Kai Po Che !!

story screenplay dialogue Abhishek Kapoor Pubali chaudhuri Chetan Bhagat

Supratik Sen

Produced by Utv

Directed by Abhishek Kapoor

Version 16th March 2012

Kai Po Che!!

1 EXT. TENNIS COURT - MORNING

A young boy training hard against a ball spitting machine,wearing an "Sabarmati Sports" jersey.

1A EXT. TRIPLE JUMP PIT - MORNING

A young girl runs in and leaps off the board. She landsin the sand pit. Her coach motivates her.

GOVIND (V.O.)Preeti Patel,16, state champion.. Triple jump..Bombay Scottish HighSchool

1B EXT. ATHLETICS FIELD - DAY

A North eastern lady, broad, well built,throwing a discuss.

GOVIND (V.O.)Beenamol Devi,21, National DiscusChampion, St. Joseph's, Imphal.

1C INT. OLYMPIC SIZE POOL - DAY

A young boy swimming hard, with his coach timing his laps. Coach in "Sabarmati Sports" jersey.

2 INT. PRESENTATION ROOM/AMBANI SCHOOL - DAY

A video presentation in progress with footage of the aboveathletes and more playing on a screen.

GOVIND (V.O.)Atul Jhabua, 14, 100m,200m & 400mfreestyle swimming. Nationalchampion, Chattisgarh High School".

The next video is of a young boy running a 110 mts hurdleand gives a jubilant scream as he reaches the finish line. His coach cheers him on. Both in 'Sabarmati Sports' t-shirts.

GOVIND (V.O.) (CONT'D)Rachit Verma,16, National Champion110 mts hurdle.. Chandigarh DAVSchool

Lights come on. Govind,a bespectacled sharp-lookingsuccessful business man in his early 30's, addresses theentire school board.

2.

GOVIND (V.O.) (CONT'D)Pichle dus saalon mein hamareinstitute ne char sau se bhi zyadaschools ko sports consultancy dihai.Agar aapke school mein koiSachin, Sania ya Milkha chupahai, to hamara kaam hai useparakhna, tarashna aur use apnesahi mukaam tak pahunchana. Fortystate level, eight National levelplayers and soon, our first protegeto represent India in internationalcricket Ali Hashmi..

3 INT. SABARMATI JAIL - DAY

Track along the cell wall adorned by pictures of a youngAli (not clearly visible)winning tournaments and picturesof 3 young boys in their early teens (Omi, Ish and Govind). We track along as names of the discharged prisoners iscalled out. We stop on a silhouette of OMI,sittingsilently.

WARDEN (V.O.)Ramakant Shrike, Jiten Barodia...Omkar Shastri

Music fades in.

4 EXT. HIGHWAY/ TUNNEL - DAY

A shot of speeding lights through a dark tunnel. As thecar emerges out of the tunnel into daylight we see Govindbehind the wheels of a "Honda Accord,2010 model". Variousshots of him driving.

5 INT. SABARMATI JAIL - DAY

The other convicts are signing discharge papers followedby Omi. Ramakant who is a drunk is over excited, Jitenwho looks like a thug seems unmoved while Omi has a lookof a saint, someone who has made peace with living inpain.

AS HE STEPS OUT, ITS A HAND HELD SHOT. ITS THE FIRST TIMEHE'S STEPPING OUT IN 10 YRS. THE SUN IS SHINING IN HISFACE AND WITH HIS BEARD AND THE GLOW HE LOOKS LIKE ANENLIGHTENED SOUL

Govind stands next to the car as Omi takes his first stepout.

The two men seem extremely familiar with each other, yetinhabit two different worlds. They hug and the moment issuspended in time.

OMIIshaan nahi aaya?

3.

GOVINDAa raha hai..Seedha stadiumpaunchega.

6 EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

As Govind drives back with Omi, he takes a business call.

GOVINDHaan principal saab...ji.. Jisorry sir voh to nahi ho sakta.15lakh is the bare minimum forequipment and infrastructure. Isko cost nahi investment ki tarahdekhiye. No problem sir...nextyear aajaiye jab funds ho aap kepaas. Jai Sir Krishna sir.

OMIKaam kaise chal raha hai?

Govind half smiles and shrugs.

GOVINDBe Achcha chal raha hai.. Ab tuaa gaya hai ne..Daudega

A lot of past history is communicated in the way theyinteract, even as they both fall silent, looking ahead atthe road curving along the Ghats.

TITLE SONG FADES OUT.

7 INT. HIGHWAY FOOD COURT - DAY

The food plaza is quite crowded and noisy as a waiterplaces a plate of khandvis/ dhoklas and tea at the counterwhere Govind and Omi are seated.

The waiter lays the food on the table

GOVINDGhar ke jaisa to nahi hai but trykarke dekh.. Mangaya hai to

Omi smiles and takes a sip of tea as his attention goesto the television set playing in the corner. The ad forthe first one day match between India and South Africa tobe played in Baroda today runs on television...

Excerpts from some previous match is shown on tv where abowler makes a loud appeal against Tendulkar. Omi wasabout to take a bite of the dhokla but stops mid way.

8 INT. ISHAAN'S HOUSE - EVENING

Super: March, 2000, Ahmedabad

4.

Omi has just bitten into a piece of dhokla. Cricketcommentary can be heard on the tv announcing the fall ofTendulkar's wicket.

We hear a huge sigh in the living room followed by anirritable voice.

ISHAAN (O.S.)Benchow..hil mat

Omi freezes in mid action and gently sits down again besideISHAAN, a young, fit, good looking 25 year old boy seatedrather ungracefully on an ornate, typical Gujarati swingin a middle class household.

The tension is palpable.

Govind sits on the dining table with Ishaan's father, whohas a cheque book in hand. Govind is focused as he isexplaining the lease agreement to Ishaan's dad. Ishaan'santics are irritating his father.

He stares at the tv placed in the centre of a typicalliving room show case with crockeries, trophies and someodd knick-knacks displayed on the shelves.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Nai la..nai..Joshi ko matbhej...dada Tailender ko tailenderhi rehne de

Omi repeats Ishaan's insight to Govind who is seated onanother chair.

OMIPanauti hai saala.

GOVINDBayalis hazaar paach sau...poore6 mahine ka deposit. GokuldhamCharitable Trust ke naam se..

Ishaan's father affixes his reading glasses to make acheque, although he is a bit hesitant.

Just then a young girl with a mole on her upper lip,VIDYA(20) enters the room and plonks down beside thelandline telephone and starts dialing. She smiles at Omiand notices Govind but Govind doesn't acknowledge her. Ishaan ignores her presence as he's too busy analysingthe match situation.

ISHAANWaise Dada ne pehle bhi aisa blindkhela hai.. 90 ka strike rate tohai iska.. dekhte hain...its aninteresting move..

5.

Omi is now confused and draws Vidya into the conversationby telling her wisely.

OMIActually.. Dekha jaye to Joshibhi theek thaak mar leta hai..' Pinch hitter'!!

Vidya just smiles and says 'hello' over the telephone. Govind smirks at Omi's chamchagiri of Ishaan and watchesthe TV screen as Uncle examines the lease document oncemore.

GOVINDAbhi bhi do sau ke upar runchahiye.. Over bache haisaitees..(mumbling to himself).. Cheh ke upar run rate maintainrakhna padega.. Tendlya bhi nahihai..

ISHAANUff Govi.. Ab number phekna bandkar.. Cricket sirf tere statisticsse nahi chalta.. Its a mind game.. Omi.. 'Hari om'

Omi starts to chant his prayers softly.

Ishaan's father finishes reading the document and speaksin a cloud of doubt.

ISHAAN'S FATHERKya chalegi...Sports ki dukaanmandir ke bahar?

GOVINDKyun nahi Kaka.. Families bharbhar ke mandir aati hai aur bacchezabardasti bore hote hain.. Ekbaar dukaan khul jayegi, aap dekhnadhanda daudega..( Bends forwardto whisper a shared secret withUncle) Uncle Ishaan Districtkhel chuka hai, saare bacche usemaante hain.. Is business planko leke who bhi kaafi excitedhai.

ISHAAN'S FATHERBekaar excited hone se kuch nahihota beet.. Mehnat karni hotihain jo sahebjyade ne kabhi kinahin.

GOVINDKarega na uncle.. Apne passionke liye aadmi kuch bhi karta hai

6.

They watch Ishaan as he is sitting in an awkward positionwith one arm raised. Govind and Ishaan's father aresurprised and turn to Omi for an explanation.

OMIPran liya hai, jab tak india jiteganahi ek paanv par...

GOVINDKya?

OMIArey aise thode na match jit-tehain, jitana padta hai.

Uncle smirks in disdain and signs the cheque and hands itto govind. Govind is over joyed but restrains himself ashe sees his partners preoccupied. Vidya notices Govind'sexcitement.

Vidya still on the phone.

VIDYAMaari gayee!!She went on a date?Tujhe kisne bataya?

Ishaan is further irritated at this intrusion and turns towards his sister.

ISHAANConcentrate karne de V..kaan kepaas commentary mat kar.. baharjake phone kar apna.

Vidya makes a face and is about to say something when Omigestures her to keep calm.

Vidya gestures how Ishaan has a loose screw in his headand Omi grins. Vidya turns her face away and continuesto talk softly. Ishaan gets irritated.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Bahar jaati hai ki..

Ishaan threateningly looks at Vidya. She stares at himfor a few seconds and then leaves. Just as Ishaanrefocuses on the match, the rhythmic honk of a roadsideromeo's car disrupts his mood again. Ish knows that soundand snaps.

He gets up and picks up a bat from behind the door andstorms out. Omi doesn't know what's going on but runsafter him. Govind watches them leave, has no choice butto follow. He has the cheque in his hands.

9 EXT. ISHAAN'S HOUSE- EVENING

Ishaan comes running out and stands in the way of a MarutiEsteem. The driver brakes and wears an irritated look.

7.

Ishaan pastes a smile on his face and goes up to thedriver.

ISHAANBoss..aapka headlight latak rahahai.

A young muscular rich boy steps out of the car with abemused look, not knowing what Ishaan is talking about.

RICH BOYHeadlight.. Kya..?

Ishaan now pulls out the bat from behind him, slammingthe headlight and points to the broken light

ISHAANDekh..ye left wala.

The guy is infuriated and starts abusing Ishaan

RICH BOYPhuck..Tari to..

Ishaan hands over the bat to Omi. Ish tackles this boyand gives him a tight slap.

ISHAANSaale.. Esteem ni chatti aulaad.. Pae-pae papapae, pae pae papapae.. Kaisa baja at hai bol

Ishaan's over-the-top aggressiveness makes Omi nervous.He slams the bat on to the windscreen and shatters it ashis natural response is to support Ishaan.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Dobara is pol mein dikha na totere peeche se horn bajaoonga,saale gaadi ke jagah, ghutno peghar jayega.

Govind draws Omi's attention to Ishaan's father who hascome out of the house at the commotion.

Omi drops the bat as Govind tries to warn Ishaan but Ishhas gone into a fit of anger as he presses the guy's headagainst the horn.

GOVINDIsh..chhod use..Bapuji..

Ish's father comes behind, trying to get Ish to back off.

BABUJIIshaan.. Chhodo use.

Ishaan shrugs his father off and continues to press theboys face on the horn.

8.

BABUJI (CONT'D)Ishaan.. Hosh mein aao..akhirhua kya hai?

ISHAANDo hafton se Vidya ko pareshankar rakha hai.ab khud chalke aayahai sorry bolne.

And smacks him one more time.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Hai na brother? Ye bapuji hai..Inkobhi sorry bol.

RICH KID(sputters) Sorry..

Father pulls Ishaan back.

BABUJITu apne baap ko kab sorry bolega? Khud do saal se ghar pe baith kemaakhi maar raha hai..aur baakiduniya ko grammer sikhaane niklahai..

Ishaan is embarrassed that his father is giving him adressing down in front of others. He literally pushesthe guy inside his shattered car, slamming the door shutand gestures him to leave.

ISHAANChal reverse maar aur nikal yahanse.. Ghelghagrino

Tv noises filter in from neighbouring houses as a kidshouts out "India jeet gaya". Ishaan's expressionimmediately changes to one of jubilation.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Shit yaar.. Winning shot miss hogaya.. Chal. chal.. Ganguly kainterview aa raha hoga.

Ishaan immediately breezes past his father and runs towardshis house. Ishaan's father walks behind his son, carryingon with his complaints.

BABUJIBas bhatkel doston ke saath dinbhar cricket dekhte raho.. Cableke paison ke liye phir bapu kepaas aana..

Govind and Omi trail behind with their head hung low.Ishaan's father turns to address Govind.

9.

BABUJI (CONT'D)Aise dhanda karoge tum log?

OMIUncle galti us ladke hi hai..vohVidya ko..

BABUJISab bas ek doosre ki tarafdarikaro.. Koi kisi kaam ka nahihai.. Nalayak.. Idhar lao cheque.

Ishaan's father snatches the cheque from Govind's pocket.Govind looks like he has lost his lottery ticket. Ishaanturns around sharply.

GOVINDUncle it is our future! Ishaan,tu kya kar raha hai yaar. Sorrybol.. Please.. dukaan chale jayegi

Ishaan stares at his father who doesn't blink. Its eyeballto eyeball.

ISHAANNahi chahiye inke paise

Finally Bapu stares him down and tears the cheque. Govindis stunned.

Ishaan just turns around from the gate and instead ofgoing inside, walks straight out.

Ishaan's father shakes his head in resignation and entersthe house.

10 EXT. OLD CITY NEIGHBOURHOOD- EVENING

Omi calls out to Ishaan, following him. Govind is closebehind.

OMIArre bakaa..Kahan bhaage ja rahahai?

Ishaan walks ahead seething and answers without lookingback. Just then an azaan is heard in the distance.

ISHAANTu ghar ja Omi, teri aarti katime ho raha hai.

Omi makes a face as he looks at his watch and sees howlate he is. Ishaan walks ahead leaving his two friendsbehind.

10.

11 EXT.NANA PARK - EVENING

Ish walks into an old neighborhood park which is not verywell maintained and has a row of residential housesbordering it on all sides.

Group of youngsters are playing cricket in the ground. The older guys hold the best position at the center, whilethe younger kids play in pockets around the park.

Ish seems like a popular figure as some of the older boysgreet him.

TEENAGER 1Ish bhai, match dekha? Kya solidtension hua na end mein!

TEENAGER2Bhai, 4 overs a side ho jaye?Aadhe aadhe baant lete hai..

But Ish is not in a mood as he shakes his head and percheson the back rest of a broken down bench to sulk.

ISHAANNai teni.. Tum log khelo..

Suddenly a ball comes soaring from a distant corner ofthe park, Ishaan instinctively reaches out to catch theball but there is no mistake, this was a 6.

Ishaan looks curious as one of the younger boys waves athim from the corner.

BOY1Bhai.. Ball please!!

Ish throws the ball back to some guys who pass it forward.

ISHAANCrease pe kaun hai Jayla?

JAYESHKoi naya ladka hai Ish Bhai,hamarepol ka nahin hai.

He can't see too clearly from the distance but notices alanky young boy with a white net Kufi skull cap and a batin his hand, standing at the crease. Stay on Ishaan'sface... dialogue overlap from next scene...inaudible heatedargument.

12 INT/EXT. GOVIND HOUSE - EVENING

Govind and his mother are standing at the doorway talkingto a retailer who is loading khakra and theplas into therickshaw waiting outside.

11.

GOVINDKya..Praful bhai, gayee diwali serate badhaane ki baat hui thi.. Idhar mehangayee to har mahinebadhe ja rahi hai

PRAFUL BHAIAgle time se har item pe do dorupayee badha denge

GOVINDChaar bola tha aapne

PRAFUL BHAIChalo.. Teen pakdo

To Govind's mother

PRAFUL BHAI (CONT'D)Govind bhai gilli danda ramta thatyaarthi tamara khakhra theplavechu chu, koi diwas nuksaan thayuche?? Par govind bhai paakovyaapari banigyo, haan jamna ben?

JAMNABENBadhi thakur ji ni krupa che

The retailer nods and makes a quick get away. Govindturns inside.

GOVINDFraud che saalo.

13 INT. GOVIND'S HOUSE - EVENING

This is a much more modest household than Ishaan's...discoloured walls with chipped off paint... numerous largealuminium jars of food material stocked in the room.

Govind's mother is serving him dinner. Govind in an innervest and trousers counting the money briskly

GOVIND'S MOMEngineering kar leta to mahine kemahine ek bandheli income to aati. Yeh tuition deke aur farsan bechkekya sudhi chaal se?

Govind just about finishing counting

GOVIND1600.. 1700.1800.. Please ba!! Koshish kar raha hoon main!!

Mother is taken aback by his sudden outburst

12.

GOVIND (CONT'D)Naukri karke main kisi aur kesapne poore nahi karnachahta..mujhe apna dhanda jamaanahai, apne khud ka dhanda

Govind pauses for a bit and pulls his mother next to himthen speaks with resolve.

GOVIND (CONT'D)Tu bas dekh.. Paanch saal ke andarseedhe satellite road pe gharleke doonga tujhe.

Mother breaks into a half smile.

Govind is about to have the first bite of the roti sabziwhen the old landline phone in his house rings.

GOVIND (CONT'D)Kaun bolo.. Haan Kaki.. Ishaan...mere saath hi tha.. Bhejta hoon usko.

Govind's mother looks questioningly as Govind covers hisfood with another plate and heads out again.

MOTHERKhana..?

GOVINDAake kha lunga ba..tu sojanaa...jaagte mat baithna.

A wide shot of Govind leaving his house.

14 EXT. NANA PARK - NIGHT

The park is now empty; the last of the kids headed home. A street lamp throws a long shadow of Ishaan and Omiperched on the bench.

OMIArrey Kaka ka to roz ka babaalhai..tu dil pe leke kyon baithahai?

ISHAAN.. Sab kuch chod chaad ke bhaagjane ka mann karta hai.

A third shadow now joins them as Govind's voice is heard.

GOVIND (O.S.)Haan bas bhagte rahte hai zindagibhar.. Sirf aaj ka din thandnahi rakh sakta tha tu..

(MORE)

13.

GOVIND (O.S.) (CONT'D)Kitni mushkil se kaka ko patayatha.. Sign kiya cheque jeb meintha..

Omi gives Govind a stern look for scolding Ishaan.

OMIAur khule aam sadak pe who chadgaye hum pe..Woh kuch nahi? Apnitoh koi izzat hi nahi hai na?

Govind mellows down.

GOVINDKabhi to serious ho jao yaar? Kab tak yahin pol mein sadterahenge? Main do hazaar pandrahtak tuitions nahi de sakta. Ish,tere matlab ka business tha. Humdukaan sambhaalte aur tu sidemein apni coaching karta... Sabset karke rakha tha.. Shi?!!

The three figures are seen in silhouette as silence befallsthem.

ISHAAN(sighs)

Kuch to karna padega.baithe raheto baithe hi reh jayenge

OMIHaan yaar Ish..

Govind stares at Omi.

GOVINDKya karenge? Ab deposit ke paisekahan se aayenge? Mandir kadonation box churaenge aap?

Omi pinches his ears as he has heard something blasphemous. Govind gets serious.

GOVIND (CONT'D)Omi, baat kar apne bapu se.. Kisi bhi tarah dukan rok ke rakh.. Main kuch bandobast karta hun.

15 INT. GOKULDHAM TEMPLE - DAY

It is early morning. SHASTRIJI,Omi's father, (60) isseated by the temple in a conversation with BITTOO, aheavy set man(40). Omi is setting up the idols for themorning aarti in the inner sanctum. His mother is workingalong side.

14.

BITOO MAMAShastriji is baar na mat boliye.. Parekhji khud aana chhahte theaapse milne lekin kisi party kekaam se unhe gandhinagar jaanapada

SHASTRIJIBitoo tum mere apne ho aur tumhebaar baar nirash karna mujhe achchanahi lagta. Main thera poojapathwala aadmi, Yeh sab raajneetiwagaira mere bas ki baat nahihai..

BITTOO MAMAJan seva bhi to bhagwan ki sevase kam nahi hai shastriji.. Ekbaar aur soch lijiye

Shastriji smiles.

SHASTRIJIAarti ka time ho raha hai, prasadleke jaana

SCENES 16 & 17 DELETED

18 INT. OMI'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Compared to the rich ornate idols in the temple, Omi'shouse is simply furnished with pictures of deities andsaints crammed on to the wall.

Omi is hovering around while his father reads a longscroll type traditional almanac. His mother is collectingthe pickle jars and the chillies that she had kept out inthe sun in the small court yard. Omi has recited his planand is excited.

OMITo aap baat karenge baapu?

Omi's father is lost in his work.

OMI (CONT'D)Bapuu?

Omi's father finally looks up.

OMI (CONT'D)Aap trustees se ek baar baatkarenge na dukaan ke bare mein?

OMI'S FATHERTujhe kya pata hai dukaandari kebaare mein? Kabhi vyapaar kiyahai? Nuksaan hua to Kaun bharega?

15.

Omi seems exasperated.

OMIArre Bapu,Govind ne saari planningkar rakhi hai. Jis din jagahlock ho jayegi, hamaari partnershipshuru.

Omi's father shakes his head in hesitation.

OMI'S FATHERTrust ka sara kaam Bittoo dekhtahai. Yeh uchit nahi hoga ki maintrustees se tere liye kuch maangoo.

Omi's father opens the almanac again. Omi's mother seesthe disappointment on Omi's face and pulls him aside

OMI'S MOTHERBapu ki baton mein mat aa..tereapne mama hain..Seedha jaake baatkar ne.

Omi looks uncertain as his mother walks away

OMIAap ek baar baat karke dekho naMa..

19 INT. BITTOO'S HOUSE - DAY

We cut in to see BITTOO speaking over the phone. He exudesthe aura of a natural leader. In the modest living roomthe only thing new is the old crib where an 18 month oldbaby lies. A 4 year old girl is holding a dangler andplaying with the baby. Sound of the pressure cooker whistlecan be heard from the kitchen.

BITTOO MAMAShastri ji toh prachaar ke liyenahi maane.. Yeh paanchvi baarhai.. Khair aap nishchint rahiye.Amdavad se humen koi hila nahisakta.. sab karyakarta josh meinhai.Gujarat Garima ka naara harsheri, har gav mein goonjega..isbaar jhande gaad denge.

Just then Bittoo's daughter has somehow upset her babybrother and the baby starts wailing. Bittoo goes and picksup the baby and Omi enters. He's on his way back from theAarti, fully scrubbed with teeka on the head. He clutchesa packet of prasad. Bittoo gestures Omi to sit down.

BITTOO MAMA (CONT'D)Haan..wo Naseer Hashmi na? Mehtaka khaas chamcha hai.. Wo apnepol mein hi fudakta rahta hai..

(MORE)

16.

BITTOO MAMA (CONT'D)aap tension mat lo..poora sheherpada hai,Parekh Bhai.is baar jeetnishchint hai

Bittoo's young wife, looking a bit flustered, comes runningfrom the kitchen and picks up the baby in her arms. Theelder daughter starts tugging at her ma's sari asking forsomething.

BITTOO MAMA (CONT'D)Ji Parekh bhai,ho jayega..aapbefhikr raho..Jai Shree Krishna

In the meantime Vishwas, Bittoo's right hand man turns upwith some files in his hand and waits patiently for Bittooto be free. Bittoo hangs up the phone, turning to Omi.

BITTOO MAMA (CONT'D)Aur Omi.. Kya seva kar saktahoon teri

OMIBas Mama.. Baddu saru che.. Aathodo prasad

Bittoo does a slight pranam and takes a bit of the prasad.

BITTOO MAMAJharna ben ka phone aaya tha.Cricket training cum sports shop.. Hmm?? Char Char kirayedar linemein khade hue hai.. Par dukaanmaine tere liye rok ke rakhi hai..uska problem nahi hai. Sportswaise bhi bahut importantdiscipline hai. Isse youthmotivated rahta hai. Toh bataoseth chaabi kab chahiye?

Omi looks a little sheepish.

OMI(pauses)

Mama.. Who hamara thoda depositka dhandiya hai.. Aur agar aapkokoi aur mil hi gaya hai to..

BITTOO MAMAOh..Achha..

(thoughtful)

Bittoo looks up at Vishwas. He mulls for a while.

BITTOO MAMA (CONT'D)Arre.. itni jaldi haar kyon maanraha hai? (In a tone of selfimportance)..

(MORE)

17.

BITTOO MAMA (CONT'D)Pehli baar kuch maanga hai.. Deposit ki chinta mat kar.. AakhirMama hoon tera.

He looks at Vishwas. Vishwas immediately rummages throughsome drawer and hands over a big key to Omi.

Omi is shocked at the ease with it has happened.

VISHWASBittoo Bhai,who Satellite area nobuilder Kantilal Shah neeche officemaan baitho che. (gujarati)

BITTOO MAMAene chaas pivdao..(gujarati)

(turning to Omi)Bas? Biju kai?

Omi immediately dips to the ground to do a pranaam toMama.

OMIThank you mama..kaam thaigyu.

BITTOO MAMAAa baddu chhod.. Yeh batao partykab join kar raha hai?

OMIMama.. Hoon? Party?

BITTOO MAMAKem bhai? Politics mein sab jaahilganwaar log hi hote hai kya? Yehbhi to ik tarah ki jan seva hihai? Panditji ka beta hai tu,thaanliya to aage tak jayega.

Omi keeps nodding but his gaze is on the keys and he cannothide his elation. Mama pats his back in encouragementand proceeds to leave with Vishwas

20 INT/EXT. TEMPLE COMPOUND/CRICKET SHOP - DAY

Song 1: begins- Montage of temple compound life - 'businessof religion'. Intercuts of florists, prasad packet shops,sellers of semi precious stones, astrology, palmist, statuesellers.

The 3 boys set up the store, break a coconut. A board isput up with a bad painting of Sachin and Saurav. Govindadds a smaller sign 'Maths tuition available here'; fixesa blackboard on the mezzanine room of the shop.

Vidya, Ishaan's mom, Govind's mom and Omi's parents areall present.

18.

A Kashmiri Pandit arrives with sports supplies. Govindhandles money; Ish does quality control and Omi preparesthe inventory of goods. Ishaan is holding a wooden hammerlike thing in his hand(a bat mallet).

SUPPLIER PANDITJI(showing off a batto Ishaan)

Aadab arz hai Ishaan bhai.. Freshstock hai.. Abhi abhi Srinagarse utra hai..

21 EXT. SABARMATI SPORTS CLUB-PRACTICE AREA - DAY

A makeshift shed is set up in one corner of the park asthe club house.

Ishaan sets up the nets. He's rolling the pitch to makeit even flat.

He even checks by lying on the ground to see if itsperfectly flat. He pushes a key through the pitch tocheck density.

A board comes up saying-"Sabarmati Sports Club'.

Sound of a repetitive dull thud is heard as a small crowdof 3-4 kids and two adults are seen standing in a circlelooking at something.

Ishaan is at the center showing how to knock in a batwith a bat mallet( wooden hammer like thing). Govind wincesat the repetitive sound disturbance while Omi acts likethe assistant and patiently hovers around Ish.

ISHAANShot lagane se pehle lakde ko setkarna zaroori hai.Ise 'knockingin' kahte hai..ek baar bat seacche se dosti ho jaaye,phir dekhnakaise chaukon chakkon ki line lagjayegi..

Omi and Govind share a look as they see how Ishaan hasgot the audience's attention

22 INT. CRICKET SHOP - DAY

Song continues- 2 of the boys who were watching Ishaan'sdemo now pay Govind and hand over the bat to Ishaan forseasoning. Omi is packing a set of balls and a fewwristbands that they've bought.

As they leave, Govind Ishaan and Omi share a celebratorylook for their first sell.

19.

23 EXT. GIRLS' COLLEGE - EVENING

Ishaan and Omi are resting against Ishaan's bike and busychecking out the girls around the college compound. Agroup of girls are having some street side food and oneof them shares a coy look with Ishaan. Omi nudges Ishaanexcitedly as Ishaan wears a cool look.

Govind arrives in a huff and breaks their party up, urgingthem to get going.

24 EXT. SABARMATI SPORTS CLUB- PRACTICE AREA - DAY

Ishaan is coaching JAYESH and PINTOO, two of theneighbourhood kids.

PINTOOJitni bhi fast daaloon.. Ghumaghuma ke chakken lagata hai.. Kya karoon Ish bhai?..aap kuchtips do na.

ISHAANBeech mein ek slower ball daalakar Pintoo..

Here ishaan splits his fingers gripping the ball and showshim how to bowl a slow one

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Ball se speed nichor le.. Balljab bat tak pahunchegi hi nahinto chakke kaise lagenge?

Just then Omi ushers in ASHWIN and JIGNESH, the boys whobought the bat

OMIAamne malo.. Belrampur na navaaakraami ballebaaz!!

Song continues to next scene.

25 EXT. CITY STREETS - EVENING

The three of them sit on Ish's bike and drive through theposh areas of the city. Govind's eyes are arrested bythe sight of a big hoarding on the main road advertisingthe "New Navrangpura Mall- Coming Up Soon". The taglineof the mall is 'Where the 2k generation goes to shop'. Song continues.

SCENES 26 AND 27 DELETED

28 INT. CRICKET SHOP/TUITION ROOM - EVENING

Govind conducting his tuitions with about 4 students inthe room

20.

29 INT. ISHAAN'S HOUSE. - NIGHT

Ishaan comes home dog tired from training. Vidya opensthe door to the hall to see he's crashed out on the sofa.

30 EXT. SABARMATI SPORTS CLUB- PRACTICE AREA - DAY

Pintoo has a dejected look and is seemingly complainingto Ishaan about something.... he gestures to show how hegot hit for a straight on drive. Ishaan squints hiseyes,curious..

Song fades out.

PINTOO..chakka par chakka phatkar se

ISHAANAli ?

31 EXT. NANA PARK - DAY

Ish, Omi and Govind stand at one corner of Nana Park. Ish recognises the boy in the skull cap from the previousoccasion.

Jayesh tugs at the frail, twelve year boy's shirt who issquatting on the ground with his back towards them, intenton counting marbles.

The boy is Ali, and he keeps resisting Jayesh.

JAYESHChal ne Ali..Ish Bhaiya practicedekhne aaye hai..Chal uth.

ALINahi khelna mujhe.. chakkar aatehai

Ishaan finds the boy's excuse rather funny as Ali goesback to his marbles. Ishaan gestures to Jayesh to let itbe and jokingly starts humming the old song " Sar jo terachakraye, yea dil dooba jaye, aaja pyare, paas humarein...kahe ghabraye.."

Ish is now standing beside Ali and extends his hand.

ISHAANSu teni..

Ali ignores him. Ish is unperturbed. He squats besidehim.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Aaj gotiyon ki khair nahi..huh?

Ishaan picks up a few spare marbles and starts playingagainst the boy.

21.

Ali doesn't acknowledge Ish as a person, but continues toplay against him. Ish makes a successful hit.

32 EXT. NANA PARK - DAY

Ish has won all of Ali's marbles. He picks up the pileof marbles and turns to leave. Ali looks up in defianceand fights his sadness about losing the marbles.

Ali speaks from behind.

ALI Ek over khelunga..bas

Ishaan stops and turns.

ALI (CONT'D)Par agar chakke thok diya, tosaari gotiyaan meri.

Ish smirks.

ISHAANKitne chakke thokega?

ALI(matter of factly)

Cheh (6)..

Ishaan smiles and shakes his head at the boy's audacity.

33 EXT. NANA PARK - AFTERNOON

All kids in the park leave their game and gather aroundto watch the Ish-Ali challenge game.

Omi becomes the wicket keeper. Other boys take fieldingpositions. Govind becomes the umpire.

Ali takes to the crease and shuffles on his feet,in anawkward stance.

Since the park is surrounded by residential buildings,the place where Ali plays is blocked on the offside/rightside of the pitch, leaving space on the on/leg, the leftside of the field.

Ish does a lazy run up and bowls a fairly simple lollypop delivery. Ali smashes it over mid on for a six.

Ish grins and nods towards Ali. He acknowledges therightful answer to his easy delivery.

Ish takes a longer run up on the 2nd delivery pitching amore serious ball to Ali. Ali smashes it again for ahook down the legside. Govind hides a smile as Ishaanpasses him.

22.

ISHAAN(to himself)

Steady..

Ish gives orders for fielding positions on the legside. He grunts as he bowls a steaming bouncer. The ball comesblazing down and Ali is faster than you can imagine. Hecharges down the pitch and hits a huge straight drive foranother six.

Ish curses to himself but realizes people are watchinghim. Govind and Omi smile and Ish gives them a dirtylook.

Ishaan comes steaming in with his next ball. Mid waythrough his run up, Ali suddenly collapses. Everyone istaken aback.

34 INT. LOCAL NURSING HOME - EVENING

A tight close up of Ali's eye as torchlight flashes onit.

DOCTOR (V.O.)Kabhi kabaar weakness se chakkaraa sakte hai..might be a simplecase of low blood pressure.

Ish and Omi sit with the doctor inside his cabin whileAli waits outside.

DOCTOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)Lack of hydration,poor diet se hojata hai… but to be on the safeside, we'll do a couple ofscans..he should be fine..don'tworry.

Cut on Ishaan's concerned face.

35 INT/EXT. LOCAL NURSING HOME - EVENING

Ishaan and the doctor walk in the corridor. Omi followsup with medicines.

ISHAANPar Prashant bhai khade khadeteen teen back to back chakkemaar diye..

DOCTORKuch log god gifted hote hainIshaan.. tez raftaar se aati huigend bhi unhe footbaal ki tarahdikhti hai..Ab aap ise hyper reflexbolo, hand eye coordination bolo..ya phir upar wale ki den.

23.

Ishaan is all ears. They reach where Ali is sitting,sippingon a glucose drink.

DOCTOR (CONT'D)Kyun beta cricket khelne meinmazaa aata hai..

ALINahi..

36 INT. CRICKET SHOP - DAY

Ishaan is going through Ali's reports and muttering tohimself.

ISHAANTeen teen back to back chakke.. mazaak nahi hai yaar..kuch tobaat hai Goti master mein.

Omi lights an incense stick at the small altar in theshop. Govind yanks the reports and thrusts a brochure inIshaan's hands.

GOVINDBe tum log sun bhi rahe ho mainkya bakein ja raha hu.. FullA.C. mall hai..Agle saal Januarymein possession..

Ishaan now checks out the colourful brochure of Navrangpuramall. Omi peeps in from behind him.

GOVIND (CONT'D)'Early birds' ke liye discountbhi hai..

OMIEk aur dukan? Kyon chahiye ekaur dukan? Jo hai usmein kyakharaabi hai?

GOVINDMalls is the future yaar. Dekhnakuch hi saalon mein saare badedhande malls mein hi honge..pooragame badalne wala hai.

OMIMall mein koi dukaan muft meinbaant raha hai kya?.. Abhi abhito dhande mein ghuse hai..kyonbekar mein risk le?

GOVINDTu hamesha negative soch.. Phiryahin pade rehna hai poori zindagi.

24.

Suddenly,Bittoo mama arrives at the shop, breaking up thefriends' argument.

BITTOO MAMAArre Omi, dukaan to ekdum chamakuthi hai.. Poori kayapalat hogayi hai.

OMIMama.. Itne dinon baad aaye aap.

MAMAPoore Gujarat ke tour pe tha.. Ambaji se thoda prasad laya hun.. baant lo

Mama keeps the laddoo box on the counter.

GOVINDOpening ke din aapko bahut misskiya..

Mama smiles and sits on the chair. Govind calls out tothe tea stall

GOVIND (CONT'D)Be..cutting !

Flashing 2 fingers in the negative.

Other shopkeepers acknowledge Bittoo Mama's presence. Hecasually pulls out a 9mm pistol and keeps it on thecounter.

Ishaan's eyes shine in excitement at the sight of the newtoy. Ish nudges Omi to pick it up, Omi shudders andrefuses.

Ish can't resist the temptation and gestures to Mama. Mama locks the gun on safety and hands it to Ish.

MAMAParekhji ne dilayi hai protectionke liye.. Hamaare line mein patahai na.. Jitna neki karte phiro.. Tune dushman bante jaate hai.

Mama takes a sip of the cold drink.

MAMA (CONT'D)Aur Omi, tu kahan uda rahta hai?Kabhi party office toh aa..

Ish mock-points the gun at Govind and Omi.

25.

OMI(scratching hishead)

Sorry Mama..time hi nahi mila..nayadhanda hai..sab kuch set karnatha.

MAMAHmm.. Achcha agle hafte party kesab senior leader aa rahe hai.. jalsa rakha hai bangle pe..achchamauka hai.. Tum sab aao.. aurnaam likhwa lo party office mein.

Ishaan continues to be playful. Govind is irritated atIsh and Mama's suggestion. He looks questioningly at Omi.

OMI(deflects Govind'sstare)

Pucca ayenge.. Kai kamkaj hoi tokejo.

MAMAKaam to bahut hai.. ab aage tumhilogon ko sambhalna hai.. youthfuture hai bhayi desh ka..aajkalyouth support ke bina patta bhinahi hilta.

Ish pretends to shoot himself in the head when Mama isnot looking.

GOVIND(to Ish/ under hisbreath)

Lya.kya kar raha hai..neeche raakh.

Ish giggles.

MAMADate note kar lo tum sab..Aglesomvaar,Parekhji ni haveli.

Ishaan hands the gun back to Mama as Govind glares athim.

37 INT./EXT. TEMPLE COMPOUND - NIGHT

Govind is freshly bathed, sitting and making four pilesof cash- 3 of 5k each and one bigger stack of 15k.

Ish is seated in the middle, fooling around,holding animaginary microphone from one friend to the other.

GOVINDYe sab phaltoo party politics keliye mere paas time nahi hai.

26.

OMIPhaltoo party politics etle? Topa! Mama nahi hote to ye dukaanmilti tujhe..huh? Aur wo maangbhi kya rahe hai? Sirf functionmein hi to jana hai.

GOVINDIsliye keh raha hun wo mall walidukaan le lete hain..ye sab babaalhi khatm ho jayega.

Govind shoves Ishaan's hands away.

ISHAANObjection!!! Mere kaabil dost.. farz kijiye nayi dukaan le bhili.. Training ground toh phirbhi chahiye hoga na?

Omi is now more confident with Ishaan's support.

OMIHaan toh.. Tab tak Mama ko patake rakhte hai na?

GOVINDEk kaam kyun nahi karte.. unkehaath mein ek damroo de dete haiaur ghagra pehen ke gulati maartehai.. Bhaada de rahe hai nayaar??! Free mein to nahi lidukaan..??

Ishaan now comes in to announce truce. He joins his handsin an exaggerated namaste.

ISHAANRelax friends..Mall bhi hoga,Parekh ji bhi honge.. Aur kalSunday bhi hoga..(Breaks into agig) 'Kal Sunday hai..Daaru peenaka day hai..'

GOVINDKis khushi mein? Jail java?

Ishaan promptly reaches out and takes out a note from hisshare of the money.

ISHAANAye ghelphaadiya!! kanjoos..sirfpaise bacha tu.. main apne sharemein se doonga.

OMIMain bhi..

Omi draws out a note from his bundle. Govind takes charge.

27.

GOVINDPaise udaana band karo yaar tumlog..

Both Ish and Omi try protesting. Govind cuts them short,instead pulling out a note from the bigger pile of money.

GOVIND (CONT'D)Itne paise hai Amdavad Sports kepaas..ki tumhari local do takkeki beer party sponsor kar sake.

At this his friends are pleasantly surprised and startcheering him... Omi backslaps him, Ish fans his face witha wad of currency notes.

ISHAAN Be Baniya maan gaya..yaay!!!!!!!

GOVINDPar sirf is baar haan..? yehmonthly monthly nahi chalega..

Song 3: not very lengthy,a back ground vibe. The mainversion of song 1

38 EXT. NATIONAL HIGHWAY DHABA - EARLY MORNING

A rickety bus comes to a halt in front of a dhaba on thehighway. A milestone shows 'Diu 20 km's.

Ishaan climbs out of the bus and stretches himself, hisshirt is soaked in sweat. Govind and Omi troop down alongwith other passengers.

ISHAANYaar..AC bus hi le lete.

GOVINDSau rupiya extra dene padte.

Ishaan looks at Govind in shock.

GOVIND (CONT'D)Per head..

Ish looks disgusted and starts walking away.

Just then a carrier truck loaded with brand new "Hondacity's 2000 model" pulls over at the dhaba. Ishaan givesa low whistle at the sight of the car.

A driver alights from the truck and Ishaan has a brainwave. Govind and Omi see him walk towards the truckerand negotiate something.

28.

39 INT/EXT. HONDA CITY CAR/TRUCK/HIGHWAY - DAY

Ishaan on the drivers seat of a Honda city, hands on thesteering. Omi is on the passenger seat.

Govind seated behind, has ripped the plastic coverpartially and is trying to enjoy the leather upholsteryunderneath. A taste of the good things in life.

Ish has a far away gaze as he holds on to the steeringwith one hand and takes a swig from the beer bottle inthe other.

ISHAANIse kahte hai life!! Omi ab tumera plan sun.. Mama ki unglipakad.. aur raaton raat politicianban ja.. Phir dabake note chaaptehai.. phir aese dus gaadiyon kiline laga denge.

Omi takes a big swig from his bottle.

OMISu vaat karech..aese thodi nahota hai.

GOVINDEk sau ek taka aese hi hota hai.

Govind looking out of the window enjoying the breeze inhis face, with bottle in his hand. Ishaan teases Omi.

ISHAANEk baat bata Omi.. Bada neta banjayega toh itne power ka karegakya?

OMITere naam ki sports academy zaroorkhol doonga.

Ish is touched, thumps his fist on his chest in respect.

WE CUT TO A WIDE SHOT SHOWING THEY ARE SEATED IN ONE OFTHE CARS LOADED ON THE TRUCK AND ABSORBING THE FEELING OFDRIVING ONE OF THESE.

ISHAAN'Ishaan Bhatt Sports Academy-Unstudents ke liye jo sirf districtlevel tak khelna chahte hai

Back inside the car Omi and Govind see that Ishaan's oldwound of not having made it in cricket is bleeding again.Omi tries cheering him.

29.

OMIKuch bhi mat bol Ish..wo Jamnabhaike against opening partnershipyaad hai..

Govind pips in with his statistic.

GOVIND245 for no loss before lunch onthe opening day..saare recordsphod dale thay.

OMIMaine live dekha tha..mujhse pooch! Sirf 53 balls mein sau banayethay Ish ne..lifetime ke liye fanban gaya tha!

ISHPhir agle do saal lagataarselection match mein phuss hogaya..Chorr yaar..State team meinnaam tak nahi aaya tha.

GOVINDWaise bhi selection mein kitnapolitics chalta hai..sab jaantehain?

OMIAaj bhi Belrampur ka No.1 playertu hi hai.

ISHAANWoh toh Vidya bhi hamare pol kiPreity Zinta hai..world famous inBelrampur.

Omi cracks up at this and even Govind tries to controlhis smile. Ishaan remembers something.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Arre Govind..sun

(turning to Govind)Vidya ka entrance aane wala hai,usko maths jum nahi raha hai..tuseekha de na yaar..

Govind who's looking out of the window and enjoying "thelife" looks at Ishaan in the rear view.

GOVIND (O.S.)Main to sirf junior classes letahu, Ish?

ISHAAN (O.S.)Toh kya hua.. boards mein tu nemaths mein century maari thi..shat pratishat!!!

30.

Seeing Govind's hesitation, Omi chips in.

OMI (O.S.)Arre tension mat le..kar lega tuBahu hoshiyaar hai apni Vidya..abthoda road pe dhyan de doston..thoda speed pakadte hai..(impromptugig)'gaadi bula rahi hai...'

ISHAAN(joins in)

...beer pila rahi hai'

Ishaan joins in the play acting as he grips the steeringfirmly and rages. Omi knocks back his head as thoughexperiencing tremendous G force. Govind smiles lookingout of the window.

Cut to a wide shot of the boys on the trailer.

40 EXT. DIU FORT. - EVENING

The three boys are racing up a hill. Ishaan runs aheadlike an adrenaline charged army cadet as the two boysfollow him. You can tell from their eyes they've consumedone too many of those beers. They laugh and pant as theyclimb up the steep wall of the fort. The sun is settingbehind the hills and the boys are chasing it.

GOVINDSeedi thi peeche kahin..mainedekhi thi.

ISHAANSeedi se wo jaaye jiske goton medum na ho? Kya tumhare goton meindum hai Omi? Batao soldier.

OMI(panting)

Bataoon mein tujhe? Upar tak racelagata hai?

Ishaan kicks Omi to prevent him from coming up. Omilaughs.

GOVINDSambhal ke.. Maroge saalon.

Cut to wide of them running up a hill.

41 EXT. DIU FORT ROOFTOP - EVENING

Ishaan is standing with his arms extended with his shirtundone. The strong breeze is making his shirt fly. Thereis a beautiful view of the sunset.

Omi comes next to Ishaan and makes the same pose. Govindcomes panting and stands next to them.

31.

ISHAANYeh hai life Govi..soonghise!!..tere noton ki khusboo selakh guna behtar.

GOVINDYahan tak aane ke liye bhi paiselagte hai..waise..

ISHAAN(grandly announces)

Ssshh!!! Tere sikkon ki chan chanse meri hawa ki keemat kam horahi hai.

OMIWah baka wah!! Kya line hai Baka.. Hold it..main likh leta hun.

Omi looks around for something to write on. He turns toGovi, with bloodshot eyes.

OMI (CONT'D)Aye Govindya, apna shirt nikaalna?

GOVINDTum logon ko bahut zyaada chadgayi hai

OMIChad gayi hai? Kisko chad gayihai..Dekh..main seedhe 90 degreespe chal sakta hoon..left rightleft.

Omi starts marching on the precipice.

ISHAAN90 degrees pe chal to rahe hovats..par 90 degrees pe kya tumrace laga sakte ho?

He looks at Omi and grabs his head and screams in hisface.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Main aakhri baar pooch raha hunOfficer.. kya tum 90 degrees perace laga sakte ho? Bolo jawan!!

OMIYes sir..!!!

In a second Omi's shirt is off and he runs past Ishaanlike a bullet and towards the edge of the wall. Govind'sface is in complete shock,his jaw drops. As Omi reachesthe edge, he picks up more speed and takes the biggestleap ever.

32.

OMI (CONT'D)Taari ma ni....

WE CUT TO A WIDE SHOT SHOWING THE ENDLESS OCEAN BENEATH. OMI'S CRAZED FACE AND HIS LEAP TOWARDS THE WATER BELOW. A GOOD 50 FEET DROP. ISHAAN RUNS TO SEE WHERE HE LANDS. CAMERA IN THE WATER AND A HEAD POPS UP AND WAVES BACK TOHIS FRIENDS.

Ishaan turns to Govind who is in shock. He sees the crazedlook in Ishaan's eyes.

GOVINDNahi Ish..soch bhi mat..Mujhevertigo hai..sach kah raha hun.. Ma ni kasam.. main tujhe aage sekabhi kisi cheez ke liye nahitokoonga..mane java de..Please

Ishaan walks up to him. Initially Govind resists. Ishaangrabs his hand and runs pulling Govind with him. Leftwith no option, Govind matches his step with Ishaan andthey both take the leap, grabbing their jewels.

CUT TO THE SUN SETTING. THE CAMERA BOBS IN THE WATERWITH THEM SOAKING IN THE MOMENT.

Ishaan screams and grabs Omi head to head, Govind feelingthe high.

42 EXT. MUSLIM NEIGHBOURHOOD - DAY

Omi, Ish and Govind walk through the narrow lanes of theMuslim neighbourhood as they look for Ali's house. Omisteps into the dirt and grimaces.

OMIPata nahin log aise kaise rahtehai..

The friends are now standing in front of an old stylebuilding with a heavy iron door opening into the compound.

The iron gate doesn't look like it has been opened in along time, people cross through a smaller door built intothe gate. There's a chipped marble plaque with somethingscribbled in Arabic on the wall. Omi hesitates at thegate and tells Govind as Ish goes ahead.

OMI (CONT'D)Naseer Hashmi? Yeh to Mama kirival party ka member hai.

ISHAANToh tu kaunse vote maangne jaraha hai? Shaanti raakh.

Govind tugs at Omi to follow.

33.

43 INT. ALI'S HOUSE - DAY

We see through a slit in the window of the small storeroomin the terrace as Ishaan accompanied by Govind and Omitalk to NASEER, a 55 year old man with salt and pepperbeard, wearing kurta pajama.

Ali is seated in his den and keeps looking curiously atthe visitors.

The medical reports are strewn on a table in front ofthem.

ISHAANChacha,Ali ko khaas khuda ki denhai..humen uske talent ka theekse andaza bhi nahi hai. ek baariski fitness aur training pe kaamshuru ho jaye.. Toh kuch hisaaalon mein apna Ali Ranjhi takkhel sakta hai.

Naseer shakes his head in negative and cuts in.

NASEERPar beta, aa cricket coaching chene ameeron no shaunk che..amaaraghar na chokraone kaun ubha rakhse

Omi examines the house, feeling slightly uncomfortable inthe pronounced Muslim setting.

ISHAANKya chacha? Hunar thodi na ameergareeb dekhke paida hota hai..aapbas hum pe chorr dijiye..

Just then a loud cry is heard from the terrace.

43A INT./EXT. ALI'S HOUSE TERRACE - DAY

Ali and his step brother,Javed are in aN intense scuffle.Ali's father tries to break them up. The whole family hasgathered by now. Ishaan and the boys look over.

ALI'S FATHERAli chhodo use..kya kar rahe ho?

JAVED(crying)

Abbu, Ali ne mere gotiyaanchuraye..

ALI'S STEP MOTHERYeh naspitta apni harkaton sebaaz nahi ayega.. bacche pe haathuthata hai.

34.

His father tries to grab hold of Ali. But he slips pastand runs back into his shed.

As Naseer tries to barge in to Ali's den, Ali holds thedoor forcefully and starts shouting.

ALI(from behind thedoor)

Jhooth bol raha hai Javed.. maineusse shart mein gotiyaan jeetithi.

NASEERMujhe koi bahas nahi sunni..abhiisi waqt bahar niklo

NASEER (CONT'D)Ali..kya kah raha hoon main? Kahan hain lakhoti?

Ali steps out reluctantly, his head hanging low.

ALIMere paas nahi hai.

JAVEDJhootha!! Abbu, usne apne kamremein chupaye hai..mujhe pata hai.

ALI'S STEP MOTHERAllah jaane aur kya kya cheezeingayab hain ghar se...

The three friends have been watching this domestic dramaunfold. Ishaan steps in

ISHAANArre..kahin yeh to nahin hai..yahinkone mein pade thay!!

Ali stays quiet. Javed quickly snatches away the marblesfrom Ishaan's hand.

NASEER(sighs)

Maine to haath khade kar liye..merebas ka to nahi hai.

Ish tries to make light of the situation and points toOmi.

ISHAANKoi baat nahi chacha.Hamara Omibhi aesa hi ziddi tha bachpanmein..badmaash no.1.. Panditjibhi pareshan rehte thay isko lekar.. Aur aaj dekhiye apni khudki dukaan chala raha hai.

35.

Naseer's face knits a frown at the mention of Panditji.

NASEERPanditji ?

GOVINDPandit Shastri..Omi ke pitajihain..Woh Gokuldham ke pradhan.

NASEERHmm..janta hun unhein.. Woh BitooJoshi..woh trustee hai na us mandirka?

OMI(defensively)

Mere mama hai woh..unhone hi humentraining center dilayi hai.

NASEERAchcha..to mera beta ab Bittoo kechelon se training lega?

Omi goes red in the face with humiliation. Govind speaksup rather sharply.

GOVINDHum kisi ke chelen chamche nahihai Sir.. Sheher ke har ilaakese bacche hamare yahan seekhne koaate hai.. Hum kisi mein farqnahi karte.

NASEERKai vando nahi beta.. farq humbhi nahi karte.. hamari partykisi kism ki taqrif mein yakeennahi rakhti.Pandit no beto marabeta ne sikhwaad se, ek acchimisaal banegi.

(looking at Omi)Par badkismati se sab hamaaritarah nahi sochte.

Omi is feeling irritated and is about to say somethingbut Ishaan restrains him.

ISHAANChacha.. Humein politics se koilena dena nahi hai..humen sirfsports khelna hai.

NASEER(shrugs)

Khair..Ali ko jo karna hai wohwohi karega.. meri kaunsi suntahai. Behtar hai aap usi se poochlijiye.

36.

Javed who is standing behind his father is making facesat Ali..Ishaan walks up to him.

ISHAANKyon Ali?? Kya plan hai? 3 chakkeudhaar hai tere..kal nets pe milen?

Ali simply simply stares back.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)(smiles)

4 baje sharp

44 INT. ISHAAN'S HOUSE/VIDYA'S ROOM - DAY (AFTERNOON)

Govind is starting off his classes with Vidya. A closeshot of Vidya(camera on float)

VIDYAI hate maths.

Govind is quite nervous at the proximity of a pretty girlbut tries to appear serious.

GOVINDHuh..?

VIDYAKya huh..? Mera bas chale tosyllabus se nikal ke bahar phenkdoon.

Govind puts his pen down and sits back.

Long shot of Vidya and Govind sitting on her study tablewith tuition books.

GOVIND0 se leke 9 tak in dus digitsmein aap poore universe ko chupasakte ho.. Numbers ki apni magicalduniya hai.ek baar aadat pad jayena to bade maze ki cheez hai.

Vidya makes firm eye contact.

VIDYA(making a face)

Chii..Mazze ki cheez??!Mujhe tohmaths ke naam pe ulti aati hai.Maths bolte hi mujhe..

Govind cant believe his eyes. He is just soaking in thegigantic task at hand.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Dekho ho gaye..

Vidya pulls up her kurta sleeve to reveal goose bumps.

37.

Govind looks at her hand and her french manicured nails.He realizes he has stared at them a second more thanrequired and peels his gaze away.

GOVINDTo phir yeh entrance exam dene kikya zaroorat hai?

VIDYAKyunki wo mere Amdavad se nikalneka iklauta passport hai..

GOVIND(defensively)

Kyun Amdavad mein kya kharaabihai?

VIDYA(shrugs)

Acchai bhi kaunsi hai? Ghar pewohi 7 baje ke baad bahar nahijaana.. koi accha well settledfamily wala ladka dekh kar shaadikarna..phir uske liye rotlibanana..uske bacche paidakarna..aur bas Thank you Tata Seeyou later. Mujhe nahi chahiyeyeh sab..mujhe apni zindagi khudjeeni hai.. Achcha yahi hai kimain ulti karte karte maths seekhleti hoon..

Govind is watching her lay out her plans. Vidya's phonebeeps with an sms.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Preeti!! Meri classmate and bff

Govind is irritated and speaks firmly.

GOVINDRakh do use..meri class mein mobileallowed nahi hai.

Vidya is surprised by Govind's firmness. They exchange adefiant look. Govind takes Vidya's phone and switches itoff.

GOVIND (CONT'D)Toh sabse pahle..lets tackleprobability..

Stay on them.

45 INT./EXT. PAREKHJI'S HAVELI'S GARDEN - DAY

An imposing 60 yr old man wearing white and a saffronshawl is addressing a large gathering, comprising priests(in saffron) and local politicians (in white).

38.

Parekhji starts speaking from the stage.

PAREKHJIBhaiyon,gunijanon ane aadarniyemitron,aap sau noo aa sabha mahardik swagat che.. (Applause)

Sitting amongst them we catch our 3 boys,Omi,Govi andIsh.

PAREKHJI (CONT'D)Ane khaas swagat aa navyuvako jeaaje bittooji na saujanya ti aamarivacho vach che..

The crowd applauds.

ISHAANGovi,thoda thoda gud papdi dabalete hai..Vaapsi mein phodenge.

Govind laughs.

OMIShh! Marwaoge be..

PAREKHJIAaj aa manch parthi ek zarooriaavahaan karvu che. Party highcommand ne nakki karyu che kiaauta election ma Belrampur niseat par Bittoo joshi ubha reh se.

Mama folds his hands in gratitude. Crowd applauds, withOmi clapping especially hard.

Parekhji turns serious as the applause ends.

PAREKHJI (CONT'D)Bhaiyon.. Aa samay che sampoornahindu samjhe ekmat thaine aapdisabhyata ani garima kaayam rakhe. Aapdi yuva piddhi ne baaharnitaaqaato saamein sachvi ne rakhe. Samay avigayoche kamar kasvano!

Ish gives a big yawn.

ISHAANBore thaigyo!!

Govind whispers in Ishaan's ear..

GOVINDKisi tarah ek lakh jama ho jayeaccount mein,phir bank loan haathmein aate hi- builder ko down

(MORE)

39.

GOVIND (CONT'D)payment kar denge.. phir nayasaal aaye aur is bandookdharimama se peecha chutey.. aa loMama, aapna dukaan ni chaavi,thankyou ,ame to chalya NavrangpuraMall..'air conditioned'..

ISHAANDhiskiyaaon..

Omi hushes them gesturing them to be silent as two partyworkers escort Omi away.

Omi walks up to bittoo who is with Parekhji.

BITTOO MAMAParekhji ko pranaam karo..

Omi bends to touch his feet.

PAREKHJIHamare Parivar mein tumhara swagathai beta.. Bittoo ke bhanje ho.. bahut ashaein hai tumse.. Shastriji ko hamara pranaam kehna.

Ishaan and Govind see this exchange from a distance.

46 EXT. SABARMATI SPORTS CLUB- PRACTICE AREA - DAY

It is early morning and Omi is doing his surya pranam,while Govind is on a tea break, poring over the ledgerbook. Ish is marking the pitch.

In the distance Ish's students are doing their warm uprounds. Ali gets out of breath and has to pause.

Jignesh and Ashwin, come from behind. They mock play theirground catching routine.

JIGNESH/ASHWINArre..pakad pakad..

They push Ali as they continue to run ahead. Ali loseshis balance and falls down. The boys look behind andsnigger.

JIGNESH/ASHWIN (CONT'D)..oho phir catch chhod diya.

Ali stands up and walks away. He goes towards his kit totake out his dirty towel. Govind is next to Ali, henotices Ali's old and worn out bag compared to the swankykits of the other boys.

Ishaan walks upto ali with a pad,helmet and a goti guard.. He pulls out the pad and smacks it hard with a seasonball

40.

ISHAANYeh dekh, kuch nahi hoga. Ek dodin mein theek set ho jayega.

Ali holds the pad and ishaan puts the helmet on his head. Ali picks up the goti guard not knowing what to do withit..As they walk away you can see ishaan showing him whatto do with the goti guard.

A screen wipe to show time transition

47 EXT. SABARMATI SPORTS CLUB- PRACTICE AREA - DAY

Ish is conducting a practice match with his students andacts as the umpire.

Ali is on the non striker's end ( fully kitted up but inhis pyjamas) while Ashwin is batting. Ashwin wants totake a single but Ali looks disinterested.

There is a mis-field and Ashwin urges Ali again. Alirefuses.

Ashwin looks at Ishaan in disappointment.

ISHAANSingles lena bhi zaroori hai..crease pe back up leke rakh.

Ishaan walks to the opposite end at the end of the over.

Ishaan claps to signal the start of the next over.

The bowler Jignesh comes to Ish. He shows him his grip. Ish checks it and adjusts it a little.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Ek outswinger daal ke dekh..

Ish observes that Ali is uncomfortable with the ball...he doesn't seem to know how to align himself with it.

Ish goes up to Jignesh.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Well bowled..ab same to same daal.. Off ke bahar hi rakh.

Ali comes forward to strike but the ball confuses him. He connects but the ball finds the leading edge and catchin cover pt.

They have found the Ali's Achilles heel. Jignesh does ahigh five with his team mates. Ali bangs the bat indisgust and leaves. A look of worry flits through Ishaan'sface- something occurs to him. He calls Ali who continuesto walk ahead with a sulking face.

41.

48 INT. CRICKET SHOP/TUITION ROOM - DAY

Govind is in the midst of his tuition class. Ishaan excuseshimself and requests govind if he could speak for a fewminutes.

ISHAANTo tere ko pata hai na..? Pitchke dono taraf kaun kaunse do sideshote hai?

Ali settles down on the mat and shrugs.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Chal ne Ali..simple che.. righthand batty ke right side ko offkehte hai aur left side ko onkehte hai..

Ali's face is sweaty as he gulps down water,only halflistening to Ish.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Tu hamesha ground ke kone meinkhelta hai..right? right sidesara buildingon se blockedhai..haath khol ke shots nahimaar sakte.. isliye tu sirf onside pe maarta hai..off side petera game weak hai.. Samjha?

Ali looks on

Ishaan proceeds to wipe off half of the equations writtenon Govind's blackboard. Ishaan draws a circle.

(Refer to wagon wheel diagram)

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Abhi dekh.. Jab ball off side pepitched up ho, baya paanv aage lejake off drive karna.. Aur jabshort of length ho tab back footpe jake square cut laga saktahai.. Aur chake maarna ho tocover ke upar se loft kar saktahai.. Pull to tu achca karta hihai, kabhi bouncer aa jaye tojama ke hook bhi laga sakta hai.. Leg side tera strong hai.. Balljab panv pe aaye to on drive ..nahi to glance, flick.. Woh sabto tere game mein already hai.. Ab spinner aa jaye to sweep yareverse sweep bhi maar sakta hai..

Ish shows his diagram to Govind as well.

42.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Govi,tu samhjha ki nahin? Iskaoffside crack karna padega..

GOVINDHo gaya tera? (takes the chalkout of his hand) Thank you..

Omi has entered in the meantime and is carrying a glassof milk, two bananas and biscuits.

OMIAa shu,thoda bhi stamina nahi hailadke mein, aur upar se mathsSir, cricket Sir dono sar pe khadehai..

Govind and Ish smile at Omi's gesture. Ish puts an armaround Omi's shoulder as they walk away. Ish ruffles Omi'shair as he just loves his innocence.

ISHAANChal rangila ratan..main batatahun aur kis cheez ke liye staminachahiye? Shaadi hogi na teri..

They become inaudible as they trail off.

49 INT. ISHAAN'S HOUSE/VIDYA'S ROOM - NIGHT

Vidya and Govi are in the middle of their tuition class.

VIDYAUff..thak gayi mein..ek breaklein

GOVINDBas..iska coefficient nikaal letehai..sirf 10 minute aur..

Vidya opens her hair and a long strand falls on Govind'sarm.

VIDYAPlease..seriously dimaag jam hogaya hai.

Vidya tries to strike up a conversation.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Toh phir..

GOVIND(averts her gaze)

Toh phir kuch nahi?? Baaki subjectski taiyyari kaisi chal rahi hai? Sabse equally nafrat hai? Ki mathsis your special enemy?

43.

Vidya smiles.

VIDYAUmm.. I think I have a soft cornerfor biology..zinda lagta hai.. atleast zinda cheezon ke baremein..jinko dekh sakte ho, feelkar sakte ho..

Govind is about to correct her but she carries on- shetouches Govind's arm to prove a point. Govind is startled.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Yeh tumhari skin hai-epidermis.. feel hua? Mein choo sakti hunsahla sakti hun kaat sakti hun..page pe diagram banati hoon tomujhe pata hai it exists in reallife.. maths mein toh sab khayalipulav hai...For eg. can you evertouch a bell curve?

Ishaan barges in at this moment making almost Govind jump. He immediately pulls his hands away, as if caught in aguilty act!

ISHAANKaisa chal raha hai Professorsahab?? Already pareshan lag raheho? Lage raho..Don't give up!!Abhi Dilli door hai..

(Ish guffaws)

Vidya is about to protest but Ishaan carries on in hisown tangent.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Yaar.. I'm very excited aboutAli's breakthrough. uska ye offka problem fix ho jaye na..tosoch!! Wo crease ke dono tarafshots maar sakta hai.. phir usehar ball pe chauka chakka marneki zaroorat nahi hai.. normalcricketing shots laga sakta hai..

VIDYAExcuse me Bhailu.. aap meri classdisturb kar rahe hai..kripya baharjake apni commentary karen..

Govind raises an eyebrow at how Vidya is now suddenlyinterested in lessons.

ISHAANKya baat hai Vidyaless.. padaiki taraf itni shraddha?? Kyaplan hai?

(MORE)

44.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Itna padegi to tu raton raatShakuntala Devi ban jayegi? Tujhsemilne ke liye to ticket leni padegi?!!

Ishaan laughs out and is about to do a hi five with Govindbut Govind clears his throat and looks into the books,trying to keep his serious tutor image.

Ishaan walks out still laughing at his own joke. Govindsees that Vidya is showing Ishaan the finger to his backand muttering a swear word.

VIDYAAgle Thursday kya kar rahe ho?kahin bahar chalte hai..

Govind can't believe his ears not knowing how to respond.

VIDYA (CONT'D)2 se 4 ke beech ka window hai.. ghar pe main bol doongi ki LawGarden se guidebooks kharidnihai..koi tension nahi hogi.

Govind is clearly out of depth. Vidya shuts the books andsmiles sweetly at him.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Please kuch soch ke rakhna..aurtime pe pahunch jana..nakhre matkarna..please.

Govind stares at her in disbelief.

50 EXT. SABARMATI SPORTS CLUB- PRACTICE AREA - MORNING

Ali comes running, late for cricket practice,wearing hiskurta pajama as the other kids finish warm up. Ish andOmi are setting up a big net on the left of the pitch.

Ish looks at his watch and says curtly.

ISHAANKit up.

51 EXT. SABARMATI SPORTS CLUB (CHANGING SPACE) - MOMENTSLATER

Ali hurriedly changes into a t-shirt and ties leg padsover his pajamas inside the makeshift changing area.

Jignesh and Ashwin have come to wipe their faces. Theysmirk at his silly look.

JIGNESH/ASHWINAye..lenga chaap!!

45.

Ali ignores them as he finishes tying the pads. His pajamacord is hanging out.

Jignesh sneakily pulls Ali's pajama cord and Ali's pajamafalls down. This time all the four boys in the changingarea laugh.

BOYS(mocking Ali)

Aur ball stadium se bahar..it's asixer.

Ali loses it and hits Jignesh. They get into a fist fight.

Ish comes running to the fighting duo.

ISHAANCome on..break it up. Ek to lateaate ho..upar se dadagiri karnihai.

Ali is infuriated but stays quiet.

52 EXT. SABARMATI SPORTS CLUB- PRACTICE AREA (NETS)- DAY

Ishaan is explaining the experiment that he's trying outwith Ali.

ISHAANAye teni..Ab dhyan se suno.. aajek bhi legside pe shot nahilagana...Agar laga to paanch round.Only concentrate on your off!! Ball se nazar nahi hatni chahiye.. Ok.. focus.

Ali feels this is a further punishment for him and wearsa sullen expression. He clenches his lips to fight tearsas he moves to the crease.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Pintoo,naya ball le..

Ali faces the first ball but is beaten. The bowler bowlsagain. Ali is frustrated and instead makes room for himselfand hits over the net on the legside. Ish walks up toAli.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Peechle dus minute se kya bakraha hoon main? Behra hai ya gadha?

ALIMujhe aaj jaldi chutti chahiye.

ISHAANHuh?

46.

ALIHamare pol mein goti tournamenthai.

Ishaan looks at Ali in shock. Ish waves his handdismissively and turns away.

Ali walks behind Ishaan expectantly and follows him tothe umpires' end.

ISHAANKyun ghoom raha hai mere peechepeeche? Ja ke guard le apna..

Ali keeps staring at Ishaan for permission to leave.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Offside pe to ball maara nahijata, par goti tournament meinjana zaroori hai.

Ali responds in a soft voice.

ALIAaj final che..

ISHAANI don't believe this. Arre bhaadmein gaya final. Yahan hum dinraat teri training mein lage huehain or tu hai ki.. Ab seriousho ja.. goti khelni hai.. Gotikhelke kya ukhaad lega?

Ali keeps staring at Ishaan.

ALIAapne kya ukhaad liya??

Ishaan turns around in a quick move.

ISHAANKya? Kya bola?

Daring him to repeat it.

ALICricket khelke aapne kya..

Ishaan gives him a hard shove, like a challenge one throwsat his equal. Ali loses his balance and falls to theground. The other players are too stunned to react.

Ali moves a few steps back, gets up and runs away.

Ishaan stands rooted to the spot watching Ali scamperaway.

47.

53 INT. CRICKET SHOP - DAY

Ishaan's face is red as he desperately tries to calm downby rubbing his face and takes rapid, heavy, deep sighs.

Omi gets a cold drink for him.

OMIAa le.. gatak ja.

Ishaan cant meet Govind's eye as he is still seethingwith rage at what he did with the boy.

As Ish gazes into the floor and his temper stabilizes,his rational mind shudders at the thought - what if Alidoesn't come back.

Govind has sensed Ishaan's torment and avoids the lecture.

GOVINDKuch nahi hua hai..its undercontrol

Ishaan knows its not and speaks in his defense.

ISHAANUske tevar dekhe? Ab kaise inkodiscipline sikhaye yaar? It hasto be give and take..Main akelasab kuch nahi kar sakta hoon.

Govind in a much calmer tone.

GOVINDBacchon ke saath reh rehke tuunki tarah behave nahikarsakta..thoda handle karna seekh.

OMIKuch bhi bol..uski himmat kaisehui Ishaan ko ulta jawab dene ki.

Govind gives Omi a look to be quiet but Ishaan feels eggedon.

ISHAANAur mere uske saath koi personalissues nahi hai yaar.. Yahan peusko first class khilane ke sapnedekh rahe hai..ane aa ghadeda negoti ni padi che

GOVINDTujhe pata hai main kya kah rahhun Ish. Is baar quit mat kar.. Kisi aur ke liye nahi, bas apneliye kar.

48.

They are interrupted as a ten year old boy enters theshop. The boy has a broken clay piggy bank, filled withlots of coins.

BOYShuttlecock chahiye..

Omi takes out a shuttle from a box.

OMIPatrees rupya..

The kid thrusts all the coins in his direction. Omi looksflustered as he starts counting.

GOVINDTu ne notice kiya hai na baakibachhe use kaafi bully kartehai..woh apne aap mein hi ghutarehta hai.

Omi finishes counting.

OMIPachees , chabvees, satyavees.. Aa to khali satyavees che.

The boy's face drops. Govind recollects the coins for theboy.

GOVINDJao baaki na paisa laiyao

ISHAAN(almost to himself)

Haath nahi uthana chahiyetha...Shi!!!

Ishaan now notices the boy who is looking crestfallen. Hetakes the shuttle and throws it to the boy.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Ja maja kar..

Govind frowns at this sudden discount. The boy is surprisedfor a second but then runs out while his luck lasts.

GOVINDIsh tu ghelsappo che!! Ekdumtopo

The phone rings and Omi answers

ISHAAN(grumbling)

Ro mat..aath rupye mujhse le lena..

Govind raises an eyebrow

49.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)(scratching hishead and lookingworried)

Woh wapas ayega na..?

Omi interrupts as Ishaan's face darkens at the thought oflosing Ali.

OMIKaun bolo....Hassan bhai??

Govind grabs the phone.

GOVINDHassan bhai.. Su chalech?

He animatedly gestures to Ishaan to shut up.

54 INT. NAVRANGPURA MALL/SMALL STORE SPACE - DAY

Omi, Govind and Ish stand at a basement store space of 10x 10 size, with no natural light, currently lit by a dimyellow bulb. The builder Hassan Sheikh is busy on thephone, making some deals.

The boys can be seen in silhouette as they check out theplace. Jackhammer and floor polishing sounds can be heardin the background.

ISHAANYahan? Yahaan kholenge sports kidukaan? Is tabele mein?

Omi steps out and checks workers coming out of an urinalright next to the store space. He makes a face.

OMIChii Govi!! Abhi itni baans aarahi hai to baad mein kya hoga!!

Hassan detects that the guys are not liking the space andseizes the opportunity to sell a bigger space.

HASSANAapna budget mein yehi siteavailable hai govi bhai. Thodajeb kholo, budget badhao ..firstclass cheez dikhata hun.

Govind is about to refuse. Hassan looks at Omi and Ishaanfor support.

HASSAN (CONT'D)Maalik dekhne ke kya paise padhet hain.. Baad mein nakki karlean.

50.

55 INT. NAVRANGPURA MALL/BIG STORE SPACE - DAY

A bright beam of sunlight falls in from the giant windowat the new location in the mall.

The area is open, and though under construction, far betterventilated and aesthetically pleasing.

The size of the shop is 20X25, twice the size of theprevious shop. Ishaan's mood changes at the sight ofthis space and he again looks charged up as he starts daydreaming...

ISHAAN'WOW'!!!.. aa toh set cheboss..ekdum tabla tod.. yahaanfront mein apna reception hoga. Dono baju glass windows...pachi360 degree open rakhenge (he swingsas though there is a bat in hishand)..zyada bharenge nahin..aurfloor pe lagega artifial grass.. poora stadium ka feel aajayega..ekdum sophisticated newmillenium shop.

Govind stands with Hassan as the builder shows him thecost calculation of the new space on a calculator.

Ishaan walks to the other end of the shop and takes amock stance.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Idhar practice nets ka area hoga.. udhar wall pe mounted TV with 24hour sports channel.. saamne eksofa,khali important matches keliye..finals vagairah.Threeseater.. su bolech jigar?

Ishaan meets Govind's eyes. Govind doesn't have the heartto tell him that they can't afford this. Just shakes hishead with a sad smile. Omi senses the dilemma but Ishaanis not ready to give up.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Omi, tu samjha na baniye ko.. Saak bhaji ki dukaan nahi kholrahe hai..feel bhi to koi cheezhoti hai na.. ye kya 'ek sandaske saath ek dukaan free'..le lo.

Govind looks at Omi, expecting him to be mature.

GOVINDKoi aur option nahi hai Ish. EMIbahut zyada hai..

(MORE)

51.

GOVIND (CONT'D)Upar se bank loan lene ke liye joaccount mein paise dikhane haiwho bhi poore nahi hai ..abhiitna paisa market se nahi uthasakte...tum log hi kah rahe thena, ki soch samajh ke planningkarni chahiye. Wohi kar raha hun..

Ishaan's face falls at this, back to his gloomy mood.

ISHAANShit..Bapuji se bhi nahi maangsakta.. Kacho khai jaise.. Maijai yaar!!

He kicks an empty paint can out of his way.

Omi senses how crestfallen Ish is...the past demons ofalways missing the big break.

OMIAchcha Govi, minimum kitna paisachahiye account mein..bank loanke liye? Mama ke through trykarein?

Govind is exasperated.

GOVINDLoan uthaane ke liye ek aurloan..?? Tarama bheju che?

Omi and Ish drop their face. Hassan's phone rings.

HASSANHaan bolo seth..khidki wali..??sabko wohi wali chahiye.. abhiparty ke saath baitha hun..aadheghante mein return karta hun.

Omi and Ish look at each other. Govind is looking at hisfigures on the calculator, thinks a while and speaks up.

GOVINDNa kar do unko Hassan Bhai..bolokhidki wali book ho gayi.. dekhajayega..par humko hafte bhar katime chahiye hoga.

Ishaan gives him a whack on his arm.

52.

ISHAANShabbash Govi seth! Yeh hui nabaat!

Govind winces a little and turns to Omi.

GOVINDMama ko sambhalna ab terakaam..Paise hum cheh mahine meinchuka denge.

Ishaan blows a kiss and does a mock bow towards Omi.

56 INT. CAFETERIA - DAY

Vidya and Govind seated at a table, with Gujarati pizzaplaced in front of them. Govind is self conscious thatnobody known should see them together.

This makes Govind even more nervous. He starts checkingthe text books that they've bought.

Vidya bites into the pizza slice and slurping on her coke.It's her rare fun day out.

VIDYAUff.. phir kitabein leke baithgaye tum..ek baar khareed li haito pad bhi lenge..ab choro use.

Govind notices a xeroxed newspaper article, amidst thebooks. It says 'Pol boy scores 100 in maths' and has apicture of a 16-year-old geeky boy.

GOVINDArre..yeh kahan se mila?

VIDYATimes of India ke front page petha..

Govi gives her a dirty look. Govind takes the paper awaybut Vidya places her hand on Govind's hand and Govind hasto release the sheet. Vidya snatches the sheet back.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Arre.. tumhari photo thodi nahai..mere Maths sir ki photohai..(pause) itne bhayanakchashmein..baap re baap..waisecute lag rahe ho Professor!

Govind is super conscious.

GOVINDAchcha pizza khatm karo..late horaha hai.

53.

VIDYAOho..Ab kya ho gaya? Phir bhagnahai? Mujhse hamesha bhagte kyonrahte ho? Main kaat ti hoon kya?Why cant we be friends?

GOVINDProbability kum hai..

Vidya mock bangs two fists on the table. Govind looks tosee whether anyone's watching them.

VIDYAKyon? Kyon kum hai? Mujhe reasonschahiye....

Trying to act his serious self.

GOVINDMain tumhe char reasons de saktahun. Number ek.. main tumharateacher hoon. Number do.. tummere best friend ki behen ho.Number Teen..tum mujhse umar meinkayi saal choti ho.. Aur Numberchaar aur sabse important..tum ekladki ho.

Vidya is amused at Govind's structured enumeration. Shekeeps staring at him,hoping he'll realise his habitualnature.

VIDYAAah..The magic of numbers..kabhikhatm hi nahi hote..nai..?? (pause)

Vidya tries to open a sauce sachet but can't due to herlong nails. Govind offers to open it.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Meri salah lo to ek back up dostbana ke rakh lo..just in case.

GOVINDBackup dost?

Govind squeezes the sauce onto Vidya's plate. He thentries to open his own sachet.

VIDYAHaan toh..ab dekho Ish Bhaiya,Omi aur tum bachpan se tightho..like since you were sperm.

Govind is shocked at Vidya's last word as he rips thesachet,splashing some of the ketchup around.

Vidya is nonchalant as she brings a tissue close to him. Govind takes the tissue from her to wipe himself.

54.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Par kabhi unse koi problem hogayi toh..phir ek back up friendhona chahiye na..?? (pauses) Tohphir tum mujhse share kar sakteho.

Govind goes silent. Vidya prods him.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Karoge share?

Vidya squeezes his hand. Govind deliberates before hebegins to talk.

GOVINDVidya.. mujhe kuch bhi karke isbusiness ko expand karna hai..bas..Itna door aa gaye hai..ab himmatnahi harni. Agle saal tak mallmein nayi dukaan leni hi lenihai. Par jo dukaan pasand aayihai uska budget hamari taaqat sebahar hai.Ab un dono ko ye sabsamjhana faltu hai. Ish baatbaat pe hawa mein udta rehta haiaur Omi use dheel deta hai. Beechmein phus gaya hun main. Ab phirse wohi Bittoo Mama se loanuthana..khabar nai..

Vidya nods as she listens with hundred percent attention.

VIDYAKuch na kuch rasta nikalayega..dimaag ko thoda rest doabhi.

Govind looks nonplussed at Vidya's calming avatar.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Aur promise karo jis din dukaanmil jayegi..sabse pehle mujhedikhaoge.

Govind gives her a look,piqued by this new friendship.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Meetha khaoge?

Stay on Govind's face as he doesn't know what she means.

57 INT. ALI'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Naseer is seated with some other men discussing some work. Ish enters and is about to ask for Ali. Sound of a steelplate falling to the ground and a woman's voice yelling.

55.

NASEER'S WIFE (O.S.)Ali!!! Kitni baar samjhaya tujherasode mein nahi khelna..

ALI (O.S.)Mera ghar hai jahan marzi kheloon..

Ali enters the living room from the kitchen, notices Ishaanfrom the corner of his eye and runs to his shed on theterrace. Javed is also on the terrace, enjoying somepickle...he speaks in a whisper.

JAVEDPractice chod ke bhag aaya tha natu..?? Ab padne wali hai tujhe.. Ruk.

NASEERAb dekho na, aaj school se panbhaag ke chala aaya.. Jaise jaiseyeh ladka bada ho raha hai, utnabadh dimaag hota ja raha hai

ISHAANChokru che Naseer chacha.. apneBelrampur school mein jaise padaatehai..hum bhi gutli maar liya kartethe.

NASEERPar koi ek cheez toh honi chaiyejismein ye dilchaspi le.. Naitar aage jake karega kya? banegakya? Ab cricket hi le lijiye..mannlagake seekhta hai?

Ishaan looks in the direction of the door that leads tothe terrace, knowing that Ali is hearing in on them. Ali's face looks stricken with fear, expecting more lashingfrom the adults.

ISHAAN(making sure thatAli can hear him)

Arre Chacha.. cricket to wohghol ke pee chukka hai.. aapkoaana chahiye kabhi practice pe.. on side pe to uska koi jodi nahihai.. aese ghuma ghuma ke chakkefatkarta hai jaise free fund meinbant rahe hon.. Bowler katraatehai usse..sach!! Bas offside thodaweak hai..uspe kaam chalu hai..

Javed stops eating his pickle and comes into the livingroom as if to make sure he heard it right.

Naseer gives a surprised look to the men seated around.

56.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Ek baar mil sakta hun usse..

Naseer is about to call Ali but Ishaan stops him.

58 INT./EXT. ALI'S HOUSE/TERRACE - NIGHT

Ali has locked himself inside his den, not knowing how toface Ishaan. Ishaan knocks on the door

ISHAANAli bhai ghar ma che?

Ali has never had an adult trying to patch up with him.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Abhi tak gussa hai,goti master.baatnahi karega mujhse?

A moment of stillness. Just then, the corrugated sheetthat makes the door of the attic, creaks open and a marblerolls out. Ish's face breaks into a smile...he peeps in.

Ali lets Ishaan come in and sit next to him. Its anemotional moment as both sit in silence.

Ali gets up and switches an overhead bulb. Ishaan hands a brand new kit bag and bat to Ali and then turns to lookaround at the room.

Music begins on the soundtrack. The room is filled withkites, old toys, tattered comic books of Chacha Cowdhuryand Tinkle, a studio photograph of Naseer, Ali's motherand a 3 year old Ali against a painted backdrop.

Finally Ish's eyes fall on the floor - there on the roughhewn floor a chalk drawing shows the cricket field as Ishhad drawn on the blackboard earlier. Song 4 fades in...

59 EXT. SABAMARTI SPORTS CLUB- CHANGING SPACE/SHED - EARLYMORNING

Ali is dressed in brand new sportswear and huddled besideIsh. Ish has various colours of chart paper cut out intriangular shapes which put together will make a completecircle of a cricket field.

Each coloured strip of paper has the name of a particularshot - leg glance, hook, pull, on drive on the legside;offdrive, square drive, square cut, cut and late cut onoff side.

Ish devices a game where he jumbles up the strips of paperthat makes the cricket field circle and asks Ali to arrangethem in the correct order...Ali almost gets it right butconfuses the the cover drive and the square drive...Ishaancorrects it.

57.

(We can do this with focusing entirely on the colouredstrips of paper and the two characters' hands)

Now Ishaan holds up any one strip randomly with a name ofthe shot and Ali has to show him how the stroke isplayed...

60 INT. PARTY OFFICE - DAY

Song continues...Omi has come to mamas office with theNavrangpura brochure. Omi broaches the topic of the loanin a polite but hesitant manner. Song fades out.

MAMAHassan Sheikh? Uske through jaaneki kya zaroorat hai? Mere passdiary bhar ke builders ke contactshai, ow Satellite mein hai naaapno Kantilal Shah..

Omi looks confused. Match cut.

61 INT/EXT. TEMPLE COMPOUND - NIGHT

Omi at the shop with Ish and Govind. Turns to Ishaan.

ISHAANPar Omi.. Apni dukaan ki locationjabardast hai..hai ki nahi?

Omi grudgingly nods.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)..aur phir bank ne bhi site passkar di hai.. toh extra magajmaarikarne ki kya jaroorat hai..tusamjha na apne mamu ko..unko kyapadi hai, hum Hasaan se le yaHasina ki?..

So saying Ishaan rests his hands on Omi's shoulders, Omicant control his smile.

62 INT. PARTY OFFICE - DAY

Omi parrots Ishaan's dialogues to Mama.

OMIPar mama.. Location ekdumzabardast hai..bank ne bhi sitepass kar di hai..

Mama shrugs and hands out four bundles of notes.

MAMAJaisi teri ichcha..

Omi collects the money.

58.

MAMA (CONT'D)..soch samajhke kharcha karna.

Cut on Omi's expression.

63 EXT. CRICKET SHOP - DAY

Govind and Omi are holding up Omi on their shoulders anddoing a celebration. Song fades back in.

Sc 60-63 can be treated in split screen, or using wipe...showing Omi shuttling between his friends and Bittoo.

64 INT. NAVRANGPURA MALL/BLDG. OFFICE/BIG STORE SPACE - DAY

Song continues. Hassan lightly flicks his finger withhis tongue and counts the thick wad of currency notesthat Govind has brought to book the shop.

Govind himself looks tensed at the sight of so much moneychanging hands...finally Hassan looks up with a beamingsmile and hands him the deed and a shiny new key for theshop.

HASANLo bhai.. Shukan karo..ab malpuasharbat pilao..

Relieved and a very proud shop owner Govind now opens upthe shop with his key and shows Vidya around A sunny patchfalls on the floor.

A few workers are polishing the floor around them. Govindis excited as he walks around, repeating Ish's dialogues.

GOVIND ..yahaan reception counterdaalenge.. Baaki shop 360 openrakhenge. Aur sare flooring peartifical turf hoga.... Aur baywindows!!! Dono baju bay windows.. Full glass.. Ane space bacha towahan ek 3 seater sofa dalenge..saamne wall mounted tv..

Vidya comes closer smiles and dusts the cement off Govind'sshoulder..as he speaks excitedly.

Song continues...

65 INT. CRICKET SHOP - DAY

Omi is guiding Ish through through a Hindi/Gujarati versionof Playboy and giggling like twelve-year-olds in the shop. Suddenly Ish cant flip a page as they are stuck. He givesa shocked look to Omi who feigns ignorance.

Govind shuts the candy jar lid and comes towards Ish andOmi. They invite him to see it.

59.

OMIGovi..tere ko Savita Bhabhi pekabhi taras nahi aata? Ek baaraake mil to le..lala

Govind looks at it sideways and turns away. Ishaan getsup and opens the cash drawer and signals Govind to stareat that instead.

ISHAAN(pointing to thecash box)

Govi ko khali Lakshmi bhabhi meininterest hai..din raat ki neendharaam kar rakhi hai iski.

Song continues.

66 INT./EXT. ISHAAN'S HOUSE-VIDYA'S ROOM/ SABARMATI SPORTSCLUB- PRACTICE AREA - DAY

Intercut Ishaan's coaching of ali on the ground with Govindand Vidya stealing a private moment.

ISHAAN (V.O.)Pehle ek baar poora field settingcheck karle..

Vidya looks around.

ISHAAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)Ek fielder mid off pe..

Vidya's father reading the newspaper on his recliner.

ISHAAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)Ek close in catcher cover pointpe..

Vidya's mom doing her household chores.

ISHAAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)Do fielder slip mein..

Two neighbouring aunties chatting in the balcony overlooking Vidya's room.

ISHAAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)Sab timing ka khel hai. Gapsdoondh ke ball ko nikal na hai

Vidya finds the right moment and gets touchy feely withgovind.

67 EXT. SABARMATI SPORTS CLUB- PRACTICE AREA - DAY

Close on Ali's helmet covered face and charge on Ishaan'sfocused face. Ali seems to do whatever ishaan is thinking.

60.

ISHAAN (V.O.)Ali guard le.. Stance close kar.. Eye on the ball..

Jignesh bowls with aggression.

ISHAAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)Overpitched hai.. headstraight..balance yourself.. front foot aage le.. cover penikal

Ali's eyes are darting around trying to process all theinformation while playing his stroke. He has a moment ofhesitation trying to shuffle between his back foot andfront, finally focusing on the ball...

SLOW DOWN SPEED OF BALL AS IT BOUNCES OFF THE PITCH ANDALI CONNECTS BAT WITH BALL

... its a slightly late shot but it manages to find thegap between cover and mid off... Ashwin gives the ball achase

Ishaan is more relieved than happy and claps to encourageAli.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Kai po!!.. Aase hi..bas aesehi!!

Song continues.

68 EXT. GIRLS' COLLEGE - DAY

Omi tries calling Ishaan from a PCO but the phone justrings on. He's hanging around the same girls' collegethat used to be their haunt. Looks at his watch.

69 EXT. MASJID - DAY

Ishaan outside a Masjid waiting for Ali to come out withhis dad. Ali rides pillion and waves goodbye to hisfather.

Ishaan stops outside the college haunt where Omi iswaiting.

ISHAANAur mere hero..phir shikaar pe?

Omi notices Ali and Ishaan checks his phone to see missedcalls

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Sorry yaar.. Ali ko ghar chhodnahai.. dukaan pe milta hoon shaamko..zyada der yahan bhataknamat..police dhoond rahi hai tujhe.

61.

Ishaan guffaws at his own joke as he drives off.

Omi is visibly disappointed. Song continues

70 INT./ EXT. ISHAAN'S HOUSE/TERRACE - DAY

Its Makar Sankranti!!

Ishaan, Vidya, Govind, Omi and Ali atop Ishaan's terrace,engaged in a kite flying competition.

Ish teams up with Ali against Omi and Govind. Ishaan cheersthe boy as Ali starts chasing Omi's kite to cut it.

ISHAANPench lada.. Khainch usko...kapinaak..

ALI (excited)Dheel do Ish bhaiya..

Omi is irritable and shouts at Govind, who is holding thespindle.

OMIKya kar raha hai Govi.. Dori tohtheek se sambhaal.. Saale kisketeam mein hai tu?

VIDYAChalo Omi bhai.. Buck up.. ghastinaak.

Omi notices how Vidya is giving covert glances to Govindwhile she cheers for Omi against her brother.

While he's distracted, Ali manages to cut Omi's kite andIsh and Ali do a high five amidst each other. Omi wearsa fixed smile as Ish teases Omi.

ISHAANKai po che!!.. Barah saal keteni se haar gaya.. Sharm karoOmi Shastri.

Song continues.

71 INT. NAVRANGPURA MALL/CRICKET SHOP (DREAM SEQ) - DAY

Govind is in his brand new mall store, designed exactlythe way Ish visualized it. A ribbon at the entrance hasbeen placed for inauguration.

Govind holds a pair of scissors while Ish and Omi lookon. Vidya releases a can of confetti. Ishaans dad, ishaansmom, govinds mom, omis father and omis mom all present

Govind cuts the ribbon, the whole shop shakes.

62.

The background song audio warbles and comes to an abrupthalt.

72 INT. GOVIND'S HOUSE - DAY

Govind wakes up in his home in a cold sweat to see thatthe overhead bulb and fan are shaking. Govind leaps outof bed. Govind's mother screams out from the doorway.

GOVIND'S MOMUth Govind...bahar nikal.. pooribuilding hil rahi hai..bhookampaavyuchche..

SUPER: 26th January 2001, 8.46am (trembling font)

73 EXT.GOVINDS HOUSE - DAY

A window breaks somewhere; a tv antenna falls elsewhere,potted plants fall from balconies; All three guys seenoutside their homes with neighbours running helter skelter.

Just as they are all expecting the worst and don't knowwhere to run for cover, the tremors subside and Govindsighs in relief. Govind runs up a staircase and seessmoke billowing in the distance.

NEIGHBOURNews mein aa raha hai ki saikdonimaartein gir gaye hai..hazaaronlog zinda kaatm ke neeche aa gaye..

Govind smells something terribly wrong and breaks into abrisk walk. He sees 2 ambulances and a fire brigade racepast him. He breaks into a run.

74 EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY

Wide shot of Govind running across Ellis bridge over theSabarmati river. The bridge connects the old city to thenew city.

In an aerial shot, we see dust and fumes rise, particularlyfrom the new city.

As we pan down, we see an out of breath Govind doing therun of his life. Govind passes fallen trees, fallenhoardings, crashed traffic signals and collapsed buildings.

Govind pauses for breath at a board that asks to turnright for Navrangpura.

75 EXT. NAVRANGPURA MALL - DAY

The under construction mall looks like it was made ofplay dough and someone has twisted it beyond recognition;parts of it broken down to rubble. Govind fishes out thekey to his shop from his pocket and just stands clutchingit and staring at the broken down mall.

63.

In sheer frustration he throws the key in the rubble;slips and falls amidst the rubble. A pair of hands pullhim up. Govind sees Ishaan and Omi behind him trying tocalm him down as Govind breaks out into a rant, babblingincoherently.

GOVIND(delirious/repeating thesame thing)

Saare paise doob gaye..doob gayeyaar..

ISHAANSambhaal apne aap ko Govi..

OMI(finding his voice)

Sab theek ho jayega..ghabra matyaar.

Something snaps in Govind at these conciliatory words andhe spats out in anger and frustration.

GOVINDKya theek ho jayega.. kaise theekho jayega..Aakhen khol ke dekhwahan..sab dher ho gaya..Ab lobehnchow apni Khidki wali dukaan..

Ishaan and Omi know that Govind is venting his frustration.Ishan tries to pick up Govi. Govi is flailing his armsaround, still delirious.

ISHAAN(to Omi)

Omi tu bike start kar..

Ish tries to get Govind on to the bike as Omi kick startsit. Govind still sits there dazed.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Chal Govi.. ghar chal.

76 EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY

The boys are riding on the bridge on their bike, smokebillowing in the distance from the new city. A fire enginepasses by with its alarm ringing loudly.

INTERMISSION

77 EXT. MUSLIM NEIGHBOURHOOD - DAY

It is a cold grey morning in Ahmedabad, a city in shambles. Ishaan makes his way through Ali's neighbourhood to seethat a lot of the slums have been affected the shanties

64.

have lost their roofs, somewhere a wall has caved in, theroad has cracked up in several places.

Ishaan approaches Ali's house with growing anxiousness.

78 EXT. GULSHAN SOCIETY COMPOUND - DAY

Although the huge old gate has withstood the earthquake,the building has developed large cracks and is dangerouslyslanted on one side.

The families have moved out in the court yard with whateverbelongings that they could grab. The neighbours are huddledaround.

NEIGHBOUR 1Abhi andar jana munasib nahinhai..phir se jhatke aa sakte hai.. Ek bhi naya crack aaya to pooribuilding gir jayegi..

Ishaan spots Ali and his brother now huddled togetherwhile his stepmother stands and weeps. Javed is shudderingin cold and shock.

ISHAANNaseer chacha kahaan hain?

ALI'S STEP MOTHER(sniffling)

Surat gaye hain..kaam se..phonebhi nahi lag raha..

(beating herforehead andpointing to Javed)

Ya allah!! Mere bachhe ki halatto dekho.. Aese kab tak raste pepade rahenge..

Couple of neighbours try calming her down.

NEIGHBOUR 3Bibi..abhi andar jane mein khatrahai..

General pandemonium. Just then a chunk of a ceiling comescrumbling down to the ground. Ishaan looks worried.

79 EXT. SCHOOL COMPOUND - DAY

Wide shot of Mama's Hindu party flag as it flutters overthe makeshift relief camp in the Municipal School. Abanner next to it says, "Earthquake Relief Camp".

Relief work going on in full swing- Tents are being putup, food counters set up. Crowd of people pushing andshoving their way to the registration counter. Sound ofbabies crying.

65.

Vishwas is supervising the registration process. Omi standsbehind him. Bittoo approaches them,seemingly hassled bythe phone conversation he's having.

MAMAParty ke sab senior leader Bhujki taiyyari mein hain.. Mujhejana padega.. Vishwas.. Idhar kasara kuch sambhaal lena.. Omi tuvishwas Kaka ke saath hi rahna.. Haan?

Omi nods earnestly.

80 EXT. SCHOOL COMPOUND - DAY

Dozens of camp volunteers wearing party badges run aroundtrying to create a semblance of order in the chaos.

Omi is guiding in a new truck load of relief suppliesinside the compound. The crowd has flocked to the truckeven before it can be unloaded.

There is a makeshift reception counter where new refugeesare being registered and tagged with a wrist band. Omiis supervising the registration process along with Vishwas.

OMIBada ek ek karkine line ma aavo.. Thoosa thoosi reva do.. Thodishaanti rakho..mota bhai.. Baddane males..

Omi spots Ishaan out of the corner of his eye, he isrelieved and raises his hand to wave at Ishaan but freezesin mid action at the sight of Ishaan walking in with 20people from Ali's building- men, women in burqas, children

81 EXT. SCHOOL COMPOUND - DAY

Vishwas has also spotted Ish's entourage. He comes aheadof the reception counter to block Ish.

Omi stays aloof as he pulls out a new bunch of tags froma box.

ISHAANKaka,Juhapur mein to sab dher hogaya hai.. Main khud dekh ke aaraha hoon.. Jagah jagah pe crackaa gaye hai..inki building kabhibhi gir sakti hai..thode din keliye bas camp mein jagah chahiye..

Vishwas looks through Ish.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Bas 15-20 tag mein kaam ho jayega.. Kahan pe likhwaana hai naam?

66.

Vishwas spots Ali.

VISHWASYe Naseer no chokro che ne?

Ish is surprised. He nods.

VISHWAS (CONT'D)Toh eno baap kyan che? nazar nahirahe ?

(turning to hismen)

Udhar manch pe jaake to badi badideenge marta hai ki woh junta kesaath hai.. ab jab junta pe aanpadi, to miyan sheher chod kebhag gaye?

Ishaan can't believe that Vishwas is politicizing thewhole thing. He looks at Omi who has now joined them.

ISHAANYaar.. Kaka toh kahi aur hi nikalgaye hai.. Chal Omi..tag nikaal.. ye log sach mein musibat mein haiyaar.. Emni madad karvij parse.

Vishwas looks to Omi.

VISHWASApne dost ko samjhao.. hamaarepane yahaan lakhon zakhmi padehai.. Waise bhi coupons limitedhai.

Omi tries to pacify the situation.

OMIKaka,main baat karta hun..Ish ekminute side ma aa..

ISHAANTu tags nikaal Omi.. phir dinbhar baithke baat karte rahenge.. Pahle khane ke packets baant detehai..subah se ek daana nahi gaya..

VISHWASOmi..inko bol peeche hate..

ISHAANBas bahut ho gaya.. Mere paasyeh sab bakwaas sunne ka timenahi hai..

Ishaan moves forward to grab the tags.

Vishwas slams his hand on top of Ishaan's to stop him.

67.

Ishaan looks at Vishwas, daggers drawn.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Haath hatao..

Omi grabs Ish's forearm in a bid to pull him in and makehim understand.

OMIIshaan, meri baat to sun.. ekminute side mein aa.. chhod useIshaan,

Vishwas and Omi have their hands in a tussle. Ishaan haslocked eyes with Vishwas!!

VISHWASOmi, main aakhri baar kah rahahun.. apne dots ko bol apni tolile aur nikle yahan se.

OMI(desperate)

Ishaan.. Scene mat kar..chal.. bahar chal ke baat kartehai..chal.. Main aata hu teresaath.

Ishaan pulls the tags in defiance. Vishwas gives Ishaan ahard shove. Ishaan like a cat with his back against thewall retaliates by shoving Vishwas back. Omi pulls Ishaanback in a bid to stop the madness as everyone is watching. Ishaan turns around and socks Omi who lands on the floor. Ishaan lunges for Vishwas but the party workers pull himback.

ISHAANTeri toh..saale..do takke kachamche..

Omi cant believe the limits Ishaan has gone to this time.

VISHWBahar phenki aao aane!

Vishwas' men grab hold of Ishaan and throw him out evenas he protests and swings his arms wildly.

82 EXT. SCHOOL COMPOUND GATE - DAY

Ali's family and neighbours have now retreated from theschool compound.

Vishwas' men push Ishaan out, whose face is now red inhumiliation, anger and shame.

ISHAANGhusavi raakh camp ne!!

68.

Ali tries to run towards Ish but his step mother restrainshim.

Ali throws a stone towards the gate of the school compoundand runs away.

83 INT. GOVIND'S HOUSE - DAY

Govind slumped on the living room divan with a bandage onhis forehead. His broken specs lies on a side table ashe continues to stare listlessly at the blurry visuals onthe tv. Every channel shows the same news on the earthquakeand relief work as if in a loop.

Govind's phone is ringing but he doesn't answer it. Hismother addresses him.

GOVIND'S MOM Khana?

Govind shakes his head in negative.

GOVIND'S MOM (CONT'D)Ghadi ghadi ek hi cheez dekh kekya faayda? Uth ab..baharja..thode khule mein ghoom keaa....jo hona tha wo ho gaya.. Ab aage ki soch.

Govind turns his face away, not wanting to hear this.

84 EXT. GULSHAN SOCIETY COMPOUND - EVENING

Ishaan is helping some men to clear the compound and setup tents. Ali is with him. The men are talking amongstthemselves about what can be done with the building. Inthe background, some women have lit a stove and arecooking.

NEIGHBOUR 1Sabse pahle timber daal ke baseko mazboot karna padega.. uskebaad hi repairing ka kaam chaluho sakta hai.

NEIGHBOUR 2Par is sab ke liye paise kahan seayenge..? Already itna nuksaanho gaya hai..

NEIGHBOUR 3Kuch to karna hi padega Ilyasbhai..aese biwi bachchon ke saathsadak pe to nahi baith sakte..allahne dhayi hai, ab rasta bhi wohidikhayenge..

69.

NEIGHBOUR 1Saath sattar hazaar toh lagjayenge..

In the meantime Naseer has just arrived. Ali runs out andhugs him. Naseer hugs him back tightly.

NASEERAllah ka laakh laakh shukar hai..

Suddenly he notices Javed and his wife as his wife breaksout in a fresh wail.

NASEER (CONT'D)Rukhsana!!.. Javed!!

85 EXT. GULSHAN SOCIETY COMPOUND - MOMENTS LATER

Naseer has just heard what happened at the relief campand is now blaming Ishaan.

NASEER:Kya zaroorat thi wahan jaane ki..? Poore mohalle ki beizzati karaakeaa gaye..

Ish is taken aback at Naseer's reaction.

ISHAANPar chacha.. tab aisa panic hogaya tha.. Socha camp mein sabkojagah mil jayegi..

NASEER:Mil gayi jagah? Sab log jaantehai Bitoo ke party ke log marjayenge par kabhi hamari madadnahi karenge..

Naseer vents out his irritation at Ishaan.

NASEER: (CONT'D)Isi liye main Ali ko pehle se hitum logon ke paas bhejne ko raazinahi tha.. Koi fayda nahi hotaye sab bhaichaare ka.. sabdikhaawa hai..ab behtar yahi haiki woh apne logon ke beechrahe..yehin pale.. Yehin mare..abkhuda ke liye humen pane haal pechhod do.. Shukriya.

Ali who has been standing behind Ishaan and followingtheir conversation clutches Ishaan's hand tightly when hehears that Naseer is asking him to leave.

70.

86 INT. GOVIND'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Govind must have dozed off when he's woken up by Vidya'svoice.

VIDYAKab se try kar rahi hoon? Phonesilent pe hai tumhara?

Govind is surprised to see her. Vidya comes closer andkeeps a hand on Govind's forehead

VIDYA (CONT'D)(softly)

Ab bhi bukhaar hai kya..?

Govind shakes his head but stays quiet. Vidya switchesgears again and breaks forth excitedly.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Phir uthke kuch karte kyon nahi? Kab tak ghar pe buthha banakebaithe rahoge?

GOVIND(snaps)

Kya karoon? Jaake mall khada kardoon phir se?

VIDYA(exasperated)

Mall bhi khada kar denge..parpehle jaake apne doston kosambhaalo.. khule aam publicmein maar peet shuru kar di hai.

Govind is caught by surprise and knits his brow in frown...

GOVINDKya??

87 EXT. OMI'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Vidya drops off Govi on her scooty. Omi who is seated onthe terrace of his house, watches Vidya drive off. Afaint sound of temple bells ringing can be heard in thebackground.

CUT.

88 INT./EXT. OMI'S HOUSE/TERRACE - NIGHT

Govind is standing behind Omi, having just heard hisversion of the events. Omi is still stinging from whathappened earlier. Govind sounds worried.

GOVINDLa kya ho kya raha hai ye sab? Baat itni kaise bad gayi?

71.

Omi maintains a sullen silence.

GOVIND (CONT'D)Time bhi to saala gadbad chalraha hai..sab ki lagi huihai..(pause) Tu janta hai Ishaanbaat baat pe bhadak uthtahai..ismein itna serious hone kikya baat hai?

Omi retorts sharply.

OMITu mujhe mat samjha Ishaan kaisahai..tujhse behtar janta hun mainuse..

Govind has to smile at Omi's typical possessive reactiontowards anything concerning Ish.

GOVINDChor na yaar.. uska to hameshaka problem hai..anytime dimaagghode pe sawaar rahta hai.

Omi has had it with Govind's attempts at pep talk.

OMITu chor na yaar.. Tere ko jabchaar logon ke beech gaaliyandega na, tab dekhta hun tu kitnacontrol mein rehta hai..

(beat)us chhaant bhar ke ladke ke liye sabke saamne mujh se bhir gaya,toh soch kya karega jab usey teraaur Vidya ka pata chalega?

Govind's face grows pale...Omi knows! Omi turns and staresat Govind square in the eye; Govind has to look away, ata loss for words.

89 INT./EXT. CRICKET SHOP - DAY

Cut to an ambient shot outside the sports shop.

Ishaan arrives at the shop to see Govind franticallychecking the cash drawer and muttering to himself. Theupturned cash box lies on the counter. Govind looksextremely hassled.

GOVINDSab le gaye yaar..poore chaaliska bundle tha.

Ishaan is quietly gulping down water. Govind is ready totear his hair out in frustration. He starts banging thecounter, not knowing what to do.

72.

GOVIND (CONT'D)Saare ke saare chor hain.. bhookamp ke baad se sab jagahloot machi hui hai.. Paanch hajaarchod gaye bheek mein.. Chal.. Police mein jaake report likhwaatehai..

Ishaan is shifty. He mutters under his breath.

ISHAANWoh..Paise maine liye..

Govind freezes in mid action.

GOVINDKya..?

Ish scratches his head, avoiding Govind's gaze.

ISHAANYaar..Do din se sab andhadhundhimachi hai.. Time hi nahi milakuch sochne ka Govi.. Tujhe phonebhi kiya bahut baar par tu neuthaya nahi..

Govind keeps looking at Ishaan askance, not saying a word.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)(under his breath)

Ali ke building mein repairskaraani thi..

Govind is just lost for words. Omi enters at this point.He's heard the last of the conversation. He doesn'taddress Ishaan directly.

OMIMaine kahan nahi tha..mental hogaya hai yeh us teni ke peeche..absar pe bitha ke nacho.

ISHAANOmi.. Tu bahar rah.

Omi moves away from Ish.

OMIKyun? Kya galat kah raha hoonmain?.. Tujhe pata hai abhi bhihamaare kitne log kaatmal ke neechephanse hue hai..ek ek karke bodiesnikaali ja rahi hai.. par tujhewo sab kuch nahi dikhta.. tujhesirf wo ladka aur uski takleefeinhi dikhti hai!

73.

ISHAAN(arguing)

Saale bada Mama ki zabaan bolnelag gaya hai tu.. maine kuch galatnahi kiya.. phir mauka mila tophir karoonga..insaan hi insaanke madad aata hai..

Govind now cuts in with a sharp cry.

GOVINDTum log bhaukna band karoge(turning to Ish) Apne aapkosamajhta kya hai tu be? Hai kauntu paise ko haath lagaane wala ?Tu leader hai kya unka? Tere baapka galla hai? Saale chutiye.. Ek to Hasan gayab ho gaya hamaarepaise leke.. mall ka ata patanahi.. Mama ke teen laakh galemein latak rahe hai..chaaron tarafse lagi hui hai..aur tere ko saaleyehi time mila tha samaaj seva keliye ?

Govind flings the cashbox and it falls with a loud crash.

Ish has never felt so miserable before, with the twoclosest people in his world turning against him. But heis still belligerent.

ISHAANAb to de diye paise..ab kuch nahiho sakta.

Omi and Govind look at him aghast. Ish tries to cajolethem.

The sound of a repetitive bhajan chant is wafting fromthe temple. Ishaan looks out with a silent appeal to hisfriends

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Paise hi hai na.. phir se kamalenge.. Lekin Ali jaisa talentroz roz nahi milta...aakhri chancehai yaar, ise main nahi chod sakta

Omi and Govind stare at him in disbelief.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Aur yeh dekh..

He thrusts the newspaper carrying the headline of Australiatouring India. His last gambit.

74.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Australia series shuru hone walihai..ek baar India jeet gayi.. Bas.. dhanda raaton raat pick upkarega. Tu tension mat le.

Govind snatches the paper from Ishaan's hands and flingsit away, too tired to even argue. Ishaan walks out.

90 INT. PARTY OFFICE - DAY

(Time lapse)Super: 2nd March,2001.

A headline screams India's defeat in the first test againstAustralia. Govind puts the paper away with a sigh. Govindsits rather nervously outside Bittoo Mama's office. He isushered in.

Govind greets Mama politely shelling out some money aspart payment of their loan. Omi stands quietlybehind,grave.

GOVINDMama,woh bhookamp ke baad se dhandathoda slow chal raha hai.. abhiyeh bees hazaar rakh lijiye.. thoda thoda karke instalmentsmein sara lauta denge..

Bittoo doesn't count the money. He shrugs it away.

BITTOO MAMAHmmm.. Jis din poore ikhatte hojaye..us din aake lauta dena..yehafton wala system yahan nahichalta beta.

Govind and Omi look at each other. We hold the moment.Bittoo now looks at Govind and the note of warning isunmistakable in his voice.

BITTOO MAMA (CONT'D) (pause).. Aur woh tumharadost..kya haal hain uske? Uskigarmi nikli ki nahi? Tum logsamjhaate kyun nahi use..in sabchakkaron mein na pade..

Govind shifts nervously. Omi deflects the topic.

OMIMama.. Aapne bahut kiya hamareliye..thank you, hum kuch bhikarke paison ki vyavastha kartehain.

75.

MAMA(to Omi)

Agle mahine se chunaav prachaarzoron se shuru hone wali hai.Omi..is baar tujhe jaan lada denipadegi.

GOVINDUski chinta mat kijiye..Omi aapkesaath hi rahega. Dukaan ki saaridekh rekh main akele kar loonga

Omi looks at Govind, slightly confused. Govind gives himan approving look.

91 INT. CRICKET SHOP - DAY

Super: Ind v/s Aus test match/ Eden Gardens/ March 11,2001/ Day 1

The TV shows the score. Australia is batting and is at193/1 at tea.

Govind is carrying the supplies that the Kashmiri pandithas brought in.

SUPPLIER PANDITJIGovind Bhai, who Ish bhaiya nahimile kuch din se..

ISHAAN(sarcastically)

Ish Bhaiya ko apne aap se milehue bahut din ho gaye..

They are interrupted as a 52 year old lady in spectacles,who we'll later know as MRS.MEHTA, arrive at the shop.She has a eight year old boy,SUKETU, dragging her inside.

SUKETUMujhe match dekhna hai.. Phleeeze!!

(gujju)

MRS MEHTANamaste.. Main Mrs. Mehta. Yehmera beta Suketu hai..' cricketcricket' karke hairaan kar diyahai.. Main actually aarti keliye late ho rahi hoon..kya wohyahan thodi der match dekh saktahai?

Govind nods.

92 INT./EXT. PARTY OFFICE - DAY

Omi is working in the party office, taking delivery ofposters.

76.

OMIHar ek pol ke liye alag bundlebana diya hai.. jo jis area kahai apne apne utha lo.. Budhwartak chappa chappa cover ho janachahiye..

Vishwaas comes in and leads Omi out to the porch where anew Tata Sumo,decked with flowers,is parked. Vishwashands him the keys. Just then his phone rings. Omi picksit up.

BITTOOOmi..yeh tree liye.. Party kasenior karya karta hai ab tu.. Kabh tak us purani bike pe ghistarahega.

Omi is over joyed. He turns around. Bittoo is standingright across the porch. He rushes across and touches hisfeet. They hug as Bittoo thumps his back.

Omi excitedly dials Ishaan's no but then after a rethinkdisconnects it.

93 INT. CRICKET SHOP - DAY

The TV shows Harbhajan is on the brink of a hat trick. Govind's eyes are now glued to tv, forgetting the students'notebooks open in front of him.

The 3rd wicket goes... Suketu and Govind give out a cheerand do a high five. Suketu starts jumping up anddown,screaming in joy. Just then Mrs Mehta walks in andis amused at seeing Govind and Suketu bond.

MRS MEHTAArre..India jeet rahi hai kya..? Thank you..( To Suketu) Chalo.baaki ghar pe dekhenge..kuchchahiye yahan se?

GOVINDKoi baat nahi Aunty..

Govind gives a pat on Suketu's back.

MRS MEHTAAchcha..aap log schools ko bhisports equipment supply karte ho?

GOVINDSchool supply..??

Govind hesitates but is quick to spot the opportunity .

GOVIND (CONT'D)Karte hai na? Of course..bataiye

77.

MRS MEHTAMain Kendriya Vidyalaya kiprincipal hoon, Urvashi Mehta.

GOVINDNamaste..Govind. Hum sirf supplyhi nahi..coaching bhi providekarte hai..hamaari apni academyhai.Mera partner Ishaan.. IshaanBhatt, district level ka playerhai.

As he gives his spiel,Govind hands over a business card -proudly displaying 'Sabarmati Sports Club'.

MRS MEHTAThat's great. Main kuch time sePhysical Education ko curriculummein include karne ki koshish karrahi uh.. tum log agle Mondayaake ek presentation kyun nahikarte?

GOVINDWe'll be there Madam..

MRS MEHTAMonday 9 o clock then.

Govind takes out a ball and gives it to Suketu and ruffleshis hair. As they leave he picks up the phone.

94 INT. ISHAAN'S HOUSE - DAY

Pull back from the TV showing the end of day's play.

ISHAANMonday ko India ki 2nd inningsaane wali hai.. Main kahi nahijanewala..Tu akele manage kar lena Govi.. Please?

Ishaan disconnects. We stay on the TV as it shows end ofday score.

TV ANNOUNCERDue to a fantastic spell byHarbhajan, Australia end the dayat 291/8.At the end of Day 1, itlooks like even stevens. Indiahas wrested the initiative back.

95 INT. ISHAAN'S HOUSE/VIDYA'S ROOM - NIGHT

A page from a statistics book, explaining some problem. For once Vidya is focused on her studies but Govind seemsdistracted. He looks up from the book and suddenly starts venting about his best friend to his 'back up friend'.

78.

GOVINDIsh ka kya karoon Vidya..samajhnahi aata ..Pahle bina batayepaise nikaale.. Phir Omi se ladaaikarke baith gaya..Us din uskiwajah se Mama se chaar baateinsunni padi.. kisi bhi cheez kijimmedari nahi leni use.. koiitna selfish ho sakta hai ..aurbhi toh log involved hai.. Nukebare main to sochna hi nahi. ..Pata nahin ghar pe tum log kaiseuse handle karte ho..must be likedaily torture.

Vidya stays quiet. Govind is about to continue hiscomplaints when suddenly he goes red in his face and almostcries out when Vidya speaks softly but firmly.

VIDYABhai thode impulsive zaroor haipar doston pe jaan dete hai woh,unko baith ke judge nahi karte..apne doston ke liye woh kuchbhi kar sakte hai..

Govind keeps his mouth shut. We now see that Vidya ispinching him hard on his waist. She repeats softly.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Kar sakte hai ki nahin..? Karsakte hai..??

Vidya increases the pressure of her pinch. She gives himone last tweak and lets go. A silent scream escapesGovind's mouth.

Govind sighs in relief. He looks incredulously towardsher...

She turns nonchalantly back to her books.

VIDYA (CONT'D)To kahan thay hum.. problem no.11?

96 INT. ISHAAN'S HOUSE - DAY

We reveal TV showing the match again.

Super: Day 2

TV ANNOUNCER

Finally, the Australian firstinnings has come to a close at445. The Kangaroo tail has waggedand now India has its task cutout!!

79.

Ishaan is slumped in front of the tv in his living room. His father notices him back in his familiar position andaddresses his wife at the dining table. Vidya climbsdown the stairs and joins the family.

ISHAAN'S FATHERCricket ke dukaan pe bhi tala laggaya lagta hai?

Vidya walks over to Ishaan and looks like she wants tosay something to him.

VIDYABhailu...

Ishaan doesn't even look at her as he continues to watchtv. She sits down beside him on the swing.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Bhailu.. Mujhe kuch baat karnihai..

ISHAANBaad mein..

Vidya is peeved at this and takes the remote of the tvfrom the center table and switches it off.

VIDYAZaroori baat hai..

Ishaan doesn't let her finish,snatching the remote andswitches the tv on again.

ISHAANTang mat kar Vidya..mujhehighlights dekhni hai

She snatches the remote back and switches it off again.

VIDYADo minute nahi hai aapke paasmujhse baat karne ke liye..

ISHAAN(tone of warning)

Kaha na baad mein..ab bhaag yahanse

So saying Ishaan lunges for the remote and switches itback to cricket again. Vidya is really pissed off now.

VIDYATum bhaago yahan se..mera bhighar hai ye..hamesha tumharidadagiri nahi chalegi..

80.

She tries to snatch the remote from Ishaan. Ishaan loseshis cool and grips Vidya's hair, pulling her away,overpowering her.

ISHAANIrritate mat kar Vidya..remotewapas de.. Nahi to khich ke doongaek !

He looks like he's almost about to hit her. Ishaan's fathernow pulls Ishaan away and lands a stinging slap on hisface.

FATHERBas.. bahut ho gaya..Apni bahenpe haath uthaata hai!! Baharduniya mein khade hone ki aukatto hai nahi,bas gharwalon pe raubjamate raho.. Taangein tod doongateri!!

Ishaan walks off without a word. Sound overlap of Day 3'scommentary.

97 INT./EXT. ISHAAN'S HOUSE/TERRACE - NIGHT

Super: Day 3 Ishaan is seated on the ledge of the terrace,facing outward. He looks gloomy and dejected, hasn't shavedfor a couple of days now.

TV ANNOUNCER(V.O.)So India's first innings has foldedup for 171, 274 short ofAustralia's 445.Australia'senforced a follow on. Its goingto be uphill from here to savethe test match.

Vidya comes and stands behind him. Ishaan doesn't seemto notice her presence. Vidya keeps a hand on Ishaan'sshoulder.

VIDYAKab tak ghar pe muh sujaake baitherahoge.. Jake Omi bhai se baatkyon nahi karte?

Ishaan gives a glance towards Vidya over his shouldersbut doesn't respond and looks away. Vidya now climbs upon the ledge too, facing Ishaan. Ishaan instinctivelyreaches out a hand behind her to guard her from falling.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Aap se kitna pyaar karta hai,shayad mujh se bhi zyaada..Phirse haar maan ke baith gaye? Kyaho jaata aap ko bhailu. Ek kuchhua nahi ki aap sab chhod chhadke baith jaate ho.

81.

Ishaan is about to say something but Vidya rests a handon him and continues.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Itni asaani se aise dost nahimilte..poori zindagi nikal jatihai.

Ish hangs his head in silence knowing that his littlesister is saying the right thing. He sits there quiet.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Come on bhailu.. gussa to itnagussa aur jab maafi ka time aayatoh itni kanjoosi..achhe se jaakesorry bolo.. Maan jayega..fanhai woh aapka..

Stay on Ishaan's face, looking like a child who has toaccept the truth.

VIDYA (CONT'D)Hum sab fan hai aapke..

ISHAAN(softly)

Sorry Vidya..

Vidya ruffles his hair and then suddenly tugs at it asrevenge for yesterday.

Ishaan feels the pain but instead of frowning, breaksinto a smile and wraps his arm around her shoulders.

98 INT. GOKULDHAM TEMPLE - DAY

Super Day 4- Omi is setting the mats for the devotees. Ishaan sees him from afar and throws him a smile, Omi ignores him and continues with his work. Ishaan trailsbehind him, trying to apologize.

ISHAANSun toh meri baat..sorry yaar..

Omi doesn't respond and goes on with his work. Ishaanstraightens each mat like Omi's assistant but Omi isummoved.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Hud ho gayi yaar zid ki? Kyakaroon? Aarti utaarun teri??Pairon pe girgiraoon?

So saying Ishaan drops down on his knees in front of Omiand attempts to catch hold of his feet. Omi jumps back

OMIKya kar raha hai? Pagal ho gayakya?

82.

ISHAANApne paapon ka prayashchat karraho hoon, bhugwun..

OMI(pointing to thealtar)

Wahan pe..paapiyon ke liye wohline hai.. Wahan jake maafi maang.

Now that he's got his attention, Ishaan changes gear andplays the emotional card.

ISHAAN(reaching out toOmi)

Omi yaar..kya hai ye? main terabhai nahi hoon?? ab chhod nagussa..

Ishaan puts a hand to Omi's shoulders. Omi spots a coupleof devotees who have now entered and are watching theirdrama. Omi shrugs him off.

OMIBas bahut ho gaya Ishaan.

He looks straight into Ishaan's eyes.

OMI (CONT'D)Tu apna chhor ke kisi ka nahihai..

Omi just keeps staring at Ishaan. Ishaan's face cloudsover.

99 INT. CRICKET SHOP - EVENING

Govind walks in with supplies as Laxman and Dravid arewalking back to the pavilion.

TV ANNOUNCERFantastic batting by the two.They've showed a really maturehead on those young shoulders. The Australians could not claim asingle wicket all day. At theend of day 4, India stands at 589for 4. Back to our studios forthe expert analysis.

ISHAAN (V.O.)Chalo Izzat to bach jayegi..

Govind is startled to see Ishaan already there. As heputs down the supplies, he peeps over to see Ishaanpreparing some files for the presentation at KendriyaVidyalaya. Govind is impressed. Ishaan looks focussed.

83.

100 EXT. CRICKET SHOP/TEMPLE COMPOUND - DAY

SUPER: DAY 5

The TV has been placed outside the shop. Ish, and Govindsit on stools as a crowd of shopkeepers and bystanderswatch the match with them. Ali leans on Ishaan's stool.

TV ANNOUNCERThe news has just come in fromthe dressing room..It is confirmed.Ganguly has decided to declarethe innings at 658. They've setAustralia a target of 384 to win.Its a challenging declaration..thematch has come back to life!!

Murmurs run through the crowd. Ali tries to follow theconversation

SHOP KEEPER 1Chalo..draw to pucca hai..

SHOP KEEPER 2Waise declare karne ki zarooratkya thi..? Acchha khasa khel tohrahe the.

BY STANDER 1Kahin unhone saade 300 thok diyetoh?

Ishaan stands up and with a glint in his eye.

ISHAANAur kahin humne unke dus wicketthok diye, toh?

Faint strands of Vande Mataram starts on the soundtrack.Omi watches from the temple at the little crowd gatheredat the shop.

SHOPKEEPER 1 (V.O.)Follow on se koi team aaj takjeeti hai?? Ho hi nahi sakta..

Back at the shop.

ISHAANCricket mein kuch bhi ho saktahai kaka.. Apne boys ka moraleabhi high hai..kuch bhi ho saktahai..kyun Govind..ho sakta haina?

Govind shakes his head.

84.

GOVINDMushkil hai.. pichle sau saalonmein sirf do hi baar hua hai..max to max draw hai.

ISHAANTu bas statistics mein ghusarah..game to on hai boss!!

101 INT. OMI'S HOUSE - DAY

Harbhajan does a winning spell at bowling

TV ANNOUNCERAnd that's one more to the kitty..Bhajji's on fire.. This is turningout to be an unbelievable cricketmatch. Five down Australia.

OMICome on Bhajji!!

Omi looks charged up, feeling a sudden surge of joy andis about to exclaim but then realizes he has no one toshare it with and quiets down.

102 EXT. CRICKET SHOP - DAY

The song continues. Ishaan suddenly looks fired up. Thereis an excited buzz as India looks close to clinching avictory. The 9th wicket falls.

TV ANNOUNCER(hyper)

Australia is 9 down, one more andthey lose the match. India is onthe verge of creating cricketinghistory, coming back from a followon to win.

AUSTRALIAN CO-COMMENTATOR(mock anger)

Thats going to sting for a longtime...Sorry mate.. Doesnt looklike these Aussie boys will bepartying much tonight.

Ishaan looking tensed.

ISHAANLast wicket hai..koi hilna mat

103 INT. OMI'S HOUSE - DAY

The TV caption shows the past two matches in history whenthis has happened.

Omi is glued to the tv,furiously biting his nails off.

85.

OMICome on.. Come on..ek last bas..

Harbhajan takes the last wicket. Eden Gardens is up on aroar...fireworks on tv. Omi begins to shout out in joy

OMI (CONT'D)Yaaaay.. Jeet gaye!!!!!

Vande Mataram reaches a crescendo here.

104 EXT. TEMPLE COMPOUND - DAY

Ish seems to continue that shout of joy as he jumps upand runs around wildly.

ISHAANJeet gaye.. Ye lo saalon..Indeaah!! Ind eaah!!... Jeet gayebhai jeet gaye!! Indiaaaah!!

The shopkeepers dance. Drum beats from the Mandir. Conchshells blow. The entire temple compound breaks into joyouscelebration. Omi steps out in front of the temple to seethe crowd buzzing around their shop.

Ishaan spots Omi and runs to him... the friends staringat each other, their faces breaking into glee as Ish runsand hugs Omi tightly.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Baka..Bahut miss kiya tere ko.

OMIJaanta hun..

Ish drags him next to the shop. Omi's face breaks into asmile as Ishaan picks up Ali on his shoulders and startsdoing a bhangra dance with Omi.

ISHAAN

Oye..Oye..Oye!! (to Omi) Bhajjika hat trick dekha?? Mindblowingyaar!!

A boy comes running to the shop with a 500 rupee note.

BOYEk season ball aur ek set keepinggloves..jaldi please..hamara matchshuru hone wala hai..

Now Govind's face breaks into genuine glee. Celebratorymusic in background continues as he joins Ish and Omi.

86.

105 INT/EXT. CRICKET SHOP - DAY

Montage of business taking off shots of newspaper clippingsannouncing "India wins historic match" and "Team Indiamakes India proud." Intercut with a flurry of activityat the Sabarmati Sports shop. Govind looks happily busy.

Panditji and an army of workers bring several trunk loadof stock.

106 INT. KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA/MRS.MEHTA'S OFFICE - DAY

Ishaan and Govind face a panel of five teachers in Mrs.Mehtas office.

TEACHERDekho bhai.. Hamara governmentaided school hai.. hamaare bachheexams mein pass ho jaye..yehihamaare liye bahut hai.. SportsTraining pe har mahine schoolfund se 40 hazaar rupye allocatekarna.. doesn't make sense.

Govind is worried that the deal may be lost.

GOVINDSir.. yeh sirf preliminary figureshain. Hum kuch adjustments karskate hain

ISHAANNahi..nahi kar sakte hain

(Ishaan addresses Govind)Hazaar se bhi zyada students kabatch hai..isse kum mein kahan sehogi sports training? Who bhiwith free equipment?

Ishaan turns back to face the panel.

ISHAANSorry ma'm..isse kum mein hamareliye practical hi nahi hai..we'llgo into losses..

Govind tries to hush Ishaan up.

GOVINDYaar samajh na..sports toh inkesylabus mein hi nahi hai.

ISHAANAajtak syllabus ki kaunsi aisicheez hai jo hamare life meinkaam aayi hai?

Govind's face drops as Ishaan has insulted the client.

87.

TEACHER 2Achhe marks se phir bhi aage jake achche college mein admissionmil sakti hai.. Sports khelkeaap apna future secure nahi karsakte.

ISHAANAap aise dono cheezon ko comparenahi kar skate Ma'm.. its notfair.. Sports training sirf fieldtak limited nahin hai.. issebachhe kayi life skills bhi seekhtehain.. Teamwork.. Focus.. SelfDiscipline. Students apne aap kopush kar skate hai.. Ek definitegoal set kar sakte hai.. phiryehi students bahar jaake asliduniya mein bhir skate hai.. 100metre hurdles mein first aana koiphysics mein sau mein se sau lanese kam nahi hai!!

Silence in the room as everyone absorbs Ishaan's outburst. Govind wiping sweat, sure that they've lost the deal.

107 INT./EXT. KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA CORRIDOR/STAIRCASE - DAY

Govind is super excited as he pours over the officialletter walking down the empty corridors with Ishaan.

GOVIND(laughing)

Chavai gyo boss tu toh!Ek minuteke liye mujhe laga ki gayi dealpaani mein.. Woh Mrs. Srivastavaka mooh dekha

ISHAANYaar,ek minute ke liye soch.. agar hum yeh sports packageAhmedabad ke chhote..bade.. sabschoolon mein offer karein to?

Govind turns to see Ishaan spinning yet another dream.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)In fact Ahmedabad chhor,Surat,Baroda, Rajkot.. dekhte dekhtepoore desh mein Ahmedabad SportsClub ka thappa laga sakte hain

The school bell goes off and students start to pour out

ISHAAN (CONT'D)..aur phir itne schools.. itnebachhe.. Soch kitna talentniklega??

(MORE)

88.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Kone kone se dhoond nikalengesaalon ko.. phir tera dhandadekh kahan se kahan pahuchjayega..!!

Govind mock salutes Ishaan.

GOVINDSab hoga shreemaan..sab hoga.. Main Dhirubhai ban jaoonga aurOmi ko Chief Minister banadenge..Par abhi rickshaw dhoonein

Rip off of hit film song used for campaigning from 2000-2001 fades in. (Kaho na Pyaar hai)

108 EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY

A tempo full of party workers campaigning on the streets. The tempo is decorated with party banners and a large cutout of Bittoo with folded hands and a tilak on hisforehead.

Speakers installed on the tempo blares the election songwhich has been re-written to the tune of a hit Hindi filmsong.

Omi in his brand new Sumo and aviators, leads the group,shouting in to the mic the chorus of the song, clearlyenjoying himself.

Their tempo now passes an area where Naseer's party hasset up a road side meeting.

Omi's song is intruded by a shrieking feedback fromNaseer's PA system.

Naseer notices the tempo and speaks loudly into his mic;addressing a mixed crowd of Hindu and Muslims workingclass people. He introduces their party candidate SUBODHMEHTA, a docile looking elderly man.

NASEERBhaiyon ane behnon.. Agad padtasamjh sewak, janata na wafadarkaryakarta, sewa bhavi mahatmasubodh mehta ni kon nati olaktu.. Taliyo! Hoon mehtaji nu vannantikaroon chu ki be shabd tamnesambhlawe

Naseer passes the mic to Subodh Mehta as the crowd cheers.Omi turns up the volume of the song they are playing andcampaigns even more loudly.

89.

MEHTAJIJe dharti par mahatmaye janamlido, jeh dharti upar lokhandipurushe' dharti dhrijaviti tyaanaaje hoon ubho chu. Duniya keche ki gujaratima dum anti, taaqatnati.. aye gujarati aaje chaatithoke ni ke che.. Aavijaoo!

Omi's tempo revs up and zooms past the meeting area,drowning the sound of applause.

109 EXT. NANA PARK - DAY

Ali is at a fielding position while Jignesh balls. Alisees the ball soar up in the sky in his direction.

JIGNESH(shouts)

Ali tera hai..Pakad

Ali runs all the time keeping his eyes on the red ball asit zooms down (kapils '83 catch of richards). The sunlightalmost blinds Ali as he leaps up in the air to reach forthe ball...He feels his vision go dark as his head reels. A dull thud of him falling to the ground as the screengoes dark.

110 EXT. NANA PARK - MOMENTS LATER

Ali opens his eyes to see Jignesh, Pintoo and Ish leaningover him. He hasn't let go of the ball and grins widely.

Jignesh helps him up. Pintoo pats him while Ishaan giveshim water.

ISHAANTheek hai na tu..? Thodi der breakle le..

The other boys have also gathered around them. Ali shakeshis head in negative, wanting to play on, still clutchingthe ball and smiling.

Ishaan announces a break anyway and as he walks back withhis boys herding around him.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)OK guys.. Drinks break..back in10.

PINTOOKya catch pakda yaar.

ISHAAN83 mein kapil paji ne same tosame richards ka catch pakda tha..

Ishaan initiates a regroup...\

90.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)..Ok guys.. Importantannouncement.. Inter Clubtournament aane wala hai.. Auris baar (pause)' Amdavad SportsClub hissa legi.. Jigla captainkarega.. Ali aur Ashwin tum donoopen karonge..Pintoo..tu bowlingattack lead karega..Get set boys.. Ab jaldi se match fit hona hai.

111 INT./EXT. BITTOO'S HOUSE - DAY

A wide shot of Bittoo's house.

Omi is seated in Bittoo's living room along with Vishwasand a couple of others. Bittoo is enraged, pacing up anddown the room. Everyone is tense.

Bittoo's daughter spots something in the newspaper andstops to take a closer look.

DAUGHTER(excitedly)

Pappa tamaro photo!

Looking closer and showing it to baby brother.

DAUGHTER (CONT'D)Golu jo.. Pappa!

She starts reading out the words of the headline- 'Brah-min bribed...'

An incriminating picture of Bittoo and the builder KantilalShah at some party. To make things worse the pictureshows them drinking. The headline runs 'Brahmin bribed byBuilder; Builder goes missing after cheating hundreds.

Bitto now snatches the paper from the daughter and flingsit aside.

Omi sees Bittoo's frustration and promptly takes the kidsout of the room.

BITTOO MAMAHaraamiyo ne dikha di apnijaat..saale jasoos lagaye hue haimere peeche.. Hazaaron log aatehai..photo khichwaate hai..mainkya sab ke naam pata note kartarahoon?

VISHWASKantilal ne hamare 'BhookampRelief' fund ke liye donationdiya tha na ..is liye inko cheentilag gayi

91.

Omi has joined them by now.

BITTOO MAMAMaine aaj tak kisi ka ek nayarupya nahi liya. Sab jaante hainki jo aata gaya sab relief fundmein lag gaya..ek ek pai ki receipthai..

VISHWASYeh us Naseer Hashmi aur SubodhMehta ki mili bhagat hai.. unkelogon ko camp se nikalva diya thana, Usi ka badla liya hai

BITTOO MAMABas yeh election ho jaein, ek ekko nanga kar doonga.

Omi is convinced by Bittoo's argument and is embitteredby the memories of that day.

OMIPar bhookamp ke baad kitne sarebuilders to underground chalegaye..Kyun..hamara builder Hasanbhi to paise leke gayab ho gaya.

Bittoo looks thoughtful as an idea occurs to him.

BITTOO MAMA(To Vishwas)

Woh News 9 mein Desai hai na.. Ene phone laga..

112 EXT. CRICKET SHOP/TEMPLE COMPOUND - NIGHT

The cameraman frames Omi against the shop, with the templelights in the background...a local tv channel is coveringthe recent controversy about the politician-builder nexusand has come to get Omi's byte.

Omi feels he's doing the right thing as he and his friendswere indeed cheated by Hassan.

OMI(Clearing his throat)

Hum log pahle bhi aap se keh chukehain..yeh saare aarop jhoothehai..yeh ek rajnitik shadyantrahai aur kuch nahi.. Kantilal koakele hi target kyun banaye jaraha hai? Bittooji ne khud laakhonka nuksan uthaya hai Hasan Alijaise builders ke haathon.. Dukaanbhi gayi..aur raaton raat paiseleke bhi gayab ho gaya..aap uskebare mein kyon nahi chaapte?!

92.

Govind stands behind, feeling trapped and uncomfortable,caught amidst the political cross fire.

113 EXT. NANA PARK (HOME GAME) - DAY

A banner reads 'Amdavad Sports versus Raipur Chakla'. Ishaan hands Ali an energiser drink but looks distracted.

ISHAANAll the best boys..Now focus.

Ishaan is restless looking around for his friends. Govindarrives in a huff carrying fliers of Ahmedabad Sports.

GOVISorry..late ho gaya..Dukaan bandkarke aa raha hoon.

ISHAANOmi?

GOVINDSubah saat baje se nikla huahai..Full force mein campaigningchal rahi hai

The match has started and Ali hooks an offside ball for a6 on the leg side. Govind claps loudly, cheering Ali. But he turns to see that Ishaan is pissed off.

ISHAANPractice kara kara ke thakgaya..abhi tak off ke ball ko legpe maare ja raha hai..shi!!!

Ishaan shakes his head.

Ali looks towards where Ishaan is and sees him gesturinga cover drive (an off side shot). Govind frowns a little,watching Ishaan's reaction. The game resumes, Ali takesa hesitant single on the offside.

GOVINDRelax kar Ish.. Usey apna naturalgame khelne de.hamesha copybooknahi khel skate..tu bhi to innovatekarta tha na. Let him enjoy.

Ish knows he over reacted and stays quiet.

GOVIND (CONT'D)Its a good start..dont worry.

Ali hits a 4 with a leg glance but stands rooted to hiscrease, wearing a scared look on his face for playing legside again.

ISHAANArre kaaaiiipo!!!

93.

He plays a range of run scoring shots,all round the park.

The scoreboard shows Ali reaching 50.

Ishaan stands up and starts clapping for his student'sfirst 50, laughing and pretending at the same time thatthere's something in his eyes to rub off the hint of tears.

The other kids in the team all stand up and cheer forAli.

Team Kids have coined a cheer slogan for Ali

TEAM KIDSAli Baba(chorus) aur chaalischakke..

Ali's face breaks into a smile as he raises his bat tohis coach.

CUT.

114 EXT. CRICKET GROUNDS/CAMPAIGN TRAIL - DAY

A quick montage the Amdavad sports boys move from strengthto strength decimating their opponents( games v/s Vastrapurclub, Sabarmati club, Patel gymkhana) intercut with Omi"sfrenzied campaigning.

As the boys lift aloft the winning trophy, cut to a ballotpaper with the 'charkha' symbol being stamped.

115 INT./EXT. CAR/ROADS - DAY

We see fire crackers reflect in the tinted glass windowof an Ambassador car. Muffled slogans announcing Mehta'svictory are heard in the background.

SLOGANS'Hamaara neta kaisa ho? SubodhMahatma jaisa ho?'

'Humse jo takrayega..choor choor ho jayega'

'Koi jaat, Koi biraadar.. SJD mein sabhi barabar'

A group of fifty party workers are doing a victoryprocession, dancing around a jeep where Mehta standsgarlanded, with folded hands. Naseer is leading thesloganeers.

We reveal inside the car as Bittoo Mama and Omi sit withdisappointed faces.

Naseer passes by the car and places his palm on Omi'swindow unintentionally. Omi sees the palm from the inside.

94.

Omi turns to the driver.

OMIAur koi rasta nahi mila tujhe?

The driver looks helpless.

DRIVERShort cut tha bhai..

A few more workers press their hands against the windowsas Omi and Mama feel trapped.

The dhol beats become louder. Omi snaps and wants to getout. Mama grabs Omi's arm.

MAMA:Shanti rakh Omi..sirf electionhaare hain.. Himmat nahi.

Stay on Omi's angry face even as celebratory soundscontinue in the background. Overlap with dandiya musicin the next scene.

116 EXT. GARBA VENUE - NIGHT

Fire crackers light up the sky. it is Navratri night.

Vidya has taken Govind for a garba night out. He's dressedfor the part and feels terribly uncomfortable. FalguniPathak is on stage belting out "pari hoon main". Vidya ishelping Govind get comfortable in the inner most circlebut he looks like he has 2 left feet. After a few minutesshe gets pulled in to the outer circle by her friends .Govind notices some guys flirting with her and realiseshe better pull up his socks and face the competition. Hejoins the circle and starts to make some moves. By theend of it he is doing the complete peacock dance anddoesn't even realise it.

117 EXT. ROAD - NIGHT

Vidya and him leave. He walks her home. She cant stopgushing about how he let himself go and was dancing sowell. He should have won a prize. Govi keeps staring ather, still flooded with his exertions on the dance floor.They reach the house.

118 INT./EXT. ISHAAN'S HOUSE - NIGHT

He walks her up to the door very quietly. They are aboutto have a moment when Vidya hears a sound from inside thehouse

Vidya rushes in while Govind scrambles down. It was afalse alarm. Vidya calls out to Govind who has reacheddown and waves out to him. Govind just keeps lookingback at her. Hold the moment.

95.

119 EXT. ISHAAN'S HOUSE/TERRACE - NIGHT

Bam! The terrace door slams open and Vidya and Govindenter the terrace area. They are facing each other notknowing who is going to make the first move. After holdingback Vidya kisses govind. At first, he looks like he isgoing to explode and is fumbling all over her. She istotally controlling the show by now. Govind gets overboardin his excitement and grabs her choli,trying to untie thestrings...She smacks him and tells him to relax.

VIDYA(giggles)

Shaant gadadhaari..kahin bhagenahi ja rahe hai..

Vidya unties the knot deftly...tilt up to skyline as wehear Govind sigh. They make love.

120 INT. PARTY OFFICE - DAY

A freshly bathed Mama and Omi are in front of all thearea's party workers. Mama leans on a table while Omistands behind, erect. Omi is dressed in regulationkaryakarta attire- white kurta and chost pajamas.

Mama is pensive and firm.

MAMAJo hua, uspe pani daalo.. Constituency haare hain, par poorapradesh hamare saath hai. Partyhigh command ko ye aashwasan dilanapadega ki hum naye drid nishchaiy,naye utsah se phir se logon kebeech apni jagah banayenge. Auruske liye abhi se jaake groundlevel pe kaam karna padega.

Mama picks up a poster from the table and holds it up. It says 'Shobha Yatra' and has a map of India with Ayodhyahighlighted in it.

MAMA (CONT'D)Agle hafte se 'Shobha Yatra' shuruho rahi hai.. Party high commandka aadesh hai ki is yatra pehamaare zile ke har ek hinduparivaar se kar sevaks Ayodhyachalenge.

Mama signals to Omi to take it from here. Omi speakswith confidence and conviction. He picks up a stack offlyers and distributes it amongst the party workers

OMIKul milake hamare yahan do saukaryakarta hai..

(MORE)

96.

OMI (CONT'D)har ek ka kam se kam 20 logon kaquota hai..aaj se hi prachaarshuru kar do.. poori jaan ladado..ek bhi kam nahi padna chahiye.

Bittoo pulls omi aside

BITTOO MAMABapu aur ma ki ticket bhi katwana.. Tu itna bada kaam karne ja rahahai..Unka hona zaroori hai.

121 INT/EXT. PARTY OFFICE - DAY

Ishaan walks in the lane leading to the party office seeingposters of Omi everywhere

The office is busy with workers coming and going and isdecorated with party banners and posters of Shobha Yatra. Omi is busy checking train tickets against the long listof passengers in front of him. Ishaan spots a posterwith Omi's picture on one corner beside the larger pictureof Bittoo mama.

ISHAANArre Omi bhai tum to cha gaye..tuto meri Academy khulwa ke hi rahega

Omi has to look up from his work and laugh out at this.Omi looks up at Ishaan and breaks into a smile.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Par Academy kohl ke karenge kya.. agar tu isi tarah important matchesmiss karta raha.. Ali ne apnapahla half century maara.tujhehona chahiye tha.

Ishaan animates the stroke with his hands.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Poora Nana Park use cheer karraha tha..har taraf Ali Baba..aurchaalis chakke, Ali Baba..aurchaalis chakke.. Star ban gayehamare Ali miyan...Do din meindistrict level selections hai..Sab kuch theek hona chahiye isbaar..

Omi notes the tension in Ishaan's voice but is also awkwardas Vishwas enters the party office. He changes the topic.

OMI..Dukaan pe sabh theek hai?

97.

ISHAANChal raha hai.. Us baniye kesaath dhanda kar kar ke kantaalgaya hoon yaar.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Pakau aatma hai..mere akele sehandle nahi hota. tu bata..wapaskab aa raha hai..

Omi laughs.

OMISorry yaar.. Yeh yaatra ke chakkarmein busy ho gaya hun.. Duniyabhar ka coordination karna hai.

Omi shows the pile of work with both his hands.

ISHAANHmmm..tu bhi ja raha hai?

OMIMain baad mein jaunga..yahan kisikotoh rahna hai.

He looks up at Ishaan.

OMI (CONT'D)Tu chalega?

Omi looks expectantly. Ishaan pauses and agrees more forOmi than the yatra.

ISHAANTu jahan bhejega, chala jaoonga.

Stay on the 2 friends smiling.

122 INT./EXT. RAILWAY STATION/TRAIN COMPARTMENT - DAY

The Sabarmati Express stands at the Ahmedabad Junction. There is a huge crowd of karsevaks with orange sashes,thronging the platform.

Omi's father looks lost in the crowd as random peoplecome up to him and pay their respects. In thebackground,some people start shouting party slogans. Omiis carrying their suitcase and leads his parents to thecompartment. He hands his mom an envelope.

OMI..return ka bhi saath mein daaldiya hai.

As he puts their suitcase in the overhead compartment, henotices his father. Shastriji has not looked at him onceand is staring listlessly out of the window. Omi sitsdown opposite him and realises his father's still upset.

98.

He musters courage.

OMI (CONT'D)Bapu.. Thank you.. Mujhe patahai aap ka bilkul mann nahi hai.. Lekin aap ke aashirwad ke bagairmain aage nahi bad sakta..

He touches his feet again and walks away. As he steps offthe train, his father calls out to him. They hug and thewhistle goes off. The train starts to chug out.

123 INT/EXT. AUTORICKSHAW/ROADS - DAY

Govind and Vidya sit in the back of an auto as it jerksahead. The radio blares an old romantic hindi song. Insharp contrast to the loving lyrics, Govind's voice soundsagitated.

GOVINDMiss ho gaye? Matlab?

Vidya is irritated.

VIDYAMatlab.. Matlab kya? Char dinlate hoon.. Pahle kabhi nahi huahai..

He has no idea how to handle the situation.

GOVINDBut its not possible.. mujheclearly yaad hai..hamne protectionuse toh..

Vidya is now getting irritated and flares up.

VIDYASab kuch tumharaa maths ka equationnahi hai..

Govind addresses the auto driver.

GOVIND..Aji ek round le (in gujarati)

VIDYAFalse alarm bhi ho sakta hai..

(looks exasperated)But I'm worried...kya karengeGovi?? Batao na? Kuch to bolo?

Govind holds Vidya's hand to reassure her but he doesn'tlook too confident as he's panicking himself.

GOVINDPata nahi Vidya..

(MORE)

99.

GOVIND (CONT'D)thoda thande dimaag se sochtehai..Shaadi, pregnancy,abortion..yeh sab.. itna kuchtine jaldi.. abhi tak to mall kekarzein hi chukaye ja rahe hai.. Business ka bhi aage kuch patanahi..

VIDYATumhein is waqt bhi business kipadi hai? Tumhein kya lagta hai,ye sab jaanboojh ke ho raha hai? Koi scheme hai tumhein phaasne keliye..

Suddenly his phone rings, Ishaan's name flashes. Govindstares at the phone for a few rings and then answers.

GOVINDBol Ish..

ISHAANWoh supplier aaya hai.. Adteeshazaar ka poora payment maangraha hai.. De doon?

GOVINDNai! Sirf 20 taka advance bantahai.. Usse ek rupya zyada matdean.

ISHAAN20 taka??

Vidya now really losing it.

VIDYAI don't believe this !!ubho reh!

She tries to get off the auto rickshaw but Govind gesturesthe rickshaw driver to drive on and stops her.

GOVINDChalu rakh!!

(gujarati)Sirf 7400 dena.. Baaki main dukkanaake baaat kar loonga

ISHAANKahaan hai tu?

GOVINDTraffic mein phasa hoon, aadeghante mein pahunchta hoon.. Chal rakh bye.

Govind disconnects.

100.

GOVIND (CONT'D)Please Vidya, baat baat pe itnagussa mat karo.. mera bhi tofirst time hai..Thoda darr tolagta hai na?..we have to bepractical.. I'm sorry..please.

Vidya controlling her tears looks away, composes herself

VIDYAI'm also sorry.. Magar kya karoon tumhein chhod ke kise se sharebhi toh nahi karsakti..sorry..tumhein bhi pagalkar rahi hun na?

Govind caresses her hair and comforts her as the song onthe radio plays on. He looks pensive.

GOVIND(to the rickshawdriver)

Aagad jo..

124 EXT. GULSHAN SOCIETY - DAY

Ishaan's bike comes to a halt outside Ali's compound. Its Ali's important day tomorrow. As Ali gets off thebike, Ishaan gifts him a brand new floppy hat.

ISHAANTension mat le.. Tu ekdum formmein hai.. Phod dalenge selectorsko! Ab game ko bilkul dimaag senikaal de.. khana kha ke time peso jana.. Kal gyarah baje pickup..

Ali tries out his new hat and nods distractedly. Ishaanrides off.

125 EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY

Omi checks out his wristwatch. Its nearing 11. He istravelling in his brand new Sumo. He tells the driver toget a move on when suddenly his phone rings.

OMIJai shri Krishna mama.

Omi waits as Mama says something on the other line.

OMI:Haan.. Station hi ja rahatha..Kyun? (Interrupted)Ji..Sabarmati express.. HaanS6,ji mujhe pucca pata hai, S6 hihai.. Kyun?

Omi has no idea as he listens.

101.

OMI: (CONT'D)Achha.. Theek hai.. aata hun

Looks at the driver.

OMIGhuma lo.. Party office

Omi is calm as he feels the breeze on his face in themoving car. Sound of TV overlaps on him.. Super: 27 Feb2002 comes on to screen

126 INT. BITTOO'S HOUSE - DAY

Sounds of TV news of Godhra. Party workers watch The TVrepeatedly showing news footage of the massacre.

In the room we close on Omi's face, which is smudged withdirt and tears. Silent tears stream down Omi's face. Mama sits down beside Omi laying a protective arm aroundhim.

OMIMujhe wahan jana hai Mama..

Mama speaks softly but viciously.

BITOO MAMAWahan kuch nahi bacha Omi.. Apneaap ko sambhaal. vishwaas rakh.. Chodenge nahin saalon ko.

Bitto is doing the worst kind of manipulation here...feeding violence off violence.

BITTOO MAMASaans le le.. aage abhi bahutkaam hai..Is baar Eid se pahle inbakron ki halali karni hai.. itna khoon bahana ki ye saalehamaari taraf aakh uthane se bhikatrayenge..

Omi's hands shake a bit as he holds the glass and thenplaces it on the table beside him, without even lookingat it.

127 EXT. BIKE/ROADS - AFTERNOON

Ishaan and Govind riding on the bike. Govind tries tocall Omi. The phone is switched off.

GOVISwitched off aa raha hai..

ISHAANTry karta rah..

102.

All around them shops are closing shutters. People aremoving around hurriedly, the street emptying out as Ishand Govind ride past

128 INT/EXT. PARTY OFFICE - AFTERNOON

Govind and Ish enter the party office to see a crowdgathered there.

TOP ANGLE JIB SHOT FOLLOWING ISHAAN AND GOVIND THROUGHTHE CROWD GATHERED OUTSIDE AND TRACK OVER THE TERRACEINTO THE INSIDE AREA WHERE MAMA IS TALKING

Mama is addressing party workers, who wear funeral whiteclothes and stand around him. Mama's eyes are bloodshot. He speaks in a calm tone in contrast to his strong words.

MAMABhaiyon..Ab yudh ka avahan karneka waqt aa gaya hai..In randi kiauladon ne socha ki ye dal khichdikhane wale gujarati aakhir kyakar lenge? Bahut pataake phodliye.. ab aisa sabak sikhaanahai ki inki sau peediyon tak yaadrakhenge..

Omi sits at a corner wearing a blank look, still in astate of shock.

MAMA (CONT'D)In logon ne sirf train mein nahi.. Hamare gharon mein ghus ke aaglagayi hai.. Chaalis se zyadaaurtein aur bachhein jal gaye.. Meri saggi bahen jal ke raakh hogayi.. Haddiyan tak naseeb nahihongi.. Panditji bhi..

Bittoo chokes. Vishwas lays a comforting hand on Bittoo.

VISHWAS KAKASab ladke taiyyari mein hai.. Apne bhai behnon ni lashon nisaugandh.. Ek ek ne kapi naksuBittoo bhai (in gujarati)

Ish's phone rings, startling him as he is already nervous. He quickly presses it before a single ring is over.

ISHAANHaan, maa?

Govind gestures Ish to move out. They step away two stepsto take the call.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Pata hai maa..

(MORE)

103.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Omi ko lene aya hoon..Aa rahahoon..iske baad ghar hi aa rahahoon.

Ish hangs up and pushes through the crowd to reach Omi'sside...he doesn't know how to comfort his friend and justhugs him. Finally finding his voice.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Ghar chal Omi..

Omi doesn't look at Ish and sits rooted to the spot.

GOVINDYahaan sab gadbad hone walihai..Please Omi, chal hamare saath.

Omi breaks the silence and speaks with bitter venom.

OMITeri ma mari hai kya?

He gets up and walks away into the dark corridor.

Govind is at a loss of words against Omi's bitterness.Mama now moves in between them and puts his arms aroundthem. As he leads them away...

MAMAAkele chhod do use.abhi muhchupaake bhagne ka waqt nahihai..tum log ghar jao.

Ishaan goes to say something. Govind looks around at thenumber of people gathered in the room and pulls Ishaanaway.

Just then a trunk load of weapons are brought in to theparty office...Vishwas opens the trunks to show a plethoraof weapons...pistols, swords, tridents, chains... .

VISHWASJai sri ram..

129 EXT. CITY STREETS - AFTERNOON

Ish and Govind ride through empty streets. A street dogbarks behind them, chasing the bike

ISHTu yahin utar..Main Ali ko lekeaata hun.

Govind looks at Ishaan stunned.

104.

GOVINDSatak gayi hai kya? Wahan dhamaalhone wala hai..Us area mein jayega?

ISHTu utar Govi..Kal subah uska bahutimportant match hai. Selectors aarahe hain..tujhe ghar pahunchkephone karta hoon.

Ish zooms off on the bike. Wide shot of Ish and Govindparting and going in opposite directions.

130 INT. ALI'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON

Naseer is in his living room. He is surrounded by a groupof ten Muslims. They have a serious expression.

PARTY WORKERKahin phone nahi lag raha..nacollector sahib, na police..

NASSERMehta sahib bhi bahar hai.. kalse pahle sheher nahi pahunchnewale..

Ish enters the room. He gestures to greet Naseer.

ISHAANSalaaam alaikum Chacha.

Naseer is a little surprised and looks questioningly atIshaan

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Ali ko ghar le jaane aaya hoon.

Everyone in the room is surprised, as they do not knowthe bonding between them. Ali waves at him from the terraceA little silence follows. Ishaan looks expectantly.

NASSERAaj nahi bhej sakta beta.. baharkhatra hai.. Uski chhoti Ammiaur Javed bhi gaon gaye hain.. ghar pe hi rehna theek hoga..kabhibhi bawaal shuru ho sakta hai.

The party worker stops as he notices Ishaan. Naseer turnsto Ishaan.

NASEERTum ab niklo Ishaan. main Ali kopadosiyon ke pass chhod doonga.. Mujhe bahar jaake baaki sab kidekh rekh karni hai..

(MORE)

105.

NASEER (CONT'D)(to his colleague)

Nanhe miyan..ladkon ko taiyyarkaro.

Ali is dragging Ishaan to his den on the terrace to showhim something. Ish is hesitant for just a fraction ofsecond

ISHAANChacha, main rehta hoon Ali kepaas.. aap bahar ja ke sambhaalo.. Phir aap dono mere ghar chalna.

Naseer gives a tired smile

NASEERAur ye sab? Inka kya karoon?

Ishaan doesn't have an answer to that... Ali tugs at hisarm.

131 INT. GOVIND'S HOUSE - EVENING

Govind is pacing around his room restlessly. The phonebeeps. It is an SMS.

FROM: VStay Safe. City Tense. Its allover TV. - V Govind replies.

FROM: G

Am home. U ok? Report aaya?

A reply comes almost instantly.

FROM: V

Not Yet :( THAT tension is even bigger. Love - V

Govind deletes the message. He is startled as there isan incoming call from Ish. We see Ish in the intercut.

GOVINDIsh!!! Ghar pahunch gaya?

Ish and Ali moving around the kitchen...Ali is pouringsome Roohafza drink for himself and Ish.

ISHAANNahin yaar.. Yahin Juhapura meinphansa hua hoon.. Ali ke yahan.

GOVINDKya kar raha hai yaar? Ab nikalwahan se.

106.

ISHAANKya karoon?.. samajh mein nahiaa raha..Ali yahan akelahai..Chacha bhi bahar gaye hai..

Govind is worried. Ishaan staring out of the kitchenwindow to see some neighbours shut their windows.

ISHAAN (CONT'D)Tu aa sakta hai Govi? Thoda darrsa lag raha hai....

Govind stays silent for a beat.

GOVINDDus minute de mujhe.

132 EXT. CITY STREETS - EVENING

The streets are empty, though there is an upturned fruitcart, broken bottles and a burning tyre nearby.

Govind looks around nervously and is about to approach amain road when he sees a jeep full of men in saffronscarves screaming 'Jai Shri Ram' as they ride past.

Govind turns into an alley instead and hides himself.

133 EXT. GULSHAN SOCIETY COMPOUND - NIGHT

The smaller gate that acts as entrance and exit to thecompound is padlocked.

Naseer supervises and walks past young Muslim men, whostand nervously with lathis, chains, knives,as they guardtheir gated community from the inside.

Nasser pats the back of an old man and his grandson,telling him to go inside.

Suddenly the noise of knocking at the gate makes all themen jump.

Nasser cautiously moves to the gate and opens an old-stylepeek window.

We reveal partial Govind's face on the other side.

134 INT. ALI'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Ish is craning his neck to watch outside the window.

Govind walks into the room.

ISHAANThank god!! Mujhe laga tu phansgaya..kya scene hai bahar?

Govind looks around.

107.

GOVINDBura haal hai . jagah jagah petoliyan nikli hui hai.. sab kesar pe khoon sawaar hai..kuch tomajor dhamaal hone wala hai..abhinikalna safe nahi hai..

Govind and Ish stand rooted, trying to weigh pros andcons of their situation.

Ali spills some of the Roohafza drink as he gets scaredwith the loud clanging of lathis against the iron gate. Ishaan and Govind run to the window.

Govind and Ishaan can see the Hindu mob on the other side,while the Muslim men stand on this side of the gate.

135 EXT. GULSHAN SOCIETY COMPOUND - NIGHT

Hindu chants of "Jai Shri Ram" and "Har Har Mahadev" and "Ram Sevak amar rahe" rend the air. Wide shot of theHindu mob outside the Muslim pol gate as they are gettingfrustrated.

Mama is leading the charge. He gestures the men to attackthe gate. Omi is in the forefront of the action. Swordsand lathis are struck on the gate A face off betweenmama and naseer across the gate.

CROWDArre bahar niklo landyaoo.. Avekem burkha ma ghusine chupaigya? Kateli ni aulad havae ek ek nekapi nako. Hav'e tamari kabarpakistan maan khodase.. Pakistanma.. Jai sir raam.. Kar sewakamar rahe.. Kar sewak amar rahe

NASEERAme bahar avine shaanti thivaatcheet kariye chie.. Jhagdokarvano koi matlab nati..

MAMAJhapa todinako, aag lagao,salgavido.. Ek pann miyo jeevtona bache.. Ek ek ni talwar loithi bheeni thavi joiye.. Apni mabhenon ni lasho ni saugandh.. Jai sir raam... Kar sewak amarrahe

Naseer tries to plead with the rioters. But Mama and hiscronies will have none of it.

NASEERArre bhagwan thi daro..andar nanabachcha ane aurton che..

108.

Nasser's men try to block the gate with more lathis butthe kar sewaks break it down. The mob breaks in. Mamais two steps behind the mob but watching closely. Hegestures to someone who throws a petrol bomb across thegate.

There is an explosion inside the compound making the Muslimcrowd scatter. At the same time the gate swings open.

Fisticuffs between the two sides as we see it all in ablur from Omi's eyes. He looks like a man possessed.

Nasser is confronted by a man with a lathi. Nasser pullsout a knife and they have a face off. Nasseer ducks asthe man strikes with the lathi. Nasser tries to run past. As he turns, the knife jabs into Mama's gut.

Mama winces in pain. Omi is shaken out of his violentreverie and rushes to him. Two more workers come to helpmama.

OMIMama..

Omi looks at Nasser running inside the building now.

He seems torn between attending to Mama and chasing Naseer.

OMI (CONT'D)Lai jao aane... gaadi maan nakho

Omi picks up Mama's revolver and goes after Naseer.

136 INT. ALI'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Ish is throwing open a window that opens to adjoininghouse's terrace...

GOVIND(flummoxed)

Yahan se?

Naseer flings the door open and comes into the house. His white kurta has blood stains on it. He is pantingheavily. Ali comes running to his father.

NASEER(panting andpleading)

Sabko kaat daala..Maar dalenge yesabko.. Kuch karo.

Govind has frozen after seeing the blood. Ish looksaround, his mind working in the speed of light and restson the attic space on the terrace.

109.

137 INT./EXT. ALI'S HOUSE/TERRACE/LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Ish and Govind pull out a broken chair and tin drums fromaround the terrace and block its entrance. It is darkand Ali looks scared.

Ishaan removes his phone, puts on the torch and handsover it over to ali.

ISHAANJab tak main awaaz na doon, hilnamat. Chupchap baitherahna..samjha? Yeh phone rakh.. darna nahi..haan..main do minutemein aata hoon..

So saying he runs back to the living room. Govind lookspale with tension as he tries calling the cops on hisphone.

GOVINDPolice ke saare numbers downhai..ek bhi nahi lag raha hai.

ISHAANIdhar de.. Main Bapu ko boltahoon.

Ish grabs Govind's phone and is about to dial when a SMScomes. Ishaan has instinctively clicked on the message.

FROM: V"Good news ! You are not going tobe a father, I got my period -Love- V"

Ish is puzzled. He looks into details and opens thenumber. It looks familiar. He calls it.

VIDYA(O.S.)(excited)

Thank god Govi..main itne tensionmein thi...

ISHAANVidya?!!!

VIDYA(petrified)

Bhaiya.. wo Govi..!!

Ish hangs up the phone. Govind has figured out whathappened.

GOVINDIsh..bhadak mat..main samjhatahoon..

110.

Ish doesn't let him finish as he boxes Govind in the ribcage.

Govind winces and falls on the ground. He wants to explainbut can't say anything.

ISHAANSaale..harami..himmat kaisi huiteri?

Omi comes running into the door. He is surprised to seeIsh and Govind there.

OMIKahan hai woh?

Ishaan himself is in a state of rage after discoveringthe Govind-Vidya equation.

ISHAANKoi nahi hai yahan..sab bhaaggaye.. Ab hosh mein aa ja Omi..

Omi is enraged as two other party workers have joined himand he's in no mood for Ish's sermonising. Omi grabs thetable in front of him and flings it up, his sheer powershakes Ishaan up.

OMIAarghh!!

CRONY 1(pointing at the window)

Wahan se..zyada door nahi gaye honge.

The two men now jump out of the window to chase Naseer.

We show Vidya panicking in her home. She searches forIshaan's number and dials. She moves around in her room.

Ishaan's phone rings in the attic. Omi hears it. He islivid and pushes Ishaan away, heading towards theterrace...Ishaan now tries blocking his way.

ISHAANNahi Omi.. Wahan nahi..Bas..abruk ja

OMIHutt ja Ish...jaane de..

A scuffle breaks out between the friends. Theme musicfades in...kick into high speed Ali's fear stricken facecan be seen as the phone light flashes in front of him. Naseer drags him out of the room and dashes towards theback stairs.

111.

Omi has now broken through the terrace door. Ali stumblesas Ishaan rushes ahead to pick him up.

Govind comes and grabs Omi from behind.

Ish carries Ali and runs into the spiral staircase. Naseerfollows them.

Omi socks Govind in the chest and frees himself. He runsto the spiral staircase.

Govind winces on the ground.

138 INT./EXT. ALI'S HOUSE/TERRACE/SPIRAL STAIRCASE - NIGHT

Naseer runs down the spiral staircase with Ali and Ishclose behind. Omi is 30 feet behind them. Omi pointsthe gun and tries to take aim at Nasser. He can barelysee a blur of movement in the dark.

GOVINDRuk ja,Omi!!

Omi is shifting his gun. A shot is fired.

Ali is startled and almost loses his balance. Ish grabshim just in time.

ISHAANAli!!!!Tu theek hai na.

Ishaan looks up, shocked that Omi actually fired.

As he looks up, a red dot appears on the left side ofIshaan's shirt and it suddenly starts to grow at a rapidpace.

A cut of Ishaan jumping off the Diu fort eyes wide open,his most alive moment, in slow motion.

Omi and Ishaan lock eyes for the last time. Omi simplylooks at him like a deer caught in the lights, the gunstill smoking in his hand.

Govind rushes down the stairs towards Ishaan.

GOVINDIIIsshh.....

Ishaan collapses. Ali tries holding on to him, his mouthopen in a silent scream. Music continues

139 INT. ISHAAN'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Track through all Ishaan's trophies lined up in theshowcase...In the reflection of the showcase, Ishaan'smother is seen breaking down against her husband'sshoulders, who still looks too shocked to react.

112.

Vidya sobbing uncontrollably. Music continues.

140 INT./EXT. CAR/HIGHWAY - DAY

(The same song continues)

We cut back to present day.

Omi is looking out of the car window, lost in thought. Govind taps his shoulder and smiles.

GOVINDKya soch raha hai?

Omi simply shakes his head.

GOVIND (CONT'D)Bas pahunchne wale hain..

The 2 men keep driving on.

(A roar of the stadium overlaps on the soundtrack)

141 INT./EXT. BARODA STADIUM/SEATING - EVENING

Queue of people pouring in at the stadium. The kioskflashes India- South Africa One day match.

Omi seems to look a little lost amidst the crowd whileGovind guides him inside the pavilion.

A young boy (8) comes running towards govind.

GOVINDIshaan beta, aiyaan aao.. Pranaamkaro inhe.. Yeh tumhare Omi mamahain

ISHAAN(Jr) bends to touch Omi's feet. Omi lifts him upin his arms and gives him a kiss and looks into his eyes. Ishaan(jr) pulls out an indian flag and hands it to omi. Omi is overwhelmed.

142 INT./EXT. BARODA STADIUM/COMMENTARY BOX/PAVILION - EVENING

In the commentator box where Tony Greig and Ajay Jadejaare talking.

TONYGautam Gambhir and 21 year oldrookie newcomer Ali Hashmi openingfor India. What say Ajay? Willthis gamble pay off?

AJAYThe boy's an explosive bat...he'sdone very well in Ranji..but thisis different..

(MORE)

113.

AJAY (CONT'D)here he'll have to show his stuffat the highest level.

21 year old Ali is walking out of the dressing room dressedin India's jersey and padded up. He walks through thetunnel on to the field.

143 EXT. BARODA STADIUM/PITCH - EVENING

Ali takes his position at the crease. He is a tad nervousas the roar of the crowd distracts him.

He keeps shuffling his feet, squinting his eyes andgenerally fidgeting.

He takes his stance and stops to look around the jam packedstadium. Ali closes his eyes and looks up towards thesky, as if in a silent prayer. He opens his eyes and takesfinal position. The din of the crowd starts soaring againas the opponent team's bowler begins his run up.

144 INT./EXT. BARODA STADIUM/SEATING - EVENING

Govind, Ishaan(jr) are seated. Just then, Vidya comes andseats herself next to omi. Omi stiffens.

145 INT./EXT. BARODA STADIUM/PITCH/SEATING - EVENING

In a flash, we cut to the past where Ishaan's bowling toAli on their first encounter in Nana Park.

The ball bounces off the middle of the pitch, headedtowards off stump.

21 year old Ali stands tall and connects bat with ballfor a square cut and a sharp cracking sound. He immediatelytakes off for a run. The ball pierces through the fielderson the offside and dashes towards the boundary line.

TONY (V.O.)What an exquisite square cut toget off the mark!! That's sheertiming for you and Hashmi is offthe mark

Everyone in the stadium rejoices but Omi is still heldback until Vidya puts her arm around him. Here Omi startsto breakdown and sob like a baby.

ANGLE ON WE PULL AWAY FROM THEM SEATED

AJAY JADEJA (V.O.)As good as any I've seen. Tony,right out of the textbook.

Roar of stadium crowd is heard as the visual changes backto Nana Park with Ish grinning at Ali the first time Alihit him for a six.

114.

Freeze frame on the wide shot in Nana park.

"Wande mataram" and end credits roll

FADE OUT.