TRADITION by Amjad Prawej

The father is sitting on a chair reading his morning Newspaper. Enters Prakash.

Prakash: Good Morning, Baba!

Father: Prakash! My son. So you are a graduate now. Congratulations. What do you want to do next?

Prakash: I want to become a teacher.

Father : A teacher? Well.. not bad. Teaching is good.

Prakash: Baba I..

Father : Can you go see why is it taking your mom so long to get my tea?

Prakash: Yes Baba. Mom!!(Exits)

Father continues reading the Newspaper. Enter Prakash with his mother. They bring tea in steel glasses.

Mother: Here, your tea. Anything interesting in the newspaper?

Father: Nothing. The Dalits have gone crazy. They want equal rights in the society. Equal rights my foot. They are untouchables and they will always remain untouchables. Can you imagine, they want to be permitted inside the temple. How can they even think about it? These are all western effect. Watching lots of those good for nothing programs on TV. You know, TV should be banned from their lives. Some of them even claim to be equal to us!! By birth we are superior to them. They were born to serve us, not to equate us.

Prakash: But what is wrong in saying all human beings are equal?

Father: There is nothing wrong in saying. But it is good only for ears. It's not practical. Human beings can never become equal.

Prakash: Why not?

Father: Stop it. Do you want to argue with me now? Is that what you learn in your college? To argue with your parents?

Prakash: I am not trying to argue. I just want to be clear. In schools and colleges we are taught that everyone is equal. We pass with good grades if we write that in our answer papers. But you are saying exactly the opposite. I want to know what is correct. Why can't we judge people by their behavior and not by their caste?

Father: Because... we can't. These are the rules laid down by our tradition. We shouldn't even drink the water touched by them.

Prakash: But why Baba? Why should we not drink the water touched by them?

Father : Because that's how it has been. We can't change the laws of religion.

Prakash: But everything changes with time. We should also change the tradition that tells us to hate people and look down on others. This is inhuman.

Father: Priya. See how your son is arguing with me. Our son is educated now. Son let me give you a piece of advice. It is good to write about equality in your answer paper. It is also good to pass the exams with good grades. But we have to live in the society and therefore, we have to follow the rules of the society.

Prakash: Who made these rules Baba?

Father: The society.

Prakash: That means these rules were made by us, by our ancestors. If these are man- made rules then certainly we can change them. Times were different then. Our ancestors made terrible mistakes in formulation of these rules. Times are different now. And I think it's time that we correct those mistakes.

Father: And who is going to change those rules?

Prakash: I am.

Father: (Surprised) What? Priya, what is he saying? I don't understand him.

Prakash: Baba, I have decided to get married. And before you ask, let me tell you she belongs to a lower caste, Dalit, untouchable or whatever you call them.

There is silence.

Father: Listen son. You are still young. It's alright. I can understand your feelings. This love and romance during college make people crazy. It's natural. I will forgive you. Forget about everything. You didn't know what you were saying. You are just confused.

Prakash: No baba. I am sorry to say but there is no confusion. I know exactly what I want to do.

Father: Then you have to leave this house.

Mother: What are you saying? He is our only son. Prakash, listen son! The world outside is very cruel. How will you... you are...

Prakash: Don't worry mother. I can take care of myself.

Mother: But son..

Father: Priya!!

Mother: How can you be so cruel? How can you ask your only son to leave? Don't you have a heart?

Father: (Throws the glass down) Shut up. Do you want to say it's my fault? I have been listening to him all this while and trying to put some sense into his head. But he wants to change the society. You think it will make any difference?

Prakash: It will Baba, it will, to me and to Rita.

Father: I should have killed you when you were born. You are talking to me this way for that dirty piece of..

Prakash: Baba. Please don't say anything about Rita.

Father: Shut up. (Slaps Prakash.) Get out of this house before I kill you. Go to that piece of shit. That's what you deserve. Never show me your face again. You are dead for us. You are no longer my son.

Prakash: Fine. Mother, please don't cry. I am leaving. But before leaving I have to say one thing to this man. You can stop untouchables from entering temples but how will you stop them from entering hearts? Rita has entered my heart. And I am fortunate. Good bye!

Father: Get out!

Mother: No.. please don't go.. please stop him....don't leave your mother..please...

Everyone freezes for a couple of seconds. Father and mother slowly exit. Prakash takes off his cap, puts on spectacles and moves slowly downstage and sits down. He is in deep thought. Enters Rita with two plastic glasses.

Rita: Thank God there was a small shop selling tea. Here, your tea. (They drink tea) What were you thinking about?

Prakash: I was thinking about the day after our graduation. The day I left the house. I can't believe it's been 10 years. Time really flies.

Rita: Yes. I'll finally get to meet your parents. You know I am so excited.

Prakash: So am I.

Rita: It was so nice of your mom to write to us and invite us home. I don't understand why you didn't inform them that we were coming.

Prakash: Come, let's go.

Exit Rita and Prakash. Enter mother and father. They are old. They look very tired and worn out. The father is coughing continuously. The mother helps him to a chair.

Father : Did he write back? (Coughs)

Mother: No. But I know they will come. My heart says they will.

Father : I am so sorry Priya. (coughs) It is all my fault.

Enters Prakash and Rita

Prakash: Mama!

Mother: Who is it?....Oh Prakash! Prakash my son. (Starts crying) Where were you my son? Where were you?

Prakash: Please don't cry mother. I have come home. And see who is with me..

Mother: Rita.. right?

Rita: Yes mama!

Mother: I am so sorry.. such a nice and beautiful girl... I am so sorry.. for what happened..

Father : Who is it Priya?

Mother: It's Prakash and Rita.

Father: Prakash has come...!!! (Trying to get up from the chair) My son has come.. Where is he?

Prakash: Baba! I am right here Baba. Everything will be fine Baba. Now that I am here everything will be fine.

Father: Prakash please forgive me..

Prakash: No baba, you don't have to say anything. You don't have to apologize to me.

Father: I was so cruel to you... my flesh and blood.. But I have realized..(Cough) now.. (cough)

Prakash: Please father.. don't talk.. it's alright.. Rita get some water, please.

Father: Thank you my son.. Thank you for coming.. Thank you for forgiving.. I am proud, son. I am proud to be your father.

Prakash: I know Baba. Don't say anything.

Rita: Here water!

Prakash: Here drink some water, Baba. (Father drinks water)

Father: I feel much better. I feel so relieved now.

Prakash: Father. You just drank the water touched by Rita. Tell me does it taste any different?

Father: No son. It doesn't. It tasted better than any holy water in the world.

Prakash: That's all I wanted to tell you then!!

father: I know son. I realized that after losing you. I realized what mattered is LOVE. I was blind then. But now I can see! Come near me Rita, my daughter.

Rita: Yes Father!

Father: You'll forgive this old man, won't you?

Rita: I was never angry with you father.

Father: If only people had hearts like yours, this world would be a paradise!

The End

BUT I CAN SEE... by Amjad Prawej

Empty Stage. Two narrators, Ravi and Ashok enter and stand centre stage.

Ravi: Welcome friends. My name is Ravi and this is my friend Ashok. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for coming here today in such large number. Ladies and Gentlemen,It is really very encouraging to see people interested in this cause...

Ashok: (Interrupting) Ravi..

Ravi: (With more passion) And with your support I assure you..

Ashok: (Louder this time) Ravi!!

Ravi: (Annoyed) What?

Ashok; The Speech session is tomorrow. They are gathered here today to see our skit.

Ravi: (Embarrassed) Oh! I am really sorry.

Ashok: Let's show them the skit.

Ravi: Alright.

There is a pause. Ashok looks at Ravi. He just shrugs shoulders. There seems to be some confusion. Eventually Ashok breaks the silence.

Ashok: Ladies and gentlemen, we are going to tell you a story. Once upon..

Ravi: Wait! I thought we were going to SHOW them a skit. But you are telling a story instead.

Ashok: Ravi!! This is the skit. We are showing and they are seeing!!

Ravi: Really?

Ramesh: (Almost coming to stage) Oh cut it both of you. Start the skit before the audience runs away. We don't have all day!!

Ashok: Once upon a time in a village called Hamba, there lived a boy called Ramesh. He was from a well to do family. He wore fine clothes and went to a nice school.

Ravi; He ate delicious food everyday and everyone liked him.

Ashok: (Gives him a stare and continues)He had to walk through a small forest to reach the school everyday. One day on his way back from the school something strange happened. He was in the middle of the forest humming and..

Ravi: (Interrupting) Its high time we show them something Ashok. 

 

Ashok: Alright. Let's become trees. Quick.

Ashok and Ravi become trees. Other “Trees” come and stand at random. Ramesh enters humming a tune. He walks between the trees, reaches downstage and stops. He looks left and right. He is unable to decide which way to go. He finally turns around and starts walking. There is a sound. He stops, looks left and right.

Ramesh: Hello! Anyone here?

No one responds. When he is just about to walk, the sound is heard once more. He turns towards the audience and notices something downstage.

Ramesh: Ohhhhh... Look at you! Aren't you beautiful?

He crouches on all four.

Ramesh: Come here. Come here. Oh you are a cute little kitten. Where is your mama? Come here. You are so sweet and gentle. Come I will take you home.

Suddenly we hear a roar. Ramesh screams. The “Trees” scream and run for their lives. Ramesh joins them. He continues screaming. Everyone exits except Ravi and Ashok.

Ravi: It was a Tiger!

Ashok: Wow, you remember your dialogues now!

Ravi: Shhh. Ramesh was lucky. The tiger had just finished his lunch. He was not hungry anymore. And thus, Ramesh's life was saved.

Ashok: But his problem was not over yet. Soon there was another incident. His father bought him a bicycle for his birthday.

Ravi: He was so excited. The next day was a Sunday. After his lunch he rode to the National Highway that was nearby his village. He rode up and down the Highway. He loved it. In his excitement he completely forgot about the time. Suddenly the sun went down and it was dark. He rushed towards his home.

Ashok: He was riding really fast.

Ravi: (Interrupting) I think its time to show them.

Ashok; (Offended) What? No! So, he was riding and then suddenly..

Ravi shuts his mouth from behind and pulls him towards the exit.

Ravi: Oh come on! They are getting bored. It is time for some action.

Ramesh enters on a “bicycle” and starts circling the stage. Enters Ashok and Ravi driving a “Lorry”. Ramesh rides straight towards the lorry. There is frantic honking followed by a screech. Ramesh breaks. The lorry stops a couple of inches away from the bicycle.

Ashok: You fool. Whats wrong with you? You want to kill yourself?

Ramesh: Definitely not! Why do you say that?

Ravi: Because you were riding straight into our Lorry!

Ramesh: A lorry? My God! It IS a Lorry.

Ashok: What do you mean “It IS a lorry”? Of course it's a lorry!

Ramesh: Yes, I can see that now. But from a distance, I couldn't really make out. I thought there were two motor bikes and I would go straight in between!

Ravi: You would have gone straight UP. Now get out of the way.

Ashok: Ride slow and keep to the side of the road.

Ramesh: Alright. Thank you.

Ramesh and the “Lorry” exit.

Ravi: Once more Ramesh was lucky. He went home and told about the incident to his parents. They asked him to be careful next time and that was that.

Ashok: (To the audience) I am sure by now you must have figured out his real problem. Yes you are right. He was.. (looks at Ravi.. gives the cue again) He was..

Ravi: Slow.

Ashok: Sorry?

Ravi: He was a little slow. Think about it, who wouldn't know the difference between a tiger and a cat? He was slow alright. I am sorry to say this but its a fact you know. I feel bad ,but you have to state the...

Ashok: That was not the problem.

Ravi: Yes that was not THE problem. The real problem was that he was ( he clasps his fingers and pulls) you know (pulls again)

Ashok: Partially sighted.

Ravi: Exactly. He was partially sighted (does the action again)

Ashok: Ramesh knew it. There were a couple of incidents in the school as well. But Ramesh never disclosed this problem to any of his friends.

Ravi: (Remembering his dialogue) Not even to his own best friend! (smiles) But how long can you keep a secret from your friends? Especially when you spend most of your time with them. It is tough you know.

Ashok: He was confronted by his friends. Ramesh had no choice but to reveal the truth. He also revealed the reason for keeping it a secret. It was...

Ravi: (Interrupting) Time to show again. (pulls him out)

Ramesh enters in school uniform. He is trying to read from a page. He is holding it so close to his face that he doesn't notice a friend passing him.

Friend: Hi Ramesh.

Ramesh: (loosing his composure) Hi.. Hi Vivek.

Friend: (Offended) I am Sunil. You are crazy dude! (Exits)

Ramesh: (helplessly) God! Everyone looks the same in the uniform.

Ravi and Ashok enter. They are in the similar uniforms.

Ravi: Hi Ramesh

Ramesh: Hi Ku..(stops)

Ravi: Ku? (makes bird's sound)

Ashok: Ramesh, we want to talk to you.

Ramesh: Sure. What is it about?

Ravi: Its about.. (Makes the bird sound again)

Ashok: Cut it Ravi. Lets go sit over there.

They sit downstage centre.

Ashok: Ramesh, is there anything you want to tell us?

Ramesh: Yes, I.. I got only 40 out of 100 in Maths.

Ravi: Is there anything else you want to tell us?

Ramesh: No. It's getting late. (stands to leave)

Ravi: (sits him down) Listen Ramesh! We want to help you. But we can help you only if you want to be helped.

Ashok: We are your friends, Ramesh. And what are friends for? To share your happiness and your problems.

Ramesh: That's true. But why are you telling all these to me?

Ravi: Because we know you have a problem and you are hiding it from us.

Ramesh: What problem? I don't have any problem.

Ashok: You can't see things properly. You are partially sighted. You have been facing lot of difficulties because of this. It is high time you admit it.

Ramesh: But.. But I can see...

Ravi: Really? Alright. How many people are seated in the audience?

Ramesh: Many.

Ravi: Smart. How many exactly do you see in the first row?

Ramesh: There are.. there are (breaks down and starts sobbing) I am sorry. I've been hiding this from you guys for so long. I can't see.. I can't see..

Ashok: Hey, calm down. It's alright. You've told us now. Don't worry, everything will be fine.

Ramesh: I don't know. I face a lot of problems. I can't read the text books, I can't see the black board, I can't write properly, I can't commute and I also face problem with my computer. There are too many problems. And I don't know the solutions.

Ashok: Don't worry. My uncle is born blind. And he manages to read, write, commute and operate computer better than me. Of course you'll have to work harder initially. You'll have to learn Braille and you should start using a White Cane.

Ramesh: What's a White Cane? Is it like Sugarcane?

Ravi: No! It is not something to eat. Its a stick that blind and visually impaired people use to commute in an effective manner.

Ramesh: Wow. I'd like to start using one right now.

Ashok: (Giving him a white cane) Here you go then. Of course you'll have to learn how to use it properly. My uncle can help you with that. In fact I borrowed this one from him.

Ramesh: I feel so happy already.

Ravi: Ramesh, this will not only help you find your way easily, It will also tell others that you have problem with your sight.

Ramesh: Oh!

Ashok: That's a good thing Ramesh. Imagine you want to cross a busy road with no Zebra crossing. If people see your White Cane they will stop their vehicles to let you cross.

Ramesh: I see.

Ravi: There is one more thing you have to do. You'll have to tell your parents.

Ramesh: They know already.

Pause. Ravi and Ashok look at each other

Ashok: They.. know already?

Ramesh: Actually they are the ones who had forbidden me from telling anyone about this problem. They are... ashamed.

There is Pause.

Ramesh: When they first noticed about my problem, they took me to a doctor. He told the problem was incurable and I had to live with this. They asked me not to mentioned about it to anyone.

Ashok: But you have a serious problem. You need to learn some basic things. It will be really difficult at later stage in your life.

Ramesh: I know. But my parents, they don't see...

Ravi: Your parents don't see.. Are they blind?

Ramesh: No no, they are not blind. But they don't see that I don't see, you see.

Ravi: I am all confused now. Who is blind and who can't see?

Ashok: Forget it Ravi. Ramesh, we need to talk to your parents.

Ramesh: The principal had called my Dad to talk about my low performance this year. He is actually with the Principal right now.

Ashok: Great. Let's go talk to him.

As soon as they get up, the father enters looking for Ramesh.

Father: There you are. I've been looking for you all over the place. I am getting late for my meeting. (Noticing White Cane) What's that?

Ravi: It's a White Cane uncle.

Father: And who are you?

Ravi: My name is Ravi and he is Ashok.

Ashok: We are Ramesh's classmates.

Father: Good. Let's go Ramesh.

Ravi: Uncle, actually we wanted to talk to you.

Father: About what?

Ravi: About Ramesh and his eye-sight problem.

Father: You told them? (angry) I had forbidden you.

Ashok: We forced him uncle. It is not his fault..

Father: Stay away from my son. He is fine. He does not need any help.

Ashok: Uncle I think he does. Especially from you. He needs to learn basic skills

like braille and the use of White Cane.

Father: Shut up! He is not blind. (snatches and throws the White Cane) And he doesn't need this. You disobeyed me. I am ashamed of you.

Ramesh: You were never proud of me dad.

The father just looks at him, not knowing what to say.

Ravi: Uncle, he is partially sighted. Its true. But he is also partially blind.

Father: You want him to go around with that stick. People will laugh at him. They will make fun of him. I am not OK with that.

Ashok: But you are OK with the same people calling him stupid, useless and incapable for the rest of his life?

There is Silence

Ravi: See you later Ramesh.

Ashok: Bye uncle.

They exit. Pause. The father slowly picks the White Cane and hands it to Ramesh.

Father: I am sorry my son. I had been blind all these days.

He hugs Ramesh. The school bell rings. They exit.

The End.

ENP4YQ4B26UB

WHY? by Amjad Prawej

The stage is bare except for a chair and a stool. Enters Husband enters from stage right. He is drunk.

Husband: Rama.. Rama.. Are you dead? Rama.. (sits on the chair)

Rama hurriedly enters from stage left.

Rama: (a little scared) I am sorry.. I was waiting for you and I fell asleep.

Husband; What? You fell asleep!! Is this how you treat your husband? You are a pathetic wife you know that.

Rama; I am sorry... I.. Shall I serve the food?

Husband: Do you intend to starve me to death?

Rama: (Startled) What? No.

Husband: I know. I know you want me dead, but you can't get rid of me that easily. Now are you just going to stand there and stare at me? Go and get the food.

Rama: I'll get it. (Exits)

Husband: (Mimicking) Shall I serve the food?.. Pathetic. (Takes out a bottle of alcohol) Get me a glass too!.

Rama: (enters and puts the glass on the stool) You are already drunk.. Please don't..

Husband: What did you say?

Rama: Nothing I..

He throws the glass at her. She manages to duck it.

Husband: (At the top of his voice) Do I have to take your permission to drink in my own house?

Rama picks up the glass and approaches him.

Husband: (Grabbing her hair) Never try to boss me around. You understand?

Rama: Let me go. You are hurting me.

Husband: Just do what you are supposed to do. Cook, take care of the house and take care of your husband. That's your duty. (Letting go) Now will I get my food? (He fixes some pegs and gulps) How long does it take for you to bring your pathetic food?

Rama enters and serves the food. The husband takes a mouthful and spits everything out.

Husband: You call this food? Even a dog would refuse to eat this.

Rama: (Pained) Why are you doing this? Every day... I know you have already eaten outside.. You just want to insult me...

Husband: So you think I am lying huh! Here, you eat it. Eat it. (He forces the food inside her mouth. She resists. He slaps her again and again) You dare argue with me. I am going to teach you a lesson you'll never forget (beats her some more and goes back to his drink).

Rama: (On the floor, crying) Kill me. Go on kill me. Instead of killing me bit by bit, kill me at once.

Husband: So that's what you want? You want me to go to jail. You pathetic piece of shit! (spits on her)

Rama: If I am a piece of shit why did you marry me?

Husband: I married you because I wanted that money. 60 thousand Rupees. That was the only reason. Other than that you are useless. You hear that? You are a useless piece of shit!!

He staggers off the stage. She starts cleaning up the mess. She stops. Sits on one of the chairs. Buries her face and starts sobbing. There is a soft knock on the door offstage.

Kavya: (offstage, almost whispering) Rama.. Rama... Open the door. Its me, Kavya.

Rama wipes her face and tries to make herself presentable. She exits.

Rama: (Off stage) Hello Kavya didi(sister). Please come in.

Kavya: (Entering stage) I heard loud noises and thought I should check on you. Are you all right?

Rama: Yes I am fine. I am... (Cant hold any longer and starts crying.)

Kavya: No. Please don't cry. Come. Sit down here (Kavya sits her on one of the chairs) You don't have to tolerate this.

Rama: What can I do? He comes drunk and finds fault in everything I do or say. He doesn't appreciate what I wear or what I cook. This is my karma, my destiny.

Kavya: Don't say that. You make your own destiny.

Rama: No didi. Nothing can be done now. My destiny was decided by my parents and I have to live with it for the rest of my life.

Kavya No, you don't have to. You don't have to live with that demon. Take some courage and leave him. Divorce him.

Rama: Leave him? Leave him and do what?

Kavya: You can do anything. There will be no fear. No fighting. You'll be happy.

Rama: I don't know. It sounds very tempting though. I wanted to run away a long time back. But..

Kavya: But what?

Ramya: Its not that simple for a single woman to live in this society.

Kavya: It wouldn't be tougher than living with a drunkard. Rama. I know it'll be a little tough in the beginning. But there are many women living all by themselves.

Rama: Yes, but they are educated women with skills. They can work in offices. I am.... Sometimes I feel my husband is right you know. I am useless. My parents thought it was enough for a girl to learn sweeping, washing and cooking. That's all I know.

Kavya: I see.. Why don't you go stay with your parents? You could learn something there. It is never too late. You can definitely learn to earn your living.

Rama: My parents are long dead now. My brother is not any better than my husband. If only my parents had sent me to school....today... (starts crying)

Kavya: Everything will be fine. Don't cry please.

Rama: (making up her mind) I know what I'll do. I'll wash and sweep and cook. But not here. I am not going to be a free servant any more. I will earn my own money. I will.

Kavya: (Hugs her) That's a great decision. I am happy for you.

Rama: I have one last wish from God though. When I die, I want to be face to face with my parents so that I could look into their eyes and ask (looking at the audience) why.. (sobs) why... why...??

She continues sobbing. Kavya touches her shoulders to console her. They exit stage right.

The End.

THE OJHA by Amjad Prawej

(A room that is almost bare. We can see a girl lying on the bed and muttering in her sleep. The mother is sitting by her side while the father is pacing up and down.)

Father: I am going to call the doctor.

Mother: Really? And who will pay the doctor's fee? You better go call the ojha (witch doctor), Somesh.

Father: Are you mad? The Ojha can't help her. She is been in bed for almost a week now. You kept saying its because of climate change, she will be fine.

Mother: Well I was wrong. It was not due to climate change. I know now. Its that Rupa. The way she kept saying, “Oh she is so beautiful. Your daughter will bring fortune”. Its her Evil Eyes. I didn't like her from the beginning. Now go and call Somesh. Only he can help her.

Father: He can't help her. She needs a doctor and medicines.

Mother: Ah! So now you are going to argue with me like always. God, why did I ever get married to this man? Karma. (The daughter makes some more muttering) Don't you see she is under an evil spell? Please go and call Somesh.

Father: No, I am not. I am going to call the doctor. (He starts to leave)

Mother: Fine, then bring some money for the doctor's fee as well.

Father: But you have the money. I gave you 500 rupees yesterday.

Mother: We can't spent that money. How are we going to eat? The rent for past three months is due. That is why I am saying call the Ojha. We only have to give him some offerings.

Father: (With Anger) If we don't have anything to eat, we'll starve. I am going to call the doctor. (To the daughter) Don't worry my darling. I will go get the doctor. You'll be fine again. 

(He exits)

(Mother removes some money from under the mattress and counts them. She looks very disappointed)

Mother: He is really going to starve us to death. Oh God! What do I do now? (Gets an Idea) Yes, I know. I know what to do. (To the daughter) Don't worry darling. I'll be back soon.

(She exits)

(The daughter keeps muttering for some time. Enters the mother with the Ojha.)

Mother: Thank God we are ahead of them. (The Ojha makes some Intangible noise) Please help her. I know you are the only one who can bring us out of this misery.

Ojha: I will. Don't worry. Leave everything in my able hands. (Smells around) Evil Spirit. That's what it is. (To the spirit) Nothing can save you from me now. I'll drive you out from here. (To the mother) Go get a glass of water.

(the mother goes out and the Ojha goes to the bed. He grabs the daughter and brigs her in the front. She is so fragile and weak. She cant walk. The ojha tries to make her sit but she collapses on the floor. The mother enters and places the glass on the floor. The ojha takes out a plate and a spoon and starts making sound. He chats intangible mantras for some time. He then takes out a broomstick and starts beating the girl who is now shivering. The chanting becomes vigorous and so does the beating. In between the Ojha keeps saying "Get out or I'll Kill You" "Leave her at once" " I am going to teach you a lesson today" etc. The mother gets so scared)

Ojha: (continues chanting) This spirit is very strong. Aaaaaah (As if wrestling with someone, he turns to the mother) Get some rice. (she brings some rice).

(He then asks for some more things and the mother gets them.)

Ojha: (With urgency) Put some money on the floor. Quick. Quick.

(The mother is too scared to disobey him. She takes out the money from under the mattress and starts counting)

Ojha: (Yelling) Put them on the floor NOW!!!

(She is so scared she puts all the money on the ground. The ojha pockets the money and starts beating the daughter again while chanting the mantras vigorously.)

(The Father Enters with a doctor. He pushes the Ojha away from her daughter.)

Mother: What are you doing?

Ojha: You have disrupted the ritual. I am cursing that something bad will happen to you.

Father: Shut up and run away before I do something bad to you. (Ojha runs for his life)

(Meanwhile the doctor is examining the daughter. He stands up. Looks very sad. Shakes his head)

Doctor: I am sorry. Its too late.

Mother: What?... But..... (Collapses to the floor)

Father: Why didn't you wait....?

Mother: (slowly) He.... He took all the money.... (almost crying) How are we going to eat?

(The doctor looks surprised. The mother goes and hugs her daughters body. She starts sobbing. The father looks blank.)

The End.