Ved(sitting) ThanksEscort (withthenapkin)Excusemema’am…/jump/ NapkinplacedonTara’slap./jump/ NapkinplacedonVed’slap./jump/Steward Wouldyoulikeregularormineralwaterma’am?/jump/ ColdorRoomtemperaturesir?/jump/

BisleriorEvian

/jump/

ThestewardistalkingasTaraandVedlookupather.

Steward PleaseallowtogiveabriefbackgroundofFujiyama.MountFujiyama,asyoumightbeknowing,isanactivevolcanoatsametimeJapan’shighestmountainpeak.ThatFujiyamaistheprideofJapanandthisFujiyamaistheprideofJapanesecuisineinDelhi…

/jump/

TaraandVedsitting.Sheislookingathim.Heislookingaround,looksather.Tara So… Vedsmiles.Tara Hereweare…Ved Yeah… Sheislookingathim,amillionthoughtsburstinginhermind.Ved Placeisfine? Tarahadnotpaidattention,nowshelooksaroundbriefly.Tara Yeah…Verynice…Ved ChaloI’mglad…YouknowlasttwoyearsseiskoTimeOutBest

OrientalRestaurantkatitlemilrahahai…Tara (showingrespect)Okay…Ved Yeah

Sheislookingathim.Ved Japanesecuisinekitnapopularhogayahainaaajkal?Tara Hmm…Ved Whatabrand–Japan… Tarasmiles,nods.Ved Countriesarethelatestcompanies,andcompaniesarethelatest

countries./jump/ Theyareeating.Shelooksathim,helooksather.Theycontinuetoeat.{1½mins}

Sc#35 Night,Exteriors ApartmentPorch

Flowerbouquetintherearofthecar.ThereardooropensandVedtakesoutthebouquet,shutsthedoor. TarastandingwiththeflowerbouquetwithVed.Theylookateachother.Pause–Tara So…Ved Okay…Mainkalphonekartahoon…Tara GreatVed Paanchbajekaroon…? Tarasmiles,inasurprisedmanner.Tara Tumtheekhona…?Ved Yeah…Kyon…?Tara No…nothing… Hesmiles.Shelooksathim,then–Tara Whatthehell…wouldyouliketocomeup?Ved Sure…Tara Kehrahehoyapoochraheho?Ved Hmm…?Tara Nothing,let’sgo…Ved Afteryou…Please… Shelooks,smiles,walks.{1/2min}

Sc#36 Night,Interiors Stairs,Apartment TaraandVedwalkupthestairs.

Theapartmentdooropens.Shestepsasidetolethimenter.Hewalksin,lookingaround.Ved Niceplace.Aisechaarapartmentshainyahan…?Tara Haan… Shewalksup,keepsthekeyatthetable,turnstohim.Theyarestandingclosetoeachother,lookingateachother.Pause.Ved So…Tara So…

Pause.Hesmileskindlytoher,thentouchesherhead.Shemillimetres

forward.Helooksather,smiles.Hemovesforward,kissesheronthelips.TShecloseshereyes,theyhug.Thensuddenly–Ved OhSorry…Chotlagi…?

Shelooksathim.

Ved Ghadise…?

Hequicklyremoveshiswatch,looksather.

Ved ShouldIkeepyourbagonthetable?

Shedropsherbagonthefloor.

Ved Onesec…Hetakesouthiscellphone,keepsitonthetable.Looksather,but–

Ved Silentpekardoon… Hepicksupthephoneagain,putsitonsilent.Looksather,ready.Ved Okay…

Theymovetowardseachother.Hesmiles.Theyhug.Theykiss.Asthoughitisprocedure.

{1½mins}

Sc#37 Night,Int/Exteriors Tara’sApartment,Drive

Taraswitchesthelighton.Shemovestothewindow,looksout.Vedstandingnexttothecar,lookingtowardsherwindow.Hewaves,

looksathiswatchashesitsinthecar.Shewavesback.Shelooksathim,wondering.SoundofVed’scardriving

away. {1/2min}/65½mins/

RegularDayMontage#1

Thealarmhooterblows.Vedgetsuponbed,dazedandconfused. Vedbrushesteeth. Vedeatscereal. Vedwearstie. Vedcleanscarwindshield. Vedlooksawayfromtheeunuchatthetrafficsignal. Vedsmilespolitelyashewaitsforfatladytoenterlobbylift. Vedpuncheshiscard,entersoffice. Vedgetsupfromcubicletosay–Goodmorningsir. Vedrattlesoutcorporatepresentationtounimpressedaudience–‘…theseismicfocusoftherecenttradewindsrestsinthelateralshiftinconsumerbehaviour…whichappearsbipolarbutitdoesnottakeanEinstientoco-relatethelifecycleoftelecommunicationtopoliticalclimate.Grantedthatwecannotungoogleourselvesfromthegeometricgrowthofsocialmediabutthegrassroots…’{1/2min}

Sc#38 Day,Interiors OfficeCorridor Outsidetheconferenceroom,aspeopleareseenfilingout,BossistalkingtoVed.Boss Whyyougetnervous?Haan? Vedlooksdown.Boss Nexttimedon’tgetnervousVed Okaysir…Boss Youcandoitboy.Okay?Ved Thankyousir.Thankyou.Boss Yeah… Bosswalksaway.{1/2min}

Sc#39 Day,Interiors Tara’sWorkplace Thelargedigitalclockturns5pmandthephonerings.

Taraatthedesigndeskwithotherslooksatit,looksattheclock,smiles,takesthecall,makinganexcusegesture.Sheturnstotheothersideasshetalks.Tara Hi…Allgood…Meraplan…?Idon’tknow.Vototumdecidekaroge

na…?Hmmhmm…

Shesmilesmore.{1/2min}

Sc#40 Night,Interiors MovieAuditorium Sameday.Popcornetcinhands,Vedpushesthedooropenandentersthecinemahall,turnstolooktowardsTara.Tarahassteppedup,butdoesnotenterthehall.Shestandsinbetween,asVedholdsthedooropen,andlooksathim.Therearepeoplebehindher,sheisholdingdrinks.Vedlooksather,inquestion.Sheislookingathim.Then–Tara Yeah…(nods)Thisisit,isn’tit…?Yeah…Sothisiswhatthey–love

andallthathaan…?Hmm…

Hesmiles.Helooksbehindher,looksather.

Ved Iloveyoutoo…Shelooksathimforamoment,thenshesmiles.

Tara Andwhyarewestandingineveryone’spath?Howsilly…Shewalksup,takeshisarm.Hesmiles.Theywalkaheadinthedarkness.

{1/2min}

RegularDayMontage#2 Tarawavesfromherwindow.

Vedwavesfromthecar,looksathiswristwatch,drives. Thealarmhooterblows. Vedbrushesteeth. Vedeatscereal. Vedcombshairatmirror. Vedlooksawayfromtheeunuchatthetrafficsignal. Vedpuncheshiscard,entersoffice. Vedatofficedesk,keepsitemsatdesignatedspots. Vedgetsupfromcubicletosay–Goodmorningsir. Vedrattlesoutcorporatepresentationtounimpressedaudience–‘…I’dsayGlocal–Globalyetlocal.Thisout-of-the-boxstrategyfollowsaBottom-Upwardapproachyethasathreesixtyperspectiveofthesocio-politicalstrokeculturalclimateintheconsumerbasebecausetheGenesisoftheParadigmShiftinglobaltelecommunicationis…’{1/2min}

Sc#41 Day,Interiors Club Vedislookingfrontinservileattention.Tara,sittingonasofa,turnsandlooksathim,wonders.Vedishalfsmiling,halfbending,waitingforboss’sattention.Then–Ved Sir…Boss(OC) Yesboy… VedturnstoTaraandmakestoquicklybringhertothemasBossenters.Ved Tara…Mainyenahinkahoongakimeetmyboss.Mainkahoonga

meetmyGuru.Tara (smiles)Hello…Boss Hellohellohello…Tara JaantihoTara…MCMTechTelecomaajjokuchbhihai…onlyfor

thisman…Onemanarmy…Hisvision,hisphilosophyhaschangedthefaceofIndiantelecomtotally.

Boss (inbetween)Tch…Areynahinnahin…Oho…Hahaha…

Bossmakesthesemodestsoundsashelapsupthepraise,thenpointsaccusinglyatVed–

Boss Goodhumanbeinghaan…Intoday’sdate…Yes…Keepitup,boy.

HepatsVed’sback.

Ved Thankyousir.Thankyou.

Vedishappyandobliged.TaraislookingatVed,smiling.

{1/2min}/69mins/

RegularByeMontage

Tarawavesfromherwindow.Vedwavesfromthecar,looksathiswristwatch,drives.Anotherday.Tarawavesfromherwindow.TaraandVedwalkinghandinhandupapassageataglitzyfoodand

entertainmentzone.Shelooksathim.Helooksather,smiles,looksaway.Shecontinuesto

lookathim.Theywalkon.Tarawavesfromherwindow.

Anothernight,Tarawavesfromherwindow.{1/2min}

Sc#42 Night,Int/Exteriors Restaurant

(PartOne) Vedcuttingbirthdaycakeatalargetableinarestaurant.AsTara,Ved’scolleaguesandsisterandrestaurantguitaristsing‘HappyBday’.

(PartTwo) Tarareturnsfromthewashroom,comestositinherchairnexttoVed,noticessomethingodd–thateveryoneislookingatherandgrinning.Shemakesaquizzicalface.

Ved’ssisterAbhatakeshercameraout.Taralooksather,atVedasshesits.

Heissmiling,lookingaroundsocially.Shelooksaround,suspiciously,looksatherplate.

Thereisadiamondringkeptthere.Cameraflashes.Taragasps.Reactionfromtheothers.Shelooksatthering,foralong

while.ThenshelooksatVed.Vedsmilesather.Morereactionfromtheothers.Vedpicksupthering,beginstoremovehischairasTarastartsgetting

anxious.Hebeginstogotohisknees.

Tara Onesec,onesec…Ved,ruko…

Abha Ohhh…Nervous…

Reactionfromothers.VedlooksatTara.Herfaceistense.

Tara Hum…dominutebaaharjasaktehain…?Helooksather.Somethingiswrong.Ahushbeginstofallupontheothers.Hestandsupfromhisknees.

Ved Kyabaathai…?Tara (standing)Just…comeout…please…

Helooksather.

Tara Come…

Shebeginstowalkout.Vedlookstowardstheothersathetable,smilesabit.Theothersarelookingathimwithpremonition.

Ved Excuseus…

HefollowsTara.{1½mins}

Sc#43[A] Night,Int/Exteriors RestaurantFoyer Vedcomesoutoftheglassdoor.Heiswondering,lookingtowardsTara,walksuptoher.

Sheislookingdown.Hereachesher.Pause.

Ved Yeah…?Sheturnstohim.Looksathim.

Tara YouknowVed…JabsemainCorsicasevaapasaayihoonna…it’slike…tummeresaathho…samajhraheho…?Mujhetumhaaranaamtaknahinpata,koiummeednahinhaikimaintumsephirsemiloongimagarmaintumhaaresaathhoon…Aurkisikesaathhohinahinsaktikyonkimaintotumhaaresaathhoon…Yepossiblehai…?Aisafeelkarna…?Mujhepehlenahinmaloomtha…

Pause.Vedislookingather,nowhecontinuesthestory–

Ved Aurphirmainmilgaya…Tara (emphaticdisappointment)Nahin…

Vedlooksatherquizzically.Shelooksathim.

Tara MujhemilaekProductManageryaar…joekshehermeinrehtahai…bahotwell-behaved…Polite,decent…

Helooksather.

Ved To…(sniggers)Tara…?TomainhoonProductManager…mainrehtahoonekshehermein…MainDonthodihoonTara…MainvobigIndianmoviedirectorbhinahinhoon…Votoactingthina…?Votomainroleplaykarrahatha…Auryemainrealmeinhoon…Darasal…

Tara (conviction)Nahin…

Hefeelsanger,looksather.

Ved Nahinkyamatlab…?

Tara TumrealmeinDonho…aurInterpolkeafsar…Auryahantumactingkarraheho…Yetumroleplaykarraheho–ekregular

aadmikarole…joeksetpatternparchaltahai…baghairsochehuyejoharkaamvaisehikartahaijaiseuskokarnachahiye…(shakeshead)YetumnahinhoVed…Yenaqlihai…Tumtonadimeinmunhdaalkarpaanipeetehoyaar,jaanwarkitarah…tumpahaadonsebaateinkarteho…TumvohoVed…Kyahogayahaitumko?

VedisstaringatTara.Hehastoproveherwrong.Ved (retort)TumkokyahogayahaiTara…?Haan…?Tumtheekto

ho…?Areykaunvo…?Vokoinahinhai…Vosirftumhaaredimaghkeandarhai…tumimaginekartirahihoshaayadkimainvohoon…(pause)MainyehoonTara…jotumhaaresaamnekhadahai…sirfyehoonmain…

Taraislookingathimanalytically.

Tara Sure?

Hesniggers.Somemore.

Ved Tara…?Haan,mainsurehoonTara.

Shelooksathimsquarely,thenshakesherhead.

Tara Tabtomainkisiaurkesaathhoonyaar…Mainkuchaurdhoondhrahihoon…Yetohaimerepaas…Yetomujhenahinchahiye…

VedstaresatTara.Shelooksathim.Tara Tch…Messhogaya.Bahotkharaabhogayaye.Magarabhogaya. Sc#44[A] Night,Int/Exteriors StoryCorner Mid1990s Flashback.Theboyislookingisindisbelief. Boy Aurvochaligayee…? Heissittinginfrontofthestoryteller,whocontinuesmelodramatically–

Storyteller Jangalkapyaarnagarmeinnachalpaaya…Dhartiphatpadi,dil

aurduniya...phirsejudahonelage…

EarthPartingMontage–1

Flashback.Sita,atthenautankionaterraceinSimla–lamentingthatshe

cannotbewithRamanymoreasisbeingswallowedbytheearth.

Sc#43[B] Night,Int/Exteriors RestaurantFoyer

Tara.Standinginthefoyer,lookingatVed.

Tara Mujhejaanachahiye…BaadmeinbaatkarengeIguess…Magarabhimujhechalejaanachahiye…

Heislookingather.Sheleaves.Vedkeepslookingattheemptyspacein

front. Sc#44[B] Night,Int/Exteriors StoryCorner Mid1990s ThestorytellercontinuesStoryteller …saanseinthamgayeen,hawaeinrukgayeen,harpattakhamosh

hogayaaurdekhtehidekhte…SiyaRamsealaghogayee… Theboyislookingatthestorytellerindisbelief.{1/2min}

EarthPartingMontage–2 Onthegrandmusicalstage–theearthpartsandswallowsSita.ThesceneisspectacularandisclearlyinspiredbythenautankithatVedhadseenasachild.RamandAyodhyaarewatching. Sc#43[C] Night,Int/Exteriors RestaurantFoyer VedislookingindisbeliefasTarawalksout.{3mins}

Interval{1hr14½mins}

SecondHalf

WelcomeBack

Thecurtainofthegrandoperaticstageisbeinglifted.Thesecondactbegins. Aspotlightinthefrontstage.Afigureemerging. Itistherobot.Hecomestostand,thenspeakscasually.Robot Haan,tokahaanthhehum…? Lightchanges.Allcharactersofthestageplayareseensittingaroundinaninformalconference.Majnu Kabkahaanthhe…?Sanjukta Intervalkepehle Prithviraj Yaheenthhe,aurkahanthhe…?Rickstar Matlabkahanimeinkahaanthhehum…Robot Sitaaapkaabductionhogayatha?Sita Kabka…MaintovaapasbhiaagayeeAyodhya…Robot Trojanwarbhihochukithi…?Helen?Helen Egodontcatalavaino…Rickstar (enacting)Troy…ladai…hogaya…? Helen NeNe…Eginepolipalio…Robot Tophir…(toSohni)Toonenadiparkarlee…?Sohni Votokayeebaarkarlee…MaintoSohnihoon,meratoaurkaamhi

kyahai?Robot (toRomeo)Areyoudead?Romeo NoIamaliveRobot (toMajnu)AurMajnupaagalnahinhuaabtak?Majnu Na…

Prithviraj Yemantahikabhaihaikiyepagalhai…?Sanjukta Iskehisaabsetobaaqisaarepaagalhain…Prithviraj …yehieksahihai…Robot HeyRam,dhartiphatchukithhi?Ram Phatrahithi…Sitadehenhorahatha…Robot Correct…vahaanthhehum– Jabkehneaursunnekokuchnahinbachatha. Jabdekhrahethhe…usey…aakhribaar. Alvida…alvidaparthhehum… Goodbye…RabRaakha…KhudaHafiz… {2mins}

Sc#45 Night,Int/Exteriors RestaurantFoyer

TaraandVedstandlookingateachotherinthecourtyardareaoftherestaurant.Silence,thenTaraisheardsaying–

Tara Mujhejaanachahiye…BaadmeinbaatkarengeIguess…Magar

abhimujhechalejaanachahiye…

Tarawalksout,Vedremainsstandingthere.VedislookingfrontindisbeliefasTarawalksout.Pause.Thenhelooks

down.

Ved Hmmm….Henodstohimself.

Ved (soft)Okay…Thenheturnstogoback.

{1min}

Sc#46 Night,Interiors Restaurant Heenterstherestaurantandwalksup,smiles.Ved (toall)Hi…SoIamback…

Thegatheringislookingathim.

Ved Vo…(pause.Thenwithgreateraffirmationandasmile–)Kuchissueshain…jinkotheekkarnahai…So…Aisahai…It’sfine,okay…?Please…let’srelax,okay…?

Abhaislookingathim,helooksather.Ved Sabtheekhai…

Hesmiles.Then–

Ved Maincoursemangvaatehaihain…?

Silencefromtheothersatthetable.Ved (calls)Excuseme…{1/2min}

Sc#47 Night,Interiors Apartment ThemirroratVed’sapartment.SoundsofVedentering.Hecomesinatthemirror,hangshiskeys,looksathimselfinthemirror.Pause,then–Ved Dekhoboss…doraastehain.YatoMajnubanjao,kapdephaadkar

chillaosadakonpar…yastaycool.Topatahaikya…?I’llstaycool…Yeah…It’sallgood.Chalnewaalathanahin…jobaadmeinhonathapehlehogaya,sahihua,tensiongayee…Good.Set.

Henodstohimself.

{1/2min}

RegularDayMontage#3 Thealarmhooterblows.Vedgetsuponbed,dazedandconfused. Vedbrushesteeth. Vedeatscereal.

Vedcombshairatmirror. Vedwearstie. Vedcleanscarwindshield. Vedlooksawayfromeunuchattrafficsignal. Vedwaitspolitelyforfatladytoenterlobbylift. Vedpunchescard,entersoffice.{1/2min}

Sc#48 Day,Interiors Office Ved’scolleaguesinahuddle,turntolookasheenters.

Vedentersbrightlysaying–

Ved GoodMorning…goodmorning…goodmorning…Kyahaalchaal…?Hiscolleagueslookatathim,respond,aresurprisedbyhisupbeat

attitude.Vedwalksawaytohiscubicleenergetically.Hiscolleaguesexchangealookwitheachother.

{1/2min}

Sc#49 Day,Interiors OfficeCubicle Vedkeepshisbagonthedesk,beginstosethisthingsinorder.HiscolleaguesMohitandDhillonwalkuptohiscubicledoor.Dhillon(toVed) Oyaarshaamkofilmdekhnekaplanhai.Kyabolta

hai?Mohit (toDhillonandVed)Aurphirbeermaartehainkahin,haan…?

Vedlooksatthem.Ved Kahaan…?Ushipubmeinjahaanterebreak-upke

baadhumtujhelegayethhe?

MohitandDhillonarestumped.

Ved Whynotwhynot…?Ladkinelaatmaarihaitokoifaydatohonachahiye…Chalosaalon…entertainkaromujhe…

SomeofhisothercolleagueshavealsojoinedMohitandDhillonbynow.

Theyallfeelrelieved.

Mohit Sahi…{1/2min}

Sc#50 Night,Interiors Pub Vedandhiscircleofcolleaguesandfriendsareafewbeersdown.Theyarejokingandlaughing.Then–Mohit Yaarmainsochrahathaterenormalhonekawait

karoonga…partutosaalachhoottehiabovenormalchalrahahai…toyele…

HehandsVedtheringthathehadproposedtoTarawith.

Mohit Restaurantmeinchhootgayeethi…Vedopensthebox,looksathering.Thereisasmallsilenceofconcern.

Then–Ved Laakhonbachgayeyaar…Aishhogayee…

Theyalllaugh,cheer.

Dhillon Oyaarittakhushtomainelifemeinnahindekhahaiisey…Merabhibreak-upkarvadoyaar…

Laughter.

Dhillon (continuous)…mujhebhichahiye…Mainbhimainbhi…

Chadda Simplesibaathai…mainetujhekittibaarisamjhayi…Abey

ladkiizzatdenekinahin…izzatlenekicheezhotihai…Laughter.

Mohit Ehhe… Ved Ishiliyetujhebaaharnahinlaatahoon…Mohit Chheechheechheechheechhee….Ved Kahathanamainemunhmatkholna…Chadda Sarparchadhaegatokaanmeinmootegiaurkya…

Laughter.

Mohit AbeyyaarChaddatu…Kitnagandaaadmihaiyaarye…

Chadda Haantosussukaregi…

Colleauge1 Chheechheechhee

Chadda (stands)Achchato…urinate…?

Hepretendstopee.

Dhillon ChuphojayaartuChaddachuphojabus…Mohit (laughing)Yaariseylejaokoiyahanse…please…Chadda Haanbusnikalhirahehain…(correctshair)Vedbeta,time

aagayahai.Chal…Ved Kahaan…?Chadda Tubaschal…Settinghaiterebhaiki…Dhillon Jabhaija…Ved Areykahan…?Chadda Abeytuchalna…Ved Theekhaichal…Chadda Aursaaleromancenakardeejiyovahaanjakarbataraha

hoon…Ved (touchinghishair)Terikasamnahinkaroonga

Chaddahitshishandaway,correctshairstyle,pushesVedaheadandtheywalkout.Dhillon (callingafter) JaSimran,jeeleapnizindagi…

Laughter,othersaresayingbye,allthebestetc.

{2mins}

Sc#51 Night,Int/Exteriors Lounge Afashionablelounge,after-partyatmosphere. Vedissittingwithagirlnearthebar.Chaddaisseenatadistance,sittingwithsomeothers,providingbackgroundsupporttohim.Girl Ina…neverwanttogivefalsesignal…

Vedshakeshisheadinagreement.

Ved No…

Girl Butguys…it’slike…unheintovohisamjhnahaijounheinsamajhnahai…Onething…Kyonhotehainguysaise…?

Vedmakesaloudthinkinggesture.Shelooksathim.

Girl Tumustypekeguynahinhona…?Hesmilessaucily,says–

Ved Mainushitypekaguyhoon…Shelooksathim,takesattitude.

Girl Mainnahinhoonbutwaisi…Maintobahotpriceyhoon…Ved Matboloaise…varnakoipricepoochlegatumhaari…Girl Stopit…

Shehitshimlightly.

Ved (insync)Haireadaa…Girl Soyouarenaughtyboy…(holdshisear)haan…?Ved Yeah…

Sherestsherhandonhisshoulder.

Girl Tokyakuchnaughtychalrahamindmein…?haan…?

Heplaceshishandonthetablebehindher,looksather.

Ved Kehdoon…?Shesmiles,lookingathim.

Girl Haan…

Ved Pakka…?

Girl Hmm…

Hedoesnotrespond.Heisstrangelyvulnerable.

Girl Kaho…

Heisdistracted.Shelooksathim,wondering.Helooksdown,comesoffherandstands.Sheislookingathiminsurprise.

Ved Excuseme…

Girl (surprised)Haan…?

VedlookstowardsChaddaandgang,indicatestohimthatheiscoming.

Helooksatthegirl,shelooksathimcaustically.Hewalksout.{2mins}

Sc#52 Night,Interiors Tara’sApartment BellringsandTaraopensthedoor.Vedisstandinginthecorridor.Ved Iamsorry…Bahotlatehogayahaiaur…Tara Nahinnahin…Ved Sorry…parmainbus…Tara Andaraao…Ved (strong)Nahin…Zyadawaqtnahinloonga…mainbusyesochraha

thaki…

Helooksather.Shelooksathim.Heisunabletosayanything,isstaringblanky.Shesensessomething.Hetriestobreakoutofhisawkwardsilence–Ved Imeantumko…Insteadof…

Hetrailsoffagain.

Tara (tender)Ved…Lookatme…Helooksather.Silence.

Tara Kyabaathai…?Heissilentagain.Heisjustlookingather.

Tara TellmeVed…Ved (breakinghisblanklook)Areyaisakuchnahinhai…matlab…bada

nahinhaikuch…issue…aisehi…ki…

Helooksatather,away.Tara Tokehdona…Ved (lookingpointedlyaway,speakingquickly)Okay,tobaatyehaiki

Corsicameinalagbaatthi…haina…?kihumnevaadakiyathakijhoothbolenge,paryahan…yahantotumkehsaktithina…?

Tara Kyakehsaktithi…?Ved (blasts,cuttingher–)Josachhai… Sheistakenaback.Vedcontinues–

Ved (almostwhisper)Joasalbaathai…vobatadenichahiyethina…?

Heholdshisheadwithbothhispalms,thenremovesthepalmslookingdown.

Tara Andaraao…Ved (gnashingteeth)Mainandaraanekeliyenahinaayahoon…(then

tryingtorelaxhimself)Tumkehdeti…kimaintumhaarelevelkanahinhoon…

Tara Ved…

Vedcontinuesunheeding–Ved Corsicameintumnemujhedekhaaurpatanahinkyasochakimain

kyahoonparyahanpatachalakinahinnahinmainvaisakuchnahinhoon…maintobaseknormalinsaanhoon,ordinary…

Tara Vedeksecond…Ved It’sokay…It’sfine…Mainhoonordinary…Mujhepatahai…Tara Areyvohitobaathai…Ved Averagehoonmain…jaisekoibhihotahai…vochalterehtehain

nafootpathparbriefcaselekar…vaisahi…Mediocre…Tara (emphatic)VohitotumnahinhoVed…Vohitomainkehrahi

hoon…Mainjaantihoontumkaunho…Ved (suddencharge)Haansaalituhijaantihaimainkaunhoon…aur

koinahinjaanta–meregharwaale,meredost…mainkhudnahinjaantamagartu–saatdinCorsicameintupakkajaangayeekimainkaunhoon…

Hestops,staresatherface.Hecannotbelievehisbehavaiour.Sheis

lookingathim.Hequickyturnsandcovershisface.

Ved (muttersunderhisbreath)Shit…Yekyahorahahaimujhe…?Tara KoibaatnahinVed.Listen…It’sfine…

Ved Noit’snotfineTara…Kaisemaine…?Tara Youknowbetterhaikisabkuchbaaharaajaaye…

Ved (sharp)Kyabaaharaajaaye…?Haikyabaaharaaneko…?

Hecloseshiseyes.Pause,then–

Ved (genuinely)I’mreallyreallysorryTara.Iamverysorryyaar.Tara LetitgoVed…Please…Andaraao…Ved MujheandarnahinaanachahiyeTara…Mainyahan…patchup

karneyavaisenahinaayahoon…Tara Haanmagarbaaharkhaderehnekasensenahinhaina…Derho

gayeehai,logsorahehonge…Ved (flipsagain)Haanaurmainunkojagadoonga…Maintopaagal

hoon…Mainto(screaming)chillaoonoga…shormachaoonga…scenecreatekardoongaabhiyahanpar…tomujhetoandarlejao…,chhupalo…,controlkaroisvehshisaalejaawarko…

Hestops,phews,covershisface,turnsaround,breathingheavily.

Tara (tender)Ved…Humkobaatkarnahai…okay…?Aaramseiskosettlekartehainkyonkilagtahaiki…

Vedwalksawaywithoutsayinganything.Tarastaresathim.

Tara (callingafter)Vedplease… Shegoesafterhim.Tara Listen…Ved…

Heskipsdownthestairswithoutlookingback. Hecomesoutofthegateandwalksawaybriskly.{3mins}/12mins/

Sc#53 Night,Int/Exteriors Autorickshaw

Vedsittinginamovingautorickshaw,lookingfront,tryingnottoseeorthinkanything.Thedriveroftheautorickshawglancesatthemirror,doeshishair,beginstohumatune.Afteramoment,thedriverdoeshishairagain.Vedsuddenlyswitches–Ved Hairstylebadalajawabhaiboss…Driver Hmm…?Ved Hairstyle…Baal. ThedriverlooksatVedintherear-view,nods.Ved Bambaijaanekavichaarhaikaa…?

DriverturnstotakealookatVed.Turnsback.

Driver Haitonahin…haanthajaroor.Ved Tochalejao…Kyaproblemhai?Driver Problemtoekheenhaibhaiyya–haalaat…humsabusiketo

sikaarhain…Haikinahin…?Ved Hai…Hai…Driver Gharwaaleapnakaamkiyekisaadijaldikaradiye,humapna

kaamkiyekidugobachchahogaya,aurphirvohi–samaykachakka,aata-daal-chawal,bachchekipadhai,biwikimaahwaari,yetrafficauryericksaa…

Ved Actinglinemeinjaanathaka?Driver Singinglinemein…Ved Achcha…?Driver Abhihumkodekhkeaapkosamajhmeinnahinaayegasir…magar

Ilahabadmeinjabhumstagepargaatethena…eesabdurgapoojautsaosabmein…bandhjaatithijanta…khatamenahinhonedetithiporaam…

Ved Hmm…Herohotum…?Hain…?Driver Yahantohumriksaawaalehainsahab…

Hedoeshishairagain.Vedislookingathim.Driver Yahankoimaeekalaaldekhnahinpayega,magarandarsena…

humkuchaurhihain…Aurbaaharsemajboor. Thedriverlaughs.Vedisstruckbyamemory.{2mins}

Sc#54 Night,Interiors Sahni’sStudy Early2000s

Flashback.Vedattheageofnineteen.Isnervous,intimidated.Heisstandinginfrontofhisfather,whoisglaringathim.Vedislabouringtomakehispoint–

Ved Maths…mathssamajhhinahinaatihaimujhe.Dimaghmeinjaati

hinahinhai…Sahni Aagebolo…Ved Toengineering…mainnahinkarnachahtaactually…It’snotme

papa…merabilkulinterestnahinhai…to…

Helooksathisfather,thenfallssilent.Sahnilooksathimforamoment,then– Sahni BetajabpartitionkebaadteradadaaayathaLahorese…Jabsab

kuchzerohogayatha,sarchhupaanekochhatnahinthiauraathlogonkapetbharnekizimmedaariunparthi…tabagarunhonekahahotakiisfactorymeinkaamkarnemeinmerainterestnahinhai…it’snotme…maintoactually…bansuribajaanachahtahoon…tokyahota…?Yekhaandaanzindabachta…?Tumheinyemaukabhimiltakitumengineeringkarsako…?

Vedlooksdown,Sahniglaresathim.

Sahni Dosaalmein,hazaartutionlenekebawajood,tumkisibhi

engineeringcollegekaentrancepassnahinkarpaaye.Apnaeksaalgharbaithewastekiyatumne…Abdonationdekartumhaaradaakhilaekengineeringcollegemeinhorahahai…tumheinshukriyaadakarnachahiye,sharmkemaaredoublemehnatkarnichahiye…Aurinteresthaikahantumhaara?Pedkeneechebaithkarkahaanisunaanemein…?Dusrupayeghantekehisaabse…?YaBombayjaakarherobannahai…?Kyacareerplanhaitumhaara…?Haan…?Bolo…Jawaabdo…

Vedislookingdown,squirming,speechless.

{1½min}/15½mins/

Song#5(PartOne)

Flashback.Orchestra.TheautorickshawalaissingingasongonstageinAllahabad.Infullglory,fullstyle.Heislivinghisdreaminthisperformance.

Flashback.Vedwalksupthecorridorafterthetalkwithhisfather.HeentersGranny’sroomandshutsthedoor.Hemakeshugesilentscreamoffrustration.Again.Butthenhestopshimself,controlshimself.Hestandsintheroom,tryingtorelaxhimself.Helooksathimselfinthemirror.

Flashback.Theautorickshawalasingsonstage.Heisenjoyingthe

performanceandhisstyle.

Flashback.ThehouseinSimla.Vedinthehouseanotherday,readytoleavefortheengineeringcollege.

Heisstandingattheterrace,lookingatthetownthatheisleaving.Histravelbaginonhisshoulder.

Vedwalksuptothecarwithhisbag,turnstolooksback.Hisgranny,

motherandsomeothersarestandingintheporch.ThetreeswherehehasimaginedscenesfromtheRamayanplayoutareseeninthedistance.Hewavesgoodbyetothatlife.

Backinthepresenttime.Theautorickshawalaissingingthesongwithoutmusic,atatypicalallnightparathacorner.Vedissittingonthepavementstoneacrosstheautorickshawaala,listeningtothesong.Botharehavingcuttingchai.

{1½mins}

Sc#55[A] Night,Exteriors ParathaCornerAfterawhile,Vedstretchesandreclines,thengetsmorecomfortable,

stretchesmoreandrelaxes,endsuplyingdownonthepavement,lookingupattheskyandlisteningtothesong.Whenthesingingpauses,Vedstartsspeakingintothesong–

Ved Phirkyahua…? Honakyahai...? Vohikahaaniphirekbaar–

Majnuneliyekapdephaad,maartamashabeechbajaarRukkesocha–Aisakyon?Aisawaisajaisataisa…paisa…

Paisa…?

Paisanahotatophirkaisahota…?

Socho…Areychhodoboringbaateinsaali…MastrahoaurjamkekhaoLelopange,chadhlosooliPhaadlokapde,kholdobandhan,gholdolassi,boldokissaSabhijanonkadilbehlao…ShormachaoMaarothumka

Peoplesittingaroundattheparathastallhavebeguntonotice.Vedcontinues–Ved Phenk-bikheromankichandi

Dilkasona,aankhkemotiSabarpithaiAapkikhaatirMainnaukarhoonaapkamaalikTiepehenkar,liftmeinchadhkar,phiraaoongaaapkeaanganVohikaroonga…jorozkiyahai…Vophirsekaroongaphirsekaroongaphirsekaroonga…

Achchabeta…?Kabhiudhartokabhiidhar…?Andarkyahai…?

Cuttoblack.

Titleappearsonscreen–AndarkiBaat

Ved’snarrativecontinues–Andarkyahai…?Kaunserangkadilhaitera?

Kyachahtahai…?

Cutbacktothesongonscreen.Vedisnarrating–Ved Bolo…Jawaabdo…

Sc#56 Day,Ext/Interiors SimlaRailwayStation Early2000s Flashback.Ved’ssend-offtotheengineeringcollege.Anothermanisgoingwithhim.Father,sisterarepresent.Vedtoucheshisfather’sfeet,then–Ved Sorrypapa…Sahni Arey…Ved Yedonation...main…Sahni Tumheinehsaashaiyehibahothaibeta…(hugshim)Iamproudof

youmyson…Tumcollegemeinbahotachchakaroge,mainjaantahoon…Allthebest…Allthebest…

Vedisemotional.

{1/2min}

Song#5(PartTwo) ThesongresumesasVedissittinginthetrain,thinking.Heisgoingtotheengineeringcollege.Thelandscaperollsoutside.Helooksoutofthewindow.{1min}

Sc#55[B] Night,Exteriors ParathaCorner

Presenttime,attheparathacorner.SomemorepeoplehavecomeclosertowatchVed.Therearesomepeoplethatseemtobefromatheatregroup.Theytakespecialnotice.

Kyachhootrahahai…trainkebaahar…?Kuchapnahai…?Yabassapnahai…?

Flashback.VedisclimbingthestairstothehostelblockattheEngineeringInstitutewithhisluggage. Presenttime,attheparathacorner.Vedbreakingoutofthememory,narrates–

Phirseboringbaateinsaali…?Sudharjabandhu,pakadlekona,kholbichhona,daaldechaddarTujhkokyahai?Andarkyahai?

Kyabakwaashaiyaar…haddhogayee…

Helooksaroundathisimpromptuaudience.

Ved Matlabkyahai?Inbaatonka,isduniyakaKyamatlabhai?Aurkisepadihai…?Chhodhyaarmattikar…Sunchhote…Doaurcutting…(totheautorickshawaala)Legana…?Phirchaltehain…

Hestretchesagain.Continues,softly–

Ved Sonabhihai…Monabhihai…

(smiles)Tejakasona…{3mins}/21½mins/

Sc#57 Night,Interiors Apartment Vedstandinginfrontofthemirror,lookingathimself.Hetakesastepclosertothemirror,asthoughtakinghisreflectionintoconfidence.Ved Kya…?Hain…?Pyaarthatujheussey…?Saalefraud…Abeyghanta

diltootahaitera,samjha…?Torelax…Control…OhjicontrolPaahjicontrol…Ved…

Pause.Then–

Ved Hmm…Theekhai…(nods)Cool…Set…{1/2min}

RegularDayMontage#4 Thealarmhooterblows.Vedgetsuponbed,dazedandconfused. Vedbrushesteeth.

Vedwearstie.Hefinishesmakingtheknot.Butdoesnotmoveout.Hestandsthere,lookingatthetie.Helooksathimself,thenremovesthetie. Vedwipesthewindscreenofthecar. Vedlooksawayfromtheeunuchatthetrafficsignal. Vedwaitspolitelyforfatladytoenterlobbylift.Godblessyoumyson,theladyissaying.Youarealwayssokind. Vedpuncheshiscard.

GoodMorning,GoodMorning,GoodMorning,hesaysloudandbrightas

heentersoffice.{1/2min}

Sc#58 Day,Interiors WaitingRoom TheteamisgettingintoapresentationwhenBosssaystoVed–Boss (sharp)Tiekahanhai…?

Vedlooksathim,doesnotreply.

Boss Bhoolgaye…?Thenhequicklylooksattheothers.

Boss Tewari…Ved It’sokayboss…

Boss (charges)It’sokay…?It’sokay…?(barkstoTiwari)Jaldi…

Vedisuncomfortable.Tewarigiveshimthetie.

Ved (smallsmile)Sirtiebechnethodehijarahehain…Boss (pointing)Aaee…

Vedisscaredabit,smilesabit.Bossisglaringdangerouslyathim.

Boss (orders)Pehno…

Vedtakesthetie,proceedstowearit.Theotherslookhereandthere.

Boss Ekladkikyachodhgayeedimaghhikharaabhogayatumhaara…?

Vedlooksattheboss.

Boss Hurryup…

Vedwearsthetiequickly,adeepdisturbanceswellingupinside.{1min}

Sc#59 Day,Interiors ConferenceHall Vedispresenting–Ved …itisfinallyourcorevaluesthatwillharnesstheseismicshift

becausetechnologyepiphaniesarenotaresultofalakeerkafakeerEurekaMomenttheyaresystematicallyproducedandtheDevilisinthedetailkyafarakpadtahaiplustheBlueOceanStrategyiskuchbhiboloIPdrivenandfavoursthebackwardintergrationprocesswhichisblaahblaahbloobasedonknowledgeeconomythatensuresallstructuralchangesbeingsynergized…

Mohithaslookedup,prickedatthefirstboguswords.HehaslookedatVed,atboss.Boss’browsareknotted,helooksatMohit,intrigued.Mohitlooksattheclients.TheclientshavebeenlookingblanklyatVed,doingtheirownthing,oneofthemwasbusypassingcookiestoeveryone.{1/2min}

Sc#60 Day,Interiors

CorridoroutsideConferenceHall VedisstandingwithBossandhisentourage.Ved (straightface)Kyonsir…?Aajtomainnervousnahintha…Boss (tentative)Baatvonahinhai…Ved Clientkhushlagrahahaisir

Mohitisatadistance,doingsmalltalkwiththeclients.BossinchesintowardsVed,asks–

Boss (suspicious)Tukuchulta-pultabolrahathabeechmein…?Ved (innocent)Ulta-pultasir…I..I

Vedbeginstoshakehisheadasthoughhedidnotunderstand.

Boss Anyway…

Heturnsaround.

Ved Okaysir{1/2min}

Sc#61 Night,Exteriors ParathaCorner Vedisnarratingtotherickshawaala,andsomeotherswhohavecomeclosetohear–Ved Mufatkepange Bilavajahke

PetkekeedeYetatvisduniyameinkayeenaamsejaanajaatahaiJaisekhujli…Aurkirmi…Maheenhai…kirmi…Kitanu…Dikhtanahinhai…Godkitarah…Parhotahaijaroor…AajaatahaiKyonaatahai?NooneknowsAurkisepadihai?Andarkyahai

{1/2min}

Sc#62 Day,Interiors ConferenceHallVedpresentinginflow–

Ved …andsectoragnosticthoughitlooksfromtheoutside,fromthe

insideitisnotonlyhellohelloCharlieconsistenttoourcorporateDNAbutalsoorganictothenewdriversofeconomyPatparganjandsinceallpointsofconvergenceareknowntous,itisactuallyano-brainerthattheCharliecomeinCharliegravitionalpullwillbetowardstechnologicalinnovation…

BossperksupasVedsaysthefirstnonsenseword,thenkeepsa

suspiciouslook-outformore.Mohitislookingleftandright,smilingasthoughnothingiswrong.Bossperksupandlooksaroundmorewhenthenextwordcomes,islookingatothersforconfirmation.HelooksatMohit,Mohitlooksaway.Thereisnoreactionfromtheclients.{1/2min}/25½mins/

Sc#63[A] Day,Interiors OfficeWashroomVedislookingathimselfinthemirror.Hesmiles,nodshishead

knowingly,thenaskshimselfinthemirror–

Ved Bahotmazaaaarahahai…?

(answers)Haan,aatorahahai…

Aurjoaagelagnewaalihai…bahotkaraari…?

Vototerilagegina… Hegiggles.

Thenhenodsinresponse.

Ved Saale…

Thenfallssilent,hissmilegoesaway. Ved Yedinaagaye…?(Pause)Ekladkikyachodhgayeedimaghhi

kharaabhogaya…? Musicbegins.Fadeout.

TitleonScreen–Whatislove?(babydon’thurtme…nomore…)

CallingMontage

Tara,withdramaticmusic,callingafterVedatthestaircasewhenhehadcreatedasceneoutsideherapartment.Hehadnotstopped,hadwalkedaway.Shehadtakenafewsteps,thenstoodtherelookingathimgo,unsettled. Tara’seyeswereopeninthedarknessasshewasn’tgettingsleepthatnight. Lateratnight,shehadtriedtocallVed.Therewasnoresponse. Shehadturnedthesideinbedthatnight,thenpickedupthephoneandtexted. Vedhadseenhisphonesittingonhisbedlaterthatnight.ThereweremanymissedcallsandmessagesfromTara.Hehadlookedatthephone,thendeletedthemessagesandhadgotintothemechanicsofgoingtosleep.

Tara’seyeswereopeninthedarknessforalongtimethatnight.{1/2min}

Sc#63[B] Day,Interiors OfficeWashroom

Vedisstandingatthemirror,staringathisphonewhichiskeptontheslab.Helooksatitforawhile,thensuddenlypicksitupwithirritationanddials.Hisfaceissourashewaitsbutchangestopolitenessasthecallistaken.Ved Hello…Tara…? Sc#64[A] Day,Interiors Mall Taraisduckingawayfromthegroupthatshewasindiscussionwith.Thisisthesiteofateakioskatamall.Tara HiVed…Hi…

Sc#63[C] Ved HiTara…Sorry…tumhaaremissedcallsdekhe… Sc#64[B] Tara Tumkaiseho…?

Sc#63[D]

Ved Theek…bilkul…Tum…?

Sc#64[D] Tara Maintumsemilsaktihoon…?

Sc#63[F]

Ved Kyon…?

Sc#64[D] Tara Mainmilnachahtihoon

Sc#63[F]

Ved (shortlaugh)Maineusliyenahinphonekiya…Main…bas

apologizekarnachahtatha…Sc#64[E]

Tara MainmilnachahtihoonVed

Sc#63[G]

Ved Areytumkyasochrahiho…?Maintheekhoon…

Sc#64[F]

Sensingmoreunrest–Tara Abhikahaanhotum?Mainabhiaasaktihoon?

Sc#63[H]

Vedisholdingthephone,listeningtohertalk–Tara (OC)…Mainwaitkarloongiagartumbusyhuyeto…Theekhai…?{1min}

Sc#65(PartOne) Night,Ext/Interiors TurtleCafé Vedispeeping.AtTaraassheentersthecafeteria,looksaroundforhim.Heislookingather.Thenheturnsaway. Sc#65(PartTwo) Night,Interiors TurtleCafe Vedsits,Taraisseencominginthebackground,lookingforhim.Heknowssheiscoming,yetpretendsasthoughhedoesn’t.Tara Hi…Ved Oh…(stands)Hi… Shemovesforward.Theylookateachother,notknowingwhethertohugornot.Vedsuddenlybreaksintoanaughtysmile–Ved Dicey,haan…?(mimicstheirawkwardness)Ummm…shouldwe…?

err…No…Yes…

Shemovesandsits,smiles.Ved Better…phew… Hepretendstowipehissweat.Shelooksathim,smiling.Ved (mockformal)Helloji…

Sheissmiling,nods. Ved Nahin…aajcrazynahinkaroonga…Shit…(coversface)Kyakiya

maineusdin…Tara Ved…Listen…Maintumseyekehneaayihoonkighalatimerihai… Ved (intrigue)Kaise…?Kitumnemujherejectkiya?Tara Nahin…(looksathim)Kyonkimaine…kuchaisakehdiya…apni

smartnessmein…kitumdisturbhogaye…

Heislookingather.

Tara Koicomplexhogatumhaareandar,jiskomainetouchkardiya…Tabhi…

Shelooksathim.Heisstaringather.Tara Tosorrymujhebolnachahiye…

Henods.

Ved Tobolo…

Shelooksathim.Ved Bolosorry…Goon(sharp)sayit… Silence,theylookateachother.Ved Tumhokaun…?Psychiatristho?Mainpatienthoontumhaara…?Tara MainconcernedhoonVedVed Kitnaachchaasarhaitumhaareconcernka…Wow…Mainkitna

achchafeelkarrahahoonaajkal…Great…Thanksyaar…Tara Ved…Okay…I’msorry…Yeah…Mainejobhikahausdin,mainvo

sabvaapasletihoon…Really…Aurvoringkahanhai?Mujhevoringchahiye…

Ved Huh…

Helaughs,peoplenotice,helooksaround.Ved Dekho…dekho…Sabkodikhrahihaimerikhushi…

Helaughssomemore,evennodsatsomeothers,thengetsup,sayingbyetoher.Sheholdshishanddown.Ved Aaoo…Don’tgetphysical…Tara (stands)Vedpleaseyaar…Ved LeavemyhandTaraTara PleaseVed,sitdown…Ved (looksather,smiles)Tujhetopyaarhogayahaipagli…Tara Haan…HaanVed…

Ved Parkisiaurse…Tch…(sings)Tukisiaurkijaageerhaiaejaaneghazal…

Tara (helpless)Ved…Ved Tara,listentome.Mujhenaiswaqtbilkulbharosanahinhaiki

mainkaisereactkaroonga…Tomainchalajaatahoon…Tara Yekyahogayayaar…Yekyakardiyamaine…Ved (bitingsarcasm)OhhkitnimahaanhotumTara…Wow…Dilmein

aatahaitumheinmandirmeinbithakarpoojakaroontumhaari…

Peoplesittingaroundnoticethis.VedsensestheflipinhisbehaviourVed See…see…Yekaunhai…?Yekyabanjaatahoonmaintumhaare

saamne…?Yekyaenergyhaitumhaari?Itninegative?Tara Vedyeekphasehai…Yetheekhojayega…Ved TummujhsedoorrahoTara…Idon’tknow…Ifeelmainkuchkar

doonga…Tara Maintumsedoorhitonahinrehsakti…Mujhetumhaaresaath

rehnahai…Ved hhhhh…Apnesachchepyaarsedhoka?Tara Vedseriously…Ved SeriouslyTara…Yecompromisehai…Haikinahin…?Yemat

karo…Waitkaro…AyegaDonekdin…Hemovestogo,shearrestshim.

Ved (gnashinghisteeth)Tara…Tara Ved…Ipromise,mainsabtheekkardoongi…Ved Tumheinsamajhnahinaarahi…?(loud)Justleaveme…

Hemakestomove,sheclutcheshimstronglyandbreaksdown.Peoplenotice.Tara Mainnahinjaanedoongi…Mainnahinjaanedoongi Helooksather.Sheissobbing,holdinghimdearly,lookingathimdefiantly.

Song#6(PartOne)

TaraandVedstandinthecafeteria,lookingateachother.Peoplecomeandgo. Averysoftsongofinnocentromancebeginstoplayinthebackground. Sothisiswhattheytalkabout.Thatyouloseyourselfwhenyoufindsomeone.Youhavedonethattome.Thereisnomeleftanywhere.Wearetogethernow.

Vedsitsdown.Tarasitstoo,weeping,lookingathim.Heplaceshisheadonthetable.Heiswondering.Sheslowlytakesherhandtohishead.Sheputsherpalmonhishead.Hemelts.Shestrokeshishead.Heturnshishead.Sheputsherheadonthetable,nexttohis,touchinghimalittle.Hiseyesareopen,lookingthatway.Sheislookingathim.Peoplesittingaroundatothertables.

Suddenlyhegetsupandstridesout.Sheisleftalonethere,headontable.

Sheturnsherhead,lifts,beginstosob.Thensuddenlystopsherselfandgetsup,wipinghertears,dashesafterhim.Sherushesdownthestairs. Sherushesoutofthebuildingontothelane,looksaroundforhim.Sheseeshimwalkingawaydownthelane.Sherushesafterhim. Shecomestoacrossroadsinthelane,looksaround.Shecannotseehimanywhere. Shemovesdownalaneandcomestoacorner. Heisonthesideofawall,hidingfromher.Shelooksforhim,cannotseehim.Heremainshiding.Sheturnsback.Hecomesforwardtolook.Sheturnsback,seeshim.Heseesthatshehasseen.Musicstops.{2½mins}

Sc#65(PartThree) Night,Exteriors LanesoutsideTurtleCafe

TaraisstaringatVed,speechless.Helooksaway.Hekeepsstanding.Shelooksathim.

Hedoesnotmove.Shesitsontheground.Heremainsstanding,lookingaway.Thenhelookstowardsher,sheislookingathim.Hewalksout,walks

towardsher.Shelooksathim,looksdownashewalkspasther.Sheislookingdown,sittingonthegroundinthelane,asheisseen

walkingawaybehindher.Heispulsatinginselfrageashehurriesaway.Sheremainsthere.

{5mins}/34½mins/

RingMontage

ThediamondringthatVedhadproposedtoTarawith.Vedislookingatit,stillinbed,stillintheclothesoflastnight.

SuddenlythehooteralarmgoesandinstantlyVedbangsitshut.

Vedbrusheshisteeth.Thereissomethingpulsatingandsourinhim. Vedwearstieatthemirrorandthen–Ved (anger)Theekhai…?haan…?Theekhaisir...?

Vedisdrivinghiscartoworkwhilespeakingonthebluetooth.

Ved Hello…ShamjiJewellers?Jiaapkebuy-backschemekebaaremein

poochnatha.Maineaapseekdiamondringleethivovaapaskarnihai.Haanji…/

Tchheeratoheerahotahai,uskipricethodinakamhojayegi…Haantophirpercentagekisbaatkakaatengeaap…?

TheeunuchwalksuptoVed’scar,whichisstoppedatthetrafficsignal

now.Champa Areykaisaaadmihairetu…?Chhee,kanjoos…Ekrupiyabhinahin

diyaaajtak.Dilnahinhaikyaterepaas?

Vedcontinuestotalkonthephone,payingnoattentiontotheeunuch.Ved …Areytomakingchargesusseynahinlogejiskophirsebechoge? Vedentersofficeandwisheseveryoneveryloudlyashewalkspast–Ved GoodmorningGoodmorningHiHello… Hiscolleagueslookathim,ateachother.Theyhavebeenseeingthechangeinhisbehavior. Vedinhisbedroomanothermorning,inhisnightclothesbutwearingthetie.Heishoveringaroundhisbeside,tip-toeingupwithutmostcareandsilence,holdingsomesortofaclubinhishand.Suddenlythealarmhootergoesandinstantlyheslamstheclubonthealarm. Vedbrusheshisteeth.

Vedwipesthewindscreenofcarenergetically.

Vedislookingawayfromtheeunuchatthetrafficsignalassheisspeaking–Champa Areykabdegatu…?Kuchtodede…AeSona…Raju…Dekhna

hero…AreyO…

Vedsuddenlytakesoutsomethingfromhisbag.Helowersthewindow,handstheringboxtotheeunuch.Theeunuchlooksatthebox.Vedliftsthewindow.Theeunuchopensthebox,seesthediamondring.ShelooksatVedinsurprise.Vedislookingstraight.Theeunuchtakestheringout,looksatitinintrigue,looksbackatVed.

Thetrafficlightturnsgreen,Veddriveshiscarahead.Theeunuchlooksathimgo,walksuptothesideofthestreet.Thecardrivesaway.Theeunuchlooksatthediamondringinthetraffic.{2mins}

Sc#66 Day,Int/Exteriors OfficeFoyer

Vedgettingintotheliftatthefoyernoticesthefatladytoddlingup,she

smilesathim.Hesmilesextrasweetlyather.Sheknowshewillwaitforher.

Lady (walkingup)Godblessyou…suchakindman…Hesmilesmore,pressesthefloorbutton.Shewalksupbuttheliftdooris

shutting,sheistakenaback,looksathim.Hesmilesevenmore.Sheisperplexed.Theliftdoorshutsashecontinues

tosmile.{1/2min}

Sc#67 Day,Interiors ConferenceHall

Vedmakingpresentation–Ved …inthecurrentsocio-politicalclimatewhereconsumeriskingand

companiesarethenewcountriesnightshowPriyaCinemaMCMTechTelecomcontinuestoremainmissiondriven,notmoneydrivenasitrejectsblockandtacklezaalimlotionpaanchsaupachchattarmethods,festerorganicgrowthavoiddisruptivetechnologyABtheetabeetagaama(becominggraduallyrobotic)measuresuccesssquareroot74.7tothepowernbytheimpactonLadoSarai,Malkagunj,KingKong,Teriyaki,MonAmor…

Bossisstaringathim.Theclientissurprised.Mohitislookingdown.{1min}

Sc#68 Day,Interiors Boss’Cabin Vedissittingatboss’sdesk,lookingdown.Bossisglaringathim.Afteramoment–Ved Patanahinkyahorahahaimujhe…Kuch…gadbadhai…Boss (barks)Gadbad…?Gadbad…?Ved (admits)Ji…Butsir…yejob…basyehihaimerepaas,aurkuch

nahinhai…Idon’twanttolosemyjobsir…please…

Bossbecomestender.Silence.

Boss Listenboy…YourbehaviorisalwaysAOne.Kaamteraaveragehai,partooneittesaalsurvivekiyahaikinahin…?Haan…?Ongoodbehavior…You’reniceguy…Decent,polite…everyonelikeyou…andyouaredoinglikethis?Whatareyoudoing…?Andallforthatonegirl…?Haan…?Whatistheresomuchinthatgirl?whatisthere…?

Vedlooksatbossasthoughhewantstosaysomething,butthenlooks

down.Bosscontinues–Boss Weakmomentsabkohotahai…Evenmujhebhihotahaiweak

moment…

Ved (drama)No…Really…?Boss Itellyou…Ihaveweakmoment…Parmainkyakartahoon…?

Ved (likeastudent)Kyakya…?Boss Mainaureffortsdaaltahoon…Aurfocus…focus…Imorefocus… Vedmakesgesturesofbeingveryimpressed.Boss Aurteratobrightfuturehai…Ved Achcha…?Boss Haan…,bastufocuskar…aurthodiworkingimprovekarleapni…

tofiveyearsmeintushayadVPbansaktahai…Ved (drama)Wow…

Boss Yes…Aurphirsabachchaachchahuatokyapataaurtenyears

meintutablekeissidebhiaasaktahai…yes…whynot…?Soch,pandrahsaalmeintumeritarahbansaktahai…

Ved (loud)Ohshit…No…Boss It’spossible…Possible…Ved (melodramatic)Nahin…Aisanahinhosakta…Kehdokiyejhooth

hai…

Bosslooksathiminsuspicion.Vedlooksathim,pointsfingeratboss,suppresseshislaughterforsometimethensays-Ved Nahin… Vedshakeshisheadandlaughsout.Thenstopsabruptly,looksdown.Ved (tohimself)Shit…Stop…

Helooksupatbosstomakeamends.Heseesbossglaringathiminaconfusedwayandinstantlyswitchesagain–Ved Ogod,aapphirchillaanewaaleho…?Okay…

Vedholdsthechairarmstobrace,then–

Ved Nowgoforitboy

Bossisreadytoexplode.Hepicksuptheintercomandspeaksintoit–Boss Securitybhejo…

Vedcloseshiseyes,facesdownininstantregret.

Ved (tohimself)Kyakarrahahai…?Kyakarrahahai…?Hemoveshiselbowstothetabletoputhisheadonhishands.Bossgetsa

start,Vedlooksathim.BosshadthoughtthatVedwasgoingtodosomethingaggressive.Vedlooks,bossisangryagain.

Vedsuddenlymoveshishandsfrontintheair.Bosspanics,looksatVed.Vedcloseshiseyes.

Ved (tohimself)stopstopstop…Sirabhijomaineyesabkiyayetobahotghalathaitokyaaapmujhemaafkarsakteho?(heswitches

todramaticaggressionashespeaks)Bolo…?Maafkarsakteho…?(aggressive)Pleasesir

Hepicksupavaseanddashesittothegroundinaggression.Ved Maafkartehoyanahin…? Bossisscared,waitingforsecuritytocomein.Vedsoftens,smiles.Ved Please… Bossinfuming.Ved Ae…

Vedwinksathim.Thenair-kisseshimtwice,biteshisunderlip.Ved Karnamaaf…Raju…maafnahinkaregamereko…?Haan…? Bossisfuming.

Thedooropens.Twosecuritymencomein.Bosslookstowardsthembut

beforehedoanythingVedturnstothemandorders–Ved Security,isaadmikoofficekebaaharphenkdo…

Thesecuritymenareconfused.BossleapsupandrushestoVed,abusingloudly,grabsVed’scollar,lifts

him.

Boss Youbloody…youbloody….Tabaahkardoongamaintujhe…Tabaah…Teracareerfinish…khatam…

Thesecuritymenquicklyintervenesayingsaabsaab…

Boss mainbhidekhtahoontujheblood…Tabaah…

BossisscreamingintoVed’sface.Vedislookingsurprisinglycamlyasthechaosunfolds–asthesecuritymentrytowresthimaway,asbosscontinuestoshakehimbythecollarandbombardhimwithabuses.{3½min}

Sc#69 Day,Interiors Office Vedisathiscubicle,collectinghisthings.Thesecurityguardsarestandingbehindhim,holdingthebatonout.Theofficeiswatching. Vedcomesoutofhiscubiclewithhisthings,walksthroughtheofficefloorlookingdowninhumiliationasMohit,Dhillonandtheotherswatch.Vedwalksout.{1/2min}

Sc#70 Day,Interiors Apartment ThemirrorinVed’sapartment.DooropensandVedcomesin,seeshimselfinthemirror.Hekeepshisthingsdownandwalksupsoberlytothemirror,looksathimself.Ved (sings)Husnhaazirhai…mohabbatki…sazaapaaneko… Hepauses,looksathimselfagain.Then–Ved (continues)Koipattharse…haan…koipattharsenamaaremere

dhindhin-chakdhin-chakdhadhamdhamdhudhum… Hesilences,looksathimself,smiling.Ved Yehokyarahahaiyaar…?Bygod…

Pause.Hebecomesserious,pained. Ved Pleaseyaar…Mainterehaathjodtahoon,please…

Helooksathimself.Sniggers.Ved (mimicshimself)Haathjodtahoonplease…Drama… Heexits.{1/2min}

Sc#71 Day,Interiors Apartment Thehooteralarmblows.Vedwakesupinhisbed.Heiswearingtheclothesoflastnight.Heinstantlylooksaround,findstheclub,getsonhiskneesonthebedtobatterthealarmbutstops.Helooksatthealarm.Hedropstheclub,thensitsnexttothealarm,listeningtoitwithfullattention. Hesitstherelisteningverycarefullytothealarm,reactingtoit.Thealarmkeepsblowing.{1/2min}/44mins/

Sc#72[A] Day,Int/Exteriors Apartment Silence.Vedissittingonachairinthehalloftheapartment,lookingoutofthewindow.Soundofadoorbell.Helooksback. Thedooropens.ItisTara,staringathisface. Vedstepsbackandopensthedoor,announceshappily–Ved ProductManagergone… Hegiggles.Shemovesin,shutsthedoor.Ved Pyaarmeinkittitaaqathotiyaar…Haan…?Terepyaarnemujhe

badaldiyaTara…Abbetterhaina…?Haan…?Nowyoulikememore…?

Tara Ved…Ved (romantic)Tara… Hecomesclosetoher.Theyareinthenarrowpassage.Sheislookingathim.Hecomescloser,lookingather.Ved Tara…

Hetouchesherface,feelsit.Sheislookingathim.Hetakeshishandbehindherneck,feelsher.Silence.Thenhebeginsto

hardenthegrip.Sheflinches,lookingathim,saysnothing.Hepushesheragainstthewall,herbagfallsdown.Hestaresather,shelooksbackathim.Thenheplungestowardsherandbegintokissheronherneck,roughly.Tara Ved…Ved… Hecomesoffandaskssharply–Ved What…?Haan…?Tara Canyou…takeiteasy…?Ved Abtumkyonactingkarrahiho…?TumyenahinhoTara…Main

jaantahoontumkaunho… Heturnsheraround,triestograbher.Tara (sharp)Ved…Ved…(turnsaround)What’swrongwithyou…?

Ved (grabbingher)RolematplaykaroTara,actingmatkaro… Sheturnsandpusheshimbackwithallhermight.Hehitsthewallwithhisback.Heremainsthere.Sheglaresathim.Ved (mocking)Yekyahogayayaar…Yekyakardiyamaine…Tara YouknowVed…EkdinmujhepatachalathakiSantaClausnahin

hota…Bahotburalagatha…Parkyakarein…?Hotatonahinhai…MeraCorsicabhi…sirfcomicbookmeinhaiaursoulmate,love…kahaaniyaanhainyesab,sachmeinaisakuchhotathodihai…Koimagicnahinhai…isduniyamein…aajtumnebatadiya…sirfloghain…,cheezeinhain…bus…Yesamajhnazaroorithamujhe…

Shemoves,goestothedoor.Ved ThanksforthespeechTara,matlabhamaarakhatam…pakka…?

Shecrossestotheothersideofthedoor.

Ved Yaphiraaogi…chaarsaalbaad…checkkarne…?KidekhoonVedkilifemeinkyachalrahahai…kaheenkuchachchatonahin…?haitoaaoabhiphirsekuchalkekhatamkardetihoonsabkuchsaala…

Sheislookingathim.Tara ThanksVedVed (bowsslightly)Anytime… Vedbangsthedoorshutonherface.Sheisshocked,thenslowlybeginstocry.

Song#6(PartTwo) Vedstandsforasecond,thenwalkspurposefullyintothekitchen.Hetakesoutsomefood,beginstopreparesomethingtoeat.

Taraissobbing,butstopsherself,beginstowipehertearsstrongly,withherfist.

Vedisworkingbusilyinthekitchen.Tarawalksdownthecorridor.Vedisseenbehindinthekitchen.Tara

walksdownthecorridortothelift,pressestheliftbutton.Shewaitsforthelift–breaking,fighting.

Wearetogethernow. Vedsettlesinthekitchentoeat.

Tarastandsatthelift,controllingherselfsomehow.Theliftopens,thereisamaidinside.Tarawalksin,standsthere,keepingherselfstrong.Theliftdoorcloses.Musicends. {1½mins} Sc#72[B] Day,Int/Exteriors Apartment

Vediseating.Hesuddenlypauses,looksdownasarushpasseshishead.Heremainslikethatforamoment.Thenhequicklybeginstoeatagain.Heeats.{3mins}/48½mins/

Sc#73 Night,Interiors ApartmentBedroom Thebedroomlateatnight.Vedissleepinginthedark.Suddenly,hesitsupwithastart.Helookstowardsthedoor.Hefeelsasthoughsomeonetouchedhim.Silence.Hesits,then–Ved Heyrelaxbrother…relax…Easy… Heremainssittingthere.{1/2min}

Sc#74 Night,Int/Exteriors Party ChaddaandVedwalkingdownarampintoahotelwhereapartyishappening.Chadda Bachnaayehaseenon…

HeturnstoVedandstopshim.Chadda Bhaagnajaanaphirsebatarahahoon…Ved Mainephonekarkekahanatujhe…?

Chaddaturns.Chadda Seedhibaathaiapaanshikaarkarneaayehainpartymein…Haan

bhaikahanhaikahanhai

Theymoveforward.

Theyenterthepartyhall.Asocialitemanturnstothem.

Socialite Hello…HowareyouVedbuddy?Ved Fine… Thesocialitemovesclosertothem.Socialite Sowonderfultoseeyou.You’refine…?Hmm…?

Vedtriestomoveaway.Thesocialitepresseson.Socialite Theekhonatum…?Allgood…?Ved (switching)Actuallynahin…maintheeknahinhoon,bahot

kharaabhaalatmeinchalrahahoon…Jobsenikaaldiyagayamujhe–matlabsecuritybulakarbaaharphenkagaya…aurmeraexbossdoosrijagahjobmilnenahindega…Todinbharbaitharehtahoon.Raatkoachanakuthkarbaithjaatahoon…paseeneauranxietykesaath…aisedildhadakrahahotahaiaurlagtahaideewareinpaasaarahihainchaarontarafse,peesdengimujhe…Baithiyena,bataatahoon.

Heseatsthemandown,towersoverhimashecontinues–Ved Meregalemeinna…aiselumphojaatahai…Kyon…?Kyavajahho

saktihai…?Aurkuchdinpehlemaingaadichalarahathakiaiseaansubehnelagemere…mainekahaareyyaarturorahahai…?problemkyahaihuakyahaitujhe…?Yesabmainkisisekehtanahinhoon,aapneitnainterestliyatobatarahahoon…Actuallyjabsemereappendixkaoperationhuahaina,tabhisemujheshakhaikiusseynapaanileakhorahahaitaptaptaptap…aurmeriantdiyonkeandaridhar-udharfunguslagrahihaisabjagah…aurscrotumhotahaina…scrotum…?uskohindimein…

Socialite Nahinnahinnahin…

Thesocialitestands,triestobackaway.Vedchargesinandcontinues–

Ved Aapsamajhgaye…mujhelagtahaimerescrotummeinkayeejamrahihai…Hahahaaisahonahinsakta,jaantahoon,psychologicalhai–

Thesocialitetriestoslinkaway,Vedcatcheshishand.

Ved Areyjakahaanrahehain…?Aapjannachahtehainna?Socialite Ah…nahin,notreally…Ved Paraapnepoocha…?Socialite Yeahmagar…Ved Tosuniye…Jobowelmovementhainameri,jabmainhagneko

baithtahoon… Thesocialitelooksaroundforhelp.Socialite Arey…?Chadda Ved…Chhod…Kyakarrahahai…? Chaddatirestowresthimaway,Vedclutchesthesocialitemore.Ved Iseyjaannahaiyaar…Isnechaarbaarpoocha…(tothesocialite)

hainnasir…?Socialite Areyvotosabpoochtehainna–Howareyou…Ved Hahaha…jaannanahinhotatopoochtekyonhain…veryfunny.

Nahinabtomainbataoonga,abmujhekoinahinroksakta…Aajtomakasamaapkobatakarhirahoongakimainkaisahoon…Nahin

chodoonga,nahinchhodoonga…kuchnahinchhodoonga,sabkuchbataoongasabkuch…

Vedisclutchingthesocialite,asChaddaandafewothertrytowrestlehimout.TheyfinallymanagetoforceVedtoletgoandthesocialitehurriesawaysaying–Socialite He’smad…He’smad…Heassaultedme…Heisdangerous…Itell

you…Hecan’tbewalkingaroundlikethis… Vedsniggers,turnstoChadda.Ved ChalyaarChadda…Chadda Nahinyaar,tuja…

Vedissurprised.Chadda Enough…Chalnikalle… VedsmilesatChadda.Chaddastaresbackcoldly.Vedfeelseyesonhim,thatareaofthepartyhasceasedbecauseofhim.Everyoneislooking.Vedlooksdown,walksoutoftheparty.{3mins}/53mins/

Song#7(PartOne)

Vedwalksoutofthehotelandcomestoawall.Hestopsthere,stands.Slowlyheputshispalmsonthewall,thenrestshishead. Youaresomeoneelse.Thisisnotyou.

Vedwalksdownastreetatnight.

PhotocopiesofVed’sresumecomingoutofthemachine.Vedismakinganapplicationfileatastationeryshop.

Vedshaveshisbeard.

Vedissittinginthewaitingareaofanofficewearingformalclothes.

Vedissittinginthewaitingareaofanotherofficeanotherday.Anotherday,Vediswaitinginthewaitingareaofanotheroffice.

Veddrivesuptothetrafficsignal.Helooks–theeunuchisstandingata

distancefromhiscar.Sheblowsblessingsinhisdirection.Vedlooksaway. Vediseatingaloneatarestaurant.Tearswellupasheeatsbuthemakessuretoholdthemin.Heeats.

Thetenyearoldboysittinginclassroom.Hehasgotanexaminationpaperresult.Heislookingdown,controllinghistears.

Later,theboyissittingaloneintheclassroomandcrying.

Vedinhisengineeringhostelroomtearingthenotebookhewasworkingon,screamingsilently,tearinghisfaceinrage,thenwipinghisbooksandstufffromthetable,thenholdinghishead.Andthenpickingupbooksandresumingthecalculation. Vedwalkingaloneatadesolatestreetatnight.

Afterawhile,hesuddenlyscreamsintothenight–Ved Tara… Hestopswalking,musicfadesout.Hestandslookingahead.Pause.Hecallsagain–Ved Tara…

Thenhelooksdown.Thenheskipsbacktoerectstandingposition,thenfunnymarchesafewsteps,thenwalksstraightandbrisk.Hewalksawayintothenight.{2½mins}

Sc#75 Night,Exteriors ParathaCorner Anothernight,Vedissittingaloneattheparathacorner.Soundsofcar,thentheexcitedvoiceofayounggirl–Girl (OC)Whoareyouman…?

Vedlooksup.It’sagirlhehasseenbeforeattheparathacornerwiththetheatregroup.Othersofhergroupareseenwalkinginbehindher.Girl Really…tumkaunho? Helooksather,then–Ved Abhibataoon… Mainkaunhoon…? Yathodarukkar…? Thodaaurgirjaoon,tootjaoonaurbikharkarrukoonkaheen…

Phirbataoon…? Kabsunnahai? Girl (excited)Mindblowing… Shesitsinfrontofhim.Helooksather.Ved Tumkaunho?Girl (squealy)Maintofanhoontumhaari…Yeah…fangirl…Ved Tomainhoontamasha… Dhoom-dhadaakakadakemotion Dilkiduniyagoingpublic Onlytoimpressyouma’am…Girl (excited,shakingherhead)Iamto…mahaimpressed… Helooksather.Sheislookingathiminexcitement.Girl Sunao… Vedextendshishand.Ved Paisenikalo… Thegirlgiggles.

Ved Yejokenahintha… Thetheaterdirectorcomesforward.Director Achchahumkhaanakhiladengeaapko…sahihai…?(callsothers)

Aajaobhai…come… Hecomesforward,theyallsitinfrontofVedaswell. Vedlooksathemastheysettleinfrontofhim.And–Ved Kyachakkarhai?

KahanchalahaidilkarastaBinkadmonke?Doorkhadisapnonkimalika…Haithodinayaar…Miragehai…Jodesertmeindikhtahai…?HotiraethailagtapaaniUskeliyemainpaapadbeloon?Dokaudiki…DokaudikihastihaiParusseykheloon?PhenkbikheroonApnasabkuchKiskikhatir?KisechahiyeMankasona,Aankhkemoti?KisepadihaiAndarkyahai?HotiraethaiLagtapaaniKyasahihai…Aurghalatkahaan?Kyon,kaun,kidharaurkaiseHatterito–sunokahaani…

{1½mins}

TitleappearsonScreen–

Mirage

Sc#76 Day,Int/Exteriors

Abha’sHouse Ved’sback,ashestandsinfrontofanapartmentdoor.Heseemstentative.Hedoesnotringthebellforsometime.Thenhedoes.

Abha,assheopensthedoor,takenabacktoseehim.Helookslikeaderelict.Heissharplysensitivetoherlook,istryingtoavoidit.Shekeepslookingathimashecomesin,andsuddenlyturnstoher–Ved (charges)Kya…?Haan..?Abha Ghussakyonhoraheho?Ved Kahaanhaidado? Sheshutsthedoor,walksinside.Hefollows,shestopsatthedoortotheroom.Abha Haathmunhdhonahai?Ved (aggressive)Kyon?Abha (sharp)Kyonkipaagallagrahehotum,samjhe…?Dadokesaamne

aisejaogetopatanahinkyasochengi…Ved (cuts)Tumkokyahai,haan…?Tumkokyahai…?Abha KyahogayaVed…?Ved Ae…Chupraho…samjhi…?Abha Kyabaathai…?Ved Mainjaoonyahanse…?Jaoon…?Abha Nahin…

Shequicklycontrolsherself,then–

Abha Aao… Sheopensthedoor.{1/2min}

Sc#77 Day,Interiors GuestRoom ThedooropensandAbhacomesin,smiles.Abha (announcing)Leejiye…Aagaya… Ved’sgrannyissittingonthebed,readingsomething.Shelooksup.SheisshockedtoseeVedinthisstateaswellbutdoesnotbreakhersmile.Dado Idharaaidharaa…Zarashakaldikha… Hewalksin,sheraisesherhandtocallhimcloser.Hesitsonthebed,sheholdshisfaceandlooksathim.Heissensitive,distracted.Dado Badahandsomehogayahai…hain…?Yekaisemumkinhua…? Hesmiles.Abha Beautytreatmentkarvarahatha.Tabhiekmaheeneseaapse

milnenahinaaya.Dado Haantokoinahin…mujhevaapaschhodnetojarahahaina

Simla…Mazekarenge…Ved Main…chhodnejarahahoon…?

Heispuzzled,lookstowardsAbha.Dado Achcha…?Bhoolgayatoonevaadakiyatha…?Ved Kab…vaadakiyatha…?Dado Kyondohazaargyaarahmein…?Jabmainaayithiyahaan… Theylookateachother.Sheraiseshereyebrowstoask.Hesmilesafterawhile,shakeshishead.Ved Kaisihai…?Dado Vahi,pehlejaisi… Hesmilesmore,looksather.{1min}/57mins/

EnteringSimlaMontage Simlaintherisingsunfromamovingcar.Thehouses,lanes. ApproachingtheoldhouseoftheSahnis.Thehouseislookingdifferentnow.{1/2min}

Sc#78 Evening,Interiors Granny’sRoom Seenthroughtheoldmirror–Vedentersasaservanthelpshimwiththeluggage.Dadoissittingonthebed.Dado Teraintezaamishikamremeinkiyahaiisbaar.Yahanturaatko

mujhekahaaniyaanbhisunasaktahai…auraaeenesebaateinbhikarsaktahai.

Vedlookssharplyather.Shenotices.Dado Kyahua…?Yaadnahinhaituusaaeenesebaateinkiyakartatha?

Aurterabaapkehtathakikaisapagalbetamilahaimujhe… Vedlooksatthemirror.It’sthemirrorthatheusedasakid.Dado (meanwhile–OC)Abnahinkartaaaeenesebaatein…? Vedsniggers.{1/2min}

Sc#80 Evening,Int/Exteriors SimlaSitting Ved’sparentsinthesittingroom.Motherlooksupthestairs,hearsVedapproachingandspeaksquicklytoherhusband–Mother Dekhiyezaraaaraamsebaatkeejiyegaussey...Sahni Areyzaahirhaimainaaraamsebaatkaroonga…Kyamatlabhai…? Vedentersattheheadofthestairs,beginstoclimbdown.Mother Haan…Aajao…Sahni Comebeta…Kitnedinhoyahan? Ved Busekdodin…Mother Kya…?Itnedinbaadaayeho,ekdodinonkeliye?Sahni Aurleavenahinmilegi…? Vedlooksathisfather,undecided,endsupstaring.Sahnilooksathim,getssuspicious.Sahni Kyabaathai…? Vedcontinuestostareforamomentmore,then–Ved Kuchnahin…(looksaway)busabmainvojobnahinkarraha…Mother Jobchhoddeetumne…? Veddoesnotreply.Sahniislookingathim,sensingthatsomethingiswrong.Vedisvulnerable.Sahni Doosrijobkarraheho…? Silence.Sahni Kitnedinhogaye…?Ved Hogayekuch…kuchdinhogaye… Sahni Dodin,dusdin,(anger)domaheene…?

Ved (sharply)Chhemaheenehogaye…Dad…aisikoi…tensionnahinhai…

Mother Chhemaheene…?Tochhemaheenonsekarkyarahehotum…?

TheyarelookingatVed.Vedistrapped,restless.

Mother (soft)KyahogayahaitumkoVed…?Kyabaathai?Ved (sharp)Maplease…abdramamatcreatekaro…Sahni (scolds)Dramayecreatekarrahihai…?Chhemaheenesejob

nahinhai,hawameinlatakraheho…Mother Suniye,eksecond…Sahni (continuous)Drugaddictjaisihaalatbanayihuihaiaurkisiko… Vedgetsupsuddenly,cuttingSahni.Ved Mainaajhichalajaatahoonvaapas

Vedmovestothesteps.

Mother Arey…?Sahni Ved…

Vedkeepsmoving. Sahni (loud)Ved…Ved (stops,turns–)Chalajaatahoonpapa…Yahaanvohihonewaala

hai,aapvohikehnewaalehain–kidutykyahotihai,aurmainkabresponsiblebanoonga…

Sahni Tokyamazaaatahaimujhe…kiekhibaatbaarbaarbaarbaar,

zindagibharboltarahoon…?Yehikaamhaimera…?Kitumhameshaultitarafbhaagoaurmainhameshatumheinvaapaskheenchtarahoon…?

Ved (grinninginexasperation)Okaypapa…mainjakarsamaanpack

karletahoon,allright?Sahni Tumheinkyalagtahaimaindushmanhoontumhaara…?Haan…?Ved Areyuskizaroorathikyahai…?Mainhoonnaapnadushman…?

Maintokarhirahahoonkhudkobarbaad…

Sahni YesachbhihosaktahaiVed.Boldiyahaitosochnaiskebaaremein.Jiskizindagimeinproblemhotenahinhainvoapneliyeproblemcreatekartahai.Tumneburawaqtdekhanahinhaina…

Ved (nods)Cool…Super…packkarletahoon,okay…?Dominute…

Heleaves.{2½mins} Sc#81[A] Evening,Interiors Granny’sRoom

Hebangsthebagonthebed,keepsthingsinsideitinafrenzythenliftsthebagandbangsitandbangsitandbangsitonthebedandstandswithhishandsonhiships,restless.Hecatcheshimselfintheoldmirror.Pause.Then–Ved (tohimself)Hogaya…?Abkyakarega? Sc#82[A] Evening,Interiors Granny’sRoom Flashback.Boyatthemirror.Boy Maintochala…parbatkeuspaar…(salutes,winksandclicks)Aaj

patachalegabanjaronkopaanimiltahaiyanahin.Tujhekyalagtahai…milega…?

Sc#81[B]

Presenttime–Ved Kaahanikiduniyasebaaharnikal…idiot…Apnebaaremeinsoch…

Yejoterikahaanichalrahihai,ismeinkyahoga…?Haan…?

Sc#82[B]

Flashback–

Boy Kyapata.(shrugs)Yetokahaaniwalahijaantahaikiaagekyahoga…Vohibataega…

Theboyexits.

Sc#81[C] Presenttime.Vedlookingathimselfinthemirror.Thensuddenlyheturnsandwalksout.{1min}

QuestMontage

Flashback.Thekidcomestotheporticoofthehouse,looksaround.He

slinksoutandruns.

Presenttime.Vedcomestotheporticoofthehouse.Theservantisenteringthere.Ved Taxibuladena…Doghantemein.

Vedcomesdownthestepsandbeginstowalk. Thekidrunsoutofthehouse.Herunsthelanedowntheslope. Thekidrunsup,andawayasroof-topsofSimlaareseeninthedistance. Thekidrunsupthewoodenstaircase. Vedissittingatthecornerafterthestaircase,catchinghisbreath.Afteramomenthegetsupandwalks. Thekidsrunsawaydownalane. Thekidrunsuptothestory-corner. Vedcomesupthestepsthestepsofthestorycorner,looks.Theplacehaschangedfromthepast.Manyshopshavebeenconstructedhere.Vedwalksup,feelingannoyed.Hecomestowherethestorytellerusedtositbutthereisalargeshopatthatspot.Heturnstoateastalltohisleft.TherearesomeNepalimenrunningthis.Vedwalksuptothestall.Ved Yahaanekboodhaaadmihotatha…Bahotsaalpehle…Patahaikisi

ko…?Uspedkepaasbaithkarpuraanesaamanbechtatha…aurkahaaniyansunayakartatha…

VediswalkingbehindaNepalilookingboyupalane.Vedislookinginfront.Theyareapproachingalarge,dilapidatedbuilding. Theboywalksacrossawoodenbridgeintothebuilding,Vedfollows.Heclimbsupaflightofoldwoodenstairsaftertheboy. AmiddleagedNepalilookingwomanisstandingatthedoor.Ateenageboyisstandingbehind.TheboywithVedsaystotheminNepalithatthegentlemanislookingforbaba.Vedistryingtolookbehindthem,intothehouse.{1½mins}

Sc#83(PartOne) Evening,Interiors

StoryRoom,Passage Vedissittingaloneinadingyroom.Heislookingdown,inthought.

Helooksupatasound.Theladyandtheteenagedboyarebringingtheveryoldstorytellerintothetheroom.Vedstands,looks.Thestorytellerappearsincapacitatedandcrazed,hasanunpleasantscowlonhisfaceashelooksatVedwithgreatsuspicion.TheladyasksVedtosit.Theyseattheoldmanonalowcot.Sheandtheboymoveintotheotherroom.Vedandthestorytellerarelookingateachother.Ved Kahaanisunaenge…?Storyteller Aiyen?Ved (louder)Kahaani…Paiselaayahoonmain.Aajbahotpaiselaaya

hoon… Hegetsupandplacesmanynotesinfrontoftheoldstoryteller.Thestorytellerlooksatthemoney,looksatVed,makesagesture,says–Storyteller Chae…Merichae…Ved Haan…(stands,speakstotheinsideroom)Inkichaeaasaktihai…?

Chae…

Sc#83(PartTwo) Evening,Interiors StoryRoom Theoldmantakesasipoftheteafromthesameblueporceliancup.Vedhasbeenservedteaaswell.Theladyisleavingtheroom.Thestory-tellertakesanothersip,looksatVed.Vedhasbeenlookingathim.Ved Ladkiladkesekehtihaikitumvonahinhojomainesochatha…

Mainetumheinaazaadpanchchisamjha,magartumholakeerkefakeer…aurvochalijaatihai…

Storyteller Hmmm…Ved Ladkaandarsehiljaatahai,ulti-seedhiharkateinkarnelagtahai,

uskonaukrisenikaldiyajaatahai,voakelahojaatahai…Abiskeaagekyahotahai…?

Storyteller (mumbles)Lakeerkafakeer…

Helooksatthebundleofnotesinfront,thenheturnshisfacetothe

ceilingandcloseshiseyessaying–Ma.Thenheopenshiseyes,whichlookbrighternow.Storyteller Ladkasheherchhodkarchalajaatahai…jangalonmein…

jaanwaronkebeechrehtahaivo,pedonsebaateinkartahai…hanstahai…khulihansihanstahaiaurdekhtahaihartaraf…harzarremein,harbootemein–Laila…Laila…

Ved YeMajnukikahaaninahinhai…Storyteller (disturbed)Aiyen?Ved YeVedkikahaanihai…Storyteller Kaun…?Ved Ved…Main…Yemerikahaanihai…Yebandajangalonmeinnahin

chalagaya.Shehermeinhirehtahai… Pause.Thensuddenly–Storyteller Useysabkuchburalagnelagtahai…Sabkuchkharaab…Ved (soft)Correct…Storyteller Uskeaaspaaskeloguseyshakkinazarsedekhnashurookardete

hain…phirusseghussahotehain…kehtehaintumnaalayakho,

paagalhotum…Vokehtahaitumsabpaagalho…Vologusparzulmkartehainaurvochillaatahai–AnalHaq…AnalHaq…

Ved Ekminute…Storyteller (gettingcharged)Useypakadletehainsabmilke…aurdeewar

meinchunvadetehain…Ved Baatsunenge…?Storyteller Zilleilaahikehtahailejaokambakhtkovilayatkisabseoonchi

minaarkeooparaurphenkdoneeche…TaakiyekabhiHeerkoapnishaklnadikhasake…

Ved Rukiye…Storyteller AurHeertadaptihai–MereswaamiRam…heyRam…Magar

saamnebhaktonkibheedmeinkhadaaRaavanpistaulnikaaltahaiaurthhaiyen…

Ved (loud)Areykyabakwaaskarrahehainaap…?Mainkyapoochraha

hoonauraapkyabatarahehain…?Storyteller (crazedscream)Kyapoochrahahai?Ved (loud)Apnikahaanipoochrahahoonmain…Merikahaani…Storyteller (screaming)Areytuhaikaun…?Hain…?Kyonaayahaiyahaan…?

Thewomanandboy comeintotheroom.Ved (softagain)Merikahaanimeinaagekyahotahai…?Storyteller (pointing)Chorhaiye…Chor…(tothewoman)Iskonikaalo

yahaanse…(toVed)Ae…baaharnikal…Chal…Woman (comingcloser)Aaraamse,babaaaraamse…Ved Aagekyahotahai…?Batao…Storyteller (charges)Kyachuraneaayahaitu…?Hain…?Kyalejayega…?

NahinhaiyahansanjeevanibootiyaKohinooryakhuda…Woman Shaant,shaant…(toVed)Iskadimaghthodaoffhai…Ved Aagekyahotahai…?

Storyteller Dartahai…aiyyen…Darlagtahai…?Apnikahaanimujhsepoochtahai…?kaayar…

Vedstaresatthestory-teller.

Storyteller Kissedartahai?Haikaunyahan…?

Theteenagedboyhascomeandheldtheoldman. Boy (holdinghim)Babashaanthojao…

Vedislookingatthestorytellerinraptattention.Storyteller Tubatakyahotahaiaage…Bata…,bolapnikahaani…Kyahaitere

dilkeandarbata…Kyachaahtahaitu…?Ved Mainkyachaahtahoon…?Storyteller DilmeinHeerliyeHeerdhoondheveeraanemein…?Farebi

dhokebaaz…

Vedisstaringatthestoryteller.Silence.Vedtakesouthiswalletandmovesforward.Storyteller (screams)Khabardaar…Hat…Baaharnikal…

Vedtakesoutallthecashfromhiswallet,keepsitinfrontofthestoryteller.Storyteller Baaharnikaaloisey…Policekobulao…Policepolice…

Vedbacksouttothedoor,asthestorytellergetsmoreandmoreworked

up.Theladyandtheboyarepacifyinghim.Woman Achchachup…chup…Storyteller Farebihaiye,thughai…Policekophonekaro…Woman Areygayavo…dekhochalagaya…Shaant…

Vedturnsandwalksoutofthedoor,throughthepassage.{3mins}

ReturnMontage Vedcomesoutofthebuildingandwalks.

Heisshakenup,tryingtocollecthisthoughts.Graduallyhismindstartstoclearup,hestartstowalkfaster.Hesmiles,walksfaster.Hesmilesmore,heruns. Vedrunsupmanypaths.Hesitsatacorner.HelooksaroundatSimla,breathinghardhappily.Theloadisgettingoffhisshoulder.Herunsagain. Vedrunsuptheslope,towardshishouse.Heislaughingasheruns.Heblowsthewhistle,laughsmore.Fadetoblack.{1/2min}/66½mins/

TitleonScreen–

DonReturns

Sc#84(PartOne) Night,Int/Exteriors SimlaDrawingRoom SahniissittingwithMother,grannyandafewothers.Amaidcomesinandannounces–Maid Bhaiyyaaagaye…

Everyonelooksuptowardsthedoor.Vedcomesin,limpingabit.

Ved (breathup)Hi…Hello…

Mother Kyahua?

Ved Aisehi… Hecomestowardsthem.Dado Tutokehrahathaaajchalajayega…?Ved Haantonahingaya…Baapkagharhai.

Helooksathisfatherandsmilesbroadly.Then–Ved Pfffooo…Thakgaya…Aurnervousbhihoon…Papa,mainek

kahaanisunaoon?Haan…? Fatherissurprised.Then–Dado Haanhaansuna…bahotdinhogaye…Ved Okay… Hepullsalowtabletothecentreandsitsinfrontofhisfather,beginstospeak–Ved Bahotpehlekibaathai,jabhindustankapartitionhuatha.Uswaqt

Lahoremeinekaadmirehtatha.

Ved’sfatherisintrigued.Vedcontinues–

Ved Uskanaamtha–Hero. TheyoungBrijMohanSahnistandinginhishouseinLahore,lookingoutintension.

Ved BatwaarekiaagaisiphailikeHerokoraato-raatapnegharwaalonkolekarIndiaaanapada.Saaridaulat-jaaydaadustarafrehgayee.Ekraatmeinapnahero,zerohogaya.

TheSahnifamilysittinghuddledtogetherataRailwayStation.BrijMohansittinginfront.Ved Sorry,mistake…Vozeronahinhua.Votoherotha…Tousnelakdi

kimillmeinkaamkiya,dukaanonmeinkaamkiya,jaanlagadee,apnabusinessshurookiyaaurphirekachchasamakaanbanaya.AbHerokabetaaaya.NayaHero.

FatherlooksatVedfromhiseasychair.

Ved Isnebhimehnatkee.Businesskobadhaya,saathsaathnaukribhi

kee,bachchonkoachchesepadhaaya-likhaayaaurpuraanemakaankoaurbadakiya.

SomephotographsfromFather’syouth.Ved Aurphiruskabetaaaya.AbyeapnaHerohai.Yebhimehnat,lagan,

engineering,management,naukri,office,(graduallytransformstorobotic)system,neechedekho,haanbolo,hanso,ronelago,khushhojao.Ekdin,yahaansebahotkosdoor,dilaurduniyakebeech,apneHerokoeksaathimila.

ThenVedlooksuptotheceiling,closeshiseyes,thenlooksatthegatheringwithbrighteyes. Saathinekaha–Hi… Heronekaha–Hello… Saathinekaha–Kyahaal-chaal,sabtheek…? Heronekaha–Finethankyouhowareyou

Saathinekaha–Yaartumaisekyonbaatkarteho?Kaise?Aise…machinewaaliaawaazmein.Kyamatlab…?(wonder,then–)Matlabyekijo…Areyjakahaanraheho,ruko…Mainruknahinsakta.Rukoongatomarjaoonga.(funnyface)Marjaoonga?Mainracemeinbhaagrahahoon…Aah…okay…(smiles)Tokaunsiracehaiye?Mainnahinjaanta/Sorry/counterclosedforlunchTumnahinjaantekaunsiracehai?Tobhaagkyonraheho?

Kyonkisabbhaagrahehain,tomainbhibhaagrahahoon…

Sc#85 Night,Exteriors

ParathaCorner

Vedisnarratingtothetheatregroup.Itappearsthattheywillbeworkingtogetheronaperformance.Therickshawalaisalsopresent.

Ved Areykyonbhaagrahehainsab…?Koirukkepoochkyonnahi

raha? Kya…?

Kyon Vokyahotahai?

Vokyahotahai…?Areykyon…Kyon.Tchapnakyon…Kyon?Kyonnahinjaante?

Youseemtohavedialedawrongnumber{1/2min}

Sc#84(PartTwo) Night,Int/Exteriors SimlaSitting BackinthehouseinSimla.Vedhasapuzzledlookinhisfaceashisparentslookathim.Thenhechangeshislooktocasualand–Ved Achchachhodojaanedo…Kyafaraqpadtahaikaunsiracehaijab

takjeetrahehain…Firsttoaatehonatumracemein?NoSecond…?NoThird…?NoAbeyfourth,fifth,sixth,seventh…

Sc#86 Night,Interiors SmallAuditorium Amodernstyleplaybeingperformedonasmallstage.Arobotandaclownperforming,clownplayedbythefangirlfromtheParathaCorner,robotbeingplayedbyVed. Robot DialkiyagayanumberghalathaiClown Eighth?Robot Pleasecheckthenumberanddialagain(contd.)Clown Ninth...?Robot Youseemtohaveenteredawrongpinnumber

Theclownthenstartstoholdoutnumberedcardsfromapacktoask,astherobotcontinuestosay–

Robot Gaadinumbersatsauekyaasiaadhaghantavilamb/Stop/Forgot

password?/Dialkiyagayanumber/sincerelyapologizeforthedelay/chashmaqalamkitaabityaadi

Thejokerthrowsthecardsonthefloorandglaresastherobotcontinues. Applauseoftheaudienceisheard.Robot (contd)Insuranceisasubjectmatterofsolicitationpleasereadthe

offerdocumentcarefullybeforeinvesting{1/2min}

Sc#84(PartThree) Night,Int/Exteriors SimlaSitting TheSahnisarelookingatVedinattention.Ved Yaanekebeechmeinkaheenaatehoisracemein…Beechwaaleho

tum… Haanmainmediocrehoon/aamaadmi/regular/ordinary

(snigger)Badaproudfeelkarrahehoyaarmediocrebanke…?Hain…?Walk/Stop/Smileplease/NextMagarmainekbaatkahoon…dilse…?Mujhenahinlagtakitummediocreho(clickswithtongue)Areytumhaaresaathhotihoontomainspecialhojaatihoonyaartosochotumkyahoge…Mainena…lifemeintumjaisanahindekha…Tumheinkhudnahinlagtakitum…kuchho…matlabspecialho…?

Sorry/Wrongnumber Aisakaisehosaktahai?Kabhi,kisinenahinkahatumhein…?

YesunkarHerokokuchyaadaatahai…aurvokehtahai–haan…ektha…jokehtathakimainspecialhoon…Kehtathanakoi…?Kaunthavo?

Sc#87(PartOne) Night,Exteriors OpenAuditoriumAperformanceinnautankistyle,withmusiciansandactorsonstage.A

funnyactorinthecentre–Nayak Areyeksaanpthaoo…Chorus Saanp…?(DrumRoll)Nayak Haan…

Vedisstandingnearthewings,lookingatthestage.Threedancergirlsdressedaspeacocksarestandinginpositiontoenter.Vedturnstowardsthemandchecksthembriskly,thenindictestothemtoflowin.Thedramaonstagecontinuesinthemeantime– Nayak Ohikaratrahaaisiultisultibaat–tumphalaanhochalaanho

heerekikhadaanho…(drumroll,encore)Farebisaala…Patahaiookanaamkatha…?

Werealizethatthecentralactoristheautorickshawala.

Chorus Ka…?Nayak Bataiyen…? Sc#88 Night,Exteriors TicketCounter Posterinthediplayoutsidetheauditorium.Writtenontheposteris–AstorybyVedVardhan.Alsothatthesearere-runshows.Theaudiooftheplayisheard–Chorus (OC)Haanhaanbatao…Batayedeyo…Nayak (OC)Pakkabatayedein…?

Sc#87(PartTwo) Night,Interiors LargeAuditorium

Chorus (OC)Areyhaanbhaiyya…Batao…Nayak Tobhaiyyaookanaamraha–

Sc#84(PartFour) Night,Int/Exteriors SimlaSitting

Vednarrates–Ved Bachpan…

Pause.Silence.

Sc#87(PartThree) Night,Interiors LargeAuditoriumThenautakicontinuesonstage–

Chorus Aiyyeenn…(DrumRoll)Bachpan…?Eekakahrahahai…Arey…?

Vediswatchingtheplayfromthewings.Thepeacockareseendancingonstagenow.Thedramacontinues– Nayak Areybahutjahreelasaanprahabachpan,aiseiyyeinbaag-bageeche

meinmiljayerahil–phoolpattikiaadmein…{1/2min}

Sc#85(PartFive) Night,Int/Exteriors SimlaSitting

Vednarrates– Ved …phannuthaaye,dasnekotaiyyar…Humtobadehotehimaar

daaleusko(funnylaugh)…Kuchaldiyezameenmein…Aisepaaonrakheuskigardanparaurdabadiyesaaleko…Margayasaalaaiyyen…(tongueoutdeadexpression)Abtheekhai…abkoinahinkehtamainspecialhoon…Abmainaaraamseapnizindagijeesaktahoon–Walk/Stop/Smileplease/ordinary/Mediocre

Sc#89 Day,Interiors StageRehearsal

Alargetreeonstage.Agroupofactors,dressedasschoolchildrenstandingasthechorus.Anactorplayingafishistryingtoclimbthetree.Thefangirlistalkingtothethechorus.Chorus Machchliranibhihai

JeevanpaanibhihaiYeekmachchlikikahaanibhihai…

FanGirl Jiskolagtahaivostupidhai…Chorus (various)Achcha…

Isee… HmmHmm… Okay…FanGirl Kyonkiuseybatayagayahaikiuskakaampedparchaddhnahai…Chorus (aloud)Whatthefish…?

Vedgetsupandimprovisesfromtheaudienceseat–

Ved Hello…bhaisaab…(tothefangirl)Yousaytothefish…addthis…Yetumhaarakaamhaihinahin…tumghalat–

{1/2min}

Sc#84(PartSix) Night,Int/Exteriors SimlaSittingVed Tumghalatracemeinbhaagraheho…Rukoeksecond… Nahin,mainruknahinsakta…Rukoongatomarjaoonga…(closes

hiseyes) Whatnonsense…?Areyaankheintokholo… Sorry/Wrongnumber Areytumkhudchoosekaronaapnirace.Phirdekhlenafirstnahin

aayeto…Aasaanisefirstaaoge…guaranteehai…ruko… Nahinmainruknahinsakta… Areydekhoapneaapko…Pehchaano…Ekdinsaariduniya

pehchaanegitumhein…comeonaankheinkholo… Nahinmainaankeinnahinkholoonga… Eksecondruko…dekho,ekbaar… Nahinmainnahinrukoonga,aankheinnahinkholoonga,ishirace

meinbhaagtarahoonga,bhaagtarahoonga,medicorerahoonga,average/Walk/Stop/Smileplease

AuristarahapnaHerozindagibharushiracemeinbhaagtaraha…

aurekdinmargaya.Kahaanikhatam.Mother Kyon…?

Vedturnssharplytowardsher.Ved Vokyahotahai?

Silence.Then–Ved Tokaisilagikahaani?Haan…?

Helooksaround.Noonespeaks.Helooksathisfather.Sahni’seyesaremoist.Ved Endingkharaabhaina…?Hmmm…Endingsahinahinhai…Tokoi

baatnahin…Apnikahaanihai,endingchangekarlenge… Pause.Thenhestands.Ved ThisiswhoIamdad…ThisiswhoIam…Mainmathsmeinachcha

nahinhoon,Iamsorry… Sahnihastearsinhiseyes.Helooksathisson,then–Sahni Yeaakhriwaalaherobesthai…yemerafavouritehai…

Hegetsupandhugshisson.Ved Isracemeinmainfirstaaoongapapa…mainjaantahoon…Mujhe

nahinpatakaiseqadambahdaanehain,kaunsaraastalenahaimagar…

Sahni (cuts-)Raastaterinazronmeinhaibeta…(shakeshishead)Ye

Herotonahinrukega…yetopahonchegahi…Abkoitensionnahinhai…

Vedisoverwhelmed.Hehugshisfather.Grannyspeaksafteramoment–

Dado Achchaachcha…Lapat-jhapathikartarahegayanayeewaaliendingbhibatayega…

Vedlookstowardsgrannyandmother.

Mother Audiencewaitkarrahihaibhai…Dado Tobol…phirkyahotahai…? Vedlooksatgranny,gleams.{5mins}/73½mins/

Sc#90 Day,Exteriors TrafficSignal

TheeunuchonDelhistreet,peersinsideanautorickshaw,comesforward

saying–

Champa Ohero… Vedissittingintheautorickshaw.Hereplies,leaningout–Ved Haanbol…Champa Areykiddarhaiaap,maindhoondhrahihaikabse…Ekminute…

Theeunuchuntiesaknotonhersaree.Thering,asshehandsitovertoVed.Vedlooksatheeunuch.

Champa Aajtakmerekoittabadagiftkoinahindiya…Bahotkhusihuamereko…sachchi…Parabmainiskakyakaregi…?Raatkoneendnahinaatikikoichorikarlega,aurmereseheerakhareedengabhikoinahin…Toaapyevaapaslelo…Mainbahotduaphookihaiiskaoopar…Aapdekhna…aapkadilmeinjobhihaina…yeangoothipoorakaregi…Dekhnaaap…

Vedissmilingatthedestinyofthering.

{1/2min}

Song#3(Interlude) Theturbanedmeninthesmallpanjabistage,backagain.Allinafreeze.Themainmusicianisholdinguphishandforalltosee.Hedoesasilentcountwithhishand–one,two,three,fourand–Hadippa….theyallstartsmilingandplaying.Theyareperformingwithgreatflairandhappiness.

Thediamondringisstrungonablackthread.Vedisstandinginfrontofthemirror,tyingthethreadaroundhisneck.Theringdanglesbelowhisneck.Helooksathimselfinthemirror.Heisready. AndthePanjabimusiciansdance.{1/2min} Sc#91 Day,Ext/Interiors StoryCorner Mid1990s

Flashback.Aatmaekhojayetoinsaankabtakalagrehsaktehain,theoldstory-tellerhadsaidtotheboyinfullglorymanyyearsback.Theyweresittingunderthetreeinthestorycorner.BhatakleRanjhajangal-parbat,karleveeraaniyonsevaasta,magarmiljayegaraasta…chalnelagengepaaon…auraajayegaRanjhaekdin–Heerkegaon.Thestorytelleroffershishandtotheboytohit.Theboyhitsthestoryteller’shand.Thestorytellerlaughs,botharehappy.

{1/2min}

TokyoMontage

AplanefliesoverMtFuji.

ThestoryfliesintothecityofTokyo.Itreachescloser.Weseethecityfromaheight.Carsareseenrunningonthestreets.GoingthroughstreetsofTokyointheday.ManypeopleatacrossinginTokyo.

TheshiningnightofTokyo.Fadeout.

Fadein.ComingclosertoatallbuildinginTokyo.{1/2min}

Sc#92 Day,Interiors SeminarConferenceHall

Titlesignontablereading–‘TaraMaheshwari–Speaker’.Tarastandsupbehindthetableastheconvener’sannouncementisheard–Convener ThediscussionontheBipolarBehaviouroftheMetropolitan

ConsumerwillresumeafterafifteenminutebreakFromtheside,Taraisseencollectingherthingsandslidingoutofthe

tableasanelderlygentlemanspeakstoher–Gentleman Lookingforwardtothesecondpartofyourspeech…Tara Thankyou…Seeyoushortly…

Signsintheconferencehallread–SynodAnnualGlobalMeet:FocusontheFarEast.

Sc#93 Day,Interiors RefreshmentLounge

Tarawalkingup.Sheislookingdifferentfrombefore.Sheislookinghard.Someotherexecutivesareseenstandingorsittingaround,manyofthempreparingnotes. Tara’sbadgeandbagassheplacesthematatable. Taraisseenfromthebackasshecomestoateadispenser,putsateabagintoaglassandbeginstopourhotwater.Shelooksatthenoticeboardsinfront,looksaway.Continuestopourwater.Thensuddenlysheletsgoofthecupandmovessharplyaheadtothenoticeboard. Itisasmallposterreading–DonReturns…

Shequicklylooksback,looksaround.Manysuitedexecutivesinthelounge,someuniformedwater.Nooneelse.Shelooksbackatthenoticeboard.

Shecomesbacktohertable,keepsherteaandtheposteronthetable,

noticessomething.Itisavisitingcardkeptthere.Itwasn’tthereearlier.Shepicksitupquickly.It’sVed’soldvisitingcardinwhichallthematterhasbeencutwithaboldmarkerandwhatiswrittenis–Don…p.t.o.

Shegetsupquickly,looksthissideandthat.Nothing.Shelooksbackatthecard.DonP.T.O,itreads.Sheflipsthecardandthat

reads–Don…p.t.o.

Shelooksupandaroundagain. Justsuitedpeopleeverywhere.Shemovesout.

Shewalksbrisklydowntotheothersideofthelounge,strainingtolookahead.Nothing.

Shelooksback,sheknowsthatheisaround.Shecomesbacktohertableandsits,seenfromtheback.Shepicksupher

teatotakeasip.Shespringsupagain.Thecupthatsheisholdinghasablackthreadtieditandinitdanglesthe

ring.Thesamering.Shetakesthestringout,looksatit.Shesuddenlylooksback,somethingcatchesherattention.Someonemovesoutoftheloungebegindmanysuitedexecutives.Tararushesout.

{1½mins}

Sc#94 Day,Int/Exteriors CorporateBuilding-Landing,Lift TheliftdoorisshuttingasTaracomesintothelandingarea.Sherushestothelift,pressesthebuttonbutthelifthasgone.Shelooksaround.Thensherunstothestairs. Sheskipsdownthestairs.

Sc#95 Day,Int/Exteriors

CorporateBuilding-Corridor,Frontyard

Taramovesintothelongcorridorandrushesup.Shelooksahead,aroundthenbelow.

Onthelowerlevel,amidstmanypeople,thereissomeonewalkingaway.Isithim?Sherunsahead.

Sherunsdownacorridoroutofthebuildingandintothefrontyard.Shelooksaroundeverywhere.Therearemanypeople,walkinginalldirections.Therearecarsonthestreet,atraingoespastinthedistance.Butnosignofhim.

Shelooksdown,wonders.Shewalksback. Shewalksbackintothecorridor,stillwondering.Vedstepsinfromtheside,crossesherfrombehindandbeginstowalkalongside.Shelooks.Don2 Becool,benormal…Sabkinazreiniswaqthamaareooparhain… Itishim–playingcasual,lookingaround,correctinghishair.Sheisgapingathim.Don2 Keepwalking…

Helooksather,noticestheblackthreadwiththediamondinherhand.Don2 Hmm…Toheerekaconsignmentaaptakpahonchchukihai…

Fab…

Sheisjustlookingathim.

Don2 Oh,bytheway… Heextendshishandtoher.Don2 Don2.Baarahmulkonkipolicemujhedhoondhrahihaiaurmain

yahan,iscorporateset-upmeinekpuraanahisaabpoorakarneaayahoon…

Sheisstaringathim.Hetakesherhand.

Don2 Auraap…?

Sheisdazed.Hetakesherhand.Sheislookingathim.

Tara Main…?Don2 Jeeaap…Koitohongiaap… Pause.Thenshespeakswithafake,chineseintonation–Tara Main–MataHari…Naamto…sunahoga…? Theyholdhandsintheshakingposition.Don2 TomainaapkoMatakahoon,yaHaari…?MataHari (pullsherhandback)Aapkuchbhimatkaho.Aapsuno… Shebeginstowalk,hefollows.Don2 Indeedindeed…Bahotkuchsunnahai…kiaapkaisihain…kahaan

raheenitnedin…MataHari DarasalmainissepaileChinameinthi…trainingpar…Don2 Isee…Kaisitraining…?MataHari Chinesetorture…Chinesetorturekatraining….Don2 O…MataHari Haanhaan…Mainevahanbahootsetorturetechniqueseekhe

hain…aurisHeerekabadlemein…vosabtortureaapkodoongi…Ohhowexciting…

Don2 Aaa…Haha…uskikoizarooratnahinhai…MataHari Zaroorthaibahootzaroorthai…Bahootuniquetareekehain

tortureka…hahaha Sheclapsherhandsandlaughsinfrothyexcitement.Don2 Aa…Canwechangethetopic?MataHari Nono…Yemerapasan-deedatopichai…Don2 Ahem…Agarmain(transformingtoDevAnand)aapsekahoonki

mujhsebahotbadibhoolhogayimaafi..dedoto…MataHari Nono…nomaafi… Sheskipsahead. Sheentersafootbridgeandwalks.Devcomesinafterherandcontinues–

Dev Auragarvaada..karoonkisaariumrbasaapkisevakaroongaapne

paapon(nodsvigorously)..kaprayashchitkaroongato..?MataHari (shakesherhead)Ahhmmm…Ahhmmm…Dev Auragarmainaapkeqadmonpargirjaoon(comestohisknees)

auryekahoonkeaapkebeghairmerajeevanbemaanihai,bekaarhai..

Taramovesaheadlookingathim,shakingherheadinrefusal.

Shecomesouttotheexterior,walksahead.Devcomesfrombehindand

grabsherfromherwaistandcontinuestotrailwithher. Dev Aurchewinggum..kitarahchipakjaoonkyonketumhihomeri

badal,bijli,chandan,paani..saansonkisargam..sapnonkigitanjali..

Tara Achchachhodo…chhodo…Dev Sawaalhinahinpaidahotasaaton..janamkabandhanhaiaurjab

haathon..meinhaathhongetokyabaathaikyabaathaibaaton..meindinbeetengeaurraaton..meinkarvataursarpataurhartaraf…harzarremein,harbootemein–Tara…Tara…Tara…

Theylookateachother.

{3mins}/80mins/

Song#7(PartTwo)Weenterthefourthgradeclassroomandreachtheboywhenhehadgot

hisexaminationpaperresult.Heislookingdown,tryingtocontrolhistears.Thenheturnsandlooksintothecamera,hisfacechanges–anaughty

smilebreaksoutandherevealsthepaperaeroplanethathehasmadewiththeexaminationpaper.Thenhegetsupandfliestheplaneawayandrunsoutoftheclassroomashisteacherandclassmateslookathiminsurprise.

Musicbuildsup.Theboyrunsdownacorridor.Thenturnsandrunsouttotheschoolgroundwhereschoolboysaredoingphysicaltraining.TheboyrunsacrossthePTformations,thiswayandthat,disturbingtheexercise.Herunsoutoftheformationasotherkidsturnandlook,losinginterestintheirexcercise.Theboyislaughing.

TheschoolgateopensandVedinthetwelfthstandardstridesoutand

tosseshisexaminationsheetsabovehishead.Thepapersflyintheair.Vedinhisengineeringhostelgetsupandyankshiswritingdesktothe

ceiling.Heisabusingwildly.Hecomesoutoftheroomintothecorridor,screamingloudabuses.He

runsupscreaming,abusingastheotherslookathim.Hedancesacrossaclassroomwherestudentsarebeingtaughtsome

complicatedmathematicalconcept.Allstudentsturnandlookathim,wondering.Vedclimbsthetableintheconferencehallathisofficialpresentation.He

dancescrazilyastheboss,Mohit,theclientsandotherswatchindisbelief. Majnudancesinthewildalone. Majnudancesonthegrandmusicalstage. Thedanceofmadnessinthetheatreplaythattherobotpresentstotheaudience.Ram,Sita,RaavanandHanumandancewildlyonthegrandmusicalstage.Theautorickshawaladances,Prithvirajdances,everyonedances. Apartfromthecharactersoftheplay,nowwealsoseedancersjoininginthedance.

Therobotemergesonstage.Thedancersswarmtohimandsurroundhim.Theybegintoswirlaroundhimasheremainsfrozen.Theysnatchattherobot’scostumeandtearoutapieceatatimeinthedanceandwhenfinallythewhirlwindofdancersleaves,weseethattherobothastransformedintoVed.Anannouncementisheard–“LadiesandGentlemen…presentingthestory-teller–VedVardhanSahni.”

Audienceapplause.Vedstandsinfrontoftheaudience.Theentirecastoftheplayisinafreeze.ThenVedwalksupfrontstage.Theapplauseroars.Vedislookingdifferentfrombefore.SevenyearshavepassedsincehemetTaraatthecorporateseminarinJapan.Vedcomestothefront,bowstotheaudience. Massivecheerandclapping.Standingovation.

Vedlooksup,thentotheside.OnthatsideoftheaudienceisTara,standingnexttothedoorandclapping.Hesuddenlymovestowardsherinacheap,filmymannerthrowingmanyairkissesather.Taraalsomovesupinasimilarmannerthrowingairkissesathim.Morecheerandlaughterandclapping.VedlooksatTaraforamoment,thenbowstoher.Moreapplauseandcheeringfromtheaudience.VedlooksatTara,Taraisoverwhelmed.ThenVedgoesdownonhiskneestoTaraingratitude.Taraisembarrassed,isindicatingtohimtostopit.Veddoesnotstop,heprostatesonthestagetoher.Taragetsemotional,tearsrushtohereyes.Massivecheer.VedlooksupatTara.Shemovestohim.Heclamberstowardsherinallfours.Shereachesout,theylookateachother.Theykiss.Theaudienceandtheplayersonstagecheerwildly.Theyarewitheachotherinthecrowd,thensherunsaway.Leavinghimaloneinallfours,exposedinfrontofthecrod.Hegetsup,smiling,lookingawayfromtheaudience.Thenextendshisarmslikeanaeroplane,likehewoulddoasachild,andfliestothisplaceinthecenterofthecastoftheplay.Hecovershisfacemomentarily,thentakesthehandsofthecastandtheyallraisetheirhandstotheaudienceandbow.Curtainfalls.Thecastbows.{5mins}/84½mins/

MoreRollingTitles{3mins} /1hr27½mins/

<TheEnd>{2hrs42mins}

**********