PRATAP: Vimala, is there a standard format?
VIMALA: Boy, be a little imaginative.
SFX- Thudding sound of a head-on collision. (PAUSE)
SCENE - 9
EXT – Accident site, Sekhar, Vimala and Pratap shout for help.
PASSERS BY: Catch him, the lorry driver is on the run. (PAUSE) The fellow next to driver would’ve surely died. (PAUSE) Miracle he’s still alive, pull him out fast.
SFX- soundtrack of the hustle and bustle of rescue activity.
VIMALA: Are you okay Pratap (PAUSE) why don’t you talk? (PAUSE)
Raghu see what’s wrong with him.
(PAUSE)
RAGHU: Nothing to worry, he’s in a sort of trauma, that’s all.
VIMALA: Thank God.
SEKHAR: He bore the brunt, it’s a miracle really.
RAGHU: I see a little concussion here but it’s minor.
VIMALA: Raghu, what about shifting him to hospital.
RAGHU: No need auntie, he can rest at home.
SEKHAR: Wait, I’ll find some vehicle.
VIMALA: Be quick Sekhar.
(PAUSE)
VIMALA: Raghu, are you sure there’s no danger?
RAGHU: Relax auntie.
SFX – An approaching car and its coming to a halt.
RAGHU: How lucky, it’s my car.
VIMALA: Oh, really! (In high pitch) Sekhar come back quick.
(PAUSE)
RAGHU: Slowly …
VIMALA: Are you okay Pratap.
PRATAP: (Feeble tone). It’s paining here.
RAGHU: Is it severe?
PRATAP: It’s some pain.
RAGHU: Bear it for a while. (OFF) Raju stop at the Raja Medicals.
SFX – bang of the car doors.
SEKHAR: I’ll join you soon.
VIMALA: Why, what’s the matter.
SEKHAR: I’ve to report to the police.
VIMALA: But how can we leave you alone.
SEKHAR: Don’t bother about me, take care of him.
VIMALA: Know he’s in safe hands.
RAGHU: Raju be with uncle and handle the police for him.
RAJU: Ji.
SEKHAR: Thank you Raghu, hope to catch up with you soon.
SFX – opening and closure of the car door (PAUSE) Starting of the car engine and speeding of the car.
RAGHU: Auntie, you make him lie down. I see, more than medicines, he needs a reassuring touch. If you don’t mind..
(PAUSE)
PRATAP: Thank you Vimala, but..
VIMALA: Be quiet or suffer a parody of Saigal’s lullaby, soja raja kumara soja.
PRATAP: As you tap me to sleep.
VIMALA: One more word, I’ll bang your head.
(PAUSE)
SFX – Stoppage of the car.
RAGHU: I’ll get some medicines for him.
VIMALA: And a bottle of mineral water, all to be billed later.
RAGHU: Hopefully to uncle’s hospital.
VIMALA: I tell you, he means what he says and does what he means.
RAGHU: I think you are no different.