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24thAug‘15Tamasha
Script
Sc#1 Night,Interiors GrandOpera Lightsintheauditoriumfadingdown.Thecurtainonthestageisbeinglifted,revealingagrandtheatrestage.
Frontstageisaroboticfigure,walkingonatreadmill.Behindhimisajokersittingonarockwithbacktous,fishing.
Silenceforamoment,thenthereisasmallbeepsoundandthen–Robot Kabhikabhimeredilmeinkhayaalaatahai
Joker Itnizorseaatahaikipantmeinhihojaatahai… Audienceresponse.Robotturnssharplytothejoker,turnsback.Robot KabhikabhimeredilmeinkhayaalaatahaiJoker Tophirdimaghmeinkyaaatahai?(turns)Bolo…Bolobolo…Robot Shutup.Quiet.Silence.
Kabhikabhimeredilmeinkhayaalaatahai(quick)Mainkaunhoon?
Joker (stands)Votomujhepata…Yesyes… Tuvohihaijosubahkoofficejaatahaiaurshamkogharaatahai. Jobosskidaantkhaatahaihahahaparkisikonahinbatatahai. Bayalisseatkibusmeinjoeksaubayalislogchadhtehainunmein
seektuhitohai.Robot Warning–AudienceaachukihaiJoker (sings)Aapandarsekuch,baaharsekuchaurnazaraatehain…
Asthisisgoingoninthefront-stage,lightsbegintocomeoninthebackstage.Manysectionsinthesetcomeintoview,eachhavingadifferentsettingandcharacters.Itlookslikevariousstoriesplayingoutsimultaneouslyonstage.
Ram,SitaandsomecharactersfromtheRamayan,LailaandMajnu,anautorickshawanditsdriver,HelenofTroy,atenyearoldschoolboyatReportCardDayatschoolandafewothers.Meanwhile,withthejokerandrobot–
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Robot Getout.Getout.ShoJoker Achcha…?Robot Gogo… Joker Areyterehotemainkaisego?(coy)Apnatotaankahaina…?Janam
janamkaatootbandhan,jeenamarnateresang,dobadanekjaanRobot SOSSOSCharliecomeinCharlieSecurityJoker (turnstoaudience)Henhhenhhenh…Maafkardobechaareko…
Dilkaachchahaiye–aaphikitarah.Magarkyakareindilaurduniyakebeechkahinphansgayahai–aaphitarah.Karnabahotkuchchahtahai,parhaalatsemaarkhaatahai–
Thejokerextendsherhandtotheaudiencemeaning‘Aaphikitarah’
Joker Kintuparantubutmagar…Mainhoonna…yes,mainhoon…iske
dilkiaawaaz…
TheJokershowsafinger,thentouchesittotheRobot’sheart.
Joker TingTheheartbeginstothrob.Therobotgetsworkedupandspeaksin
agitation–Robot Diltopaagalhai Thodakachchahaiji Sheeshahoyadilho Dilcheezkyahai
DilDilDilJoker Maanakidilhaibeqaraar
Isseykhatrehainhazaar… Paraisemachinekitarahjeena–nonsense,bekaar…
Thejokershowsapalm,thentouchesittotherobot’sheart.
Joker TongTheheartbeginstothrobfaster.Thesetbeginstocapsize,thingsfall,
lightsfuse,sparksfly.Therobotbecomesmoredamagedandspeakswithgreateragitationinthebackground– Robot DisruptivetechnologyABtheetabeetagaamazaalimlotion
paanchsaupachchattarmethods,festerorganicgrowthmeasure
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successsquareroot74.7tothepowernbytheimpactonLadoSarai,Malkagunj,KingKong,Teriyaki,MonAmor…
Meanwhile,thejokercomesclosertotheaudienceandspeaks–Joker Toaudienceyaaraisahai… Isneyetamashabanayahaitumhaareliye…Dilsebanayahai…to
pasandaayetotaalivaalibajadenayaar…hain…?Aurkoibhool-chookhojaayetomaafkarna…theekhai…?Nana,iskichintamatkarna…mujheiskesaarebuttonpatahain…jhatsetheekhojayegaye…masttamashadikhayegahaan…To…araamsebaitheho?Shurookarein…?
Thenthejokerpicksupafunnyhammer.
Joker Ready,steady…Thejokerrunsandhitstherobot’sheartwiththehammer.
Joker Dharraaang…
Amassiveshortcircuithappensontheset.Therobotbeginstobreakdowncompletely.Sparksflyinalldirections,sirensoundsareheard.Thingsfall.Alllightsgooff.Whenthechaossubsidesthereisonlyonesectionofthebackgroundthatislitandactive. Itisthesetofthereportcarddayinschool.Ateacherisheardcomplainingaboutthestudentboytohisfatherastheboystandswithhisheaddowninshame.{1½mins}
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Sc#2 Day,Int/Exteriors SimlaSchool Mid1990s
Theboy’sfaceashelooksdowninshame.Theconversationofthedisapprovingteacherandtheupsetfathercanbeheard.Specialmentionisofthepoorperformanceinmaths.
Manytableslaidoutinaschoolhall.Teachersandparentssittingacrosstables,schoolboysstandinginfrontofthetables.Otherparentandteacherswaiting. Asignboardstandsoutsidethehallsaying–ReportCardDistributionforStd.3,4&5. Theboyiswalkingbehindhisfumingfather,downtheschoolcorridor.Fatherisholdingthereportcard.
Theboy’sheadisstilldowninshame.{1/2min}
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Sc#3 Day,Ext/Int SimlaHouse Mid1990s Acardrivesintoanold,largehouseinSimla.
Theboywalksthepassageinthehousewithhisheadhunginshame.Hismotherandsisterareseenlookingathim,goingintoanotherroom.
Helooksbackfurtivelydownthepassage,thenquicklyshutsthedoor.Insidetheroom,hehurriestoadesk,climbsitandgetsontothewindow
sill.Hetakesoutanoldtinboxfromahidingspot.Heopensitandtakesoutsomecurrencynotesfromit.Hekeepsthenotesinhispocket.
Theboycomesatthemirrorhavingchangedhisshirt.
Hecombshishair.Hesmilestohimself,thensaluteshimselfandclickswithhismouthatthe
sametime,tosaybye. Hewalksouttotheporchofthehouseinanonchalantmanner.
Hewalkscausuallytowardsthegate,sneakinglooksupstairs.Hewalkssomemoreandlooksbackandsuddenlyrunsahead.
{1/2min} Sc#4 Day,Exteriors SimlaLanes
Theboyemergesfromthedrivewayofthehouse,runsdownthelane.Heisseenrunningdowntheslope.
Herunsup,turnsintoalane.ThehousesofSimlatownareseeninthe
backgroundasherunsaway.
Anotherboy,slightlyolder,issittinginacorner.Heseestheboycomingup.Theylookateachotherandnodtomakesureallisokay,thentheolderboyleadsandtheywalkon.
Theyrundownapath.{1/2min}
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Sc#5 [A] Evening,Exteriors StoryCornerinSimla Mid1990s
Anoldman.Takesasipfromhisoldblueporcelaincup.Theboyswalkupanislandontheroad.Therearesomestallshere,one
sellingteaetc.Theoldmanisseenseatedattheendoftheisland.Theboyswalktowardshim.
Thecurrencynotesbeingcounted.Theoldmanfinishescounting,thensays–
Storyteller Aadhaghanta…Theboyssitinfrontoftheoldman,theyoungeronestillbreathing
heavily.Theoldmanfinisheshistea,looksattheboys,theboysarelookingat
him.Thentheoldmanfacesupandmakessomeinvocation,thenlooksbackatthem,hiseyesbrighternow,andbeginsthestory–
Storyteller Aajsebahotjugpehle…auryahaansebahotkosdoor…
Ekdestha…Anokhades…JosaariduniyameinmashhoorthaApnerajakenaamsenahin,apnerajkumarkenaamseAnokhaRajkumar…jagsenirala…Hardilkidhadkan,haraankhkatara.GaataAyodhyajiskijayjaykaarRajchhodjisnevanvaaskiyasweekarJisnekiyadushtRaavankakaamtamaamJiskanaamhai–
Ramleela[A]
Ram.Intheboy’simagination.Standingwithhisbacktous.OperaticmusicofRamayan.
Theboyisimagining.Ramisstandingatthestoryteller’sspotinthestorycorner.Heisdressed
fortheforest.Therearechantsofhisnamefrombelow.
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Heraiseshishandtoacknowledge.
Sita.Risesfrompalatialriches–whichisimaginedinapartofthestorycorner,behindtheboyashelookstowardsthestoryteller,engrossed.
Sitagetsupandwalksout,awayfromluxury. SitawalksuptoRam,inthegardenoftheSahnihouseinSimla.Nowsheisdressedfortheforestaswell.
Ramturnstoher.
SitaandRamlookateachotherinthegardencorner.
Sc#5 [B] Evening,Exteriors StoryCornerinSimla Mid1990s Theyoungboyisfascinatedastheoldstorytellercontinuesthestory–Storyteller ‘BankepagpagmeinkaantehainRani…TuKomalhai,Rajkumari
hai…Jangalterijagahnahin…’ YesunkarrajkumariSitakehtihai–
Ramleela[B] Intheboy’simagination.Inthecornerofthehousegarden.AdevotedSitaprotests–Sita Teenonlokkasaarasukh…Aapkebinadhoolhaimereswami… Aapsaathhon Aapkahaathho Toharkaantaphoolhai. Sc#5 [C] Evening,Exteriors StoryCornerinSimla Mid1990s Theboyarelisteningtothestoryteller.Storyteller SaavdhaanRajkumari…
Inasmallclearingbetweensometreesinthehousecompound,Ramisreadytochasethedeer.SitaandLaxmanlookathim.
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Ram SaavdhaanRajkumari… Yebansundarhaijitna,haiutnahibhayanak. Saavdhaan. Lakshmantumhaarirakshakarega.Iskiaagyakabhinataalna. Abmainchala…ushirankeshikaarmein. Sc#5 [D] Evening,Exteriors StoryCornerinSimla Mid1990sStoryteller Bas…hogaya… Theboyisshocked.Boy Kya…? Storyteller Aadhaghanta…Chalojao… Boy Arey…magar…aagekyahotahai…?Storyteller Kahaanikhatam,paisahazam…Chalophuto… Theolderboygetsuptoleave,butthemoreenchantedyoungerboypleads–Boy Achchathodasa…Please…phirkyahotahai…?
Thestorytellerlooksattheboycaustically.
Boy Pleasenaplease…
Storyteller Paanchminute… Theboysettlesquickly.Theolderonesitsdownagain.
Ramleela[C]
Thesameclearingbetweenthetrees.TheLaxmanRekhaisalsoseen.RavandancingaroundSitaandlaughingloudly.Sitaismakingbracinggestures.
Ravanlaughsmore,thenliftsSita.
{1/2min}
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Sc#5 [E] Night,Exteriors StoryCornerinSimla Mid1990s Theoldstorytellerispackinguphisstufftoleave.Theboysareseenhurryingaway.{2½mins}
MoneyCollectionMontage
TheSimlahouseinlateafternoon.Theboyiscominghomefromschool. Hecrossesnexttoaverandahwhereayoungwomanisputtingclothestodry.Shelooksathim.AagayeBedu,shecallsouttohim.Helooksatherandnods. Helooksatheragain. Later,theboyispressinghisgranny’slegs,stillinschooluniform. Grannygiveshimtwocoins.Helooksatthem.Boy Bas…?Granny Toaurkya? Theboykeepsthecoinsintheoldtinbox,hecheckstheremainingmoneyinit. Inthecornerofthehousegarden,wherehehadimaginedSitameetingRam,theboyiswalkingupanddowninsomethought.Hesuddenlymakesadramaticpostureoftakingoutthearrowfromquiverandshootingabow,noticesthathisfatherislookingathim,onhiswaytothegardenchairwithhisnewspaperandtea.Theboystraightens,looksdownandcontinuestostroll.
Theboyistip-toeingintohisparents’roomastheysnoozeintheafternoon.
Hecreepsuptohisfather’spantsthatarehangingandquicklychecksthepockets.
Hetakesanote,keepstherestback,movesawayveryquickly. Earlyevening.Theboymovestothemirrorinhisroomandlooksathimself.Boy Maintochala.Ushirankeshikaarmein…
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Hecorrectshishair,thensmilesnaughtily.Thenclicksandsalutes,then
leaves.
Theoldhouseatearlyevening.Theboyisseencomingouttotheporchinanonchalantmanneragain,casuallytakingafewstepsahead,sneakinglookupstairsandsuddenlyrunningahead.
{1½mins} Sc#6 LateEvening,Exteriors StoryCornerinSimla Mid1990s
Thestorytelleriscountingthemoney.Theboyisstandinginfrontofhim.Thestorytellerregardstheboyforamomentthenspeaks.
Storyteller Lasttimekahaantaksunaithi…?Boy Vo…badmashRaja..Raavan…aakeRajkumarikouthaletahai… Storyteller (remembers)Haan…
Thestorytellertakesthelastsipfromthebluecup.Theboyquicklysettlesdown.
Storyteller AchchaRajavaapasaatahaitokyadekhtahai…?KeRajkumari
ghayab…DushtRajauseyuthalegayahaidoorsamandarpaarapnirajdhaniTroy.TovofauranUnaankesaareRajaonsemiltahaiaurkehtahai“bhaiyyon…meriraniHelenkoParisnedhokeseagwaahkarliyahai.Humhazaarjahaazsamandarmeinutaarenge,ladhengeTrojanmahayudhaurapnizeenat–apniHelenkovaapaslayenge…
Boy (cuts)E…ekminute…Storyteller Hain…?
Thestorytellerisannoyed.Boy Lasttimeaapmujhekoiaurkahaanisunarahethe…RamaurSita
ki…AurRavanuseylegayatha…Lanka…
Thestorytellerisconfused.Amomentofsilence.Thenthestorytellerspeakssuddenly–
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Storyteller Haantokyatakleefhai…?Problemkyahai?Kahaanikahaanihotihai…aurvohikahaaniharjagahchaltihai,harwaqt…Ayodhyamein,Unaanmein…Laila-Majnu,Romeo-Juliet,Sikandarkichadhai,Lankakiladaiaurtumhaarizindagi…Vohikahaani…ekhi…Tosochomatkekahaanaurkabaurkiski…basmazalokahaanika…Dilkholke…Theekhai…?
Theboynodsenthusiastically.
Storyteller Aaraamsebaitheho?Shurookaroon…?Boy (happily)Haan…
Thestorytellerfacesupandcloseshiseyes,invokes–
Storyteller Mahaaththaam…Lechalapnejahaan…Meriawaazmeintubolrani,shurookarkahaani,jahaansebhiteradilchaahe….
{1½mins}/9mins/
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TitleMontage
Song#1 Therobotisbackonthegrandoperastage,performingtheopeningofthissongofstories.Andsothestorygoes…,heissinging.Alwaysthesamestory.Thejokerisdancingaroundtherobot.
Titlesbegin.
LatenightamongthemarketsandhousesinSimla,peoplegatheredto
watchalocalRamleelaplay.Ram,Sita,RaavanandsomeoftheothercastofRamayanprancingaround
astheyarebeingintroducedonstage.Thestageisinthecornerofalargeterrace.Peoplearewatchingfromvariousplaces.
Theboyissittingwithsomeothers,lostintheplay. Anotherday,thekidisrunningdownthelanestothestoryteller. Thestorytelleristellingthekidapassionatestory. Thekidisseeingtheyoungwomanoftheverandahinhishouseasshewalksintheeveningfurtively,tomeetsomeone.HeimaginesherasSohnigoingtomeetMahiwal.
TheterracestageinthemiddleofSimla.Peoplearegatheredtowatch.Theboysittingwithsomeothers.TheinfantKrishnainabasket,beingcarriedbyVasudevacrosstheriver.
TheinfantMosesbeingrecoveredinthepalaceofEgyptfromtheNile.
Schoolchildreninanauditorium,watchingatheatreplay.RomeoandJulietbeingperformedonstage–ascenebetweenRomeoand
Juliet.Theboysittingwithhisclassintheaudience.JulietwaitingonherbalconyforRomeo.
Theboyislostintheplay. SitainimaginationwaitingforRaminAshokVatika,imaginedinapartofthecompoundofthehouseinSimla.
Shegetsastartsassomeoneenters.Shelooks. HanumanistearinghischesttoshowtheimageofRam.
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Theboyinclass,lookinglonginglyathishistoryteacher.
Theboyintheschoolassemblyinthechapel.Thechoiriswalkinguptheaisle. Thehistoryteacher,whoisSamyuktaintheboy’simaginationiswalkingtowardsthelightatexitofthehall.Storyteller’sV/O KiskitarafjarahihaiSamyukta?Vokaunhaijosamaajke
daayrekebaaharseuskobularahahai…? Thestorytellerandtheboy.StoryTeller Haathmeinvarmaalaliye,yoonhichalte-chalteSanjukta
mahalkebaaharaajaatihaiBoy (corrects)Samyukta… Thestorytellerlooksdisapprovingly.StoryTeller YamunahaiyaJamuna? Theboywonders.StoryTeller JosephhaiyaYusuf,JesusyaEesa,MoosayaMoses?
Batao…?(deeperthought)BrahmahaiyaAbraham…?YaIbrahim?(excitement)HindunadihaiyaIndus,hindhaiyaIndia?
Boy Sanjukta ThestatueofPrithvirajChahuan.Sanjuktalooksatit,smiles,placesthegarlandaroundit’sneck. ThestatueisPrithvirajhimself.HeholdsSanjukta,sheisstartled,happy.Hewhisksheraway.
Amontageoftheboyrushingtoandfromthestorytellerondifferent
days.Thestorytellerisnarratinganotherstorytothekidoneday–
Storyteller Aakhirkaar…jabhojaatihaiLailaQaeskerubarootovokya
dekhtihai…?Keuskaqaesqaesnahinraha…Theboyistellingastorytohisfriendsattherecessinschool.
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Boy Gasnahin…Qaes,Qaes…anywayabvoMajnubangayahai…matlabpagal…pagalonkiterehbehavekartahai…Charonhaath-pairsechaltahai,bandarkitarah…
Theboywalksonallfours,likeamadman,hisfriendslaugh.Fancydresscompetitionontheschoolstage.Variousboysdressedas
bandits,kings,jokers,beggars,priestsetc.,standinginline.Themiddleschooliswatching.Teachersarejudging.Theboycomesup,dressedasMajnu.Hetakesposition.Thenstarts
screaming–
Boy Laila…Laila…KahaanhaituLaila…(pause)Laila…Thankyou.
Hebowsslightlyandshylyandwalksback.
HanumanjumpsfromatreeinfrontofSitainAshokVatika.
Sitaisstartled.Hanumanbowsandfoldshishandstoher. Hanumantearstheskinofhischestandshowstheimageoframinhisheart.Sitafoldsherhandindevotion.Twodemonwatch-womenareseenfaintinginthebackground.
Julietonstageintheschoolplay,prancingaroundinthehappinessofthethoughtofRomeo.
Helenaboardtheship,beingtakenawaytoTroy.MenelausmeetsaGreekking,theylockarms.
Theschoolhallwherethereportcardwasdistributedisburningwith
fakelookingspecialeffectfire.Hanumancomestothesideofthemainschoolbuildingwithhisflaming
tailandsetsitonfire,jumpsout.Themainschoolbuildingisseenburninginthefakefire.
JulietlamentingthedeathofRomeointheschoolplay.Julietstabsherself.
Hanumanemergesfromarailing,jumpsup.Behindhimthecityisseenablazeinthethefakefireeffect.
TheRam-Leela–theearthpartsandSitaisgettingswallowedontheterracestageinSimla. Anotherdayatthestorycorner,anotherstory– Storyteller Hohohahahaha…chiraghkajinnAlauddinkesaamne
haazirhogayaaurbola–Hukummereaaqa…
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Theboywalksoutofhisroom,goingtoschool.HeisimaginingthegenieofthelampfromAladin’stale.Thegenieisbouncingaround,looking,posturing,promisingandescorting.
Theboystepsoutofthedoorofthehouse,stopslooksinside.Inhisimaginationthegenieisdancingaroundthemagicallampthatis
creatingalotofsmoke.Themagiccarpetstandsbehindhim.Theboyturnsandwalksaway.Insidethedoor,theservantofthehouseis
seenblowingthepoojaincensesomeintheroom. Theboy,nowacollegestudent,doesastand-upactinthecollegeauditorium.Ved Andthegeniesays–Hukummereaaqa…SoAlsays–Listen
jinndude,kuchaisakar…kimain…girl’shostelmeinrehnelagoon…samajhrahahai…?
Laughterfromtheaudience.
Ved Kyaaapkairaadapakkahai…?Pakkapakka…Girl’shostelmeindaaldemujhebas,apnebaaqikearmaanmainkhudhipoorekarloonga…
Whistlesfromtheaudience.
Therobotonstage,makinganinvocationtothemusebeforebeginningthestory–“Takemyhandgoddess,leadtometheenchantedlandofstories.Speakinmyvoice,oprincess,andbeginthestorywhereveryouwill.” Thetitlesend.{3½mins}/12½mins/
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ApproachingCorsicaMontage
Opensky,opensea–lookingintothewater. Lookoutofwateratjaggedrocks,unsteadypoint-ofview.Movingthroughtherocksinthesea. Emergingfromacoveinthesea. Approachingacliffonthesea–glimpsesofacity.
Thepoint-of-viewsettlesonthepicturesqueandoutlandishislandofCorsica.
{1/2min}
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Sc#7 Day,Ext/Interiors CorsicaTavern
Atavern.Peoplecomeandgo.Attheentrance,agirlisinsomesortofa
squabblewiththeownerofthetavern.SheseemstobemakinganappealinEnglish.HeseemstonotknowEnglishwellandisdisqualifyingher.
Owner (impatient)Nononomoney,no…
Girl Listentome…justlistenokay?Iamnotaskingformoney,Iam
askingtomakeacall…Aphonecall…
Owner Nonophone,go…Girl It’llbeonesecond,okay?I’lljustcallandquicklyaskthemtocall
back.Owner (rudely)NononoGirl Listenpleaseyaa…please…Owner (loud)NononomoneygoGirl Okayfine…
Shesmilesfakely,controllingherrage.
Girl …finesaalejhand-fakeer…sooarkiaulaad…Marjakameenethankyou.
Quickfadetoblack.Titleappears–TejakaSona.
Quickfadein.Wearelookingatthegirlandthetavernownerfrominside
thetavern.Wearebackafewsecondsintime,weseethesameactionfromthispointofview.
Owner Nononomoneygo…
She Okayfine…finesaalejhand-fakeer…sooarkiaulaad.Marja
kameenethankyou.Someoneinsidethetavernreactstotheabuse,looksout.ThisisanIndianmaninmidtwenties.Hehasheardsomethingfamiliar
andunexpectedintheseparts,helooksout.Heseesthetavernowner,comingbacktohiscounterandagirlwalkingawaytothestepsontheside.
Themanwalksouttotheentrance,lookstowardsthesteps,looksatthe
tavernowner.
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Themanclimbsthesteps,seesthegirlstandingneartherailing,in
obvioustension.Helooksback,thenwalksuptothegirl.Shelooksathim.
He That…jhand-fakeer…Yousaid? Shecloseshereyes,quicklyexhales,openshereyes.She SeeIwasaskingthat…the…He …soarkiaulaad…She …toletmemakeaquickcall,justforasecond,but… Hetakesouthisphoneandoffersittoher.He Here…
Shelooksathim.She IhavetocallIndia…He Haankoibaatnahin,karleejiye… Shetakesthephone.Hesmiles,takesastepback.Shechokes,looksdown,thenswiftlylooksupandblurtsout–She Merabagghayabhogayaactually…Usmeinpassportthaaur
phoneaurcash,creditcardsshit…vobagjokabhinahinkhotehain…HowcanIbesostupid…?yatochorikarliyakisene…Immideatelyvaapasgayeeferrymein…harjagah…baarbaar,subahseaurispooreCorsicameinekbhiaadmikoEnglishnahinaatibloody…(mumbles)AsterixinCorsica…
Shecloseshereyes,makesashortexhaletocontrolherself.
He Sorry…?
She Asterix…Comics…That’sthereason,actually.AsterixinCorsicamerifavouritethi…Hardinpadhtithi,sketchesdekhtithi…sochtithibadihokarkeekdinvahanjaoongizaroor…YahanParismeinconferencethianddamnmujhesabkesaathvaapaschalejaanachahiyethamagarnahin…maintobadihogayeehoon…aurbachpanabhinahingayamera…
Shecloseshereyesagaintocontrolherself.
He Aap…phonekarleejiyepehle,okay?
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She Yeah…Yes…Thanks…{2½mins}
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Sc#8 Day,Exteriors CorsicaTavern
Heisattherailing,lookingout.Afewminuteshavepassed.Shereturnstohim.
She Hi…Vomujhecallbackkarenge.Isnumberpar–Isthatfine?He Absolutely…She Fiveminutes…Tomainjust…
Shemakeshandgesturestosignifythatshe’djusthangaroundhim.
He Sure,please…Hemakesthesamehandgesturesasher,smiles.Shesmiles.
She Andlisten… Sheturnstofacehimsquarely,shakesherheadingratitude.She Thanksalot,okay…?He Areypleasedon’tdothat…She NoIhavetodoit…Youdon’tknowwhatmyhaalatwas…God
knowsaapnahinmiltetokyahota…Bytheway,(extendshand)mynameis…
He (quick)Stop…She Haan…?He (gesturestvremote)Pause Shelooksathim.Helooksatherforsometime.
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He Hmm…Aapapnanaambataengi,mainapnanaambataoonga,humekdoosrekojaanjayenge–kahanrehtehainkyakartehainaur‘ohwow…whatasmallworld’bhihojayega,commonfriendsbhinikalayengeaurmainvohibanjaoongajomainsaalbharhotahoon–ghise-pitejokessunaoonga,aapkoimpresskarnekikoshishkaroonga,decentlybehavekaroonga…decentlybehavekaroonga…?(opensarmswide)Corsicamein…?Ittimightmaarkeyahaanaayahoon,jahaankoimujhenahinjaanta,mainkoibhihosaktahoon,kuchbhikarsaktahoon,kisikopadinahinhai…Don…
HehaslapsedintoDon,hishandisextended.Don Baarahmulkonkipolicemujhedhoondhrahihaiaurmainyahan,
isanjaantapumein,Tejakesonekaintezarkarrahahoon.
Shelooksathiminintrigue.HeisDon.Sheextendsherhandtohim.
Don Auraap?
She Main…?
Don Ji…aap…Koitohongiaap…
She Main…Mona.MonaDarling.MainTejakesaathkaamkartihoon.
Don TomainaapkoMonakahoon,yadarling…?Mona (withdrawingherhand)MrDon…
Donlaughs. Don Ilikeit…Magarisbaatkakyasaboothai…kiSonadarasal
tumhaarepaashai?
Mona Isbaatkakyasaboothai…kitumdarasalDonho?Don (laughs)SabootkanoonkiduniyakakhilonahaiaurDon…us
duniyakebaharkakhilaadi…VaisepoochsaktahoonkiTejakhudkyonnahinaaya?
Mona Vo…MrTejakadentistappointmenttha
Don Isee
Mona Voiswaqt,yahansehazaaronmeeldoor,apnarootcanalkarva
rahehainDon O
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Thephoneringsinhispocket.Sheperksup,hetakesthephoneout.
Don Interpol…
Theylookatthecallingnumber.
Mona Mainhandlekartihoon…
Hegivesherthephone,winksather.Shewinksathim.
Don+Mona Hahaha…
Hebacksout,sheturnsandwalksaway,speakingwithattentionintothephone–
Mona Hello…?Yesdad…Nono…Okay…Yes…{2½mins}
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Sc#9 Day,Exteriors TownSquare,Tavern AmusicalparadetravellinginthelanesoftheCorsicantown.Fairlikeatmosphere. Theparadewalksupsomestepscomingforward.Musiciansareplaying,greatcheer.
Thesunissetting,theeveningbreezeisblowing.Monaisseenattherailings,speakingonthephone.Theiconsoftheparade.Parademovingwithgreatvivacity.
Nearthetavern,MonacomeslookingforDontoreturnthephone.Thetavernownerwalksuptoher.
Shelooksathim.Hegivesheracard.It’sthecardofarestaurant.Thetavernownerindicatesthatitisinthesquarebelow.Sheflipsthecard.Onthatsideisscribbled–Don(jiskopakadnamushkilhinahinetcetc...)Shesmilestoherself.Inthemeantime,thetavernownerhasreadsomethingfromaslipofpaperandnowsays–TavernOwner (withdeliberation)Mainkuttakabachahoon…She Correct…Shakalsedikhtahai…
Henods.Shelaughsassheturnsawayandwalks.Shelookstowardsthesquare,wherethemusicoftheparadeiscoming
from.{1min}/19mins/
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Sc#10 Day,Exteriors TownSquare,Restaurant Monawalksupfromastreet,followingthesoundoftheparade.
Theparademovinginthelanes.
Monawalksintothesquarethroughanarch–theparadeiscrossingfromfront.
Shewalksthroughthefete,phoneinhand,lookingforDonandtherestaurant.Shefindstherestaurant,walkstowardsit.Awaiterseemstohavebeenwaitingforher.Hewalksuptoher.
Waiter Don…? Shesmiles,nods.Heasksforthecardinherhand,looksatit,nods.ThenheseatsMonawithbriskhospitality.Sheisintrigued,looksaround–Donisnotseen.
Amuscat,asalad,abowlofrisottoandabottleofwineareservedtoher.Waiter Allpaid…Bonappétit.
Sheissurprised,looksaround,thenbeginseating.Musiciansintheparadeenjoyingthemusic.Theparadetakesapause,
stopsmarching,morepeoplegathernear–clappinganddancing.Monatakesasipofthemuscat,theneatsfasterassheisterriblyhungry.Sheisinalargesquare,theparadegatheringisseeninthedistance
behind.Monaeatingfaster.Takesasipofthewine.
{1min}
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Sc#11 Day,Exteriors TownSquare Alittlelater,Donisseenwalkingupfromonesideofthesquare. Monaisalmostdonewithherfood,looksinthedirectionofDon,finishesthewineintheglass.
Donwalksup,turnstoaprettywaitresswhosayssomethingtohim.Hestartsspeakingtoheratoneofthetalltablesthatsheissettingup.
Monawalksin,bottleofwineinhand.Sheturnsandpourswineintoa
glassonthetableforhim.
Mona Bhookekokhilaanekatouchachchatha.Magarpilaana…Idon’tknow…
Shewithdrawstowardsthesquare.Theparadeisseenontheotherendof
thesquare.Themusicanddancehavepickedup.
Don Kyon?Kyakarnewaalihai…?
Mona Idon’tknowSheisswayingabittothemusic.Hegulpsdownthewineinoneswig–Aahhh…,keepstheglassonthe
table.Then–
Don Ialsodon’tknow
HemovestowardsMona,feelingthemusic.Theyfloatforsometime,takingswigsfromthebottle.Shelooksaround.
Theatmosphereofthesquare–morevibrantnow.Shelooksaround,indisbelief.
Mona Whoa…Whatisthisplace…?Kahanhainhum…?Don Bataoon…?Onceuponatimepar…Mona Haan…?
Heislookingather,asthoughobservinghimselfandherfromthe
outside.Don Ekkahaanishuroohorahihai…
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Theycontinuetodance.
Mona Hmm…Achchihogikahaani…?
Don Problemyehaikikahaaniekhihotihaihamesha…Onceuponatime–ekladkaekladkisemiltahai…aurimmediatelylinemaarnishurookardetahai…Jaisekiuskidutyhai–Linemaarnihai,pataanahai…Phirkisibahaanetouchandfeel,pakad-dhakkadchumma-chaati…Mainladkahoon,yemerarolehai…Nibhaoonga…Planningkaroonga,situationcreatekaroonga…yesabCorsica-phorsicagayatellenemaintosirfyehisochtarahoongakikaisetouchkarloon,kaisephysicalhojaoontumhaaresaath…
Mona (regret)Arey…TabtomujheMsTouchMeNotbannapadega…
Safedistancerakhnipadegi,harwaqtcarefulrehnapadega…Aurmainjokarnachahoongi,jomeradilkarega…votomainkarhinahinsakti.No…Mujhetoapneaapkoroknahoga…
Hestopsmovingashesays–Don Nahinnahin…Apneaapkoroknahoga…?VobhiCorsicamein…?
Mona Whattodo?Don Becausesharmisauratkagehna…?
Mona (giggles)Correct…Don Hmm…Chalnahinkaroonga.Mona Kya?Don Kameenapan…Move…nahinkaroonga,matrokapneaapko…
Shelooksathim.
Don Karoongahinahin
Shecranesheadclosertolookathimclosely.Hebringshiseyesforwardforinspection.
Don Dekhle…(pause)Jabaanderahahoonjabaan…Samjhi…?Samjhi
kya…?
Withthathebeginsmovingtothemusicagain.
Don Jabtakhaijaan…jaanejahaan…
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Shebeginstomoveagain,smiling,thensays–
Mona Saatdinlagengemerenayepassportkoaanemein
Don Apunbhihaphtabharhaiidhar…Mona Kal-parsontakmerepaiseaajayengeDon Kal-parsuntalakapunkarokdachaljayenga…
Pause.
Mona Tohumekdoosrekonahinbataengekihumkaunhain?Don Koibhihosaktehain…Idon’tknow…Mona Sachmeinnahinbolenge…?
Hestopsdancing.
Don Sachbolengehinahin…Aao,vaadakarein…kihumapnebaare
meinjokuchbhikahenge,jhootkahenge… Shelocksarmswithhim.Mona Aurjhootkesivakuchnahinkahenge…Don AurCorsicakebaad–whoosh…ghayabhojayenge…Magic.Mona Aurphirkabhinahinmilenge…
Shelooksathim,fascinatedattheidea.Don Kahaanimeintwist…Yebanegihatkekahaani…Mona Tojobhihonahai,yaheenhonahai…Andwhathappensin
Corsica… Both …staysinCorsica…
Hewhistlesincelebration,looksather.Theylookateachother,thenhecomesforwardandhead-buttsher.{4min}/24mins/
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Song#2
DonandMonastepaway,lookingateachother.Hebeginstoswaywiththemusic,shefollowssuit,areliefsetsoverthem.Shespins,theybegintodance.Musicchangescolour,theparadebeginstomoveinthedirectionofDonandMona.Hebeginstodancemoreandmoreintensely,beginslocaldesidancing.Shelaughs,dancesalong,triestoapehim.Hemakesthedancebiggerandbigger.Andmoredesistyle.Hebeginstosing.Nonsenselyrics.Peoplenotice,fascinated.Hesingsanddanceswithconviction.
Heandshemovearound.Thentheymoveintotheparade.Heclimbsonamake-shiftstageandsings.Shedances.Peoplecheer.They
dothefulloutdesidance.InthemiddleofitsomewhereheswiftlytransformstoDevAnand–and
beginstodotomusicwhatDevAnanddoes.Shelaughs.HesingslikeDevAnandnow.Nooneelsecanseethepointofwhatheisdoing,buthedoesitwithfullconviction.
Later,hemovesaroundthevivaciousatmospherehungontoMonalikea
coat,pilingontootherpeopleonthewayandprancinginandoutofplaceswiththehands’swaggerasDevAnandwoulddo.HeisDevAnand.{4mins}
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Sc#12 Evening,Exteriors HarbourOffice
Wipe.Theywalkoutofanoffice.DevAnandiscarryinghisbagonhisback,alsopushingherverylargesuitcasenow.Heleavesthebagsandstepsuptothesea,turnstoher.Dev Baby..mujhepatachalahaikivahaanuslighthousekepeeche..aaj
raatsmugglinghonewaalihai.Tejakasona,kisiDon..naamkeaadmikomilnewaalahaiauriskaam..koanjaamderahihaindilkashnaazneenMonaDarling–naamtosunahoga…
She Tejakhudkyonnahinaaya?Dev Taaza..reportmilihaikivoapnedentistkesaathkisicanal…ke
routesejaldipahonchrahahai.AurmainInterpolkitarafseunsabkoakelaarrestkarneaayahoonnihattha…
Shelaughsdeliberatelyandfakelylikeanoldfimlymoll.Helooksathera
bitdisapprovingly,thencontinues–
Dev Samaarangeenhai,mausamhaseenhai,aurbaby..agaraapkedilmeinyaqeenhaithen..followme…
DevAnandproceedstopushMona’ssuitcaseupthestairs.Monafollows.{1min}
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Sc#13 LateEvening,Exteriors UphillLane DevAnandandshearepushingherverylargeandheavysuitcaseupthelane.Hehashisbagonhisback.Hewipeshissweat.Dev Hmmhmmhmmnajaanekya..raazbandhainisbaksmeinjoye
itna..bhaarihai…Moll Itnesebojhsedargaye…?
Shegoesfronttopull,heisprancingandswaggeringaroundabitbetweenthepushes.Dev Interpolkaafsarhoonmain…(notices)aurusnaateaapkoye
bataanamerafarzhaikiaapkehusnkivaadiyaan…iswaqtdikhrahihainjihaan…
Shewonderswhathemeans.Thenlooksathercleavage,coverstheflap,smiles.
Henodsapprovingly,makestopushagain,butshepauses,somethoughthavinghither.Sheremovestheflapthatshehadcovered.Sheopenstheotherflapaswell.Thensheremovesherblouseandchucksitontheroad.DevAnandisreactingtoallthis.Heisnotsureifheisexcitedordisapproving.Thenwithoutsayinganything,sheresumestopullthesuitcaseandhepushes.
Theyareseencrossingastreet,pullingthesuitcaseaway.{1min}
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Sc#14 Night,Int/Exteriors Hotel,Room Thehotelownerlookingon,saying–easy,easyinFrench.
Theypushtheheavysuitcaseupthehotelstaircase.Heiscarryinghisbagaswell.
Theywheelthesuitcaseupthecorridor.Heopenstheroom,pushesthe
suitcasein.Shelooksathim,enters.
{1/2min}
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Sc#15 Night,Interiors HotelRoom
Sheemergesfromthebathroomwithatowelaroundhershoulders,chewinggumloudly.
Heislookingoutofthewindow,turnstolookather.Shewalkscheaplytohim,sitsonthebed.
She Haan,tokyakarnekahai? Devlooksather,sitsonthechairsaying–Dev Kya..karnekahai…?She Tukaekulaayamujheidharroompe?Sexkarnekona?Dev Kaisibehki–behkibaateinkarraheenaap?Main..Interpolka
aadmihoon.She Interpolaadmikapolenahinhotakya?Dev CheecheecheecheeShe Dekhmainpehlaclearkardetihai–extrakaextralagenga,baad
meinbolnekanahin.*&&%**#kapaanchsauhoyenga,@$$%$^$kadosau,$$#@&*^kahajaaraur*&&^&%&^*nahinletimain.
Throughallthis,DevAnandisgettingfitsinreaction–findingitutterlydistastefulandsayingwordslike–Dekhiye…HareRam…Interpoletc.Shefinishestalking,isshockedforamomentatwhatshehasdone.Shelooksathim.Thengetssuddenlyshy.Dev Kyabaathaikyabaathai…
Heoffersherabottleofwatertakesonehimself.He WelcometoCorsica…
Shebreaksintoloudlaughter.Hewhistles.
Theylaugh.
{1min}/31½mins/
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Sc#16 Day,Exteriors CaronCountryRoad Wipe.Carinvastlandscape.
Wipe.Crossingthroughrockyhills.Facesintherockspassing.SheisdrivinganopenroofcarHeisfullyreclinedonthepassenger’sseat,
lookingupatthehills,talkingtothem.
He Bolde…bolde…Batadekyaraazhai,aisemude-tudehuyekyonhosaare–ghussemein…?Waisetobadapyaarhaitumhaaredilmein…Obviously,bilkulpatahai…Haan…Okay…achcha…achcha…Ohhaha…hamaarejailmeinsurang…?
Sheislookingathimfromtimetotime.Helaughs,thenbecomesabit
reflective.
He Patanahinyaar…Areychhodna,yahankyayesab…?Vahanbhitensionnahinhai,basvahi…LakeerkaFakeer…,samjha…?ApraadhiKaun?Tuteradekh.
She Binpherehumtere He BolbachanAmitabhBachchanShe Yebikiniabnahintikni…He Ghaagremeindhoom-dhaam… Shelaughsaloud.Hewhistles.She (screams)Yoohooo…. Cardrivesawayonscenichillroad.{1½mins}
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Sc#17 Evening,Exteriors Cliff Therockymountaininsunset. Theyaresittingonacliff,lookingatthevalleyandthehillsinfrontofthem.
Shelooksathim.Heisenthralledbythehills.Heisconnectedtotheterrain.Shelooksbackatthehills,triestoconnectwiththemlikehim.{1/2min}
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Sc#18 Day,Int/Exteriors HotelRoom/Street
Wipe.Thenextday.Shehaswokenuponthebed.Shelooksaround,getsup. Heisnotintheroom.Shewalksuptowardshisextracot.Shenoticesabookfallenonthefloor,picksitup,evensitspages.Shenoticessomethinginthebook.
Itisthelogoofabookstore,withthesketchofaturtle.Shecanhearsoundsfromthestreet.Shelooksatthebook.Shemakesto
openthefirstpage–shecansensethathisnameiswrittenthere.Shestopsherselffromturningthepage,shesmiles,thenkeepsthebookontheside,movestothewindow,looksout.
Somekidsareplayingsoccer.Heisthere,playingwiththem.Itisarough
gamewithten–twelveyearoldsandheisfullyinvolved–screamingandcomplainingandbeingasaggressiveasthekids. Afterawhile,shecomestothestreetwithabigmugofcoffee,wearingsunglasses.
Shesitsonthepavement,againstawall,lookingatthesoccergame.Sherelaxes.
{1/2min}
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Sc#19 DayExt/Interior SunsetCafe Heandsheenteracafe,lookaround.Theylookateachother,heshowsthumbsup,sheshowsthumbsup.Thentheyquicklyturnandenterdifferentareas. Sheislookingaround. Heislookingaround. Shemovesforward,lookingforsomething,seeshiminthedistance. Heseesher,looksaround.
Theycrosseachother.Shelooksaround.
Heseessomething,shecatcheshislook.It’saprettyFrenchgirlsittingatatable,readingabookandhaving
lemonade.HeleersatherandmovestotheFrenchgirl.Sheisuneasy,movesquicklyintheotherdirection.HeapproachestheFrenchgirlquickly–
He (innocent)Excuseme…hi…Meparle-vousnoFrench…Canyouhelpmeplease…?
Sheisseeninthebackgroundlookingaroundforsomeoneashetalksto
theFrenchgirl.
He HowyousayinFrench–Youareverybeautiful.
TheFrenchgirllooksathim,thentranslatesthatinFrench.Heglancesinherdirectionwithasuperiorlook,looksbackattheFrench
girlandinanaïvemannerrepeatstheFrenchlinetotheFrenchgirl.TheFrenchgirlbeginstosaythathesaiditcorrectlybutthenbecomessuspicious.Heislookingatherinnocently,thenspeaks–He Andhowyousay–Areyoufreethisevening?
Page 37
Sheisdisappointedinhersearch.Lookstheotherway,atacircularpitwheresomesundecksarekept,noticesaguylookingtowardsher.Theguyhasbeenlookingatherforawhile.Hesmiles,shecallhimurgently–
She Aaja… TheFrenchguytakesamomenttoconfirm.She Aajajalditimenahinhai…Frenchguy (French)Who…?Me…?She Areyaana…
Sherushesuptohim,themanrushestoher,shetakeshisarmandsays–
She Buymeadrink…
Shequicklyturnsandwalksoutwithhim.
He,inthemeantime,isstillworkingattheFrenchgirl.He Andhowdoyousay–Willyoutakemeoutthisevening…?
TheFrenchgirlislookingathim.Helooks,seesthatsheiscrossingfrombehindwiththeguy,lookingathimandmakingabigvictorygesture.Hehaslost.Shepasses.TheFrenchgirlspeaksnow,helooksather.TheFrenchgirlspeakswithsuggestiveinnocence–
FrenchGirl (French)Willyoutakemeoutthisevening…?
Helooksatherforasecond,thenspeaksininaterriblyexaggeratedIndianaccent–
He WelcometoIndiaforSambarvadameiduvadapaavvada…It’s
veryverynice.Namaste.
Heleaves.
Hewalksoutoftheareaintotheopen.Inawhile,shecomesinandwalksalongside,makingjubilantsignsofvictory.Heshakeshishead,walksonlikealoser.{2mins}
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Sc#20 Evening,Exteriors TownLane Wipe.Sheandhearewalkingupalane.Sheisdressedup.Heissulking.Hespeakssuddenlyanddramatically–He Kyakaroon,bhikaaribanjaoon…?Bheekmaangoonrasteparde
baba…?She Yetobetlagaanekepehlesochnatha…Dekhodekho,koimehnga
restaurantdikhrahahai…?He (tothesky)Heybhagwaanagartoonemujheladkibanayahota…
tomainaajischauraaheparapniizzatbechkarisbhukkadkapetbhardeta.Abtoohibatamainkyakaroon…?
Sheisgiggling.
He Sunrahahaihaibhagwaan…?
Heseessomething.
It’sachurch.Ithasafrontyardwhichseemstobegettingreadyforalocalfeast.Localfolkintheirformalclothesaremillingabout,greetingandchatting,enteringtheenclosure.He Areybhagwaan…?Aaptotoocoolnikle…
Hemovestowardsthegathering.
He Aaja…She Arey…?
Aviolinistisplayinginthemiddle.Thegatheringofpeoplenearthechurchfoyer–greetingeachother,
chattering,laughing. Heismovinguptothosepeople,shereacheshim.She Plankyahai…?He Kyapata…?She Listen…
Sheholdshimback,hetakesherarmandwalksonsmiling.
Page 39
Hewalksintothegroupofpeopleandinstantlybeginstogreetand
chatterwiththem–justlikethem.He Bonjour,Bonjour…Hello…Hahaha…CavaBien…Ouiouiouioui…
Hahahaha…(praisessomeone’slook)Magnifik…magnifik…
Theothersarelookingathim,oneortwoaresmiling.Sheistryingtopullhimout.Heintroduceshertothem–He ThisisfamousmoviestarfromIndia…BelleMadhubala…She
makepictureinCorsica…
Theothersbegintogreether.Shebeginstorespond.Henowbeginstoinvitetheotherstogoinfordinner. He Come…Please…Welcome,welcome…
Theygoin.Nearthetable,sheenterswiththeothers.
She (modest)Mercimerci…butI’llbehappyonlyifhecastsmeinhis
nextmovie.(tohim)Whydon’tyoutellthemyourlateststory…? Heislookingstraightather.She Youwill?Bravo…bravo… Shestartsclapping.Someothersstartclappingtoo.She BigmoviedirectorfromIndiawilltelllateststory….Bravo…
Hesmiles,bowstothem.
{1½min}/37½mins/
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Sc#21 Night,Interiors
ChurchYard
(PartOne)
Festivedinneratthelocalcommunityhall.Wineandfreelaughtergoingaround.Longtable,heisattheheadofthetable,manyfamiliessitting,standingaround,freelyapplaudingatthestorythatheisnarratingtothem.
He (inflair)…andthenheputtheguntotothethief’sheadandsaidI
amgoingtokillyou,preparetodie…andthethiefsaidmerci,mercibeaucoup…ThankyouGod,youhavefinallyansweredmyprayers…MonsieurBandito…ForoneyearItrytokillmyself…IshootmyselfBang…thechandelierbrokedhhooshhh,Imiss…Itakepoisontodie,nextmorningIwakeupwithhangover…Ohhh….ThenIcutmyvein…Igetinfection,doctorgivemeseveninjectionshotsahhh….myasssore…Nowgodsendyou…s’ilvousplait…hurryupkillme…please,shootrightnow…butwait…Ihavetopeepee…FirstIpeepeethenyoushootme…Ahwhatdoesitmatter,whenIdieInohavetopeepee…Shootme…comeon…butwait…whatifyoushootmeboomandwhooshhhhIpeeonyourshoe…suchlovelyshoeolala…whatbrandshoe…JimmyChoo…?no…Armani…?OhIamtiredoftalking,pardonmeIwantwine…Whereisthewine…?Vin…Vin…
Hetakesasipofthewine,everyonecheers,helookstoaside.Agroupof
younggirlsintraditionalcostumearestandingthere,lookingathim.
He Prettyprettygirls…Ihavemessageforyou…This–BelleMadhubala…Shemenotogether,okay…?Shenogirlfriend…
Shegetsuptoannounce–
She Yes…BelleMadhubalaisfree…BelleMadhubalaavailable…
Thereisapplausefromthemen.
He (tothegirls)Andinmyheart…thereislotoflove…Amor….Iwanttogiveyou…love…Comeclose…come…
Cheerandmusic.SomesevenmencomeandtakeMonaawaytodanceon
theside.Thegirlsmoveinclosertohim.
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(PartTwo)
Sometimehaspassed.Sheisdancingwithmanymenofdifferentages.
Thereisgreatcheer,sheishavingagreattime.Shelookstowardshim.Heissittingatthetablewithsomemen,andafewgirlsintraditional
costume.Helooksather.Shesmiles.Hemakesthesamegesturesofvictoryandjubilationthatshewasmakingearlier.Shelaughs,dances,lookstowardshim.
{2½mins}
FeastNightMontage
Firecrackersinthesky,thecityisaglowatnight. Sheandheareonaferry,sittingquietly,lookingatthecity.
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CorsicaMontage Apolyphonysinginggroupperformingasonginanoldchurch. Wipe.Sheopensapacketatthereceptionofthehotel.Ithascash.Shethankstheownerofthehotel.Thesoundofthechurchperformancemusiccontinues. Dooropensandsheisshownintohernewroom,thehotelownerhelpingwithherluggage. Theculturalmusicperformanceinthechurch.
Wipe.Goingthroughmarketlanesofthecity.Wipe.GoingthroughlanesandstreetsofaCorsicanvillage.Sheisseen
comingfromadistance.Hecrossesinfront.Anotherlanegoingdown-hill.Theyappear,movingupandcross.Goingthroughanotherlane.Heandsheareseensittinginacorner,
havingadrink.
Themusicperformanceintheantiquechurch. Hillyforest.Heandsheseenracingthroughit.Theyareclamberingonallfoursattimes,fightingtogetaheadoftheother.{1½mins}/41½mins/
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Sc#22 Day,Exteriors ForestRiver Ahillriver.Heclambersdowntotheriver,exhausted.Shecomesinafterhim.Hecomestohisknees,thentoallfoursandlowershisfaceashereachesthewater,drinkswaterlikeawildcat.Feelsrefreshed.Shegiggles,comestoherkneesandfoursnexttohim,looksathimforinstruction.Thenshelowersherheadanddrinks.
Thenhecomesuptoagrassypatchandsprawlsout.Shecomesalong,
flopstosit.Sheevensherbreath,lookstowardshim.Heislookingather.Shelooks,hecontinuestolook.Pause.Then–She Kya…?He (lost)Hunh…?
Sheraiseshereyebrowstoask.He Dekhrahahoontumko…She Dekhkarkehikaamchalaanapadega.Vaadajokiyahai.He Kyon…? Heraiseshisfingertoher.Sheraisesherfinger.Fingerstouch.He Ting.Dekha…?She Haan,itnahiallowedhai…He Dukhhorahahai…?Hain…?Terejismkibhookterevaadeko
kamzorbanarahihai?She Magarabkyakarein…He Ekbaarcommitmentdedito…?She Tophiraisehitouchkarkekaamchalaanapadega…Ting…He Niraashnahoraani…tingkyon…?Humtongbhitokarsakte
hain…?
Heraiseshispalm.
She Owow… Shehitshispalm.
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He Tong…She Whatfun…!He Funhasjustbegunbaby,kyonkihumbahotkuchkarsaktehain…
Jaiseki… Herisestositting.He Idharaabataatahoon… Shecomesforward.Heinstructshertoopenherarms.Shedoes.Hehugsher.She Yebhiallowedhai…?He Haan,ismeinkyahai...?Allowedtoyebhihai… Hepullshimselfandhertotheirknees,beginstodanceonthekneeswithher.Theyhug.She Yepakkaallowedhai?He Whynot,whynot…BaslinenahincrosskarniShe Matlabmainyebhikarsaktihoon…? Sheholdshimfromhisback.He Auryebhi… Heholdsherfromherneckandwaist.Theyareinposition,theylookateachother.She Linebahotnazdeekaagayeehai…He Magarcrossnahinhogi… Helowershertotheground.She Sure…? Helooksather.Sheislookingathim.Pause.He Jabaandihaijabaan… Hebeginstopart.Theyseparate.Theyliedownseparately,tryingtoeventhemselves.Meanwhile–
Page 45
She (complainsmelodramatically)Maineaapkodildiya…auraapnedeesirfzabaan?
He IsduniyakadilusduniyameinnahinchaltaZohrabai.She (lament)Hai…
Heisthinking.He Vahaankeniyam,kanoon,rivaaj…(underbreath)sabkuchalag
hai…Alagthalag…
Pause.Theyarestilltryingtosettlethemselves.She Yeghalatkiyahumne…He Yejagahhighalathai…Yahanna…Kuchkuchhotahai…She Tokyakarein…?Bhaageyahanse…? Pause.Thenhesuddenlyrousesand–He Bhaagbhaagbhaagbhaag… Hegetsupandrunsaway,shescreams,runsafter.
Weseethemrunningawayinthedistance.TheStoryteller’sVoiceOverbegins–
Storyteller’sVO Auristarahwaqtbeettagaya,mulaqaatkimohlatkhatm
hotigayee…{3½mins}/45mins/
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Sc#23[A] Day,Int/Exteriors StoryCorner Mid1990s Flashback.Boy Tch…Yeaisahikyonhotahaiharbaar?Storyteller (disturbed)Aiyen…?
ThestorytellerhasbeentellingtheboythestoryofSohniandMahiwaal.
Boy Achchatimeittijaldikhatmhojaatahai…Phirvohiulta-seedha,sabtensionhonelagtihai…AisanahinhosaktakiSohnivaapashinahinjaaye,vaheenrukjaaye…?
Thestorytellerhasbeenglaringattheboy.
Storyteller Vaheenrukjaaye?Hain…?Tokahaanibhivaheenrukjaayegiphir,ushidweepparaurtabtusunegakyakhaak…?
Boy Sorry…Storyteller Terimarzisechalegikahaani…?Hain…?YekahaaniSohni-
Mahiwaalkihai,ismeinvohogajoSohniaurMahiwaalkarenge…AbSohnikojaanahai…tojaanahai…
Theboyisnoddinginagreement,sothatthestorytellercontinuesthestory.Storyteller Yehitodikkathaiwaqtki…vobeettajaatahai.
ShoreMontage AwavelashesontherocksofaCorsicanshore,settlesdown.
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Sc#24 Evening,Exteriors
VantagePoint Sheandhearesprawledoutnearthepicnictheyhadonahillatsunset.Rooftopsofthetownareseenbelow.Thestoryteller’sV/Oisheard–Storyteller’sVO Shaamdhaltijaatihai…charontarafandheraphailnelagta
hai…Hartarafseishaarahonelagtahai…kiwaqtkhatmhorahahai…
Birdsflyintheeveningsky.
{1/2min}
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Sc#25 Evening,Exteriors ThreshingCircle Theeveningskyandseafromadistance. Fromadistanceweseehimandherdancingtoasilentdisco,listeningtomusicontheirheadphones. Comingclose,weseethatthattheyareintheirownspaces.Theyareawayfromeachother,swayinganddancingandmovingthewaytheywantto.Theyareintoxicated.
Shelooksathim.Helooksather,atherbody.Hedropsthedancesuddenlyandmovesquicklytoher,whispersfurtivelyinherear–He Abmujheyakeenhogaya…She Kya?He KiTejakasonaterepaashai…Darasal…
Shegiggles.Hesuddenlybeginstodanceagainandgoawayfromher.Shedanceswithgreathappinessnow.
Theydanceintheirownworlds.
{1min}
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Sc#26[A] Day,Int/Exteriors HotelLounge
AEuropeanmanstandsupasshewalkstothehotellounge.Hegreetsher.Agent Bonjour…
Herpassportishandedovertoher.Shelooksatthepassport,looksup.
She Adayearly? Sc#23[B] Evening,Int/Exteriors StoryCorner
Flashback.Thestorytelleristellingthekid– Storyteller Duniya…Duniyasebachnamumkinthodehihai…?Sohni
nabhichaahevaapasjaanatobhikyahoga…?Duniyachaliaaaayegiuseylene…Alaghojayengedono.Phiraagemilennamilein,kyabharosa?
{1/2min} Sc#26[B] Day,Int/Exteriors HotelLounge
Thestoryteller’svoiceoveraboutSohnifadesoutasshelooksather
agentandhisvoicefadesin.
Agent (OC)Therewereafewphone-callsfromtheministryinNewDelhi.Youcantellmewhenyouwanttoflyout.Iwillmakebookings.
Shenods.
{1/2min}
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Sc#27 Day,Int/Exteriors HotelCorridor,Staircase,Lounge Sheclimbsthestairsandmovestowardshisroom,butstopsatthedoor.Shecloseshereyes,exhales.Thensheturnsandwalksbackquickly.
Shecomesdownthestaircaseinahurry.Shewalksupthelounge,theagentstands,sheaskshim–
She Whattimeistheflighttoday?{1/2min} Sc#28 Day,Interiors HotelRoom TheStoryteller’sV/Oisheard–Mulaqaatkiisghadimeinkoisukoonnahinhaimujhe…Sirfdarrhai,ghabraahathai–kiyewaqtbeetjayegaaurphirtummerepaasnahinhoge.Toaisewaqtmeinkhushkaisehosaktihoonmain…? Shoesarestuffedintothesuitcase,theflapisclosed.
Shecomesinfrontofthemirror,closesthezipofherdressinahurry.Sheputsherhairback,picksuphershoes.
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Sc#29 Day,Int/Exteriors HotelCorridor,Reception,Room,Caronroad
Herdooropens,awaitertakeshersuitcaseout.Sheappears,hurried,carryingherbag.
TheStoryteller’sV/Oisheard–Issebehtartojudaaihai…jismeinkamsekamjudaaikadarrtonahinhota…Tumhinahinhotemerepaas,totumheinkhonekakyakhauf?
Shelooksathisdoor,quicklylooksaway,rushestowardsthestaircase,
climbsdown.
Thetravelagentisstandingatthereception.Agent Thehotelbillhasbeensettled.
Herluggageisbeingkeptinthetaxioutside.Inthelounge,thehotelowneriswalkingherandtheagenttothedoor.
Owner AuRevoir…Haveagoodflight…She Thanks…Bye… Shetakesanotherstep,thenstops.Sheturnsandlooksback,forawhile. Agent Bastiaairportwilltakeexactlyonehour… Pause.She Onesec… Shestridesbacktowardsthestairs. Sherushesupthestaircase. Sherushesupthefinalflightofstairs. Shecomestothedoorofhisroom,enters. Heissleepingonthebed.Sheshutsthedoor,hurriestohim,getsontothebedonherknees,reacheshim,toucheshisface.
Heopenshiseyes,thenrisesinsleepypanic.
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He Haan…?She Kabhinahinmilenge…
Sheshakesherhead,thenkisseshimonthelips.Helooksatherinconfusion.Shekisseshimagain.
Shehurriedlyknocksoffhershoesandslidesclosetohim.Theykiss,andholdandquicken.
Sherunsoutofhisroom,leavingthedooropen.
Sheskipstowearhershoesasshemovestowardsthestairs,hurriesdown.
Shehurriesdownthefinalflightofstairs,rushesupthelobby,raisesherhandtothehotelownerasshecrosseshim.
She AuRevoir
Sheslamsthedoorofthetaxishut,sherestsherheadonthebackrest,thetaximoves,sheremainsinthesameposture–heartbeatup,breathuneven.
Boldaccordionplays.{2mins}
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AccordianMontage Astheaccordionmusicplays,weseethesmallboylookingatthestoryteller,sad.
SohniandMahiwalpartintheboy’simagination.Insilhouette,atsunset.Sohnihasalargeearthenpotinherhand.Sheismovingtowardsawater-body.
ThesmallboywalksbackhomeinSohni’ssadness.Inaschoolplay,RomeopartsfromJulietasshestandsinthebalcony.FadeOut.
{1/2min}/50½mins/
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Song#3(PartOne)
Fade-in.Anemptystageinavillage.Aturbanedmancomesinwithatumbi.Headjustshisturban,takesposture,indicatestocallothers.Fourotherturbanedmencomeinbehindthemanandbegintoplaydifferentinstruments.Thenthefrontmanmakesabigperformancesmiletothecamera,beginstoperform.Theothersjoinin.
Themanbeginstosing–OjiHeerisverysad.Sheissosad…Herheartisbroken,sheismissingherloverandchokingonherfoodandsuffocatingonherbreathandohsheissosad…sheisverysad…
Theyallsmileandbegintomovetheirshouldersinahappydance.
Montageshowingthelifeandtimesofthegirlaftershereturnsfrom
Corsica.ShereactsdifferentlytoherboyfriendattheCalcuttaairport,cannotgetDonoutofhermind,cannotbethewayshewasbefore,cannotbewithanyoneelse.SheissittingatherhomeinCalcuttaonenight,readingthecomicbook–AsterixinCorsica.
Theturbanedmusiciansreturnonscreen,smiling,continuetosing–
Everyoneissayingshehasfallenill,sheisunderaspell,shehaslosthermind,shehasgonecrazy,shehasfalleninloveandsheissad,sheisverysad…Ohsheissosad.Andtheysmileanddance.
Themontagecontinues.Fouryearsgoby.Shecanstillnotforgethim,she
cannotacceptthatshewillneverseehimagain.HerdadsendshertoDelhionalongassignment.
SheiswalkingatamarketplaceinDelhioneday,seesthesignboardofa
bookstore.IthasthesamelogothatshehadseeninhisbookinCorsica.Herheartbeatrises.
ThePanjabimusiciansonstage.Tarawalkstoentranceofthebookstore.Thereisalongcorridorleading
inside.Shewalksdownthecorridor.Sanjuktaiswalkingdownthecorridorwiththegarlandinherhands,asin
thekidVed’simagination.Tarawalksintothebook-store,whichisalsoacafeteria.Shelooks
around.Musicends.
{4½mins}
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Catch–22Montage
AcopyofCatch22–thebookthatVedwasreadinginCorsicaisseenona
rack.Tarapicksitupandlooksatit.Smiles.Tarashowsthebookatthereceptiontoborrowit.Shesitsincafeteriawiththebookandbeginstoreadit.Anotherday,afewdayslater.Sheissittinginacorner,havingtea,reading
thebook.Anotherday.Aweeklater.Sheisreadingthebookintheworkstation
areaofthecaféandshelooksup.Sheseeshim.Shelooksdown,closeshereyes.Herbreathbeginstorise,shebeginstogetanxious.
{1/2min}
Song#3(PartTwo)
ThePanjabimusiciansareback,musicandperformancebuilduptoa
crescendo.Atthecafeteria,Taragetsupandstealsaway,beginstoclimbdownthe
stairstogoaway,stops.Shetakestwomorestepsforward,thenturns.Thenwalksbackupafewsteps,stops.Sheturnsaround.Pause.Thenshebeginstowalkdownbutturnsback,shakingherheadwitha‘whoareyoufoolingyouidiot’kindofsmileandwalksuptothelandingofthestairs.Shelooksahead,thencloseshereyes.Thensheevensherself,evensherface.Musicfadesout.Thenshemakesacasualappearanceandwalksinhisdirection.{1/2min}
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Sc#30 Night,Interiors Granny’sRoom Flashback.Theboyislyingwithhisgrannyonthebedtosleep.Afteramoment–Boy Dado…
Sheturnstohim.
Boy Mujhepatachalgayahai…kipyaarkyahotahai…Shelooksathim.Helooksather.
Boy Aapkotopatahoga…Badonkopatahotahai.Dado Sabhikopatahotahaipyaar…usmeinkyahai…?Boy (knowinggrin)Vowaalapyaarnahindado…Realwaala…joaap
logbachchonkonahinbataatena,vowaalapyaar…Joladkeaurladkikebeechhotahai…
{1/2min}/56½mins/
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TitleonBlackScreen–IshqwaalaLove Sc#31 Day,Ext/Interiors BookstoreCafeteria Heissittingwithtwocolleaguesatatable,talkingsemi-formally.Helooks,seessomeonefamiliar.Shecrosseswithoutlookingathim.Helooksather,thenturnstohiscolleagues.He (tocolleagues)Justamomentplease…(calls)Excuseme…
Sheturns,hestands.Shelooksathim.Hestepsforward–
He Hi…Remember…?Shetakesamoment.Then–
She (realizing)Corsica…Omygod…Theystepuptoeachother.
She Yahaankaise…?
He Areyyahantomainbahotaatahoon…AapDillisehain…?She Listen…Humnetodecidekiyathakabhinahinmilenge…
Heshrugshisshoulder.
He Parabkyakarein…?
She Kyakarein…?Hesmileskindly,extendshand.
He Ved… Shetakeshand.She Ved…?LikeRigVed…?Ved Yeah…She I’mTara…TaraMaheshwari…Ved VedVardhanSahni…
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Tara Yerealwaalanaamhaina…? Hesmiles,giveshisbusinesscard.Ved Haan,yerealwaalamainhoon…VedVardhanSahni,Product
ManagerMCMTechShesmiles,looksdown,looksup–
Tara (sudden)Listen,yeco-incidencenahinhaiokay…?Yeah…Abhimainactingkarrahithi…Mujhehintthikitumyahanaatehotomainbaar-baaraanelagi.Calcuttase…yahanassignmentparDilliayeehoon…Mainnahinroksakiyaar,I’msorry…really…
Ved Areyplease,it’sokay…It’sfine.
Tara Sure…?
Ved Haan,sure…
Sheisstilllookingathim.Then–
Tara Aurbhihai… Helooksather.Then–Tara UsdinjabmeinCorsicasenikli…tomujhe…bahot…Parmujhe
lagatheekhojayega,hameshatheekhojaatahaimagarchaarsaalhogayeaurabhibhivohihaalandIdon’tknowwhatitis,youknow…?Yesabloveandall…mainesochaphirlagahowstupidamIandmainhameshaaisehikyonbehavekartihoonjabbhitumsemiltihoon…?
Shelooksdown,embarrassed.Heislookingather.
Tara Vo…Tumhaarefriendswaitkarrahehain…
Helookstowardshiscolleagues,looksbackather.Shelooksdown.
Ved Paanchminutemeinaasaktahoon…?Tara Yeahyeahsure… Hernervesareup.Ved Okay…
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Tara Andlistenyaar…Pyschemathojao,okay…?Iknowmainekcrazy
stalkerkitarahdikhrahihongimagaraisahainahin…matlabmainpile-onnahinkaroongiyaar,okay…?Tumhaariapnilifehaiaurtumhaaarikoigirlfriendbhihogiofcourseandit’sallcool…allgood…yeah…
Sheisnodsomemore.Ved Merikoigirlfriendnahinhai.
Shelooksdown.
Tara Ohokay…Ved Yeah… Hesmiles.Tara Okaytumjao…Ved Paanchminute.
Shenods,stilllookingdown.
Ved Achchakiyatumne…Abhiaaya…
Shenodsagain,thenturnsandwalksallthewaytohertableashereturnstohis.Shesits,lookingdown.Afewmomentspass.Thenasmilestartsbreakingonherface.Shelooksdown.Agushisrisinginsideherchest,heartispoundingmoreandmoreandsheissmilingmoreandmoreandshecoversherfaceandtriestocontrolbutshefeelssheisgoingtoexplode.Melodramaticromanticmusic.{3½mins}
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LoveMontage
Distressedblackandwhitefilm.IndianCinemaofthe1930’s.TheactressLailaswayingmelodramaticallybetweenartificialtreesofthe
archaicfilmset.Laila…Laila…,saystheactorMajnu,lookingforherintheforest,equallymelodramatically.KahaanhaitumeriLaila…?
Theboyissittingaloneinaroomandwatchingthisontelevision.
Theboylisteningtothestoryteller–
Storyteller …ekfaqtaudkarsaamnepedparbaithjaatahaimagardoosrefaaqtekoLailajaanenahindeti,useyapnichhatiselagaletihai…aurjaisejaisefaaqtekedilkidhadhkanbadhtihai,Lailadedilkidhadhkanbhibadhjaatihai…Lailabhiushiaagmeinjalrahihai…
Laila,intheboy’simagination,standingatherwindowwithafakedove.QaeswatchesfrombelowasLailaisseenatthewindowhighabove.Theboycontinuesthestoryteller’staletohisgrannyatbedtime–
Boy …aurphirLailafemalechidiyakochhoddetihai…aurvophhurrseudkarmalechidiyasemilnechalijaatihaiaurLailabhiMajnusemilnachahtihai…
Dado Kyon?
Helooksathersuspiciously,shekeepsherfacestraight.
Boy Aapkonahinpata?Dado (innocent)Nahin…
Boy Tch…UskopyaarhainaMajnuse…
Dado Oh…
Boy Haan…Pyaar…
Operamusic.Onthegrandstage–Laila,highatherwindow,releasesadove.Shelooksatthedoveasitfliesawaytothetree.Qaes,onthelowerlevel,acrosstheboundarywallwithhishorse,watchesher.ThisspectacleisclearlyinspiredfromimagesofVed’searlyimagination.AlsoseeninthebackgroundisJulietinherbalconyandRomeolookingatherfromthegroundbelow–mirroringLailaandQaes.{1min}/61mins/
Page 61
Sc#32 Night,Ext/Interiors Apartment,Street Taraatherwindow,lookingdown.
Vedcomesoutofhiscaronthestreetandwavestoher.Shewavestohim,looksathim.Thenaskshimtowait.Shequicklyturnsandrushesandpicksupherpurseandrushestothe
door,opensit,stops,closeshereyes,triestorelaxbygesturingtoherselfwithherhands.Thenshewalks. Tarawalksdownthestairs.{1/2min}
Page 62
Sc#33 Night,Exteriors Driveway
Aflowerbouquetintherearseatofthecar.ThedooropensandVedtakesitout.Taraisseenwalkinguptothecar.Vedshutsthedoor. Shewalksuptohimingreatexcitement,hegivesherthebouquet.Tara Oh…(stops)WowVed Hi…You’relookinggreat
Shelooksathim,smiles.
Tara Really…?Ved OfcourseTara (giggles)Okay…Ved(reachingforbouquet) Iskomainback-seatparrakhdetahoon…
Hetakesthebouquetbackfromher.Thereardooropensagain.Vedputsthebouquetbackwhereitwas.The
doorshuts.{1/2min}
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Sc#34 Night,Ext/Interiors JapaneseRestaurant VedandTarawalkupacorridortoarestaurant,escortedbyastaffmember.
TaralooksatVedasshewalksalongwithhim.Shegetsathrilltobewithhim,towalkalongsidehim.Helooksather,smileskindly.Shesmiles.
Hegesturescourteouslyforhertoenterforward. Anexquisitetable.Aladystewardandawaiterstandingontheside.TheescortisleadingVedandTaratoit./jump/
Chairsaretakenoutwithgracefulhandgesturestosit.Tara(sitting) Thankyou…Ved(sitting) ThanksEscort (withthenapkin)Excusemema’am…/jump/ NapkinplacedonTara’slap./jump/ NapkinplacedonVed’slap./jump/Steward Wouldyoulikeregularormineralwaterma’am?/jump/ ColdorRoomtemperaturesir?/jump/
BisleriorEvian
/jump/
ThestewardistalkingasTaraandVedlookupather.
Steward PleaseallowtogiveabriefbackgroundofFujiyama.MountFujiyama,asyoumightbeknowing,isanactivevolcanoatsametimeJapan’shighestmountainpeak.ThatFujiyamaistheprideofJapanandthisFujiyamaistheprideofJapanesecuisineinDelhi…
/jump/
Page 64
TaraandVedsitting.Sheislookingathim.Heislookingaround,looksather.Tara So… Vedsmiles.Tara Hereweare…Ved Yeah… Sheislookingathim,amillionthoughtsburstinginhermind.Ved Placeisfine? Tarahadnotpaidattention,nowshelooksaroundbriefly.Tara Yeah…Verynice…Ved ChaloI’mglad…YouknowlasttwoyearsseiskoTimeOutBest
OrientalRestaurantkatitlemilrahahai…Tara (showingrespect)Okay…Ved Yeah
Sheislookingathim.Ved Japanesecuisinekitnapopularhogayahainaaajkal?Tara Hmm…Ved Whatabrand–Japan… Tarasmiles,nods.Ved Countriesarethelatestcompanies,andcompaniesarethelatest
countries./jump/ Theyareeating.Shelooksathim,helooksather.Theycontinuetoeat.{1½mins}
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Sc#35 Night,Exteriors ApartmentPorch
Flowerbouquetintherearofthecar.ThereardooropensandVedtakesoutthebouquet,shutsthedoor. TarastandingwiththeflowerbouquetwithVed.Theylookateachother.Pause–Tara So…Ved Okay…Mainkalphonekartahoon…Tara GreatVed Paanchbajekaroon…? Tarasmiles,inasurprisedmanner.Tara Tumtheekhona…?Ved Yeah…Kyon…?Tara No…nothing… Hesmiles.Shelooksathim,then–Tara Whatthehell…wouldyouliketocomeup?Ved Sure…Tara Kehrahehoyapoochraheho?Ved Hmm…?Tara Nothing,let’sgo…Ved Afteryou…Please… Shelooks,smiles,walks.{1/2min}
Page 66
Sc#36 Night,Interiors Stairs,Apartment TaraandVedwalkupthestairs.
Theapartmentdooropens.Shestepsasidetolethimenter.Hewalksin,lookingaround.Ved Niceplace.Aisechaarapartmentshainyahan…?Tara Haan… Shewalksup,keepsthekeyatthetable,turnstohim.Theyarestandingclosetoeachother,lookingateachother.Pause.Ved So…Tara So…
Pause.Hesmileskindlytoher,thentouchesherhead.Shemillimetres
forward.Helooksather,smiles.Hemovesforward,kissesheronthelips.TShecloseshereyes,theyhug.Thensuddenly–Ved OhSorry…Chotlagi…?
Shelooksathim.
Ved Ghadise…?
Hequicklyremoveshiswatch,looksather.
Ved ShouldIkeepyourbagonthetable?
Shedropsherbagonthefloor.
Ved Onesec…Hetakesouthiscellphone,keepsitonthetable.Looksather,but–
Ved Silentpekardoon… Hepicksupthephoneagain,putsitonsilent.Looksather,ready.Ved Okay…
Theymovetowardseachother.Hesmiles.Theyhug.Theykiss.Asthoughitisprocedure.
{1½mins}
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Sc#37 Night,Int/Exteriors Tara’sApartment,Drive
Taraswitchesthelighton.Shemovestothewindow,looksout.Vedstandingnexttothecar,lookingtowardsherwindow.Hewaves,
looksathiswatchashesitsinthecar.Shewavesback.Shelooksathim,wondering.SoundofVed’scardriving
away. {1/2min}/65½mins/
Page 68
RegularDayMontage#1
Thealarmhooterblows.Vedgetsuponbed,dazedandconfused. Vedbrushesteeth. Vedeatscereal. Vedwearstie. Vedcleanscarwindshield. Vedlooksawayfromtheeunuchatthetrafficsignal. Vedsmilespolitelyashewaitsforfatladytoenterlobbylift. Vedpuncheshiscard,entersoffice. Vedgetsupfromcubicletosay–Goodmorningsir. Vedrattlesoutcorporatepresentationtounimpressedaudience–‘…theseismicfocusoftherecenttradewindsrestsinthelateralshiftinconsumerbehaviour…whichappearsbipolarbutitdoesnottakeanEinstientoco-relatethelifecycleoftelecommunicationtopoliticalclimate.Grantedthatwecannotungoogleourselvesfromthegeometricgrowthofsocialmediabutthegrassroots…’{1/2min}
Page 69
Sc#38 Day,Interiors OfficeCorridor Outsidetheconferenceroom,aspeopleareseenfilingout,BossistalkingtoVed.Boss Whyyougetnervous?Haan? Vedlooksdown.Boss Nexttimedon’tgetnervousVed Okaysir…Boss Youcandoitboy.Okay?Ved Thankyousir.Thankyou.Boss Yeah… Bosswalksaway.{1/2min}
Page 70
Sc#39 Day,Interiors Tara’sWorkplace Thelargedigitalclockturns5pmandthephonerings.
Taraatthedesigndeskwithotherslooksatit,looksattheclock,smiles,takesthecall,makinganexcusegesture.Sheturnstotheothersideasshetalks.Tara Hi…Allgood…Meraplan…?Idon’tknow.Vototumdecidekaroge
na…?Hmmhmm…
Shesmilesmore.{1/2min}
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Sc#40 Night,Interiors MovieAuditorium Sameday.Popcornetcinhands,Vedpushesthedooropenandentersthecinemahall,turnstolooktowardsTara.Tarahassteppedup,butdoesnotenterthehall.Shestandsinbetween,asVedholdsthedooropen,andlooksathim.Therearepeoplebehindher,sheisholdingdrinks.Vedlooksather,inquestion.Sheislookingathim.Then–Tara Yeah…(nods)Thisisit,isn’tit…?Yeah…Sothisiswhatthey–love
andallthathaan…?Hmm…
Hesmiles.Helooksbehindher,looksather.
Ved Iloveyoutoo…Shelooksathimforamoment,thenshesmiles.
Tara Andwhyarewestandingineveryone’spath?Howsilly…Shewalksup,takeshisarm.Hesmiles.Theywalkaheadinthedarkness.
{1/2min}
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RegularDayMontage#2 Tarawavesfromherwindow.
Vedwavesfromthecar,looksathiswristwatch,drives. Thealarmhooterblows. Vedbrushesteeth. Vedeatscereal. Vedcombshairatmirror. Vedlooksawayfromtheeunuchatthetrafficsignal. Vedpuncheshiscard,entersoffice. Vedatofficedesk,keepsitemsatdesignatedspots. Vedgetsupfromcubicletosay–Goodmorningsir. Vedrattlesoutcorporatepresentationtounimpressedaudience–‘…I’dsayGlocal–Globalyetlocal.Thisout-of-the-boxstrategyfollowsaBottom-Upwardapproachyethasathreesixtyperspectiveofthesocio-politicalstrokeculturalclimateintheconsumerbasebecausetheGenesisoftheParadigmShiftinglobaltelecommunicationis…’{1/2min}
Page 73
Sc#41 Day,Interiors Club Vedislookingfrontinservileattention.Tara,sittingonasofa,turnsandlooksathim,wonders.Vedishalfsmiling,halfbending,waitingforboss’sattention.Then–Ved Sir…Boss(OC) Yesboy… VedturnstoTaraandmakestoquicklybringhertothemasBossenters.Ved Tara…Mainyenahinkahoongakimeetmyboss.Mainkahoonga
meetmyGuru.Tara (smiles)Hello…Boss Hellohellohello…Tara JaantihoTara…MCMTechTelecomaajjokuchbhihai…onlyfor
thisman…Onemanarmy…Hisvision,hisphilosophyhaschangedthefaceofIndiantelecomtotally.
Boss (inbetween)Tch…Areynahinnahin…Oho…Hahaha…
Bossmakesthesemodestsoundsashelapsupthepraise,thenpointsaccusinglyatVed–
Boss Goodhumanbeinghaan…Intoday’sdate…Yes…Keepitup,boy.
HepatsVed’sback.
Ved Thankyousir.Thankyou.
Vedishappyandobliged.TaraislookingatVed,smiling.
{1/2min}/69mins/
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RegularByeMontage
Tarawavesfromherwindow.Vedwavesfromthecar,looksathiswristwatch,drives.Anotherday.Tarawavesfromherwindow.TaraandVedwalkinghandinhandupapassageataglitzyfoodand
entertainmentzone.Shelooksathim.Helooksather,smiles,looksaway.Shecontinuesto
lookathim.Theywalkon.Tarawavesfromherwindow.
Anothernight,Tarawavesfromherwindow.{1/2min}
Page 75
Sc#42 Night,Int/Exteriors Restaurant
(PartOne) Vedcuttingbirthdaycakeatalargetableinarestaurant.AsTara,Ved’scolleaguesandsisterandrestaurantguitaristsing‘HappyBday’.
(PartTwo) Tarareturnsfromthewashroom,comestositinherchairnexttoVed,noticessomethingodd–thateveryoneislookingatherandgrinning.Shemakesaquizzicalface.
Ved’ssisterAbhatakeshercameraout.Taralooksather,atVedasshesits.
Heissmiling,lookingaroundsocially.Shelooksaround,suspiciously,looksatherplate.
Thereisadiamondringkeptthere.Cameraflashes.Taragasps.Reactionfromtheothers.Shelooksatthering,foralong
while.ThenshelooksatVed.Vedsmilesather.Morereactionfromtheothers.Vedpicksupthering,beginstoremovehischairasTarastartsgetting
anxious.Hebeginstogotohisknees.
Tara Onesec,onesec…Ved,ruko…
Abha Ohhh…Nervous…
Reactionfromothers.VedlooksatTara.Herfaceistense.
Tara Hum…dominutebaaharjasaktehain…?Helooksather.Somethingiswrong.Ahushbeginstofallupontheothers.Hestandsupfromhisknees.
Ved Kyabaathai…?Tara (standing)Just…comeout…please…
Helooksather.
Tara Come…
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Shebeginstowalkout.Vedlookstowardstheothersathetable,smilesabit.Theothersarelookingathimwithpremonition.
Ved Excuseus…
HefollowsTara.{1½mins}
Page 77
Sc#43[A] Night,Int/Exteriors RestaurantFoyer Vedcomesoutoftheglassdoor.Heiswondering,lookingtowardsTara,walksuptoher.
Sheislookingdown.Hereachesher.Pause.
Ved Yeah…?Sheturnstohim.Looksathim.
Tara YouknowVed…JabsemainCorsicasevaapasaayihoonna…it’slike…tummeresaathho…samajhraheho…?Mujhetumhaaranaamtaknahinpata,koiummeednahinhaikimaintumsephirsemiloongimagarmaintumhaaresaathhoon…Aurkisikesaathhohinahinsaktikyonkimaintotumhaaresaathhoon…Yepossiblehai…?Aisafeelkarna…?Mujhepehlenahinmaloomtha…
Pause.Vedislookingather,nowhecontinuesthestory–
Ved Aurphirmainmilgaya…Tara (emphaticdisappointment)Nahin…
Vedlooksatherquizzically.Shelooksathim.
Tara MujhemilaekProductManageryaar…joekshehermeinrehtahai…bahotwell-behaved…Polite,decent…
Helooksather.
Ved To…(sniggers)Tara…?TomainhoonProductManager…mainrehtahoonekshehermein…MainDonthodihoonTara…MainvobigIndianmoviedirectorbhinahinhoon…Votoactingthina…?Votomainroleplaykarrahatha…Auryemainrealmeinhoon…Darasal…
Tara (conviction)Nahin…
Hefeelsanger,looksather.
Ved Nahinkyamatlab…?
Tara TumrealmeinDonho…aurInterpolkeafsar…Auryahantumactingkarraheho…Yetumroleplaykarraheho–ekregular
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aadmikarole…joeksetpatternparchaltahai…baghairsochehuyejoharkaamvaisehikartahaijaiseuskokarnachahiye…(shakeshead)YetumnahinhoVed…Yenaqlihai…Tumtonadimeinmunhdaalkarpaanipeetehoyaar,jaanwarkitarah…tumpahaadonsebaateinkarteho…TumvohoVed…Kyahogayahaitumko?
VedisstaringatTara.Hehastoproveherwrong.Ved (retort)TumkokyahogayahaiTara…?Haan…?Tumtheekto
ho…?Areykaunvo…?Vokoinahinhai…Vosirftumhaaredimaghkeandarhai…tumimaginekartirahihoshaayadkimainvohoon…(pause)MainyehoonTara…jotumhaaresaamnekhadahai…sirfyehoonmain…
Taraislookingathimanalytically.
Tara Sure?
Hesniggers.Somemore.
Ved Tara…?Haan,mainsurehoonTara.
Shelooksathimsquarely,thenshakesherhead.
Tara Tabtomainkisiaurkesaathhoonyaar…Mainkuchaurdhoondhrahihoon…Yetohaimerepaas…Yetomujhenahinchahiye…
VedstaresatTara.Shelooksathim.Tara Tch…Messhogaya.Bahotkharaabhogayaye.Magarabhogaya. Sc#44[A] Night,Int/Exteriors StoryCorner Mid1990s Flashback.Theboyislookingisindisbelief. Boy Aurvochaligayee…? Heissittinginfrontofthestoryteller,whocontinuesmelodramatically–
Storyteller Jangalkapyaarnagarmeinnachalpaaya…Dhartiphatpadi,dil
aurduniya...phirsejudahonelage…
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EarthPartingMontage–1
Flashback.Sita,atthenautankionaterraceinSimla–lamentingthatshe
cannotbewithRamanymoreasisbeingswallowedbytheearth.
Sc#43[B] Night,Int/Exteriors RestaurantFoyer
Tara.Standinginthefoyer,lookingatVed.
Tara Mujhejaanachahiye…BaadmeinbaatkarengeIguess…Magarabhimujhechalejaanachahiye…
Heislookingather.Sheleaves.Vedkeepslookingattheemptyspacein
front. Sc#44[B] Night,Int/Exteriors StoryCorner Mid1990s ThestorytellercontinuesStoryteller …saanseinthamgayeen,hawaeinrukgayeen,harpattakhamosh
hogayaaurdekhtehidekhte…SiyaRamsealaghogayee… Theboyislookingatthestorytellerindisbelief.{1/2min}
EarthPartingMontage–2 Onthegrandmusicalstage–theearthpartsandswallowsSita.ThesceneisspectacularandisclearlyinspiredbythenautankithatVedhadseenasachild.RamandAyodhyaarewatching. Sc#43[C] Night,Int/Exteriors RestaurantFoyer VedislookingindisbeliefasTarawalksout.{3mins}
Interval{1hr14½mins}
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SecondHalf
WelcomeBack
Thecurtainofthegrandoperaticstageisbeinglifted.Thesecondactbegins. Aspotlightinthefrontstage.Afigureemerging. Itistherobot.Hecomestostand,thenspeakscasually.Robot Haan,tokahaanthhehum…? Lightchanges.Allcharactersofthestageplayareseensittingaroundinaninformalconference.Majnu Kabkahaanthhe…?Sanjukta Intervalkepehle Prithviraj Yaheenthhe,aurkahanthhe…?Rickstar Matlabkahanimeinkahaanthhehum…Robot Sitaaapkaabductionhogayatha?Sita Kabka…MaintovaapasbhiaagayeeAyodhya…Robot Trojanwarbhihochukithi…?Helen?Helen Egodontcatalavaino…Rickstar (enacting)Troy…ladai…hogaya…? Helen NeNe…Eginepolipalio…Robot Tophir…(toSohni)Toonenadiparkarlee…?Sohni Votokayeebaarkarlee…MaintoSohnihoon,meratoaurkaamhi
kyahai?Robot (toRomeo)Areyoudead?Romeo NoIamaliveRobot (toMajnu)AurMajnupaagalnahinhuaabtak?Majnu Na…
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Prithviraj Yemantahikabhaihaikiyepagalhai…?Sanjukta Iskehisaabsetobaaqisaarepaagalhain…Prithviraj …yehieksahihai…Robot HeyRam,dhartiphatchukithhi?Ram Phatrahithi…Sitadehenhorahatha…Robot Correct…vahaanthhehum– Jabkehneaursunnekokuchnahinbachatha. Jabdekhrahethhe…usey…aakhribaar. Alvida…alvidaparthhehum… Goodbye…RabRaakha…KhudaHafiz… {2mins}
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Sc#45 Night,Int/Exteriors RestaurantFoyer
TaraandVedstandlookingateachotherinthecourtyardareaoftherestaurant.Silence,thenTaraisheardsaying–
Tara Mujhejaanachahiye…BaadmeinbaatkarengeIguess…Magar
abhimujhechalejaanachahiye…
Tarawalksout,Vedremainsstandingthere.VedislookingfrontindisbeliefasTarawalksout.Pause.Thenhelooks
down.
Ved Hmmm….Henodstohimself.
Ved (soft)Okay…Thenheturnstogoback.
{1min}
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Sc#46 Night,Interiors Restaurant Heenterstherestaurantandwalksup,smiles.Ved (toall)Hi…SoIamback…
Thegatheringislookingathim.
Ved Vo…(pause.Thenwithgreateraffirmationandasmile–)Kuchissueshain…jinkotheekkarnahai…So…Aisahai…It’sfine,okay…?Please…let’srelax,okay…?
Abhaislookingathim,helooksather.Ved Sabtheekhai…
Hesmiles.Then–
Ved Maincoursemangvaatehaihain…?
Silencefromtheothersatthetable.Ved (calls)Excuseme…{1/2min}
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Sc#47 Night,Interiors Apartment ThemirroratVed’sapartment.SoundsofVedentering.Hecomesinatthemirror,hangshiskeys,looksathimselfinthemirror.Pause,then–Ved Dekhoboss…doraastehain.YatoMajnubanjao,kapdephaadkar
chillaosadakonpar…yastaycool.Topatahaikya…?I’llstaycool…Yeah…It’sallgood.Chalnewaalathanahin…jobaadmeinhonathapehlehogaya,sahihua,tensiongayee…Good.Set.
Henodstohimself.
{1/2min}
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RegularDayMontage#3 Thealarmhooterblows.Vedgetsuponbed,dazedandconfused. Vedbrushesteeth. Vedeatscereal.
Vedcombshairatmirror. Vedwearstie. Vedcleanscarwindshield. Vedlooksawayfromeunuchattrafficsignal. Vedwaitspolitelyforfatladytoenterlobbylift. Vedpunchescard,entersoffice.{1/2min}
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Sc#48 Day,Interiors Office Ved’scolleaguesinahuddle,turntolookasheenters.
Vedentersbrightlysaying–
Ved GoodMorning…goodmorning…goodmorning…Kyahaalchaal…?Hiscolleagueslookatathim,respond,aresurprisedbyhisupbeat
attitude.Vedwalksawaytohiscubicleenergetically.Hiscolleaguesexchangealookwitheachother.
{1/2min}
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Sc#49 Day,Interiors OfficeCubicle Vedkeepshisbagonthedesk,beginstosethisthingsinorder.HiscolleaguesMohitandDhillonwalkuptohiscubicledoor.Dhillon(toVed) Oyaarshaamkofilmdekhnekaplanhai.Kyabolta
hai?Mohit (toDhillonandVed)Aurphirbeermaartehainkahin,haan…?
Vedlooksatthem.Ved Kahaan…?Ushipubmeinjahaanterebreak-upke
baadhumtujhelegayethhe?
MohitandDhillonarestumped.
Ved Whynotwhynot…?Ladkinelaatmaarihaitokoifaydatohonachahiye…Chalosaalon…entertainkaromujhe…
SomeofhisothercolleagueshavealsojoinedMohitandDhillonbynow.
Theyallfeelrelieved.
Mohit Sahi…{1/2min}
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Sc#50 Night,Interiors Pub Vedandhiscircleofcolleaguesandfriendsareafewbeersdown.Theyarejokingandlaughing.Then–Mohit Yaarmainsochrahathaterenormalhonekawait
karoonga…partutosaalachhoottehiabovenormalchalrahahai…toyele…
HehandsVedtheringthathehadproposedtoTarawith.
Mohit Restaurantmeinchhootgayeethi…Vedopensthebox,looksathering.Thereisasmallsilenceofconcern.
Then–Ved Laakhonbachgayeyaar…Aishhogayee…
Theyalllaugh,cheer.
Dhillon Oyaarittakhushtomainelifemeinnahindekhahaiisey…Merabhibreak-upkarvadoyaar…
Laughter.
Dhillon (continuous)…mujhebhichahiye…Mainbhimainbhi…
Chadda Simplesibaathai…mainetujhekittibaarisamjhayi…Abey
ladkiizzatdenekinahin…izzatlenekicheezhotihai…Laughter.
Mohit Ehhe… Ved Ishiliyetujhebaaharnahinlaatahoon…Mohit Chheechheechheechheechhee….Ved Kahathanamainemunhmatkholna…Chadda Sarparchadhaegatokaanmeinmootegiaurkya…
Laughter.
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Mohit AbeyyaarChaddatu…Kitnagandaaadmihaiyaarye…
Chadda Haantosussukaregi…
Colleauge1 Chheechheechhee
Chadda (stands)Achchato…urinate…?
Hepretendstopee.
Dhillon ChuphojayaartuChaddachuphojabus…Mohit (laughing)Yaariseylejaokoiyahanse…please…Chadda Haanbusnikalhirahehain…(correctshair)Vedbeta,time
aagayahai.Chal…Ved Kahaan…?Chadda Tubaschal…Settinghaiterebhaiki…Dhillon Jabhaija…Ved Areykahan…?Chadda Abeytuchalna…Ved Theekhaichal…Chadda Aursaaleromancenakardeejiyovahaanjakarbataraha
hoon…Ved (touchinghishair)Terikasamnahinkaroonga
Chaddahitshishandaway,correctshairstyle,pushesVedaheadandtheywalkout.Dhillon (callingafter) JaSimran,jeeleapnizindagi…
Laughter,othersaresayingbye,allthebestetc.
{2mins}
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Sc#51 Night,Int/Exteriors Lounge Afashionablelounge,after-partyatmosphere. Vedissittingwithagirlnearthebar.Chaddaisseenatadistance,sittingwithsomeothers,providingbackgroundsupporttohim.Girl Ina…neverwanttogivefalsesignal…
Vedshakeshisheadinagreement.
Ved No…
Girl Butguys…it’slike…unheintovohisamjhnahaijounheinsamajhnahai…Onething…Kyonhotehainguysaise…?
Vedmakesaloudthinkinggesture.Shelooksathim.
Girl Tumustypekeguynahinhona…?Hesmilessaucily,says–
Ved Mainushitypekaguyhoon…Shelooksathim,takesattitude.
Girl Mainnahinhoonbutwaisi…Maintobahotpriceyhoon…Ved Matboloaise…varnakoipricepoochlegatumhaari…Girl Stopit…
Shehitshimlightly.
Ved (insync)Haireadaa…Girl Soyouarenaughtyboy…(holdshisear)haan…?Ved Yeah…
Sherestsherhandonhisshoulder.
Girl Tokyakuchnaughtychalrahamindmein…?haan…?
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Heplaceshishandonthetablebehindher,looksather.
Ved Kehdoon…?Shesmiles,lookingathim.
Girl Haan…
Ved Pakka…?
Girl Hmm…
Hedoesnotrespond.Heisstrangelyvulnerable.
Girl Kaho…
Heisdistracted.Shelooksathim,wondering.Helooksdown,comesoffherandstands.Sheislookingathiminsurprise.
Ved Excuseme…
Girl (surprised)Haan…?
VedlookstowardsChaddaandgang,indicatestohimthatheiscoming.
Helooksatthegirl,shelooksathimcaustically.Hewalksout.{2mins}
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Sc#52 Night,Interiors Tara’sApartment BellringsandTaraopensthedoor.Vedisstandinginthecorridor.Ved Iamsorry…Bahotlatehogayahaiaur…Tara Nahinnahin…Ved Sorry…parmainbus…Tara Andaraao…Ved (strong)Nahin…Zyadawaqtnahinloonga…mainbusyesochraha
thaki…
Helooksather.Shelooksathim.Heisunabletosayanything,isstaringblanky.Shesensessomething.Hetriestobreakoutofhisawkwardsilence–Ved Imeantumko…Insteadof…
Hetrailsoffagain.
Tara (tender)Ved…Lookatme…Helooksather.Silence.
Tara Kyabaathai…?Heissilentagain.Heisjustlookingather.
Tara TellmeVed…Ved (breakinghisblanklook)Areyaisakuchnahinhai…matlab…bada
nahinhaikuch…issue…aisehi…ki…
Helooksatather,away.Tara Tokehdona…Ved (lookingpointedlyaway,speakingquickly)Okay,tobaatyehaiki
Corsicameinalagbaatthi…haina…?kihumnevaadakiyathakijhoothbolenge,paryahan…yahantotumkehsaktithina…?
Tara Kyakehsaktithi…?Ved (blasts,cuttingher–)Josachhai… Sheistakenaback.Vedcontinues–
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Ved (almostwhisper)Joasalbaathai…vobatadenichahiyethina…?
Heholdshisheadwithbothhispalms,thenremovesthepalmslookingdown.
Tara Andaraao…Ved (gnashingteeth)Mainandaraanekeliyenahinaayahoon…(then
tryingtorelaxhimself)Tumkehdeti…kimaintumhaarelevelkanahinhoon…
Tara Ved…
Vedcontinuesunheeding–Ved Corsicameintumnemujhedekhaaurpatanahinkyasochakimain
kyahoonparyahanpatachalakinahinnahinmainvaisakuchnahinhoon…maintobaseknormalinsaanhoon,ordinary…
Tara Vedeksecond…Ved It’sokay…It’sfine…Mainhoonordinary…Mujhepatahai…Tara Areyvohitobaathai…Ved Averagehoonmain…jaisekoibhihotahai…vochalterehtehain
nafootpathparbriefcaselekar…vaisahi…Mediocre…Tara (emphatic)VohitotumnahinhoVed…Vohitomainkehrahi
hoon…Mainjaantihoontumkaunho…Ved (suddencharge)Haansaalituhijaantihaimainkaunhoon…aur
koinahinjaanta–meregharwaale,meredost…mainkhudnahinjaantamagartu–saatdinCorsicameintupakkajaangayeekimainkaunhoon…
Hestops,staresatherface.Hecannotbelievehisbehavaiour.Sheis
lookingathim.Hequickyturnsandcovershisface.
Ved (muttersunderhisbreath)Shit…Yekyahorahahaimujhe…?Tara KoibaatnahinVed.Listen…It’sfine…
Ved Noit’snotfineTara…Kaisemaine…?Tara Youknowbetterhaikisabkuchbaaharaajaaye…
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Ved (sharp)Kyabaaharaajaaye…?Haikyabaaharaaneko…?
Hecloseshiseyes.Pause,then–
Ved (genuinely)I’mreallyreallysorryTara.Iamverysorryyaar.Tara LetitgoVed…Please…Andaraao…Ved MujheandarnahinaanachahiyeTara…Mainyahan…patchup
karneyavaisenahinaayahoon…Tara Haanmagarbaaharkhaderehnekasensenahinhaina…Derho
gayeehai,logsorahehonge…Ved (flipsagain)Haanaurmainunkojagadoonga…Maintopaagal
hoon…Mainto(screaming)chillaoonoga…shormachaoonga…scenecreatekardoongaabhiyahanpar…tomujhetoandarlejao…,chhupalo…,controlkaroisvehshisaalejaawarko…
Hestops,phews,covershisface,turnsaround,breathingheavily.
Tara (tender)Ved…Humkobaatkarnahai…okay…?Aaramseiskosettlekartehainkyonkilagtahaiki…
Vedwalksawaywithoutsayinganything.Tarastaresathim.
Tara (callingafter)Vedplease… Shegoesafterhim.Tara Listen…Ved…
Heskipsdownthestairswithoutlookingback. Hecomesoutofthegateandwalksawaybriskly.{3mins}/12mins/
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Sc#53 Night,Int/Exteriors Autorickshaw
Vedsittinginamovingautorickshaw,lookingfront,tryingnottoseeorthinkanything.Thedriveroftheautorickshawglancesatthemirror,doeshishair,beginstohumatune.Afteramoment,thedriverdoeshishairagain.Vedsuddenlyswitches–Ved Hairstylebadalajawabhaiboss…Driver Hmm…?Ved Hairstyle…Baal. ThedriverlooksatVedintherear-view,nods.Ved Bambaijaanekavichaarhaikaa…?
DriverturnstotakealookatVed.Turnsback.
Driver Haitonahin…haanthajaroor.Ved Tochalejao…Kyaproblemhai?Driver Problemtoekheenhaibhaiyya–haalaat…humsabusiketo
sikaarhain…Haikinahin…?Ved Hai…Hai…Driver Gharwaaleapnakaamkiyekisaadijaldikaradiye,humapna
kaamkiyekidugobachchahogaya,aurphirvohi–samaykachakka,aata-daal-chawal,bachchekipadhai,biwikimaahwaari,yetrafficauryericksaa…
Ved Actinglinemeinjaanathaka?Driver Singinglinemein…Ved Achcha…?Driver Abhihumkodekhkeaapkosamajhmeinnahinaayegasir…magar
Ilahabadmeinjabhumstagepargaatethena…eesabdurgapoojautsaosabmein…bandhjaatithijanta…khatamenahinhonedetithiporaam…
Ved Hmm…Herohotum…?Hain…?Driver Yahantohumriksaawaalehainsahab…
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Hedoeshishairagain.Vedislookingathim.Driver Yahankoimaeekalaaldekhnahinpayega,magarandarsena…
humkuchaurhihain…Aurbaaharsemajboor. Thedriverlaughs.Vedisstruckbyamemory.{2mins}
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Sc#54 Night,Interiors Sahni’sStudy Early2000s
Flashback.Vedattheageofnineteen.Isnervous,intimidated.Heisstandinginfrontofhisfather,whoisglaringathim.Vedislabouringtomakehispoint–
Ved Maths…mathssamajhhinahinaatihaimujhe.Dimaghmeinjaati
hinahinhai…Sahni Aagebolo…Ved Toengineering…mainnahinkarnachahtaactually…It’snotme
papa…merabilkulinterestnahinhai…to…
Helooksathisfather,thenfallssilent.Sahnilooksathimforamoment,then– Sahni BetajabpartitionkebaadteradadaaayathaLahorese…Jabsab
kuchzerohogayatha,sarchhupaanekochhatnahinthiauraathlogonkapetbharnekizimmedaariunparthi…tabagarunhonekahahotakiisfactorymeinkaamkarnemeinmerainterestnahinhai…it’snotme…maintoactually…bansuribajaanachahtahoon…tokyahota…?Yekhaandaanzindabachta…?Tumheinyemaukabhimiltakitumengineeringkarsako…?
Vedlooksdown,Sahniglaresathim.
Sahni Dosaalmein,hazaartutionlenekebawajood,tumkisibhi
engineeringcollegekaentrancepassnahinkarpaaye.Apnaeksaalgharbaithewastekiyatumne…Abdonationdekartumhaaradaakhilaekengineeringcollegemeinhorahahai…tumheinshukriyaadakarnachahiye,sharmkemaaredoublemehnatkarnichahiye…Aurinteresthaikahantumhaara?Pedkeneechebaithkarkahaanisunaanemein…?Dusrupayeghantekehisaabse…?YaBombayjaakarherobannahai…?Kyacareerplanhaitumhaara…?Haan…?Bolo…Jawaabdo…
Vedislookingdown,squirming,speechless.
{1½min}/15½mins/
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Song#5(PartOne)
Flashback.Orchestra.TheautorickshawalaissingingasongonstageinAllahabad.Infullglory,fullstyle.Heislivinghisdreaminthisperformance.
Flashback.Vedwalksupthecorridorafterthetalkwithhisfather.HeentersGranny’sroomandshutsthedoor.Hemakeshugesilentscreamoffrustration.Again.Butthenhestopshimself,controlshimself.Hestandsintheroom,tryingtorelaxhimself.Helooksathimselfinthemirror.
Flashback.Theautorickshawalasingsonstage.Heisenjoyingthe
performanceandhisstyle.
Flashback.ThehouseinSimla.Vedinthehouseanotherday,readytoleavefortheengineeringcollege.
Heisstandingattheterrace,lookingatthetownthatheisleaving.Histravelbaginonhisshoulder.
Vedwalksuptothecarwithhisbag,turnstolooksback.Hisgranny,
motherandsomeothersarestandingintheporch.ThetreeswherehehasimaginedscenesfromtheRamayanplayoutareseeninthedistance.Hewavesgoodbyetothatlife.
Backinthepresenttime.Theautorickshawalaissingingthesongwithoutmusic,atatypicalallnightparathacorner.Vedissittingonthepavementstoneacrosstheautorickshawaala,listeningtothesong.Botharehavingcuttingchai.
{1½mins}
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Sc#55[A] Night,Exteriors ParathaCornerAfterawhile,Vedstretchesandreclines,thengetsmorecomfortable,
stretchesmoreandrelaxes,endsuplyingdownonthepavement,lookingupattheskyandlisteningtothesong.Whenthesingingpauses,Vedstartsspeakingintothesong–
Ved Phirkyahua…? Honakyahai...? Vohikahaaniphirekbaar–
Majnuneliyekapdephaad,maartamashabeechbajaarRukkesocha–Aisakyon?Aisawaisajaisataisa…paisa…
Paisa…?
Paisanahotatophirkaisahota…?
Socho…Areychhodoboringbaateinsaali…MastrahoaurjamkekhaoLelopange,chadhlosooliPhaadlokapde,kholdobandhan,gholdolassi,boldokissaSabhijanonkadilbehlao…ShormachaoMaarothumka
Peoplesittingaroundattheparathastallhavebeguntonotice.Vedcontinues–Ved Phenk-bikheromankichandi
Dilkasona,aankhkemotiSabarpithaiAapkikhaatirMainnaukarhoonaapkamaalikTiepehenkar,liftmeinchadhkar,phiraaoongaaapkeaanganVohikaroonga…jorozkiyahai…Vophirsekaroongaphirsekaroongaphirsekaroonga…
Achchabeta…?Kabhiudhartokabhiidhar…?Andarkyahai…?
Cuttoblack.
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Titleappearsonscreen–AndarkiBaat
Ved’snarrativecontinues–Andarkyahai…?Kaunserangkadilhaitera?
Kyachahtahai…?
Cutbacktothesongonscreen.Vedisnarrating–Ved Bolo…Jawaabdo…
Sc#56 Day,Ext/Interiors SimlaRailwayStation Early2000s Flashback.Ved’ssend-offtotheengineeringcollege.Anothermanisgoingwithhim.Father,sisterarepresent.Vedtoucheshisfather’sfeet,then–Ved Sorrypapa…Sahni Arey…Ved Yedonation...main…Sahni Tumheinehsaashaiyehibahothaibeta…(hugshim)Iamproudof
youmyson…Tumcollegemeinbahotachchakaroge,mainjaantahoon…Allthebest…Allthebest…
Vedisemotional.
{1/2min}
Song#5(PartTwo) ThesongresumesasVedissittinginthetrain,thinking.Heisgoingtotheengineeringcollege.Thelandscaperollsoutside.Helooksoutofthewindow.{1min}
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Sc#55[B] Night,Exteriors ParathaCorner
Presenttime,attheparathacorner.SomemorepeoplehavecomeclosertowatchVed.Therearesomepeoplethatseemtobefromatheatregroup.Theytakespecialnotice.
Kyachhootrahahai…trainkebaahar…?Kuchapnahai…?Yabassapnahai…?
Flashback.VedisclimbingthestairstothehostelblockattheEngineeringInstitutewithhisluggage. Presenttime,attheparathacorner.Vedbreakingoutofthememory,narrates–
Phirseboringbaateinsaali…?Sudharjabandhu,pakadlekona,kholbichhona,daaldechaddarTujhkokyahai?Andarkyahai?
Kyabakwaashaiyaar…haddhogayee…
Helooksaroundathisimpromptuaudience.
Ved Matlabkyahai?Inbaatonka,isduniyakaKyamatlabhai?Aurkisepadihai…?Chhodhyaarmattikar…Sunchhote…Doaurcutting…(totheautorickshawaala)Legana…?Phirchaltehain…
Hestretchesagain.Continues,softly–
Ved Sonabhihai…Monabhihai…
(smiles)Tejakasona…{3mins}/21½mins/
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Sc#57 Night,Interiors Apartment Vedstandinginfrontofthemirror,lookingathimself.Hetakesastepclosertothemirror,asthoughtakinghisreflectionintoconfidence.Ved Kya…?Hain…?Pyaarthatujheussey…?Saalefraud…Abeyghanta
diltootahaitera,samjha…?Torelax…Control…OhjicontrolPaahjicontrol…Ved…
Pause.Then–
Ved Hmm…Theekhai…(nods)Cool…Set…{1/2min}
RegularDayMontage#4 Thealarmhooterblows.Vedgetsuponbed,dazedandconfused. Vedbrushesteeth.
Vedwearstie.Hefinishesmakingtheknot.Butdoesnotmoveout.Hestandsthere,lookingatthetie.Helooksathimself,thenremovesthetie. Vedwipesthewindscreenofthecar. Vedlooksawayfromtheeunuchatthetrafficsignal. Vedwaitspolitelyforfatladytoenterlobbylift.Godblessyoumyson,theladyissaying.Youarealwayssokind. Vedpuncheshiscard.
GoodMorning,GoodMorning,GoodMorning,hesaysloudandbrightas
heentersoffice.{1/2min}
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Sc#58 Day,Interiors WaitingRoom TheteamisgettingintoapresentationwhenBosssaystoVed–Boss (sharp)Tiekahanhai…?
Vedlooksathim,doesnotreply.
Boss Bhoolgaye…?Thenhequicklylooksattheothers.
Boss Tewari…Ved It’sokayboss…
Boss (charges)It’sokay…?It’sokay…?(barkstoTiwari)Jaldi…
Vedisuncomfortable.Tewarigiveshimthetie.
Ved (smallsmile)Sirtiebechnethodehijarahehain…Boss (pointing)Aaee…
Vedisscaredabit,smilesabit.Bossisglaringdangerouslyathim.
Boss (orders)Pehno…
Vedtakesthetie,proceedstowearit.Theotherslookhereandthere.
Boss Ekladkikyachodhgayeedimaghhikharaabhogayatumhaara…?
Vedlooksattheboss.
Boss Hurryup…
Vedwearsthetiequickly,adeepdisturbanceswellingupinside.{1min}
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Sc#59 Day,Interiors ConferenceHall Vedispresenting–Ved …itisfinallyourcorevaluesthatwillharnesstheseismicshift
becausetechnologyepiphaniesarenotaresultofalakeerkafakeerEurekaMomenttheyaresystematicallyproducedandtheDevilisinthedetailkyafarakpadtahaiplustheBlueOceanStrategyiskuchbhiboloIPdrivenandfavoursthebackwardintergrationprocesswhichisblaahblaahbloobasedonknowledgeeconomythatensuresallstructuralchangesbeingsynergized…
Mohithaslookedup,prickedatthefirstboguswords.HehaslookedatVed,atboss.Boss’browsareknotted,helooksatMohit,intrigued.Mohitlooksattheclients.TheclientshavebeenlookingblanklyatVed,doingtheirownthing,oneofthemwasbusypassingcookiestoeveryone.{1/2min}
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Sc#60 Day,Interiors
CorridoroutsideConferenceHall VedisstandingwithBossandhisentourage.Ved (straightface)Kyonsir…?Aajtomainnervousnahintha…Boss (tentative)Baatvonahinhai…Ved Clientkhushlagrahahaisir
Mohitisatadistance,doingsmalltalkwiththeclients.BossinchesintowardsVed,asks–
Boss (suspicious)Tukuchulta-pultabolrahathabeechmein…?Ved (innocent)Ulta-pultasir…I..I
Vedbeginstoshakehisheadasthoughhedidnotunderstand.
Boss Anyway…
Heturnsaround.
Ved Okaysir{1/2min}
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Sc#61 Night,Exteriors ParathaCorner Vedisnarratingtotherickshawaala,andsomeotherswhohavecomeclosetohear–Ved Mufatkepange Bilavajahke
PetkekeedeYetatvisduniyameinkayeenaamsejaanajaatahaiJaisekhujli…Aurkirmi…Maheenhai…kirmi…Kitanu…Dikhtanahinhai…Godkitarah…Parhotahaijaroor…AajaatahaiKyonaatahai?NooneknowsAurkisepadihai?Andarkyahai
{1/2min}
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Sc#62 Day,Interiors ConferenceHallVedpresentinginflow–
Ved …andsectoragnosticthoughitlooksfromtheoutside,fromthe
insideitisnotonlyhellohelloCharlieconsistenttoourcorporateDNAbutalsoorganictothenewdriversofeconomyPatparganjandsinceallpointsofconvergenceareknowntous,itisactuallyano-brainerthattheCharliecomeinCharliegravitionalpullwillbetowardstechnologicalinnovation…
BossperksupasVedsaysthefirstnonsenseword,thenkeepsa
suspiciouslook-outformore.Mohitislookingleftandright,smilingasthoughnothingiswrong.Bossperksupandlooksaroundmorewhenthenextwordcomes,islookingatothersforconfirmation.HelooksatMohit,Mohitlooksaway.Thereisnoreactionfromtheclients.{1/2min}/25½mins/
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Sc#63[A] Day,Interiors OfficeWashroomVedislookingathimselfinthemirror.Hesmiles,nodshishead
knowingly,thenaskshimselfinthemirror–
Ved Bahotmazaaaarahahai…?
(answers)Haan,aatorahahai…
Aurjoaagelagnewaalihai…bahotkaraari…?
Vototerilagegina… Hegiggles.
Thenhenodsinresponse.
Ved Saale…
Thenfallssilent,hissmilegoesaway. Ved Yedinaagaye…?(Pause)Ekladkikyachodhgayeedimaghhi
kharaabhogaya…? Musicbegins.Fadeout.
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TitleonScreen–Whatislove?(babydon’thurtme…nomore…)
CallingMontage
Tara,withdramaticmusic,callingafterVedatthestaircasewhenhehadcreatedasceneoutsideherapartment.Hehadnotstopped,hadwalkedaway.Shehadtakenafewsteps,thenstoodtherelookingathimgo,unsettled. Tara’seyeswereopeninthedarknessasshewasn’tgettingsleepthatnight. Lateratnight,shehadtriedtocallVed.Therewasnoresponse. Shehadturnedthesideinbedthatnight,thenpickedupthephoneandtexted. Vedhadseenhisphonesittingonhisbedlaterthatnight.ThereweremanymissedcallsandmessagesfromTara.Hehadlookedatthephone,thendeletedthemessagesandhadgotintothemechanicsofgoingtosleep.
Tara’seyeswereopeninthedarknessforalongtimethatnight.{1/2min}
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Sc#63[B] Day,Interiors OfficeWashroom
Vedisstandingatthemirror,staringathisphonewhichiskeptontheslab.Helooksatitforawhile,thensuddenlypicksitupwithirritationanddials.Hisfaceissourashewaitsbutchangestopolitenessasthecallistaken.Ved Hello…Tara…? Sc#64[A] Day,Interiors Mall Taraisduckingawayfromthegroupthatshewasindiscussionwith.Thisisthesiteofateakioskatamall.Tara HiVed…Hi…
Sc#63[C] Ved HiTara…Sorry…tumhaaremissedcallsdekhe… Sc#64[B] Tara Tumkaiseho…?
Sc#63[D]
Ved Theek…bilkul…Tum…?
Sc#64[D] Tara Maintumsemilsaktihoon…?
Sc#63[F]
Ved Kyon…?
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Sc#64[D] Tara Mainmilnachahtihoon
Sc#63[F]
Ved (shortlaugh)Maineusliyenahinphonekiya…Main…bas
apologizekarnachahtatha…Sc#64[E]
Tara MainmilnachahtihoonVed
Sc#63[G]
Ved Areytumkyasochrahiho…?Maintheekhoon…
Sc#64[F]
Sensingmoreunrest–Tara Abhikahaanhotum?Mainabhiaasaktihoon?
Sc#63[H]
Vedisholdingthephone,listeningtohertalk–Tara (OC)…Mainwaitkarloongiagartumbusyhuyeto…Theekhai…?{1min}
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Sc#65(PartOne) Night,Ext/Interiors TurtleCafé Vedispeeping.AtTaraassheentersthecafeteria,looksaroundforhim.Heislookingather.Thenheturnsaway. Sc#65(PartTwo) Night,Interiors TurtleCafe Vedsits,Taraisseencominginthebackground,lookingforhim.Heknowssheiscoming,yetpretendsasthoughhedoesn’t.Tara Hi…Ved Oh…(stands)Hi… Shemovesforward.Theylookateachother,notknowingwhethertohugornot.Vedsuddenlybreaksintoanaughtysmile–Ved Dicey,haan…?(mimicstheirawkwardness)Ummm…shouldwe…?
err…No…Yes…
Shemovesandsits,smiles.Ved Better…phew… Hepretendstowipehissweat.Shelooksathim,smiling.Ved (mockformal)Helloji…
Sheissmiling,nods. Ved Nahin…aajcrazynahinkaroonga…Shit…(coversface)Kyakiya
maineusdin…Tara Ved…Listen…Maintumseyekehneaayihoonkighalatimerihai… Ved (intrigue)Kaise…?Kitumnemujherejectkiya?Tara Nahin…(looksathim)Kyonkimaine…kuchaisakehdiya…apni
smartnessmein…kitumdisturbhogaye…
Heislookingather.
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Tara Koicomplexhogatumhaareandar,jiskomainetouchkardiya…Tabhi…
Shelooksathim.Heisstaringather.Tara Tosorrymujhebolnachahiye…
Henods.
Ved Tobolo…
Shelooksathim.Ved Bolosorry…Goon(sharp)sayit… Silence,theylookateachother.Ved Tumhokaun…?Psychiatristho?Mainpatienthoontumhaara…?Tara MainconcernedhoonVedVed Kitnaachchaasarhaitumhaareconcernka…Wow…Mainkitna
achchafeelkarrahahoonaajkal…Great…Thanksyaar…Tara Ved…Okay…I’msorry…Yeah…Mainejobhikahausdin,mainvo
sabvaapasletihoon…Really…Aurvoringkahanhai?Mujhevoringchahiye…
Ved Huh…
Helaughs,peoplenotice,helooksaround.Ved Dekho…dekho…Sabkodikhrahihaimerikhushi…
Helaughssomemore,evennodsatsomeothers,thengetsup,sayingbyetoher.Sheholdshishanddown.Ved Aaoo…Don’tgetphysical…Tara (stands)Vedpleaseyaar…Ved LeavemyhandTaraTara PleaseVed,sitdown…Ved (looksather,smiles)Tujhetopyaarhogayahaipagli…Tara Haan…HaanVed…
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Ved Parkisiaurse…Tch…(sings)Tukisiaurkijaageerhaiaejaaneghazal…
Tara (helpless)Ved…Ved Tara,listentome.Mujhenaiswaqtbilkulbharosanahinhaiki
mainkaisereactkaroonga…Tomainchalajaatahoon…Tara Yekyahogayayaar…Yekyakardiyamaine…Ved (bitingsarcasm)OhhkitnimahaanhotumTara…Wow…Dilmein
aatahaitumheinmandirmeinbithakarpoojakaroontumhaari…
Peoplesittingaroundnoticethis.VedsensestheflipinhisbehaviourVed See…see…Yekaunhai…?Yekyabanjaatahoonmaintumhaare
saamne…?Yekyaenergyhaitumhaari?Itninegative?Tara Vedyeekphasehai…Yetheekhojayega…Ved TummujhsedoorrahoTara…Idon’tknow…Ifeelmainkuchkar
doonga…Tara Maintumsedoorhitonahinrehsakti…Mujhetumhaaresaath
rehnahai…Ved hhhhh…Apnesachchepyaarsedhoka?Tara Vedseriously…Ved SeriouslyTara…Yecompromisehai…Haikinahin…?Yemat
karo…Waitkaro…AyegaDonekdin…Hemovestogo,shearrestshim.
Ved (gnashinghisteeth)Tara…Tara Ved…Ipromise,mainsabtheekkardoongi…Ved Tumheinsamajhnahinaarahi…?(loud)Justleaveme…
Hemakestomove,sheclutcheshimstronglyandbreaksdown.Peoplenotice.Tara Mainnahinjaanedoongi…Mainnahinjaanedoongi Helooksather.Sheissobbing,holdinghimdearly,lookingathimdefiantly.
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Song#6(PartOne)
TaraandVedstandinthecafeteria,lookingateachother.Peoplecomeandgo. Averysoftsongofinnocentromancebeginstoplayinthebackground. Sothisiswhattheytalkabout.Thatyouloseyourselfwhenyoufindsomeone.Youhavedonethattome.Thereisnomeleftanywhere.Wearetogethernow.
Vedsitsdown.Tarasitstoo,weeping,lookingathim.Heplaceshisheadonthetable.Heiswondering.Sheslowlytakesherhandtohishead.Sheputsherpalmonhishead.Hemelts.Shestrokeshishead.Heturnshishead.Sheputsherheadonthetable,nexttohis,touchinghimalittle.Hiseyesareopen,lookingthatway.Sheislookingathim.Peoplesittingaroundatothertables.
Suddenlyhegetsupandstridesout.Sheisleftalonethere,headontable.
Sheturnsherhead,lifts,beginstosob.Thensuddenlystopsherselfandgetsup,wipinghertears,dashesafterhim.Sherushesdownthestairs. Sherushesoutofthebuildingontothelane,looksaroundforhim.Sheseeshimwalkingawaydownthelane.Sherushesafterhim. Shecomestoacrossroadsinthelane,looksaround.Shecannotseehimanywhere. Shemovesdownalaneandcomestoacorner. Heisonthesideofawall,hidingfromher.Shelooksforhim,cannotseehim.Heremainshiding.Sheturnsback.Hecomesforwardtolook.Sheturnsback,seeshim.Heseesthatshehasseen.Musicstops.{2½mins}
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Sc#65(PartThree) Night,Exteriors LanesoutsideTurtleCafe
TaraisstaringatVed,speechless.Helooksaway.Hekeepsstanding.Shelooksathim.
Hedoesnotmove.Shesitsontheground.Heremainsstanding,lookingaway.Thenhelookstowardsher,sheislookingathim.Hewalksout,walks
towardsher.Shelooksathim,looksdownashewalkspasther.Sheislookingdown,sittingonthegroundinthelane,asheisseen
walkingawaybehindher.Heispulsatinginselfrageashehurriesaway.Sheremainsthere.
{5mins}/34½mins/
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RingMontage
ThediamondringthatVedhadproposedtoTarawith.Vedislookingatit,stillinbed,stillintheclothesoflastnight.
SuddenlythehooteralarmgoesandinstantlyVedbangsitshut.
Vedbrusheshisteeth.Thereissomethingpulsatingandsourinhim. Vedwearstieatthemirrorandthen–Ved (anger)Theekhai…?haan…?Theekhaisir...?
Vedisdrivinghiscartoworkwhilespeakingonthebluetooth.
Ved Hello…ShamjiJewellers?Jiaapkebuy-backschemekebaaremein
poochnatha.Maineaapseekdiamondringleethivovaapaskarnihai.Haanji…/
Tchheeratoheerahotahai,uskipricethodinakamhojayegi…Haantophirpercentagekisbaatkakaatengeaap…?
TheeunuchwalksuptoVed’scar,whichisstoppedatthetrafficsignal
now.Champa Areykaisaaadmihairetu…?Chhee,kanjoos…Ekrupiyabhinahin
diyaaajtak.Dilnahinhaikyaterepaas?
Vedcontinuestotalkonthephone,payingnoattentiontotheeunuch.Ved …Areytomakingchargesusseynahinlogejiskophirsebechoge? Vedentersofficeandwisheseveryoneveryloudlyashewalkspast–Ved GoodmorningGoodmorningHiHello… Hiscolleagueslookathim,ateachother.Theyhavebeenseeingthechangeinhisbehavior. Vedinhisbedroomanothermorning,inhisnightclothesbutwearingthetie.Heishoveringaroundhisbeside,tip-toeingupwithutmostcareandsilence,holdingsomesortofaclubinhishand.Suddenlythealarmhootergoesandinstantlyheslamstheclubonthealarm. Vedbrusheshisteeth.
Vedwipesthewindscreenofcarenergetically.
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Vedislookingawayfromtheeunuchatthetrafficsignalassheisspeaking–Champa Areykabdegatu…?Kuchtodede…AeSona…Raju…Dekhna
hero…AreyO…
Vedsuddenlytakesoutsomethingfromhisbag.Helowersthewindow,handstheringboxtotheeunuch.Theeunuchlooksatthebox.Vedliftsthewindow.Theeunuchopensthebox,seesthediamondring.ShelooksatVedinsurprise.Vedislookingstraight.Theeunuchtakestheringout,looksatitinintrigue,looksbackatVed.
Thetrafficlightturnsgreen,Veddriveshiscarahead.Theeunuchlooksathimgo,walksuptothesideofthestreet.Thecardrivesaway.Theeunuchlooksatthediamondringinthetraffic.{2mins}
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Sc#66 Day,Int/Exteriors OfficeFoyer
Vedgettingintotheliftatthefoyernoticesthefatladytoddlingup,she
smilesathim.Hesmilesextrasweetlyather.Sheknowshewillwaitforher.
Lady (walkingup)Godblessyou…suchakindman…Hesmilesmore,pressesthefloorbutton.Shewalksupbuttheliftdooris
shutting,sheistakenaback,looksathim.Hesmilesevenmore.Sheisperplexed.Theliftdoorshutsashecontinues
tosmile.{1/2min}
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Sc#67 Day,Interiors ConferenceHall
Vedmakingpresentation–Ved …inthecurrentsocio-politicalclimatewhereconsumeriskingand
companiesarethenewcountriesnightshowPriyaCinemaMCMTechTelecomcontinuestoremainmissiondriven,notmoneydrivenasitrejectsblockandtacklezaalimlotionpaanchsaupachchattarmethods,festerorganicgrowthavoiddisruptivetechnologyABtheetabeetagaama(becominggraduallyrobotic)measuresuccesssquareroot74.7tothepowernbytheimpactonLadoSarai,Malkagunj,KingKong,Teriyaki,MonAmor…
Bossisstaringathim.Theclientissurprised.Mohitislookingdown.{1min}
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Sc#68 Day,Interiors Boss’Cabin Vedissittingatboss’sdesk,lookingdown.Bossisglaringathim.Afteramoment–Ved Patanahinkyahorahahaimujhe…Kuch…gadbadhai…Boss (barks)Gadbad…?Gadbad…?Ved (admits)Ji…Butsir…yejob…basyehihaimerepaas,aurkuch
nahinhai…Idon’twanttolosemyjobsir…please…
Bossbecomestender.Silence.
Boss Listenboy…YourbehaviorisalwaysAOne.Kaamteraaveragehai,partooneittesaalsurvivekiyahaikinahin…?Haan…?Ongoodbehavior…You’reniceguy…Decent,polite…everyonelikeyou…andyouaredoinglikethis?Whatareyoudoing…?Andallforthatonegirl…?Haan…?Whatistheresomuchinthatgirl?whatisthere…?
Vedlooksatbossasthoughhewantstosaysomething,butthenlooks
down.Bosscontinues–Boss Weakmomentsabkohotahai…Evenmujhebhihotahaiweak
moment…
Ved (drama)No…Really…?Boss Itellyou…Ihaveweakmoment…Parmainkyakartahoon…?
Ved (likeastudent)Kyakya…?Boss Mainaureffortsdaaltahoon…Aurfocus…focus…Imorefocus… Vedmakesgesturesofbeingveryimpressed.Boss Aurteratobrightfuturehai…Ved Achcha…?Boss Haan…,bastufocuskar…aurthodiworkingimprovekarleapni…
tofiveyearsmeintushayadVPbansaktahai…Ved (drama)Wow…
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Boss Yes…Aurphirsabachchaachchahuatokyapataaurtenyears
meintutablekeissidebhiaasaktahai…yes…whynot…?Soch,pandrahsaalmeintumeritarahbansaktahai…
Ved (loud)Ohshit…No…Boss It’spossible…Possible…Ved (melodramatic)Nahin…Aisanahinhosakta…Kehdokiyejhooth
hai…
Bosslooksathiminsuspicion.Vedlooksathim,pointsfingeratboss,suppresseshislaughterforsometimethensays-Ved Nahin… Vedshakeshisheadandlaughsout.Thenstopsabruptly,looksdown.Ved (tohimself)Shit…Stop…
Helooksupatbosstomakeamends.Heseesbossglaringathiminaconfusedwayandinstantlyswitchesagain–Ved Ogod,aapphirchillaanewaaleho…?Okay…
Vedholdsthechairarmstobrace,then–
Ved Nowgoforitboy
Bossisreadytoexplode.Hepicksuptheintercomandspeaksintoit–Boss Securitybhejo…
Vedcloseshiseyes,facesdownininstantregret.
Ved (tohimself)Kyakarrahahai…?Kyakarrahahai…?Hemoveshiselbowstothetabletoputhisheadonhishands.Bossgetsa
start,Vedlooksathim.BosshadthoughtthatVedwasgoingtodosomethingaggressive.Vedlooks,bossisangryagain.
Vedsuddenlymoveshishandsfrontintheair.Bosspanics,looksatVed.Vedcloseshiseyes.
Ved (tohimself)stopstopstop…Sirabhijomaineyesabkiyayetobahotghalathaitokyaaapmujhemaafkarsakteho?(heswitches
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todramaticaggressionashespeaks)Bolo…?Maafkarsakteho…?(aggressive)Pleasesir
Hepicksupavaseanddashesittothegroundinaggression.Ved Maafkartehoyanahin…? Bossisscared,waitingforsecuritytocomein.Vedsoftens,smiles.Ved Please… Bossinfuming.Ved Ae…
Vedwinksathim.Thenair-kisseshimtwice,biteshisunderlip.Ved Karnamaaf…Raju…maafnahinkaregamereko…?Haan…? Bossisfuming.
Thedooropens.Twosecuritymencomein.Bosslookstowardsthembut
beforehedoanythingVedturnstothemandorders–Ved Security,isaadmikoofficekebaaharphenkdo…
Thesecuritymenareconfused.BossleapsupandrushestoVed,abusingloudly,grabsVed’scollar,lifts
him.
Boss Youbloody…youbloody….Tabaahkardoongamaintujhe…Tabaah…Teracareerfinish…khatam…
Thesecuritymenquicklyintervenesayingsaabsaab…
Boss mainbhidekhtahoontujheblood…Tabaah…
BossisscreamingintoVed’sface.Vedislookingsurprisinglycamlyasthechaosunfolds–asthesecuritymentrytowresthimaway,asbosscontinuestoshakehimbythecollarandbombardhimwithabuses.{3½min}
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Sc#69 Day,Interiors Office Vedisathiscubicle,collectinghisthings.Thesecurityguardsarestandingbehindhim,holdingthebatonout.Theofficeiswatching. Vedcomesoutofhiscubiclewithhisthings,walksthroughtheofficefloorlookingdowninhumiliationasMohit,Dhillonandtheotherswatch.Vedwalksout.{1/2min}
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Sc#70 Day,Interiors Apartment ThemirrorinVed’sapartment.DooropensandVedcomesin,seeshimselfinthemirror.Hekeepshisthingsdownandwalksupsoberlytothemirror,looksathimself.Ved (sings)Husnhaazirhai…mohabbatki…sazaapaaneko… Hepauses,looksathimselfagain.Then–Ved (continues)Koipattharse…haan…koipattharsenamaaremere
dhindhin-chakdhin-chakdhadhamdhamdhudhum… Hesilences,looksathimself,smiling.Ved Yehokyarahahaiyaar…?Bygod…
Pause.Hebecomesserious,pained. Ved Pleaseyaar…Mainterehaathjodtahoon,please…
Helooksathimself.Sniggers.Ved (mimicshimself)Haathjodtahoonplease…Drama… Heexits.{1/2min}
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Sc#71 Day,Interiors Apartment Thehooteralarmblows.Vedwakesupinhisbed.Heiswearingtheclothesoflastnight.Heinstantlylooksaround,findstheclub,getsonhiskneesonthebedtobatterthealarmbutstops.Helooksatthealarm.Hedropstheclub,thensitsnexttothealarm,listeningtoitwithfullattention. Hesitstherelisteningverycarefullytothealarm,reactingtoit.Thealarmkeepsblowing.{1/2min}/44mins/
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Sc#72[A] Day,Int/Exteriors Apartment Silence.Vedissittingonachairinthehalloftheapartment,lookingoutofthewindow.Soundofadoorbell.Helooksback. Thedooropens.ItisTara,staringathisface. Vedstepsbackandopensthedoor,announceshappily–Ved ProductManagergone… Hegiggles.Shemovesin,shutsthedoor.Ved Pyaarmeinkittitaaqathotiyaar…Haan…?Terepyaarnemujhe
badaldiyaTara…Abbetterhaina…?Haan…?Nowyoulikememore…?
Tara Ved…Ved (romantic)Tara… Hecomesclosetoher.Theyareinthenarrowpassage.Sheislookingathim.Hecomescloser,lookingather.Ved Tara…
Hetouchesherface,feelsit.Sheislookingathim.Hetakeshishandbehindherneck,feelsher.Silence.Thenhebeginsto
hardenthegrip.Sheflinches,lookingathim,saysnothing.Hepushesheragainstthewall,herbagfallsdown.Hestaresather,shelooksbackathim.Thenheplungestowardsherandbegintokissheronherneck,roughly.Tara Ved…Ved… Hecomesoffandaskssharply–Ved What…?Haan…?Tara Canyou…takeiteasy…?Ved Abtumkyonactingkarrahiho…?TumyenahinhoTara…Main
jaantahoontumkaunho… Heturnsheraround,triestograbher.Tara (sharp)Ved…Ved…(turnsaround)What’swrongwithyou…?
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Ved (grabbingher)RolematplaykaroTara,actingmatkaro… Sheturnsandpusheshimbackwithallhermight.Hehitsthewallwithhisback.Heremainsthere.Sheglaresathim.Ved (mocking)Yekyahogayayaar…Yekyakardiyamaine…Tara YouknowVed…EkdinmujhepatachalathakiSantaClausnahin
hota…Bahotburalagatha…Parkyakarein…?Hotatonahinhai…MeraCorsicabhi…sirfcomicbookmeinhaiaursoulmate,love…kahaaniyaanhainyesab,sachmeinaisakuchhotathodihai…Koimagicnahinhai…isduniyamein…aajtumnebatadiya…sirfloghain…,cheezeinhain…bus…Yesamajhnazaroorithamujhe…
Shemoves,goestothedoor.Ved ThanksforthespeechTara,matlabhamaarakhatam…pakka…?
Shecrossestotheothersideofthedoor.
Ved Yaphiraaogi…chaarsaalbaad…checkkarne…?KidekhoonVedkilifemeinkyachalrahahai…kaheenkuchachchatonahin…?haitoaaoabhiphirsekuchalkekhatamkardetihoonsabkuchsaala…
Sheislookingathim.Tara ThanksVedVed (bowsslightly)Anytime… Vedbangsthedoorshutonherface.Sheisshocked,thenslowlybeginstocry.
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Song#6(PartTwo) Vedstandsforasecond,thenwalkspurposefullyintothekitchen.Hetakesoutsomefood,beginstopreparesomethingtoeat.
Taraissobbing,butstopsherself,beginstowipehertearsstrongly,withherfist.
Vedisworkingbusilyinthekitchen.Tarawalksdownthecorridor.Vedisseenbehindinthekitchen.Tara
walksdownthecorridortothelift,pressestheliftbutton.Shewaitsforthelift–breaking,fighting.
Wearetogethernow. Vedsettlesinthekitchentoeat.
Tarastandsatthelift,controllingherselfsomehow.Theliftopens,thereisamaidinside.Tarawalksin,standsthere,keepingherselfstrong.Theliftdoorcloses.Musicends. {1½mins} Sc#72[B] Day,Int/Exteriors Apartment
Vediseating.Hesuddenlypauses,looksdownasarushpasseshishead.Heremainslikethatforamoment.Thenhequicklybeginstoeatagain.Heeats.{3mins}/48½mins/
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Sc#73 Night,Interiors ApartmentBedroom Thebedroomlateatnight.Vedissleepinginthedark.Suddenly,hesitsupwithastart.Helookstowardsthedoor.Hefeelsasthoughsomeonetouchedhim.Silence.Hesits,then–Ved Heyrelaxbrother…relax…Easy… Heremainssittingthere.{1/2min}
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Sc#74 Night,Int/Exteriors Party ChaddaandVedwalkingdownarampintoahotelwhereapartyishappening.Chadda Bachnaayehaseenon…
HeturnstoVedandstopshim.Chadda Bhaagnajaanaphirsebatarahahoon…Ved Mainephonekarkekahanatujhe…?
Chaddaturns.Chadda Seedhibaathaiapaanshikaarkarneaayehainpartymein…Haan
bhaikahanhaikahanhai
Theymoveforward.
Theyenterthepartyhall.Asocialitemanturnstothem.
Socialite Hello…HowareyouVedbuddy?Ved Fine… Thesocialitemovesclosertothem.Socialite Sowonderfultoseeyou.You’refine…?Hmm…?
Vedtriestomoveaway.Thesocialitepresseson.Socialite Theekhonatum…?Allgood…?Ved (switching)Actuallynahin…maintheeknahinhoon,bahot
kharaabhaalatmeinchalrahahoon…Jobsenikaaldiyagayamujhe–matlabsecuritybulakarbaaharphenkagaya…aurmeraexbossdoosrijagahjobmilnenahindega…Todinbharbaitharehtahoon.Raatkoachanakuthkarbaithjaatahoon…paseeneauranxietykesaath…aisedildhadakrahahotahaiaurlagtahaideewareinpaasaarahihainchaarontarafse,peesdengimujhe…Baithiyena,bataatahoon.
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Heseatsthemandown,towersoverhimashecontinues–Ved Meregalemeinna…aiselumphojaatahai…Kyon…?Kyavajahho
saktihai…?Aurkuchdinpehlemaingaadichalarahathakiaiseaansubehnelagemere…mainekahaareyyaarturorahahai…?problemkyahaihuakyahaitujhe…?Yesabmainkisisekehtanahinhoon,aapneitnainterestliyatobatarahahoon…Actuallyjabsemereappendixkaoperationhuahaina,tabhisemujheshakhaikiusseynapaanileakhorahahaitaptaptaptap…aurmeriantdiyonkeandaridhar-udharfunguslagrahihaisabjagah…aurscrotumhotahaina…scrotum…?uskohindimein…
Socialite Nahinnahinnahin…
Thesocialitestands,triestobackaway.Vedchargesinandcontinues–
Ved Aapsamajhgaye…mujhelagtahaimerescrotummeinkayeejamrahihai…Hahahaaisahonahinsakta,jaantahoon,psychologicalhai–
Thesocialitetriestoslinkaway,Vedcatcheshishand.
Ved Areyjakahaanrahehain…?Aapjannachahtehainna?Socialite Ah…nahin,notreally…Ved Paraapnepoocha…?Socialite Yeahmagar…Ved Tosuniye…Jobowelmovementhainameri,jabmainhagneko
baithtahoon… Thesocialitelooksaroundforhelp.Socialite Arey…?Chadda Ved…Chhod…Kyakarrahahai…? Chaddatirestowresthimaway,Vedclutchesthesocialitemore.Ved Iseyjaannahaiyaar…Isnechaarbaarpoocha…(tothesocialite)
hainnasir…?Socialite Areyvotosabpoochtehainna–Howareyou…Ved Hahaha…jaannanahinhotatopoochtekyonhain…veryfunny.
Nahinabtomainbataoonga,abmujhekoinahinroksakta…Aajtomakasamaapkobatakarhirahoongakimainkaisahoon…Nahin
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chodoonga,nahinchhodoonga…kuchnahinchhodoonga,sabkuchbataoongasabkuch…
Vedisclutchingthesocialite,asChaddaandafewothertrytowrestlehimout.TheyfinallymanagetoforceVedtoletgoandthesocialitehurriesawaysaying–Socialite He’smad…He’smad…Heassaultedme…Heisdangerous…Itell
you…Hecan’tbewalkingaroundlikethis… Vedsniggers,turnstoChadda.Ved ChalyaarChadda…Chadda Nahinyaar,tuja…
Vedissurprised.Chadda Enough…Chalnikalle… VedsmilesatChadda.Chaddastaresbackcoldly.Vedfeelseyesonhim,thatareaofthepartyhasceasedbecauseofhim.Everyoneislooking.Vedlooksdown,walksoutoftheparty.{3mins}/53mins/
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Song#7(PartOne)
Vedwalksoutofthehotelandcomestoawall.Hestopsthere,stands.Slowlyheputshispalmsonthewall,thenrestshishead. Youaresomeoneelse.Thisisnotyou.
Vedwalksdownastreetatnight.
PhotocopiesofVed’sresumecomingoutofthemachine.Vedismakinganapplicationfileatastationeryshop.
Vedshaveshisbeard.
Vedissittinginthewaitingareaofanofficewearingformalclothes.
Vedissittinginthewaitingareaofanotherofficeanotherday.Anotherday,Vediswaitinginthewaitingareaofanotheroffice.
Veddrivesuptothetrafficsignal.Helooks–theeunuchisstandingata
distancefromhiscar.Sheblowsblessingsinhisdirection.Vedlooksaway. Vediseatingaloneatarestaurant.Tearswellupasheeatsbuthemakessuretoholdthemin.Heeats.
Thetenyearoldboysittinginclassroom.Hehasgotanexaminationpaperresult.Heislookingdown,controllinghistears.
Later,theboyissittingaloneintheclassroomandcrying.
Vedinhisengineeringhostelroomtearingthenotebookhewasworkingon,screamingsilently,tearinghisfaceinrage,thenwipinghisbooksandstufffromthetable,thenholdinghishead.Andthenpickingupbooksandresumingthecalculation. Vedwalkingaloneatadesolatestreetatnight.
Afterawhile,hesuddenlyscreamsintothenight–Ved Tara… Hestopswalking,musicfadesout.Hestandslookingahead.Pause.Hecallsagain–Ved Tara…
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Thenhelooksdown.Thenheskipsbacktoerectstandingposition,thenfunnymarchesafewsteps,thenwalksstraightandbrisk.Hewalksawayintothenight.{2½mins}
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Sc#75 Night,Exteriors ParathaCorner Anothernight,Vedissittingaloneattheparathacorner.Soundsofcar,thentheexcitedvoiceofayounggirl–Girl (OC)Whoareyouman…?
Vedlooksup.It’sagirlhehasseenbeforeattheparathacornerwiththetheatregroup.Othersofhergroupareseenwalkinginbehindher.Girl Really…tumkaunho? Helooksather,then–Ved Abhibataoon… Mainkaunhoon…? Yathodarukkar…? Thodaaurgirjaoon,tootjaoonaurbikharkarrukoonkaheen…
Phirbataoon…? Kabsunnahai? Girl (excited)Mindblowing… Shesitsinfrontofhim.Helooksather.Ved Tumkaunho?Girl (squealy)Maintofanhoontumhaari…Yeah…fangirl…Ved Tomainhoontamasha… Dhoom-dhadaakakadakemotion Dilkiduniyagoingpublic Onlytoimpressyouma’am…Girl (excited,shakingherhead)Iamto…mahaimpressed… Helooksather.Sheislookingathiminexcitement.Girl Sunao… Vedextendshishand.Ved Paisenikalo… Thegirlgiggles.
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Ved Yejokenahintha… Thetheaterdirectorcomesforward.Director Achchahumkhaanakhiladengeaapko…sahihai…?(callsothers)
Aajaobhai…come… Hecomesforward,theyallsitinfrontofVedaswell. Vedlooksathemastheysettleinfrontofhim.And–Ved Kyachakkarhai?
KahanchalahaidilkarastaBinkadmonke?Doorkhadisapnonkimalika…Haithodinayaar…Miragehai…Jodesertmeindikhtahai…?HotiraethailagtapaaniUskeliyemainpaapadbeloon?Dokaudiki…DokaudikihastihaiParusseykheloon?PhenkbikheroonApnasabkuchKiskikhatir?KisechahiyeMankasona,Aankhkemoti?KisepadihaiAndarkyahai?HotiraethaiLagtapaaniKyasahihai…Aurghalatkahaan?Kyon,kaun,kidharaurkaiseHatterito–sunokahaani…
{1½mins}
TitleappearsonScreen–
Mirage
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Sc#76 Day,Int/Exteriors
Abha’sHouse Ved’sback,ashestandsinfrontofanapartmentdoor.Heseemstentative.Hedoesnotringthebellforsometime.Thenhedoes.
Abha,assheopensthedoor,takenabacktoseehim.Helookslikeaderelict.Heissharplysensitivetoherlook,istryingtoavoidit.Shekeepslookingathimashecomesin,andsuddenlyturnstoher–Ved (charges)Kya…?Haan..?Abha Ghussakyonhoraheho?Ved Kahaanhaidado? Sheshutsthedoor,walksinside.Hefollows,shestopsatthedoortotheroom.Abha Haathmunhdhonahai?Ved (aggressive)Kyon?Abha (sharp)Kyonkipaagallagrahehotum,samjhe…?Dadokesaamne
aisejaogetopatanahinkyasochengi…Ved (cuts)Tumkokyahai,haan…?Tumkokyahai…?Abha KyahogayaVed…?Ved Ae…Chupraho…samjhi…?Abha Kyabaathai…?Ved Mainjaoonyahanse…?Jaoon…?Abha Nahin…
Shequicklycontrolsherself,then–
Abha Aao… Sheopensthedoor.{1/2min}
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Sc#77 Day,Interiors GuestRoom ThedooropensandAbhacomesin,smiles.Abha (announcing)Leejiye…Aagaya… Ved’sgrannyissittingonthebed,readingsomething.Shelooksup.SheisshockedtoseeVedinthisstateaswellbutdoesnotbreakhersmile.Dado Idharaaidharaa…Zarashakaldikha… Hewalksin,sheraisesherhandtocallhimcloser.Hesitsonthebed,sheholdshisfaceandlooksathim.Heissensitive,distracted.Dado Badahandsomehogayahai…hain…?Yekaisemumkinhua…? Hesmiles.Abha Beautytreatmentkarvarahatha.Tabhiekmaheeneseaapse
milnenahinaaya.Dado Haantokoinahin…mujhevaapaschhodnetojarahahaina
Simla…Mazekarenge…Ved Main…chhodnejarahahoon…?
Heispuzzled,lookstowardsAbha.Dado Achcha…?Bhoolgayatoonevaadakiyatha…?Ved Kab…vaadakiyatha…?Dado Kyondohazaargyaarahmein…?Jabmainaayithiyahaan… Theylookateachother.Sheraiseshereyebrowstoask.Hesmilesafterawhile,shakeshishead.Ved Kaisihai…?Dado Vahi,pehlejaisi… Hesmilesmore,looksather.{1min}/57mins/
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EnteringSimlaMontage Simlaintherisingsunfromamovingcar.Thehouses,lanes. ApproachingtheoldhouseoftheSahnis.Thehouseislookingdifferentnow.{1/2min}
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Sc#78 Evening,Interiors Granny’sRoom Seenthroughtheoldmirror–Vedentersasaservanthelpshimwiththeluggage.Dadoissittingonthebed.Dado Teraintezaamishikamremeinkiyahaiisbaar.Yahanturaatko
mujhekahaaniyaanbhisunasaktahai…auraaeenesebaateinbhikarsaktahai.
Vedlookssharplyather.Shenotices.Dado Kyahua…?Yaadnahinhaituusaaeenesebaateinkiyakartatha?
Aurterabaapkehtathakikaisapagalbetamilahaimujhe… Vedlooksatthemirror.It’sthemirrorthatheusedasakid.Dado (meanwhile–OC)Abnahinkartaaaeenesebaatein…? Vedsniggers.{1/2min}
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Sc#80 Evening,Int/Exteriors SimlaSitting Ved’sparentsinthesittingroom.Motherlooksupthestairs,hearsVedapproachingandspeaksquicklytoherhusband–Mother Dekhiyezaraaaraamsebaatkeejiyegaussey...Sahni Areyzaahirhaimainaaraamsebaatkaroonga…Kyamatlabhai…? Vedentersattheheadofthestairs,beginstoclimbdown.Mother Haan…Aajao…Sahni Comebeta…Kitnedinhoyahan? Ved Busekdodin…Mother Kya…?Itnedinbaadaayeho,ekdodinonkeliye?Sahni Aurleavenahinmilegi…? Vedlooksathisfather,undecided,endsupstaring.Sahnilooksathim,getssuspicious.Sahni Kyabaathai…? Vedcontinuestostareforamomentmore,then–Ved Kuchnahin…(looksaway)busabmainvojobnahinkarraha…Mother Jobchhoddeetumne…? Veddoesnotreply.Sahniislookingathim,sensingthatsomethingiswrong.Vedisvulnerable.Sahni Doosrijobkarraheho…? Silence.Sahni Kitnedinhogaye…?Ved Hogayekuch…kuchdinhogaye… Sahni Dodin,dusdin,(anger)domaheene…?
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Ved (sharply)Chhemaheenehogaye…Dad…aisikoi…tensionnahinhai…
Mother Chhemaheene…?Tochhemaheenonsekarkyarahehotum…?
TheyarelookingatVed.Vedistrapped,restless.
Mother (soft)KyahogayahaitumkoVed…?Kyabaathai?Ved (sharp)Maplease…abdramamatcreatekaro…Sahni (scolds)Dramayecreatekarrahihai…?Chhemaheenesejob
nahinhai,hawameinlatakraheho…Mother Suniye,eksecond…Sahni (continuous)Drugaddictjaisihaalatbanayihuihaiaurkisiko… Vedgetsupsuddenly,cuttingSahni.Ved Mainaajhichalajaatahoonvaapas
Vedmovestothesteps.
Mother Arey…?Sahni Ved…
Vedkeepsmoving. Sahni (loud)Ved…Ved (stops,turns–)Chalajaatahoonpapa…Yahaanvohihonewaala
hai,aapvohikehnewaalehain–kidutykyahotihai,aurmainkabresponsiblebanoonga…
Sahni Tokyamazaaatahaimujhe…kiekhibaatbaarbaarbaarbaar,
zindagibharboltarahoon…?Yehikaamhaimera…?Kitumhameshaultitarafbhaagoaurmainhameshatumheinvaapaskheenchtarahoon…?
Ved (grinninginexasperation)Okaypapa…mainjakarsamaanpack
karletahoon,allright?Sahni Tumheinkyalagtahaimaindushmanhoontumhaara…?Haan…?Ved Areyuskizaroorathikyahai…?Mainhoonnaapnadushman…?
Maintokarhirahahoonkhudkobarbaad…
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Sahni YesachbhihosaktahaiVed.Boldiyahaitosochnaiskebaaremein.Jiskizindagimeinproblemhotenahinhainvoapneliyeproblemcreatekartahai.Tumneburawaqtdekhanahinhaina…
Ved (nods)Cool…Super…packkarletahoon,okay…?Dominute…
Heleaves.{2½mins} Sc#81[A] Evening,Interiors Granny’sRoom
Hebangsthebagonthebed,keepsthingsinsideitinafrenzythenliftsthebagandbangsitandbangsitandbangsitonthebedandstandswithhishandsonhiships,restless.Hecatcheshimselfintheoldmirror.Pause.Then–Ved (tohimself)Hogaya…?Abkyakarega? Sc#82[A] Evening,Interiors Granny’sRoom Flashback.Boyatthemirror.Boy Maintochala…parbatkeuspaar…(salutes,winksandclicks)Aaj
patachalegabanjaronkopaanimiltahaiyanahin.Tujhekyalagtahai…milega…?
Sc#81[B]
Presenttime–Ved Kaahanikiduniyasebaaharnikal…idiot…Apnebaaremeinsoch…
Yejoterikahaanichalrahihai,ismeinkyahoga…?Haan…?
Sc#82[B]
Flashback–
Boy Kyapata.(shrugs)Yetokahaaniwalahijaantahaikiaagekyahoga…Vohibataega…
Theboyexits.
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Sc#81[C] Presenttime.Vedlookingathimselfinthemirror.Thensuddenlyheturnsandwalksout.{1min}
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QuestMontage
Flashback.Thekidcomestotheporticoofthehouse,looksaround.He
slinksoutandruns.
Presenttime.Vedcomestotheporticoofthehouse.Theservantisenteringthere.Ved Taxibuladena…Doghantemein.
Vedcomesdownthestepsandbeginstowalk. Thekidrunsoutofthehouse.Herunsthelanedowntheslope. Thekidrunsup,andawayasroof-topsofSimlaareseeninthedistance. Thekidrunsupthewoodenstaircase. Vedissittingatthecornerafterthestaircase,catchinghisbreath.Afteramomenthegetsupandwalks. Thekidsrunsawaydownalane. Thekidrunsuptothestory-corner. Vedcomesupthestepsthestepsofthestorycorner,looks.Theplacehaschangedfromthepast.Manyshopshavebeenconstructedhere.Vedwalksup,feelingannoyed.Hecomestowherethestorytellerusedtositbutthereisalargeshopatthatspot.Heturnstoateastalltohisleft.TherearesomeNepalimenrunningthis.Vedwalksuptothestall.Ved Yahaanekboodhaaadmihotatha…Bahotsaalpehle…Patahaikisi
ko…?Uspedkepaasbaithkarpuraanesaamanbechtatha…aurkahaaniyansunayakartatha…
VediswalkingbehindaNepalilookingboyupalane.Vedislookinginfront.Theyareapproachingalarge,dilapidatedbuilding. Theboywalksacrossawoodenbridgeintothebuilding,Vedfollows.Heclimbsupaflightofoldwoodenstairsaftertheboy. AmiddleagedNepalilookingwomanisstandingatthedoor.Ateenageboyisstandingbehind.TheboywithVedsaystotheminNepalithatthegentlemanislookingforbaba.Vedistryingtolookbehindthem,intothehouse.{1½mins}
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Sc#83(PartOne) Evening,Interiors
StoryRoom,Passage Vedissittingaloneinadingyroom.Heislookingdown,inthought.
Helooksupatasound.Theladyandtheteenagedboyarebringingtheveryoldstorytellerintothetheroom.Vedstands,looks.Thestorytellerappearsincapacitatedandcrazed,hasanunpleasantscowlonhisfaceashelooksatVedwithgreatsuspicion.TheladyasksVedtosit.Theyseattheoldmanonalowcot.Sheandtheboymoveintotheotherroom.Vedandthestorytellerarelookingateachother.Ved Kahaanisunaenge…?Storyteller Aiyen?Ved (louder)Kahaani…Paiselaayahoonmain.Aajbahotpaiselaaya
hoon… Hegetsupandplacesmanynotesinfrontoftheoldstoryteller.Thestorytellerlooksatthemoney,looksatVed,makesagesture,says–Storyteller Chae…Merichae…Ved Haan…(stands,speakstotheinsideroom)Inkichaeaasaktihai…?
Chae…
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Sc#83(PartTwo) Evening,Interiors StoryRoom Theoldmantakesasipoftheteafromthesameblueporceliancup.Vedhasbeenservedteaaswell.Theladyisleavingtheroom.Thestory-tellertakesanothersip,looksatVed.Vedhasbeenlookingathim.Ved Ladkiladkesekehtihaikitumvonahinhojomainesochatha…
Mainetumheinaazaadpanchchisamjha,magartumholakeerkefakeer…aurvochalijaatihai…
Storyteller Hmmm…Ved Ladkaandarsehiljaatahai,ulti-seedhiharkateinkarnelagtahai,
uskonaukrisenikaldiyajaatahai,voakelahojaatahai…Abiskeaagekyahotahai…?
Storyteller (mumbles)Lakeerkafakeer…
Helooksatthebundleofnotesinfront,thenheturnshisfacetothe
ceilingandcloseshiseyessaying–Ma.Thenheopenshiseyes,whichlookbrighternow.Storyteller Ladkasheherchhodkarchalajaatahai…jangalonmein…
jaanwaronkebeechrehtahaivo,pedonsebaateinkartahai…hanstahai…khulihansihanstahaiaurdekhtahaihartaraf…harzarremein,harbootemein–Laila…Laila…
Ved YeMajnukikahaaninahinhai…Storyteller (disturbed)Aiyen?Ved YeVedkikahaanihai…Storyteller Kaun…?Ved Ved…Main…Yemerikahaanihai…Yebandajangalonmeinnahin
chalagaya.Shehermeinhirehtahai… Pause.Thensuddenly–Storyteller Useysabkuchburalagnelagtahai…Sabkuchkharaab…Ved (soft)Correct…Storyteller Uskeaaspaaskeloguseyshakkinazarsedekhnashurookardete
hain…phirusseghussahotehain…kehtehaintumnaalayakho,
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paagalhotum…Vokehtahaitumsabpaagalho…Vologusparzulmkartehainaurvochillaatahai–AnalHaq…AnalHaq…
Ved Ekminute…Storyteller (gettingcharged)Useypakadletehainsabmilke…aurdeewar
meinchunvadetehain…Ved Baatsunenge…?Storyteller Zilleilaahikehtahailejaokambakhtkovilayatkisabseoonchi
minaarkeooparaurphenkdoneeche…TaakiyekabhiHeerkoapnishaklnadikhasake…
Ved Rukiye…Storyteller AurHeertadaptihai–MereswaamiRam…heyRam…Magar
saamnebhaktonkibheedmeinkhadaaRaavanpistaulnikaaltahaiaurthhaiyen…
Ved (loud)Areykyabakwaaskarrahehainaap…?Mainkyapoochraha
hoonauraapkyabatarahehain…?Storyteller (crazedscream)Kyapoochrahahai?Ved (loud)Apnikahaanipoochrahahoonmain…Merikahaani…Storyteller (screaming)Areytuhaikaun…?Hain…?Kyonaayahaiyahaan…?
Thewomanandboy comeintotheroom.Ved (softagain)Merikahaanimeinaagekyahotahai…?Storyteller (pointing)Chorhaiye…Chor…(tothewoman)Iskonikaalo
yahaanse…(toVed)Ae…baaharnikal…Chal…Woman (comingcloser)Aaraamse,babaaaraamse…Ved Aagekyahotahai…?Batao…Storyteller (charges)Kyachuraneaayahaitu…?Hain…?Kyalejayega…?
NahinhaiyahansanjeevanibootiyaKohinooryakhuda…Woman Shaant,shaant…(toVed)Iskadimaghthodaoffhai…Ved Aagekyahotahai…?
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Storyteller Dartahai…aiyyen…Darlagtahai…?Apnikahaanimujhsepoochtahai…?kaayar…
Vedstaresatthestory-teller.
Storyteller Kissedartahai?Haikaunyahan…?
Theteenagedboyhascomeandheldtheoldman. Boy (holdinghim)Babashaanthojao…
Vedislookingatthestorytellerinraptattention.Storyteller Tubatakyahotahaiaage…Bata…,bolapnikahaani…Kyahaitere
dilkeandarbata…Kyachaahtahaitu…?Ved Mainkyachaahtahoon…?Storyteller DilmeinHeerliyeHeerdhoondheveeraanemein…?Farebi
dhokebaaz…
Vedisstaringatthestoryteller.Silence.Vedtakesouthiswalletandmovesforward.Storyteller (screams)Khabardaar…Hat…Baaharnikal…
Vedtakesoutallthecashfromhiswallet,keepsitinfrontofthestoryteller.Storyteller Baaharnikaaloisey…Policekobulao…Policepolice…
Vedbacksouttothedoor,asthestorytellergetsmoreandmoreworked
up.Theladyandtheboyarepacifyinghim.Woman Achchachup…chup…Storyteller Farebihaiye,thughai…Policekophonekaro…Woman Areygayavo…dekhochalagaya…Shaant…
Vedturnsandwalksoutofthedoor,throughthepassage.{3mins}
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ReturnMontage Vedcomesoutofthebuildingandwalks.
Heisshakenup,tryingtocollecthisthoughts.Graduallyhismindstartstoclearup,hestartstowalkfaster.Hesmiles,walksfaster.Hesmilesmore,heruns. Vedrunsupmanypaths.Hesitsatacorner.HelooksaroundatSimla,breathinghardhappily.Theloadisgettingoffhisshoulder.Herunsagain. Vedrunsuptheslope,towardshishouse.Heislaughingasheruns.Heblowsthewhistle,laughsmore.Fadetoblack.{1/2min}/66½mins/
TitleonScreen–
DonReturns
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Sc#84(PartOne) Night,Int/Exteriors SimlaDrawingRoom SahniissittingwithMother,grannyandafewothers.Amaidcomesinandannounces–Maid Bhaiyyaaagaye…
Everyonelooksuptowardsthedoor.Vedcomesin,limpingabit.
Ved (breathup)Hi…Hello…
Mother Kyahua?
Ved Aisehi… Hecomestowardsthem.Dado Tutokehrahathaaajchalajayega…?Ved Haantonahingaya…Baapkagharhai.
Helooksathisfatherandsmilesbroadly.Then–Ved Pfffooo…Thakgaya…Aurnervousbhihoon…Papa,mainek
kahaanisunaoon?Haan…? Fatherissurprised.Then–Dado Haanhaansuna…bahotdinhogaye…Ved Okay… Hepullsalowtabletothecentreandsitsinfrontofhisfather,beginstospeak–Ved Bahotpehlekibaathai,jabhindustankapartitionhuatha.Uswaqt
Lahoremeinekaadmirehtatha.
Ved’sfatherisintrigued.Vedcontinues–
Ved Uskanaamtha–Hero. TheyoungBrijMohanSahnistandinginhishouseinLahore,lookingoutintension.
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Ved BatwaarekiaagaisiphailikeHerokoraato-raatapnegharwaalonkolekarIndiaaanapada.Saaridaulat-jaaydaadustarafrehgayee.Ekraatmeinapnahero,zerohogaya.
TheSahnifamilysittinghuddledtogetherataRailwayStation.BrijMohansittinginfront.Ved Sorry,mistake…Vozeronahinhua.Votoherotha…Tousnelakdi
kimillmeinkaamkiya,dukaanonmeinkaamkiya,jaanlagadee,apnabusinessshurookiyaaurphirekachchasamakaanbanaya.AbHerokabetaaaya.NayaHero.
FatherlooksatVedfromhiseasychair.
Ved Isnebhimehnatkee.Businesskobadhaya,saathsaathnaukribhi
kee,bachchonkoachchesepadhaaya-likhaayaaurpuraanemakaankoaurbadakiya.
SomephotographsfromFather’syouth.Ved Aurphiruskabetaaaya.AbyeapnaHerohai.Yebhimehnat,lagan,
engineering,management,naukri,office,(graduallytransformstorobotic)system,neechedekho,haanbolo,hanso,ronelago,khushhojao.Ekdin,yahaansebahotkosdoor,dilaurduniyakebeech,apneHerokoeksaathimila.
ThenVedlooksuptotheceiling,closeshiseyes,thenlooksatthegatheringwithbrighteyes. Saathinekaha–Hi… Heronekaha–Hello… Saathinekaha–Kyahaal-chaal,sabtheek…? Heronekaha–Finethankyouhowareyou
Saathinekaha–Yaartumaisekyonbaatkarteho?Kaise?Aise…machinewaaliaawaazmein.Kyamatlab…?(wonder,then–)Matlabyekijo…Areyjakahaanraheho,ruko…Mainruknahinsakta.Rukoongatomarjaoonga.(funnyface)Marjaoonga?Mainracemeinbhaagrahahoon…Aah…okay…(smiles)Tokaunsiracehaiye?Mainnahinjaanta/Sorry/counterclosedforlunchTumnahinjaantekaunsiracehai?Tobhaagkyonraheho?
Kyonkisabbhaagrahehain,tomainbhibhaagrahahoon…
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Sc#85 Night,Exteriors
ParathaCorner
Vedisnarratingtothetheatregroup.Itappearsthattheywillbeworkingtogetheronaperformance.Therickshawalaisalsopresent.
Ved Areykyonbhaagrahehainsab…?Koirukkepoochkyonnahi
raha? Kya…?
Kyon Vokyahotahai?
Vokyahotahai…?Areykyon…Kyon.Tchapnakyon…Kyon?Kyonnahinjaante?
Youseemtohavedialedawrongnumber{1/2min}
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Sc#84(PartTwo) Night,Int/Exteriors SimlaSitting BackinthehouseinSimla.Vedhasapuzzledlookinhisfaceashisparentslookathim.Thenhechangeshislooktocasualand–Ved Achchachhodojaanedo…Kyafaraqpadtahaikaunsiracehaijab
takjeetrahehain…Firsttoaatehonatumracemein?NoSecond…?NoThird…?NoAbeyfourth,fifth,sixth,seventh…
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Sc#86 Night,Interiors SmallAuditorium Amodernstyleplaybeingperformedonasmallstage.Arobotandaclownperforming,clownplayedbythefangirlfromtheParathaCorner,robotbeingplayedbyVed. Robot DialkiyagayanumberghalathaiClown Eighth?Robot Pleasecheckthenumberanddialagain(contd.)Clown Ninth...?Robot Youseemtohaveenteredawrongpinnumber
Theclownthenstartstoholdoutnumberedcardsfromapacktoask,astherobotcontinuestosay–
Robot Gaadinumbersatsauekyaasiaadhaghantavilamb/Stop/Forgot
password?/Dialkiyagayanumber/sincerelyapologizeforthedelay/chashmaqalamkitaabityaadi
Thejokerthrowsthecardsonthefloorandglaresastherobotcontinues. Applauseoftheaudienceisheard.Robot (contd)Insuranceisasubjectmatterofsolicitationpleasereadthe
offerdocumentcarefullybeforeinvesting{1/2min}
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Sc#84(PartThree) Night,Int/Exteriors SimlaSitting TheSahnisarelookingatVedinattention.Ved Yaanekebeechmeinkaheenaatehoisracemein…Beechwaaleho
tum… Haanmainmediocrehoon/aamaadmi/regular/ordinary
(snigger)Badaproudfeelkarrahehoyaarmediocrebanke…?Hain…?Walk/Stop/Smileplease/NextMagarmainekbaatkahoon…dilse…?Mujhenahinlagtakitummediocreho(clickswithtongue)Areytumhaaresaathhotihoontomainspecialhojaatihoonyaartosochotumkyahoge…Mainena…lifemeintumjaisanahindekha…Tumheinkhudnahinlagtakitum…kuchho…matlabspecialho…?
Sorry/Wrongnumber Aisakaisehosaktahai?Kabhi,kisinenahinkahatumhein…?
YesunkarHerokokuchyaadaatahai…aurvokehtahai–haan…ektha…jokehtathakimainspecialhoon…Kehtathanakoi…?Kaunthavo?
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Sc#87(PartOne) Night,Exteriors OpenAuditoriumAperformanceinnautankistyle,withmusiciansandactorsonstage.A
funnyactorinthecentre–Nayak Areyeksaanpthaoo…Chorus Saanp…?(DrumRoll)Nayak Haan…
Vedisstandingnearthewings,lookingatthestage.Threedancergirlsdressedaspeacocksarestandinginpositiontoenter.Vedturnstowardsthemandchecksthembriskly,thenindictestothemtoflowin.Thedramaonstagecontinuesinthemeantime– Nayak Ohikaratrahaaisiultisultibaat–tumphalaanhochalaanho
heerekikhadaanho…(drumroll,encore)Farebisaala…Patahaiookanaamkatha…?
Werealizethatthecentralactoristheautorickshawala.
Chorus Ka…?Nayak Bataiyen…? Sc#88 Night,Exteriors TicketCounter Posterinthediplayoutsidetheauditorium.Writtenontheposteris–AstorybyVedVardhan.Alsothatthesearere-runshows.Theaudiooftheplayisheard–Chorus (OC)Haanhaanbatao…Batayedeyo…Nayak (OC)Pakkabatayedein…?
Sc#87(PartTwo) Night,Interiors LargeAuditorium
Chorus (OC)Areyhaanbhaiyya…Batao…Nayak Tobhaiyyaookanaamraha–
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Sc#84(PartFour) Night,Int/Exteriors SimlaSitting
Vednarrates–Ved Bachpan…
Pause.Silence.
Sc#87(PartThree) Night,Interiors LargeAuditoriumThenautakicontinuesonstage–
Chorus Aiyyeenn…(DrumRoll)Bachpan…?Eekakahrahahai…Arey…?
Vediswatchingtheplayfromthewings.Thepeacockareseendancingonstagenow.Thedramacontinues– Nayak Areybahutjahreelasaanprahabachpan,aiseiyyeinbaag-bageeche
meinmiljayerahil–phoolpattikiaadmein…{1/2min}
Sc#85(PartFive) Night,Int/Exteriors SimlaSitting
Vednarrates– Ved …phannuthaaye,dasnekotaiyyar…Humtobadehotehimaar
daaleusko(funnylaugh)…Kuchaldiyezameenmein…Aisepaaonrakheuskigardanparaurdabadiyesaaleko…Margayasaalaaiyyen…(tongueoutdeadexpression)Abtheekhai…abkoinahinkehtamainspecialhoon…Abmainaaraamseapnizindagijeesaktahoon–Walk/Stop/Smileplease/ordinary/Mediocre
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Sc#89 Day,Interiors StageRehearsal
Alargetreeonstage.Agroupofactors,dressedasschoolchildrenstandingasthechorus.Anactorplayingafishistryingtoclimbthetree.Thefangirlistalkingtothethechorus.Chorus Machchliranibhihai
JeevanpaanibhihaiYeekmachchlikikahaanibhihai…
FanGirl Jiskolagtahaivostupidhai…Chorus (various)Achcha…
Isee… HmmHmm… Okay…FanGirl Kyonkiuseybatayagayahaikiuskakaampedparchaddhnahai…Chorus (aloud)Whatthefish…?
Vedgetsupandimprovisesfromtheaudienceseat–
Ved Hello…bhaisaab…(tothefangirl)Yousaytothefish…addthis…Yetumhaarakaamhaihinahin…tumghalat–
{1/2min}
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Sc#84(PartSix) Night,Int/Exteriors SimlaSittingVed Tumghalatracemeinbhaagraheho…Rukoeksecond… Nahin,mainruknahinsakta…Rukoongatomarjaoonga…(closes
hiseyes) Whatnonsense…?Areyaankheintokholo… Sorry/Wrongnumber Areytumkhudchoosekaronaapnirace.Phirdekhlenafirstnahin
aayeto…Aasaanisefirstaaoge…guaranteehai…ruko… Nahinmainruknahinsakta… Areydekhoapneaapko…Pehchaano…Ekdinsaariduniya
pehchaanegitumhein…comeonaankheinkholo… Nahinmainaankeinnahinkholoonga… Eksecondruko…dekho,ekbaar… Nahinmainnahinrukoonga,aankheinnahinkholoonga,ishirace
meinbhaagtarahoonga,bhaagtarahoonga,medicorerahoonga,average/Walk/Stop/Smileplease
AuristarahapnaHerozindagibharushiracemeinbhaagtaraha…
aurekdinmargaya.Kahaanikhatam.Mother Kyon…?
Vedturnssharplytowardsher.Ved Vokyahotahai?
Silence.Then–Ved Tokaisilagikahaani?Haan…?
Helooksaround.Noonespeaks.Helooksathisfather.Sahni’seyesaremoist.Ved Endingkharaabhaina…?Hmmm…Endingsahinahinhai…Tokoi
baatnahin…Apnikahaanihai,endingchangekarlenge… Pause.Thenhestands.Ved ThisiswhoIamdad…ThisiswhoIam…Mainmathsmeinachcha
nahinhoon,Iamsorry… Sahnihastearsinhiseyes.Helooksathisson,then–Sahni Yeaakhriwaalaherobesthai…yemerafavouritehai…
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Hegetsupandhugshisson.Ved Isracemeinmainfirstaaoongapapa…mainjaantahoon…Mujhe
nahinpatakaiseqadambahdaanehain,kaunsaraastalenahaimagar…
Sahni (cuts-)Raastaterinazronmeinhaibeta…(shakeshishead)Ye
Herotonahinrukega…yetopahonchegahi…Abkoitensionnahinhai…
Vedisoverwhelmed.Hehugshisfather.Grannyspeaksafteramoment–
Dado Achchaachcha…Lapat-jhapathikartarahegayanayeewaaliendingbhibatayega…
Vedlookstowardsgrannyandmother.
Mother Audiencewaitkarrahihaibhai…Dado Tobol…phirkyahotahai…? Vedlooksatgranny,gleams.{5mins}/73½mins/
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Sc#90 Day,Exteriors TrafficSignal
TheeunuchonDelhistreet,peersinsideanautorickshaw,comesforward
saying–
Champa Ohero… Vedissittingintheautorickshaw.Hereplies,leaningout–Ved Haanbol…Champa Areykiddarhaiaap,maindhoondhrahihaikabse…Ekminute…
Theeunuchuntiesaknotonhersaree.Thering,asshehandsitovertoVed.Vedlooksatheeunuch.
Champa Aajtakmerekoittabadagiftkoinahindiya…Bahotkhusihuamereko…sachchi…Parabmainiskakyakaregi…?Raatkoneendnahinaatikikoichorikarlega,aurmereseheerakhareedengabhikoinahin…Toaapyevaapaslelo…Mainbahotduaphookihaiiskaoopar…Aapdekhna…aapkadilmeinjobhihaina…yeangoothipoorakaregi…Dekhnaaap…
Vedissmilingatthedestinyofthering.
{1/2min}
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Song#3(Interlude) Theturbanedmeninthesmallpanjabistage,backagain.Allinafreeze.Themainmusicianisholdinguphishandforalltosee.Hedoesasilentcountwithhishand–one,two,three,fourand–Hadippa….theyallstartsmilingandplaying.Theyareperformingwithgreatflairandhappiness.
Thediamondringisstrungonablackthread.Vedisstandinginfrontofthemirror,tyingthethreadaroundhisneck.Theringdanglesbelowhisneck.Helooksathimselfinthemirror.Heisready. AndthePanjabimusiciansdance.{1/2min} Sc#91 Day,Ext/Interiors StoryCorner Mid1990s
Flashback.Aatmaekhojayetoinsaankabtakalagrehsaktehain,theoldstory-tellerhadsaidtotheboyinfullglorymanyyearsback.Theyweresittingunderthetreeinthestorycorner.BhatakleRanjhajangal-parbat,karleveeraaniyonsevaasta,magarmiljayegaraasta…chalnelagengepaaon…auraajayegaRanjhaekdin–Heerkegaon.Thestorytelleroffershishandtotheboytohit.Theboyhitsthestoryteller’shand.Thestorytellerlaughs,botharehappy.
{1/2min}
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TokyoMontage
AplanefliesoverMtFuji.
ThestoryfliesintothecityofTokyo.Itreachescloser.Weseethecityfromaheight.Carsareseenrunningonthestreets.GoingthroughstreetsofTokyointheday.ManypeopleatacrossinginTokyo.
TheshiningnightofTokyo.Fadeout.
Fadein.ComingclosertoatallbuildinginTokyo.{1/2min}
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Sc#92 Day,Interiors SeminarConferenceHall
Titlesignontablereading–‘TaraMaheshwari–Speaker’.Tarastandsupbehindthetableastheconvener’sannouncementisheard–Convener ThediscussionontheBipolarBehaviouroftheMetropolitan
ConsumerwillresumeafterafifteenminutebreakFromtheside,Taraisseencollectingherthingsandslidingoutofthe
tableasanelderlygentlemanspeakstoher–Gentleman Lookingforwardtothesecondpartofyourspeech…Tara Thankyou…Seeyoushortly…
Signsintheconferencehallread–SynodAnnualGlobalMeet:FocusontheFarEast.
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Sc#93 Day,Interiors RefreshmentLounge
Tarawalkingup.Sheislookingdifferentfrombefore.Sheislookinghard.Someotherexecutivesareseenstandingorsittingaround,manyofthempreparingnotes. Tara’sbadgeandbagassheplacesthematatable. Taraisseenfromthebackasshecomestoateadispenser,putsateabagintoaglassandbeginstopourhotwater.Shelooksatthenoticeboardsinfront,looksaway.Continuestopourwater.Thensuddenlysheletsgoofthecupandmovessharplyaheadtothenoticeboard. Itisasmallposterreading–DonReturns…
Shequicklylooksback,looksaround.Manysuitedexecutivesinthelounge,someuniformedwater.Nooneelse.Shelooksbackatthenoticeboard.
Shecomesbacktohertable,keepsherteaandtheposteronthetable,
noticessomething.Itisavisitingcardkeptthere.Itwasn’tthereearlier.Shepicksitupquickly.It’sVed’soldvisitingcardinwhichallthematterhasbeencutwithaboldmarkerandwhatiswrittenis–Don…p.t.o.
Shegetsupquickly,looksthissideandthat.Nothing.Shelooksbackatthecard.DonP.T.O,itreads.Sheflipsthecardandthat
reads–Don…p.t.o.
Shelooksupandaroundagain. Justsuitedpeopleeverywhere.Shemovesout.
Shewalksbrisklydowntotheothersideofthelounge,strainingtolookahead.Nothing.
Shelooksback,sheknowsthatheisaround.Shecomesbacktohertableandsits,seenfromtheback.Shepicksupher
teatotakeasip.Shespringsupagain.Thecupthatsheisholdinghasablackthreadtieditandinitdanglesthe
ring.Thesamering.Shetakesthestringout,looksatit.Shesuddenlylooksback,somethingcatchesherattention.Someonemovesoutoftheloungebegindmanysuitedexecutives.Tararushesout.
{1½mins}
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Sc#94 Day,Int/Exteriors CorporateBuilding-Landing,Lift TheliftdoorisshuttingasTaracomesintothelandingarea.Sherushestothelift,pressesthebuttonbutthelifthasgone.Shelooksaround.Thensherunstothestairs. Sheskipsdownthestairs.
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Sc#95 Day,Int/Exteriors
CorporateBuilding-Corridor,Frontyard
Taramovesintothelongcorridorandrushesup.Shelooksahead,aroundthenbelow.
Onthelowerlevel,amidstmanypeople,thereissomeonewalkingaway.Isithim?Sherunsahead.
Sherunsdownacorridoroutofthebuildingandintothefrontyard.Shelooksaroundeverywhere.Therearemanypeople,walkinginalldirections.Therearecarsonthestreet,atraingoespastinthedistance.Butnosignofhim.
Shelooksdown,wonders.Shewalksback. Shewalksbackintothecorridor,stillwondering.Vedstepsinfromtheside,crossesherfrombehindandbeginstowalkalongside.Shelooks.Don2 Becool,benormal…Sabkinazreiniswaqthamaareooparhain… Itishim–playingcasual,lookingaround,correctinghishair.Sheisgapingathim.Don2 Keepwalking…
Helooksather,noticestheblackthreadwiththediamondinherhand.Don2 Hmm…Toheerekaconsignmentaaptakpahonchchukihai…
Fab…
Sheisjustlookingathim.
Don2 Oh,bytheway… Heextendshishandtoher.Don2 Don2.Baarahmulkonkipolicemujhedhoondhrahihaiaurmain
yahan,iscorporateset-upmeinekpuraanahisaabpoorakarneaayahoon…
Sheisstaringathim.Hetakesherhand.
Don2 Auraap…?
Sheisdazed.Hetakesherhand.Sheislookingathim.
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Tara Main…?Don2 Jeeaap…Koitohongiaap… Pause.Thenshespeakswithafake,chineseintonation–Tara Main–MataHari…Naamto…sunahoga…? Theyholdhandsintheshakingposition.Don2 TomainaapkoMatakahoon,yaHaari…?MataHari (pullsherhandback)Aapkuchbhimatkaho.Aapsuno… Shebeginstowalk,hefollows.Don2 Indeedindeed…Bahotkuchsunnahai…kiaapkaisihain…kahaan
raheenitnedin…MataHari DarasalmainissepaileChinameinthi…trainingpar…Don2 Isee…Kaisitraining…?MataHari Chinesetorture…Chinesetorturekatraining….Don2 O…MataHari Haanhaan…Mainevahanbahootsetorturetechniqueseekhe
hain…aurisHeerekabadlemein…vosabtortureaapkodoongi…Ohhowexciting…
Don2 Aaa…Haha…uskikoizarooratnahinhai…MataHari Zaroorthaibahootzaroorthai…Bahootuniquetareekehain
tortureka…hahaha Sheclapsherhandsandlaughsinfrothyexcitement.Don2 Aa…Canwechangethetopic?MataHari Nono…Yemerapasan-deedatopichai…Don2 Ahem…Agarmain(transformingtoDevAnand)aapsekahoonki
mujhsebahotbadibhoolhogayimaafi..dedoto…MataHari Nono…nomaafi… Sheskipsahead. Sheentersafootbridgeandwalks.Devcomesinafterherandcontinues–
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Dev Auragarvaada..karoonkisaariumrbasaapkisevakaroongaapne
paapon(nodsvigorously)..kaprayashchitkaroongato..?MataHari (shakesherhead)Ahhmmm…Ahhmmm…Dev Auragarmainaapkeqadmonpargirjaoon(comestohisknees)
auryekahoonkeaapkebeghairmerajeevanbemaanihai,bekaarhai..
Taramovesaheadlookingathim,shakingherheadinrefusal.
Shecomesouttotheexterior,walksahead.Devcomesfrombehindand
grabsherfromherwaistandcontinuestotrailwithher. Dev Aurchewinggum..kitarahchipakjaoonkyonketumhihomeri
badal,bijli,chandan,paani..saansonkisargam..sapnonkigitanjali..
Tara Achchachhodo…chhodo…Dev Sawaalhinahinpaidahotasaaton..janamkabandhanhaiaurjab
haathon..meinhaathhongetokyabaathaikyabaathaibaaton..meindinbeetengeaurraaton..meinkarvataursarpataurhartaraf…harzarremein,harbootemein–Tara…Tara…Tara…
Theylookateachother.
{3mins}/80mins/
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Song#7(PartTwo)Weenterthefourthgradeclassroomandreachtheboywhenhehadgot
hisexaminationpaperresult.Heislookingdown,tryingtocontrolhistears.Thenheturnsandlooksintothecamera,hisfacechanges–anaughty
smilebreaksoutandherevealsthepaperaeroplanethathehasmadewiththeexaminationpaper.Thenhegetsupandfliestheplaneawayandrunsoutoftheclassroomashisteacherandclassmateslookathiminsurprise.
Musicbuildsup.Theboyrunsdownacorridor.Thenturnsandrunsouttotheschoolgroundwhereschoolboysaredoingphysicaltraining.TheboyrunsacrossthePTformations,thiswayandthat,disturbingtheexercise.Herunsoutoftheformationasotherkidsturnandlook,losinginterestintheirexcercise.Theboyislaughing.
TheschoolgateopensandVedinthetwelfthstandardstridesoutand
tosseshisexaminationsheetsabovehishead.Thepapersflyintheair.Vedinhisengineeringhostelgetsupandyankshiswritingdesktothe
ceiling.Heisabusingwildly.Hecomesoutoftheroomintothecorridor,screamingloudabuses.He
runsupscreaming,abusingastheotherslookathim.Hedancesacrossaclassroomwherestudentsarebeingtaughtsome
complicatedmathematicalconcept.Allstudentsturnandlookathim,wondering.Vedclimbsthetableintheconferencehallathisofficialpresentation.He
dancescrazilyastheboss,Mohit,theclientsandotherswatchindisbelief. Majnudancesinthewildalone. Majnudancesonthegrandmusicalstage. Thedanceofmadnessinthetheatreplaythattherobotpresentstotheaudience.Ram,Sita,RaavanandHanumandancewildlyonthegrandmusicalstage.Theautorickshawaladances,Prithvirajdances,everyonedances. Apartfromthecharactersoftheplay,nowwealsoseedancersjoininginthedance.
Therobotemergesonstage.Thedancersswarmtohimandsurroundhim.Theybegintoswirlaroundhimasheremainsfrozen.Theysnatchattherobot’scostumeandtearoutapieceatatimeinthedanceandwhenfinallythewhirlwindofdancersleaves,weseethattherobothastransformedintoVed.Anannouncementisheard–“LadiesandGentlemen…presentingthestory-teller–VedVardhanSahni.”
Audienceapplause.Vedstandsinfrontoftheaudience.Theentirecastoftheplayisinafreeze.ThenVedwalksupfrontstage.Theapplauseroars.Vedislookingdifferentfrombefore.SevenyearshavepassedsincehemetTaraatthecorporateseminarinJapan.Vedcomestothefront,bowstotheaudience. Massivecheerandclapping.Standingovation.
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Vedlooksup,thentotheside.OnthatsideoftheaudienceisTara,standingnexttothedoorandclapping.Hesuddenlymovestowardsherinacheap,filmymannerthrowingmanyairkissesather.Taraalsomovesupinasimilarmannerthrowingairkissesathim.Morecheerandlaughterandclapping.VedlooksatTaraforamoment,thenbowstoher.Moreapplauseandcheeringfromtheaudience.VedlooksatTara,Taraisoverwhelmed.ThenVedgoesdownonhiskneestoTaraingratitude.Taraisembarrassed,isindicatingtohimtostopit.Veddoesnotstop,heprostatesonthestagetoher.Taragetsemotional,tearsrushtohereyes.Massivecheer.VedlooksupatTara.Shemovestohim.Heclamberstowardsherinallfours.Shereachesout,theylookateachother.Theykiss.Theaudienceandtheplayersonstagecheerwildly.Theyarewitheachotherinthecrowd,thensherunsaway.Leavinghimaloneinallfours,exposedinfrontofthecrod.Hegetsup,smiling,lookingawayfromtheaudience.Thenextendshisarmslikeanaeroplane,likehewoulddoasachild,andfliestothisplaceinthecenterofthecastoftheplay.Hecovershisfacemomentarily,thentakesthehandsofthecastandtheyallraisetheirhandstotheaudienceandbow.Curtainfalls.Thecastbows.{5mins}/84½mins/
MoreRollingTitles{3mins} /1hr27½mins/
<TheEnd>{2hrs42mins}
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