Scene 1A: Opening scene Sutradhaara Intro

 

Opening scene 1A:

Sutradhara Theme Intro

 

Curtains are raised and open to a picnic spot with four boulders and a backdrop of a jungle.

 

Sutradhaar is sitting on a rock when the scene opens and as the curtain goes up walks to the center of the stage saying

 

“Greetings"

 

This story is about three friends. Like all girls of the 21st century, they have mastered the art of balancing the tightrope between work and home to maintain harmony in their lives.

 

For reasons best known to them, they have decided to set aside their dreams and aspirations and to be content with the cards that life deals to them. Normally they dont regret this decision, but sometimes the sparks from the dreams that are simmering in the backburner make them restless and frustrated. Those are the times, they lean upon each others' shoulder for solace, comfort and strength.

 

So, I'm sure all of you are interested to know more about the main characters. So lets go back a few years. The girls have just finished their PU exams and gone out on a picnic.

 

 

THe first one, yea thats Anju. Very intelligent, a rank student and the brain of the group.

 

RIght behind her is Priya. Compassionate, idealistic and the heart of the group.

 

Aah,lastly the one in jeans and cap- thats Sandhya, no Sandy. Romantic, tomboy and the courage of the group!

 

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Opening scene 1B:

Flash Back 10 years ago

 

 

Sandy: Ugh! Can you two walk any slower? Geez- slow pokes!

 

Anju: Missy, we arent sprinters like you and do we have to walk any further? Cant we sit down here, now?

 

Anju drops herself on a boulder, while Sandy keeps walking…

 

Priya: (groans) Sandy, I'm really thirsty. lets just sit down here.

 

Sandy: Lord! You two are unbelievable. You havent even walked half a mile and you two are already tired!

 

Comes back and sits.

 

Anju is gulping water from the water bottle, while Priya is looking around…

Sandy grabs the bottle from Anju and drinks some..

 

Anju: We just finished the fundraiser today. I told you so many times that we neednt go on this picnic right this minuted. But of course you will never listen. Now see......you are tired too!

 

Sandy: Oh, that reminds me. Whats with KAmala? Gosh the way she was acting at the farewell party! I overheard her telling Harish "I dont know whether to take up medical or IIT exams, you know. I am very sure I am going to get a very good percentage in both... what do u think I should do?”. The nerve of some people!

 

Priya: Yea Anju, doesnt she know that you're the one that gets a rank without fail each year? You know when our math sir said "Anju my dear, our college has pinned all hopes on you, we are sure you will get us a rank and do us proud. Keep up the good work, you have a brilliant future ahead", in front of her, you should have seen her face.

 

Anju: Hm, anyway she always been that way. I am just worried that I might disappoint Diwakar sir. If I get a rank, I can get an Engineering seat by merit. Just watch, after my Engineering degree, I'll get a super-duper job and build a great career. Sigh, so many dreams, lets wait for the results first.

 

Sandy: Priya, what was the argument you were having with Sanjay? It was quite interesting, what happened?

 

Priya: Oh, he was at the farewell organizing committee with me. I told him so many times to not spend so much on this one event. There was so much food leftover, you know. If we could have donated to feed the kids at the orpanage next door, at least 50 children would have had a filling meal. etu nodideyalla? Ade ootana aa Mercy anathashramakke kottidre, enillandroo 50 makkalu yerdu dina olle oota madbahudagittu.

 

Anju: Right Priya what was his justification for this pointless spending?

 

Priya: Oh he is such a slimy one. He says "If we feed the kids one day, we dont solve all their problems for life. If that was the case, no one should be celebrating anything any more in this country and just keep donating.". Just think about it, if everyone keeps saying that this isnt their problem, how will anything get resolved? Everyone has to put one step forward, lead by example theory, today there might be one, tomorrow there could be two and so on. This is how the social service chain grows.

 

Sandy: Priya, this is what I like the most about you. You are so compassionate. Never lose this trait of yours, its going to take you places. 

 

Sandy gets up and starts folding her jeans up while Anju interrupts…

 

Anju: Sandy, what kind of costume is this? Couldnt you have dressed like a girl at least for today. Priya and I are tired of putting up with the comments from the boys.

 

Sandy: I dont see anything wrong with this. I just wear what feels comfortable. You sound like Ramachandra sir when you say this!

 

Priya: What did Ramchandra sir say now and when was this?

 

Anju: Oh, this was at the time you missed the tie and saree day cos your grandfather fell ill. This Sandy of ours came to college wearing a tie. Thats when....

 

Sandy: Thats when Ramachandra sir called me and boomed " Sandhya Rao, what kind of a joke is this? Did you see the dress code notice?". So I said "Sir, whats wrong with this? I've certainly adhered to the dress code. where does it say that girls couldnt wear a tie in this notice?". Hah, you should have seen his face, he was about to bang his head against the wall. 

 

All of them laugh!!!

 

Priya: Sandy all this is fine and dandy for now, but lets see what you do when you get married. See if you can do what you like then!

 

Priya picks Sandy’s hat and tries to run away…

 

Sandy: Whats the big deal in that? I am sure there is some nutcase out there to accept this tomboy just like this. I wont et married till I find him, hear me? Give my cap back now!

 

Sandy runs behind Priya…

 

Anju: Hold on you two, I'm coming too…

 

Anju follows Priya and Sandy out of the stage.

 

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Opening scene 1C:

Sutradhaara to bring us to current era

 

Sutradhaara enters while the girls are running out and is amused at what he has seen /heard.

 

Ha ha ha see that? Such innocence....such carefree minds! They were soaring like free birds, without a thought about what the future holds for them. True, ten years ago, nothing was impossible for them. But now...

 

Anju finished her engineering degree, got married and is now settled in Bangalore with her husband Kishore and kids Meghana and Manoj. She also works for a prestigious MNC as systems analyst.

 

Priya is a doctor now. She too is married and lives with her husband Santhosh and son Tarun in New York. She is working on her residency in a NJ hospital.

 

Sandy is a liberal arts major and works for a news agency in London as a field journalist. She is now on deputation to Somalia to cover the drought situation there. Also, she is still single and awaits her knight in shining armour to sweep her off her feet.

 

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SCENE 2A:

Priya and Santosh’s kitchen in New York.

10:00 PM Friday night.

 

Santosh is sitting at the dining table reading something while Priya walks in after putting Tarun to bed.

 

Santosh: Alright! NOW we can have dinner. I was beginning to fear that tonight like any other, we wouldnt get to eat till midnight.

 

Priya : Who'll put Tarun to bed then? Have you ever done that? If he doesnt get to bed in time now tomorrow morning he'll be cranky and refuse to go for soccer practice. I am the one that has to handle all these things. Hmph!

 

Santosh: Yea right! Like you're the only one in the whole world that can run this house. So, can we eat now?

 

And before you sit down, can you get the "mother's recipe" pickle bottle?

 

Priya picks up the pickle and comes and sits down with a sigh!

 

Santosh: What now? Why are you in this mood? If you're wondering how we are going to eat this food of yours, not to worry! This mother's recipe will make any meal a tasty one.

 

Priya: Santosh, can you ever be serious?? I am unable to handle the stress. I had so much to do at the hospital today, and then the commute to New jersey, 36 hr shifts, tarun's school, cooking, cleaning uff!! I am unable to manage all this!

 

Santhosh - "Hm" and switches on the tv to tune in to Zee's Sa Re Ga Ma.

 

An exacerbated Priya raises her voice.

 

Priya - "santhosh, I am trying to have a conversation here. Do you HAVE to watch tv now?"

 

Santhosh - Priya, whats new about this complaint of yours? Its been the same tune with you forever now. Who the hell is asking you to work now? I have never forced you to work. If you cant handle the stress, simple- just quit!

 

Priya: GOod Lord! Back to square one- quit your job! I must be crazy to vent about my frustrations to you.

 

Hm, do you at least know why I became a doctor?

 

Santosh: To mint money, maybe? (and laughs)

 

Priya: No Santhosh, seriously did you know? Well I never realised this myself, but now I can see it clearly. I want to go back to India and open a clinic. I wan to have free camps for kids and bring about awareness about infant mortality for the adults. I want to serve my people and my country. I dont want to be a spectator living many miles away. I want to be there and take active part in all of this.. sigh!

 

Santosh: Yea ok, Ms Medha Patkar for the kids. Dont think its easy to come to the US and get into a residency program and earn in dollars. Have you forgotten those days when I was working 10-11 hrs in that consulting company while you cooled your heels studying for your exams? You were able to get that chance just cos I was in the US. Instead of being grateful, all YOU can think of is about infant mortality, bla and bla.

 

Priya cuts in:

 

Priya: You will never understand Santhosh. For you, its all about materialism. Just so long as our needs and comforts are taken care of, you dont care about what happens to anyone else! Its like chasing a unicorn, it will never end. We should always strive to achieve our dreams, Santhosh, thats what keeps everyone going.

 

Santosh: But look at it practically, all what you say is nonsense. And dont forget, you are not single anymore to nurture ideals of your own. Just bid goodbye to all those lofty ideals and romantic dreams and concentrate on your present life.(raises his voice towarsd teh end).

 

Santosh gets up and moves towards the sink, dumps his plate and walks out.

 

Priya is cleaning dishes and loading them into the dishwasher while she dials Sandy’s number in Somalia.

 

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SCENE 2B:

Priya’s kitchen in New York & Sandy’s office in Somalia.

11:00 PM Friday night in NYC

Somalia Time: ?

 

Sandhya is seated at her make-shift desk in a small room in Somalia, catching up with her online journal. She can be seen typing furiously.

 

"Another eventful day here in Somalia. Each day I witness something more touching, more thought-provoking than the previous day. One lesson after another - it’s also weird that I’ve been drawing parallels between the situations on ground to those in my life! What an irony? We constantly keep running away from ourselves, our emotions, our desires. Constantly making excuses for being ourselves and in search of that elusive state called peace of mind. Does that not make us refugees, then? Perhaps I should be at a camp for emotional refugees........"

 

Sandy: Hello, this is Sandy.

 

Priya: Sandy!!! How are you?

 

Sandy: Priya! Great to hear from you. I'm doing fine, how are you? And how are Santhosh and Tarun?

 

Priya: We are all doing fine. Hows everything going in Somalia?

 

Sandy: Somalia hectic ma. We have a lot to cover. Looks like we'll have to be here till the end of the month. This place is in such a bad shape, it will take years to fix everything.

 

Priya: I understand. I saw your email on Yahoogroups , you mentioned you were getting tired and jaded. Do you still feel that way? You've worked so hard to get to where you are at now, you should be proud of yourself!

 

Sandy gets up from her desk and picks a glass of water and walks towards the window and says:

 

Sandy: I know, But I cant help feeling this way, Priya. On one side I love what I do. I've never dreamt of any other profession but for journalism - its been my ambition since the time I've been old enough to dream. But now I feel like I've run into a blank wall, just cant seem to see any future.

 

Priya - Hm, how are your parents doing?

 

Sandy : Well, they are doing fine. As usual, they are worried about me. THey keep citing yours and Anju's examples to convince me to marry. But you know, I never said I wouldnt marry. I am just not convinced I have run into the right person yet. Sometimes I dread the thought that I might cave in. I cant talk to them about my professional confusion, cos according to them the panacea for anyone is marriage. According to them, all my problems would go away if I got married. Anyways, lets talk about something else Priya, this is just depressing. So, whats going on with you?

 

Priya - "Hm, well, nothing much Sandy. But I do think that you should a break! Take some days off and go somewhere, that might help clear your head.

 

Sandy: Hmmm

 

Priya: Arey Ha! I'll be going to India in May for Santhosh's cousin's wedding. Why dont you come down then? If you agree, we can talk to Anju and decide, what say?

 

Sandy: Oh wow, I wouldnt miss a chance to meet you both. May sounds good. I should be back in London by the end of April. I could take time off in May and meet you both in bangalore.

 

Priya: Yup. So, have you talked to Anju lately? I havent in a very long time. If you have time, I can conference her now and we could discuss our May get-together. Shall I?

 

Sandy: Sure, I am ready, go ahead.

 

Priya: Hang on.....

 

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SCENE 3A:

Anju’s Bedroom in Bangalore

India Time: Saturday 11:00 am.

 

Kishore comes in from his morning tennis game and is getting ready to go into the shower. Anju is folding clothes that she has just pulled from the clothes liner.

 

Anju: Kishore, did you HAVE to go for tennis today too? Cant you spend some time with the kids? Manoj and Meghu have been looking for you all day.

 

Kishore: Anju,you know, I dont go to play tennis for recreation! A lot of my important clients come to the club, this is just another networking opportunity.

 

Anju sighs like there is no hope for this man!

 

Kishore: That aside, can you quickly throw in a suitcase for me? I hav eto leave for Singapore tomorrow night for 10 days. Its urgent. Oh, and last time you forgot my shaving kit and laptop charger. Please make sure you get it right this time.

 

Anju: Oh God Kishore! You JUST returned from Maldives. Do you have to go out of town so soon? Cant you, for once, say you cant? I'm up to neck with chores, you just dont have time to help me with anything. The kids school ends this week, we have to find a summer camp to put them in, YOUR mother's doctor's appt is this week, the overhead tank has decided to break- I have the contractor coming in on Monday. Here I am literally being cboked by a mile long laundry list and you just dont want to help!

 

Kishore: Anju, you do remember that you have a servant, a cook, a gardener and god knows how many other people to help around the house, dont you?

 

Anju: Yea right, all I have to do is to supervise them. And I have 48 hrs in a day and 4 hands to manage all this and more!

 

Kishore: Anju, dont behave like this is a new problem for you. You've been doing exactly this for so many years now. And I do this for all of us. Its not easy for me too, but we are able to maintain a comfortable status and quality of life because of it. Just cut down your work hours and then you'll be able to manage everything else.

 

Anju – CUT DOWN MY WORK HOURS? What does that mean? That I cheat? Why cant you "cut down" on travel and help me around the house? If you did that, I could focus on my career too! When will you take my career seriously Kishore? You being the workaholic that you are, cant you understand that my career means a lot to me?

 

Kishore sighs and throws the towel from his hand angrily.

 

Kishore: Anju, lets not go there all over again. I've said this a million times- dont take your job too seriously. yes- you need some job, some pocket money, some outlet. All that is fine. So do what you can, you dont have to go above and beyond to prove yourself. And dont forget your job doesnt pay as much as mine and all the status we enjoy is cos of my job. So dont go about complicating our lives by harping on your career. Try to focus on your family and home and prioritize.

 

Kishore walks into the bathroom and closes the door. Anju feels hot tears gushing down her eyes. She sits down on the bed and curls her feet up.

 

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SCENE 3B:

Anju’s Bedroom in Bangalore, Priya’s kitchen in NY and Sandy’s office in Somalia.

 

India Time: Saturday 12:00 noon.

 

Ring, Ring

 

Anju - Hello

 

Priya - Hey Anju, how are ya?

 

Anju - Priya! great to hear your voice. I am doing fine. How are you?

 

Priya - Doing great! How come no mails missy? Are you doing ok?

 

Anju - Yea, I am doing alright. I had a project deadline and of course Meghu wasnt well for some time, same old wheezing problem. So I had taken a few days off. Just been very hectic. I havent even been able to login and check my mail. Sandy had called 2 weeks ago and now I get to talk to you. I cant believe I am so lame that I find an excuse to not write a couple of lines of email.

 

Priya: Oh Anju, we all know how busy you are. You dont have to make excuses for us. Oh lord, I totally fogot, Sandy is on the conference, hold on- let me bring her on.

 

Priya: Hey Sandy you still there?

 

Sandy: Yea, I am. Did you get Anju on the phone?

 

Priya: Yup, here she is. Go ahead, talk to her.

 

Anju: Sandy!!! Hows you and how is Somalia?

 

Sandy: Anju, Doing great. How are you?

 

Anju: Good Sandy, have you forgotten India or do you plan to come?

 

Sandy: Oh how COULD i not come? Priya says she might be coming in May. So I was planning on making a trip then as well. Will you be free to meet us?

 

Anju: Hmm, well my summer schedule is quite booked with guests. But first week of May sounds doable. Oh, and Priya- I have an ex-colleague- Radha who is organising a fund raiser for the deaf-and-dumb school. Right here at White field. She says you could even get a donor's booth. I was wondering if you'd be interested, since you plan to be here around that time anyway. You can participate as well, what do you think?

 

Priya: Yes Anju, I am definitely interested. Can you get me some more details about the booth? I would love to showcase a small casestudy about autism in children. You and Sandy can join me too, it will be fun and for a good cause. What say?

 

Sandy: Wonderful, sounds like a plan.

 

ANju - Alright then, I'll talk to Radha and let you both know. And...Priya/Sandy, I got to talk to you both about something. But I cant right now. Lets talk when we meet. A matter of another month. At least that way we can get to spend some time together.

 

Priya - Thats true Anju, its been such a long time since we got together. I keep getting nostalgic thinking of our college days. Such a carefree life! Now life is so full of complications, like a spider's web. The more you try to unravel, the more it knots. (sighs)... lets meet at Bangalore and talk to our heart's content. Who knows.. we might be able to solve our problems between us.

 

Sandy - Thats true Priya, sometimes, we'd have found the solutions, and all we need is reassurance to implement them. I am so looking forward to our get together.

 

Anju - True girls. Gosh, do we HAVE to wait another month? I wish we could make the clock tick faster. (Laughs Happily) Okay! You girls call me once you get here and we can exchange further detaisl over email. Works?

 

 

Sandy: ok girls, I have to rush, I’ll see you both in May then.

 

Priya: Anju: Bye Sandy.

 

Priya: Anju I'll hang up too. You take care, I'll talk to you again, soon.

 

Anju: Bye Priya.

 

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SCENE 4:

Picnic at the boulders

Somewhere near Bangalore.

IST 6pm

 

 

After a tiring day at the fUndraiser booth , Priya, Anju and Sandy are seen walking to their favorite picnic spot. For once it seems nothing has changed. Anju is still wearing a chudidaar, but a sleeveless one this time. Priya is wearing jeans, while Sandy is in capris and still carries a hat. Anju is holding a picnic bag with some corn, chips, soda and frootis in it.

 

Sandy: Ugh! Can you two walk any slower? Geez- slow pokes!

 

Anju: Missy, we arent sprinters like you and do we have to walk any further? Cant we sit down here, now?

 

Anju drops herself on a boulder, while Sandy keeps walking…

 

Priya: (groans) Sandy, I'm really thirsty. lets just sit down here.

 

Sandy: Lord! You two are unbelievable. You havent even walked half a mile and you two are already tired!

 

Comes back and sits.

 

Anju is gulping water from the water bottle, while Priya is looking around…

Sandy grabs the bottle from Anju and drinks some..

 

Anju: We just finished the fundraiser today. I told you so many times that we neednt go on this picnic right this minuted. But of course you will never listen. Now see......you are tired too!

 

Sandy: Well, its true, I was tired. But the excitement of having to go back to the same picnic spot after so many years with you two kept me going. All in all the fundraiser went off well. It was so well organised, nai?

 

Priya – Totally, Anju- I am impressed with Radha. She really had organised it well. With a full-time job and family and kids and home, she really had it under control. Kudos to her.

 

Anju: True Priya. She really did a good job. But one thing to note, if you have the support of your family- be it husband, kids, parents, inlaws- nothing is impossible.

 

Sandy has already dived into Anju’s bag and is pulling out corn. She takes one ear of corn and starts munching. Anju opens up the box and throws one frooti each to her friends. She opens one up and starts sipping!

 

Priya - Anju, What were you saying, something about family backing? Whats up?

 

Anju – Ugh, so here's the deal. I am the SME on a project based in the US. The client keeps asking me to go over there for implementation and my boss has been badgering me to go for a few months. But the problem is I cant leave the kids and go and with Kishore's hectic travel schedules he wouldnt be able to make time to hold the fort till then. On one hand, this is such a good opportunity for me and I am so sick and tired of just running this household all by myself.   For once, I want to do something with my career. I know exactly what Kishore's reaction would be. "Why do you need to do this now?" will be his first question. Everyone just expects me to manage everythign on my own and make sure it runs like a well-oiled machine all the time. I also get a title "good girl" Anju for this, But sometimes I also feel, I have everything one needs, maybe I am asking for too much?

 

Sandy - Anju, dont be silly. Athara enoo illa. ee chance kalakobeda, ninna hardwork nodiye ninna company ninagae ee chance kottirodu. Sumne offer togo. Kelavondu sartee namma ichhe galana, nireekshe galanna galana naavu floroscent green nalli highlight maadade ee gandasaru adarede kannu hakolla. Nanna maatu kelu .

 

Anju – Sandy, stree-swatantrya adu-idu anta naavella bekadashtu matadidroo navella eshto shatamanagalinda palistiro roles badlagilla. Hennu ee kaladalloo bari comodity – earning commodity – Ashte.

 

Priya – Navoo yavagloo heege confusion nalliddre yenoo sadhisokagalla. Ishtu dina neenu maneya yella jawabdaarigalannoo obbale hotkondidiya, its time to be rewarded. Neenu hogu, ulidavru yella adjust madkontare, eega neenidiya anta taane avrella aaramaagirodu? Neenu ilde hodre, manage maadatare.

 

Anju: Houdu Priya adirli ninna India relocation yenaytu? Any progress?

 

Priya: Anju, nimmbrigoo gottidda haage, nange Indiage tiragi barbeku illi graas roots level nalli samaja seve maadbeku anta aase. Aa Samvedana staff helta iddaru, avru halleeli mobile hospital goskara fund raise maadta idaare, they are in need of a division head.Its like this is THE RIGHT opportunity for me to take up. Aadre Santosh onthara laid back, eega idara bagge talene kedisikollolla. Magoo aagli hogona, residency mugeeli hogona, bank balance onda levelge barli hogona, heege yenadroo ondu excuse kodta eegaagle 4 varsha jaggidaane. (Sighs)

 

Sandy – Priya, Such strong sentiments dont arise often. You've always had this wish, you have the initiative, and now you are being handed a great chance dont miss this, go for it. I just feel if you have a heart-to-heart with Santhosh he might agree.

 

Anju – Hm, like Sandy says you should talk to santhosh. He can easily get a job in bangalore and by next year you can wind up and shift to Bangalore. Its jsut a matter finding the right time to talk to him, he'll definitely see your point.

 

Sandy geta up and walks over to the cliff.. she seems disturbed…

 

Priya – So whats your deal Miss. Somalia?

 

Sandy - What about my deal? Same old, same old. Emotional blackmail from everyone at home, dead-end in my profession etc etc. Like I told you two before, I've been meeting Ashok in London for some time now. Ashok, that lawyer guy, you know?

 

Priya: Right, so whats up with that?

 

Sandy: Well according to my parents and London mama I should not miss to opportunity to marry Ashok and settle down in life.

 

Anju: And what do YOU feel Sandy?

 

Sandy: Frankly from what I've seen of him, Ashok reminds me of Ramachandra Sir you know.. just a lot younger. He wants to marry girl who works, but should not travel, no hectic works schedules and so on and so forth. I dont see any chemistry in this relationship. And on top of that, I've been asked if I want to go to Africa for a year long assignment. I just cant decide if I should accept that offer or think about settling down and getting married. Ufff!

 

Priya: Hm , Sandy- from your parents' point of view, what they say makes sense. But that doesnt mean you should agree to commit to a relationship that has no prospects. You wish to marry someone who accepts you for who you are and what you are. Nothing wrong with that! You know for a marriage to be successful, compromise is whats required more than love. True. But dont base your marriage itself on a compromise.

 

Anju: Priya, very well said. Sandy, You have always been a level headed person. You've always let your mind steer your dreams along with having a warm and kind heart. Dont let go of this liberty. Just wait, who knows! Maybe there will be someone out thee who accepts you with your dreams and everything else you stand for.

 

Sandy - Hm, let me think about what you two have said. Its definitely encouraging . GOsh, I've just not been able to think straigh because of this self-doubt. You know when you two are around, the mind loosens up and everything seems so doable. I just wish I could always have such a support system. Like life support, only this is emotional!

 

Priya - Geez, you the liberal arts major. Talking constantly in riddles!!!

 

All 3 grin at this while

 

Anju - Alright girls- we all have our plans. Lets make a toast with Frooti.

 

Sandy - "To us, to our success, our happiness, our aspirations, our inspirations and world peace!"

 

Priya - "Aye , Aye- to us. Cheers"

 

Anju - "Cheers girls"

 

They all drink the cool and refreshing Frooti in seconds.

Anju: Wow! Its getting dark girls, lets go. I got to take my father-in-law to the doctor in the morning tomorrow.

 

Priya: And I have my Delhi flight tomorrow.

 

Sandy: Alright, lets go.

 

All three walk out of the stage hailing for a TAXI.

 

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Scene 5A - Priya/Santhosh confrontation

 

May 21st

NY time - Sunday noon

 

Priya walks in from her morning rounds while Santhosh is seated in the living room with the paper.

 

Santhosh - Priya, I was just reading in the county paper. There's a single family home on sale. Very close by. Its a 4 bedroom, 3 bath with fully built basement and deck. Was thinking that we should go check it out today. This townhouse is goin to be cramped when my parents come.

 

Priya - Hm, why do we need to invest in a bigger house now? I was thinking of selling this place and moving back to Bangalore. And remember I told you the other day- Radha has made a very good offer to head the mobile division a the Hebbal health care institution, you know.

 

Santosh cuts her in

 

Santhosh - Priya, this isnt the right time to think of that. Finish your residency and get a full-time job. Lets settled our finances and then we can think about moving back. We should go such that we should be able to live comfortably. There is a lot of time for that to happen.

 

Priya - Santhosh, how much longer? When we got married, you said 2 yrs! Now its been twice as much time. How much longer do we have to wait?

 

Santhosh -When I said two years, I didnt mean it literally! Try to be flexible Priya and try to understand.

 

Priya - I am so fed up of understanding! Why dont you try to understand my frustrations. We dont have a single good reason to not go back. And we'll never be able to go back if not for now. We've achieved all that we can here. I will finish my residency in 3 months. We have a lot to do back in India. Whats the point of staying here, then?

 

Santhosh - We just cant drop everything and pack our bags and go back. Have you heard of the proverb "Charity begins at home."? We have to fix our life and family first before we go about rendering social service.

 

Priya- I'll go crazy if I have to hear this another time. I will never be able to convince you. If this goes on this way any longer, I'll just pack my bags and go! You can do whatever you want. Join me if you wish or stay back, I just dont care.

 

Santhosh - (after a minute's silence and recovering from the sudden outburst) Lord, are you trying to blackmail me? If thats what you want to do, be my guest. You cant threaten me this way. If you dont want to understand and adjust and cooperate, then you are free to d as you please.

 

Priya - Santhosh, do you remember the time when we got married, I left all my family, my friends, my job at the hospital and everything else for you? It was hard for me, but I did it - for us, for your love. THen, why cant you do this for me? 

 

Santhosh - Oh wOW! This is great! What is this? Some kind of barter system? You cant live life with this give and take trading Priya! Everyone's wives move to their husband's place after marriage, thats the rule! Just cos you find it unacceptable, just cos you have decided to bear the cross of changing the system- dont expect everyone to comply. I've said this many times before, I am saying it again now- for the last and final time. We are not going to India, thats it- end of topic!

 

A phone call draws Santhosh out of the kitchen where he spends the next hour chatting with his friend in California.

 

==================================================================================================================

Scene 5B - Sandy/Amma phone call

 

June 1st - London thursday 4pm

Bangalore thursday 9pm

 

Sandy calls her parents

 

Ring Ring

 

Amma- Hello

 

Sandy - Amma , it's me Sandy

 

Amma- Hello sandhya, how are you?

 

Sandy - I am doing fine, ma. How's Dad?

 

Amma - We are both doing gine. We just got back from the temple. Are you back in London?

 

Sandy - yup, just got back from Spain. What else is new ma?

 

Amma - Well nothing else. But did you meet Ashok yet? mama called again last week you know. Why dont you take this seriously Sandhya! How much longer are you going to drag this? We are getting old, you know. Ashok is right there in London, its so convenient for you. Even if we find someone according to your specifications, you still find some excuse to turn down the offers .

 

Sandy - Ma, its not as simple as you think. He doesnt prefer someone who travels as much as I do and he wants me to take up a part-time job. He wants me to be "homely" and look after home and hearth. Just for kicks, I'd like to know why it cant be worked out such that I get him a job in my company and then he can travel along with me. There are a lot of options if at all one wants to be together with their spouse. I dont see why its essential that I have to quit my job.

 

Amma - You can work all that out later Sandhya. For now, just tell him that you wont travel. Once you get married you and start living together, you can explain your job and travel to him, I'm sure he will understand.

 

Sandy - Amma, all that is easier said than done. I dont believe i...you know, like a best friend. If I tell this to Ashok, he'll say "I hope to be a husband first, we can think of friendship later!". Huh, what can one hope from someone with this kind of attitude?

 

Amma- (laughs sadly) - huh! Which world are you living in Sandhya that you are looking for a friend in your husband? Dont fill your head with such idealistic views and get rigid. Its only going to be difficult for you. You're never going to find someone who's 100% perfect. Its all a matter of compromise, thats the mantra in all marriages.

 

After a heavy silence

 

Sandy - Hm , alright ma, lets talk about something else. Whats dad doing?

 

Amma - Your father has gone for a walk with the uncle from next door. I have to get dinner ready before he comes. Alright Sandhya, you take some rest. Keep calling and are you eating well and on time?

 

Sandy - Yes ma, I am. I have to go get my laundry done. I'll call another time when dad's around. Its been a while since I talked to him. Bye ma, goodnight.

 

Amma - Bye Sandhya

 

==================================================================================================================

Scene 5C - Anju/Kishore confrontation

 

May 27th- BAngalore

Saturday 11pm

 

Anju/Kishore's residence in bangalore. They have just returned from their visit to Anju's parents house.

 

Anju - (sigh of relief) It was good we went to our parents for dinner tonight. I was so tired to cook.

 

Kishore - Hm, that aside, I am leaving for Hong Kong on thursday for 15 days. Why dont you and kids go visit my cousin Anu in Delhi? She called yesterday. It will be a good change for you and kids, specially since they have holidays now.

 

Anju - No Kishore. Your sister will be here in 2 weeks time and my brother is coming next week. I'll use the free time nwo to get some of my work done. The kids have just started their holidays.

But I wanted to talk to you about my US assignment. Remeber, I told you some months ago- Prabhu has been pressurizing me to go. He's also said that if I implement this successfully, I'd surely get the PM position. How many times can I refuse the offer Kishore? If I can arrange for something, maybe I can give it a shot. Prabhi also mentioned that all my paperwork can get done in 2 weeks time - so I could leave by June end and be back by Sept. I was planning to submit my passport to the travel agents tomorrow.

 

Kishore sighs and - Anju, do we HAVE to talk about this now? I;ve told you umpteen times not to take your job so seriously. With my travel, if you wont be around for 4 months, who will take care of my parents and the kids? Moreover, they wont be paying you in dollars. You're going to find it hard to survive by yourself out there considering you also dont know how to drive. You dont have to get so excited over what Prabhu says. Just tell him that you have too many committments and hence cant go.  I'm sure he will understand. You really dont need to prove a point chasing the professional dream.

 

Anju - I dont want to prove any point to you or to anyone else. I want to do this for my sake, for my satisfaction and happiness. And I am not saying that I will shed all my responsibilities and go away. I'll definitely arrange for something for the kids and your parents. Also this isnt permanent, just a matter of 4 months. I'm sure we wont even realise how fast time went by. The kids are older now, they can manage by themselves.

 

Kishore - Anju, this conversation is going nowhere. You are not going to America, that's it- end of topic. lets go to bed. And wake me up early tomorrow, I have a golf meeting. Good night!

 

Anju mumbles goodnight while she turns the light off and wets her pillow with tears.

 

 

Scene 6- Final email exchanges

 

July 1st

New York - Saturday 9am

London time - Saturday 2pm

Bangalore time - Saturday 6:30pm

 

Sandy and Anju read Priya's email to yahoogroups

 

"Girls

 

I hope you are both doing well . Since I've come back from Bangalore I have given a lot of thought to what we talked about. I also talked to Santhosh about it. I feel what he says makes sense. I cant neglect my duties, I also cannot life changing decisions without Santhosh's concurrence and approval. He feels this isnt the right time to move to India.I also have to consider Tarun's future. I cant do a good job helping other children when my own is neglected. So, for now, I've decided to let things be. Its true that I've always chanted the mantra of now or never and "where there's a will, there's a way". But sometimes life just tosses a googly and one has no option but to let things be. One can only hope that what cannot be achieved today can become a reality tomorrow, or next year or maybe in the next 10 years- who knows! We just have to bide our time patiently, thats all.

 

Anyway Anju- I suppose you will be in California next month. Dont forget to visit me in NY. And Sandy- have you found your lover-boy Tarzan in SA yet? I look forward to hearing from you about the progress you have made.

 

Best regards

Priya"

 

Sandy and Priya read Anju's email to yahoogroups

 

"Girls

 

It was great meeting you two a few weeks back. It was a good chance for me away from my home and office routines.  I am now back in my familiar role, catering to my family that demands a lot of my time and efforts. But I have found time to think over what I want to do. I have also talked to Kishore. While being a free bird definitely sounds enticing, I have too much in hand to give up for that goal. This summer seems like a full calendar and it doesnt look like I will be able to take up that offer to go to California for the implementation. But I have talked to Prabhu and he has promised that he would send some others my way at a later date when I am not so booked with family commitments. I just have to wait for that time, till then I will go back to being good ol' Anju.

 

That aside, I hope you two are working diligently towards your goals. Priya- I am so excited at the thought that you might be coming back very soon. I am eagerly waiting for you. sandy - I hope you have found the strength to keep forging ahead in your career and life. I will always be cheering for both of you, from the sidelines.

 

I am waiting eagerly for your emails with updates.

 

Take care girls and talk to you soon

Anju"

 

Priya and ANju read Sandy's email to yahoogroups

 

"Girls

 

Its been a while since our last meeting. It was a wonderful time off for me.  I am getting ready to leave for Turkey for a conference soon. This will be my last field trip as freelancer.

 

I have, as always, been ruminating over the idea we came up with in BAngalore. Your encouragement was definitely infectious.

 

I was the one that always believe that if we had to live our lives based on compromise, such a life was not worth it. I've fought this long to not have to cave in to compromise. Like you two said, I did want to wait for that knight in shining armour. But now I feel that its all an exercise in futility. One cannot always expect everything to work out the just the way they want or when they want. Its all a big compromise. You know, amma always used to say "Sandy you just act and behave like a boy, but you can never be one." So true! Huh, I was deluding myself to believe otherwise. But I am awakened now. Which is why I have agreed to marry Ashok and accept all his conditions. The engagement is scheduled for next month. As a result, I have decided to bid adieu to field journalism and free lancing and accepted a position as a literary journalist, here in London.

 

Anyways, I wrote to find out how you two have fared.  I am so jealous that both of you will get a chance to meet in the US and maybe return to Bangalore together.

As for me, you two know me so well and can imagine what I must be going through. I dont know if what I've decided is right or wrong. But I do know one thing for sure. There are a lot of things that men can do much better than women, but women rule the roost on this one domain- that of sacrifice and compromise. Well I just couldnt have escaped from having this feather adorn my cap- after all am I not a woman myself?

 

Good luck girls and cheers to us!

 

Sandy"