THE DECISION by Amjad Prawej

Two middle aged men are watching TV in a posh living room. This scene is set up downstage.

Newsreader:

A Dalit girl Sunaina and her 70-year-old father, Ravichand, were killed as a mob set afire over 15 houses belonging to members of the Dalit community in Nachpur village of Kushal district on Friday.

Ramesh Jatav was allegedly killed after he demanded Rs 4, 000 for the work he had done in a Madhya Pradesh village on Sunday. He was a Dalit.

Ghatge, a Dalit farmer, was murdered last week by upper-caste villagers who did not want him to dig a well on his own property. It would have been the first well in Tilakjay village on land owned by a Dalit.

Keep watching LNC. We'll be back with more news after this short commercial break!

Father: (Switching off the TV) Did you hear that Mr. Mathur ? What do you make of this news? 

 

Mr. Mathur: I don't know how to react. I was not aware such things existed in the present times.

 

Father: People say we are getting civilized. But these brutal news everyday indicate quite the opposite. People killing people, wars, riots and blasts. Where are we headed? Is it so hard for people to understand we are all equal? What has become of Human race? 

 

Mr. Mathur: We are fortunate to have people like you around. But we need many more. Our organization runs solely because of your charity. We would have shut down long back without your donations. By the way, our 8th Anniversary is round the corner. I wanted to remind you in person.

Father: Oh yes, I remember. I hope the preparations are going well. Please don't worry, I'll have the money sent to you soon.

Mr. Mathur: Thank you very much Mr. Sharma. I shall take your leave now.

Father: Of course. I shall walk you till the main gate.

Exit Father and Mr. Mathur. Upstage, enters a young girl followed by a young boy. They are arguing.

Girl: Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. I don't want to hear this word again. It's been almost a year now and all you keep saying is tomorrow.

Boy: Don't be angry. Try and understand. I want to get a job first. That way I'll be in a strong position to stand in front of your..

Girl: No. I don't want to hear any more excuses. Job or no job, you'll have to do it today. In fact NOW. Come let's go. He'll be at home.

Boy: Listen. Let's not take any step in haste and regret later. Give me a week's time. I promise I'll get a job. Trust me.

Girl: You are a graduate. Why is it taking so long for you to get a job?

Boy: Don't be so naive. You know very well. No one wants to hire me to work in their offices. They want to hire me to clean their toilets. I think I am capable of doing better than that. They ignore my excellent marks the moment they see my last name on the certificates. Sometimes I feel it was a waste of time to have done my Graduation.

Girl: (Very concerned) No, don't say that. I am sorry for being so selfish. I am sure you'll get a job.

Boy: I don't know. And I am not sure if your family will agree to this relationship.

Girl: You don't have to worry. I can't say about my mom who is a bit traditional. But my dad is very open minded. He is against discrimination of any form. He is associated with several charitable organizations. He'll definitely be on our side.

Boy: Let's hope so. (Smiling) Hey, no matter what, I'll always love you.

Girl: I know. I love you too. (Mischievously) Are you scared of my family?

Boy: Of course I am.

Girl: Good

Boy: Good?? What's good about it? The thought of being in front of your dad is so scary. I think I'll open my mouth and nothing will come out, not a single word.

Girl: I think you'll be fine.

Boy: Really? How do you know?

Girl: (Coming closer) Because..... you love me.

Boy: I am not so sure.

Girl: (Surprised) What? You are not sure if you love me?

Boy: That's not what I meant. I am not sure if I'll be fine.

Girl: You will. Love is the most powerful weapon.

The girl kisses the boy.

Boy: Wow. That was powerful. One more please.

Girl: After you've spoken to my dad.

Exits running, Boy follows. Enter Father, downstage left. He is on the cellphone.

Father: Oh not at all Mr. Mathur. I am a human being too. If I don't understand the need of those kids then who will. And it was not really that big amount (Listens) Really?... As a Chief Guest?.. Since you insist.... Will the press be there?.. Nice... See you there. Bye.

Enters the Boy, downstage right.

Boy: Hello Sir. My name is (Gibberish) blahft friest. Your daughter and I studied in the same college. We love each other and (Gibberish) freht hart maft harb drib.

Father: (Looks around) How did this dog get inside the house?

Boy: (Coming closer and still talking Gibberish) Nin tran shimka shimka..

Father: (Steps back) I don't see any color around its neck. (To the audience) It must be a stray dog. Shoo.. Go to the street. That's where you belong.

Boy: (Talks louder now) Hert bert shinshi marhan (Tries to touch him)

Father: (Screams) No, don't bite me. Please someone save me. I don't want to get Rabies. I am scared of injections.(Continues screaming)

Enters Girl, stage left.

Girl: What happened dad? Why are you screaming?

Father: That dog is trying to bite me.

Girl: What dog.? (Notices the Boy) Rupak! You came! (Hugs the Boy)

Boy: I had to come. I had promised.

Father: What's going on here?

Boy: (Whispering) I tried talking to him but he doesn't seem to understand what I say.

Girl: Dad. This is my friend Rupak. He wants to talk to you. And I don't see any dog here.

Father: That's the dog you are talking to.

Girl: Father please. (To the boy) Go on tell him.

Boy: Alright I will try again. Sir, we, I mean your daughter and I, love each other very much and we have decided to get married. (There is no reaction from the father. The Boy looks at the Girl and back to the father) I don't think he understood anything. (Tries again, screaming this time) Sir, I want to get married to your daughter!

Girl: Father!

Father: Yes?

Girl: What do you say?

Father: What do I say to what?

Girl: To what he just told you?

Father: You must be out of your mind. I don't comprehend Dog's language.

Boy: I told you. He doesn't understand a single word I say.

Girl: Dad, I am going to repeat what he just told you. We are madly in love with each other and we want to get married.

Father: I don't understand.

Boy: There you go. He doesn't understand you either.

Girl: Dad we want to get married. What is difficult to understand?

Father: Have you gone nuts? You want to get married to a Dog?

Girl: Dad!! Why do you keep calling him a dog?

Father: Because he is one! Look at him. Love has blinded you. You have lost your reasoning. But I haven't. You can't marry him and ruin your life, not to mention ours. Now, before I get out of control and do something nasty ask this dog to get going.

Boy: But sir, please....

Father: (getting hold of his neck) Get out before I kill you..

Girl: Dad!

Father: (Pushing him towards the exit) Get out!

Boy: It's about my caste, isn't it?

Father: Get out!! (Pushes the Boy out) If I see you around again, I swear I'll kill you. (to the girl) And for you, your freedom ends here. (Calls out) Radha!

( Enter Radha, stage left. She is a traditional house-wife)

Father: Make sure she doesn't step outside the boundaries of this house. She wants to marry a dog.

Girl: Please stop calling him a dog.

Father: Shut up! What do you want me to call a dog? A cow? Listen, I have nothing against these dogs. In fact I speak for their rights. You know that. You may have dogs as your pets, feed them and feel good about it. But you can't marry them. Do you understand?

Girl: Yes I do. In fact, I never understood you better than I do now.

Father: Good for you. Radha, I know she wants to cry. So cry with her for sometime. Once you are done, try and put some sense in her head. And yes, tell her about our decision.

Exit Father, stage right.

Radha: I am going to be very direct. What do you want to do?

Girl: I don't know.

Radha: You heard your father. He will never let you marry, who he calls, a dog. Never. He has decided to have you married to a very successful NRI from Dubai. And I can do nothing for you. All I can do is advise you. Nothing else.

Girl: And what is your advice mom?

Radha: (Sighs ) In our society family always comes first. We sacrifice everything to save our prestige. And for your father there is no prestige, no honor in letting you marry the one you like. This is a fact.

Girl: There is another fact that you are missing mom, most of these sacrifices for the so called honor have to be made by women.

The mother is quiet.

Girl: There is one thing I don't understand though. Dad is always talking against  discrimination. But today..

Radha: You are right my dear. He talks. He is never tired of talking against poverty and discrimination. There are many who do that. Talk. But there are very few who walk their talks. And your father is definitely not one of those few people. He loves his status. He knows what's wrong and what's right. But he is scared. He is weak. He lacks the confidence to walk the right path. And now, it's your turn to choose. When you are making your decision, remember your duties as a daughter and keep the family in your mind. This is all I have to say.

(Exit Radha, stage left)

Girl: (Walking towards downstage centre) Mother, my decision is not going to be any different from the decisions of thousands of other girls who come across the same dilemma. I surrender myself to the fate. (Moves to stage left and picks up a garland)

Enter NRI Groom followed by his Mother from stage right. He has a garland. Wedding Mantras are heard. The girl starts walking towards the groom. They exchange garlands.

 

Groom: I didn't know she was so beautiful. I love her. I love her. Yipeeeee (Jumps around with happiness)

Mother: Stop it. Stop monkeying around. Have you learned nothing. Don't let all my training go waste. I am going to be very angry. And you don't want me getting angry, do you?

Groom: No.

Mother: Good. Now follow me, both of you.

They exit, stage right.

The stage is cleared. In the next scene, the girl is sitting center stage. Her eyes are closed.

Mother: Now listen! So far you have done really well. We got all the money we could from her family. This is the climax. It's really simple. I gave her sleeping pills before she went to bed. She is fast asleep. You just have to pour this Kerosene on her and light the match. We'll say it was an accident.

 

Groom: (shocked) But why do we have to kill her? We already have the money.

Mother: Because the money will not last forever you fool. It'll be over soon. Then we will play this game all over again. I have spent a lot of time and effort training you. Don't disappoint me.

Groom: I.. I don't understand. I thought you were..... your speech against dowry at college function last year...

Mother: Shut up! (with a smile) Of course I am against dowry. But who doesn't love money? And accidents happen all the time. (Firmly) Now do as I say or I shall drop you back on the streets from where I picked you. You will starve to death.

Groom: I wish you had left me there.

Mother: (Getting angry) You are making me angry you little beast. Just do it. It's no big deal. It happens all the time. Almost everyday. Don't spoil all my efforts.

Groom: I am sorry I... this is inhuman...

Mother: Inhuman? This is very human. Have you ever seen any animal burn another animal for money? No. Now do as I say. (Hands him the the kerosene can) Go!

Groom: (Referring to the audience) Aren't they going to stop me?

Mother: (Laughs) They love being silent observers.

Groom: I am sorry... I... I can't do this.

Mother: (Enraged) You gutless animal. I was wrong. You can't be trained enough to be a human. Give that to me. I'll do it myself.

She goes to the girl and stands her up. The Girl still has her eyes closed.

Girl: (To the audience with eyes closed) Help me.

(The mother keeps staring at the audience with an evil smile on her face, almost challenging them)

Groom: No, No. (Shaking the girl) Wake up! wake up!

The mother leads the girl off stage.

Groom: (Trying in vain to wake the girl) Wake up! Wake up! (To the audience) Wake up! Wake up! WAKE UP!

(He is interrupted by a long shrill scream from the wings. The Groom is shocked. He keeps staring at the audience)

Groom: (looking down, mutters) Murderers!

Exits slowly in the opposite direction, still muttering “Murderers”

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