Onto The Stage Slighted Souls And Other Stage Plays

by BS Murthy

SCENE-9

  EXT - Accident site, Sekhar, Vi mala 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) M iracle he's still alive, pull him out fast.

  SFX- Soundtrack of the hustle and bustle of rescue activity.

  VIM ALA: Are you okay Pratap (PAUSE) why don't you talk? (PAUSE)

  Raghu see what's wrong with him.

  (PAUSE)

  DR. 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.

  DR. RAGHU: I see a little concussion here but it's minor.

  VIMALA: Raghu, what about shifting him to hospital.

  DR. RAGHU: No need auntie, he can rest at home.

  SEKHAR: Wait, I'll find some vehicle.

  VIM ALA: Be quick Sekhar.

  (PAUSE)

  VIMALA: Raghu, are you sure there's no danger?

  DR. RAGHU: Relax auntie.

  SFX - An approaching car and its coming to a halt.

  DR. RAGHU: How lucky, it's my car.

  VIMALA: Oh, really! (In high pitch) Sekhar come backquick.

  (PAUSE)

  DR. RAGHU: Slowly...

  VIMALA: Are you okay Pratap.

  PRATAP: (Feeble tone). It's paining here.

  DR. RAGHU: Is it severe?

  PRATAP: It’s some pain.

  DR. RAGHU: Bear it for a while. (OFF) Raju stop at the Raja M edicals.

  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.

  DR. 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.

  DR. 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..

  VIM ALA: Be quiet or suffer a parody of Saigal's lullaby, soja raja kumara soja.

  PRATAP: As you tap me to sleep.

  VIMALA: One moreword, I'll bang your head.

  (PAUSE)

  SFX - Stoppage of the car.

  DR. RAGHU: I'll get some medicines for him.

  VIM ALA: And a bottle of mineral water, all to be billed later.

  DR. RAGHU: Hopefully to uncle's hospital.

  VIMALA: I tell you, he means what he says and does what he means.

  DR. RAGHU: I thinkyou are no different.

  SFX - Opening and closing of the car door.

  (PAUSE)

  PRATAP: (FEEBLE TONE). Vimala, I've kept my love on hold and lived without hope. I can feel my love unbinding in your lap. What a living feeling, I don't mind dying now.

  (PAUSE)

  PRATAP: No, I don't want to see you in tears.

  PRATAP: I'm dying to be on my knees with flowers.

  SFX - Opening and closing of the car door.

  DR. RAGHU: Auntie, help him have these tablets.

  (PAUSE)

  VIMALA: Wish I had a son like you.

  DR. RAGHU: Auntie, why not treat me as one. (PAUSE) You can ease him out of your lap and feel easy yourself. He will sleep in no time.

  VIM ALA: It's son-like, Raghu, you're a godsend really.

  DR. RAGHU: You may use the backrest as the headrest.

  VIMALA: No, I don't want to disturb his sleep.

  DR. RAGHU: Auntie, nice you're concerned. (PAUSE) I'm glad he's not harmed. You know how he has raised my hopes. Frankly, I feared fate had duped me.

  PRATAP: (drowsy). Don't worry Raghu, I've made a will in her name. Even if I die, I know she'll stand by my word.

  VIMALA: Who'sgoingto let you die?

  PRATAP: (drawling) Vimala, I don't want to live without you

  (PAUSE)

  DR. RAGHU: He has slept off. Now you can relax in the front seat.

  VIMALA: Didn't you hear what he has said? If he wakes up and won’t find me, he may get it all wrong.

  (PAUSE)

  DR. RAGHU: Auntie didn't you say, I'm like your son?

  (PAUSE)

  VIMALA: You want me to confide to you, don’t you?

  DR. RAGHU: I believe it helps you in your situation.

  VIMALA: Maybe, there may not be a better soul than you.

  DR. RAGHU: Thanks for the nice feeling. I swear I won’treveal.

  VIM ALA: You might've heard the story of Devadas and Parvathi.

  DR. RAGHU: Why, I've read the Sarat classic in Telugu translation.

  VIMALA: We were like Devadas and Parvathi, we fond of each other from our childhood. My father rejected Pratap because our sub-sects are different. He left for the States in dejection and I took Bhadru's hand in helplessness. We remained lost to each other ever since and we met only this morning. After that fate's tragedy now it's life's surprise. I had a sense of my love gushing out from every recess of my heart.

  DR. RAGHU: It’s promising, but what about him, I mean his wife and children.

  VIMALA: Well, he's without encumbrances and it's clear he kept his love on hold. As you've observed he wants to unbind it now. To let him or not is my dilemma.

  DR. RAGHU: I think life made amends for love to run its course.

  VIMALA: I know love is beckoning us. But I'm afraid of our fate, what if it plays spoilsport the second time. If my father was prejudiced against him then my daughter is possessive about me now. Also she's over obsessed about her father's memory. I've to choose between them and you know it's no choice.

  DR. RAGHU: I see you've a Gordian knot to cut to tie the nuptial knot. (PAUSE) I think you take the Telugu cinema lane for evasion.

  VIMALA: What's that by the way? I am no movie buff anyway.

  DR. RAGHU: We may trick Prati into believing that you've cancer and won't live long. Pratap unde offers to play the Good Samaritan to be your companion for the short reminder. And for better affect you can play the sentimental card of wanting to die a sumangali. Weil, it won't work; being a doctor she would call our bluff.

  VIMALA: Doctor or not, my daughter is no fool.

  DR. RAGHU: Let's take it as a trial balloon to get started. If only Prati has a boyfriend, we can try to get her around through him.

  VIMALA: I've to wait till she finds one. I welcome if you are the one.

  DR. RAGHU: Who knows when air is so thick with love?

  VIM ALA: Like to see her picture in my ceil phone.

  (PAUSE)

  DR. RAGHU: Picture perfect.

  SFX- ring tone of Vimala's cell phone.

  SEKHAR: (OFF). How is Pratap?

  VIMALA: No worry, he'sin deep sleep. What about you?

  SEKHAR: (OFF). I've just finished with the police. Raju is quite handy. Thank Raghu for me. Where are you now?

  VIMALA: We've crossed Koti.

  SEKHAR: (OFF). Where will you put him up?

  VIM ALA: In my place, where else.

  SEKHAR: (OFF). Nice, that helps. I'll catch up.

  VIMALA: Bye then.

  (PAUSE) Sekhar wants me to thank you for sending Raju.

  DR. RAGHU: Raju is one in all. Where do you stay in the city?

  VIMALA: Road No. 3, Himayatnagar.

  DR. RAGHU: Shall I get some food parceled at Minerva.

  VIMALA: I've sambar and vankai koora. I've only to cook some rice for us. It must be ages since the poor chap had a proper food.

  DR. RAGHU: I am afraid I've to skip this time VIM ALA: (OFF) M aybe, he wants to leave us alone.

  VIMALA: Stop near that gate. (PAUSE) wake up Pratap, we've reached home.

  (PAU
SE)

  PRATAP: Now I’m okay; take me to the hotel.

  VIMALA: Why not if you booka suite for us.

  (PAUSE)

  SFX - Creaking of the compound gate.

  VIMALA: Pratap, mind your step, wait.

  PRATAP: M isstep 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.

  DR. RAGHU: I say it's an unusual recovery.

  PRATAP: Satisfied Vimala.

  DR. RAGHU: Uncle, I thinkyou're remarkably strong.

  VIM ALA: Agreed, but know he's irritably obstinate.

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

  VIMALA: It helps, but whata 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. DR. RAGFIU: Auntie, he's okay, let me go.

  VIM ALA: If you come in the evening.

  DR. RAGFIU: I'll fora cup of filter coffee.

  VIMALA: Prati prepared.

  (PAUSE)

  DR. RAGFIU: Auntie, I've seen the photograph in the newspapers.

  VIM ALA: Yes, that's the last one, taken by Prati. She's so fond of photography; you only have to stand still fora second.

  DR. RAGFIU: 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.

  DR. RAGFIU: 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. M aybe, what we crave, life denies us.

  DR. RAGFIU: Or gives without warning.

  VIMALA: But with strings attached.

  DR. RAGFIU: 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.

  DR. RAGHU: How can I?

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

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

  VIM ALA: 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)

  DR. RAGHU: I would love to be uncle's best man at your wedding.

  VIM ALA: Can he find a better man? (PAUSE) But is there something didn't strike you.

  DR. RAGHU: What's that auntie?

  VIM ALA: The phonetic likeness of Pratap and Prati.

  DR. RAGHU: Believe me; I’ve got it in the car itself.

  VIM ALA: You're smart. But what you see of my love is a fraction of what's hidden in my heart.

  DR. RAGHU: How I envy uncle.

  SFX - opening of the door.

  VIM ALA: Ragu don't give a miss to the miss.

  VIM ALA: Oh, you're smarter than I thought SFX- Closing of the door.

  VIM ALA: (OFF) Why not I give him food in bed, asa prelude.

  (PAUSE)

  PRATAP: Why spoil me Vimala ...

  VIM ALA: Wanting reciprocity.

  PRATAP: Oh, you're always one step ahead.

  VIMALA: Why not follow me in my footsteps.

  PRATAP: I need energy for that.

  VIM ALA: I'll feed you with my hand for that.

  PRATAP: Be warned, I'm really hungry.

  VIM ALA: You can have my share by right. Open your mouth (PAUSE) that's a good boy. (PAUSE)

  PRATAP: I told you, I've willed my whole to you.

  VIMALA: But keeping yourself to you.

  (PAUSE)

  PRATAP: When you were a half-self.

  VIMALA: What's now, now that I'm myself?

  (PAUSE)

  PRATAP: Now I'm yours, what more do you want?

  VIMALA: Pratap,Junior.

  (PAUSE)

  PRATAP: Vimala, oh, what we've missed.

  VIMALA: What's that?

  (PAUSE)

  PRATAP: Sumptuous times.

  VIM ALA: I want hard evidence.

  (PAUSE)

  PRATAP: You'll have it in ample measure.

  (PAUSE)

  VIM ALA: Well, I'll join you soon.

  (PAUSE)

  SFX- Cleaning of vessels in the kitchen.

  (PAUSE)

  VIM ALA: I thought you would be in siesta.

  PRATAP: I was waiting to tell you something.

  VIM ALA: Why wait, you should've called me.

  PRATAP: Do you know why I married a white?

  VIM ALA: Why, you men crave white skin, don't you?

  PRATAP: Oh, my wheatie, no other desi.

  VIM ALA: And no fun with pardesis.

  PRATAP: Eyes glued on my Liz Hurley VIMALA: Habits die hard, I give up.

  PRATAP: Give up on me or my habits.

  SFX - Door buzzer sounds (PAUSE)

  VIM ALA: It could be Sekhar.

  (PAUSE)

  SCENE-11

  INT - Vimala in the drawing room.

  VIMALA: Who'sthat?

  PRATI: It's me mom.

  SFX- Soundtrack of a door opening.

  VIMALA: What Keerti, both of you bunked classes or what.

  KEERTI: Auntie, you know it's not possible with Prati.

  PRATI: What happened to your trip mummy?

  VIMALA: Well, it'sa long story of only a few miles journey.

  PRATI: What mummy, you talk so strangely.

  PRATAP: Hi, Prati.

  PRATI: Pratap uncle, you, here.

  KEERTI: Prati, maybe we've come at a wrong time. I better leave.

  VIMALA: No Keerti, you couldn’t have come at a better time. I'm happy to tell you, my friend Pratap has proposed and I've accepted.

  PRATI: How could you...

  VIM ALA: Why not...

  PRATI: In your situation...chee chee.

  SFX- banging of the door.

  KEERTI: Pardon me aunty. (PAUSE) You know I never misbehave; surely some devil entered my head. (PAUSE) I've made it worse for Prati, I’m ashamed really.

  VIM ALA: I don't blame you Keerti.

  KEERTI: But I'm worried about Prati.

  VIM ALA: Don't worry, she would get over.

  KEERTI: It won’t be easy auntie; you're an angel for her.

  VIMALA: Am I a devil now?

  KEERTI: You know how she cherishes her father's memory.

  VIMALA: I'm sure she's concerned about her mother's life.

  KEERTI: Why doubt, sorry once again.

  VIMALA: Bye.

  KEERTI: Bye uncle.

  PRATAP: Good luck.

  (PAUSE)

  VIMALA: Be on hand if I need.

  PRATAP: Handle with care.

  VIMALA: Don't I know.

  (PAUSE)

  SFX - A crying Prati in her room.

  (PAUSE)

  VIMALA: You hate your mummy, don'tyou?

  PRATI: (Sobbing) I love you mummy, sorry for hurting you but..

  VIM ALA: You don
’t want me to remarry.

  PRATI: I never thought you would.

  VIMALA: Why so?

  (PAUSE)

  VIMALA: You took it for granted.

  PRATI: Maybe.

  VIMALA: You want me to live and die as your father's widow.

  PRATI: I don't want to be rude but...

  VIM ALA: Remarriage is amoral for a forty year old woman with a teenaged daughter.

  PRATI: Why do you put words into my mouth? I just can’t think of any man in your life. VIMALA: But why? Have you thought about it?

  PRATI: You know what father's memory means to me.

  VIM ALA: Are you not bothered about your mother's life?

  PRATI: I'll give up my life for you.

  VIMALA: But you don't want me to improve mine.

  PRATI: Like it or not, your life is behind you.

  VIMALA: What about the rest of it. Won’t it count?

  PRATI: It's different if you were a young widow.

  VIMALA: How it's different being an older widow?

  PRATI: Don't you've a teenaged daughter?

  VIMALA: What if I were childless.

  PRATI: Why, you would be shaming none.

  VIMALA: So you're not against widow marriage. But she should be a young mother or a childless oldie. You make me envy young widows with or without children.

  PRATI: And pity middle-aged ones with teenage dudes like me. You may curse your luck but at your age there's sanctity to widowhood.

  (PAUSE)

  PRATI: I know you're guilty. Why marry on impulse and live in guilt.

  VIMALA: You got it wrong. I don't wish to talk about my married life with you because it involves your sentiments of your father.

  PRATI: It's no excuse; there is nothing I don't know about you and father.

  VIM ALA: I never knew you were an eavesdropper and a voyeur combined into one.

  PRATI: Oh, I don't mean it that way.

  VIMALA: Leave it at that, and get to the realities of your life.

  PRATI: What realities?

  VIMALA: I won't mean much to you once you marry...

  PRATI: If you drop your idea, I won’t get married at all.

  VIMALA: These are no Mahabharata days my dear. But still if you keep your vow, it will make it worse for me. Well, Bhishma didn’t marry to let his father have the woman he fancied. And you want to remain unmarried to prevent your mother from marrying the man who loves her. PRATI: But don't love him, do you?

  VIMALA: What for you if I love him or not?

  PRATI: Won't it reflect on your marriage?

  VIMALA: You're just a girl not even a newlywed.

  PRATI: M aybe, I'm old enough to understand.