Storieo

Author: Ashish Garg

  • “I am POSITIVE!” she yelled. “HIV Positive!”

    “I am POSITIVE!” she yelled. “HIV Positive!”

    It was just another Thursday in the city. The sun had started to sink into the unknown place beneath the clouds. Dusk would soon break upon. The gloom, which would accompany the immensely cloudy sundown, will soon display itself. Slow, humid breeze flew across the concrete road which was hardly visible beneath the jostling traffic. The road adjacent the ISBT 43 , Chandigarh was accustomed to the heavy volume of bulky vehicles which suppressed it every day, day in and day out. The profound and enigmatic sky above the road supported barely any life. All the life seemed to be concentrated right upon the shallow ground.

    Reena walked out of the bus stand, cleaning the sweat from her cold brow with the rear of her left hand. She was wearing a slightly dirty light brown salwaar-kameez with a dull-white dupatta. A bracelet adorned her wrist which looked weak, blue and fragile. Dark circles depreciated the beauty of her perfectly hazel eyes. Her otherwise perfectly curled eye-lashes were now messy. She never really bothered much about her looks now. A deep frown engraved itself on her forehead since forever. Although she was carrying nothing but the lightest handbag, her shoulders felt immensely heavy, as if she was carrying the whole world over them. She could not remember the last time she wasn’t really tired.

    “AUTO!” she waved to the slowing rickshaw.

    “Sector: 38-D.” she mumbled as she got inside it. It started even before she’d sit properly. Consequently, she stooped forward with a jerk, her dupatta almost dropping down. It was just like her life so far…giving her unforeseen jerks and shocks before she was ready for it. Although it took more than just a while, she finally had to accept the consequences of the occurrences. She barely had another choice.

    She looked outside the automobile. It was now passing through near the “New-Lake.” She focused through the haze to get a better view. Along with that, her mind also focused itself into the hazy memories which were ought to be forgotten. She remembered visiting here with Raj during their days of courtship. They would sit here all day long until they saw the beautiful sunset. Yes, they used to talk but after a point there was just silence. The silence was never awkward. It was beautiful. It was serene. They would just sit there for hours holding hands and marveling about the fact that how perfect were they for each other.

    It was just 3 years ago when they decided to take their commitment to the next level. Convincing the families was not that difficult as they both belonged to the same cast and the marriage was stealthily termed ‘arranged’ in front of the society.

    Ecstasy had run through her veins when she got the hint that may be she was expecting Raj’s child. She was extremely happy, elated and excited about their baby and their future with Raj.

    “I want to terminate It.” she was finally able to say.

    “What do you want to terminate? Your pregnancy or our happiness?” Raj yelled at her, sternly.

    “You would never understand Raj…I can’t have a baby right now.”

    “I thought I was your first priority, not your career!” he said, cupping her cheeks lovingly from both sides. His voice was breaking. His head demanded more than an explanation. It was more than just a shock for him.

    “Career is not what it is Raj…”

    “Then, what is it? Huh? Self-obsession? Fear? Maybe it’s just brutality!” his eyes were now pitiful. He looked ravaged. They could melt even the hardest rock.

    “Call it whatever suits you, Raj. I am going to abort this child!” She said, emphasizing on every word.

    He couldn’t take it anymore. Sniffles turned into sobs and she heard him curse her before he left the room. The door banged SHUT behind him.

    Her head physically vibrated as the stream of thoughts ended at the shut of the door. Warm, thick and tickling tears dropped slowly down her cheeks. The sound of the motor numbed her ears. The noise pleased her like some illegal drug. She wanted to collapse in that noise.

    The rickshaw had reached Sector 41 now. Twilight had already given into dusk. She could hear the clouds roaring. She remembered Dr.Nath, the psychiatrist who used to see her near this very place.

    “So I see you left your job?”

    “Yes…” she replied faintly.

    “Did you not like it?” asked the doctor in a very subtle tone.

    “I loved it. I was born to be an Architect.” she said, her voice breaking as she thought of her unfulfilled dreams.

    “Why did you resign then?”

    “I’m…I’m…”

    “Scared?” he completed the sentence for her.

    “Scared? Why would I be scared? What’s there to be afraid of?” she said in a reassuring tone, avoiding to make any eye contact with the experienced doctor.

    “Mam, you have to be honest with me if you want this to work!”

    “I don’t need this to work! I don’t need anything to work! My husband thinks I’ve gone daft! I am not crazy!” she yelled frantically.

    “Then why wouldn’t you let him touch you?”

    “I don’t like people touching me! I don’t like being near them! Okay?” she said as tears exploded again.

    “And why is that?”

    “I’m…I’m…”

     “Scared?” the doctor said as a vague attempt to complete the sentence.

    “No.” she grinned. “I’m leaving!” she said.

    This time, lightening broke her thoughts. Few seconds later, she could hear the thunder. It seemed to express the wrath of inside her brain. She rested her head on the seat as if trying to stop her brain from exploding. She kept her hands over her head trying to soothe the stress out. She realized that her stop was near. She had reached sector 40.

    “Of all the other days, today is the day you choose to show me this?” Raj said, flashing the divorce papers in front of her.

    “I couldn’t see reason why not.” She said, trying to sound scornful.

    “It’s my parents’ 40th marriage anniversary and you choose to give a heart-attack as an anniversary gift to them?” Raj said in frenzied-sorrow.

    He always tried to sound as if Reena didn’t matter to him anymore and that all he was worried about was the reaction of his parents. Deep down, agony choked his very throat.

    There was an eloquent pause. He felt as if Reena was melting. He saw his old Reena, the woman he loved in the eyes of this scornful beast. He wished she would say something magical… that the past one year was nothing but a disgusting prank she was playing on him. Her eyes were moist, but she’d become too good an actor now to let her feelings out on display.

    “I still can’t see a reason.” She said, simply.

     Despair was all he got from her. Since the past one year, it was nothing but the dismal despair. Disappointment, which would fill his nerves with vehemence and his heart with melancholy.

    “And what do you plan to do with your life? You don’t have a job! You don’t have a house! Your parents won’t take you back since you’ve become a bitch. Are you…eh…are you…wait a second…How much are you thinking of demanding as compensation, huh?” said Raj, with a sudden realization.

    “I don’t want your money. I just want to get rid of you.”

    “And then…? Live in a slum?”

    “That’s none of your business. For the record, I won’t trouble you for the rest of your life.” she said. Raj thought that he saw a tear flowing down through her eye, but then convinced himself that it was just another delusion. Stones don’t cry.

    “Madam Ji! Madam Ji? Madam Ji!” the auto-rickshaw driver woke Reena from her disgusting memories. She realized she’d reached her destination. She wiped her tears before she was got out of the rickshaw, trying to avoid any eye-contact with the judgmental driver.

    “Hmm?” she gestured him by frisking through her purse.

    “Rupees 40”

    She paid him Rupees 50 and didn’t even wait for the change. She could not face him right now. She walked away and the driver didn’t bother to remind her either. She didn’t even realize when the drizzle started. The rain was going to be torrential. Her ‘house’ was close to the main road. She walked until she saw the familiar billboard.

    “Balniketan Orphanage, Sector 38-D” it said, the ‘B’ almost concealed with dust. Lightning flashed and thunder roared as she reached the entrance. The rain was starting to pace up. The playground was empty. The hustle from inside told her that all the children and caretakers had gone inside sensing the incoming cruelty of the weather.

    “Excuse me, Mam.” Reena saw one of her students from the orphanage standing next to her. As she looked towards him, he continued…

    “Mam, Dubey sir told me to give this to you and asked me to tell you that ‘every teacher is doing it’ ” He said as he handed over a form to her.

    “BLOOD DONATION  CAMP. Volunteer to donate blood for the needful. All volunteers welcome.” the form said. It was followed by some personal details which were needed to be filled by the volunteer but she didn’t bother to read it.

    There was a loud thunder as she started to laugh. She’d missed the lightening this time.

    “I can’t do this.” She said, pitifully.

    “Umm…Why, Mam?” the student asked inquisitively as it suddenly started to rain torrentially. The clouds burst out their well-concealed emotions that were hidden from the world since a long time. It was a monstrous patter. The Gods had gone crazy.

    The student started running hysterically towards his room.

    The wind was furious. It was determined to take and destroy everything that came in its way. After all, the piled up agony was finally being released. Lightning flashed, wind whistled fiercely, thunder blasted and deafened every creature in its vicinity. The nature had broken away all the shackles and was now free and mobile. It wanted to shout; it wanted to yell the truth.

    Reena was the only one left outside. Today, she didn’t want to be safe. She wanted to get drenched in rain. She wanted experience the rage of nature first handedly. She looked up and tried to challenge the sky. The ferocity in her eyes could scare the sun…

    “Don’t you want to know the reason I can’t donate my blood?” she blasted her throat as if telling the whole world.

    “I am POSITIVE!” she yelled. “HIV Positive!” she screamed, remembering the day when the doctor had told her about it along with declaring that she was pregnant and her child could possibly catch the virus.

  • HAKUNA MATATA : Family Drama

    HAKUNA MATATA : Family Drama

    CHARACTERS

    SWATI – PROTAGONIST, 18 YEAR OLD GIRL.

    SUCHI- SWATI’S YOUNGER SISTER. IN 5TH GRADE

    RAJ- SWATI’S DAD. AROUND 35 YEARS OLD.

    SWATI’S GRANDMA-IN HER 60’S

    AUNT SURI- SWATI’S MATERNAL AUNT. SHE IS 30.

    ALIA- SWATI’S CLOSEST FRIEND, 18 YEARS.

    ADITYA- SWATI’S COLLEGE FELLOW. 18 YEARS.

    JIA- AUNT SURI’S FRIEND WHO IS A BACHELORETTE PARTY. SHE IS 26 YEARS OLD.

     

    STORY:- It was not a normal day. The petrifying winter air coming from the door slits touched my feet, telling me its time. It was already 7.00 in the morning and my stomach was aching badly. The chaotic noises of my dad listening to radio, my younger sister watching Timon and Pumbaa, her favorite cartoon and granny praying to god with her bells tinkling incessantly, it was all driving me crazy. But all the torturous sounds fainted when I shouted arrogantly.

    Me: Why didn’t you wake me up, dad? I’ll get late.

    Dad: Don’t worry child, everything’s ready. You buck up fast.

    He answered me nonchalantly. How he can be so relaxed every time, I wondered. Trust me it’s a herculean task to get out of bed in winters. But I collected all my strength and got ready just in time. I got in the hall for breakfast and asked my sister arrogantly to switch off the television.  She didn’t obviously. It’s the sibling rivalry, you see.

    Granny: SWATI, come here honey, pray to god for your wellbeing and light this AGARBATTI as well.

    Me: Well yes, if not a cigarette I can smoke an AGARBATTI for sure.

    I giggled to myself.

    Me: I am sorry granny I am in a hurry right now. Tell god to be on hold.

    Granny gave me a stern expression and went muttering angrily. I will never be able to please her. We are very different. The morning was not pleasant at all, I was grumbling about everything and throwing tantrums on everyone. Weird.

    Dad: That time of the month, right?

    Me: Right dad, it’s awful. Why? Don’t you think it’s unfair? Why we women have to deal with it?

    Dad: Because women are elegant warriors. They manage everything with so much ease and grace.

    All of a sudden SUCHI came pounding towards dad inquisitively.

    Suchi: Dad, what does Hakuna Matata mean? I just heard it in TIMON AND PUMBAA.

    Dad: No worries.

    The apt answer that my dad gave couldn’t really satisfy my sister’s curious eyes.

    Dad: it means, whenever you are in crisis, you have to keep calm and chant Hakuna Matata.

    He picked her up and tickled her. The loud crackles of laughter made me smile somehow.

    Granny: Aren’t you getting late for college now?

    She taunted me. We can never be on the same page. I let out a loud burp as it irks her a lot and went out.

    Granny: Tell them how to behave like ladies, Raj. You are spoiling them.

    She said scornfully to my dad. But neither I nor my dad pay attention to what she says. For me she’s just an old woman blabbering in her 60’s. During the 15 minute journey between my home and college I thought about my family. My dad is a widower with two daughters planted on him like bombs, that’s what my granny thinks. She always pities him. Because let’s face it we are girls and he is doomed.

    I can never be on good terms with the misogyny existing in our society. Suddenly I am intervened by a voice .That’s my friend ALIA.

    Alia: Hey Swati, what’s up? Where are you lost?

    Me: Cramps.

    She grinned softly as she understood. She is my best friend. We both are very similar. Thorough feminists. And to top it all she takes Krav Maga classes. So nobody dares to bother us. We have this very nasty mantra to deal with bad guys “hit where it hurts the most.” And voila guys we know that point. We both giggle and gossip and share almost everything.

    Alia: Swati, what would you do if you turned into a man?

    Me: I’ll walk around topless, probably. HAKUNA MATATA

    We both laughed hysterically and entered our class. Soon a cacophonic throaty voice interrupted us. It was Aditya. I always hated that guy. He is a jerk and a pervert. He came to me asked me kinkily,

    Aditya: What’s the thing that all women have, it starts with V and they can use it to get anything?

    Me: It’s the voice, you pervo. Our voice that you are intimidated of. Now shut your filthy mouth before you get to know what my cramps are capable of. Stop objectifying women. Do you understand?

    I roared out loud like a lioness on prey. The crowd inside was mumbling and giving me incoherent stares.

    Alia: Come on girl, don’t spoil your mood. Everyone knows he’s sick. Keep calm.

    She cheered me. After the college was over I went home and to my great surprise, my lovely Aunt Suri was there. She visits us regularly to perk up our moods and to ensure that we are not depressed due to some jerks in our society. A sturdy and chubby woman, boycotted by granny due to her drinking and smoking habits, considered to be a headstrong lady by the society as she is a self-reliant spinster enjoying her 30’s,if you know what I mean. That’s my Aunt, Aunt Suri. There she was munching and chomping popcorns, wildly. I mocked her

    Me: Watch out, aunt, your arms register as my legs. The fat clinging to your arms is not gonna help you find a good husband.

    Because let’s face it a girls gotta look good for a handsome husband earning handsome money.

    Aunt: I don’t think I need one. I’ll get myself a compassionate and caring wife.

    We both laughed and ate popcorns.

    Me: What brought you here aunt?

    Aunt: My friend’s getting married. It’s her bachelorette party. I want you to accompany me. It’ll be fun.

    I could see my grandmother fuming with anger giving growling stares enough to tell me that she doesn’t approve of me going with my aunt whom she never liked. But little did I care.

    Suchi: I’ll go with you as well. Please.

    Me: That’s not a place for kids, honey. We can’t take you.

    But you see Suchi has this power of getting her things done by crying which drives me crazy. We dressed up I wore my lilac dress with a cardigan. In no time we reached our destination, the world of goddesses. These ladies smelled heavenly, it was chilling in the evening but the ladies wore halter necks, fancy dresses, because let’s face it a girl doesn’t feel cold, she’s hot. They spoke in really soft voices like the angel is sleeping on their tongues which kind of annoyed me and they walked swiftly like air. I didn’t expect the party to be like so soft and elegant. It had to be a bit naughty after all it’s the bachelorette party. But it was a total downfall, utterly boring, romantic jazz playing on and a child crying endlessly, ladies talking in a hush-hush manner, my sister pointing fingers at ladies with fancy dresses, literally total torture. But then there was a silver lining FREE BOOZE, yes there was a mini bar counter having all sorts of mock tails and drinks.

    Aunt: Control Swati. Excess will be bad.

    Me: I am not a drunkard but who cares if it’s free.

    We both chuckled and then Aunt Suri went to greet her friend and I made myself comfortable with the drinks. I already had two Cosmopolitans and was up for Royal Tennessee when I saw a lady carrying a little monster who was of course crying. Babies are monsters for sure. I felt sorry for her.

    Aunt: What on the earth are you doing?

    Seeing that woman I said

    Me: Being a woman is tough. I mean the lady could have gone for PLAN B when she got THE NEWS. Why carry a monster like that and be tormented for the whole life?

    Aunt: Being a woman is pride. We are fighters, we don’t worry about the problems,we just solve them with beauty and never think of PLAN B’s. Remember Swati we are warriors.

    Suddenly the baby stopped crying and I realized something very important. My mind was working really slowly, it was all calm then. Jia who was the host of party, the eligible bachelorette went to the stage and announced that we are going to play a game.

    Me: What a suicide pact? I’ll go first. Your party is damn boring.

    I joked. To which she replied softly

    Jia: Don’t worry, it won’t be now. The game is: Each one of us is going to admit something on stage. It has to be something naughty and funny for sure.

    Now the crowd was gaining heat. Everyone was excited.

    Jia: I’ll go first. Once I farted in front of my in laws to be. It was embarrassing.

    The crowd went hysterical. Everyone was laughing hard. Then my sister went on and said piously

    Suchi: Once I peed in a pool.

    ME: OH sweety, it’s a big pool of water your contribution won’t be acknowledged.

    I shouted. We all were in tears, we laughed really badly. The crowd was howling and screaming. Everything was merry. Then I went with another shot down, a cocktail in my hand and my tottered walk attracted everyone’s attention. I stood on the stage to make my confession. The crowd was cheering me.

    Me: Hello, beautiful ladies. First of all Jia, thanks for being so brave. I mean farting in public is a big deal.

    I took a deep sigh and carried on

    Me: I really want to admit that we ladies are warriors. We paint our faces like warriors with tons of makeup, lips painted blood red, the war dress that drapes around, and our looks enough to leave anyone dismantled and to top it all we walk around with these 5 inch heels on. Only a warrior could manage all that. Despite all this we don’t worry, we don’t complain but just shimmy our way through adversities. Cheers, to all the strong women who don’t worry. Cheers, to all the elegant warriors.

    Next I remember being pulled off the stage, my mind was blank but my body was still in a Rock On mood. This happens when you are really drunk. I woke up the next day and there were hammers thumping in my head. Hangover, probably. My dad sitting next to me. I could hear granny mumbling her prayers right through walls. The faint sound of the theme song of Timon and Pumbaa was playing. ***Hakuna Matata, what a wonderful phrase…It means no worries for the rest of your days …..Hakuna Matata….. **. It was a normal day.

    Me: I am sorry dad. We commit terrible mistakes when we are really drunk. I am sorry. I got really drunk.

    Dad: No sometimes we do commit sweet mistakes. We got you when I and your mother were really drunk. But she said don’t worry, HAKUNA MATATA.

    We both smiled.

     

     

     

    CHARACTER SKETCHES

    SWATI-She is an 18 year old girl pursuing her graduation. Coming to her persona she is a liberal minded girl who tries to find reason for everything. As a sibling she is really arrogant towards her younger sister but then she calls it sibling rivalry. She believes herself to be feminist. Complains a lot about the life and the hardships faced by a woman. She is on the face and quite blatant which adds to her humor sense. Very strong and courageous, fierce and rebellious. She does not appreciate her grandmother much and is sometimes rude to her. She has a very cynical view of the image of women in society. She considers that being a women is tough but in the end she embraces her womanhood.

    RAJ (SWATI’S DAD) – He is a doting father and an obedient son. His wife died soon after the birth of their second daughter. He is the most understanding father a girl could ever get. He is very open to his daughters, pampers them and teaches them to be grateful and content. He does not really act as per his mother but listens to her patiently. He loves his daughters unconditionally and gives them full freedom to choose what they want to be. Being a widower, he manages his family, his two daughters and their upbringing single handedly. He surely is his daughters’ SUPERMAN.

    AUNT SURI– She is Swati’s maternal aunt, that’s why she has that motherly affection towards Suchi and Swati. It was mentioned that she is a bit healthy but loves to eat, which shows that she doesn’t really care about her figure. She eats what she wants and enjoys life in a carefree manner. She is self-reliant and independent woman living on her own. Being in her 30’s she is still not married. The society calls her headstrong which does not really deter her from leading the life that she wants. She drinks, she smokes and does what she wants while turning a deaf ear to those who say ill of her. She is not really on good terms with Swati’s granny but that doesn’t mar her from visiting their house. She is the inspiration of Swati who is deeply impressed by her way of living.

    GRANDMA-She is an old lady in her 60’s who is seemingly very religious. She considers Swati’s thinking to be fatal as it is not the part of our culture. She believes that women are the homemakers and they need to behave in a graceful manner. As a caring she feels that her son’s life is ruined as he is a widower with two girls. But being a mother she prays for the wellbeing of her family and their happiness. She really thinks that his son should control his daughters before it’s late. Having that traditional and conventional thinking she considers smoking and drinking as taboo. This orthodox behavior of hers is not really appreciated by Swati that’s why they are never on the same page.

     

     

     

     

     

  • KASHI BAN GAYA SETH!

    KASHI BAN GAYA SETH!

    Once upon a time, there was a super rich Marwari named “Lala Rai”. He owned a huge restaurant in the city of Champalan. He started up as a poor man but soon turned to be the owner of a restaurant. As he started earning a lot, he took to wrong doings. He started using material of inferior quality, took no care of his restaurant kitchen’s cleanliness. All he cared about was money and means to gain more and more money.

    One fine summer day, a poor man named “Kashi Lal” opened up a thela infront of his restaurant named “KashiLal k Kulche”. Lala Rai paid no heed to Kashi Lal initially, but as days passed, the thela started affecting his restaurant business.  This bothered him as money was most important for him and he thought Kashi was taking away his money from him. He started frightening Kashi. But Kashi stood brave. Now that Lala thought that water had passed his head, he called up his men to throw him away along with his thela.

    Phone rings…..

    Tajju Bhai: han seth, tumhara kaam ho jaega bas hume humari payment time pe mil jaaye..

    Lala Rai: paison ki fikar mat karo. Uthwa do uska thela aur aisi jagah phenk do jahan uss ka bap tak na dhund paaye

    Lala starts laughing Huhahahaha.

     

    SCENE 2:

    Thele vala and his child fallen on the ground and surrounded by Tajju Bhai and his men.

    WARNING: Agli baar waha dikhaa toh ma behn ek kar dunga

    Par unke jaane k bad bhi thele vala vaha se uthte aur bolte: “Mein thela laga kar rahunga!

    Next day Kashi again sets up his thela infront of the restaurant. In full rage, Lala comes to him and starts insulting him badly. He picks up a hockey stick and tries breaking up the stall. A lawyer, Amit was having his meals nearby. He gets up and comes to his protection:

    Lawyer: Aree yeh aap kya kar rahe hain, har kisi ko apna dhanda chalane ka haq hai, agr aapne inhe dhamkaya toh aapko dhara 420 k tehat andar kara denge.

    Lala keeps mum and is frightened and leaves the place.

    In the meanwhile, Kashi hath jodh k lawyer k aage khada ho jata hai aur kehta hai “Aap humare liye bhagwan ho” . Amit is a young lawyer and is in search of some cases which actually kick starts his carrier. He feels this one would actually help him. So in favor of Kashi, he files a case in the court against Lala.

     

    Lala calls upon his own renowned lawyer, Mr Jagat.

    Mr Jagat has fought many cases and all to his victory.

     

    COURT SCENE

    (On one side there is Lala Rai and Jagat and on the other side Kashi and Amit. Kashi is quite tensed as he didn’t want to file any case against Lala knowing his powers.

    Jagat: Mere client Lala Rai, jinka restaurant kai saalon se humare Champaran k top restaurants mein se ek hai, pura tax dete hain, time pe dete hain. Aur yeh kal ka thele vala jiska koi astitv nahi hai who saamne aakar apni dukaan khol kar baith gyaa hai aur..

    Amit: I object your honour. Har insaan ko apne jeevan kunji chalaane kaa haqq hai

    Jagat: toh kya iska yeh matlb k law k against ja kar kahi pe mooh uthaa k apna dhandaa khol liya jaaye? Yeh sahi hai, koi bhi kahi bhi apni marzi se kuch bhi khol le bina kisi permission k kyoki paise kamana uska haq hai. Waah

    Judge: Order Order. Aisa lag raha hai jaise chal rahi ho film Border!

    Amit: Mein Lala Rai ko witness box mein bulana chahunga.

    Lala Rai enters the witness box.

    Amit: Han toh Lala g, aap toh kai saalon se iss restaurant ko chala rahe ho.

    Lala: Hanji bilkul. Itnaa swaaadisht khaana hai k ungliyaan chaat te reh jaoge.

    Amit: fir toh aapko iss chote se thele vale se kya hi problem ho sakti hai, yeh thele vaala kaha aapki tarah khaana bana sakta hai. Aur iss thele vale k paas toh itne paise bhi nahi k wo apne aadmi bhej k aapko pitwa sake!

    Lala: G! Yeh aap kya bolre hain. Meine koi aadmi ni bheje ise pitwane ko.

    Jagat: Judge Sahab! Yeh mere client pe jhoothe ilzaam laga rahe hain.

    Judge: Objection overruled! Sab rahe cool cool.

    Amit: sir mein inke mitra Tajju bhai ko bulana chahunga.

    Judge: Ijazat hai!

    Amit: hanji aapko kitne paise mile the inka thelaa uthaane k liye?

    Tajju Bhai: Are bhai kaunsa thela aur aap kya bolre hain.aapne paise diye the k yaha aakar acting karni hai par dialogues toh aapne bataye hi nahi. Kamaaal karte hain!

    Amit: tum jhooth bol rahe ho. Sach kya hai tumhe bhi pata hai

    Jagat: Lagta hai mere sathi vakeel jitne k liye kuch bhi karne KO raazi hain. Jhoothe gawaah tak le aaye

    Amit: Aisa kuch bhi nahi hai.

    Jagat:  Sir Mein witness box mein thele vale KO bulaana chahta hun

    Judge allows.

    Jagat: Hanji Mr. Aap toh Bharat k president hain Jo kahin bhi apni marzi se apna business khol liya.

    Kashi: Sahab mujhpar Taras khaayein. Mein inn court kachehriyon k chakkar mein nhi padhna chahta. Mein 1 gareeb aadmi hun!

    Jagat: toh tumhe lakh mana karne par bhi tumne WO thela kyo nahi hataya k aakhir case court hi pahunch gya! Jab tumhe Lala Rai ne khud aakar bhi mana kiya!

    Kashi(crying): Hatt jata sahib mein waha se par mere 1 laalach ne mujhe rok liya, k agar 2 paise zyada aagye toh mera bacha bade school mein jaaega. Khoob padhega, khoob likhega, apne baap jaise har din thele par khad k 2 waqt ki roti k liye nahi ladega. Nahi laga tha mujhe darr unn gaaliyon se, uss maar se, USS zillat se, unn gundonnn se, sirf apne bache kaa aane waala swarg dikh raha thaa. Par abb pata chlta hai. Bahut galat kiya meine apne laalach k liye. Bahut galat!(Breaks up)

     

    Court room in silence.

    Amit: Sab seth ki tarah kismet vale nahi hote (points towards Lala Rai). Aap agar apni pichli zindagi yaad karein toh aap bhi 1 thele par hi kaaam karte the jo usi restaurant k bahar tha jahan aaj aap hain. Agr uss waqt koi Lala Rai aakar aapko rok deta toh aaj shayad aap bhi sadkon par hote.

    Lala Rai in shame, and Mr Jagat sighs.

    SILENCE

    Amit: Sahi hai k kashi ne law todhaa. 1 restaurant k saamne apna 1 thela kholaa. 1 bahut amir aadmi se uske paise cheene aur apne ghar k liye 2 waqt ki roti kamayi unhi paison se. apne bache k liye sapne dekhe unhi paison se! That’s all I would say your honour.

    Judge: Case hogya hai bada senti, abb mein dunga badhiya commentary.

    Judge finally acquits Kashi. And Lala Rai has to pay fine for beating Kashi.

    —————————————————————–END—————————————————————–

     

     

    CHARACTER SKETCH

    LALA RAI: Lala Rai is a Marwari. He is a shrewd businessman of 50 years of age.  He grew up in a village as a poor boy and came to the city of Champaran to turn his future. He started up as a thele vaala near a restaurant and with his luck, strong will power and intelligence, became the owner of the restaurant and grew his business. His stars shined. He took to wrong doings when he had a lot of money. Started using inferior quality material in his restaurant, sometimes expired material, poor cleanliness. His only aim was to earn more and more money. He forgot all about his past how he grew. Always thought people to be inferior to him.

    KASHI: Kashi is a thele vaala (stall owner) of 30-35 years of age. He is uneducated and has a poor living. It is quite difficult for him to earn money. He wants his children to be educated. He has a strong will power and is even ready to get beaten for his children. Even when Lala sends some people to frighten him, he doesn’t step back. He wants to earn his living by fair means. He has always seen poverty but never wants his children to see the same. He wants his family to be happy.

    Mr JAGAT: he is a renowned lawyer of 45 years of age. Ever since he started being a lawyer, he has seen victories, sometimes by fair means and at others by unfair means. He is now over confident. He is rich and charges heavily for his cases. He doesn’t see the difference between right and wrong. Although he knows at heart that the case of Kashi is that of humanity, he still goes against him just for money. In the end, he is left with no answer when Kashi finally breaks up.

    Mr Amit: he is a young lawyer of 28-30 years of age. He is in quest of a chance to kick start his carrier. When he finds Kashi, he feels it is the right point to kick start the carrier. But at this point he doesn’t connect with Kashi’s emotions and doesn’t understand that it would be difficult for Kashi to face the court. But later he turns serious and understands the depth of the case, that it is not just a case but a question of humanity. He fights for Kashi and finally lends him justice.

  • USTAD NAGAR KE POPPATS

    USTAD NAGAR KE POPPATS

    There was a village “USTAD NAGAR”. The name was truly sarcastic for the people living in the village.  Village members were illiterate and don’t even had basic knowledge of science. Their life was as normal as they used to earn some money by working in nearby factory. They were living an ordinary life.

    Different from the other people in the village there was a man “SURSURI SINGH”. He was ambitious and used to think that he is the most intelligent person than anyone else in the world. His thoughts were raised to the seventh heaven not only by his attitude but also by other village members who were illiterate. Unlike others he didn’t like to work in factory. So he had his own laboratory.

    Sursuri Singh had three son alpha, beta and gamma because of his different lifestyle so he named them in symbols of science and used to teach his sons himself in his laboratory.

    The teaching was mostly grasped by his son gamma. He (γ) was intelligent and fast learner. This man’s (Sursuri) wife was “DOLLY SINGH”. She was the only one from whom Sursuri Singh was afraid of. Dolly Singh loved his son alpha who was chubby and fun loving.

     Beta was the neglected child. He was loved neither by mother nor by father. Beta was the slowest learner among the three.

    Alpha, beta and gamma loved a girl DELTA who was a beautiful girl with mesmerizing eyes, silky hair and pretty face. But the only problem was not that they all loved a single girl but the main problem was that she was the only daughter of ROCKET SINGH. Rocket Singh was the competitor of Sursuri Singh in the scientific field. He also had a laboratory and but had a problem (in his yard) of having stars in the swimming pool.

    Three sons once told their father that they loved a girl DELTA who was the daughter of his rival and they all wanted to marry her and want their father to choose the most suitable groom for her from the three of them. Firstly, he got angry but after seeing his favorite son’s curiousness he went to meet Rocket Singh in the morning and put forward the marriage proposal of his sons. Rocket Singh didn’t even want to see the face of Sursuri but he somehow controlled himself and called his daughter and asked her about the marriage. She was also ready but she wanted that her father should choose the most suitable boy.

    Rocket thought that it was the right time to have solution of his problem.

    Rocket Singh declared in front of other village members that his daughter will marry the guy who’ll solve his major problem. Alpha, beta and gamma accepted the challenge but were nervous too. They were told to come at night to Rocket Singh’s house because the problem used to occur at night only. The problem was that there were stars in swimming pool as per Rocket Singh and he wanted to get rid of them. The three of them started finding the solution. Gamma was using scientific techniques but all were in vain because they were not applied in the right way as the knowledge given by his father was not that much correct. Alpha was applying desi format techniques which were also useless. Both of them went back to their house and leaving beta alone.

    Beta was thinking about stars and sky. Then the thought came in his mind and he removed all the water from the pool and instantly called Rocket Singh. Rocket Singh was happy to see that there are no more stars in the pool and confirmed beta β as his son in law.

    Early morning Rocket declared in front of all the village member beta as his son in law. Sursuri and Dolly were also shocked. Then beta was asked that how he had done this then he said that the only problem was the reflection of the stars. Sursuri also got impressed and was proud of his son.

    The sarcasm was that being most intelligent persons of the village. Sursuri and Rocket Singh didn’t even have the knowledge of fundamentals of reflection.

    So, children be like beta because beta was a smart kid like you and he used his knowledge and presence of mind and found his love of life.

     

     

    Characters Sketch

     

    1.Alpha α– Age-24

                    Roly Poly kind of person.

                    Perfect Butterball.

                    Cutest and Mumma’s Boy.

                    Fun loving and Cheerful nature.

                    Chubby Cheeks.

    2.Beta β– Age-24

                  Skinny type of person and neglected by both mother and father          

                  Never happy and find something wrong in each and every topic.

                  Always had sad face and next to impossible to make him smile.

    3.Gamma γ -Age-25

                       Loves doing stunts.

                       Highly intelligent so loved by father.

    4.Sursuri Singh- Age-50.

     He used to think he was the most intelligent person in the world but actually he was not.  

    Supercilious and father of alpha, beta and gamma.

    His favorite son was gamma because he was fast in grasping the scientific stuffs.

    5.Dolly Singh- Age-45

           Typical Mother of three sons.

           She loved to cook food especially for her son alpha.

           She was a housewife so she don’t had any interest in scientific stuffs.

           For her husband’s work is useless.

    6.Delta δ- Age-22

                       Pretty girl with beautiful eyes and hairs.

                        Crush of alpha, beta and gamma.

                        Hottest girl in the village.

                        Daughter of Rocket Singh.

    7.Rocket Singh-Age-50

      Opponent of Sursuri Singh

      Ambitious person

     He wanted to do better professional works than Sursuri Singh.

     He had a problem which was mere reflection of stars on the swimming pool which he considered to be a big problem.

  • Convicted

    Convicted

    “Will you ever tell us the truth” The grey eyed blond in the suit asked her

    “I am an open book, baby” Ellie replied with a wink

    Ellie was rewarded with a straight punch to her face. She laughed and looked around with a bloody nose. It was the same grey dingy room she had been called in almost every day since 2 months. At first she was a little scared as to what might happen. But after the endless punches and kicks she had received, she was anything but scared. Maybe a bit bored though.

    “I am sick of this bitch. Why the hell does the court want more proof? She was found there with the murder weapon near the body. We can’t get more proof and this bitch will never confess to her crimes”

    “Her finger prints were not found on the murder weapon, so the court needs more proof” The dark haired officer said as a matter of fact

    “Or maybe the judge thinks I am cute”

    “Send her to her locker. We have to maybe step up our torture methods. Apparently beatings, cold water and canes don’t do it for her” The blond looked right into her eyes. Ellie gave him a smug smile as the black haired slick held her by her elbows roughly and led her out

    “Maybe you just don’t do it for me” Ellie whispered as she went by him. She hoped that annoyed him more. She had a smug smile on her face as they were going through the passage, until the slick made her take a right turn.

    “I hope that you are leading me out of this prison but knowing that you are not a good man, where are we going exactly?”

    “They changed your cell block. They thought some company might do you good”

    “What do you mean by some company? Don’t tell me am sharing a cell block. Remember, I am a really dangerous prisoner”.  Ellie exclaimed with sarcasm. The slick gave her his usual cold expression and she knew her plan to leave was going to have a few more obstacles than before.

    *****

    Lily was watching her food plate and thinking about the delicacies she could have had at home had her stupid family not blamed her for her brother’s murder and sent her to prison.

    “Wow that was an extreme thought for a food plate. And am talking to my own self, I have now officially reached a new level of madness”. She let out a loud sigh. She was just about to take a bite of the vomit inducing food when she heard the cell door open. The dark haired hottie who was nice to her was holding an angry brunette who looked like she was going to go on a killing spree. Lily hoped that she wouldn’t be her cell mate.

    “Meet your new cell mate”

    “You have got to be kidding me” The brunette rolled her eyes as the hottie removed her hand cuffs. He gave that brunette a cold look but smiled at lily as he closed the prison doors and left. The Brunette was giving the door a death stare. The silence was getting awkward so Lily decided to introduce herself despite the fact that she might be killed due to the wrath of the other lady in the cell.

    “Hey, am Lily”

    “Hey, I am mind your own damn business and stay the hell away from me”

    “That is a really big name. Why don’t I just call you Joy because what a joy you are to be around, I can actually feel the happiness brimming inside me just being around you?”

    Ellie made her bed and tried to sleep ignoring lily. She needed her strength if her plan was to work out and making acquaintances wasn’t going to do her any good. She knew how easy it was to get betrayed.

    *****

    Ellie was awake for the past hour or so and that blonde lily was staring at her like she was a dog who might pounce on her anytime. Her stare was making her uncomfortable now.

    “Why are you here?”

    “The creepy girl finally talks after staring at me for hours”

    “I am going to ignore what you said. Why are you here joy?” Lily stared at Ellie and she stared at her back .The cell door opened and the blond guy in the suit entered with an armed guy and pointed at Ellie with a smile.

    “Time for a new kind of torture “

    Ellie smiled back. She got up and gave Lily a smile too .And just when she was about to be handcuffed she kicked the blond where it’s supposed to hurt a lot and snatched the gun from the armed man and hit him with the gun as he became unconscious. She then pointed the gun at the blond officer.

    “Don’t try to act smart “Ellie said as she snatched his talkie from his pocket.

    “Holy Crap” lily said leaning on the wall looking in horror at Ellie.

    “Well, you wanted to know why I am here sweetheart. This.Is.Why.Am.Here”

    “You can still back out”

    “Stop your blabber officer” Ellie said as she punched him twice and then finally hit him with the gun to render him unconscious.

    “God I wanted to do that for so long” Ellie smirks at lily who looked like she had a near death experience. “Don’t you want to get ready to get out of this hell? We’ve got just 6 minutes till they realise that the blond isn’t back with me yet.”

    “But, I thought you didn’t like me”

    “I still don’t. Are you coming before I change my mind” Ellie said as she removed the uniform of the armed guy and started wearing it. Listen to me carefully, we are going to pretend that I am the officer and I am taking you for interrogation. As I will be right behind you. I am going to cuff you so nobody suspects us, okay ?” lily looked doubtful for a moment but what was the worst that could happen so she did as Ellie said.

    Lily thought that Ellie looked like an officer wearing the cap as she took the keys from the officer’s pocket and slipped out of the door behind Lily who walked with a little hesitation. Ellie locked the prison door behind them. She made her take quite a few turns before she finally said

    “One more right and then comes the kitchen”

    “Am surprised the guards don’t suspect us”

    “They just see a prisoner and an officer. We are almost there.”

    “I am scared”

    “Stop talking”

    “What are you going to do” Lily shook her head in the direction of the guard

    “Feed him cake and expect him to let us go. Now shut up” Ellie adjusted her cap and was about to open the door of the room when the guard interrupted her

    “HEY, where are you taking the prisoner?”

    “She has not been doing her services so I brought her here to clean the utensils, cook food and other stuff”

    “That’s new!”

    “Well you’ve got to imply new methods to teach them something, right” Ellie said as she gave Lily a jab on the head.

    “Haven’t seen a beauty like you around here”

    “I just got recruited. You’ll see me around now” Ellie smiled flirtingly as the guard opened the door with a grin.”Thank you” Just when Lily and Ellie get inside the room alarms start ringing.

    “Shit! We’re going to die” Lily exclaims as the door behind them opens and the guard points at them

    “I knew I hadn’t seen you before.”

    “And you’ll never see me again. RUN” Ellie shouted as she pushed the cylinder in the direction of the guard. Lily ran behind Ellie till they got into another room.

    “Where are we?”Lily inquired

    “In the food supply room” Ellie replied absent minded, looking out of the window “It was supposed to be here at this time”

    “What was supposed to be here?”

    “There it is. You see that truck, we have to get inside it now. There will probably be lesser guards this side. They will mostly be on the other side where there isn’t a gate and should have been our route of escape. But, you still have to be careful. Come on, through the window or it’s going to leave in 3 minutes” They both got out through the window and ran and ducked behind the side of the truck. Ellie took out the guard near the truck by hitting him with the gun as they both got inside the driver side of the truck.

    “This gun is quite helpful even though it’s not serving it’s real purpose” Ellie said with a victorious smile

    “I’ve got to hide if I don’t want to be seen in my prisoner uniform”

    “Crap. There’s no place to hide and they are going to check the truck thoroughly for both of us. And if you are found out, we both are done.”

    *****

    “Thank you officer for your cooperation” The guard at the gate said

    “So, did you find those two?” The brunette sitting at the driver’s seat inquired

    “No, but we’ll find them soon”

    “Good luck” Ellie drove the truck till they turned left and were out of sight.

    “Get up now” a shrill voice from the driver’s seat came.

    “Shut Up cry baby” Ellie exclaimed as she got up from the driver’s seat and removed the blanket under which a shrivelled up girl lay

    “You are heavy. At one time I was almost going to give up. I found the idea of the prison more appealing than being choked to death”

    “Ha ha. Now get aside. We’ve got to dump this truck somewhere and then leave”

    “Did your friend or someone send this truck?”

    “Nope, didn’t you see the guard driving this? It is the truck which brings the supplies here. It came every week and left at 6:30. And as I was about to be brought to the supposed torture at 6:20, it worked out well”

    “Where are you going to go now?”

    “The place I shouldn’t have been the night I was caught.”

    *****

    “Are you sure you want to accompany me” Ellie asked Lily as they got down from the bus

    “Yes. I don’t wanna be left alone and get caught. So who did you umm.. kill?

    “I apparently killed a billionaire when I was camping near a warehouse and heard his cries inside and went to help. What about you?

    “They think I killed my brother.”

    “So, we both got convicted for things we didn’t do”

    “I guess yes. Why do you want to go back?”

    “I want answers.”

    “So this is it” Lily said pointing at a lonely building.

    “Yes!”

    Ellie opened the door with a squeak. It was a huge room with rusted iron scraps and small windows. The smell reminded Ellie of the Interrogation room.

    “So, Lily, did you know the dark haired slick who used to interrogate me?”

    “No, Ellie, I did not know him”

    “Crap”

    “What Happened?”

    “All along you played the scared girl move pretty well, but now you just played the wrong move Stephanie Herondale. I never told you my name” Ellie said with a smile

    “What are you saying? You told me your name later, remember. And who is this Stephanie Herondale” Lily said panicking. Ellie laughed

    “Stephanie Herondale is the daughter of Will Herondale, the guy I didn’t kill but she did because I saw her walking out that night. And you thought I wouldn’t notice the smiles with the black haired slick or maybe the fact that you requested him to move my cell. Though what puzzles me is why you would do that”

    “You are smarter than I thought you would be. I did that so that I could get you in a position in which it would like you tried to kill me so it could be seen as you having an animosity against my family and it wasn’t me who killed my brother, it was you”

    “So why did you kill your brother before your father? For the property worth billions”

    “Like I said before it wasn’t me who killed my brother, it was my father”

    “Oh god”

    “My brother was bastard so my father didn’t want everything to go to him. He told me he wanted to give it to me, so I helped him kill my brother. So when we met here after 3 days to hide the weapon, I got a call from my friend that the police was there to arrest me. My father framed me for my brother’s murder and the weapon he had in his hands was the one he had brought to kill me. He wanted all the money to go to his mistress.huh. He tried to kill me with the knife so that it would look like suicide. I had to kill my own father. You have no idea what that’s like”

    “You are right, I don’t. But why frame me.”

    “You were just unlucky and now you are going to go to jail again for breaking out of prison tagging me along and bringing to the same place you apparently killed my dad.” Stephanie says in mock horror “I called the police when you went to the store to get food and clothes”

    Ellie gives a smug smile “I was actually counting on you for that. You see I didn’t go to the store just to get food and clothes, I also got a recorder. And I think I recorded your confession.”

    “Give me that”

    “I guess no” Ellie said as the doors opened and cops got in armed

    “Drop your weapons and follow us”

    “Now we are going to get convicted for things we did” Ellie winked at a scowling Stephanie as the policemen led them out of the place where it all started

    **********