ACCIDENT by Amjad Prawej

A crowd in a semi-circle with their backs to the audience. They are all trying to speak at the same time. There is a commotion.

A voice from the crowd: "It was a speeding truck. The driver was drunk"

Enter Boy1 and Boy2. They are in a hurry.

Boy1: Deepak, looks like an accident. Let's go help.

Boy2: Come on!! We are late already. We'll miss the film. I wanted to see this film for a long time.

Boy1: What if they need help?

Boy2: I see others. They will help for sure. Let's go.

Boy1: What if no one helps? I think...

Boy2: Hey look. I don't want to miss even a single frame of that movie. If you miss the beginning there is no fun. Now hurry. (He exits. Boy1 follows reluctantly)

The stage is cleared. We see Boy1 and Boy2 returning.

Boy2: Man! I loved that movie. What acting! (Imitating the hero) "Pandit, I don't need 24 hours. I will nab you in exactly 14 minutes and 35 seconds. I know where you are. Run for your life. Ha Ha Ha!!"

Boy1: Ha Ha Ha

Boy2: Man! I love Rakesh Kapoor. He is my best hero. He can tackle 50 villains at the same time. (Imitating again) Ya dishum!! Dishum!! Dishum Dishum!! Aiyaaa!! Where are you running you coward?

Boy1: Oh come on!! What they show in the movie is not entirely true. No one can take down 50 people at the same time. It's all camera trick.

Boy2: What did you say?

Boy1: Camera trick.

Boy2: Come I will show you. Yaaa Dishum. (He starts trying out the stunts on Boy1) Say Rakesh Kapoor is the best. Say it man! Say it.

Boy1: OK OK, Rakesh Kapoor is the best.

Boy2: Say he can fight 50 people at the same time.

Boy1: He can fight 50 people at the same time.

Boy2: (Stops his stunt) Good!

Boy1: Let's go home now. I have to finish my Maths assignment. 

Boy2: What? Assignment? You are a nut case. Only stupid people do their home work and assignments.

Boy1: Really? And what does the smart and intelligent ones do? Stand on the bench?

Boy2: Make excuses. (Enacts) Mam I had a very high fever yesterday. My stomach was also not feeling well Mam. I couldn't even lift my pen. I was so weak.

Boy1: Wow!

Boy2: Thank you. Thank you. I think I am going to be a great actor one day. I can see it. And the Oscar for the best actor goes to..... Deepak Singh!!

Boy1: Well, I don't think I am going to be a great actor. So I'd better go home early and finish my assignment.

Boy2: You are a waste fellow. OK just five minutes and we'll go. Here check out my new Cell Phone.

Boy1: Hey that's cool.

Boy2: My mom bought this for me. She is the best mama in the whole world!!

Boy1: I thought my mama was the best mama in the world.

Boy2: (Thinks) Your mama is the second best mama in the world. Oh no! It has switched off. I will turn it on. (He does) Check this out. The camera is so cool. Wait.. Stand there.

Boy1: OK.. (Strikes a pose) Like this?

Boy2: Tilt your head to your right a little. Raise your left hand. Good. Now raise your left feet with your right hand. Hold it there. (Boy1 struggles and the moment Boy2 finishes clicking, Boy1 looses his balance and falls to the ground) What man, You can't hold for one minute. It's all blurry. Come we'll do it again.

Boy1: No, Deepak. We'll do it some other day. Shall we go now, please?

Boy2: OK, let's go!!

As they start walking, the cell phone rings. Boy2 answers.

Boy2: Hello... Yes Archana.. What?.. No... How? (He starts crying).. But... Yes I am coming... (He exits running. Boy1 follows)

Boy1 returns to the stage after a while.

Boy1: (To the audience) That was Deepak's sister on the phone. His mom just died in the hospital. She was hit by a speeding truck. The driver was drunk.

The End

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

THE CAUSE by Amjad Prawej

Bare stage. Enter two Aliens. They are in strange costumes and they wear funny masks.

Alien1: 

(looking around) I told you. See for yourself. You believe me now, don't you?

Alien2:

Yes, I do. (looking around). But.. But wait.. I... I still can't believe this.

Alien1:

(surprised) You still don't believe me? After seeing this, right in front of your eyes?

Alien2:

I didn't mean that. Of course I believe you. But I can't believe what I see.

Alien1:

Seeing is believing my friend. And there is no doubt that this has actually happened.

Alien2:

Yes, I guess. You know I was here last week. And everything seemed so normal.

Alien1:

(surprised again) You were here last week? You came here without me? That's really.... wait a minute. You were here with Liena!! You traitor!! You..

Alien2:

Oh come on! She wanted a little stroll, thats all. We are just good friends.

Alien1:

(sarcastic) Yeah right. And I am Superman!!

Alien2:

No!! Really, we are just friends. And you know, I just dont miss any opportunity to visit Planet Earth. This is the most beautiful Planet in our Galaxy.

Allien1:

(Quickly) Was

Alien2:

What?

Alien1:

The Earth WAS the most beautiful planet. (Gestures around)

Alien2:

Ah yes. Of course.. Was.. This is strange. Just look around. There is nothing left. Everything is changed into.. into... I don't know... Dust!!... It's all black and white.. Where are the colors?

Alien1:

I see a little Grey over there.

Alien2:

Yes, but it's not very different from black and white. (Searching) Where are the Blues and Greens and Yellows and Reds?

Alien1:

(Thinks) I think they are all buried below these Blacks and Whites. It seems a long way before this planet sees any other color again.

Alien2:

(Disappointed) What a pity!! I liked this planet a lot you know. The entire civilization is gone. Vanished! Buried! What a pity!!

Alien1:

Yes it's sad.(Pause) Hey, how long do you think will it take for life to reappear on this planet?

Alien2:

I don't know. May be a couple of Million years.

Alien1:

Wow! And then human beings would evolve and they would learn to make fire all over again! They'd discover different things. They would dig and... (getting happy) And they would discover all the colors!! Yes, they would discover Red!

Alien2:

Not really. How'd they know its Red?

Alien1:

What do you mean? They'd see and they would know its Red.

Alien2:

Yes they would see. But they wouldn't know a Red is a Red.

Alien1:

They wouldn't know a Red is a Red? I am confused.

Alien2:

Listen. We know a Red is a Red because we call it "Red". They wouldn't know what to call it. They might not even know color.

Alien1:

(Realizing) Ah.... Of course.. Silly of me... How would they know?... They would have to learn sounds, alphabets, language and only then they'd decide how to refer to something that was "Red". Wow!

Alien2:

Yes. Red might actually become Rub or Glub or God knows what.

Alien1:

God knows what... (starts laughing) They wouldn't know "God".

Alien2:

Do you? Do you know  "God"?

Alien1:

Of course I do.. He's.... She's... It is... I don't know. But I at least know what "God Knows what" means..(Laughs) They wouldn't.

Alien2:

True.

Alien1:

They wouldn't know 1, 2, 3. They wouldn't know A, B, C. They wouldn't know "Sky".. They wouldn't know "Earth". They wouldn't know "Family". They wouldn't know "Love"... They wouldn't know.. to be short, they wouldn't know anything! They will have to learn everyhting from the scratch. From Zero: They wouldn't know "Zero", would they?

Alien2:

I am afraid not.

Alien1:

This is funny.

Alien2:

No, it's not funny. It's a shame. All the knowledge, wisdom, discoveries and inventions are destroyed forever.

Alien1:

Yes it's a shame. All the hard works of thousands of years are gone for a toss.

Alien2:

I still don't understand. How is it possible to destroy a complete planet in merely one week?

Alien1:

It's simple.

Alien2:

Really?

Alien1:

Yes. All you need is human beings.

Alien2:

(Smiles) I see. I get the point. Thank God, they were not living on our planet.

Alien1:

I'd say we were lucky.

Alien2:

I am still wondering what exactly happened here... One week?

Alien1:

To be honest, it was more than that. It was a result of a very long period.

Alien2:

(surprised) You actually know what happened here?

Alien1:

I overheard our wise men.

Alien2:

Tell me quick. I am dying of curiosity.

Alien1:

Faulty and leaky water taps.

Alien2:

Water taps? You are saying this planet turned into dust because of faulty and leaky water taps.

Alien1:

Yes. I guess I'll have to tell you everything in detail.

Alien2:

Go ahead. I am all ears. There is nothing left of this place to see any way. I might as well know the details of what actually led to this.

Alien1:

Alright. Did you know the country called Idina?

Alien2:

O yes. One of my favourites. What diversities it had. Both cultural and geographical.

Alien1:

Good. There was a serious problem with the people of this country.

Alien2:

And what was that?

Alien1:

They worried about problems that were trivial and ignored the ones that would pose a real threat in the long run.

Alien2:

Like?

Alien1:

Faulty and leaky water taps! They never repaired them.

Alien2:

Now that's stupidity. Why would people not repair their taps?

Alien1:

There are many reasons. Laziness, ignorance and mostly the lack of awareness. They simply didn't know the importance of water. I must mention here, that country relied heavily on the underground water for their needs. They never took Rain-water Harvesting seriously. They were just misusing the generosity of nature. Besides, they were losing thousands of gallons of water everyday through those faulty and leaky taps. As a result, the underground water level went so down that it was impossible to set up bore wells or hand pumps. At some places they were rendered useless because of pollution. The situation got worse day by day. Soon there came a time when there was no water left. People started panicking. The government tried to import water to cope with the situation. But there was a problem. Not everyone could afford to buy water. People started stealing water from their neighbors. They took to the streets. They were demanding free water. The Government didn't know what to do.

Alien2:

Governments never know what to do. So what happened next?

Alien1:

We all believe the Governments don't do anything. But that's not true. They are always busy doing one thing - enhancing their Military Power; buying missiles, nuclear weapons and fighter planes. The Idinan Government had done the same. They were extremely powerful.

Alien2:

(Impatient) Yes yes I know that. Just tell me how did the entire planet vaporize?

Alien1:

You are too impatient. I'll come to the point. Do you remember the country Kanla that was situated on the south-east of Idina?

Alien2:

Ah yes, that beautiful small country.

Alien1:

Yes. The situations were quite different there. They had invested a lot in natural resources.

Alien2:

And they had no problems like Idina!

Alien1:

Exactly. So Idina started bullying them to supply water. Kanla refused for obvious reasons. And that's when Idina declared war against Kanla.

Alien2:

A war for drinking water!

Alien1:

Right. Though Kanla was small and not so powerful, it had alliances with other countries equipped with nuclearware. They came forward to defend Kanla. And the ones that were facing similar problems like Idina stood by them. Soon the entire planet was divided into two groups. Ultra powerful nations like Caremia, Glanden, Sisura, Mengary and Paskitna were involved. They were ready to destroy each other.

Alien2:

And they did! In the process of destroying each other they destroyed the entire planet!

Alien1:

Bingo! You have it now. It was called The Water War! And it was worse than WW1 and WW2. Once they were into full fledged war, it took exactly 2 hours, 23 minutes and 35 Seconds to destroy everything!

They are silent.

Alien2:

If only they had repaired those faulty and leaky taps they....

Stops abruptly seeing the audience. Stares at them with amazement. Goes to Alien1 and turns his face towards the audience. Both of them watch the audience with surprise.

Alien2:

They look like human beings. What do you think?

Alien1:

Yes they do.

Alien2:

Two hands... two legs.. One nose.. And only one head.... My God, they ARE human beings. They are not extinct.

Alien1:

Of course we are not extinct. (Taking off his mask) This is just a skit.

Alien2:

Oh! (embarrassed laughter) I was so into my character that I..(taking off his mask) I thought I WAS an Alien!

They are silent.

Alien1:

(In a dead serious voice) We are not Aliens. That was fiction. And we are not extinct yet. That was fiction too. But what you heard and saw is not far from the reality.

Alien2:

Save water. Repair your taps. Preserve natural resources. Harvest rain water.

Alien1:

And if you don't..... There will be no colors.

They put on their masks

A1&A2:

Except Black and White.

They turn around and exit

The End