(PAUSE)

SFX – Creaking of the compound gate.

VIMALA: Pratap, mind your step, wait.

PRATAP: Misstep now, no way.

SFX - Opening of the house door.

SCENE - 10

INT – Vimala, Pratap and Dr. Raghu in Vimala’s three bed-room house.

VIMALA: Pratap, lie down now. (PAUSE) Raghu, just see…

PRATAP: Why make fuss, I’m a little weak, that’s all.

VIMALA: Let it come from the horse’s mouth.

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RAGHU: I say it’s an unusual recovery.

PRATAP: Satisfied Vimala.

RAGHU: Uncle, I think you’re remarkably strong.

VIMALA: Agreed, but know he’s irritably obstinate.

PRATAP: Wait, you’ll see how mellowed I am.

VIMALA: It helps, but what a fool I’m …

PRATAP: A sentimental fool.

VIMALA: Don’t think that life didn’t teach me. I’m not the timid Vimala you knew. But you too were never a candidate for a bravery award.

PRATAP: Bet, I’ll win it hands down now.

VIMALA: Okay baba, but not on an empty stomach.

PRATAP: Raghu, it’s slightly paining here.

VIMALA: For all I know its pangs of hunger. Let me cook some rice.

(PAUSE)

SFX – Indicative of a running tap, rice being washed, stove being lit and such kitchen activity.

RAGHU: Auntie, he’s okay, let me go.

VIMALA: If you come in the evening.

RAGHU: I’ll for a cup of filter coffee.

VIMALA: Prati prepared.

(PAUSE)

RAGHU: Auntie, I’ve seen the photograph in the newspapers.

VIMALA: Yes, that’s the last one, taken by Prati. She’s so fond of photography; you only have to stand still for a second.

RAGHU: Lot was said about his integrity and incorruptibility, that he was a workaholic, used to drive his staff crazy and such.

VIMALA: That’s true; all his life, he was honest to the core.

RAGHU: It was said he was as brave as Caesar.

VIMALA: You know how the media exaggerates. I tell you, nothing scared him more than his death. It’s sad and silly; he was so obsessed about playing with his great grand children. Maybe, what we crave, life denies us.

RAGHU: Or gives without warning.

VIMALA: But with strings attached.

RAGHU: It pays to break loose at times.

VIMALA: Thank you for trying to strengthen my hands. I’ll tell you a secret I won’t like to share even with Pratap. You can imagine me as a reluctant bride but try visualizing my marital life.

RAGHU: How can I?

VIMALA: I’ll give you a clue. Bhadru was uprightness in motion and discipline in relaxation.

RAGHU: Now I can, machine like. Would Prati ever understand that?

VIMALA: I don’t wish my fate for her, if I can help. If only Bhadru was an average man, I tell you, Prasad would’ve been like any other man in my life, even early in my married life. But thanks to that upright soul, he remains my only love. Now, I don’t want to miss the first honeymoon of my life. I know it would put me at odds with my daughter. So be it. (PAUSE)




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