It's Time (My 1st script in the proper format)

This is the 1st script I wrote during my Storygram moviemaking workshop. Will be changing this blog to a mini-repository of my short stories, scripts which might never see the light of the projector. But then who cares :-). Art is nothing but a dream. The best thing about dreams is that realists like me too can afford them.

I have entered characterisation which is not the part of the script format. I had included them here as part of the "Pitching" workshop. I intended this to an imaginary producer if he/she asks more details but more so to the imaginary actors I will have to ensure understand the depth of where the characters are coming :-) rather than just reading out the lines without any connection to the characters. I am a "Director" you see... 

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Characterisation:

Husband: His name is Ramesh Nair. He is 38 years of age. He is working for Goldman Sachs as an Operations Manager for Accounts Payable. He holds an MBA in Finance. He was born in Pallakad and finished his B.Com graduation there. He relocated to Bangalore at the age of 21 with his maternal relatives and started working for a local finance firm. With the BPO Boom in early 2000’s, he was able to get into an MNC. His financial improvements helped him in getting a weekend MBA through TASMAC. As the only son, he was always looked upon as the one who would have to support his parents in their old age. At the age of 31, his parents arranged for his marriage to Shailaja Nair (aged 25). Ramesh was also a prominent member of the Nair Samajam in Bangalore. He also had envisioned his parents to be staying with him though the parents had not yet listened to his request. He was always social and his friends appreciated his easy-going yet responsible and caring nature.

Wife: Her name is Shailaja Nair. She is currently 32 years of age. She has just started working with IBM after a long break of 7 years. Ramesh did not want her to work as he believed that they should start a family soon. Ramesh believed that Shailaja could resume work once Rajesh (6 year old son) was 12 years and can stay alone at home. By then, Ramesh believed that his parents too would start staying with them in Bangalore.

                Shailaja was born in Bangalore though her modest family background ensured that she would not get attracted to the pub culture. Her parents were very religious and vacations would mean visiting different temples. Shailaja too followed the crowd without knowing any real understanding of the norms. At the age of 16, she accidentally got introduced to Osho’s book while trying to brush up some knowledge on Zen. From then on, she started reading only spiritual books. She questioned her parents about meditation but they always replied that prayers and devotion is enough for now and they might meditate later when they are really old. She really loved the “Adwaita” philosophy in Sanathana Dharma. She read as much spiritual books as possible. She read about Arunachala and thought that she should visit that place sometime. Luckily, her classmate in S.Y.B.Com stayed in Arunachala and Shailaja spent a week during Diwali vacations there. Her stay there triggered a big metamorphosis in Shailaja’s outlook. She was drawn to Ramana Maharshi’s spirituality and the hill that was a silent master. She started questioning all the worldly achievements. She had always been brought up as an obedient child. She tried to reason with her parents that she would like to explore the spiritual world. Her parents would shoot her down saying that such pursuits are for one old age. She too started working at an MNC in the finance division and was a very good performer. Her colleagues and friends found her interesting but tried to dissuade her spiritual tendencies. As per her astrology, her parents started to look for a partner for her only after she was 24 years of age. Shailaja tried to dissuade them but they did not pay any heed to her. Shailaja too (as was her natural tendency) then agreed to the marriage.

Shailaja and Ramesh: Ramesh was easy going and very understanding. He only had one condition that their child should be looked after by a parent and not some baby-sitter. He never delved into Shailaja’s frequent visits to the temple or her book list every month. An year into their marriage, they were also blessed with a son whom they named Rajesh. Shailaja’s internal turmoils (her spiritual cravings) rarely surfaced and she found Rajesh (who is a very good human being) little devoid of understanding spirituality. When Rajesh was about 5 years old, Shailaja had also gone for a month long stay in Arunachala. Ramesh was overseas at the time. This was also when Shailaja had a spiritual connect with Krishna who was a spiritual wanderer which led to physical intimacy. Shailaja confessed about this only an year back and but Ramesh was accommodating and understanding about it. Although Ramesh was angry but he considered it some stupid slip-up from Shailaja. Meanwhile, Shailaja was getting more self-assured and drawn towards a spiritual life. 3 months back from today, she had asked for divorce. But Ramesh somehow convinced her to stay on for 3 months and then see how it goes. He used to say that she can do whatever she wants by being his wife and a mother to their child. It’s been 2 months and Shailaja felt she was wasting her time. She had been brooding over the situation and the last 2 days were too much for her with entertaining Ramesh’s friends at home and looking after such social obligations. The calling was getting tougher and tougher to ignore.

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1 INT. MORNING, IN THE BEDROOM

(RAMESH – 38 YEARS ; SHAILAJA – 32 YEARS)

Shailaja is sitting on bed, Husband walks in after a jog.

RAMESH

Hye Sonu, you are up?

Ramesh looks at mirror and brushes his hair.

RAMESH

So, I don’t feel like going to the office. So Boring!!!

Ramesh turns back.

RAMESH

Arrey, what’s up with you?

Do din se notice kar raha hoon.

Kal dinner pe bhi…

SHAILAJA

(Interrupts)

I cant go on with this.

Ramesh rolls his eyes up, leaves a heavy breath and sits next to her.

RAMESH

What… What… are you saying?

SHAILAJA

Its time.

I think… I need a divorce soon. I just can’t…

RAMESH

(Interrupts)

Everything’s going fine. What’s the problem?

SHAILAJA

Nothings fine. I am tired of acting as if it is.

RAMESH

Arrey, I thought we had discussed

Like we will see how it goes for 3 months and then decide.

SHAILAJA

Yes, I know but…

RAMESH

(Interrupts)

It’s been what, 2 months?

SHAILAJA

Time will not make any difference.

Not anymore.

Ramesh shifts and sits facing towards Shailaja.

RAMESH

What is bothering you?

Did I even nag… no.. no… even mention any of your mistakes?

SHAILAJA

Mistakes! Nagging, How long do you think it will go on?

3 months… 6 months… a year…

Chodo bhi… All that does not matter at all.

RAMESH

Doesn’t matter? I am trying my best…

Dropping the kid to the school, cleaning the house, clothes.

You only had to cook.

SHAILAJA

These are very trivial things.

Now how do I explain to you, kya boluu?

RAMESH

I just don’t get you.

Your mistakes and I am the one mending it all.

SHAILAJA

Hmmm… Do you even know me?

Else, you wouldn’t bring that up.

RAMESH

So is it the guilt?

Maine sab maaf kiya tha naa… Or…

SHAILAJA

Or?

RAMESH

Do you need him- love him

SHAILAJA

Argh. Yahi tho main bol rahi hoon

You have no idea about me.

About who I am!

RAMESH

What the hell are you saying?

Not the guy, not the guilt…

Then this sudden bomb…

What is it then?

SHAILAJA

Not about the guy, not about some chores

RAMESH

So some feminist thing.

SHAILAJA

(Shaking her head)

Told you before.

I did not want all this but wasn’t very sure

All this material pursuit, family

Only if I knew it before

Only if I was stronger.

Ramesh brushes his hair with both his hands, leaves a heavy breath through his mouth and shakes his head.

SHAILAJA

Sleeping with someone- Maybe,

Maybe that too was a sign.

I saw Shiva in him.

But I don’t want to live with him.

RAMESH

What?

SHAILAJA

It was some sign, something abstract.

I too cannot comprehend fully.

But even that is not close to what I feel now.

RAMESH

Feel for whom? For what?

SHAILAJA

For Arunachala.

The calling has come.

There is no point in delaying it.

RAMESH

Huh?

SHAILAJA

I need to be with myself.

Meditate. Enough of books.

Need to experience now.

RAMESH

Ohh! That again.

It can be done here also.

Go for those yoga classes you used to go

Or for some meditation classes, whatever?

Have I ever stopped you?

Ramesh tries to hold her hand but she wriggles it out.

RAMESH

When munna grows up and gets married

(slight chuckle)

We both will retire to that place

SHAILAJA

That is not my way.

I cannot wait.

Calling has come, I need to go.

RAMESH

So what will you tell Rajesh?

Should I tell him his mom doesn’t want to be with him?

SHAILAJA

I know I am his mother

But there are bigger truths.

RAMESH

Like what?

SHAILAJA

Finding my Self, the eternal truth as they call it.

When he is old enough,

He might understand.

Maybe not,

But I can’t think about it now.

RAMESH

Oh My God!
I can’t believe you.

Uhh, Uhh,

Hasn’t some saints said that

Realisation is possible as a householder.

SHAILAJA

Maybe, but I can’t confirm.

But this is my calling,

I need to walk on this road.

Can’t look back.

RAMESH

All this stupid books

And those idiot friends from that godforsaken place

They have done this.

What will I do?

What will I tell my parents, friends, neighbours, office?

SHAILAJA

Tell them the truth.

Don’t care how they judge me.

RAMESH

You know what,

How about you go there and stay for some months

You will get bored.

All this enthusiasm might die down.

You will come back.

I will not divorce you now.

SHAILAJA

No, I don’t want to put your life on hold.

Also, I want to finish and cut-off everything.

No more looking into the rear mirror.

RAMESH

Divorce baad mein karenge.

SHAILAJA

(Gets up and stands with her back facing Ramesh)

No. Don’t have any false hopes.

RAMESH

Your parents?

SHAILAJA

Been a good daughter so far.

They can come with me if they want.

RAMESH

And me?

SHAILAJA

You are a good person.

It’s unfair of me to be with you anymore.

I don’t love you at all,

Not as a wife anyways.

Ramesh cries a little

SHAILAJA

There is nothing ahead for us.

You need to accept that soon.

Ramesh looks around. Looks at the window, at Shailaja, at her books and then down.

RAMESH

Wait for a week.

I will call my mother.

Once she is here, hmmm

You move out.

Please adjust till then.

Shailaja looks at him now with a quizzed look.

RAMESH

I still don’t believe it’s over.

Maybe, when we are apart…

You might change you mind.

Who knows?

SHAILAJA

Don’t have such false hopes.

Please…

Ramesh walks out of the door and Shailaja follows him.

RAMESH (v.o.)

Raju, get up.

It’s time.

--THE END--

Turning Point ( A Short 10 minute play)

This is a short 10 minute play I had written for a Short & Sweet Drama workshop.

The Turning Point

NARRATION: This is a story of Siddhartha… his most important night. Just 17 years old, frustrated and agitated… He sees it all yet others do not.  His dream of playing cricket while his folks want him to just study. Fought a lot but in vain, it’s time for him to maybe… leave it all or leave his house. So in the dead of the night, as he is about to leave…

(Boy opens the door, a Man walks in)

Boy: Who are you?

Man 1: You, after 24 years.

Boy: Huh.

(Man walks towards the chair and sits on it, with his elbows on his knees. The boy follows and sits on the chair)

Man 1: Yep, believe it. I know it is a big occasion for you. BTW, I did walk out of the door.

Boy: Wow, Really! Then what?

Man1: I did play cricket my entire life. Oooh, that’s fun.

Boy: Great, I need not hear any further. I am going.

(Boy opens the door, another man walks in)

Boy: Now, who are you?

Man 2: You, after 40 years.

(Man walks towards the chair and sits on it, with his right ankle resting on his left knees. The boy follows and stands between the chair)

Man 2: Yes, yes, just like this one. But I didn’t walk out.

Boy: Hmm.

Man 2: So don’t you want to know what happened?

Boy: Yes, of course. But, no, go on… but why 2 and different years… no, no, you tell me.

Man 2: Just retired today. Phew, that plushy job and my cabin. Ahh! Hated it a lot at times.

Man 1: No wonder you are so fair… unlike me.

Man 2: But you were all the while outside… under the sun… playing the game they call cricket. How was that? Don’t even remember how to hold a bat.

Man 1: It was hard work for sure.

(Man 1 stands up)

Man 1: 24 years back, when I left this house… Did not know what it would take? But then… Those years of toil… You have no idea how to find a roof over your head.

(Boy stands behind Man 2)

Man 2: I bought a nice apt when I was 24, a decent job right after college and a few years later.

(Man 1 shakes his head and sits back on his chair)

Man 1: Good for you. For me, that was just one of the worries. Even before I could go and look for a cricket club… I needed a job to survive. Then working at that roadside dhaba. It was also my home for the first few years.

(Man 1 looks at the boy pointing towards the ornament around his neck and the years)

Man 1: Be careful about those, it helps you buy the kit and get into the Andheri Cricket club.

Man 2: What are you speaking about? Cricket, cricket… I would only watch that IPL once in a year. That too if the seats are good. Just a fun weekend evening.

Man 1: Hmm.. Cricket and life.. synonyms for me.

(Boy grins and stands behind Man 1)

Man 1: Playing cricket in the day and working in the night. All my complaints would vanish the moment I took my guard to face a ball in the morning.

Man 2: Complaints… Well, that was the first thing I did most of the mornings… hmm.. Monday mornings.

Man 1: Batting, fielding… awesome it used to be... and then trying to teach myself some bowling so that I can get picked up in higher level teams.

Man 2: Now that sounds similar. I too had to crack it up a notch in front of my idiot managers and the idiot box. That fucking rat race. Phew, finally it was over.

Man 1: But I never progressed. I was never good enough.

Man 2: Hahaha… Look at me… I retired as a VP today. Those colleagues of mine just threw me nice fun filled send off.

Man 1: Ohh so you had friends?

(Boy moves behind Man 2)

Man 2: Who the f knows? Maybe, they were happy to get rid of me. But, my wife, Monisha…

Man 1: Hmm, I remember her. I used to see her every evening. I mean, she would be there at the bus stop.

Man 2: Ohh yes… She was happy. She said that at least now you can spend some more time with me.

Man 1: I love her so much. I even did try to get close to her. But then, it never happened. Maybe, I was too, I don’t know… unstable?

Man 2: Haha… She is one of the best things to happen to me. Gave her all the riches and my kids. (winks)

Man 1: Oh, so you had family, friends and, huh, what about mom, dad?

Man 2: Hmm, they were all staying with us only till, you know, they passed away.

Man 1: Don’t know if I regret it, but at times… when I was all alone… when I needed someone… I thought about them.

(Man 1 buries his head in hand for a second and then raises it again)

Man 1: Today evening, it was my last day too. There was no send off like you though.

Man 2: Huh… What last day? You would be called and told that you are not picked up anymore in your state… oh no, you never reached there… the what.. ha, club team.

Man 1: No calls, nothing. I went there and I saw my name was not there. Waited the entire afternoon to speak to the main guy.

Man 2: What else do you expect? You useless.

Man 1: Yeah, he made it pretty clear. I was no longer needed.

(Man 1 pauses, Boy puts a hand on his shoulder)

Man 1 (While holding and then removing the boys hand): No, that was fine. I was sitting on the ground next to the railway lines. Saw a little boy… maybe 5 or 6… playing cricket with his elder brother and father.

Man 2: So what? I see that so often.

Man 1: Did you see the child’s face? Oh no, forget it you will not understand. But then at that very instant a ball flew past me. I leapt up and followed it to collect the ball. But I did not see… hahaha…

Boy: What, what did you not see?

Man 1: The train… I picked up the ball and then… that was it… my life. All over and no one knows.

Man 2: No friends, no lover, no parents, no one… hahaha… and I thought you are poor. You are miserable. Good I came here.

(Boy puts his hand on Man 2’s shoulder, then on Man 1’s shoulder and comes to the front of the stage. After a slight thought, he moves towards the door and opens it).

Man 2: What are you doing?

Boy: I will keep an eye for that train (and winks).

(Man 2 and Man 1 then put arms on each other’s shoulders and smiles at the Boy)

Narration: Who are we to judge how one must justify one’s life? Who are we and how are we to measure success, measure joy.. measure life)

THE END

Chapter 6: Some Food for Thought

(Guy and Gal are walking on the road)

Guy: So which restaurant would you like to go to? Actually, what kind of food do you like
Gal: Ahh... Any one... Anything... Really, I just eat whatever and wherever... No hard and fast rule... Hmm... Service needs to good.
Guy: Ohh... That is nice then... I know a nice restaurant here... Let's go there.

(Just a random shot of the hotel, with people dining. Guy and Gal walk in the restaurant, walk towards a table, smiles at each other.)

Gal (after looking around): It looks like a nice place.

(Guy just smiles and nods, waiter comes and gives the menu aong with water, both are looking at their respective menus)

Gal: No starters for me.
Guy: Yeah, No starters.
Gal: I would have "some non-vegetarian food item".
Guy (looks at the girl, slightly surprised): I will have "some vegetarian food item".
Gal: Ok, Let me give the order to the waiter.
Guy: Huh.
Gal: I am never impressed by chivalry, actually offended by it at times.
Guy (smiles): I see and I like that.
Gal: Really, in this age and with all the talk of equality, liberation whatever... I have no idea why we expect chivalry and see it is a nice quality. We can do without it.
Guy: Hmmm...
Gal: All I ask for is a little respect and just spare me some of the gaze. I mean I think you are the only one I have met who has spent so much time with me and not yet looked below my neck.
Guy (slighly shy): Huh! ok... I understand.
Gal: No really, that is more important than some superficial act of...

(Interupted Waiter comes and the gal gives the order)

Guy: Of?
Gal: Ahh nothing, forget it... I tend to be preachy or speechy at times.
Guy: It is fine. I like it.
Gal: No really forget it, there is nothing more to say actually.
Guy: Ohh ok. Yeah, I was surprised to know that you have non-veg. I thought you would not be...
Gal (Interupts): Non-veg? Why?
Guy: Just my impression.. that I had of you.
Gal: Hehehe... hmmm.. Nothing like that... As I told you, I have whatever and wherever. So what you a veggie.
Guy: By choice. Just that I have a choice now so I need not eat an animal.. Listen, I do not have anything against a non-veggie... I am fine.
Gal: Hmm.. Looks like you are sensitive... I sense some too much care and affection there (Gal winks).
Guy: Just, Just like that. Just been like that.
Gal: So now I see why you are such a cynic? You think too much and at times too deeply.
Guy: Hmm... that is true... Yeah, I am a cynic... What to do? In a world, where some African nations are under constant pains like internal fighting, poverty and what not, and then terrorism, global warming... what does anyone do about it, Nothing!
Gal: I will tell you something, but you might not like it.
Guy: Go ahead.
Gal: I see what you are saying about the current world situation we are in and to be honest, yes, I too keep thinking if there will be ever be a better tomorrow?
Guy: Exactly...
Gal: But don't you think that the root of cynicism is still somewhere connected to your life..
Guy (with a questioning look): Hmmm.
Gal: I mean... How happy are you with your life?

(There is little pause here, Guy look down as though in some sort of deep thought, Gal sips a little water never removing her eyes from the Guy, Guy looks at the girl and then looks around and looks down again and looks at the Gal)

Guy: Yes, I agree. I completely agree. I do... You know...

(Waiter brings the food)

To be contd... Stay tuned :-)

Chapter 5: Some looks, Some music **my ode to Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise**

(As they were to take the right turn, the Gal spots Planet M (or any music store).)

Gal: Hye… Let’s go there first..
Guy: Ok…

(They both cross the road… Not before the guy almost extended hands to hold the gal’s elbow to help cross the road)

(The Gal goes ahead… and the Guy wanders across the hall and sees the Gal at a distance… Looks at her with a slight smile for 2 seconds and then looks away… Then looks back to see the gal staring back at him and signalling him to walk across… And he walk towards the Gal)

Gal: So, I was speaking to you about Carpenters, no?
Guy: Hmmm
Gal: Here you go… Put this headphone and listen this song “______”…

(The guy listens to the “_______”. Now all he can listen in the music… he looks at the Gal… The Gal is looking at him… The Guy turns back…. Looks at a distant… Nods his head… looks at her again… Blushes slightly…. Looks away while mouthing the words… Looks at her… Looks away instantly... so as not to be caught… Looks at a distant… Swinging his head according to the music… Looks at the girl again… looks away… This lasts for a minute… All the while the Gal is looking at him with a constant understanding smile)

Chapter 4: A singer and a budding poet

Gal: Not sure… I always liked the sound… At times, I used to not sleep but just listen to the sound of rain falling on the ground… Or the sound of the wind… Voice of the birds singing… And I think that’s how I caught… It was like the world is always singing… and I heard… Then I tried to participate in it…
Guy: Hmmm… You do sing very well… Did I tell you that?
Gal (laughs): You know, you don’t have to say that, it is understood.
(Both laugh)
Gal: I argued and cried to my parents for allowing me to learn singing… They agreed… But the real war was when I said that it would be my career, my life, my passion…
Guy: Hah…
Gal: How was I to give up? If they decice how I want to live, then why should I live at all, let them right it on a piece of paper and read it every day… I never gave up… and they had to give… You have no idea how much I had to fight for my basic quality… quality if any human life… freedom…
Guy: I know… Have been there… but…. Well… you go ahead…
Gal: So here I am… there might not be a single music company in this state who would not have received my cassette… (Laughs)… My voice… it is everywhere.
Guy: I thought so… I heard you before… somewhere…
(Both laugh)
Gal: So I still live with them… But I make a living or make a life... Singing in shows… I am part of 2 bands… then there is always Java Café… Enough for my subsistence...
Guy: That is great…
(Guy looking at MG Road, he nudges her)
Guy: I love this road…
Gal: Why so?
Guy: Some time back… actually 5 years back… A young man used to come here… Kind of sad…. He used to sit on the steps on the pavement… Ahh… the seat is no longer there… they are constructing the metro.
Gal: I remember it… But this city needs it.
Guy: They need to improve the infrastructure… It is so unplanned and chaotic.
Gal: Hmmm… So you were saying… A young man?
Guy: He used to come and sit on the steps on the pavement… Actually, he would walk around Brigade Road, Church Street, and finally, come here (/go there) and sit… All the while listening to songs… MLTR, Kenny G, Yanni, Hindi films songs, anything that would stir your soul…
Gal: Have you heard of Carpenters? I love them…
Guy: I don’t think I have heard of them…
Gal: They are… Ohh so sorry… I am interupting… So he used to listen to music and…
Guy: Hmmm… he used to sit right in front of Foodworld… You know the opposite side… He cannot hear the world… he cannot hear what the people are saying next to him or behind him… Nothing…. Not even the vehicles, the cars… anything…
Gal: Hmmm…
Guy: As if it was a silent movie… Just looking at the people… Not trying to analyse… Judge… nothing… just seeing… hmmm... life as it happens… Really… It is interesting… Those moments… were so private… I mean… he cannot even explain it properly… Those evenings were kind of life altering for him… he would always get up a wiser man… I mean… It meant much more to him than all the knowledge he had gained during his academic years… you know… Imagine sitting next to this road and it satisfies you more than any school, college and library…
Gal: Life as a teacher… World as a school.
Guy: Yes… Something just like that… Sometimes it used to be as if he was sitting somewhere in the middle of 2 worlds… Like In front he would see a very different world… People who are having the sweet corn…. Having Chaat… having snacks… People coming out of Foodworld with bags full of groceries… it would contain like fruits, vegetables, you know as if they are feeding their colony… And then… There used to be those behind them sitting on the footpath… So poor… Little children begging… Adults all tired after a day of labour probably… Tinge of sickness… and sometimes how it used to cross over… he would see these people crossing the road… but nothing changes… they look at all that is going on… wide eyed… sometimes jaws dropped… He would see all this... Life would go on just like that….
Gal: I am trying to imagine it…
Guy: Yes… After one similar night like this… This guy, he returns home… Fortunately, does not find his roommates at home… Takes out a diary… and dishes out 4 poems… one after the other… He never has written a poem… But that night… he writes a poem right… that too… not 1 but 4… Can you believe that?
Gal: Must have been some experience.
Guy: I know that is great… I mean moments like these sure happen to everyone, right? I believe so… Just that I think we forget that…
Gal: Yes… So how do you know this guy?
(Gal is looking at the guy; guy is looking ahead intensely)
Guy: I just know him… He used to be with me… I think I have lost touch with him now… Probably need to make a contact.
Gal: So is that what you are doing?
(Both look at each other and grin)
Guy: You know it is so wonderful… I mean I forgot the last time I spoke like this… I mean… In office I always wear a mask… I am a complete stranger… I sometimes fail to recognize myself… I too engross myself in unnecessary gossip and chatter.
Gal: Ha… Don’t punish yourself… I think anyone who works needs that… Otherwise you would see some injured managers or bosses or whatever you call them all around
(Both laugh)
Gal: I am hungry… I am starving… So if we are going to paint this town in red the whole night… lets have something to eat first…
Guy: Sure… There are so many restaurants here… We can hop into any 1… Hmm… You do not want to drink, right?
Gal: Huh… Not if I have to stay the whole night out in Bangalore.
Guy: Funny you are.
Gal: Why?
Guy: I never said the whole night… But you believe it is.
Gal: I know it will happen… Why, wouldn’t you love the idea?
Guy: I do.
(Guy stands and does not move ahead; Looks at the gal lovingly, and joins the girl again)

Chapter 3: To live a life or rather be alive?

Guy: So what do you do for a living?
Gal: You saw me doing it…
Guy: What seriously? C’mon you must be kidding me..
Gal: Nooo… This is what I do…
Guy: C’mon…
Gal: Really this is me… This is what I do…
Guy: Why, are you telling me that you always wanted to sing?
Gal: Hmmm…
Guy: Really…

(Gal assures with a silent nod)

Guy: Wow… That is so great…
Girl: Why would you wanna do anything which is not close to your heart?
Guy: Frankly, I am doing something I hate… Yet… I don’t know… Not sure… Why do I do it?
Girl: That’s why… just look around… we say that we have done all the technological progress… actually all we have done is complicate life… Don’t you feel so?
Guy: I do… Really do…
Gal: See… All what man needs is a little bit of food and shelter… and of course, lots of love… Now it’s in reverse.

(Gal looks straight ahead… Guy thinks looking down)

Guy: I often think about this… I often wonder how life should have been… and I see how life is… and I can’t even afford a smile to all that could have been… My life that is.

(Gal looks at the guy as if she understands; guy is grim and still looking down)

Gal: There was a Greek philosopher… Diogenes was his name. He was a very unique man… Heard about him?
Guy: I have… Are you going to tell me about him and Alexander the great?
Gal: No… Legend has it that one afternoon he went to the market with a lamp… People, although aware about him, asked why he carries a lamp.
Guy: Hmmm…
Gal: He says that he is looking for a human and he does not see any…

(Both look at each other with a hint of laughter)

Gal: Sometimes I really look around… After I sing a song… And sipping over a coffee… I look for them… someone who has those eyes… those eyes of a human... I never see any…. Till today.

(Guy acknowledges the girl as they look at each other)

Guy: Look at me… I work in a corporation… I keep looking for a genuine human… I never see any… It is like it is a stage and people are putting up some masks… playing their roles day in and day out...
Gal: I knew I would never fit in there.
Guy: Good for you… and as I see it you would not make the cut there… I mean… They do not want genuine people… What they want are cunning and diplomatic people… They are admired… they are leaders… They are the people who succeed in that world… Corporates… all they are concerned is about profits… People are so secondary… You know the recession in 2008 end, right?
Gal: Heard about it… that’s all…
Guy: It cannot even touch people like you… In short, world economy was falling down… There was no business or investments happening in a large scale… these companies… who till yesterday were thanking their employees for the hard work… principles like “We are our people”… Now, they are downsizing… and you have different words to hide behind... “We are dynamic and will have to change with the changing times” all at the same time firing people so that profits can be maintained…. The key word being Profits… And what do they say... “You see—with the current market conditions and in order to provide cost effective service, we will have to terminate, blah, blah”… You see what I am saying….
Gal: Yes, yes
Guy: We say that slavery has ended… but actually it is still there… in a polished and perhaps, more dignified manner… (Pauses, looks down)… That’s what I see… (Looks at the gal) and I am one of them…
Gal: In some way or the other… We all are…
Guy: But not you? So you always wanted to be a singer…

Chapter 2: Can we go for a walk, stanger?

(The waiter brings the order… Both take a sip… Guy signals the gal enquiring about the taste…)

Gal (signalling with her hand, palms open facing down and moving it diagonally): One new thing I tried and understood not for me…

(Guy with a very light grin, as if preoccupied with a thought… actually thinking about what she said)

Gal: So you know what… really… I like to talk… with anyone… at times a few words from a stranger can touch you more than a conversation with a friend…
Guy: I don’t know… I don’t have any friends…
Gal: Yeah so you now have a stranger…

(Both share a small look of understanding at each other)

Gal: So as I was saying… Once when I was on my mobile with one of my friend… He was speaking about something which was sad… He losing his job, mom’s sickness… and probably, all this must have reflected in my face… So here I am, all engrossed in my talk, and suddenly a voice “Don’t worry, this too shall pass”… For a moment.. I turned back to see who he was… But he had already walked by and I could not see him… But those words were like magic… I repeated the same to my friend… It kind off worked for him as well… you see... so really… I am so grateful to that stranger…
Guy: hmmm…
Gal: I always remember those words… And that is why… After that… I openly talk to a stranger… you know… You understand what I am telling you, right?
Guy: Actually yes, very true… In this daily struggle and race… We forget that all others are just like us… aiming, working for a happier tomorrow… if we can add some thing to it… if we can help in some way… I don’t know… You yourself will feel a little lighter… a little happier… if that is the case…
Gal: I know… I feel a little lighter… a little happier…

(Both share a small look of understanding at each other again, the waiter comes and gives the bill. Guy pays the bill.)

Guy: Can we go for a walk, stranger?
Gal: Sure…
Guy: Funny, you know what, we don’t even know our names… never asked
Gal (smiles): World of friendly strangers… It’s not important… (Laughs)
Guy: You know what? Let’s do the reverse… We will ask our names when we are leaving… instead of a goodbye… What say?
Gal: Deal…

(Waiter comes back with the change, guy keeps the tip and borh walk off)

[OUTDOOR: Both stepping out of the café… The guy on the right side of the screen]

Guy: Now what? Frankly, I have no idea… This is the first time I am doing some thing like this.
Gal: Can make out that. (Smiles)

(Both take 3 steps with no word. Gal looks straight ahead with the slightest of grin. Guy looks outwards, to his left, pondering, as if thinking what to say)