The Fire The Yearly Rite The Agreement: Plays Of Resistance Resolution Shanthi 93h3e

THE FIRE

THE YEARLY RITE THE AGREEMENT

Plays of Resistance Resolution Shanthi

By: Dr. Vayala Vasudevan Pillai

Translation: Anita Madhavan

Copyright © 2016 by Dr. Vayala Vasudevan Pillai.

ISBN: Softcover 978-1-4828-6977-4 eBook 978-1-4828-6978-1

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CONTENTS

Foreword

A Tribute To The Author

Translator's Note

Play 1 The Fire

Introduction

Characters

A Guide To Enact The Play

Play 2 The Yearly Rite

Introduction

Characters

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5

Play 3 The Agreement

Introduction

Characters

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5

FOREWORD

Dr. Vayala Vasudevan Pillai had made remarkable contribution towards the modern theatre of Kerala. He authored many notable dramatic works, researched on Irish theatre and published a book on J.M. Synge, directed innumerable plays and taught theatre in India and abroad. English translation of Dr. Vayala's three plays, the well known Agni (The Fire) wrote earlier and staged on various platforms at different occasions; Andubali (The Yearly Rite) and Udambadi (The Agreement), his last two works currently gathering much acclaim in theatre circles. The threads weaving the themes of the plays individually and collectively are the existential crises of material and ethical dimensions we all confront. There is inevitable resistance, the subsequent resolution and final Shanthi seamlessly created in the scripts. The translators of the plays, the father --daughter-deo, N. Madhavan Pillai and Anita Madhavan are writers gifted enough to make creative vernacular inputs into their works. They have more than succeeded to do justice to the original works in their venture, here. The three plays translated have exuberant social and political bearings. The underlying current of the dramatis troyika has been the human angst. Shanthi, the calming moment or the sobering effect is not offered on a platter ready to consume in the works, but aesthetically camouflaged to decipher by the discretionary critique in the enlightened viewer. Hoping the translated versions will be received with same enthusiasm as the originals by the discerning readers. Mrs. Valsala V. Pillai Chair Person Dr. Vayala Vasudevan Pillai Trust

Kerala, India

A TRIBUTE TO THE AUTHOR

Dr. Vayala Vasudevan Pillai drifted away into our memories on 29th of August 2011, leaving behind a rich legacy as playwright, director, organizer, teacher and researcher. Though he had been ill for some time, his death was a rude shock. That was the magic of his personality. Even though he walked amidst the masters of world theatre as an equal, his simplicity and modesty had made him accessible to all. The affection he showered on every one he met more than demonstrated his magnanimous and kind nature. An eminent scholar and Gandhian he used to give lectures on theatre, Gandhian thought and other socially relevant matters. A true Gandhian, he was a man of simple living and generous thinking. Some of his plays highlight this aspect of his nature vividly. Theatre to him was life and his ion, until his death. His relationship with theatre had begun when he was very young. As a boy of seven years, he used to walk miles to watch dramas enacted in and around his village. He retained the same zeal and vigor in his theatre activities throughout his life. Watching him, one would often wonder if theatre had merged into him or the man, into the theatre. He entered the creative arena of alternative drama, groomed by the veteran theatre genius G. Sankara Pillai. Like Tagore and many others like him, Dr. Vayala he traveled extensively in the west, to learn and to teach. As in Tagore, again broad vistas of human experience are portrayed in his plays. In the stage presentation of his plays, the theatrical diction acquired from the west is amalgamated with the Indian classical theatre tones based on ritual concepts and traditional practices. He began his foreign voyages with his visit to the University of Rome, to study modern theatre. Further three decades since 1980, saw him touring more than twenty countries studying, researching and getting trained, in famous universities and ancient stages along with the titans of the world theatre. He had,

during this period the opportunity to attend the theatre workshops conducted by the famous polish theatre genius, Grotowski, Nobel Laureatre Dario Fo, and Richard Schechner. Wherever he went, his primary interest was studying the theatre, watching plays and interviewing dramatists and theatre scholars. He was prompt and very keen to impart whatever knowledge he thus acquired to his students. Dr. Vayala Vasudevan Pillai infused vitality into theatre. His plays depicted the tragedy of modern man, his identity crises and existential angst, struggles, anxieties, helplessness, alienation, and social inequality. Dr. Pillai directed more than forty plays including his own works. Edward Bond's The Bundle, Girish Karnad's Nagamandala. J.M. Synge's The Well of the Saints and Samuel Becket's Krapp's Last tap are some of the plays he translated and produced with impeccable impact. He always worked for a new "spatial concept" in modern theatre. Every directorial venture by him was motivated by this quest. He made use of expressionism and symbolism in his drama in order to create the right effect. Dr. Vayala Vasudevan Pillai has ventured in the arena of childrens' plays and theatre with stupendous artistry, too. He believed firmly that the children are the architects of future. He conveyed his themes to the children in their frequency and modulation. Thus his plays for children turned into a slice of their unique world, where their little sorrows and happiness alone mattered. His tryst with theatre won him many laurels and accolades, including the much coveted Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2009). Dr. Pillai embraced Gandhism with equal ion that he had nurtured for theatre. His wife, Valsala Eladath, had been a constant inspiration for Dr. Pillai's writing, theatre and travel through out his post marital life. Dr. Pillai's creativity reached its peak during his life with her, which he felt obliged to acknowledge profoundly in his dramas. Dr. Pillai did not have retired life, as he was exuberantly active as director, teacher and writer of drama till his last breath. His work remains vibrant in the minds and stages of theater lovers all over India.

TRANSLATOR'S NOTE

The true credit for discovering the translator in me goes to Dr. Vayala. He identified the translator in me instantly. My tryst with drama was just limited to two occasions, when I was taken to witness ballets in near by temples by elders, and afterwards when taught about theatre by eminent teachers in college. Later, I found out that translation was not an easy task, as I had thought early. Here too, Dr. Vayala imparted confidence into me by his positive encouragement. When I entered the playwright's realm of Agni, (The Fire) I could feel the heat and warmth of the characters, especially that of Unni. We did not discuss much on translations, but I felt him as the perfect person to be a guru in offering guidance. As he talked about his vision of the world, and the futility of material pursuits, I saw in him a world teacher. He changed my perspective on life. He aroused a deep sense of optimism in me. Nor could one ever find him scolding any of his students. When I attended the rehearsal camps of Aandu Bali, (The Yearly Rite) I adored his art of teaching. With a nod of his head or an uplift of a finger, he could call the shots to perfection. Dr. Vayala, in the process inspired my entire family to involve in the work of the translation of his plays. My husband ed me with his suggestions, my father with editing and my mom taking care of the house hold, leaving me free. It is hoped that I have been able to do justice to the original works of the great dramatist, who would have been happy to see the endeavor and bless me, if he were alive.

Anita Madhavan.

1

Wait without thought

For you are not ready for thought

T.S. Eliot

THE FIRE

INTRODUCTION

The Fire,(Agni, in vernacular Malayalam) is a play based on the different levels and nuances of fire in human consciousness. The first level of meaning ion the play is attached to that of the funeral pyre of mother. It is the mother's death, which is intuitively felt known by Unni, the youngest son, now a ferryman on the Ganges. He rushed back home to pay homage to the Mother. The next level of meaning is related to anger, which never gets quenched, especially in the two elder brothers of Unni, who are greedy and avaricious for the family property. It was the angry fire in their eyes and hearts, which drove away Unni from home long back. On his return, their anger is rekindled and they become thirsty for his blood. Fire is also used in the play as an image of purifier distilling the best out of everything. The mother's funeral fire cannot be extinguished unless and until her children resume living in perfect harmony and peace. The Uncle and Devi in the play are the softer aspects of Agni that spread love and light in human relationships. The play integrates multiple dimensions and use of space such as the Mother's funeral space, the elder brothers' meeting place, the mango grove or the garden for the children's games and the bank of the Ganges. The play was written and produced in 1982. It won the Kerala Sahithya Akademi Award in 1982 and was performed at different state and National Theatre festivals. Fire is an innovative play where the use of modern theatre techniques, Expressionism and Symbolism, are experimented successfully, to showcase intricate human emotions that are split into finest elements, thus bringing out the realities behind one's real self. Thouriatrikam, a combination of dance and music accompanied by instruments, effectively fused into the play helps to maintain a perpetual rhythmic flow within. Epics, folks and myths infused into the play retain a harmony all along. The story of Prometheus included as a play within the play is presented on the stage in the regional folk form, 'Kakkarassi', where hero normally a nomad, appears as fortune teller.

CHARACTERS

Uncle Unni Brothers -- 2 Watchmen -- 3 Friends -- 3 Devi

(The actors enter the stage rhythmically from both sides. After epitomizing the various aspects of flaming fire, with their actions, they form a semi -- circle and keep on praying to the funeral pyre seen far behind. The chant of mantras is heard.)

Om Poornamithah Poornamathah. Poornath Poornamudachyate Poornasya Poornamadayah Poornameva Va Shishyate

(After the chanting, the character, Devi walks slowly, climbs up to a platform and walks towards the fire. Uncle (the watchman) also climbs up and cries like a magician 'Ho' to wake up others. The two elder brothers exit to either sides and the younger one Unni goes out. From amidst the remaining three who are Unni's

friends, the watchman comes forward and bows to the audience.)

Friend 1 : Workers, we are . . . . !

Uncle : Guardians, we are . . . . !

Friend 2 : Are we jesters?

Friend 3 : Are we pillars?

(The friends walk like puppets to the three corners of the stage and stand still showing the actions, 'See no evil' 'Hear no evil' 'speak no evil.')

Uncle : (Looking at the three figures) you must take care of the house. (to the audience) I am the great watchman, the guardian of the Fire.

(He looks intently at the pyre. Unni is back home knowing of his mother's demise. He enters the stage and looks all around. The watchman sees him.)

Uncle : Unni!

Unni : Uncle . . . . my Uncle!

(Unni goes to his uncle, falls on his chest and sobs bitterly. Uncle pats affectionately on his back and tries to console him 'Unni, Unni'. Friend 1 opens his eyes and chants fondly.)

Friend 1 : Unni has come ... Our Unni has come.

Friend 2 : (The one who closed his ears) Now the ears can be opened.

Friend 3 : (The one who shut his mouth) The mouth can be opened now.

Friend 1 : (The one who closed his eyes) Let us open the eyes now.

(Friends 1,2,3 remain in their places and sing)

Here comes Unni, The son of this soil. He is our brother, He is our classmate, He is our playmate. The torch he lit we bear. Here comes Unni,

Here comes our Unni.

(They stand there, lovingly looking at Unni)

Uncle : Ah! My child! You are here at last!

Unni : When did she die?

Uncle : The pyre is still burning . . . . .

Unni : I want to cry be the pyre for a moment and then go back . . .

Uncle : Where to . . . .?

Unni : To the Ganges. . . .

Uncle : To immerse yourself?

Unni : No, to ride the waves, rowing the boat . . . . . to ferry the pilgrims across the river . . . . .

Uncle : The boatman has to come back. I too had done the same, as long as I could.

Unni : Yes . . . . Till my last, until my arms are tired.

Uncle : We won't let you go for all that again. Aren't you cured of your old ailments?

Unni : Ailments . . . . ? I wasn't suffering from any

Uncle : Then what . . . .? Laughing and playing like a fool . . . .? Never bothered about your own interests ...... Not realizing you were grown up.

Unni : My elder brothers cooked up the story of my illness.

Uncle : You don't have to be scared now. They have probably forgotten the old rivalries. (Fondly) They had then tried to kill you, my child. (Thoughtfully) Ah! Yes. How could they stand you when you quarreled with them to turn your inheritance into public property?

Unni : Where's that pyre? I want to sit beside it the whole night. There .... I want to recall a thousand stories that my mother once told me. I want to return in the morning itself.

Uncle : There's someone contemplating by the undying pyre even after all

these days.

Unni : Who .....? My brothers?

Uncle : Good joke .....! Your brothers left the place as soon as the pyre was lit. They are in their rooms, frolicking with their wives.

Unni : Then .... Who's there to grieve near the pyre?

Uncle : Don't you ......? Your yesteryears..... you ..... and a little girl in her skirts perched on my shoulders....!

Unni : (recalling) Oh....! Devi,

Uncle : Her parents are no more. All these days she was eagerly waiting...... hoping you would be back one day. (Silence, Devi comes walking gently from the fireside within minutes. Looks at uncle, then at Unni. Unni recognize her. They gaze at each other nostalgically, recollecting the past. They advance towards each other, stretching their arms.)

Uncle : Oh..... my God .....!

Unni : (Stands looking at Devi. Sees her tears. Entranced in her ethereal elegance) On a full moon night, the waters of the Ganges flows crystal clear........just like your tears.......

Devi : And .........on an Amavasi.¹

Unni : The Ganges gushes down from the Himalayan ranges. .....with a mystery you and I cannot comprehend...... in torrents .....black and dark.

Devi : Do you go ferrying on such days also....?

Unni : Of course! Many will be waiting daily to cross the river.

Devi : Take me also with you once....

Uncle : The embers are still glowing ....

Devi : The lotus doesn't stay on the waves?

Unni : No, it drifts along. The roots remain tangled somewhere deep beneath.... and.... new flower buds sprout again.....

Uncle : Yet, after...... all these years, those flower buds. Survived in an unquenchable flame........

Unni : Shall bloom into a thousand crimson flowers.

Uncle : (Satisfied) Well now -- I can bid farewell to this stage. You came... you saw... while the fire is still burning...

Unni : True.... Let me see, before the embers die down. (Walks towards the pyre)

Uncle : It is to the south of the sacred Tulsi² .... (Unni with Devi disappears in the direction of the altar, where the Holy Basil is grown. The figures (friends) start moving from the three corners. They stand closing their mouth, eyes and ears. Seeing the bewilderment of the watchman, they suddenly sit at their places expecting to see something terrifying. These three friends may act as trees in the forest or as children of the neighbourhood or as the public in the next scenes.)

Uncle : Wonder, what is going to happen? (Looking to the rooms on both sides) The two devils.... Got everything in their names..... from their senile mother..... (The elder brothers enter from either sides)

Brothers : (Together) Has he gone? Has he gone?

Uncle : (Baffled) No.... Did you see him?

Brother 1 : Yes... Yes... May be he came for his share of the properties! We shall give it to him! (Laughs aloud) Where is he....?

Uncle : He has gone to the pyre.

Brother 2 : Went with her. The vulture and the dove have gone to seek a place to mate.

Uncle : My child! He has come after a long while.

Brother 1 : What's he doing now? Still searching?

Uncle : Yes ... as a ferryman on the Ganges.

Brother 2 : Must have learned from you, Uncle.

Uncle : Who else was there to struggle.... as a ferryman ... to send you boys to school?

Brother 1 : The river has dried up. Still the story of the ferry.....!

Uncle : No, my child. This is the present plight. The river will get filled again.... and may even be flooded. T he boatman has to wait.

Brother 2 : Unni must also be a boatman in the arid Ganges. Maybe he is waiting for the deluge. (The brothers laugh loudly)

Brother 1 : Oh! That's why it took him a week to reach here, after his mother died.

Uncle : We didn't inform him at the right time. (The brothers listen to Devi's laughter and conversation from inside)

Devi : (inside, near the pyre) I won't let you go.

Unni : I must rest somewhere.

Devi : Shall I also come with you?

Unni : No.... I want to be alone.....

Devi : Alone! Without anyone for company?

Unni : Company for you or for me?

Devi : For both of us .... (Laughs)

Brother 1 : Don't you hear her laughter? What's there to laugh so much?

Brother 2 : She has forgotten everything when her lover came....

Uncle : Unni is leaving tomorrow.

Brother 1 : Seeing his overreaction, we thought he would go straight to heaven along with our mother. (The brothers listen to the conversation inside)

Devi : Your mother desired not to let you go anywhere once you returned... Who else is here to do the last rites? Not only that. The people here are eagerly waiting for you. They will come in droves as soon as it dawns. All of them....our childhood friends.

Unni : I am not leaving then.

Devi : Yes... we will be here together.... forever.

(Devi's laughter is heard. The brothers move about menacingly)

Brother 1 : Says, he is not going ....

Brother 2 : He is not going ....

(Unni and Devi come running merrily like children from the direction of the funeral pyre. The brothers stare angrily at them)

Unni : (From the platform) Brother....!

(From amidst them) Brother ....!

Uncle : (Pleading to the brothers) My children.... Your Unni.

Brother 1 : After wandering here and there and all the way till the Himalayas.......... now he is back home... to settle down here..... to offer all these inheritance to the general public.

Unni : What about our mother's last rites?

Brother 1 : Aren't we there?

Brother 2 : You never cared for her when she was alive.... and now that she has died, you have come for your rights.... (The brothers approach him angrily like beasts)

Devi : (Dazed) Uncle.

Uncle : My children ...! Let bygones be bygones. Let's sit here in this courtyard for a while... as children... as friends .... as playmates.... Don't you , you used to hail me together to ferry you to this side of the river?

Unni : Haven't my brothers crossed the river carrying me on their shoulders?

Brother 1 : That's why you turned the public against us....

Uncle : Forget everything. Don't you see that the ambers in the pyre haven't died down even after seven days....? still blazing like a furnace ..... If you forget the past and be playmates like in old times, the fire will die down..... And your mother's soul will rest in peace.

Brothers and Unni : Let's forget everything.

Brother 1 and Brother 2 : (Stealthily) OK...... We can forget everything.

(The brothers wink at each other)

Brothers and Unni : .....And be children again

Devi : Let's go and sit there on the lush green grass. We shall run and play in the palm groves. We shall be kids once more. Come on ...

(Devi pulls the brothers. All of them run like children on the stage for sometime and reach the grove. The fire in the background vanishes. The scene depicting the green trees are shown. The three friends who come running at this time to act as trees stand still at the three corners. Unni and his brothers pluck flowers from these trees and shower them on Devi, who stands in the centre of the stage. After the rhythm and movement of his child play the brothers run around a tree playing. Unni and Devi run around other trees. Uncle stands engrossed in these games enjoying them. Devi approaches the uncle and calls like a schoolgirl)

Devi : Boatman, Oh! Boatman. Ferry us across the river.

Unni : We can forget everything. ...and be humane again.

Let us bask in the breeze that come along.... caressing the tender leaves.... and spend some time here as in our childhood.

Brother 1 : Yes, Unni is right. Let's forget the vengeance and jealousy. Let's face each other and realize that we are children of the same mother.

(All of them longingly look at one another and enjoy the pleasure of a new found relationship)

Devi : (Smiling) I alone became a stranger.

Unni : No... You're always my eternal dream.

Uncle : Let's not have conflicts any more.....

Brother 1 : (Quietly) I our mother saying 'When your are alone in the forest..... your wild traits will be stirred and .....you may forget even your brother. No...... Let's ...... forget, all that'.

Uncle : Yes, we shall do so. We have harmed each other knowingly and unknowingly. The arrows which I shot at my enemies boomeranged and pierced my chest.

Brother 2 : We were your enemies......

Uncle : (Stopping) My child.....

Brother 1 : The past is behind us.

Unni : Didn't you brothers forget the Dharma³ when you got the power?

(The brothers turn away spitefully. Unni and Devi prostrates before the funeral pyre. The cadence of the boatman's song is heard.)

Uncle : (To the links in a broken relationship) Come... to this playground. (They come closer)

Do you this beautiful forest?

Others : No.... No.... No....

Uncle : Let the petals of memories fall..... to your yesterdays... to the distant past..... to your childhood.

Devi : (Suddenly) Oh! I ! Wasn't it here that you brought us one day?

Brother 1 : Ah..... yes. We are those playmates..... Children of the same mother.

Devi : Then..... What about me?

Brother 2 : You are our friend ...... a playmate......dear to all of us.

Unni : (Comes running) Do you recall.... the love song you jotted down for me on this tree.....?

Brother 1 : And for me on that tree.....?

Brother 2 : You noted for me on this tree...... (Three of them read the love

songs scribbled on the trees around them)

Here, on this tree. There, on that tree.... The love songs, You carved, My beloved. The three brothers together: Here, on this tree. There, on that tree...... The love songs, You carved, My beloved,

(Singing, each one of them read the lines carved on the trees. Devi walks around glancing at all of them)

Brother 1 : Everything has faded off.

Unni : No, it hasn't. Look here the inscription on this tree. It's Devi's handwriting.

Brother 2 : OK.... Then you keep on watching it.

Unni : How nice it's to be here....! Recall again..... During that blooming spring, we played here... the blind man's buff. We made mud cakes.... played house. Come dear friends..... come. Let us play.

(All of them roam around pretending to be blind folded and attempting to find others. The three friends who posed as trees suddenly them and all of them play blind man's buff.)

Devi : Don't open your eyes until I say.

(Both the brothers and friends open their eyes secretly and look at the audience smiling Unni doesn't open the eyes, but Devi does. Then others close their eyes quickly)

Devi : Hmm... All of you cheated me. I am not going to talk to you anymore. (Pointing at Unni) Only Unni played fair. (Approaches him) Here's a gift for you. (Kisses him) Open your eyes now. (Unni opens his eyes)

Unni : This is good. We'll play the game of 'cops and robbers' now.

Brother 1 : No.... Hide and seek.

(All of them together say 'Yes' and run to the four sides. Unni and Devi are alone on the stage. The others go to different directions and hide. They hoot from inside to indicate their presence)

Devi : (Caressing Unni) Don't go again...... How long have I been waiting for you? Now that your mother is no more, there is none to me any longer.

Unni : (Lovingly) Why don't you wear bangles?

Devi : (Hopefully) Hereafter, I shall.....

Unni : How about your anklets?

Devi : I stopped wearing it.... when I no longer had the hope that you would be back. Now I shall wear them all again. (After a silence) We shall build a playhouse..... and be the father and mother there.

Unni : (Swept off in an emotional whirlwind, ionately says 'yes'. Gradually becomes weary). They destroyed my playhouse.

Devi : Doesn't matter. We shall make another one.... (Begging) Never go for any rivalry with your brothers.

Unni : I never had anything against them: Why should they be so vindictive towards me?

Devi : You argued to convert the family wealth into public property?

Unni : I shall do the same today and shall always continue to do so. Our country should not belong to just a few....

Devi : Your brothers don't believe in that. By any means, they will crush those who stand for it... just like they destroyed all that is good in our land....

Unni : Let it be. The water flows form the Himalayas in different streams... to come together to flow on as the deep and wide Ganges. Its sources never run dry.

Devi : Doesn't its boatman also need a place to rest his head at night? Your brothers have refused to give you any space at all.

Unni : (Recalling) When I am tired after rowing the boat... I shall lean on the oars... where in my slumber... dream of my mother.... and you...! I rushed here..... knowing about my mother's death from my dream.

Devi : Hereafter we shall row the boat together.

(Uncle and brothers whistle so as to remind them that they are hiding outside)

Devi : It's a great relief that your brothers agreed to this children's play. There won't be any troubles further.

(Whistling is heard from all sides again)

Uncle : (Descending from one side) Ah...! I have seen your romance after hiding us in the bushes.... Go and find your brothers. Their change of heart is a boon to us.... (Whistling is heard. Uncle, Unni and Devi run around on all sides, and as if they found out those hiding, calls out 'We saw you' ... 'We saw you'. T he brothers come running and laughing.)

Brother 2 : OK, next game is 'playing marbles.'

Brother 1 : No, we shall play another game... in the playground.

Brother 2 : No, let me say.... A trial at the court....

Devi : We haven't played that game yet. It is a grown up's game.

Brother 2 : We are neither kids not grown -- ups now. Are we princes or kids exiled from our land and banished to the forests?

Unni : Now in these woods let us forget everything... to be children again.

Uncle : Yes..... Forget everything and be kids again.

Devi : What about playing 'cow and the leopard'?

Brother 1 : That shall be after we play, the game of 'A Trial at the Court'.

Brother 2 : What is the case on trial?

Unni : I'll say. The story of Prometheus, who stole fire from the heavens and gave new light to the down trodden.

Brother 1 : (Meaningfully) That's your own story.

Brother 2 : (Pleasantly) Unni, you are Prometheus.... the own who leaked our secrets to the public and fanned their rage against us. We're the ones deceived in heaven. That means we have to chain you, Unni.

Devi : Unni meant that it's the story of an interesting trial. After all we have studied that play.

Unni : Sure...... How many times have we memorized it? That's why I said it would be easy for us to enact.

Brother 1 : All right... Let it be .... Then I shall play Prometheus.

Brother 2 : No, I'm younger and stronger than you. So I shall be Prometheus.

Unni : (Looking at brother 1) In fact, you should be the ruler in the play.

Uncle : I shall be the guardsman in this children's play also. And you, the eldest one should be the ruler.

Brother 1 : Agreed... I'm the ruler. (The three friends who were standing as trees can now move to form as a seat for the ruler. The others bow before the ruler.)

Unni : Then...... I shall act as a vagabond. The modern version of Prometheus, an anarchist......

Devi : How funny! Then what is my role?

Brother 1 : You..... you..... (as if ing suddenly) Goddess of the woods.

Devi : Oh! No.... I ..... I ..... I

Shall be a fortune teller. 'A gypsy girl am I. . .

A gypsy girl In search of my Prince Charming'.

Unni : That's good. Then what about me?

I roamed and roamed Around the world, Across the seas, In the woods, Down the glade. I searched and searched for you merrily, In this world of mine my gypsy girl; Without a place to rest, my gypsy girl.

(The others clap their hands)

Brother 1 : Now we can start the game

(The three friends stand around holding a big curtain and dance. Meanwhile the brothers, Unni, Devi and the watchman change their costumes behind the curtain. As the curtain unfolds slowly, all these characters are seen dressed as in

their teens. The tramp [Unni] and the gypsy girl [Devi] go out singing and dancing. Brothers dance and exit to the opposite side. Others on the stage are seated like spectators in a children's play and are visible to the audience.)

Watchman : (To the audience on the stage) shall we start?

Others : Um..... Yes.... Yes....

Watchman : (Pretends to be scared, runs around hither and thither and climbs to the platform)

Oh! My folks! Oh! My folks....!

The gem on the Mookkuthi⁴. Hills is lost. What shall I do now? Was awake until I heard the boatman's song by the river side. When the boatman rowed the boat to the other side of the river and the song gradually became fainter and fainter I dozed off. And the jewel I guarded till now is also gone.

(Pretending to climb the hilltop calls out loudly.)

Oh! my folks! Oh! My folks...! The gem is missing from the Mookkuthi Hills (Thoughtfully) When the hamlet in this valley wakes up.... and the gem is not there..... as an auspicious sight, (Stunned in that though consoling himself) what can a watchman do? How long did I stay without even blinking my eyes? At last.... when I dozed off it came to be like this. Who would have stolen it? I would have been finished off yesterday had the ruler come this way when I slept.

Oh! What luck!

(Doubtfully) Or.... died.

(The others show signs that his acting has come out well. The watchman walks around again)

Eh! These footsteps ......these giant, fat foot steps. This can't be that of the ruler. Or else he would have woken me up and sacked me from my job. As a punishment for my slumber, he would have sentenced me to be hanged until death. Anyway, I'll call the villagers and tell them....

(Shouts from the hill top)

The gem is lost from the Mookkuthi Hills⁵

..... Countrymen Oh! my countrymen.

(He repeats the same from different directions. The audience on the stage cam be seen vying with one another to climb the hill. Brother 2 and the friends come running as villagers)

Villagers : (Panting for breath) Hey, What happened?

Watchman : (Upset) the gem is missing from the hilltop.

Villager 1 : I had seen it while ing through the forest at dusk yesterday.

Villager 2 : I too saw it. We went to bed after bowing before it.

Watchman : Like I have never done before, I nodded off for a while just before the dawn.

Villager 3 : What will happen when the ruler comes to know?

Villager 4 : (Brother 2) our life is in peril. All those suspected guilty shall be hanged upside down and slowly tortured to death.

Watchman : What will happen to me?

Villagers : (Together) You are responsible for this.

Villager : The ruler will suspect all of us.

(Villagers approach him menacingly)

Watchman : Oh! My fellow! I am innocent. I slept off to the euphony of the boatman's song. I was so exhausted. That's all!

Villager 1 : What? You slept off listening to that melody?

Villagers : Yes, we too fell asleep.

Villager 1 : Now, what's the way out?

(The villagers confer together)

Villager 4 : Let's inform the ruler. Otherwise we will be punished for that too.

Villagers : Yes..... Let us.

(The villagers move on the stage acting as if they are running away from the spot. Finally they stop at their previous places. Brother 1 is the ruler. The villagers bow before him and gestures to show that the jewel is lost. The elder brother who acts as ruler listens attentively. And then he gets into the palanquin and starts out to the valley to the rhythmic beat of the music. The friends can act as palanquin bearers.)

Unni : Now, I shall enter the stage.

Devi : Shall I come too?

Unni : Not now, you come later.

(Unni stealthily approaches the watchman. The watchman switches back as the uncle.)

Uncle : Oh! Unni, now it's not your turn.

Unni : No, I shall come. (Uncle becomes the watchman again)

Watchman : What .... Didn't you leave?

Tramp : Where to?

Watchman : To your home.

Tramp : A house bigger than this.

(Gesticulates towards the whole surrounding)

Watchman : Where?

Tramp : Here -- a cottage decked with canopy! There -- the emerald green valley..... and the boatman's song from the river near by. Oh listening to if I fell into a deep slumber.... Oh, what an ecstasy?

Watchman : Really! I too felt the same when I heard it. The pleasure of an old song, long forgotten. I too slept listening to it.

Tramp : Ha.... My friend! (Runs and hugs the watchman. He stands astonished) We who slept to the tune of that old melody.

Watchman : Hence I'm finished now and you are dancing with joy!

Tramp : What happened?

Watchman : What else could happen?

(Stopping the tramp forcefully)

Look, where is that gem which was dazzling on the hill top?

Tramp : I didn't see it. Let me go.

Watchman : No, you must tell me where it is.

Tramp : (As if telling a secret) It is there.... Shining on the bosom of the ruler's dearest daughter.

Watchman : (Astounded) This gem.... Eh! Did you see it?

Tramp : No, I didn't

Watchman : All the villagers wake up to see this auspicious sight first. They bow to it before going to work and before going to bed at night.

Tramp : Now what to do? Do you know who took the gem away?

Watchman : Are you teasing me? Would I've been so upset if I knew who stole it? I would have caught him and thrown him in front of the ruler.

Tramp : If the ruler himself is the thief?

Watchman : (Annoyed) How dare you insult our ruler?

Tramp : (Looks around carefully) Whose is this huge footprint in this wet soil?

Hey ...... you see. One ..... Two ...... Three ..... Four. Hh.... Hh.... Hi.

Watchman : (Thoughtfully) The giant foot! He alone has that good fortune in this land.

(Rethinking) Perhaps he might have come to inspect me at work!

Tramp : 'The giant footed King,

Who doesn't sleep,

On a black starless night'

(The tramp and the watchman are left at the higher level now. The humming of the palanquin bearer is heard. The ruler is on the way. The ruler and the villagers pay attention to the last strains of the tramp's song.)

Brother 1 : (Becomes the actor) can't you hear him? He says I stole the jewel. I will show him who I am.

Brother 1 : (Becomes the character again)

Ruler : Umm...... Come on, carry me.

(The villagers start walking, carrying the ruler in the palanquin. They walk around and across the stage twice and reach a predetermined spot. The tramp bursts out crying seeing the ruler being carried.)

Watchman : Hey, what happened?

Tramp : Oh! Our giant footed king can't walk.

Oh! The Keeper of our justice has no legs.

Watchman : (Angrily) not that he has no legs. They are not meant for walking but to kick people like you.

('Yes' says the ruler and alights. One of his legs is far too big. The watchman and the villagers bow low as an act of penance. The tramp enjoys this.)

Ruler : Umm..... What are you staring at? Get lost!

Tramp : As you wish, my Lord.

'The arrival of the lord of the land,

Herald's the death for the poor vagrant'.

(Shows signs it will be 'hanging till death' and he runs away.)

Ruler : Who is this?

Watchman : He is a wanderer who simply goes around blabbering without any sense. His talk doesn't mean a thing.

Villager 4 : I too have seen him. Landless....and homeless. Eats what he gets and sleeps where he likes.

(The three friends sit on the corner of the stage)

Ruler : Didn't you know that our whole dynasty is jolted?

Watchman : Yes, we knew.... But....

Ruler : Did you get the thief? The 'scepter of fire' in front of the palace has

been stolen.

Watchman : The gem on the hill top is also gone.

Ruler : Ah!..... the gem? How can you think that loss is as significant as this? The scepter of fire is the symbol of my authority.

(The viewers on the stage applaud. Brother 1 gestures about the viewer's opinion about his acting. They indicate positively. Again he switches back to be the ruler.)

Villager 4 : This gem on the hill top used to give us light. We used to bow to it before going to work every morning.

Ruler : Find the fellow who stole the scepter of fire. Come on, at once or else I will be very very angry. (Looks cross and gazes into the distance.)

Villager 4 : Then who shall look for the thief who stole the gem?

Ruler : (Angrily) The fire..... Not the gem. Where's he? Go to the riverside and search for him.

Watchman : The boatman, by the banks.... the singer?

Ruler : Ah..... Yes..... Bring him before me.

Villager 4 : He is innocent!

Watchman : Only that he puts others to sleep with his tunes.

Ruler : I had a dream.

Watchman : What was that, my lord?

Ruler : Who stole the jewel from my princess bosom? Whose was the song that opened the window to her royal chamber?

Watchman : Did you sing?

Villager 4 : Did you sing?

Watchman : The boatman by the riverside might have sung the song.

Her shyness concealed Her cadence enhanced

They river meanders. Leaning on the oar, Clapping in a rhythm, Playing on a tamburu , The God of the river Might've hummed a tune. On hearing it and At the spell he cast You and I might've Slept off yesterday.

(The cadence of the boat song is heard)

Ruler : Oh! That's it. When the casement was opened to that song, her necklace might have been stolen. Ah.... Bring forth that boatman.

Watchman and Villager 4 : (To each other) Should we?

Ruler : Um.... Yes, He is the culprit. We shall search for him. (acts as though he is going to the riverbank. The friends point to the river.)

Watchman : Where's the boatman?

Villager 4 : Where's the boat? Where's the oar he leaned on and sang his ditties?

Watchman : Couldn't find you,

Oh! Boatman, You stole our hearts. Entranced in your voice In the sound of your music We lost our gem too.

Villager 4 : (Return sadly and stand before the ruler with heads down)

Ruler : Where's he?

Villager 4 : We could not find him, my Lord. He might have gone to the other shore.

Ruler : Let me think. (The ruler ponders and limps about on his elephant foot. The watchman and the Villager 4 observe this in great wonder.)

Ruler : (Stopping abruptly) Find out that scoundrel who reached this shore in his boat. Command that he be brought before me within half as hour.

(Watchman and Villager 4 run around on the stage many times as if looking for him and finally sit with the tramp in a corner of the stage.)

Ruler : All the people slept off yesterday listening to the song of the boatman. But I did not even wink an eye. I paced up and down looking at the sky, watching the stars at war. And here was I then, with my heavy foot. (The ruler observes if his footprint is visible. At this juncture, watchman and villager come carrying the tramp. Seeing this, the ruler is furious.)

Ruler : What? Are you carrying him too?

Villager 4 : Yes, my Lord. He claims that he is also the king. He too has a big foot.

Ruler : Then what about me?

Tramp : Hh.... Hh.... Hi..... It's here. (points to the footprints in the sand. Watchman and villager 4 look at each other in wonder. The tramp frees himself and runs away as the ruler stands up furiously. The watchman and the villager 4 catch the tramp and bring him back.)

Villager 4 : Here is the culprit........ The culprit who frolics around like a child.

Ruler : Do you it your guilt?

Tramp : (In the same tone) do you it your guilt? (laughs)

Ruler : (Shocked) Eh.... What? Questioning me? I ask you again. Do you it your guilt?

Tramp : (Gleefully) Ah.... Yes.

(Villager 4 and watchman look at each other and gesticulate that the tramp is a fool. Noticing this the tramp dances around happily)

Ruler : Where did you come from?

Tramp : We robbers come from the same clan.

The watchman and the villagers laugh instantaneously. The ruler again becomes brother)

Brother 1 : This question is from the play. (Switches back to be the ruler)

Ruler : Where did you come from.

Tramp : Aa..... Aa.....

Ruler : Why did you come to this village?

Tramp : Ee........ Eee........

Ruler : (Enraged) How did you enter this village?

Tramp : (Oo......Ooo......)

Watchman : Hey you see his tactics. ... Trying to get away. Perhaps he is even trying to imply that I have stolen the gem.

Villager 4 : Who ferried you here to this village guarded by the river?

Watchman : Who else? The silent ferryman.

Tramp : (As if addressing an unseen brilliance)

Oh! The boatman of my soul,

You add and add colours, To the swirling currents. I twirl and twirl In this whirlpool. The sphere spins and spins On its spindle. And you boatman, Holding the oar as axis, In the heart of the river.

(The note of the boatman's song is heard from far)

Ruler : Don't think you can escape by means of your excellent acting.

Villager 4 : That's his trick, my Lord. We can make out he is there.

Ruler : For whom did you wait at the casement of the princess' chamber?

Villager 4 : Umm...... Come on, tell us.

Tramp : The princess.

Watchman : What did you do there?

Tramp : I threw at her the only flower I had. It hit the scarlet sky and fell on her bed. My beloved bird....who longs to smash the cage and fly into the heights.

Ruler : What freedom would my darling child gain by breaking out of her chamber? Have I not bestowed her with the moon in the sky she craved for? Have I not given the rarest of gems and pearls?

Tramp : (Laughing aloud) Yes.... Yes.... Even the gem on the hill top that scattered light (The others look astounded)

Watchman : (Looking down on the ground) Then ....these big footprints we saw here.

Ruler : (Tries to escape by changing the subject) you people.....who are good natured and my dependents.....you shouldn't suspect me. (Watchman and the villager bow in obedience) What shall we do with this fellow who robbed your ruler of the scepter of fire -- the symbol of our authority? (The watchman and the Villager 4 stand not knowing what to do) Um....Tell me.... what should I do?

Watchman and Villager : (Thinking) Kill him.... Eat him.

Watchman : What did you do with the stolen fire?

Tramp : It is there kindled in all your huts..... To glow in the wick of your lamps..... To bloom into a thousand crimson flowers.....

Watchman : Is it true?

Villager 4 : Really? I haven't seen any light in my hut till now. We look at the gem at the hill top, both at dawn and dusk and hail 'Hara hara Shambho'.⁷

Watchman : Even that light has disappeared since yesterday. It is darkness everywhere.

Ruler : (In a commanding tone) what did you do with the fire?

Tramp : I swallowed it.

Watchman : What? You swallowed the fire that you said would glow in our huts as an eternal flame?

Villager 4 : Now .... everything is pitch dark?

Tramp : I shall spit it out.

Watchman : Oh! My God! He is a demon.... an evil spirit.... Fire spitting demon..... He is superhuman! He is superhuman!

Villager 4 : Was it you who lit the beacon on the hilltop and danced there at the centre?

Watchman : Are you the one who ran about trying to rekindle the fire and dropped dead?

Ruler : Was it you who dashed through the huts kindling the torches there against my command?

Tramp : (Like a sleep walker)

Oh! No..... Not I. 'Lit a lamp In every hut To summon a war For green grains To burn the hunger' Tra la.... laa la la (The tramp moves quickly and rhythmatically. The others watch him as though in a reverie. Suddenly the lights are dimmed and the stage turns dark. All those on the stage waltz with lamp in their hands. A lethargic mellifluous tune is

heard from afar, similar to a boat song. The beat fades away light fills the stage and the stage brightens again.)

Ruler : Where is that flame?

Tramp : I gave light from that torch to the black children who were playing in the dark. And they danced with joy at the sight of the first ray of light (Silence) And in that new light of the torch (approaches the ruler gathering strength and courage) have I not seen your giant footprints as you fled with the gem from the hilltop?

Ruler : (Shocked) Are you questioning my authority?

Tramp : Didn't I disclose that secret, calling around in each and every hut, singing to the beat of the damru.⁸

Ruler : Um..... Catch him! Put him in jail.

(The tramp is imprisoned)

Tramp : Hark! in the resonance of this beat.....in the flash of the flames...... from each and every hut, the song echoes! (The tramp stands enraptured and intoxicated in the tempo of the music)

'My friends,

Oh! My friends, Can you sing that song?

Ruler : (Conspires with others to kill the tramp. Initially they disagree, but later they agree to him) I hereby decree (Others anxiously wait to here further. The gypsy girl (Devi) rushes in).

Gypsy girl : I haven't seen my man who came to this king's court for trial. He used to sing in a silver tone like the tinkling of the beads in my anklet.

Ruler : (Merrily) You are here at last, my gypsy girl.

(Attempts to catch her. She slips off from his hold and runs)

Gypsy girl : (to the nature)

Oh! Sylvan loveliness, My golden beauty! Did you ever see him? Did you hear his song Melt in twilight In the forest?

I desire to dissolve In his form -- mesmerizing Marvellous and charming. How shall my soul Perpetually sleep Without seeing him?

(She sees the tramp who is tied up and approaches him with grief)

Ruler : I imprisoned him to bring you here. Come on, you gypsy girl (She moves away defiantly) Take her to my royal chamber. (The watchman and Villager 4 take her away by force. When they reach the other end of the stage she enquires smilingly, about her performance and sits with others to watch the show. The watchman and Villager 4 return and stand bowing with folded hands before the ruler) (Looks outside) Oh! My people! What shall I do with this fellow who tries to usurp my throne by letting our secrets out and spreading unrest around? (A roar is heard from outside).

Watchman : Their voices are not clear; my Lord.

Ruler : Definitely, it's clear 'stone him to death', they say.

Watchman : (Politely) That's not so, my Lord.

Ruler : You keep away from this!

Watchman : Am I too not your subject?

Ruler : No!

Watchman : What ....? Who am I then?

Ruler : My guard..... my slave (thinking) Umm..... Stone him! (Startled, the watchman transforms himself to be uncle) Isn't this the game?

Ruler : Of course.... A game .... just a game (Revengefully)

'The game is on - The game of Time is on'

Tramp : Yes, merely a game (Laughs) Oh! My dear Devi, Where are you?

Ruler : I shall begin..... (The ruler picks up a stone and throws at the tramp. Others too laugh and imitate the ruler. The watchman also does the same. The tramp enjoys the game and moves away. Everybody enjoys it.)

Gypsy girl : (Suddenly comes forth) No, stop this game.

Ruler : You don't want to sleep in my royal chamber. Awaiting him forever!

Tramp : Umm...... Why don't you also them? (Devi laughs and throws stone at him. The tramp enjoys this and painfully moves apart.)

Tramp : (Looking around) Come on, you folks. You too throw stones at me (The friends gather together and throw stones at him. The tramp becomes fired. Gradually he starts running as if to escape. Everybody follows the tramp and throw stones at him. The impression is that of a mob running after him, chasing and throwing stones. He starts running form the grove. After running for a short distance he struggles to free himself and finally succeeds in freeing his hands. He is free and happy. The ruler and others start stoning him again. The tramp runs and reaches the courtyards, calls out 'Oh! mother' and sits down exhausted.

The scene of the trees disappears. The fire in the funeral pyre can be seen far as before. The three friends closing their eyes, mouth and ears stand at three corners)

Devi : (The gypsy girl changes to be the character, Devi)

Oh! My mother..... Oh! My God! (The tramp is in the centre. The others stop throwing stones)

Brother 1 : The game was such fun!

Uncle : Oh! What a pity! How we hurled stones at Unni and floored him! My poor child! Oh! God! He's almost finished.

Brother 1 : Now what shall we do?

(Devi comes running and tries to awake the tramp. But he sits still. Taken aback, she cries out)

Devi : Oh! My boatman. (Uncle and brothers run to his side calling 'Unni'. All of them bend towards him)

Friends : (Sing like an elegy)

Unni has gone The son of this soil Has gone He was - Our comrade Our classmate Our playmate Our torch--bearer.

Unni has gone Our Unni has gone

Uncle : (Grief struck) Unni.....

(All are writhing in the pain of their guilt. The elder brothers are clad in their original attire, and are about to retreat to their rooms...... Uncle climbs up the platform and stands gazing at the funeral pyre, Devi walks slowly and climbs up to the first level. In spite of being fraudulent and knavish, the brothers lament bitterly. Still deceitful and hypocritical they renew their bonds and proceed to their rooms stealthily).

Devi : (Breaks down cursing the brothers) Oh! My nymphs of the woods! Let this tyrant and his companions who have orphaned me and this land turn into stones! (Devi transcends to be like Bhadrakali suddenly, the brothers become imbecile and move like cripples. They gradually transform themselves into stones)

Devi : (Slowly approaches Unni) Oh! Boatman.... Oh! boatman of my soul! My mother! If only I could ferry the pilgrims across the Ganges...... through the waves ....!!! (Devi stands with folded hands. The recital of mantras are heard)

'Om Poornamithah Poornamathah Poornath Poornamudachyute Poornasya Poornamadayah Poornameva Va Shishyate'

(The light dims and the stage turns dark) (Curtain Falls) ---------------------------('That is whole, this is whole From that whole, this whole comes. From that whole, this whole remains What remains is whole')

A GUIDE TO ENACT THE PLAY

The play is to be enacted on a composite stage to depict the various manifestations of fire. That means more that one scenario is intended to be shown at the same time. Hence the central image, the fire and the ing images Ganges and Mother can be visualized from the beginning till the end. The initial scene shows Unni rowing a boat at a corner of the stage (on a higher platform), whilst the mother's death is shown in family atmosphere and the funeral pyre is being set up on another part of the stage. The family switch on to the characters after epitomizing the Fire and chanting the mantras. The characters evolve from these actors who enter the stage as a chorus.

2

I said to my soul be still

And wait without hope

T.S. Eliot

THE YEARLY RITE

INTRODUCTION

The yearly rite is the annual spiritual homage or libation paid to the souls of the dead by the near and the dear. Here, the play is a re-enactment of some crucial war scenes by the women's resistance group of the Kurukshetra village to welcome the five Pandavas believed to arrive this evening to pay annual homage to the dear and near ones killed in the war. The Poojari is preparing the grove to receive the Pandavas. He becomes the director of this ritual drama. Medha, Sara, Arundhati, Sneha and Ajitha try to project the women's suffering and sense of loss when a war breaks out. Here Subhadra dreams of her becoming the Queen when the war is won by the Pandavas, Karna is killed by his own brother. Arjuna... Kunthi's blessing on him, her first born is witnessed by Arjuna who is shocked and totally moved by his own sin. Draupadi's five sons are killed. Same is the fate of Hidimba where her son Ghatotghaja born to Bhima is also killed. All these mothers finally meet at the Kurukshetra on the 17th day of war in search of their lost sons. They identified and fondled the sons of their deadly enemies! The slum dwellers and the marginalized folk come complaining that all their men folk are killed, and the war caused irreparable damage. The three central images- the key of Dharma, the crown and the disheveled hair of Draupadi- are all finally tied up, answering the quest of the uprooted and the homeless.

CHARACTERS

Priest (Director Vidura) Young man (Karna) Arjuna Abhimanyu Shakuny Soldier Medha (Gandhari) Sara (Kunthi) Arundhathi (Subhadra) Ajitha (Hidimba) Sneha (Draupadi) A maid in waiting A group of women

Back ground: The battle field of Kurukshethra

Time : The present inhabitant of the Kurukshethra village enact the ceremonial war scenes to welcome the Pancha Pandavas(The five pandava brothers) as they believed they would come once in a year to offer the Bali, a

libation to the deceased souls

SCENE 1

Announcement They are coming! To offer the annual homage to the soulds of the dead in the war They should be pleased Their past deeds should be re-enacted. As such, this is a novel display of the Kurukshethra war.

(Kurukshethra - The ritual ground ruminating the memories of the eighteen day long dreadful war. The pond and the Kaavu (holy grove) are just behind. Today, lamps will be lit in the grove where the villagers gather once in a year to celebrate the yearly rite. The idols of Pandavas and the great sage Vyasa are there in this round shaped grove. They come to life during this day of the annual ritual of the lighting of lamps.)

Poojari : (Enters), Yearly rites is a rare ritual. A day to the dead and the slain ones in Kurukshethra! The entire village should unite to chant manthras and pray whole heartedly after the preparations

"Let the Pandava princes arise and come down to this holy land....... All who fought against them may also follow.... May all other souls too arrive....."

All would remain silent after this soulful prayer...... In that silence (Hearing an uproar from far) Hey, don't you hear an uproar? It is the procession arriving from Kizhakkumpattukara carrying Lord Krishna Ah.... Let's move aside so that we have a better view Now the Kurukshethra is well guarded. Why fear when the Pancha Pandavas are guarding us? They will enter the hearts of the true devotees..... A sort of transmigration of the souls! The battle of Kurukshethra would be re-enacted here in all its forms and glory.

(The Poojari, the priest, gradually assumes the role of the director)

Director : The Pandavas and Kauravas are here Shakuni and Vidura too! Draupadi and Dushaasana are nowhere else. Bhima is caressing Draupadi's hair with the blood of Dushaasana. Gandhari keeps on lamenting. Kunthi roams hither and thither without a place for shelter. Duryodhana is still spiteful.... and Bhima revengeful. Yet they are unaware of the vicious sin that follows them. Embittering their souls...... Karna, the abandoned one with no one for himself, but brought up by someone... Like the children of the streets! Ah.... Our theatre group is also prepared to re enact this battle scene, for those sacred souls to see. Come along, friends; come.

(The young man enters)

What's this? All are not present. What can be done if the actors don't turn up in time even on the performance day!

(To the young man) Hey, you come here Have an eye on these folks. I'll be back in a minute(Exists)

Medha : (Enters,. A social activist who doesn't seem to bother about her looks. Sara is behind her. Both are middle aged.) I came early, Sir,

Sara, it is not as you think. This struggle will go on and on. The guardians of the key to power will not yield so quickly.

Sara : My objection is not to the struggle prolonging.

Medha : Then what?

Sara : Chechi, Don't you know that they may go to any extent to insult the women?

Medha : I know... I know.... They can't do anything worse than what they have already done to me and my group.

Young man : Ah. . . Yes.. . . Chechi, I know you. Aren't you the Secretary of the Woman's Resistance association?

Medha : When are you going back to the Gulf?

Young man : No... not at all

Medha : Why? You too got caught in the war

Young man : Some how I managed to escape and fled from there. All my companions were killed.

Sara : We knew it from the news broadcast. Our sister Lakshmi's sons too got killed.

Medha : The War these days is not with the weapons alone

The torment inflicted by those who try to secure their positions by holding the key to power

The umpteen methods of man exploiting man. Orphaned childhood and the subsequent child labour.

The war declared against the hapless ones, atrocities against women, drug addiction, terrorism.

Director : (Back after going around the grove)

Aa.....ha.... are you wasting your time chatting?

Medha and Sara are present here. Arundhathi, Ajitha, Sneha.... Where are they all?

Arundhathi : Present Sir, (Smiles and comes running)

Director : There's someone who is always late.

Arundhathi : Isn't it Ajitha? Her condition is really pitiable. She is lamenting over the loss of her last son

Director : How was it?

Arundhathi : I heard them say it is the Hindu- Muslim riot or a political clash. Some how I managed to console her and brought her here. (Enters Ajitha)

Director : Ajitha.... , whatever happened cannot be undone. You're

not alone in this tragedy. The whole nation mourns with you in the loss of your children in the riot.

Ajitha : Oh! you too grieving over it? To hell with your grief? Who wants your empathy and sympathy? After all, you won your seats in the election with our votes and came to power.

Medha : Sister, whom are you talking to?

Ajitha : (Coming to her sense)Sorry, Sir, Sometimes I forget my surroundings.I even feel like drinking the blood of these who killed my son.

Medha : Sneha will come soon. She too has a problem.

Sara : (On the sly) Don't mention it here. Should everyone know that her husband's enemies assaulted her in front of him?

Director : Anyway! Whatever it be! Each one has one's own problem. But I shall not permit any delay for the play. This is a ritualistic play enacted with the intention of showing to the Pandavas.

Medha : Look, Sneha is coming. Be careful. She is terribly upset.

Sneha : (Enters with disheveled hair). Hmm. Why are you people staring at me? They dragged me and carried me away. The rest I don't know. My life is not

over in one night. Those hundreds of people.... I shall kill them all or have them killed.

Director : (Displeased) Murder and Slaughter! Everything after the performance.

Ajitha : Let's start out make- up. This is a play dealing with the problems of the present day woman. This is my story.

Other actresses : Yes, ours too.

Director : Whatever it is, start doing your make-up and get ready. Already it is too late. (The director guides them to the green room.)

Green Room Arundhathi, (Subhadra), Young man (Karna) Sara (Kunthi) Medha (Gandhari) Sneha (Draupati) Ajitha (Hidimba) etc, apply their relevant make-up

Ajitha : Arundhathi, When were you released from the prison?

Arundhathi : It's almost one week. Those who trapped me in false cases shouldn't hope to sleep in peace hereafter.

Sara : That means you shall write against them again.

Arundhathi : Certainly, a journalist must be impartial. The government, affluent money bags and even the publisher of the newspaper are insisting that I should alter my views. But that's not my way.

Medha : These days it is quite impossible for one to have one's own views

Arundhathi : I was rooted to my cause even when my life was in danger. I stood with the public conscience and with the truth. I have nothing to gain except the freedom of my country.

Sara : Shouldn't the Kurukshethra war enacted here for the Pandavas, when they come to the earth be exactly the same as the one they fought?

Medha : It will be so. But as they come once in a year, the playwrights include the sentiments of the people of the present times... although with slight changes. That's all. Not only will that, in today's drama, there be chronological reshuffling in the events narrated by Vyasa.

Sneha : (With the hair scattered over her shoulders in a careless manner)

Ho, this hair! (Detangles the hair from her hands violently) This hair can never be kept properly.

Other Actresses : (Trying to unravel and smoothen the hair. They look at each other with awe and surprise)

When will you ever put up your hair neatly?

(The director looks at everyone impatiently and goes out)

Arundhathi : I came out on parole. only to act in this play

Sara : You will be back to prison after this! Oh, girl!

It was about you that I wrote all these days.

Ajitha : Aren't we there in your theme? (All others laugh)

Sara : (Boxes her cars) You've been a naughty girl always

Arundhathi : Even in our school days, everyone used to notice Ajitha. She would stand up with a doubt whenever the teacher talked. Even the boys were surprised.

Ajitha : Those days in our village primary school... when we five were always together!

Medha : Our small huts! Only to sleep at night.... And to meet again in the morning to be together, to play and to learn.

Sara : It was that unusual past that influenced my writings later

Arundhathi : Wasn't it the strength gain ed from that unique past that thrust me into the battle fronts and from there to the goals?

How many places, confrontations, prison cells, tortures!

Ajitha : When I roamed in the untrodden jungles to kindle the fires of knowledge with love and care to the tribal children, I used to hum our old song.

The birds hovered In the azure sky, The dove, the raven And the vulture. The heavens blushed In the sounds And shades of these Sweet warbling birds On hearing it-

The sun smiled lusciously In the afternoon. The moon smiled gently In the evening, The seasons, Splashed colours, Scattered fragrance The maiden earth Lay maiden earth Lay down in a scarlet hue The scent so intense -With burning eyes, The culture pecked the dove And on it, it fed; The sun glowed in blood. The vulture ate the raven, And the moon tinted to red. At the end of the creation -The vulture tore the vulture Into pieces, Down poured a rain of blood

Died down the golden sun Ceased the mist and rain The buds withered In the nuclear fire, Acrid odour filled everywhere, The sky split, The earth cried out, "Oh! At least a single sprout!"

Arundhathi : Isn't it to sing this song together again, we take all these pains and father in our village, at least once in a year?

Medha : Yes.... It's good that we decided to search together the key to Dharma lost somewhere.

Ajitha : Sister, we know that you're in the midst of a battle front, keenly watched by the whole world.... braving the fury of the multi millionaires, bent upon evicting lakhs of poor people from their dwellings. And yet nobody knows the anguish of a mother whose children were killed in the riots.

Medha : I'm trying to forget all that. Then what about our Sara's woes?

Ajitha : What is there? A child born out of wedlock. that's all. How was infant Jesus born to Virgin Mary? How was Karna and the Pandavas born to Kunthi

Devi? Not out of wedlock?

Sara : That's not my sorrow. What a coward I was, at that time! I was terribly scared of the reactions of my family and the society .... that I threw the baby into the foothills of the mountains, to the east of our school, without anyone noticing. The agony increases day by day. How I wish I could see my child one day! If only I could see my child one day! If only I could hear him calling me "Mother" (The mobile phone in Medha's bag rigns. Every one looks surprised. Medha stops her make up and attends the call.)

Medha : Ay what? Did they start again.... Early this morning?

Arundhathi : What is it sister?

Medha : Those savages have started the massacre again. The bulldozers rushed across crushing thousands of villagers. The jungles around are on fire.

Ajitha : Homicide! Not done by even the barbarians.

Medha : (On phone) What are our people doing there? What? They too got killed? Oh! They're not orphans. They are my own children.... Turned to the battle field again? A stream of blood! Ho.... don't kill. Please don't kill. (Becomes unconscious and falls on the chair. The others attend to her)

Director : (Enters the stage in a hurry and addresses the audience) Sorry for the delay. Those great souls may be descending from the heavens down to the

earth.

(All on the stage in a circle and pray)

We have come again to this holy land of Kurukshethra in search of the key to justice

(All of them seek the director's blessings. Suddenly a cry of victory is heard at a distance and then a pathetic wailing sound is heard. "Oh! Mother!"

Gandhari runs to that direction bewildered.

Kunthi rushes out of the stage trying to make out what it is.

Draupadi pats her disheveled, spread hair and disappears with a smile as though in hallucination. Hidimba asks "what" and "why" and walks away uneasily.

Subhadra reacts to this sound of victory with delight)

Director : (After a silence of few moments) Finally one more thing to . If there is any hindrance to the Kurukshethra drama, the Pandavas will not appear. They will go back dissatisfied, the way they came. And we have to wait a whole year for their blessings. hence there it is-with all due respect.... and slight changes from the original epic by the sage Vyaasa

Oh! Great sage Vyaasa! We seek your blessings (looking at the audience). And yours too.

(The light on the stage dims and the artistes are seen doing their makeup)

SCENE 2

(A garden scene near the ladies' parlour in the palace in the background. The actors themselves can arrange this, visible to the audience)

Director : Arundhathi, I mean Subhadra, memorise the lines you're likely to forget

Arundhathi in Subhadras role : (Turning the pages) We must seek revenge... capture everything.... if not by me..... through my valiant son.

(Gradually becomes the character... A maid enters after a while. Subhadra and her maid are terribly exhilarated as the director retreats)

Subhadra : Hm... mm.... Come on... Tell me. How many people fell in yesterday's battle?

Maid : That can't be described. There are tens of thousands in the Kaurava army. But all good for nothing! Our soldiers are less in number. But that doesn't matter at all. They have killed hundreds of them till yesterday.

Nothing will be the same once the Pandavas return victorious in the war.

Subhadra : Then what?

Maid : The Pandavas shall rule the kingdom and my lady shall be the queen

Subhadra : (Concealing her wish) Oh! I don't have such desires.

Maid : You just say so, my mistress. But I can read your mind.

Subhadra : (In a trance). it is my Arjuna who wins the war. And the others are just to help him!

Maid : Power comes in hand after the war is won.

Subhadra : In whose hands?

Maid : It is a problem that's going to arise. Each one of the five may think that he's the most eligible one.

Subhadra : Will there be such a conflict?

Maid : Not necessary.... But not impossible too.

Subhadra : Dharmaputhra is the eldest son. So naturally shouldn't he be the king?

Maid : He might refuse the hold the power. He might keep himself away saying that power is not for those who safeguard the justice.

Subhadra : (Perplexed) Who ... then?

Maid : The next one will be Vrikodara. What a scene to see him sitting on the throne....with his massive club in hand! (Both of them laugh) Actually the people of this country love the valiant archer who made Lord Krishna his Charioteer.

Subhadra : My lord Arjuna! Could it be true? (Sits as if in a dream)

(Voice from outside) Prince Abhimanyu!

Subhadra : (Walking up from the reverie, stands up excitedly) My son!

(The maid servant retreats)

Abhimanyu : (Enters the young prince in all his royal splendor and vibrancy). Greetings to my mother (Bows before Subhadra)

Subhadra : May God bless you? Hope Uthara is fine

Abhimanyu : All is well, with your blessings, mother

Subhadra : (Fondling him) How long is it since I saw your face?

Abhimanyu : I was preparing for the war

Subhadra : Did you too participate in the war?

Abhimanyu : Yes, when it was badly needed.

Subhadra : The Pandavas have sufficient soldiers to fight the war.

Abhimanyu : People like us are required on certain occasions to fight the war

Subhadra : When is that?

Abhimanyu : Sometimes, when the invincible warriors fall unexpectedly and the Pandava army doesn't rise to the occasion.... Then I jump into the fray and kill a number of Kauravas. They will then run for their lives. The Sun sets and the day's battle is over

Subhadra : Won't your father stop you? Will your uncles send you to the battlefield?

Abhimanyu : No, in spite of that. I will jump into the battlefield to save them.... when their lives are in danger.

Subhadra : (Proudly) So if my son fights in the war, it means victory for all. Protection for all! An armour for your uncles!

Abhimanyu : On such occasions, when I return triumphant after a fierce battle, my uncles embrace me and carry me on their shoulders.

Subhadra : What about your father?

Abhimanyu : I can't describe the expression on his face at such times. A proud gentle smile. I will touch his feet in reverence.... rest my head on his broad chest. I shall relish the pleasure of his tears of joy falling on my head.

Subhadra : Even then my child, you shouldn't act recklessly. There are other warriors too.

Abhimanyu : Oh! My mother.... All these are just simple exercises. Small occasions to display my talents

Subhadra : I heard some other stories too

Abhimanyu : What are the heroic hymns that have enthralled my mother?

Subhadra : You fought single handedly with Lakshmana, son of the great kind, Duryodhana and dispatched him to the heavens.

Abhimanyu : Oh! That story too reached here. It ended up in a duel full of vigour and rivalry between us. Lakshmana headed finishing off many of our soldiers. Nobody was there to confront him there. Then I felt thrilled and played some small tricks.

Subhadra : Didn't anyone from the Pandava front come to your aid?

Abhimanyu : How many to help me when I started? It's funny that I stopped them al from following me. The Kauravas encircled Lakshmana protecting him. That too a challenge!

Subhadra : Then?

Abhimanyu : I killed the protectors one by one. Finally we both were left alone. That battle prolonged for sometime. It wasn't a problem. It didn't take even half the weapons in my armoury to kill my enemy. Seeing him fall with a roar, the Kaurava army ran for their lives.

Subhadra : It is all God's blessings.

Abhimanyu : But at that time when I stood with my foot on his chest, many thoughts crossed my mind. The troubles my father and his brothers endured. The insult Draupadi Devi faced in the royal court of Kauravas. She es her days even today with disheveled hair. The picture of an aged mother with her five valiant sons roaming the jungles like an orphan. For a moment, I became another person. (Seething with anger)

Subhadra : (Soliloquy) My child! An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth... We must seek revenge... capture everything... If not by me... through my valiant son.

Abhimanyu : I strangled Lakshmana with my foot. He spat blood! I plunged my hand in it and splashed drops of blood to the sky. As if paying libation to the great men who fell in Kurukshethra... Like a warning to the arrogance of the Kauravas.

Subhadra : My son! What is this I hear?

Abhimanyu : Those drops of blood might have fallen on Duryodhana's chest that was standing far away. Let them know that the youth are bubbling in the Pandava army, ri and coming... Isn't it interesting?

Subhadra : Let's not have such games anymore

Abhimanyu : I heard someone shouting from afar, that Abhimanyu would also

meet the same end. (Laughing). They don't know who I am. I am determined to go to battle again. Everything must be settled once and for all.

Subhadra : No mother can send her son to the battle field. Then how about someone so precious like my son?

Abhimanyu : The Pandava army is not exhausted yet. My father and others have many other important matters to attend to. Let the Kauravas be astonished seeing the young lions.

Subhadra : Still my child...

Abhimanyu : To be honest, I am still not in my full Zest. Occasionally, my troops are entrusted to places without many people. I haven't gone into a full battle yet.

Subhadra : How can your mother be at peace?

Abhimanyu : I too want to fight.... kill the rest of the Kauravas alone... with my own hands

Subhadra : If your father comes to know about this?

Abhimanyu : He won't let me do it. But when I return victorious, even if he pretends to be angry, he will huge me with pride. I can't hold myself back

anymore.

Subhadra : Does your father know about it?

Abhimanyu : I'm doing this for my father too. He has been fighting for days on end. I have seen him bleed many a time. Sometimes he sits tired for quite a while. But in the consoling words of the charioteer, Lord Krishna, he gets inspired and charges towards the enemy front. If I fight he has a respite and rest.

Subhadra : Who will come to your aid?

Abhimanyu : (Kissing Subhadra) You... my mother... your prayers ... And the whole Pandava army surrounding me. Aren't they enough?

Subhadra : It is not that they are not enough. But you must not be rash. You have a reputation of being valorous by birth itself.

Abhimanyu : I was born as a warror... Look (Stands like a warrior displaying his broad chest and perfect figure)

Subhadra : Your mother is proud of you. When the people of this land sing your praises, I feel enthralled.

Abhimanyu : How many more legends to come in my way? I will be the hero when the war is over

Subhadra : What about your father? Your uncle, Krishna?

Abhimanyu : I will rank along with them. I met Ghatotghaja yesterday.

Subhadra : How is he? He must be as strong as your uncle. Bhima

Abhimanyu : How strong and energetic? That body is made of steel. Born to Hidimba and brought up in the wild. Am I right? We have made a truce to be thick friends till death... And that we will fight for the victory of the Pandavas.

Subhadra : You needn't fear anyone with Ghatotgaja by your side

Abhimanyu : I shouldn't wait any more (Bows before his mother, prepares to leave)

Subhadra : One more thing.

Abhimanyu : (Stops) What is it, mother?

Subhadra : You know very well the state of the Virada Princes

Abhimanyu : I know Uttara must not be told all these.

Subhadra : This is a time when she will always wish for you to be near her.

Abhimanyu : I too long to be near her. But at present nothing is wrong with her.

Subhadra : There's a saying that when a child turns in the womb, he is searching for his father. If the father touches the mother's stomach, the child accepts it as a caress.

Abhimanyu : We converse with each other everyday. When he comes to this earth, the first thing he hears must be of his father's valour in the war front.

Subhadra : This grand mother will tell him everything. He should grow up listening to the stories of his father's mischief, valour, the ethereal brilliance and the fiery radiance when you were born.

Abhimanyu : You may tell her gradually

Subhadra : What about Valsala then who loves you as much as her own life. Like your uncle Balarama, his daughter also ires your courage.

Abhimanyu : Mother, you must console both of them. I shall return soon. (Bows, leaves in a hurry)

Subhadra : I must console Uttara and Valsala

(Arjuna enters from outside)

Who will console me...? I knew that you are coming. I was watching our son leave to the battle field.

Arjuna : Our son's heroics belong to the mother too. So I came to inform you.

Subhadra : Our dear son had revealed some of it.

Arjuna : You couldn't see anything, did you?

Subhadra : I didn't have that good fortune.

Arjuna : I was there at a distance with Krishna as my charioteer. We were facing a large troop. He suddenly pointed out at the fierce battle going on at a distance. While raining arrows on my enemies, I turned and looked. And theremy son! Like myself -- in my own youth! The glow of fire! He was rushing forward with only a small army to him. Roaring and breaking through the lines of enemies.

Subhadra : I know. Your power was revealed by the Gods through him.

Arjuna : The show is not over. Who are the opponents?

Subhadra : The Kaurava army

Arjuna : Not just ordinary soldiers. They are heroes in the front line. Drona, his son Ashvathamma, Karna, Kripa, Krithavarma, Brihadbala... Hundreds of such heroes are trying desperately to fell Abhimanyu... Trying all tricks to seize and put him down.

Subhadra : Abhimanyu had told about it. There was one among them who was even more powerful than Duryodhana in the Kaurava army.

Arjuna : Abhimanyu's tactics are brilliant. To defeat Duryodhana, his aides and companions must be uprooted. This psychology of war seems to have helped him to kill Lakshmana.

Subhadra : , Karna is no ordinary warrior

Arjuna : I think so too. On lookers say that in fact Lakshnama's blood was splashed by our son towards Duryodhana.

Subhadra : Everything is Lord Krishna's grace. His bounty... His benevolence.

Soldier : (Comes running) Nothing to feat about. Prince Abhimanyu has gone to the battle field. He doesn't want his father to know. He cried out that he will return only with the enemy's blood.

Subhadra : What is happening there now?

Soldier : A top warrior from the Kaurava front faces the prince alone. He falls after a tough fight. And then come a few more of them. They too fall. Then follow a set of soldiers. He daringly runs into their midst charging forward.

Arjuna : Where is our army?

Soldier : They've set up a strong defence line.

Arjuna : Once the enemy is driven back, my son needn't take the lead. That can be done after I too am on the field. I'm just coming (Leaves in a hurry. The soldier follows. Subhadra looks after them in ecstasy)

Gandhari : (Enters as if she is searching for something and walks off) I can't where it is. That golden key to justice was lost some where on this way to Kurukshethra. The golden key to justice.

I'm not upset because it was lost, but because no one is rushing forward to find it out.

(A waiting sound "Oh! mother" followed by a hilarious laughter from far)

There again, that same voice... Like the wailing of my son Dushaasana. Is that roar of laughter coming from the angry Bhima? Where is it from? (Walks away)

(More laughter and sounds from the battle field. A scream, challenge, roar and wailing sound -- all are heard together)

Subhadra : The son who is to be born to my Abhimanyu will be as mischievous and brave as his father. He must be taught to use weapons from child hood itself. He will want to chase the stars. How can he rule like a king if he grows up dreaming of the stars...and chasing the moonlight and butterflies? Today when the Kauravas hear Abhimanyu's name they are stunned and terrified. Karna, Drona and Kripa and many more such invincible warriors could not fetter him. When the great war is over and the Pandavas come to power...

Soldier : (Rushes in as if the words are struck in his throat) There is a message

Subhadra : Aren't you coming from the war?

Soldier : Yes

Subhadra : Let me hear today's news

Soldier : Fierce fight is going on. No one is losing

Subhadra : Abhimanyu had hinted that he would fight today. Then?

Soldier : He jumped into the fray

Subhadra : (Curiosly) What about his father?

Soldier : Nowhere near him. Facing powerful rivals afar.

Subhadra : He would be more inspired now

Soldier : Nothing is clear. Many have fallen by his arrows. Now he is moving to the middle of the enemy.

Subhadra : What do you mean?

Soldier : The Kaurava Army has made many formations. Chariots are in the front, horses just behind, infantry following and majestic elephants on either side.

Subhadra : That means the lotus cluster?

Soldier : Yes!

Subhadra : (Dazed). Drona is an expert in top formations. Hmm. rush immediately. Inform my husband

Soldier : There is no danger till now. Only greater is needed. I shall be back soon.

Subhadra : Oh! Lord Krishna! Take care of my child. Save him from being trapped in the wheel cluster. (Gaining courage). No. It shall not happen. Even his father has been surprised by his skill in warfare and body control. All the expectations of the Pandava army are upon Abhimanyu.

My son will always be a threat to the Kauravas. The fire of revenge of the Kauravas has been fanned by the death of Lakshmana. But my lion cub will devour all the enemies.

Arjuna : (Enters shattered and stares at Subhadra)

Subhadra : (Anxiously) What's this my Lord? You're so tired shattered and crest fallen.

Arjuna : Abhimanyu

Subhadra : Abhimanyu

Arjuna : He is entrapped

Subhadra : In whose trap?

Arjuna : In a trap setup by Drona, Karna and Duryodhana in the lotus cluster.

Subhadra : Will he not escape from there?

Arjuna : No!

Subhadra : (Desperately), Tell me clearly

Arjuna : It is my fate to say it... to my son's mother. That's why I hurried here. This not a news that a messenger should deliver. Our son has been killed through treachery. From a distance a shriek is heard "Oh, mother!"

Subhadra : (Petrified), No! This cannot be!

Arjuna : I couldn't believe it either. But the celebrations at the Kaurava side have increased like never before.

Subhadra : But it is not on our son's defeat

Arjuna : Someone splashed blood to fall on my chest...

My son's blood".... To avenge the blood of Duryodhana's son

Subhadra : How will I bear this? The Pandava clan's ...

Arjuna : (Decisively). We must bear everything. One more... to all that the Pandavas have gone through decades... one more... amongst the deceptions. But all of that must end here.

Subhadra : How?

Arjuna : I'm going to the last battle. I'll drink the blood of the whole Kaurava army in return for my son's blood.

Subhadra : The blood of the Kauravas!

Arjuna : In this Kurukshethra, they will answer for all the insults and torments we suffered. We shall not look back even if we face extinction.

Subhadra : Abhimanyu's child is yet to be born

Arjuna : How will we tell Uttara this news? She will be shattered.

Subhadra : I will tell her. That too my fate.

Arjuna : Try to console her.

Subhadra : Who will console me? An unfortunate mother!

Arjuna : Abhimanyu's son must be taught weaponry and all martial sciences... making him mentally strong. He should be brought up as a wondrous hero to finish off the remaining Kauravas.

Subhadra : (Semi -- consciously) That's not enough

Arjuna : Then?

Subhadra : He should be taught all the tricks, treacheries and deceptions- the methods to win a war.

Arjuna : Subhadra...!

Subhadra : Yes, Subhadra. Lord Krishna's little sister

Arjuna : You too?

Subhadra : Yes, I too. I'm just a mother seeking vengeance for my son's death. I too shall enter the battlefield.

Arjuna : What do I hear? The mother of my son has lost her senses. Go in and take rest.

Subhadra : Our son fought with the Kaurava army, standing alone.... inside that lotus cluster trap! That is the truth. He did the impossible. This mother ought to be proud. (Silence). Uttara can also be proud. Beloved wife of that valorous warrior! The Better half of Abhimanyu, the martyr who died alone inside the trap. Let us take pride in ourselves. Gave birth to him, made him a worldrenowned warrior and finally he is entrapped. Helpless shed his blood and dies a death caused by deception - this loving mother can be proud!

Arjuna : (Embracing her). What is this madness?

Subhadra : Yes, the madness of pride

Arjuna : Go inside. Go and console Uttara. Whisper in the ears of the baby, who sleeps smiling in the mother's womb....seeing and listening to everything around him.

Subhadra : What shall I whisper to that darling baby?

Arjuna : "Come soon. You have a mission on this earth. Those who shed your father's blood are screaming and roaring." Tell him this story and grand mother be quick to send the child to the battlefield. I shall continue with my mission till he arrives.

Subhadra : What mission?

Arjuna : To find out the source of the blood that splashed on to my chest. (Runs out screaming.) To retaliate... to capture... to seek revenge! (Draupadi enters in a violent mood with startling eyes; Listens to Arjuna. Finally starts singing slowly)

The scent so intense With burning eyes, The vulture pecked the dove And on it, it fed; (Subhadra too s the song) The sun glowed in blood The vulture gulped the raven And the moon tinted to red.

SCENE 3

(The director enters)

Don't forget that there are five more people here other than you and me and the actors, whom we can't touch or see. The unseen five Pandavas! They will be watching this play somewhere along with this crowd. And if they are content and pleased, they will appear before your eyes. Let them see how Arjuna raced to take revenge upon the Kaurava army. Don't you want to know who is leading the Kaurava army now? Karna -- the son of the great Sun-God!

(In a low tone) But he is known as the son of a charioteer, as one who grew up as an orphan! (Karna, the crown prince enters from the opposite side dressed in the costume of a tribal chief. The director leaves the stage.)

Karna : (Looking far)

Arjuna... My brother... son of my mother!

(Mixed and confused thoughts) The word I gave to the great King, Duryodhana.... that I will kill Arjuna and make the Pandava army surrender before him... And thus pay homage to the slain Kauravas. The land would be brought under the complete control of my King. There shall be no change in that.

(A big pause) My mother Kunthi Devi. How would I forget the first embrace I had from her that night? How different it was from the embraces I had from my foster mother! Those tears! I wiped them off. Didn't I promise to do as she wished? No ... I did not give word that I will not kill Arjuna. I had given word that even after the war; my mother would have five sons left.

Yes....the five sons (Thought fully) I had already heard that Kunthi Devi is my mother too. Sree Krishna had reminded me once. It was just a tale to me. Grand father Bhishma has also told me on another occasion I did not argue. But then I had only one mother! Radha, the wife of Athiratha!

Radha, the wife of a charioteer! She lavished her love and affection on me and I enjoyed it as much as I could. I relished the smell of her sweat and the taste of her tears. That was my mother! Even when she returned tired after the day's task, she brought something for me. My mirth and play totally changed her life. My life is the price of her sweat and hardships. Oh, mother, there was only one person to save me from the insults of the Pandavas, great king Duryodhana. I shall even sacrifice my life... Offer my own blood.... as a token of gratitude to him! I am a warrior now. The commander of the Kaurava army! And my aim, killing Arjuna...

Kunthi Devi, my real mother! The wife of a charioteer-my foster mother! Or is it Vice versa! My life! Pledged for some one... in between the real and the unreal. I should play my part. Let this ground be a field of massacre, where there is neither a friend nor a foe. Let me chop off the enemy's head one after the other.

Shalya... Take my chariot there..... To where Sree Krishna leads Arjuna's troops!

(Re-arrangement of scene. A change of venue is shown)

Voice from Outside : "Swadharme nidhanam shreyah Paradharmo bhayavaha"

Arjuna : I must destroy the Kaurava army who trapped my son in the wheel cluster trap (Seeing Karnam coming from a distance). Isn't it Karna in that chariot? He seems invincible! The grit and stance of a real warrior. And never lacking in self confidence. (To himself). I wish if he were with us and ed me like my elder brothers. (Criticizing himself) This is a wild thought! No! He is your enemy. All my arrows are ready. If one goes astray, another one. Lastly, the divine weapon, Brahmastra*. If every thing is to be reduced to ashes, then it is the Agneyastra*... The enemy should come face to face. It is not a problem even if he is not equal to me. If this fellow had been killed earlier, the vigour and the thrill of the war would have been lost. Anyway, it did not happen. That's good. Karna, it is time for your final journey. Come. .....

(Karna and Arjuna face each other at a distance. Karna is stubborn and confident. Yet at the same time he has affection and has love for Arjuna. An emotional turmoil goes on in his mind)

(A voice resounds in Arjuna's ears from afar)

This man is your enemy. Kill him... to uproot the Kaurava army. He's the pillar of their strength. May be Arjuna, as before the starting of the war, there may be a tug of war going on in your mind... Between.... justice and injustice. Just as the clouds shadow the moon. Never should it happen again. You must realize your duty.....of a Kshathriya, who has reached the battlefield to regain his rights. Think of your by gone days. Then you shall get an answer for all your doubts. Making you stay in the Arakkillam*, then setting it on fire... being forced to abandon one's own land helplessly. Think of Draupadi.... The game of dice and

the foul play in it and the subsequent slavery (Arjuna is writhing in severe pain. Paces around with staring eyes. Roams around and roars and growls and grunts like a lion looking for its prey. The pace of breath increases.)

Karna : (Coming closer) It's easy to kill you. But I've to gain strength today. My mind vacillates for no reason.

Arjuna : That is natural for the son of a charioteer. The real face of war! You haven't yet seen the real art of war and the true warriors. The tactics of war bestowed only to the powerful ones. Your mind will waver if you don't know to face it.

Karna : I have heard of your expertise in the art of war.

Now I witnessed your oratorical skills too. And no less is your arrogance.

Arjuna : All these may be a wonder for one who is a slave and a dependent.... And he can have devilish strength. You will know it when you face it. Take up your arms.

Karna : (Roars) Any weapon is enough for you. (Both of them are armed with weapons and get ready for war. Send arrows. Both of them sway between victory and defeat. At one stage, Karna's arrow just misses Arjuna's neck, as Krishna lowers the chariot)

Karna : What an expert, your charioteer is? When you could not shield

yourself from my arrow, he changed your level by pressing the chariot down with his toes. This the first time I see you lack in skills. But what I heard about you is not so.

Arjuna : The one who boasts in the battlefield is the one who lacks experience in the warfare. Stop this arrow if you can. This is for Shalya, your renowned charioteer. (Shoots arrows)

Now I can defeat you easily

(Karna sends arrows. Arjuna defends with great difficulty. The uproar of both can be heard.)

(Voice from far) Arjuna, beware! Karna is changing his tactics. He is no ordinary warrior. Can't you see him defending all your famed arrows?

(Arrows shot by Karna send Arjuna's bow and arrow flying from his hands.)

Karna : Arjuna, this is the real face of war. Accept your defeat and save your life.

Arjuna : Me? Never shall I fail before you.

Karna : You are unarmed now. I can just kill you with an arrow. But it is against the just rules of war.

Arjuna : What did you learn about duty and justice. You must learn it from the real teachers.

Karna : You can kill the same teachers without any mercy. Isn't it? Just like your troops killed Dronacharya (Both of them rain arrows, challenge each other, move apart and stand frozen)

Gandhari : (Enters, Medha as Gandhari, scared and groping) Where did I hear that wailing from? Someone was crying. "Oh! mother" "Duryodhana, Karna and Arjuna! Is nobody here? Oh! Lord Krishna, are you playing hide -- and-seek here also? Whose is this torso obstructing my way? Is it head or body or arms and feet? How many remain alive out of my hundred and one sons? Nobody is telling the truth about what is happening in the battle field. The anxiety of kind Dhritharashtra is also building up. Sanjaya is keeping mum many a time. The wailing of women can be heard from inside the palace. Time seems to be standing still and it is darkness everywhere. The sun may be rising. The dawn and dusk come and go as usual. Only the festivals and celebrations are no more. There is no end for the cries.

Mothers like me... sisters....... and wives..... are wailing everywhere. In the huts.. in the palace and in the battlefield. (Gropes and moves forward)

Shakuni : (In search of Gandhari). My sister! Where all did I search for you? Kind Dhritharashtra is terribly upset. His wife, his constant companion is not to be seen

Gandhari : (Recognises the voice). Is it Shakuni? I walked stealthily towards the battlefield.

Shakuni : Come, let us go back to the palace

Gandhari : No I think I heard a cry. Some one calling me "Oh! mother".

Shakuni : You will feel all that when your mind is out of your control

Gandhari : I think it is Dushaasana, crying out aloud, followed by Bhima's boisterous laughter. I heard it in my sleep. I promise!

Shakuni : Nothing of that sort has happened

Gandhari : It has happened. Some where in a corner of this Kurukshethra

Shakuni : This is wartime. You may feel much has happened. Otherwise, after all who is not sad when children die? Kshathriyas are born to fight, to kill and at times to get killed. What is there to cry so much over that?

Gandhari : (Losing control).. You go... I want to be alone here and search for my children.... Both dead and alive.... A key is lost

Shakuni : The key to the throne!? The key to power!

Gandhari : No, the key to your home. You need another key for that. The key to justice.... Who has hidden that?

Shakuni : You always say that it is the Lord's mercy. Mercy, Mercy! Can't you see it now? The Lord's ability. What the Lord is capable of doing? He knows only the crooked ways. Everything is a sham, forgery and deception.

Gandhari : My brain is rocking! All these cries and wailing and screaming tires me

Shakuni : Oh! My sister! No one out of your hundred sons has been killed. That's for sure.

Gandhari : That's not what I want to know

I want to know who cried out now "Oh mother!" Hmm... find out

Shakuni : (Moves a bit aside, looks at a distance attentively) I guessed it already. Now only it happened. Well done!

Gandhari : Brother, what are you saying to yourself? Tell me the truth at least to console me.

Shakuni : The one who fell now is a lad from the Pandava side.

Gandhari : Lad?

Shakuni : Yes, it is Abhimanyu!

Gandhari : (Started). Eh! What! Abhimanyu! That sweet child? Lord.... Are you so cruel?

Shakuni : Not Lord's cruelty. This is the real face of war. There is no age difference there. There is only the enemy. Killing the enemy is the aim of war. That is the justice of war.

Gandhari : Still... Abhimanyu!

Shakuni : Not only that he jumped into the fray, he worked great wonders. Even if it is the enemy we should tell the truth after his death. Both the armies stood astounded for sometime watching the boy forging ahead. It became our need to stop him from winning. Such people must be restrained and not allowed to shine much. At last we stopped him by a deployment of the troops, the "Chakravyooha" He was trapped inside. The Pandava prince died a valiant death -- entrapped inside the wheel cluster formed by the smart Kauravas (Walks forward).

Gandhari : Lord, you could have at least spared him. I want to see that boy, Abhimanyu, who died a heroic death in the "Chakravyooha" (Walks forward)

Shakuni : He is our enemy (follows displeased)

(Arjuna appears on the platform of his chariot and Karna is on the opposite side)

Karna : (Soliloquy) there's Arjuna. The grand father Bhishma and Sree Krishna had reminded me that I'm the son of Kunthi. My mother had also come to beg for Arjuna's life. He is my younger brother! If only I could not kill him! I can console myself that I have decided to yield to my mother's request finally. (After a while) No. Among the Pandavas, he is the only one who is invincible. And if he is killed the Kauravas win! And so does Duryodhana. I should keep my promise to the great man who saved my honour. (Walking up to the shouting of Arjuna) Now no further thoughts, till the enemy is finished. (Both of them rain arrows in mortal combat. A wheel of Karna's chariot sinks in the mud. Karna gets down and attempts to lift it up)

(Voice from afar) This is the right time. If you choose the right path you can never kill Karna face to face in a righteous war. Hmm..... send the Brahmastra.

Arjuna : Here.... it goes... to pierce his chest with it. (Shoots the arrow)

Karna : The arrow strikes him unexpectedly and he falls down writhing in pain. Getting up slowly)

Arjuna, you too! I never thought that you would do this injustice. I didn't kill you when you were unarmed. But you....? I know that your charioteer Krishna has played foul in this........! A foul play to victory! It has proved that you are not equal to me in the art of warfare. That will do. If there are any honest people

remaining on this earth let them see. The triumph of injustice. I'm not sad. My mind is a hidden unused well of tragic happenings. The secrets I knew I have kept to myself all this while. Let all these sorrows be set ablaze with me. Who would be there near my funeral pyre? All my children and relatives are dead. Who is there to offer the last rites to this son of a charioteer? None! I, the crown prince, lie here helpless... to be preyed upon by the raven and the vultures. (Cries in pain)Mother ... Oh! mother.....I have kept my word. (The pathetic cry "Oh! mother" becomes louder. Hearing this, Kunthi is drawn to the stage like a dry leaf in a strong whirlwind)

Kunthi : Who called me "mother"? A familiar voice (Searches all over the stage and finds Karna. Bewildered) Oh! my son! I never had the luck to hear you call me 'mother' in your sweet voice. But now I heard it. The first and last call... the farewell. My son is dead. Who is to be blamed for it? Arjuna? No I'm to be blamed. This mother Kunthi!... The one who killed her first born child! Power, victory and pride....all these are mere dreams. Rewards gained by killing one's own children. Pardon me, my son! Everything is finished. The grief of the loss of one's own offsprings has to be experienced. Your face, which I never have fondled!

(Kisses him) The eldest of my sons has died. Now only five are left. I feel weary and orphaned. Similarly the remaining five shall also bid bye one by one. Who first? Who later?

Am I becoming a witness and reason for all these? (Looking up at the sky) Oh! my sun god! My lord! I am really sorry. Our dear son! The world conqueror, Karna! The ethereal brilliance born by drawing your entire halo and energy into me! My sweet lover, who quenched the thirst of a virgin that I was, on a beautiful dusk like this! The fusion that made me a woman! I have never experienced an ecstasy like that till now.

I have been smoldering in that agonizing experiences all these years. The

memory that arouses the women in me and torments the mother in me every evening.... My life has become complete when our son called me 'mother' and void forever. Pardon... my son.... Pardon me!

Karna : My past! Who am I? Where am I now? This never ending journey?!

(After a few moments)

Kunthi : You're not an orphan. The five Pandavas in all their virtues shall come to arrange your funeral. Your younger brothers will pay their homage to you there. And the ritualistic offerings every year! Oh, My righteous Son! My blessings for your smooth heavenly voyage! Your mother who couldn't give you anything till now. offers all her strength to you!

Arjuna : (Shockingly pays attention to Kunthi's soliloquy and expression of love to Karna. Sits on the chariot exhausted unable to comprehend the scene).

Ho.... What a sin! What terrible sin! (Puts his weapon down)

Gandhari : Fumbles to the scene still counting with her fingers)

One, Two, Three....

Kunthi : (Helping her to walk forward)No sister. You don't need more fingers to count the surviving sons.

Gandhari : Kunthi Devi! Where am I?

Kunthi : I don't know precisely where we are. I can't see anything even though my eyes are open.

Gandhari : So I am the one who can see better now?

Kunthi : Yes, my sister. The only mother on earth who didn't wish the victory of her own sons. Kunthi bows before you.

Gandhari : Justice alone wins. But justice is never there in a war. Let me see how many are left alive (While she walks on counting on her fingers, the rest of the conversation is more hurried and confused, than before)

There should be no further delay. This land of justice is turning out to be a pool of blood...

Where is that key?

The golden key to justice!

The key to the sanctum sanctorum reached by climbing the stairs of love

It can't be the key to power?

Or...?

My Lord! Everything is being ruined. Stop all this and save us at least now (Counts)

One.... Two... Three...

(Walks away)

SCENE 4

(Draupadi's sound resonates from a distance) The vulture tore the vulture Into pieces Down poured a rain of blood Died down the golden sun, Ceased the mist and rain, The buds withered In the nuclear fire. Acrid odour filled everywhere, The sky split, The earth cried out, "Oh! At lease a single sprout.!"

(Draupadi enters the scene in a violent mood. Gandhari, Kunthi and Subhadra follow her repeating her song. They become actors for a moment deviating from their characters. They look at one another)

Medha : Where are we now?

Sara : One thing is certain. The song we sang was written long back. But today we're not standing in the ground of that village primary school.

Arundhathi : Where are we then?

(Medha's mobile phone rings.)

Medha : "I shall be there as soon as it is over here. The play is not yet over.

Sneha : Are we forgetting ourselves? Our roots?

(All of them together). Where are we? Where are we now?

(Suddenly there is the cry 'mother' from afar followed by a victorious laughter. They switch themselves back to their characters again and run in all four directions inquisitively. They repeat the lines of the song and walk off. Subhadra wanders about in the battlefield searching for Abhimanyu. She holds a crown in her hand like a toy)

Subhadra : Who amongst this is my son Abhimanyu? There is nobody with head and body together... Oh! How cruel is the enemy?.. And then the vultures too. Still I will find my child. If I can't recognize him, who else can? (Looking at a body at a distance) What a surprise! Isn't it that my son? The head has not been cut off from the body. Not even a scratch on his body. His face is turned to the other side. Has his radiance dimmed a little? Looks as if he is asleep. If only there could be more light....! (Puts him on her lap as though he is an infant) Your

mother has forgotten the lullabies she used to sing. There is war everywhere these days and the wounds of war. This lullaby is to heal them (Sings) You are the only son, my saviour and your father's too.... Saviour of your family and the pride of our clan. You will wake up... will wake up from your sleep.... and rise to give a new life to your mother. You will bring back my bygone memories. There shall be shoots and buds in the plants that have withered here. All the living beings shall sprout wings. (Fondles)

Soldier : (Comes in slowly, stands astounded at the scene) I was away

(Resentfully) What is this? Is it knowingly or unknowingly?

Subhadra : (Wakes up from her trance). The flow of love is natural. Doesn't the mother feed her baby without being asked? The mother knows when he is hungry.

Soldier : (Intolerant) Not that, How can you caress this form? The body is that of Lakshmana, the son of Duryodhana, who was killed by Prince Abhimanyu

Subhadra : (Thinks for a moment) Aren't both from the same roots?

Soldier : What? Abhimanyu and Lakshmana from the same roots?

Subhadra : Yes, all are born from the same source.

Soldier : You seem to be out of your senses for the love of your son. He is our enemy! My enemy too - the one who killed my son.

Subhadra : You are mistaken. He is my son. The darling child whom I gave birth to (kissing him) Not enough my son. I haven't kissed you to my heart's content yet.

Soldier : (In a fit of rage draws his sword to strike) My enemy... The enemy who killed my son. I will cut him into pieces.

(A sound from afar)"Ma Nishada" "Ma Nishada" The chanting is heard. The soldier holds up his sword and listens to the source of the chanting.)

Soldier : Enemies! Enemies and spices roam around the battlefield secretly at the dead of the night ... to find out the enemy's secrets and the plans of the deployment of troops.

Subhadra : That is not the sound of the enemy. It is a human voice chanting "Ma Nishada" ... It is the sound of Vidurar singing aloud.

Soldier : There comes a group of men. They are our enemies.

Subhadra : Let them come. We shall know if they are coming to fight.

Soldier : Come, let us go to some other place and find out their intention.

That's what your husband also does...

Subhadra : My husband.... Where is he?

Soldier : He's there. May be he is searching for Abhimanyu (Persuades tactfully) Come, let us go there. We shall carry this child too, if you wish.

Subhadra : Right, Let us go

(Walks off with the corpse).

Vidura : (Enters after some time chanting "Ma- Nishada") This is "Kurukshethra", where the war of righteousness and justice was fought. What is justice? For some it is the shortest way to power. Cheating in dice, bribery, harassing a woman and tresing on her modesty is all justice for them. There is another lot. They sing the praises of justice incessantly. They are like incarnations who do not tolerate injustice. Their followers believe in them. These preachers of justice, indulge in injustice, big and small. For the benefit of their believers as Lord Krishna and Dharmaputhra did! There are yet others, who experiment with truth, and get hurt themselves. How many can tread that path of justice? What did these tens and thousand of headless bodies strewn around this battlefield gain? justice or injustice? What did they teach us? Truth or untruth? Falsehood or virtue? Whom did they orphan? Is it the great king?

Neither an emperor nor a king is orphaned after a war. It is the helpless women and children who are orphaned. It is the poorest who are devastated.

(Vidura's voice fades off.)

SCENE 5

(Voice of Vidura still reverberates) Even then, those who hold the key to power do not want to part with or share what they have... The war goes on..

(Gandhari walks slowly to the stage and stands in the middle like a statue and tries to see afar. Dushaasana's cry "Oh! mother" resonates in her ears, Draupadi storms on to the stage with disheveled hair)

Draupadi : Where are they...? My five sons, my beloved children? I want to see them.

Gandhari : Who is it? Isn't it Draupadi? Come close to me, my daughter

Draupadi : No. What? More insults? I the daughter of Panchala cannot sleep, till I have my revenge... For all that I have gone through.

Gandhari : Revenge? Upon whom and for what?

Draupadi : Do I have to recall all that? That scene where I was insulted in front of all... And my five husbands stood helpless.

Gandhari : I took that insult upon myself, the same day, my child! The King

and I enquired about what happened in the court. I was enraged to know that you were insulted and I cried aloud. A woman alone can share that agony.

Draupadi : They caught hold of my hair and dragged me to the court, and disrobed me. Duryodhana commanded me to sit on his bare left thigh. I swore there...... with all the strength of my womanhood.

Gandhari : Oh! Don't. I can't bear to hear if once again.

Draupadi : My Bhima alone could perceive that oath. He swore too. "To tie my tresses with his hands drenched in the blood of Dushaasana... To break the thigh of Duryodhana. Both should happen.

Gandhari : My child...

Draupadi : Yes, mother... Honour is the greatest asset of a woman... What is the use of this life if her honour is shattered? I, understand that revenge is more valourous than suicide for a Kshathriya woman (After a while). All the Kauravass shall be killed... and burnt to ashes.

Gandhari : Who will kill them?

Draupadi : I don't fear as long as Bhima is there... And Arjuna also is there.... and my five sons too.

Anyway. It is not you who is going to finish off Duryodhana and his men.

Gandhari : It is forbidden for a woman to do. Or else, I would have done it myself.

Draupadi : Haven't you seen the results of the war so far there are not many left to kill and to be killed ...... Neither your sons nor mine.

Bhima, Arjuna, Karna, Duryodhana, etc. Are not invincible.

Gandhari : That means?

Draupadi : No one can prophecy, who would be killed and when?

Gandhari : Not when Bhima is alive...

Draupadi : Bhima could not save the life of Ghatotghaja, his own son, And Sruthasoma, born to you by Bhima, couldn't be saved from being killed.

Draupadi : (Shocked) What? My Sruthasoma is also killed.

Gandhari : The brave son of Arjuna is also no more.

Draupadi : Who? Abhimanyu....!

Gandhari : Yes, that lion cub... That darling child who frolicked in my mind all the time... The apple of my eyes.

Draupadi : Eh! What?

Gandhari : That's war, my child. War knows only deceit, fraudulence and injustice. Isn't my son ruling Hastinapura through injustice? The key to justice is not there in its place now.

Draupadi : We should regain it, through war. We should swim across the sea of blood. I want to tie this disheveled hair into a majestic knot one day... I am the mother of five brave sons.

Gandhari : (Sarcastically) I was the mother of a hundred brave sons. Shall we not find out how many of our children are left alive before we think of the next day's war? Are any of your sons still alive? You gifted your five brave husbands each with a son. Prathivindhyan, Sruthasoman, Sruthakeerthi, Shathaneekan and Sruthakarmav. Where are they now? Their beheaded bodies would be lying strewn somewhere in the battlefield. Go and find out... You have sight... and must be able to see. Find out your near and dear ones and your enemies from among those scattered in the battlefield. Go and find out... You have sight.... and must be able to see. Find out your near and dear ones and your enemies from among those scattered in the battle field.

Draupadi : (Looks around and cries out). It is dark everywhere.

Gandhari : Even then, can't you recognize your sons from amongst them? We shall help you to find the way. This path is more familiar to the old and the blind. Come, this way (Both of them wander together at various spots in the war-field.)

Draupadi : Is war so terrible? Can't make out anyone. Severed heads and headless bodies strewn all around... Some others as if lying on their sides and sleeping... A few with a smile on their lips... a few others with blank faces. (Stares at a body and cries aloud) Oh! My five sons too.

Gandhari : Gone forever.

Draupadi : (Shocked) What? Gone forever? Oh, My God! There... There..... he lies, my precious son (Puts a body on her lap and laments) Oh! My dear son.

Kunthi : (Enters and looks carefully at the body). This is not Sruthakeerthi, your son.

Draupadi : Then?

Kunthi : It is the son of Dushaasana... the son of your enemy.

Draupadi : No.... Is it? No... he is my son.

Gandhari : I shall tell you (feels the hands of the dead body) See, he is the son of Dushaasana. Here on this finger, is the diamond ring, that I gifted to him.

Draupadi : No... he is my son, If not (runs around) which is my son? It this prince, lying down here? Well built. With broad chest and well shaped body. (Runs to another place)Or is it this boy? So innocent and so handsome... like my son. Where are my sons? (And then)These are all my sons... and I am their mother. (Runs around) Who killed them?

Gandhari : Think about it... Aren't you and I the guilty ones?

Draupadi : Oh! Mother!

Gandhari : Yes, my Child? For whom was this war fought? To hold onto power... for the sake of woman and riches. To ensure that the key to power does not change hands... Even if it is my son.

Draupadi : I can't understand anything

Gandhari : Why have you let your hair loose? Why don't you put it up and look beautiful after all these years?

Draupadi : (Delves in the past) Because I swore to have my hair tried with hands drenched in Dushaasana's blood.

Gandhari : Dushaasana is my son. Won't it pain his mother if his blood is splashed? Just as you are utterly pained and confused today.... Well, all are our sons. Should our beautiful black tresses be stained with their blood?

Draupadi : It is an oath taken for the very existence of a clan!

Gandhari : There will be a compelling reason behind every oath or promise. And it might end up in the total destruction of another clan.

Draupadi : (Cries out) Oh, mother!

Gandhari : Yes, my child. A victory this movement.... And defeat during the next.... That's war. Seventeen days are over since the Kurukshethra war started. The losses cannot be assessed now. Only the death of the great warriors and commanders are known so far. Thousands of relatives from both sides have perished. And yet other thousands of innocent people. Our sons and their sons have all gone. Only four or five of them are left alive.

Draupadi : And at last....?

Gandhari : Think about it. When all of them are finished and we alone are left.... with no men left to arrange the funeral pyres and to offer the last rites for these brave martyrs.

Draupadi : And then?

Gandhari : We mothers, wives and sisters have to think.....! We should find out the key to power....And install Dharma on the throne. That right is not bestowed on us by anyone. It is ours. Think about it. (Every one listens to a roar at a distance)

Hidimba : (Enters clad in a wild tribal costume. Extremely beautiful with a savage look. Trembles in anger. Dances on to the stage in a frantic and violent frenzy. Others on the stage look at one another, surprised.)

Where is my Ghatotghaja My beloved son Gift of the wild woods? The one who saved me. From the lions, tigers and leopards. The one who grew up Eating wild roots and fruits. And drinking wild honey Grew up in the wild fire, Tamed the mighty jungles And danced in a frenzy In the thick dense woods and caves. He came down the hills.

To fight along with his father Where is my darling son, Ghatotghaja The son of my Bhima Waited for him in the sylvan woods. I, Hidimba, The brave daughter of the wild, And the beastly beauty who wed Bhima Gandhari Draupadi, who is she?

(Kunthi enters as a symbol of total loss)

Kunthi : (Gradually recognizes Hidimba calls"Hidimba" in an affectionate but painful void. They look at each other and delve in the past memories of their stay in the wild). I am Kunthi.. the mother of Bhima.... the grief stricken Kunthi.... who has lost everything.

Hidimba : Oh... mother!

Kunthi : I am lucky to see you again.

Gandhari : Where's Gatotghaja

Kunthi : All is fate, my child, One of those lying in this field of death, may be your son. I too shall come. Let us search for him together. My first grandson. The one who left the wild and rushed to Kurukshethra to save me.

(All of them search together in the battlefield)

Gandhari : Didn't he too fall?

Kunthi : Who felled him?

Gandhari : None, but Karna. Gatotghaja was killed on the fourteenth day of the war, with the divine lance presented by Lord Indra. Indra had gifted this celestial weapon to Karna as a gratitude for grabbing. Karna's divine sheath and ear rings. Only one could be killed using this weapon. After that it would return to Lord Indra. Karna had saved it for Arjuna, but used it to kill Ghatotghaja.

Hidimba : (Roaring furiously) Where is Karna? I will kill him. I shall turn myself to be a savage cannibal... and eat him. Karna, where are you?

Kunthi : No need my child. He was killed by his own younger brother, Arjuna

Hidimba : Oh! My dear son, Ghatotghaja... (Silence for a while).

Gandhari : What a sin! What a great sin! Oh, Lord! Is there no end to your injustice?

Draupati : Oh... Mother!

Gandhari : (Thought fully listens to some one calling "Oh, mother!")

It seems my son, Duryodhana is calling. It is time. Here, I'm coming (Walks away quickly)

Hidimba : Where's Ghatotghaja?

Kunthi : That great savage body fell on the earth and turned himself into a handsome prince in all his glory like Abhimanyu, like Lakshmana and life Vikarna

Hidimba : Where is my darling child?

Kunthi : Come on. Walk. Let us search for him (All of them roam around) He too many be resting somewhere in this vast field of death. There..! I heard he fell there.

Hidimba : What are the crows and vultures preying upon?

Kunthi : Upon dead princes, our beloved sons... What else, do these brave mothers need to be proud of? ....

Hidimba : There lies my Ghatorghaja! But he looks different. Not like a jungle boy, like a prince. His face, bright eyes, and the bald head. It is him..... The strength of Bhima and the grace of the wild! My child...! When you didn't return to the forest, I set out in search of you.... I roamed and roamed around, crossing the hills and rivers, and reached here.

Come my child... (Fondles a corpse)

Kunthi : My daughter, is it Ghatotghaja? No... It is not Ghatotghaja. You are caressing Duryodhana's son. The son of your enemy!

Hidimba : But why do I feel so much for him? Look isn't he telling me something?

Draupati : Hidimba's fate is also like mine.

Kunthi : Once dead, they are all the same... All are our children -- Children whom we can't identify!

(A group of wailing women enter with a corpse)

Woman 1 : We are servants... those who clean the palaces and mansions.

Woman 2 : We're servants... born to obey.... those who yield to the commands in our land, palaces and our homes and give way to others.

Woman 3 : Voiceless people.... No questions to be asked..No doubts to be had... those meant to obey the commands of their husbands, brothers and sons, without even a voice of dissent.

Woman 4 : Or else, they would have told us before they went to the war. What we heard is the news of their death later.

Woman 1 : My brother!

Woman 2 : My son!

Woman 3 : My husband!

Woman 4 : They will not come back here. Why were you silent at that time? Isn't it why they went?

Woman 1 : What else could we do?

Woman 4 : You should have asked... prevented them. If they die, it is for the honour of the rulers. What about our children? Destitution!

Woman : (Together) We shall never leave our men again...

To fight and be cremated here.

Woman 4 : If they defy us and go to war?

(The other three together)

Whether they win or lose they will be out of the house...

Woman 4 : (Resentfully). We should kick them out and conduct their last rites.

(Four of them together) We are servants.

Group of women : (Determined). We are villagers...slum dwellers... outsiders. Strugglers who eke out a measly living

Woman 1 : In the aftermath of the great war, everything is burnt to ashes. Forests are set ablaze... And the sources of water have all dried up.

Woman 2 : Creatures are dying by hundreds by inhaling poisonous gas.

Woman 3 : Training in archery, learning the sciences all end up in devastating explosions. And the flag of fire flutters high. Huts are burning. countless weapons end up as invocations to death.

Not a drop of pure water to drink from the streams muddied by the countless burnt corpses.

Kunthi : (Enters) Who are you people?

Woman 1 : We are servants who come to pray with all our tears. How much this war torments us?

Woman 2 : We're slum dwellers, villagers, songsters who sing around the land about the miseries sown by these arrows and fire fights.

Villagers : People who are not ed in the great war. Even the historians forget us, hapless ones.

Kunthi : Where were you till now? Where did you hide? In the dark or in your bedroom?

Woman : (Together) In the bedroom... in the kitchen, in the streets. Gone is our kitchen, gone is the husband, gone are the sons. To day our bedrooms are void, kitchen empty and the streets deadly silent. When will the great wars of these great kings come to an end? When shall our tears dry up?

Gandhari : (Enters listening to this question. She has with her a bunch of golden keys. She is more energetic and pleasant than before) There is some change of heart with the king.

Others : (Amazed) What?

Gandhari : I'm coming from the camp of the great king Suyodhana. I reminded him of the blessings, I gave to him when the war began,

"Yadho dharma Sthatho jaya"

("where is justice, there is victory")

My son has changed totally.

Others : May be he is scared of his impending fall, when his sons, relatives, enemies, teachers and commanders have all been killed.

Gandhari : Not so. Perhaps he has realized that there is no righteousness in his actions! Here is the key...

Kunthi : Then?

Gandhari : The injustice hidden with the Kauravas and the Pandavas fanned out like serpents in the Kurukshethra war. Even Lord Krishna became the means and ends of it.

Kunthi : What then? Who are therefore us now?

Gandhari : My son sobbed and sobbed... and washed my feet with his tears. I could understand the measuring of that conflict within him. I alone could!

Kunthi : (Hopefully). That means a place for Pandavas too in Hastinapuri......

Gandhari : (Showing the bunch of keys) See this. The keys entrusted to me by the king Suyodhana.

Kunthi : Draupadi, my daughter... What shall we say now?

(Draupadi and Hidimba look at each other. Draupadi caresses her disheveled tresses).

Gandhari : We shall ask Lord Krishna? How many days have ed since the war has begun?

Is it truth that is burning here?

Wasn't it a battle of injustice? Reign of violence? Enough.. Enough... Madhava Your mystic spells and illusions Enough... Enough your foul plays, Keshava

(The sound of a flute is heard from afar as of a response.)

Draupadi : (Disturbed, keeps on detangling hair) Mother...!

Kunthi : (Unable to answer) My child.

Gandhari : Your disheveled tresses! Untied tresses! I can comprehend the conflict going on within you (Subhadra enters as though in a trance with the crown)

Women : (Softly) We understand you and share your agony.

Gandhari : Heard that?

(Gandhari, Kunthi, Hidimba, and Subhadra together pin up Draupadi's hair. The other women partake and sing as though in a ritual.)

The birds hovered In the azure sky, The dove, the raven And the vulture, The heavens blushed In the sounds And shades of these Sweet warbling birds On hearing itThe sun smiled lusciously In the afternoon. The moon smiled gently In the evening The seasons, Splashed colours, Scattered fragrance The maiden earth Lay down in a scarlet hue the scent so intenseWith burning eyes,

the vulture pecked the dove. And on it, it fed; The sub glowed in blood. The vulture ate the raven, And the moon tinted to red. At the end of the creation -The vulture tore the vulture Into pieces, Down poured a rain of blood, Died down the golden sun Ceased the mist and rain The buds withered In the nuclear fire, Acrid odour filled everywhere, The sky split The earth cried out, "Oh! At least a single sprout!"

(Characters become actors).

Medha : That's the voice of Vidura

Sara : No, the scholarly voice of Vidura

Arundhathi : Or is it the director? Or the priest?

Sneha : Is it the holy grove or Kurukshethra

Ajitha : Awaiting the five Pandavas?

Others : This is our voice (To the audience) Yours too.

Kunthi : Now, the yearly rite, the annual ritual! The offering with the breast milk of mothers, who scarified their sons in the war! A libation with tears!

(The actors share the joy of having enacted the drama well)

(Silence, The director enters in the Poojari's costume).

Poojari : (Looks up, at the invisible Pandavas)

Won't you pardon the deviations from Vyasa's Mahabharatha by the people, heart broken with the slights of violence, colonization and bloodshed?

If you are pleased, may you proceed to this land drenched with the tears of the mothers? May you bless this land and purify it. The crowd awaits you prayerfully. This way.... please this way.

(All of them look around anxiously with hands folded in prayer. Silence for a while, Gradually the flute recital comes flowing as an auspicious reply.....)

The curtain falls

3

So the darkness shall be light

And the stillness the dancing

T.S. Eliot

THE AGREEMENT

INTRODUCTION

"Udambadi", the original title of the work in vernacular Malayalam, means an agreement, treaty or a deed of settlement of properties. 'The agreement' is a concrete portrayal of the clash between idealistic and materialistic views in the present day society. The play is set in the total atmosphere of a home rooted on Gandhian principles and the technique used to present the play is realism, which the playwright has never tried in any of his plays before. The protagonist in the play is an idealist father, an old man, waiting for the parting star and has a message to deliver to the right person, who can convey it to the world, for generations to come. He does not appear on the stage, but is a constant presence throughout the play where each character is influenced by and intertwined with him. The play which was posthumously published has a universal theme and the situations in the play can be placed anywhere in any society. The idealist even in his death is most powerful and the materialist finally is at a loss as he realizes that he has gained nothing. The undue haste of the youth for achieving success and amassing wealth, faces a tragic end by falling into the trap of globalization, renouncing ideals, Gandhian principles - the denial of materialistic needs, the dream of turning private property into public property - all these aspects mirroring the personality traits of the playwright. The sound of the gunshot, at the end of the play that comes as a shock, reminds us of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

CHARACTERS

The father : (Bed --ridden-in a room inside the house)

Shanthi Prabha : The elder daughter

Shakunthala : The younger daughter

Shankaran Nair : The servant

Ratheesh : The son-in-law

Shivan, Mohammad : The disciples

The Aide : A representative of the global authority

T.V. Presenter

SCENE 1

(The stage is just dimly lit. It is past 3.30 in the evening. The sweet warbling of birds heard outside. An old house-hold. A big reclining chair and a writing table on the verandah. As the light gets brighter Shanthi Prabha about forty years, can be seen seriously engaged in writing)

Shanthi Prabha : (Raises her head after sometime and reads what she has last written) He was lying on his bed, waiting for some one. He had not slept even towards the fag end of his life. He did not care about the fatigue caused by the long tedious journey. How many of the compatriots are still there? Some of them have scorned him and strayed, some others followed him blindly. Here are a number of them who violated him and deviated from his words. Quite a few have misinterpreted him. Won't there be someone to give new meanings to his words? This journey has to be completed alone! Who is he waiting for even now? For his darling child, his flesh and blood, Who grew up in the warmth of his love and affection, or his favorite disciple who was his right hand through thick and thin. He could not make out the changes in them. Or, was he waiting for some one else? That message has to be whispered in to someone's ears. Who would be that lucky person! On his birthday, today? (ponders again)

Shankaran Nair : (Enters from inside, as if not to disturb her) Ah, still writing? (looks outside) The mango grove has to be cleaned up once again. All those attending the birthday celebrations have to be seated there(Goes out side)

Shanthi : A birthday celebrated once in five years! And the celebrations, while he is fasting and in a vow of silence! This day is quite special. He would give a message to one who is very close to his heart. He would hand it over to the coming generation, as thoughts, as words, as deeds. Ah, his irers are already coming, in singles and groups.

Shankaran Nair : (Comes from outside in a joyful mood) People have started coming. His students, his compatriots who walked shoulder to shoulder with him shouting slogans, those who were in jail along with him, are all there. Before long this three acres of grove would be filled with his followers.

Shanthi : No wonder in it. Even at this age, father goes for his daily walk, stops at every house and exchange pleasantries. It was so even this morning. I was with him.

Shankaran Nair : But now he lies his eyes open, as if waiting for some one for his deliverance. Could it be our child Shakunthala?

Shanthi : Could be. Years ago he was deeply hurt, When in a trance of love she eloped quietly with her lover. His loud laughter has never been heard in this house ever since.

Shankaran Nair : Everything will be alright. May be, Shankuntala would come today along with her son and Ratheesh.

Shanthi : Then the birthday celebration would be complete! Grand!

Shankaran Nair : Could it be Ratheesh who would be the cause of your father's deliverance?

Shanthi : It couldn't be. Uncle you don't know the type of life that Ratheesh is

leading now a days.

Shankaran Nair : Who is to come then? (looks up at the sky) Could it be that bird with a golden hue that sometimes flies in from somewhere? It had flown in last week too! It is sure to come today!

Shanthi : (disturbed) I don't know!

Shankaran Nair : Or is it the prince in your dreams, my child?

Shanthi : (Conceals her grief and smiles) Who? My Shivan? He can't break himself out of the prison.

Shankaran Nair : Oh! my child, you suddenly look sad.

Shanthi : Oh, no some thoughts rushed to my mind.

Shankaran Nair : Don't worry my child, Nothing will happen to him. He will come, if not today, tomorrow.

Shanthi : I know. When he got parole last time, he said he wouldn't have to be in prison for long.

Shankaran Nair : We will all celebrate when he is out of jail. The first thing would be that auspicious ceremony.

Shanthi : No need. People can live together, even without it, with mutual trust.

Shankaran Nair : Still, marriage is an auspicious ceremony. Your father, too, wishes it.

Shanthi : I don't think it could happen.

Shankaran Nair : It will happen, let him come.

Shanthi : Even if he comes, we can't be sure that he wouldn't go back to jail.

Shankaran Nair : What's this? You think he would be in jail for ever?

Shanthi : What can we do, if some one else wants it to be that way?

Shankaran Nair : I get the hint. It won't happen again. After all....

Shanthi : Ratheesh doesn't think so. He wants to finish off his rivals, that's all. We should break that secret gang he has fallen into.

Shankaran Nair : He would break us all before that. It is that girl, I am worried about.

Shanthi : Yes, I have come to know that Shakunthala is leading a miserable life there.

Shankaran Nair : Hers is the real prison life. A husband can do anything he wants, he can beat her, even kill her. No one questions. What does he want? He wants money and more money only.

Shanthi : He has enough of it.

Shankaran Nair : Not for him These days he is into liquor and drugs as well.

Shanthi : Is it true? Shakunthala never told me anything.

Shankaran Nair : Whatever comes in hand is not enough for him. He requires atleast ten thousand rupees a day. After all he lives in a gang.

Shanthi : Then what about Shakunthala?

Shankaran Nair : Do you realize now? --When you lead a life of struggles, speeches and writings, you wouldn't know anything about the people at home,

even of your own little sister. (Noise of the children is heard outside. There, the children are coming from school).

Shankaran Nair : There are about sixty of them today. Fighting to get into the Swing in the mango grove.

Shanthi : We shall tell father about it, he will be happy. (Both of them go inside in haste. After some time Shakunthala enters from outside. Her dress shabby, seems as if she is drenched in rain. Panting and looking scared. She looks around the stage, but finds no one. She reads a part of the story that Shanthi was writing).

Shakunthala : Shakunthala shouldn't have gone. A trampled womanhood. Who can read a woman's mind? The tears she suppresses are much more than what she sheds. If the colors of the suppressed wells of tears add beauty to her face, isn't that beauty disgusting? (Stops reading and closes the book, becomes thoughtful again)

(Shanthi comes from inside, stops surprised on seeing her sister. Shakuntala puts the book down)

Shanthi : Shakunthala!

Shakunthala : Sister.....

Shanthi : Many days have ed since we met.

Shakunthala : Not that I didn't long for it, but I couldn't come.

Shanthi : See, you are wet!

Shakunthala : It was drizzling and I forget to take an umbrella

Shanthi : I had come there once to meet you.

Shakunthala : I knew it.

Shanthi : I was stunned when Ratheesh called and said he wouldn't let any one see you. So I turned back.

(She wipes Shakunthala's head with the tail of her saree. Shakunthala cries in pain, and suddenly steps aside)

What happened to you?

Shakunthala : Oh! Nothing.

Shanthi : You look pale (looks carefully) See your cheek here is swollen. Did

you trip and fell down somewhere on your way?

Shakunthala : Oom. Yes.

Shanthi : See, there's a wound on your forehead. This too...?

Shakunthala : Yes, while I fell down.

Shanthi : My child, tell me frankly, looks as if you cried a lot today?

Shakunthala : You are imagining things. Why should I cry?

Shakunthala : That's what I am also thinking. Why should you cry?

Shakunthala : (Forcing a smile) I too couldn't find the reason for it yet! Why should I cry? I, the daughter of an idealist, adored the world --over. The younger sister of Shanthi Prabha, the writer, patriot and a fighter. With a husband who has the guts and brawns to beat any one! Why should I cry? (She loses her control and starts sobbing. Shanthi consoles her.)

Shanthi : I didn't mean to hurt you. I have come to know quite a lot. All those epithets you narrated are arrows shot at someone. My child, you don't know how much I grieve for you!

Shakunthala : What's the use? No one ever cared to find out how I was getting alone there.

Shanthi : Not ever our father?

Shakunthala : No. At heart, he loved you more. I was the one who defied him and ran away. Nobody wants me.

Shanthi : What did you say? Nobody wants you! Do you know, the day you eloped with him, our father fell and lay still for many days? He would call your name and look around for you. How many people we sent for you? But did you care to come even once?

Shakunthala : How could I come? How much did you all torment Ratheesh for loving me?

Shanthi : (Amazed) What are you hinting at?

Shakunthala : Wasn't Ratheesh arrested just on the third day of our marriage?

Shanthi : Who did it?

Shakunthala : Our father, who else?

Shanthi : What did you say? Our father? Do you think he would do it?

Shakunthala : I didn't believe it at first. Then, Ratheesh made everything clear to me.

Shanthi : I don't understand anything.

Shakunthala : You won't understand anything. These are all silly matters for you.

Shanthi : You are terribly mistaken.

Shakunthala : It's nothing for you. You are interested in big matters, in great events taking place in the other part of the world. This is just a matter of the breaking up of a poor girl's home. What is there to brother so much?

Shanthi : My child, you seem to be talking from another world. Oh my little sister, who grew up in this house, where are you now?

Shakunthala : (Rudely) It's I who should ask you so? With a lot of name, fame and awards, you have all changed.

Shanthi : Someone has hurt you inside; inflicted a wound that cannot be healed.

Shakunthala : I know who it was?

Shanthi : There, tell once!

Shakunthala : You, yourself!

Shanthi : (Shocked) What, me?

Shakunthala : If not you, it was your lover. He is clever at scheming and conspiring even while in the clink.

Shanthi : No, the truth is he was on a trip to the Himalayas those days. He was spending his days with a group of tribals, singing stories from Ramayana.

Shakunthala : But it was Shivan's gang who surrounded and trapped Ratheesh as if they were catching a thief.

Santhi : I too read it from the news papers. Do you know, I read it out to our father.

Shakunthala : Father would've been very happy.

Shanthi : No, my child, he lay down staring somewhere. Then he murmured

something softly, tears flowing down.

Shakunthala : Isn't Sivan our father's pet among his disciples? Idealist and a fighter. So his gang would have our father's blessing too.

Shanthi : You are mistaken there too. After those protests and attacks you mentioned about, those young men came to seek blessings of our father. His face turned red hearing they had arrived at the gate. They were told that he would not like to meet them. They went away disappointed.

Shakunthala : Could they go after Ratheesh with out the Knowledge of father and Shivan?

Shanthi : You should have seen our father then. I have never seen him so angry.

Shakunthala : Perhaps, the fire of anger was directed towards Ratheesh.

Shanthi : I don't think so. I sat quietly by his side and asked him what the matter was. "The life of that girl", he said faintly. By then his eyes were filled with tears.

Shakunthala : I won't believe it.

Shanthi : It doesn't matter, Whether you believe it or not. That great banyan

tree is about to fall down. The birds will have no place to roost. Today, he lies inside in a vow of silence. He is fasting too.

Shakunthala : Then I can settle scores with others.

Shanthi : With whom?

Shakunthala : With those who were after us to ruin our lives

Shanthi : Who are they?

Shakunthala : You don't know, I can see through your pretension.

Shanthi : You are groping in the dark seeking your enemy.

Shakunthala : You may philosophise in your public speeches or in the stories you write. I have had a lot of it.

Shanthi : I think today you have come deliberately to put up a fight.

Shakunthala : Yes, I have come deliberately.

Shanthi : I think Ratheesh kicked you out.

Shakunthala : (Shocked as if with a blow; after a short while) In any case I think you are happy.

Shanthi : Look Shakunthala, I was trying to find out your situation all this while. I was honest with you. Even then you are hiding something, with a mask on your face and heart. I am afraid that you have fallen into a dangerous trap.

Shakunthala : Yes, I have fallen into the trap you laid for me.

Shanthi : Someone else has set a huge trap for you.

Shakunthala : I am not a child to fall into someone's trap.

Shanthi : You should realize that I will be with you in all your crisis situations now and for ever.

Shakunthala : (As if she changes her mind) Will you help me in all my difficulties?

Shanthi : (Glad that her sister is climbing down) Of course, No doubt about it!

Shakunthala : I know, You are true to your words even then...

Shanthi : No ifs and buts. I will always be there with my little sister to help her out. Come, open your heart! I will do anything to see you happy as before.

Shakunthala : I cannot be as of earlier now. I am married, have problems and have wants and needs.

Shanthi : Every one has it, uneasiness at home. I think for both of you too, bickering at times.

Shakunthala : (Trying to laugh) Isn't that also usual?

Shanthi : The wanton life that Ratheesh leads?

Shakunthala : Oh, nothing like that.

Shanthi : His company?

Shakunthala : I don't think about such things.

Shanthi : You should. It is good to know with whom and where he goes about. Don't misunderstand me. It is from the news papers that we know many things

about Ratheesh.

Shakunthala : Those are stories cooked up by the news papers

Shanthi : What for?

Shakunthala : Because Ratheesh is quite influential in political circles. It is he who decides the appointment and even the sacking of ministers

Shanthi : How's that?

Shakunthala : They too have a party in politics.

Shanthi : I had read about that too. But I never thought Ratheesh was so influential.

Shakunthala : Many people are not aware of it. Theirs is a party of smart intelligent men, multi millionaires. Businessmen investing cores and cores of rupees.

Shanthi : Oh, I didn't know that.

Shakunthala : Their business is not only in India, but abroad also. They are

established in most of the countries.

Shanthi : That means, Ratheesh is dealing with crores and crores!

Shakunthala : What? Do you feel jealous of him?

Shanthi : No, but I feel confused and surprised, that's all.

Shakunthala : You feel surprised?

Shanthi : May be, because I am not used to such things

Shakunthala : How could you? We hardly had a square meal here.

Shanthi : It is not a small joy, my child. It was not from stories, that our father told us that there are tens of millions of people, wandering about in our country, even without that.

Shakunthala : What about all that our father collected, during his travels all over the world?

Shanthi : I don't understand

Shakunthala : Those are our ancestral properties! Should we not share them?

Shanthi : No doubt about it. They cannot be estimated in weights and measures, can't even see and touch them, hard to sell and convert into cash. It is great inheritance my child.

Shakunthala : Shouldn't I too have to share it?

Shanthi : Certainly. It is we two who have to share them and....

Shakunthala : Share them and...?

Shanthi : Hand them over to posterity. In this sharing, one can own all that one could take and posses.

Shakunthala : I don't quite understand.

Shanthi : Look, there in the courtyard, in the mango grove, in this room, in the bed room of our parents, all around this place, the property is spread. We can gather as we want.

Shakunthala : What is there to gather?

Shanthi : Don't you see? The neem tree in the courtyard, the mango tree in the grove. Our father brought all these from Sabarmati*. They have all grown, spread on all sides, supplying life giving oxygen to this place. There in the study, lie three or four earthen pots, containing blood stained soil. In one of them, is the soil collected from Pitsburg railway station. It is clotted with the blood of a young Indian, who lost his teeth when he was struck on his face by a white man; to commemorate the birth of a doctrine that changed the world. In another pot lies the mud soaked with the blood that splashed about, when an old man was felled by an assassin's bullets in front of the Birla mandir. And in yet another one...

Shakunthala : (As if mesmerized, in a low voice) In another one lies a piece of salt collected from Dandi. a piece of salt that shook the seat of power of the foreign occupants. And there lies a ball of thread, spun with the thought in mind, of those humans, who sweat and toil day and night. Yet again, there in that mango grove....

Shanthi : Not only that mango tree, but also plants from nearly twenty different places, all in their blooms. When those plants flower, the whole village blooms

Shakunthala : Do the children come even now?

Shanthi : Sure. Even now, the children get into the grove on their way to school. Look, there are rarely hundreds of them even now. They play in the swing, pluck flowers, sing and dance. Sitting on this verandah, we can watch all that. It is the same on their way back from school also; a stop-over for the children.

Shakunthala : When they are gone, it must be horrible here.

Shanthi : How is that? We have many friends in his grove, around our house.

Shakunthala : You mean those monkeys and crows and other birds?

Shanthi : Yes our childhood friends. They know everything, respond to all our queries, react well and sing and play.

Shakunthala : Even then, this is a jungle, with only animals and birds.

Shanthi : You can trust them. It is Shankar uncle and those friends of this jungle who look after our father, when ever I am away. They understand the pains and joys of men and all their moods. See that peacock standing in that far corner of the grove. He announces the advent of rain and spreads his feathers. Then it is a festival in this jungle.

Shakunthala : Fanciful thinking...

Shanthi : No, My child. When the peacock spreads its feathers, all other living beings around here stand still and stare. Even the reptiles come out of their holes to enjoy it. It is a thrilling experience for our villagers too.

Shakunthala : Aren't we showing interest in all these, after the central government and the UNO sent their study teams here?

Shanthi : How did they come? When they knew that going to natural forests alone is not enough to learn bio-diversity. There is life here, entangled, with insects and worms, doe and deer, bowers and wild growths. Numerous living beings, big and small and their t families. We can't even name them.

Shakunthala : Fit to be narrated in stories and poetry.

Shanthi : Have you changed so much? It's not a story or a poem. It is the life around. It is the life you can see for yourself.

Shakunthala : The newspapers say that all these are highly priced, now --a days

Shanthi : No doubt about it. They are really invaluable. They have vanished from many parts of the world. Look at that kind of ants that have made a nest on the bench of that jack tree on the south side.

Shakunthala : Oh, I am scared. They covered my body and bit me when I was a child. The whole body had turned red.

Shanthi : But, those ants in it now, are of a different kind. They do not bite. These ants have blue eyes, long bodies and swollen stomachs! Really beautiful. It is really interesting to watch them conveying ideas. We should learn from them the lessons of mutual help and love.

Shakunthala : At the other corner, there was a pond with two water fowls in it.

Shanthi : I am glad, you recollect all that. Those fowls have multiplied and can be seen running all over this grove. When our doe gave birth to its baby one early morning, it was the water fowls that announced it to all their friends.

Shakunthala : Oh, I didn't know the doe had a baby..

Shanthi : It's a boy, a naughty one. He hops and jumps around the bushes here. There are numerous small creatures, birds butterflies and plants here, unknown to us. They are all his play-mates.

Shakunthala : What about in wind and rains?

Shanthi : They create wind and rain and sunshine. They alone control all these.

Shakunthala : So, all these belong to us?

Shanthi : No doubt about it. It's our heritage.

Shakunthala : Belonging to the two of us only?

Shanthi : That is...?

Shakunthala : I mean, it is to be shared between the two of us.

Shanthi : Share? Whose share? and what for?

Shakunthala : Don't kid around sister.....

Shanthi : Come on. Open up your mind, I don't understand any thing.

Shakunthala : This property belongs to our father and mother. Then both of us can share it. Got it now.

Shanthi : You mean, we two alone are the heirs to this property? (thinks a while) No, never.

Shakunthala : (Taken aback) Why our father has other children

Shanthi : Both of them have other children, heirs like us!

Shakunthala : Who are they? I never knew.

Shakunthala : You're never tried to know. You never opened your eyes to see

them. That's why?

Shakunthala : Have you seen them, the heirs to this property?

Shanthi : Yes, you too have seen them. See that swing there, it swings always. With children coming from far and near, with picnickers, researchers, archaeologists, environmentalists - ... How many people come here, every day? This property is there's too.

Shakunthala : (Perplexed) What about me, I mean us?

Shanthi : You, who never came back after leaving this place and I, who wander restlessly, are infact, heirs in records alone.

Shakunthala : Isn't that enough?

Shanthi : No, in fact we are nobody here.

Shakunthala : So, you are trying to keep me off?

Shanthi : Who avoids? Whom?

Shakunthala : Now, I get it all. I never came this way, so I am nobody here.

Don't play tricks on me.

Shanthi : Don't you know I don't play tricks?

Shakunthala : That's what you pretend to be. When matters come into the open, you're giving various interpretations.

Shanthi : Interpretations?

Shakunthala : Such as, beetles and worms, fleas and flies, cats and fowls and squirrels, all have rights in this property.

Shanthi : They are the permanent residents here.

Shakunthala : Besides all those children, those people around here, environmentalists and even the beggars from the streets, they all have a right in this property. Let them come! I will show them!

Shanthi : (Smiles) So you have come itching for a fight?

Shakunthala : I don't care even if you think so. I shall return home only after sorting out this matter.

Shanthi : I guessed it right. When you enquired into the matter in detail with which you were neither familiar nor had any interest, I guessed there would be something behind it. (Shankaran Nair returns from outside. The hue and cry of children could still be heard)

Shakunthala : There is nothing to hide. Without this...

Shanthi : Without what?

Shankunthala : That family property, Without my share in it ...in cash.

Shanthi : Without what?

Shakunthala : I can't go back.

Shanthi : (Shocked first, then with sympathy) Oh, my little sister...!

Shakunthala : Yes sister, he is so adamant in this matter. He says there's no need to look after a woman sans money.

Shanthi : And what did you say?

Shakunthala : At first I protested, but finally...

Shanthi : Finally?

Shakunthala : Finally, I became helpless. At home, speaks all the time about this share. Nowadays his habits have also changed.

Shanthi : How?

Shakunthala : Don't tell any one, He is into drinks and drugs.

Shanthi : Who, Ratheesh? You said he has political clout?

Shakunthala : Yes he has, and the bad habits too. His friends are also the same type.

Shanthi : Who are they?

Shakunthala : Not the common people we see. They are all very rich. Businessmen, real estate dealers, people who fly abroad almost everyday.

Shanthi : How did he fall into their trap?

Shakunthala : He was not trapped. He is now working to be their leader.

Shanthi : How?

Shakunthala : Transactions are in hundreds of millions. They buy lands in cities, and build mansions there. Or else they resell the lands. Here too...

Shanthi : Eh!

Shakunthala : It's a secret that I have come to know. He doesn't tell me anything clearly.

Shanthi : Say you have no freedom there.

Shakunthala : It is the same thing. A multinational company is interested in this property too.

Shanthi : What for?

Shakunthala : Isn't it a place made famous by its connection with our father?

Shanthi : Yes. It is a village that has caught even the attention of UNESCO.

Shakunthala : That company is willing to pay crores of rupees for this property.

Shanthi : And then?

Shakunthala : They will build a new tourism centre here and a health resort with all modern amenities.

Shanthi : So, that is the point May I ask you something? You want this place to be partitioned and you should be given your share, isn't it?

Shakunthala : Ratish says... You have no use of your share. You are not married, and you have no family. So, your share too.

Shanthi : So, that's the idea. If you get my share too, that can be sold to a big corporate company. You will have crores of rupees in your hands

Shakunthala : Since you have no interest in money and wealth...

Shanthi : You are right there. But I have doubt in my mind. Suppose my lover, Sivan, Whom you all mock at, comes out of the prison and we get married, What if he too wants dowry worth crores of rupees?

Shakunthala : No such thing would happen. Ratish says Sivan will have to be in

prison forever. And may be...

Shanthi : And may be?

Shakunthala : He has got such a long sentence, that he may not come out alive.

Shanthi : (shocked) What?

Shakunthala : I have heard Ratish and his friends say so. In that case.

Shanthi : (Painfully) Do you believe it? Do you wish for it?

Shakunthala : Do things take place according to our wishes and beliefs? How wonderful it would be?

Shanthi : Then the path is clear for you. If this is sold to a big company and I have to leave there is nothing much for me to carry from here. All that I have are those small things that I carry in my shoulder bag.

Shakunthala : You are single, sister. You can stay with us in all comforts. You can go out and come back as and when you like.

Shanthi : I am really lucky that I have such a loving younger sister and her

husband. I will have peace of mind, equality and freedom.

Shakunthala : (Delighted) So you are willing to sell it, sister?

Shanthi : Quite willing, but there is only one problem.

Shakunthala : What is that?

Shanthi : There's a great person inside, with a little more life left. What shall we do then?

Shakunthala : He wouldn't object. Of what use is this property to our father now?

Shanthi : That's right. This property is no more of any use to him. But what to do with the little life left in him?

Shakunthala : He wouldn't live long. We can sell it after his death. But then, We can agree upon the matter and have the necessary documents ready! We can complete the formalities soon after his death.

Shanthi : Then there's another problem. Suppose it takes some more time for him to die, may be four to five months or may be as many years.

Shakunthala : What makes you think so?

Shanthi : Whenever our father falls sick, the roots. leaves, flowers or fruits of certain medicinal plants in this forests, are given to him in the form of juices, paste or powder and that cures him in matter of moments. Shankaran uncle knows all that. It is from here that people collect herbs for their use.

Shakunthala : It is an old belief, mere superstition!

Shanthi : (Ironically) Yes, our father is superstitious! But he wasn't to die as long as this wilderness exits.

Shakunthala : Then, what is the way out?

Shanthi : You can't sell this if he lives for some more days. The gains in crores of rupees will not be there!

Shakunthala : Not only that, I can only go back with such an assurance.

Shanthi : Or else he will kick you, beat you up and push you out of the house, may even kill you.

Shakunthala : Sure sister. You should help me out.

Shanthi : (Thoughtfully and ironically) I shall help you. Both of us together shall ....Yes?

Shakunthala : Our father, waiting for some one .... ... (Falls down exhausted and panting)

Shanthi : Yes!

(The light dims)

SCENE 2

(As the stage lights up, Shanthi is engaged in writing as in Scene one. Now and then she stops writing and raises her head. Listening to the noises from inside. She reads the last part once again)

Shanthi : Therefore, Shakunthala should go back ready for a fight. It is neither to kill anybody, nor to get killed. To live and let live. Not to yield, but to show her guts. To correct her man. Any man, be he a king or emperor, should be corrected from wrong doings. What's the relevance of nature, if a woman, a wife, a mother, can not do it. You can see different colors during sunset. She should go. No Dushyantha would come to take his Shakunthala back. He is glad that she has been kicked out.

Shakunthala : (Listening from behind) You have written this without caring for my circumstances. (harshly) No, you can't understand that. You are not married. You haven't faced a man materialized out of cruelty, wrapped in a veil of love. You haven't shared your bed with such a man, haven't given birth to his child. You have not fallen at his feet, begging not to be thrashed, without a place to hide, when in different hues, he confronts you.

Shanthi : Oh my little sister!

Shakunthala : In your world of books and meaningless speeches, have you ever seen such raw human beings? Those whose tears never dry up....those roaming about without a shelter.

Shanthi : I thought, at least you would understand me. I have no grievances, no complaints. To whom shall I complain?

Shakunthala : Oh, now has it turned out thus?

Shanthi : No one in this world understands others. We are all pretending to do so. We have grown up suckling the breasts of the same mother. We ate from the same plate and slept on the same bed. Shared all our secrets as we grew up. But now you don't even know me.

Shakunthala : No one gave me a shelter, nobody!

Shanthi : Who gives shelter and to whom? Do you know, I don't have a shelter in this long journey? There lies our father conscious at times and not so at other times, With eyes open as if searching for the arrival of the parting star. Yet another person. Exhausted and counting his nights in the cell hoping for the prison gates to open one day!

Shakunthala : You have such a person, to wait for sister.

Shanthi : I am not sure, Whether he is out of the prison but I know I am inside.

Shakunthala : It is a topic for poetry for people like you. But I am burning within, every moment. I want a solution and an answer. That's what I have come for.

Shanthi : What answer?

Shakunthala : You didn't under stand. I thought, foolishly that I had everything to keep a man happy and I gave him everything. But I was late to understand that what he wanted was something else.

Shanthi : What is it?

Shakunthala : Money! The money he could get from selling all this property. I want it. It's the question of my survival.

Shanthi : I can't say anything about it. There's someone lying inside waiting for his last breath, go and ask him. You didn't see him till now!

Shakunthala : I will ask him, I am not afraid.

Shanthi : Why should you fear? Especially today.

Shakunthala : What is special about today?

Shanthi : Don't you know? It's Friday.

Shakunthala : Oh, It's his day of keeping silence and fasting.

Shanthi : Yes ...the day of keeping silence. Did you forget, its his birthday too, his day of introspections, the day of asking questions and correcting himself.

Shakunthala : But, he has to give me an answer.

Shanthi : He might. Sometime with a glance, an expression a smile or with the mere movement of his eyes.

Shakunthala : I am not afraid of anything today.

Shanthi : Don't be afraid, why should be? I just reminded you that our father's reaction could be, as in the days gone by, some times...

Shakunthala : Oomm....?

Shanthi : Some times, this man who gave prophetic answers to his countrymen and to the visitors from all over the world, the man whose life itself was an example, might even falter to the questions of his younger daughter

Shakunthala : Yes, he should. Should he not falter in front of at least one person?

Shanthi : No, don't. If he cannot answer your questions, if he feels defeated by his own child, tears would well up his eyes, and flow down-an endless flow! You

can see yourself in it. Do you want it?

Shakunthala : Yes, I want it. At least once, let there be a turmoil in his mind...

Shanthi : Once, only once in his lifetime, I saw tears flowing down from his eyes. It was not in front of any rival. That night, when you quietly eloped with Ratheesh. There was no anger or revenge on his face. Only comion and affection and a fear of danger facing his child.

Shakunthala : What type of danger?

Shanthi : He was seeing in his mind's eyes, all that you have gone through later. You didn't know the reason for it.

Shakunthala : What was it?

Shanthi : Our father knew more about Ratheesh than you had ever. Later he told me every thing. I was shocked.

Shakunthala : What was there to be shocked so much?

Shanthi : I don't even want to think of it. The circle he was in, his financial dealings, inter national connections!

Shakunthala : Don't try to keep me quiet with all these sentiments.

Shanthi : I have completed what you began. One thing our father told that day itself. These clandestine acts would not do any good to our country and would do harm as well; great harm. It would cut at the roots of our culture. Our freedom itself would be in danger.

Shakunthala : I don't want to here all these.

Shanthi : I won't force you to. You can go inside. Our father lies, motionless on the same bed where he had fondled us. You shouldn't shatter everything with your over excitement. No one can predict, what his reaction would be like. Sometimes every thing would end up in a shock or else he might spring up with joy at your very sight. May be, This place could erupt once again with his guffaw, as in old times. Be prepared for any thing. Our mother will be the witness. On the wall, hangs her picture high picture high enough for our father to see.

Shakunthala : Sister, You...

Shanthi : No, I am mentally prepared for everything. Bye-bye to conflicts! I will be there, in the mango grove, on the swing you should come there. and shall we not sit together and swing and sway for sometime (looking inside) Shankar uncle please come for a while!

Shankaran Nair : (Comes running) What is so urgent?

Shanthi : Our father has an important visitor today.

Shakunthala : (Sizing up the situation) I have understood everything.

Shankaran Nair : (Looking at Shakunthala for a short time) Shankar uncle has no right to talk. That's why I keep quiet. Any way, child, you have come, let us go inside.

Shanthi : I'll be out there, in the garden (Exits)

Shankaran Nair : See, you don't know your father's condition. For the past one week, doctor has strictly forbidden to let him talk to anybody. So visitors are not allowed at all.

Shakunthala : (Resenting) So, I...?

Shankaran Nair : No, my child, I was just saying that you to know to behave accordingly. His life hangs on a slender thread. A bit of agitation and that would be the end. I just say, please be careful. (Both of them go inside).

(After a short while, Ratheesh comes from outside, with an aide on tow. He feels the place a bit strange, as he has come there after a longtime. Gradually, he gets over it. The aide has come here for the first time, a total stranger. He savours the uniqueness of the house and its surrounding avariciously)

Aide : This is unlike what I had heard of. This would fetch a much higher price. You can't find a single house of this type, these days.

Ratheesh : You have already estimated the value of this house. Then what will you say when you look around the surrounding tract of land and the groves the garden, the woods and the plants in it?

Aide : It is to evaluate everything first hand that I have come with you. How much will be the surrounding land?

Ratheesh : Shakunthala said it is three acres. The government is planning to acquire it?

Aide : Then, What about our project?

Ratheesh : Don't worry! Even if it is the central government, it would be a person or two coming to inspect the land. Our company can handle even ten such people.

Aide : I know that. The government would postpone or set aside the matter, on receipt of an adverse report.

Ratheesh : Do you know? Finally, the project itself would be cancelled. We have sufficient gold coins in our pocket for that purpose. You do one thing, go around this land and make a proper estimate.

(Shankaran Nair comes from inside. He looks surprised and puzzled at the sight of two strangers moving about freely in the house)

Shankaran Nair : Who are you? What do you want?

Ratheesh : (Loudly) Who are you?

Shankaran Nair : Lower your voice, he is more weak and tired today.

Ratheesh : What? Is he not dead?

Shankaran Nair : (In a sudden burst of anger, slaps Ratheesh on his face) You rascal...?

Ratheesh : I will show you.

(Catches hold of Shankaran Nair. Shocked at the un expected assault. His aide rushes in to separate them.)

Shankaran : What can you do?

Nair : Just one kick and both of you will fall on the road. Only after many days, will you be able to open your eyes.

Aide : I think you haven't recognized this gentleman. That's why....

Shankaran : Both of you don't know me. Shall I tell you? I have subdued notorious criminals with a grope of their navels. Later I decided to quit that dirty job in the jail. That's when I decided to lead a quiet life of gentleman.

Ratheesh : (Thoughtfully) Shankaran Nair of whom Shakunthala used to say?

Shankaran Nair : Do you know Shakunthala?

Ratheesh : Is she here? (Tries to rush inside, but Shakaran Nair stops him)

Shankaran Nair : I guess...You are Shakunthala's Ratheesh?

Ratheesh : Ought I explain to you all these? Stand inside.

Shankaran Nair : Sorry, I was not aware...

Ratheesh : Oh, You step aside.

Shankaran Nair : No, please don't go inside now. There a father is recognizing

his daughter; he is caressing her cheeks with his hand stretched. The daughter, who came in, shouting in anger, is sobbing uncontrollably sitting by his bed side and is wiping his tears.

Ratheesh : So, it is to this place she ran away from home. I guessed it right. I won't let her go like that.

Shankaran Nair : Have patience. We can solve everything. If I have done something out of ignorance...

Ratheesh : That's not the issue. I must get her. And then I have to settle my scores here.

Shankaran Nair : With whom?

Ratheesh : With that dying old man.

Shankaran Nair : What harm did he do to you? You never cared to come and meet him even once.

Ratheesh : Why should I? How could I? This is a mansion of idealists. And I? A criminal! A fugitive!!

Shankaran Nair : No one here said So.

Ratheesh : And now who has set up his permanent residence in the jail?

Shankaran Nair : Oh, I got it. The tussle is between you two.

Ratheesh : Our gang will see to it that honest man doesn't come out of the prison, in the near future. Sometimes, it would be his dead body that comes out of the jail.

Shankaran Nair : Sivan and Shanthi are not scared of any such things. Shanthi knows too that some people are busy with such conspiracies. Now please don't mention such things and torment your father-in-law.

Ratheesh : I don't want to hurt anybody. My purpose must be served. That's all.

Shankaran Nair : And who knows, what is your intention?

Ratheesh : She knows. She also knows that she need not come back without settling the matter.

Shankaran Nair : Can these matters be settled in a hurry?

Ratheesh : (Changing his tactics) No, I am not in a hurry. It can be done

slowly. Shakunthala has already agreed Shanthi should be made to agree.

Shankaran Nair : Isn't all these, their father's property?

Ratheesh : Take his consent also, if it is a must.

Shankaran Nair : If it is a must? Must for whom? He might be listening to all these going on here. I think he is still conscious (in a conciliatory tone) Go in and meet him. May be both of you will have peace of mind.

Ratheesh : I don't lack peace of mind. If you so insist go and tell him that I have come. After all, you are his conscience-keeper!

Shankaran Nair : Yes, I am his conscience keeper, from a long long time.

Ratheesh : I too have heard of you. That Shakaran Nair of whom Shakunthala talks about, whenever she mentions about her home. An advisor for all, inseparable companion of her father.

Shankaran Nair : True. How many years since I ed him! Can't . I was then a gardener in the central jail. I was watering the plants when I noticed a strange scene. A few policemen were brining in a prisoner with hands in fetters.

Ratheesh : What was so strange about it?

Shankaran Nair : Please listen. Behind him were news reporters and cameramen! I knew he was no ordinary person. Then what a scene!

Ratheesh : Yes...?

Shankaran Nair : Suddenly, the inspector general hurried down the steps from his office in the first floor, shocked at the sight of the prisoner, took off his cap and touched the feet of the guest, and then saluted him with great respect. He ordered the fetters to be removed...The prisoner blessed with both hands the IG, standing in front of him, with his head bent in reverence. With a smile on his face, he walked into the prison cell

Ratheesh : These are all cooked up stories!

Shankaran Nair : No, I saw it myself. So unforgettable! One more thing; The night he was brought to the jail, I mustered all my courage to meet to the IG and make a request. To details me to look after the personal needs of the prisoner who was just brought in. It was granted. From the next day onwards it was I who supplied him food and newspapers. He considered me a younger brother and asked me for anything that he wanted. How lucky I am!

Ratheesh : And then...?

Shankaran Nair : He was in jail for two years. When he left the jail. I made a request to him; to let me follow him. He agreed and I followed. Ever since I have not left him even for a single day.

Ratheesh : That means, he will do anything you ask for.

Shankaran Nair : I do think so. Therefore I don't ask him for any favors.

Ratheesh : If so, You must make him agree to one thing now. Something that cannot wait, till he dies. Who knows when will that be.

Shankaran Nair : What is it that you want from him at his last moment?

Ratheesh : I shall be frank. No body needs this big estate and the small house in it after his death. Shanthi wanders around delivering speeches. Then Shakunthala alone is heir to this property and she needs it.

Shankaran Nair : Why does that child have such an urgent need?

Ratheesh : I don't have to explain that to you.

Shankaran Nair : Then what need is there for me to make him agree to your proposal?

Ratheesh : I will tell you. (as if disclosing a secret) With a lot of effort over the last many days I have got a project worth rupees ten thousand crores. It is a multinational company. They have multi faceted objectives.

Shankaran Nair : (with mouth wide open) Ten thousand crores?

Ratheesh : Yes.

Shankaran Nair : What has it to do with this place?

Ratheesh : They have found this, the most suitable place for it. A stream flowing near by, water fall quite close. Then there are a few huts of beggars around. They can be paid in trifles and the huts demolished. We will ask them to go away and build their huts else where.

Shankaran Nair : Then what about this house?

Ratheesh : (Laughs) Who wants it? In its place, a health centre of international standards would be built.

Shankaran Nair : What are you saying?

Ratheesh : This place would be the focus of attention of all the world.

Shankaran Nair : It is so even now. Isn't it?

Ratheesh : It is because of that man. He will die soon; then not even a dog will want it!

Shankaran Nair : Who said so? journalists and writers from many countries keep on coming here. There is news that the government is planning to make it a memorial and study-centre for that great man. The Prime Minister had called and made enquires even last week. Quite often a lot of such people keep coming here.

Ratheesh : But when the country gets foreign investment, which minister won't bend his knees? You see, we know the tactics to bring any one to our side. Shakaran Nair, anyone will yield when we fill their pockets with crores of rupees.

Shankaran Nair : All are not so, my child. It seems you don't even know where you are standing!

Ratheesh : Eh, Why do you say so?

Shankaran Nair : Or else, you won't dare to talk in of crores, standing in the hut of this Daridranarayana.

Aide : (Returns joyfully after hurrying through the property) Oh, What a place! Quite suitable for our project.

Ratheesh : That's what I have been telling this man.

Aide : We can't find such a beautiful elevated land nearby. Look at that little stream that flows by the lower end of this land.

Shankaran Nair : You don't know how precious this land is.

The aide : I know it, much better than you. (to Ratheesh). You country-folks can't understand Its value

Ratheesh : You are right. These people subsist on their day to day earnings. If this is sold...

Shankaran Nair : You will get a treasure if you dig here! If you sell it you will get thirty silver coins!

The aide : Not thirty coins. You will get crores and crores if you sell it. That's why the white man who came here last time stood dump founded after going around this place.

Shankaran Nair : Which white man?

Ratheesh : (Bursts in to laughter) don't you the white man who came here last month posing as a journalist, with a camera in hand? The same fellow.

Shankaran Nair : He said he had come to India to write a biography of this great man.

Ratheesh : That acting worked.

Shankaran Nair : He took photos of this place. (To the aide) I think you were also there.

The aide : True, I was with him. It was I who took him inside to take the photographs. He took a lot of photos depicting the site and extends of this land.

Shankaran Nair : (Bewildered) So, He came to fix a price for this place. You cheated.

Ratheesh : Hey! We have helped. How much will it fetch, if sold to the local people? A very small amount ....and what will they use it for? To start a cashew factory or an arrack shop!

The aide : (Filling up) And our white man? He will construct huge hundred storey buildings, trade complexes by foreigners. Very good liquors and exotic intoxicants. All at cheaper rates than the foreign markets. This place will be heaven, real heaven

Shankaran Nair : (Stands still as if shocked) Oh God, please call him soon.

Ratheesh : Say so, that's what is needed now.

Shankaran Nair : Not so loud ...If he comes to know all these?

The aide : He will die soon, isn't it? That will be fine.

Shankaran Nair : Suppose he doesn't die?

The aide : Shall I help?

Shankaran Nair : (Without grasping the sense) What for? How? Whom?

The aide : It is another foreigner who will be investing cores and cores of rupees. He will Present himself when everything is ready. He will arrive at this place in all his grandeur, like the Almighty himself.

Ratheesh : Have you seen him?

The aide : Oh, no! I have only heard of him.

Ratheesh : Same with me too

The aide : Once he lands here, there will be no opposition from any source. No strikes, no protests, no resistance. No Plachimada or Athirapally. The police and armed forces will be with us.

Ratheesh : It should be so. Only then, can foreign capital flow into this country.

The aide : And this will be his head quarters.

Shankaran Nair : (Innocently) This house?

The aide : (Laughing scornfully) These house? These cattle shed? Well! Well!

Shankaran Nair : Then?

The aide : This will be demolished and thrown away. Then a grand mansion with a hundred rooms and hidden chambers for his use will be built here.

Shankaran Nair : Hidden chambers?

Ratheesh : Yes, no police or army should find him.

The aide : Nobody knows, even now, where he is.

Shankaran Nair : Eh?

Ratheesh : That is the way with big guys. The whole world would be looking for them, but can't find them. You can't get him, however hard you try.

Shankaran Nair : Then, he must be a notorious criminal!

The aide : That's what people say. But the white man couldn't care less.

Ratheesh : I tried my best to meet him during my last visit, but I couldn't.

The aide : (To Shankaran Nair) Do you know, Why?

Shankaran Nair : (Says no, with a show of hand). Still I can guess.

Ratheesh : Let us hear that.

Shankaran Nair : He would be in the jail somewhere.

The aide : (Laughs) I think you are a jester. In jail? Our white man? Well! Well! He is on tour, always on tour. Traveling in aero planes or ships.

Ratheesh : Yes, either in the sea or in the air.

Shankaran Nair : Then how can he be caught? (Thoughtfully). Doesn't he ever step on to the land?

The aide : He does, to sign a contract like this. That is a wonderful spectacle. He comes and goes without anybody noticing it.

Shankaran Nair : How's that?

The aide : That is why you should have your own aero plane. Our white man has so many planes of his own. It is like the children having cycles in our country. A number of ships too in all the seas. He has his ships sailing in all the seas.

Ratheesh : He sits in one of them and dispatches instructions to all parts of the world.

The aide : (One of the many wires ensnared on his body and ears flickers). See, he is calling.

(Puts it in his ear, moves away and listens). Yes, right, I assure you, agreed, ready, ok, bye.

Ratheesh : What did he say?

The aide : It was his secretary calling from a dirtant sea. It was not clear.

Shankaran Nair : Then how did you reply?

The aide : It was a stock reply. The same words always; nothing more and nothing less. It is by heart for all.

Shankaran Nair : For all?

The aide : Yes. We are his obedient servants. Like me, he has many followers all over the world.

(Displays the wires ensnared all over his body). All of us have devices like this for the collection of information. See, this is the most important one. If this lights up, he or his secretary is calling. This one for calls from Africa, this for America, and this is for calls from any part of Europe. See this? This is for calls from the sea. There are thousands of loyal people like us, in each country; to enforce his orders.

Shankaran Nair : Orders are to be obeyed, if one gets paid for it.

Ratheesh : Correct! It is his orders that brought us here. It has to be carried out.

Shankaran Nair : Can your unknown white man settles the deal without seeing this place?

Ratheesh : Without seeing?

The aide : Please tell him sir. Do you see this camera? Besides, he also has the video recordings by the white man who visited this place, last time. He has a telescope, most modern. He can observe any land or building from any part of the world, from any distance clearly with that instrument. He can listen to all our conversations.

Shankaran Nair : Still, there could be obstacles on his way!

The aide : You are a rustic, poor fellow! There are no words like obstacle or impossible in our dictionary. He easily gets what he wants by throwing away cores of rupees.

Shankaran Nair : You are repeating the same thing. But the man lying inside is a leader of the poor villagers. He is waiting for the last moments.

The aide : You mean his death? Let him die, but you can make him agree to it before he dies.

Shankaran Nair : Is it so simple?

The aide : Every thing is simple for our boss. He takes decision in seconds. Certain heads of states do not grant him what he wants (laughs loudly). They will be no more when the sun rises, the next day. Oh, how many such disappearances.

Ratheesh : (Completing) Plane-crashes, collisions of ships, arson.

The aide : He needs only a second, to turn the whole world into ashes. Then, what is this to him?

Shankaran Nair : This is another man. He has nothing of his own, no savings. (Thinks for a while). Oh, I am wrong. He has savings of another kind. He is lavish in giving away all his savings.

Ratheesh : But, he didn't give anything to Shakunthala?

Shankaran Nair : She didn't take anything. You ruined the opportunities for it.

Ratheesh : It is to take it that I have come now.

Shankaran Nair : Can it be divided in a day? It is a complete life, a life filled with love. All those who needed, got a share of the savings, in abundance. Do you see that swing in the middle of the mango grove?

The aide : Yes. I also see a few children in it.

Shankaran Nair : They are not there by chance. The children play there on their way to the school and back.

The aide : Well! Well! What will they do, when all these are cleared?

Shankaran Nair : That's what they are asking. Not only that. The plants and trees that you see here were planted and Nurtured by them, or by their parents.

Ratheesh : You mean, they too want a part of the profit and commission from this deal?

Shankaran Nair : There are certain rare medicinal plants in this garden; those were also grown by the local people.

The aide : Their pockets are also to be filled? Ok, We shall do that.

Shankaran Nair : What can you pay in return? Listen, there is one more thing. There is something special about each and every plant and tree here. That is named after each household of this village. They were planted by the people on every birthday of the man who is lying inside. Can they be cut away, so soon?

The aide : (Without grasping the sense) why not? They can be easily cut down.

Shankaran Nair : Won't their hearts bleed?

The aide : Such talks won't deter our boss. He is quite an obstinate person.

Shankaran Nair : The children playing in that swing are also obstinate and won't give it away. Their words final.

Ratheesh : What are you saying? These measly children?

Shankaran Nair : Yes, they are quite obstinate. They say this property is theirs.

Ratheesh : (Laughs loudly) Have all the people here gone insane?

Shankaran Nair : It is the insanity spread by the man lying inside. Everyone here has caught it.

Ratheesh : (Thinking and pointing inside). So that mad man has to be treated first.

The aide : (Secretly) I too think so. It should be informed there. Don't delay.

Ratheesh : Yes, do it quickly. Tell him that our enemies here are a few small children and not anyone handling atom bombs or such other weapons.

The aide : Doesn't matter, whoever it is. Everyone will be moved down. No one should play with fire.

Shankaran Nair : What do children know about it? There is another lot birds, migratory birds. They come off and on; to play with their friends here.

The aide : What all funny stories! Aren't they all, of your making?

Shankaran Nair : You need not believe it. Stay here for two or three days, and then you can see them coming in batches. They settle down as if they have come home and fly after many weeks. It is celebration time for the children of this place. Then comes a very unique kind of bird- a golden bird! It has golden wings!!

The aide : So, the number of claimants is mounting!

Ratheesh : Or, are the numbers being pushed up?

Shankaran Nair : It flies around this house, flapping its golden wings. People have not seen any such bird in this area.

The aide : But, he might know all these.

Ratheesh : No doubt! That big bird who flies around the world can easily find such birds.

Shankaran Nair : An ornithologist had come here to study about them.

The aide : Then what happened?

Shankaran Nair : He described everything such as their color, beauty, the shape of the body, shape of the beak, legs and tail. But he couldn't make out why they came, where they were going to, from where they came or their place of abode.

The aide : Must have gone in search of another place.

Shankaran Nair : The birds with golden wings, a singing bird, haven't seen one like this, anywhere in this world. It perches on that branch of the tree till it flies off. It hovers around this house. And sits on that swing at night.

Ratheesh : We should catch it.

The aide : It will be shot down with an arrow, if we report the matter to him.

Shankaran Nair : It is not easy, my friend. It comes from now where and goes to unknown places. It doesn't stay in anybody's sight for long; like lightning.

The aide : (Sends a signal through one of the wires fixed around his waist). Yes. Right, Ok, Bye.

Shankaran Nair : Was it a message about that bird? And what was the reply? And where did it come from?

The aide : Nothing was clear

Shankaran Nair : Then how did you answer from here?

The aide : It is always like that. The same answer, for all questions. There should be no doubts and no questions from here.

Shankaran Nair : Then for all questions just say yes, right, ok, bye?

The aide : It is clear for those at the other end. They will do what needs to be done

Ratheesh : (Quietly) They will fell that bird with an arrow.

Shankaran Nair : (Bewildered) Eh? Shoot that golden bird down...?

Ratheesh : (laughs) We want your golden bird.

Shankaran Nair : Do you know (pointing inside?) It is so dear to him. When it comes and circles high in the sky, his face lights up. Even without seeing each other, they can exchange their hearts.

The aide : Suppose that bird doesn't come, once?

Shankaran Nair : Then his heart grows weary and disquiet. He will sit silently, looking far ahead, as if searching for something.

The aide : What a tale!

Shankaran Nair : Then it will arrive like an angel, flapping its golden wings. It will then perch on the height of that swing or on that branch of that mango tree. He will, then be happy. They know each other, even without seeing.

The aide : Henceforth we should be informed of whoever comes to and goes from here.

Shankaran Nair : Who will inform you? And what for?

The aide : Those who are responsible here. Slowly, you will know what for? No one ask us such questions. We are also not used to giving answers.

Shankaran Nair : How strange! You will be shocked to hear the names of the people coming here. And you may even wonder.

Ratheesh : Shock! Wonder! Don't try these stunts with me. If Ratheesh decides something, it will be implemented. If you don't know it, she knows, the darling of this house.

Shankaran Nair : I guessed it right. I knew there was something wrong when Shakunthala came. Her first come-back after leaving this house should be in this manner!

Ratheesh : If matters shouldn't get worse, (pauses) well, what is the use of telling you all this? Send her out. Then you will see! Or else...(tries to go in by force). Shanthi calls 'Shankaran uncle' and comes out in a hurry from inside. She halts abruptly at the door on seeing Ratheesh there. Both of them stare at each other.

Ratheesh : Send her out!

Shanthi : Didn't she come with you, without anybody sending her out?

Ratheesh : Now, she has a place to hide and people to hide her. I will break this open.

Shanthi : No, you can't break it open, not even thousands like you.

Ratheesh : Hum! Your sister too has the same arrogance!

Shanthi : You are wrong. She didn't posses this arrogance. That's why you could kick her out!

Ratheesh : This is none of your business. Don't interfere unnecessarily.

Shanthi : You don't know. It has become any business. Can't help interfering with it.

Ratheesh : Send her out, then.

Shanthi : Nobody here is stopping her. You are the real obstacle.

Ratheesh : Who, me?

Shanthi : Yes, I have guessed from what she said. There is a lot to read in between the lines.

Ratheesh : Now, what did you read?

Shanthi : The conflicts within her; the shattering of her heart!

Ratheesh : Is that all?

Shanthi : Do you know, she is a mad woman now? She ran away from your house with a deranged mind seeking shelter; a woman broken down with your kicks and thrashings!

Ratheesh : All stories cooked up by you!

Shanthi : No, I have listened to her incoherent words. Sometimes she bursts out.

Ratheesh : Even then, she doesn't talk of what is to be done.

Shanthi : Yes she talks, only of money, money alone!

Ratheesh : Good, that means she is not mad for sure. She knows that and that alone is the solution.

Shanthi : She says all of these are to be sold. Says it is all arranged. Even then...

Ratheesh : Even then?

Shanthi : She changes her mind after staring at our father for sometime. She gropes in the dark like a child who has lost her way. At times she cries aloud. There is pain in her body and mind. (calls like 'father, sister' heard from inside)

The beginning! Or, the end?

(Everyone stands still Shanthi runs inside, Shankaran Nair follows in Ratheesh and the aide look at each other with delight)

(The light dims)

SCENE 3

When the stage lights up, Ratheesh and his aide is engaged in conversation. Ratheesh occasionally looks inside and his aid keeps on walking out and back. Both seen bewildered and anxious.

Ratheesh : Be careful. Henceforth our moves should be with tact and caution.

The aide : True! It seems that old man has woken up from a trance. It seems they gave him two drops of juice of a plant from this garden and the old man woke up from a coma (laughs). These people can't even afford to call a doctor or give him an injection!

Ratheesh : It is not so. That sick man doesn't like such treatments. He wants himself to be treated only with the leaves and fruits available here. (laughs loudly) Un civilized fellows!

The aide : We can't wait much longer. The time for the settlement is getting over

Ratheesh : Don't worry. Let the condition of the old man become clearer, either this way or that.

The aide : Everything will be fine if that old man could be made to agree to the proposal and sign the deed.

Ratheesh : It is three acres. It is better to sell it as a whole.

The aide : The masters of our company also want it that way. It is to settle the matter that they sent me here.

Ratheesh : I have given my word it cannot be changed.

The aide : Yes, I know that there can be no change in our plans too. The boss is a determined person. It is his nature to get things done by hook or by crook. He thinks the means justify the end.

Ratheesh : Any means would! If it has to be partition, so be it!

The aide : Yes, let it be divided into two. We, I mean you, that is your wife will get a share.

Ratheesh : Then we can bring the other share also in our hands.

The aide : I understand that the old man is against partitioning the property.

Ratheesh : In that case, let him give the whole of it to us, we shall only be too glad.

The aide : It is in today's papers, the news of his vow of silence!

Ratheesh : Not only the newspapers; the T.V channels are also ready to deliver that message!

The aide : What message?

Ratheesh : Haven't you heard? It is a new message that he is giving to the world today!

That's how he will break his vow of silence.

The aide : We must hear it, then.

Ratheesh : That was the news, the media gave importance to, today when he breaks his vow of silence, he will give a new message to the world. It will startle some people, surprise some others, hurt a few, make a few people think and make others happy.

The aide : In what category will then we, I mean you fall? Be shocked, cry or dance with joy?

Ratheesh : I have always been hurt. He has always afflicted pain upon me. He

loved his elder daughter and her lover more.

The aide : Then, a lot of things will happen here, today. Or else we will make it happen! That's why I was ordered to be here today.

Ratheesh : That's good. I can't easily handle these things, alone.

The aide : I know you lack vigor; you are not strong enough. You are yet to master the ability to stand your ground firmly.

Ratheesh : I agree. Some times I am like that, a sort of vacillation. I have no fear when you are with me, ready to do anything, to face any one.

The aide : Have some drinks and you become bold yourself. In a way, it is the same with me too...

(A man rushes in with a camera and other devices)

T.Vpresenter : I hope it is not over!

The aide : What is it?

T.V presenter : The final event.

The aide : The end is yet to come.

T.V presenter : When is it?

The aide : What?

T.V presenter : The message!

The aide : Who are you?

T.V presenter : I represent the international communications network. We deliver news to all the news media around the world. Where will this event be?

Ratheesh : It could be anywhere.

T.V presenter : (Perplexed) Eh?

Ratheesh : Yes, it could happen any where, any time.

T.V presenter : You?

Ratheesh : I am the authority here.

T.V presenter : Then, he?

Ratheesh : I will be the boss here, after the final event.

T.V presenter : You mean the heir right?

Ratheesh : Right.

T.V presenter : May I take a few clippings of yours? I think there is still some time for the event. As the matter is of international interest, It is to the successor that I should talk first!

Ratheesh : Very well!

T.V presenter : Where will the shooting be more convenient? (Hurries around). This place is narrow, with out sufficient light.

The aide : Look there! How about that swing?

T.V presenter : (Dancing with joy) Sit on it and keep swinging. I shall throw questions at you, just give back the answers. By the by (turning to the aide) you?

The aide : Don't you know me?

T.V presenter : I don't

The aide : I am... The Global Authority.

T.V presenter : (Astonished) the global authority?

The aide : I mean the rep, representative of the global authority.

T.V presenter : How are you here?

The aide : Well, It is I who decide everything. After that final event we are waiting for, I will proclaim him the heir apparent!

T.V presenter : It will be the news for the world at large.

The aide : After that this land as a whole will be taken over by the global authority.

T.V presenter : Wonderful!

The aide : In fact it is already done, we just need a signature of that old man.

T.V presenter : It was announced that he would die today. (Realizing the folly) I mean after delivering that message!

Ratheesh : Yes

The aide : (Looks around) It is to be said in detail. Come. Let us go to the mango grove, to the swing....

T.V presenter : Sure. Keep swinging. As he breaths his last we shall return. Come on!

(All of them go out. Shankaran Nair comes out after a while. As if searching for something)

Shankaran Nair : What to do? He is drowsy today. At times he opens his eyes. It seems he has recognized his daughters sitting by his side. He listens to all that they say. Sometimes his face brightens with joy, sometimes, it looks as if he is sobbing. Some times, as if he is looking for someone. It is not me, he has already recognized me. Still he looks around. (Looking afar) Who is there? Oh, people have started arriving one by one, to listen to his last message. Well, Well the mango grove is already full! Mostly with the news men and the T.V channel

people. They will exaggerate everything. After all, it is an event the whole world is looking for. Since, afternoon his throat is itching, may be due to phlegm. Let me give few drops from this plant he has planted and nurtured himself. rushes outside and goes inside with two or three leaves. (Shanthi and Sakunthala come out after sometime)

Shakunthala : (Painfully) My father has accepted me...!

Shanthi : (Consoling her) He recognized you. He accepted you. Will there be parents who cannot recognize their own children?

Shakunthala : But he didn't speak even a single word.

Shanthi : Silly girl! Don't you know today is the day of his vow of silence?

Shakunthala : But, still....

Shanthi : No ifs and buts! He has recognized you. When you came in and stared at him in anger and revenge, his face became red. Don't you he pointed out at our mother's photo hanging on the wall in front of him? He saw you shaking and swaying in their midst. I too saw it.

Shakunthala : True, I couldn't anything for sometime.

Shanthi : You swooned. I held you in my arms and made you sit on your

father's bed.

Shakunthala : The rest I , though not clearly.

Shanthi : You went on saying something. I could see that your life was like an unfathomable sea.

Shakunthala : Father too would have been pained.

Shanthi : Certainly

Shakunthala : It must have pained him

Shanthi : Don't know. Later he started shedding tears, I stood there watching you wipe his tears.

Shakunthala : His heart is not as I thought. It is full of love, love only. Those tears changed me. The changes brought about in me during the past few moments is enormous, no one can fathom it.

Shanthi : I could understand it some what. Who wouldn't realize the meaning of it when you fell at his feet and kept on sobbing?

Shakunthala : Then his looks became pleasant. He lay their intensely looking at our mother. After some time he started looking around again as if searching for someone.Who could that be?

Shanthi : I don't know. He is like that these days. While at home, he walks around each tree in the garden, most of the times. Sometimes he keeps gazing afar as if waiting for someone to appear.

Shakunthala : Don't you ask him about it, sister?

Shanthi : No. How simple are the answers he gives to certain questions? We can't understand anything

Shakunthala : Will it hurt you if I ask you something?

Shanthi : Oh, no! Don't you know I always like your questions? How many questions and answers were exchanged between us when we two were at home.

Shakunthala : Then may I ask you, Where is Sivan now?

Shanthi : (Puzzled at the unexpected query) Shivan....

Shakunthala : If I have heard it right, he is still in jail.

Shanthi : Where else could he be? people like him will always be in prison. Their minds are always turbulent. They can't tolerate inequalities or injustices.

Shakunthala : In which place is he now?

Shanthi : The last time he was arrested, It was heard that he was taken to an island. He must be living in a jail there, watching the waves all around.

Shakunthala : Any message from him? How is the bond between you, two at present?

Shanthi : Stronger than ever before! Filled with the fragrance of romance!

Shakunthala : Oh, how much I longed to hear it! I pray to God that you don't have to undergo what I have been through.

Shanthi : What do you mean?

Shakunthala : How deep was my love! Love that broke all barriers and soared higher and higher. There couldn't be another like that in all the world. It gradually turned out to be Affection and a family bond. (Scared as if watching a dreadful scene) At last it sucked my blood (Cries). Every thing was shattered. Has love got such a façade?

Shanthi : No. Such figures enter in the guise of love; demon; and greedy men

may appear. What he needs is not love, but the body and money. That's all!

Shakunthala : I shall disclose everything.

Shanthi : (Listens hopefully) Any thing particular?

Shakunthala : Sivan is being chased by the global company....ing of information to it ...

(Stops abruptly)...And then, sister, don't you go to meet Sivan...?

Shanthi : Eh? Why did you stop short? Did you know who es information to the global company?

Shakunthala : A secret organization working in India

Shanthi : I have heard a lot about that gang engaged in weakening the country. I have also heard that it is an arm of a world wide terrorist gang.

Shakunthala : I too have heard that much.

Shanthi : How is it?

Shakunthala : (Reluctantly) from the newspapers and all.

Shanthi : You are hiding something.

Shakunthala : Nothing. Why should I?

Shanthi : Searches are on to find out the roots of this terror group. (After a while). Now, shall I Tell you frankly, what I have come to know?

Shakunthala : (Petrified) Tell me! What did you know?

Shanthi : I thought of not worrying you with all such news. Now that you yourself have hinted at it...

Shakunthala : (Impatiently) come on. Tell me! What did you hear?

Shanthi : Did that foreign investigation team come to your house too?

Shakunthala : (As if to escape from the question) No! Who told you?

Shanthi : Can you hide such things, these days? How many news papers!

Channels! Devices!

Shakunthala : Actually...They came in search of Ratheesh. He was not home, then. they searched every nook and corner of the house, but they got no evidences (as if relieved) someone had tried to trap Ratheesh on a false charge.

Shanthi : Oh What a relief! I can't bear to see you in distress. Our mother held your hands and entrusted you to me, when she died. I promised her to bring you up with love and care. I still consider it my duty.

Shakunthala : I know sister, You are my foster mother.

Shanthi : But...

Shakunthala : What is it?

Shanthi : There is an ember that is burning deep within me.

Shakunthala : Ember?

Shanthi : (Silence for some time) That ember was thrown in by ... you shouldn't misunderstand me.

Shakunthala : Tell me sister, I have done nothing to hurt you.

Shanthi : No, you can never do it. Even then, it is from sources you know....

Shakunthala : No, never! I think you are hinting at Ratheesh.

Shanthi : Haven't I guessed it right?

Shakunthala : No, it should not be. It is true that many people come to our house, friends of Ratheesh, coming under the cover of darkness. Sometimes, Ratheesh goes out with them too. But...

Shanthi : No ifs and buts! people have begun to suspect that Ratheesh is a strong link of Indian gang.

Shakunthala : Shall I tell you the truth? Consider that I am telling this to my mother. I didn't know, it was the secret activities or such a serious matter.

Shanthi : He is in the opposite side of all that our father opposed during his life time. And that too in its forefront.

Shakunthala : Unbelievable, I feel giddy.

Shanthi : Don't loose your sense. My little sister, let me tell one more thing, I have come to know.

Shakunthala : (In a miserable tone) sister!

Shanthi : Do you know? There are a few people all over the world, bent upon smothering the fire of violence. They roam through the desert of hate and violence in search of a fountain of love.

Shakunthala : I know, like our father.

Shanthi : My child ...What a relief to know that you realize it! But, today our father lies there, counting his last moments waiting for his parting star. But a few people continue their journey, with the energy drawn from him.

Shakunthala : Like Shivan?

Shanthi : (Embraces her with sudden delight)

(Pointing towards their father) You are a spark of that brilliance.

Shakunthala : But, I don't understand anything.

Shanthi : That global mafia has ers in every country, including the rulers.

Shakunthala : What can we do?

Shanthi : They control the governments and their economies. They make weapons and sell them and reap huge profits. They spread diseases and sell toxic drugs. They destroy the forests make the earth shiver, and weaken the ecology.

Shakunthala : (Recollecting) Just as we heard from our father, during our child hood days. I Couldn't follow him as you did.

Shanthi : That is not the only problem here now.

Shakunthala : Then?

Shanthi : The rebels who awaken the people and put up resistance against such terrorist gangs and rulers will be locked in prison and hanged. Or else they will be shot and burnt to ashes.

Shakunthala : Chechi, I am getting scared.

Shanthi : I too, not for my sake.

Shakunthala : Then?

Shanthi : For the sake of my Shivan!

Shakunthala : Really?

Shanthi : Yes. Their present move is to seize and take possession of our ancestral home to establish a centre for producing weapons and chemical gas.

Shakunthala : Then, What about the health centre?

Shanthi : That is in paper, for the sake of records. The decisions will be theirs, once it falls into their hands. They are capable of paying in crores to bring anyone to their sides.

Shakunthala : Nothing is clear to me.

Shanthi : And they will finish off all those who oppose their plans.

Shakunthala : But, who is opposing it here?

Shanthi : Nobody, Do you think father will give this property to us? I think he will turn this into a public property.

Shakunthala : I have heard that Ratheesh has made a contract with the global company.

Shanthi : On what authority?

Shakunthala : Hoping that father will agree to it after he breaks his vow of silence (Gently rubs her pendant)

Shanthi : Can, ever our father agree to it?

Shakunthala : Then, who has the authority?

Shanthi : It belongs to all the people of this country, who believes in his ideas. Look! they are assembling to hear his message! Today there is some one to lead them!

Shakunthala : Is that you sister?

Shanthi : No, I don't have so much strength.

Shakunthala : Is it Shivan?

Shanthi : Yes, that strength unites them, even in his absence. The global powers, who know it, are around to finish him off.

Shakunthala : Really?

Shanthi : It is nobody else. Only one's own people can be aware of the secrets. The enemy, therefore will entrust the weapons only to them here, it is Ratheesh.

Shakunthala : That cannot be.

Shanthi : Shivan is an adventurer, wandering in search of love, throughout his life. His journey has been always through a desert; with the shadow of death behind him. Now the dark shadows are closing in, with a boisterous laugh. And that light moves ahead looking afar.

Shakunthala : Sister, I feel really frightened.

Shanthi : The shadows of death grow, but man grows even bigger. I can see the fight between them, a shadow fight!

Shakunthala : Whose is that shadow?

Shanthi : Look carefully...The enemy is not an outsider. He is ...

Shakunthala : (Looks carefully) Yes, is that shadow that of Ratheesh? How many hands it has?

Shanthi : Yes, a terrorist has a thousand hands! A peaceful man has just one hand! The hand of God. (Watching that scene, as if in a dream). Those shadows are growing! Dark forms!! They are closing in on a man. Oh! (Closes her eyes). I can't see this.

Shakunthala : You are seeing some bad dreams.

Shanthi : Yes, a nightmare. My dear little sister, I beg to you. Spare Shivan's life for my sake.

Shakunthala : (Perplexed) Sister, what is this? What are you begging for?

Shanthi : You go to Ratheesh and request him to spare Sivan for me, for our father and for the sake of those human beings, flowing into that place, there. I shall leave every thing to him.

Shakunthala : A man lying in a prison in an unknown island.

Shanthi : (Forgetting herself) What did I see? Oh! I wish it was only a bad dream! Nothing but a dream. No one can destroy anyone, like that.

Shankaran Nair : (Comes in a hurry from inside) He is a little better now.

Shanthi : Uncle, Your medicine has worked. Father often says that we can depend upon these plants and trees, to sustain our lives.

Shankaran Nair : Anyway, it is a matter of much relief. The vow can be broken at the appointed time itself, if all the people assemble here.

Shanthi : He will then dedicate the message, to this world his achievement of a life-time.

Shankaran Nair : It is all due to blessings of the Almighty God. At last that great power.

Shakunthala : (Intercepts) What? God? Whose God? Which God?

Shankaran Nair : (Surprised) What, my child?

Shakunthala : Uncle, You always say it's God who protects us?

Shankaran Nair : Yes, What's the doubt in it?

Shanthi : What happened to you?

Shakunthala : Just this doubt. No God has ever protected me. That is why, I doubted!

Shankaran Nair : That power will appear at the right time, and bless you.

Shakunthala : When will it be? The right time? Since how long have I been searching for it? Crying! Appealing! No one heard me.

Shanthi : (Consoling her) Didn't uncle tell you, that God will make his presence felt at the right time?

Shakunthala : Do you believe in such meaningless talks?

Shanthi : Well! What shall I say?

Shakunthala : I will tell you. None of you had to invoke God from your soul. Aren't you all revolutionaries? Your lives were never in danger.

Shankaran Nair : And yours, my child?

Shakunthala : Ah, I had to cry aloud. But no one heard my cries. It hit somewhere and rebounded as an echo.

Shankaran Nair : Are you the same child who grew up in this house?

Shakunthala : Yes, the same one who grew up in this house, in this place. I our mother lighting the lamp and chanting the hymns of God, sister and mother taking me to the temples nearby, standing in front of the deity in the sanctorum and praying with eyes closed.

Shankaran Nair : Then! Did you see God?

Shakunthala : No, I didn't see. Later, I saw the gods of Ratheesh, rather expensive ones. Ratheesh and circle would spend hundreds of millions to buy them expensive gifts and arrange festivities for them. I could also be dragged into these.

Shankaran Nair : (Irritated) Stop it! It is unbearable. Even the Gods...

Shanthi : Let her speak! Let her open her heart!

Shakunthala : It is no use getting annoyed. Since how long, have I been shedding these tears? And how many women are there like me! The reasons may be different. But why doesn't that God lift a hand to wipe our tears?

Shankaran Nair : My child, You have come to this state after you went there.

Shakunthala : May be! It is then that I realized that I too have tears to shed. Till

then it was a puzzle to me. Right then, uncle have you seen God?

Shanthi : No, You shouldn't question uncle.

Shankaran Nair : Let her ask, my child. I shall answer her. You asked if I have seen God. Right? Yes, I have! Many times. As an embodiment of love, comion and always willing to shower his blessings.

Shakunthala : Then, to me alone why doesn't this God appear? With whom was this God when I was cheated, when badly tortured for dowry, when locked inside the home for days together, with out giving me even water to quench my thirst? Oh God! where are you?

Shanthi : Don't cry

Shakunthala : When this mother was crying aloud to see her child, while trying to know whether the child was even alive...the anguish I endured! Oh God, did you abandon me? Or had I rejected you?

Shankaran Nair : You can't see if your eyes are closed. (Resentfully) God wouldn't go anywhere near them. (To shanthi) - you tell her. Save by nipping it in the bud.

Shanthi : (In a dilemma) You can't have a God, whom you have not seen or felt. No one can prove his existence. Father once said....

Shankaran Nair : (Interrupting her) No, you two shouldn't drag him into this.

Shakunthala : What did father say? I should ask him when he wakes up again. What's God, where's he hiding.

Shanthi : Father was silent for quite sometime and then he pointed towards the branch of a tree.

Shankara Nair : Great men can always see God.

Shakunthala : Then?

Shanthi : I looked up at that branch of the tree, swaying in the wind and then I saw a little bird, singing and flying high over it. And above it, white clouds moving in rolls and rolls!

Shankaran Nair : That was God.

Shanthi : No doubt about it. As I looked perplexed, father said - "God is not what you are seeing now. Don't you see the branch of the tree, the bird and the clouds moving? That's what is God. That movement or what is moving them!"

Shankaran Nair : (Listening with his mouth wide open) I don't understand anything.

Shanthi : Movement means change, a journey, progress. And the moving force behind it, is man himself!

Shakunthala : Then, man is God?

Shanthi : Not only God. His mind is the devil too. Awaken the mind by noble deeds. Haven't you seen our father pray? Do you know which his temple of worship is?

Shakunthala : (perplexed) No.

Shankaran Nair : Oh, do great men need a temple?

Shanthi : The mind is the temple.

Shankaran Nair : But, there is one thing that I still don't understand.

Shanthi : What's it?

Shankaran Nair : Such a nice man! He has never been to a temple, never headed a temple festival committee.

Shanthi : It is often a riddle to me too. But when he travels and gets tired, he stops en route with his companions and they pray together. Then they walk again.

Shankaran Nair : I too have accompanied him sometimes.

Shanthi : His temple is where he reaches at the end of the day, a way side, under a tree or a road junction; or else the courtyard of a poor man's house.

Shankaran Nair : I see now. Our temple is where we stay!

Shanthi : Uncle, I think it is clear to you now.

Shankaran Nair : Oh yes, I knew it before itself.

Shanthi : There is no caste or creed there. Only human beings. Hindus, Muslim and Christians are all welcome. Pray together, work together and eat together.

Shankaran Nair : Be strong together!

Shakunthala : Ah! How beautiful to write and preach about!

Shanthi : No, my child, such things alone stand good in our day to day life.

Shakunthala : Then, why did the people on that river side turn communal, set ablaze each other's homes and kill whomever they found, in the name of religion?

Shanthi : Shall I ask you some thing? Then why did other people rise against that violence and make peace there?

Shakunthala : That's true. Our father was away that day. But his men were here. But for them, the whole village would have been burnt down.

Shanthi : The temple of worship is in the hearts of such people, their love, and the prayers there?

Shankaran Nair : That's God.

Shanthi : Uncle, it seems everything is now clear to you.

Shakunthala : Even then my God is moving away. Without giving even a bit of love, without listening to my last wail!

Shanthi : My child, I never knew that you suffered so much.

Shakunthala : There are many more things that you don't know, sister ! Do you know there are thousands like me amongst us, spurned by God? Women chained in dark rooms, unable to speak a word to anyone.

Shankaran Nair : What you say is also true.

Shakunthala : Not just the truth, but a start, but a startling fact.

Shanthi : Do you think I don't know all these?

Shakunthala : (Intercepting) I didn't say so. But an idealist like you, remaining single in the comfort of love, writing and roaming around delivering speeches cannot understand what it means to be harassed by men.

Shanthi : Oh, Shakunthala!

Shakunthala : Yes sister, you are living in a fool's paradise. You have never known what I have gone through. Go to each and every house here, and then you can see shocking scenes of the life of women.

Shankar : It is true. Today's newspaper also is carrying the tragic news of the suicide of two women, victims tortured in their homes.

Shakunthala : Our schoolmates Saraswathi, Rukmini, Jameela, Pavathi, Rajamma....Oh, how many were burnt to death!

Shanthi : It is against these that we, the solidarity of women, are...

Shakunthala : Solidarity of woman! It is happening in most of the homes, day and night. The woman is helpless in front of the man who comes home drunk. She can't even cry when she gets kicked and falls down in her little room, the children watching it all, trembling in fear. Sometimes, the mother-in-law, adding fuel to the fire.

Shankaran Nair : Why, all these?

Shakunthla : Don't you know? For the sake of dowry. There are certain lawyers. Shameless ones. They won't call it dowry. Buy they want something to sell and collect money, even if it is the woman's house. They have no hesitation to say that, they have married, considering the property available for sale. Then, there are certain learned lawyers to work for them.

Shankaran Nair : (In a fit of range) such people should be beaten left and right.

Shakunthala : Then, what about Ratheesh?

Shankaran Nair : No. Do you think he is such a person?

Shakunthala : Such a person? He is their leader! He is bent upon selling this three acre estate.

Shanthi : His love far you, in those days, was to be seen, to be belive!

Shakunthala : That love will end up in these three acres.

Shankaran Nair : To sell this? Is it so easy?

Shakunthala : If it is not sold...?

Shanthi : What would happen?

Shakunthala : Oh, how can I tell you that, sister? (fondles her pendant)

Shanthi : Don't hide anything now. Tell us everything.

Shakunthala : Many a time, I longed to end my life quietly.

Shankaran Nair : Oh, my child!

Shakunthala : At all such times, the thought of all those who loved me, stopped me from it. I had to give in.

Shanthi : They will stop you yet again.

Shakunthala : No, I won't attempt it again. My mother, father. sister, my darling child! Your shades of love bind me to this world. But someone mercilessly cuts the thread of my bond, every night

Shanthi : you have your sister, your father and your son to think of.

Shakunthala : (As if in a trance) My son! Where's he now? That naughty boy, who kissed me and went away to his school, promising to come back during vacation, How long has it been? Isn't the school closed for vacation yet?

Shanthi : Don't you worry? I shall find out.

Shakunthala : He is far away across the sea. You have to fly to reach there. He never took me there, that cruel man!

Shanthi : We shall go together and find him wherever he is. Then, he will always be with you. I am telling you!

Shakunthala : (looking desperate) We women....

Shanthi : Yes, we women! We are strong.

Shakunthala : Then, let us go and find him. I should take him to a far away corner on the earth and stay hidden there.

Shanthi : Can we hide him like that? He should come back here.

Shakunthala : (Scared) What about Ratheesh? He will ruin every thing. He will sell everything. He may even sell our son and me too...(sound of coughing is heard from inside)

Shankaran Nair : Oh...he is coughing! (Runs inside)

Shankaran Nair : There's a lot of change in our father's condition, after he saw you. (Coughing is heard again. Suddenly the distant sound of an axe falling on a tree). Hark! What is that sound of the old man is heard again and again)

Shakunthala : (Paying attention to the grove) Many people are there. (Startled) Oh, Ratheesh and his hench men!

Shanthi : Yes. They have been walking around this place for quite sometimes. (The sound of cutting of the tree is heard again. Inside the coughing sound.)

Shakunthala : Is father coughing too much today?

Shanthi : No, it is the first time.

(Shankaran Nair comes rushing from inside)

Shankaran Nair : What is that sound there?

Shanthi : Some one is cutting down a tree.

Shankaran Nair : It seems he heard it, asked me to go out and look at it (runs outside)

Shanthi : We too, shall come.

Shankaran Nair : No need. You attend to your father. Call me in case of an emergency (goes in a haste)

Shakunthala : What a misery! He has come to look for me, here too!

Shanthi : Don't be scared. We have faced such situations in the past.

Shakunthala : But, those trees. They are dearer to our father than his own life.

Shanthi : (Suppressing her grief) Somebody is cutting it, isn't it? That tree would fall when someone who is strong enough comes to cut it down. In fact all trees would fall. (Looking shattered) then we can't stop it (goes inside on hearing father coughing)

Shakunthala : Many people have gathered there. Ratheesh is so cruel, he would do anything. What can uncle Shankar do there?

Shanthi : (From inside) Shakunthala, ask uncle to rush here. Father is...

Shakunthala : (Rushes outside. Shankaran Nair runs in with a few leaves in his hand. He is bleeding from a wound in his forehead) Eh! What happened?

Shankaran Nair : Some one is cutting down a tree. Behind him, a few people ready to do anything. Can I leave them like that?

Shakunthala : But, if you clash with them...

Shankaran Nair : You don't know me. I had been in jail after killing two men. I stopped everything after I met your father.

Shakunthala : This blood!

Shankaran Nair : It's nothing to me. I have shed much more blood than this. But then, one day I took a solemn oath in front of your father. I have not shed

another man's blood, ever since

Shanthi : (Comes out, looking bewildered) Uncle, did anyone harm you?

Shankaran Nair : Oh, it is nothing. They were obstinate and started cutting the tree. I wrapped my hands around the sandalwood tree and stood there, chanting my prayers. One more cut, and this is what has happened. Their hands rose no more.

Shanthi : (Tearing the tail of her saree) I shall tie it over the wound.

Shanthi : No need. I applied the juice of the blue flowers from the plant growing at the bottom of the sandal wood tree. It is still burning, but its ok. Doesn't matter.

Shanthi : (Gathering courage) can't endure this anymore. I shall be back soon. (she runs out, others try to stop her, but of no avail)

Shakunthala : (Looking scared) Oh! Anything can happen there. And sister is facing them, alone...

Shankaran Nair : She is not alone. There will be a thousand people gatherd there?

Shakunthala : You sit here uncle, the bleeding hasn't stopped yet.

Shankaran Nair : Never mind. Squeeze these green leaves and apply the juice in drops. That tree has to be saved, the tree that gives shelter to thousands....thousands of birds roost there ...Oh, I feel tired, let me sit (Shakunthala helps him to a chair. The light dims)

SCENE 4

(The stage lights up and there is nobody there. Shanthi comes in from outside, after a while. Ratheesh follows her)

Shanthi : Ratheesh, have patience. Wait for some more time.

Ratheesh : I can't wait anymore. The time I promised is fast nearing. I have to keep my word, or else...

Shanthi : What is all this important agreement and promises?

Shanthi : To hand over all this land to the global authority.

Shanthi : How could you take such a one sided decision?

Ratheesh : It is not a one sided decision. Doesn't it belong to Shakunthala, after all? I think you too have a share in it. I am sure; she could get the sole right over it, if you wish so.

Shanthi : Oh, what a dilemma!

Ratheesh : You are so fond of Shakunthala!

Shanthi : I can't make out anything.

Ratheesh : (Pointing inside) There, if only you could make him agree, just a word...

Shanthi : No, I don't think I can.

Ratheesh : Why not?

Shanthi : The matter is not as easy as you think. It is quite complicated. Human bonds, ideals and the philosophy of lives are entwined in it.

Ratheesh : To hell with all that. You just make that man....

Shanthi : Who is that man to you?

Ratheesh : To me? Who? You are deviating from the subject. You don't like to see this property sold, for which you are planning new strategies.

Shanthi : Aren't you the one changing the topic? Think of it

Ratheesh : Why should I think of all that?

Shanthi : May be, old bonds and memories could help you get all these properties for yourself.

Ratheesh : (Hope fully) Will my old relationship with him be helpful here?

Shanthi : I didn't know. That relationship helped you once to steal the heart of his daughter.

Ratheesh : (Instantly) Yes.

Shanthi : Then try to recollect who was that man to you?

Ratheesh : (Displeased) You are beating about the bush! I am wasting time. Every moment is precious to me like my life itself

Shanthi : If only that trip down your memory lane could save your precious time and help you realize your present wishes....

Ratheesh : I don't anything. Once, I was also there in his team, that's all!

Shanthi : Is that all? Were you not the conscience-keeper of my father? You used to write even his diary. His daily programmes, travels, protest meetings, perceptional gatherings, were all arranged by you.

Ratheesh : That was while I was here, after my college. days

Shanthi : Father was the chief guest at a function held in your college. You just followed him after listening to his speech, ?

Ratheesh : (Carelessly) Oh! That was the result of a momentary inspiration, the sanguineness of youth!

Shanthi : Not only of youth, but of the sheen of idealism.5

Ratheesh : Why speak of it now?

Shanthi : I should....Then you became his right hand. You gathered people around you and made speeches against dowry, liquor and drugs and against the craving for gold. Thus you pleased my father. It was from your inspiring speech that even I learned what Hind Swaraj was all about. (Silence for a while) How graceful you looked those days! That strength ..... energy....where have they all gone now.

Ratheesh : You make me terribly upset. How long has it been since I thought of such things! I am a different person now.

Shanthi : Quite true. A man who reached the opposite pole, you have no time to pause and think of the journeys you have made! You are another person, always rushing past ...but...

Ratheesh : (Listening) what, then?

Shanthi : Is a come back so impossible?

Ratheesh : Why? Where to?

Shanthi : To life itself. You are rushing to your death, now. Riding to that abyss of death on the back of a horse that is called selfishness!

Ratheesh : I have no time to listen to all these. I have my mission...

Shanthi : Isn't every project or mission made by man? Shouldn't it be for man's good? What, if it causes destruction?

Ratheesh : Who says so?

Shanthi : Think again!

Ratrheesh : There is nothing more to think of. The contract I made has to be honored.

Shanthi : The contract with whom? Certainly not with Shakunthala!

Ratheesh : No! Not with her. It is with the global authority. They will be reaching here, any moment.

Shanthi : (Bewildered) Without our father's consent?

Ratheesh : It has to be ...or else, soon after his death.

Shanthi : (Grief stricken) Ratheesh!

Ratheesh : Then, no one's consent is required. They have come, considering all these.

Shanthi : Can't you turn them back?

Ratheesh : No! Impossible! It has never happened before.

Shanthi : Then let us make a new beginning here!

Ratheesh : Don't play with them. They are revengeful, poisonous serpents. They will kill one and all (Thinking for a whale) I don't have to beg to you like this. Where is she? Send her here. Let me ask her.

Shanthi : Shakunthala is a free soul, at least here in this house. Her problem is the knot you tied on her.

Ratheesh : You hint that she is not free in my house. I think she has spread a lot of sandals here. Right?

Shanthi : I have seen her wounded body and soul.

Ratheesh : I know you are too good at rhetoric. You want to walk talking about liberty and equality. It won't work with me!

Shanthi : That was her mistake. She hoped you would value love and freedom. At last, she has realized with a rude shock that she has reached the wrong place.

Ratheesh : Has she realized it at least now? Or is she still sleeping?

Shanthi : One more question! Though I am not directly concerned can't help asking you this.

Ratheesh : (Anxiously) what is it?

Shanthi : Where is your son? Your only son!

Shanthi : (Astonished at the unexpected question) well....well. He is ....he is ...in a public school.

Shanthi : Which public school?

Ratheesh : That is ...That is ....in an international school.

Shanthi : There are many international schools. In which school is he?

Ratheesh : (Jumping from his seat) Are you cross examining me?

Shanthi : (Coolly) No. Only to know the truth. That child's mother is not able to say anything about it.

Ratheesh : Lie ...a blatant lie. You are lying!

Shanthi : I didn't mean to annoy you. To know where he is. Just to see the child of this family.

Ratheesh : So, she told you all that, here?

Shanthi : You shouldn't be angry like this. We have a right to know what you have done with the child.

Ratheesh : What rights? Whose rights?

Shanthi : Even his mother hasn't the right to know?

Ratheesh : No! means no!

(Shanthi goes inside, comes back with Shakunthala. Ratheesh and Shakunthala stands embraced unable to face each other)

Shanthi : (To Ratheesh) Do you know this woman? She is the mother of your son. That Shakunthala whom you stealthily carried away, one night. She now stands lifeless, after you used her to the utmost and then rejected her like scum. You can take her. I will be beside my father. (goes inside in haste)

Ratheesh : (Unable to face Shakunthala after the recent events. Shakunthala, too looks timid) You were spreading scandals about me, here? That's why you ran away and hid here. Wherever you hide...

Shakunthala : I didn't hide myself anywhere.

Ratheesh : Then why did you come to this house where you had not stepped in for a long time?

Shakunthala : As a last refuge. If was not let in ....

Ratheesh : Even now, matters don't get settled. I have to keep my word.

Shakunthala : I am not obliged to do it.

Ratheesh : You, better, make that old man agree to it (Sarcastically) I think he is delivering a message today. May be about his impending death!

Shakunthala : You always think about his death. Haven't you anything else to think about him.

Ratheesh : Today, I think only about my life, the promise I made to the global authority.

Shakunthala : Am I not a part of your life?

Ratheesh : For that, this estate has to be....

Shakunthala : (Gathering courage) Is the voice I hear that of Ratheesh? Or is it of somebody else?

Ratheesh : Why? Can't you make out my voice?

Shakunthala : I can and that's why this doubt.

Ratheesh : Is it that you have other reasons to doubt me?

Shakunthala : No, nothing. How can I forget that voice I heard once, the man I saw then! They are all just memories now!

Ratheesh : That is what you feel.

Shakunthala : My feeling? How could I forget that voice and that figure of yours? The brave new voice that resounded in the college meetings! That very handsome figure! and now, this change....?

Ratheesh : Your sister too tried to turn me back, With all such talks. But I didn't yield to her. Now you are playing the same tricks.

Shakunthala : Not tricks, but the truth. That Ratheesh used to sing well. Don't you ? We girls used to vie with each other for a chance to sing with

you. Finally, I got it. When I finished singing, my friends carried me on their shoulders and celebrated, not for the song but for getting the chance to stand beside you on the stage.

Ratheesh : You too are trying to stir my emotions (struggling with him) No. I shall not yield.

Shakunthala : That was my first victory. Then I kept on trying.

Ratheesh : What for?

Shakunthala : To make you my own, the lion cub trying to shake me off. I knew you were close to many of my friends. They too longed to get you.

Ratheesh : (Annoyed) Why do you try to chain me down with all such silly talks?

Shakunthala : Whom else can I chain down? We girls used to make bets those days, got our palms read by the fortune-tellers on the way side. How many nights did I keep myself awake? The struggles I made to keep the affairs hidden from father, sister and Shankar uncle! Finally, I won that contest and made Ratheesh my own.

Ratheesh : You carry that arrogance even today.

Shakunthala : Yes, I was proud of it. Not only of gaining you but also because you didn't give your heart to another girl, after that.

Ratheesh : I fell into your trap.

Shakunthala : That is not what you said then. You said you would make me your own at any cost. After we left the college you were not to be seen for a few days. The pangs I felt those days!

Ratheesh : Today, I have other things to do. I have a lot of connections.

Shakunthala : At last, one night you came to this house at great risk. Father had started thinking that there was some thing amiss in our relationship. Later, I came to know that he had made certain enquiries about it. He would advise me to be patient and wait for some more time. But we didn't have patience. Was it with this Ratheesh that I eloped that night?

Ratheesh : Are you subjecting me to a cross examination?

Shakunthala : No, I am trying to show a light into your mind, a mind that is dark, unfathomable like a barren well, unseen by anyone. Don't you want to look into it, At last, once? Does that Shakunthala of you have a place there? (sobs)

Ratheesh : Don't try to move me with all these tears! I want you to decide now.

Shakunthala : Decide what?

Ratheesh : You should come out of this house straight away, to our home.

Shakunthala : For what reason?

Ratheesh : Oh, have you started asking questions? I will tell you. If you stay here for ever I can't sell this property. (pointing inside) As soon as it is over...

Shakunthala : What do you mean?

Ratheesh : That man is breathing his last. It will be over any moment. Before that this property should be transferred in your name. That is my decision.

Shakunthala : Can't you change that decision?

Ratheesh : No! My decision is firm and final. I want to know, now....

Shakunthala : Then listen! I too have taken certain decisions.

Ratheesh : Who gave you the right to take certain decisions? Who gave you that liberty?

Shakunthala : (In a mocking tone) The right! The liberty! No one grants it; It is there to be had; It is there to be found. I have found it through my own experience of pain and torment. I don't intend to let anyone take it away from me. (Gets highly excited) not even to my husband, father, son, not even to the world! (leans against the wall, exhausted)

Ratheesh : Any way, What is your decision? Let me hear.

Shakunthala : It need not be in your favor or against. It is for me alone.

Ratheesh : May be your decision is not to listen to me.

Shakunthala : I don't mean it. But, listen, if you must. I shall come with you only if you agree to certain conditions, certain new agreements.

Ratheesh : What? New conditions? What is this change in you?

Shakunthala : It didn't come up all on a sudden. It started months ago. From the time I was confined to a dark room and tortured.

Ratheesh : You are repeating all that old rubbish.

Shakunthala : It is from the past that I learnt new lessons. Isn't it to the past that

we wrote more and more? (pause) I started changing from that day. It is only now that it has taken a shape.

Ratheesh : Say what you want, quickly.

Shakunthala : You should, at least, have the patience to listen. I don't ask for any thing from you. It is your love that's what I want. That is condition number one.

Ratheesh : (Bursting into laughter) My love! That's a condition! Hmmm...Then what else?

Shakunthala : Number two. Who are you now? What is in your mind? What's the source of the tens of millions of rupees that you are swindling? I must know that.

Ratheesh : That too is grand. You want to know the source of my income and details of the transactions I make!

Shakunthala : Not only that. I also want to know where you go, whom all you deal with and who is the great power controlling you

Ratheesh : Is that all?

Shakunthala : No, also the rights of a mother? Where is my child? Is he alive?

Ratheesh : Isn't the cross questioning over?

Shakunthala : Can't say yet. Tell me now, answer all my questions.

Ratheesh : Can we sign the agreement to transfer this property, if you get all the answers?

Shakunthala : I am not the one to decide that. It is to be decided by someone much greater than me.

Ratheesh : In that case, I can't give you answers for your questions.

Shakunthala : Why not? I haven't demanded anything from you till now. I never asked you anything. You shattered my life so badly; you scared me so much, that I was not able to ask you any questions. It cannot be so anymore. Tell me, who are you now? Where do you stand?

Ratheesh : Nothing is clear to me and I have nothing to say to anybody.

Shakunthala : Do you think, the agreement you made will work without answering any questions, without accepting any conditions?

Ratheesh : What if I give you all the answers?

Shakunthala : Then, everything will be as before.

Ratheesh : I can't answer all your questions.

Shakunthala : Why not?

Ratheesh : There are certain other forces planning all these. The agreement is with them ....The conditions are theirs...

Shakunthala : Are you not capable of thinking for yourself?

Ratheesh : It is a state of mutual co-operation. No one can betray the others.

Shakunthala : (Shocked)Betrayal? No one asked you for it.

Ratheesh : We are in the same boat. They want Shivan. It is treachery! Life is in danger.

Shakunthala : I don't understand anything. Treachery? Life in danger.

Ratheesh : Before also, many have jumped in to this danger.

Shakunthala : You stand in a world of puzzles. I won't let you go with out getting the answer I seek? Where is our son?

Ratheesh : He is in ...in international...er...public school.

Shakunthala : (Furious) International....what ever I ask you, you say international....in which corner of the earth is it?

Ratheesh : In the global authorities'....

Shakunthala : Who is this global authority?

Ratheesh : They will take good care of our son. Once this agreement is signed, they will put him in another school.

Shakunthala : What has this agreement got to do with our son?

Ratheesh : They are like that. They link everything together.

Shakunthala : (Thoughtfully) so, what if this agreement is not signed, as you say?

Ratheesh : I, too am thinking of that.

Shakunthala : (Shaking him) Tell me. Where is our child? (The T.V. camera man who was already there takes a snap. Shakunthala notices the flash of the camera as she shakes Ratheesh. Shocked, she steps back) Who are you? In this house!

T.V Presenter : I represent the world news media. I had been here before.

Shakunthala : You wicked creature, walking around with a hidden camera!

T.V Presenter : Nothing can be hidden from the eyes of the camera.

Shanthi : (Comes in from outside) what's going on here? Who is this?

T.V Presenter : I am a camera man. I was shooting a stunt scene here(runs out)

Shanthi : (Perplexed) Stunt! What is this? What did you do?

Ratheesh : Nothing special. Such things happen ...between man and his wife.....

Shanthi : What happened? Tell me! I kept myself away, hoping you too would open your hearts and speak to each other.

Ratheesh : The heart was opened. But what came out was arrogance and insolence. This cannot be tolerated.

Shakunthala : You need not. I won't beg you. Don't expect me to fall on your feet and weep as before.

Shanthi : Don't say the final word for anything. Have a bit more patience. Today, many more people are yet to come. They shouldn't witness such events.

Ratheesh : Let them come. Let them all know that a daughter brought up by this great father was trying to assault her husband...

Shanthi : (Shocked) Eh! What have I heard? Is it true?

Shakunthala : No sister, by God, it is not so. (To Ratheesh) It won't be too much even if I do so. To hell with you. What a man? (goes in quickly. Ratheesh runs after her, screaming with rage. Shankaran Nair, who was coming out, stops him)

Shankaran Nair : What is this my child? Quarrelling here too!

Ratheesh : You all believed her and made me a rogue, a mad man (looking inside) I will burn her alive! I will ruin this place(calls out) Hey global...(goes out)

Shankar Nair : Can't we avoid all these, at least for today? That man knows

every thing. He can see and hear, only he won't speak. How painful it is for him?

Shanthi : (Concealing her grief) No uncle. Father has foreseen all this. He has no more tears to shed.

Shankaran Nair : At times he asked me too certain questions in sign language. I gave him answers to the questions 1 understood.

Shanthi : He asked me too certain questions. I couldn't make out one.

Shankaran Nair : I too couldn't grasp that.

Shanthi : Hasn't he come yet? When is he coming? Isn't it time yet? Such are the signs I understood.

Shankaran Nair : I couldn't under stand as much. What was the meaning of all these? And what are the answers?

Shanthi : No idea.

Shankaran Nair : He might be longing to see a close disciple or a companion?

Shanthi : Who could that be? Most of these old students who used to visit him

are already here. Others don't care a damn once their purpose is served.

Shankaran Nair : It is time for the message.

Shanthi : I hinted it to him. But he is adamant as of old. He would whisper it only into the ears of the one person he is waiting for.

Shankaran Nair : How obstinate! This multitude of people has assembled here, because they love him.

Shanthi : True. To listen to the message ...straight from the mouth of the guru.

Shankaran Nair : Suppose, the one person he is waiting for does not turn up, by chance? Won't he give that message?

Shanthi : Who could that be? That unique person, who stole his heart?

Shankaran Nair : Such person was there. She was his constant companion. God called her to his abode. She was the light of this home and this place at large.

Shanthi : Then, who is the one competent to receive that message.

Shankaran Nair : Who else. But you. Wait and you shall see. He will call you to

his side and whisper it into your ears.

Shanthi : (Merrily) I shall whisper to the whole world! (sadly) No, It is not me.

Shankaran Nair : Couldn't it be one of those gathered here?

Shanthi : Father has seen every one here. None of them is capable of grasping it...

The aide : (Coming in a haste from outside) It is time now. Why this delay in giving the message?

Shanthi : Please bear with us. Some one who is so dear to our father is yet to come. Into his ears only....

Aide : How strange and surprising!

Shankaran Nair : For us it is not surprising.

Aide : Doesn't he trust anyone among all these people gathered here. Not even Ratheesh, his son in law?

Shanthi : It is not a question of trust.

Aide : Then?

Shanthi : It only means someone who could understand the meaning of his message.

Aide : Do you mean that all these folks including my self are fools?

Shankaran Nair : We only know that.

Shanthi : It is not only the question of understanding the message. It has to be implemented too. We are looking for someone who has the will and capacity to do it...

Aide : Then let us entrust it to the global authority. They will implement it in a matter of minutes. Once they decide upon something there won't be a moment's delay.

Shankaran Nair : He always says that nothing should be done in haste.

Aide : (Laughing aloud) What? Nothing to be done fast? How old fashioned! How uncivilized!

Shankaran Nair : Haven't you come to listen to his message?

Aide : Well it is after that the transfer has to take place. I have come to get the transfer agreement signed. (Impatiently) It is quite sometime....

Shanthi : Please listen. Seats have been arranged for all; in the mango grove there. Visitors are expected to be there.

The aide : I am not an ordinary visitor. I can sit here. I will be the first person to give out the message of this great man, to the world. I shall make the announcements then and there.

Shakunthala : (Calling from inside) sister, can you come here? It seems our father wants you here.

Shanthi : I am coming. (goes inside)

The aide : Tell him not to delay it anymore. I think I too shall come in. (tries to go inside)

Shankaran Nair : No need. It is not allowed.

The aide : I too was an irer of his.

Shankaran Nair : All ires are there. The visitors know it. There in the mango grove the breeze there is quite pleasant.

The aide : Oh no! No need to go there (seats himself on a vacant chair) Sitting here, I can clearly see all those coming here. I can take photos from the vintage point.

Shanthi : (Calling from inside) Shankar Uncle.

Shankaran Nair : I am coming (Rushes inside)

The aide : Many things will happen here, today. (whispers in to the mobile phone) Nothing yet. The transfer would take place only after the message is out. Yes ...What? No. Don't be afraid. The message may be about whom the properties are to be transferred to. There are doubts and apprehensions regarding the message itself. What did you say? Well ...nothing can be said for certain. But, one thing. The time is about to be over. They say the message would be given to some one yet to come. Nobody knows who. But...don't worry. I shall set every thing right. I know this house inside out. No one else knows as much, not even the two daughters. Can I expect my promotion if the matter is settled? Thank you. Oh, no need for that. It is my duty. Somebody is coming. I shall call you later. (Paying attention) Who is that, here in police uniform? Some times people walk about in disguise, to fool others. Let him come. It is quite funny any way. I shall snap a long shot (takes a snap) Ah, there is a gang with him. May be the local people. They are all going to the garden. The man in police uniform alone is coming this way. Doesn't he know that he will be not let into this room? Then what shall I do? Any way I shall stand aside. (doubting for a while) Is this new character, that this man lying inside, is waiting for? (Delighted). Then the message will be out, the next moment itself. The transfer formalities will be imminent. Ah, my promotion! the global authority never got such a big deal till now (speaks into the mobile phone) Here comes one...May be he is the man all are waiting for. I shall step aside myself and take photos of everything happening

here. (Rushes outside. Enters Mohammad in the uniform of a senior police officer of the central govt. He surveys the scene thoroughly. Removes his head gear, touches and bows before each step as he enters the house. Stands still for a moment in adoration. Looks around the grove and surroundings. Views attentively at all those gathered there)

Mohammad : This is my temple of worship. I know many of those assembled here. Old ties! New faces! (walk around)

(Shankaran Nair comes out in a hurry. Stops suddenly at the sight of the stranger)

Shankaran Nair : Who are you? Why are you here in this uniform?

Mohammad : Nothing special. Just dropped in as I was ing this way. And you?

Shankaran Nair : I am Shankaran Nair, connected to this family. May be you have come with out knowing the day's significance.

Mohammad : What is special about this day?

Shankaran Nair : (To him self) Perhaps he doesn't know. Haven't you heard? It is the day we get a message from him. Only once in a year, he delivers a message. His followers colleagues, irers, media have all assembled here waiting for that auspicious moment.

Mohammad : (Feigning ignorance) what is that message?

Shankaran Nair : Where is the problem, if we already knew it? He will deliver it to the right person. People are guessing, each one according to his fancy.

Mohammad : Isn't it already late for the message?

Shankaran Nair : Then you know every thing

Mohammad : Who is yet to come?

Shankaran Nair : (To himself) Is he trying to fool me? I don't know (doubtfully). Now, if you would kindly go the grove and be seated ....that is the place for the visitors....

Mohammad : No. This is my place. Who else is there, by his bedside?

Shankaran Nair : (As if he knows every thing) His daughters. They only are allowed inside. And this Shakaran Nair too.

Mohammad : Shankaran Nair! Come close to me! Don't you recognize me? (Shakaran Nair approaches Mohammad hesitatingly and looks closely into his eyes. Mohammad stands smiling. Shankaran Nair recognizes the man in front of

him in seconds and stands in awe, with surprise and dedication). Ah! Ah! Sorry, I didn't know. (falls at this feet)

Mohammad : Eh! What is this? Please get up ...

Shankaran Nair : You were kind enough to come. Great men alone can understand other great people.

Mohammad : Where else could I go? This is the place I rushed to whenever I lost my peace of mind. Anyway how is the now?

Shankaran Nair : They say his condition is somewhat doubtful. Even then, he refuses to take English medicines.

Mohammad : Then?

Shankaran Nair : He uses dictions and juices made from the leaves and flowers of the medicinal plants in this garden which he himself has planted and nurtured. The result is quite good.

Mohammad : I want to see him.

Shankaran Nair : Usually he doesn't meet anyone. Near and dear ones are all waiting in the garden. But your case is different.

Mohammad : Then tell him, a man is insisting to see him. Say Mohammad, no, his son has come.

Shankaran Nair : (Unable to resist) I shall (goes inside in a hurry)

Mohammad : (Surveying the surroundings again) Being far away in govt. services, I tried many times to come here. But he didn't like it. I am lucky; that I had to come here now (Stands gazing far away. Shanthi and Shakunthala come fast from inside Mohammad doesn't see them. He stands as before deep in thoughts. The two sisters approach stealthily and shouts into his ears. Startled, Mohammad turns back and screws their ears with affection. They all burst into laughter.)

Shanthi : Oh, our dear brother. Where were you all these days?

Mohammad : I was here always, in this place(pointing to a corner of the room) See, that is my place of worship. While, I prayed there inside, both of you and your mother sang the hymns of Sri Rama sitting infront of the lighted lamp. When Alex was here, he had another place, inside, to say his prayers. Seated in the swing and swaying, father used to enjoy, seeing all this.

Shanthi : We have to vacate this place today. The property has to be transferred.

Mohammad : Shall we not think of the matter before making such agreements?

This visit will make our father quite happy. It's our good luck. Your presence will very well heal his ailments. Leads him in)

Aide : (Running in a from outside) Who is this?

Shankaran Nair : How can I tell you? He is like God to me quite smart, honest. Feared and respected by the prison officials and the prisoners alike.

Aide : What is he doing here now?

Shankaran Nair : He has come in as into his own ancestral home. Didn't you see how joyfully the girls have escorted him inside?

Aide : May I too go in ...?

Shankaran Nair : No, he won't like it.

Aide : It is my job to take very special pictures, shock every body and make the world wonder!

Shankaran Nair : With out all these there is shock and wonder here. If you too want to add to it...?

Shankaran Nair : (Threatening) I said no. You go and sit there. Do you know the man who has gone in now? Aide: Who is that?

Aide : (Stretching his neck in) Still...(Focuses his camera) Don't tell the people inside. I shall take the photos from here.

Shankaran Nair : (Threatening) I said no. You go and sit there. Do you know the man who has gone in now? Who is that?

Shankaran Nair : A police man officer well known for hunting the most dreaded criminals. Don't go near him and play around.

The aide : (Scared) So, Why should we be afraid?

Shankaran Nair : He is coming now; you better stand clear from his way.

The aide : I shall stand aside now. But, later on you will all do as I now said. Let the message be out. (Goes out in a hurry as if scared of Mohammad. Mohammad comes out of the room)

Mohammad : (Wiping tear from his eyes) A vow of silence forced up on him by time!

Shankaran Nair : He remains silent deliberately. Other wise there is nothing wrong with him.

Mohammad : (To Shankaran Nair) You may not know. His speeches, grand and eloquent, once, enraptured us college students. (Delighted in his own thoughts). Those lengthy speeches were scholarly, highly emotional, and capable of moving our hearts with patriotism. His mode of living was even greater. But the state of affairs now...

Shankaran Nair : Don't worry this land has recognized his love and affection; and great men like you!

Mohammad : What greatness do I have? He fed me and brought me up. He was every thing to me, after my mother and father were killed in the communal riot. Do you know, when ever I came to this place, I had a place marked, to say my namaaz. Look even now my prayer mat is folded and kept there. What is it for? Tell me, Why is it?

Shankaran Nair : (His throat choked by emotion) if ever you came again.

Mohammad : That's it. He knew I would come one day and I should have a place here to pray...

Shankaran Nair : He never used to tell anyone that he has such a son.

Mohammad : Everyone here knows it. When the riot took place both the sides

set fire to the houses of the others. Ours was a thatched hut. My parents were burnt to death in it. I ran to this place screaming and the enemies chased me with lighted torches

Shankaran Nair : I have heard that he was not afraid of anybody.

Mohammad : True. He carried me in his hands and faced them without fear. He dared them to set us on fire. The enemies dropped their hands. He went to each and every house that night and asked the people to sleep peacefully. The young men formed an army of volunteers and stood guard every where.

Shankaran Nair : No blood has been spilled here, ever since. The final solution for any vexed questiones still come from here, even now. All parties come here for that.

Mohammad : He did what even governments could not do.

Shankaran Nair : But there is no one to solve his problems.

Mohammad : What are his problems? He didn't take it seriously even when he was sacked from the college where he was teaching.

Shankaran Nair : That was all long back. Now he is troubled by a vexed problem in his life which is not easy to solve.

Mohammad : Tell me frankly. What is it? May be I can help.

Shankaran Nair : I am not sure. It is the partition of this property

Mohammad : (As if not aware of the matter) What is the difficulty? Divide it between the two daughters. I too have a claim.

Shankaran Nair : What? One more heir?

Mohammad : I am the elder son.

Shankaran Nair : No one can deny that. Sensible people can understand that. But, matters here are quite vexed and trouble some.

Shankaran Nair : (Curious to know more) Let us hear more

Shankaran Nair : The younger daughter's husband has signed an agreement with some one to sell this property, even before it is partitioned. It seems he cannot himself withdraw from it.

Mohammad : He must try to. Can anyone transfer a property upon which he has no right?

Shankaran Nair : The deal is worth tens of millions. It seems a large amount has been received as advance.

Mohammad : Give it back.

Shankaran Nair : It is not child's play. From what I could guess from their talks, there is no cash in hand to pay back.

Mohammad : What if it is not returned...?

Shankaran Nair : I have heard that his life would be in danger.

Mohammad : That is what everybody would say. The threat would be stronger if they know we are scared. Face them.

Shankaran Nair : Yes, face them with all the strength.

Mohammad : We should be honest. There should be no falsehood in our dealings. Be pure in actions. That should be our weapon.

Shankaran Nair : (Pointing inwards) Like the voice that we hear from there.

Mohammad : All that I said, I have learnt from here. Life is full of conflicts for

the same reason. Face the enemy unarmed. But, we can't do that especially in a world where such agreements and transactions take place.

Shankaran Nair : It seems you are aware of something.

Mohammad : No, nothing yet. I have begun to understand the state of affairs here. The message may well be a beginning.

Shankaran Nair : Everything is getting delayed

Mohammad : (Laughs) For whom? For the parties to the contract?

Shankaran Nair : No. For him (pointing inside). He is quite strict about punctuality, never delays even by a minute. But, today...

Mohammad : Everything will be delayed today. Even then the sun will set today and rise tomorrow. We should be alert...

Shankaran Nair : I hear someone's life will be in danger if there is a delay.

Mohammad : Whose life?

Shankaran Nair : Not that of an ordinary person. The life of one who flies around

the world and does his work, of the one close to Shakunthala.

Mohammad : Should you beat around the bush so much? Isn't it of Ratheesh? Listen, someone losing one's life is not news now a days.

Shankaran Nair : (Confused). But, when it is about...

Mohammad : May be you think this is a greater life. Haven't you read about the catastrophes that struck our country recently? Over four thousand people died in one, inhaling poison gas. There were about a thousand children among them. In another accident in a multistory factory, took the life of another ten thousand (laughs loudly) Interesting statistics. Aren't they?

Shankaran Nair : Even then to talk of death in such a light hearted manner...

Mohammad : Death is more joyful than life, to many people. Life is so unworthy these days. The worth is in money. Get money by any means, even if it is by selling the family house, or worse even by selling the wedding pendant of the wife, which is a symbol of marriage. (Shanthi comes from inside)

Shanthi : Ha, you are old friends? Meeting after some time...

Shankaran Nair : He is every thing to me, this lord of mine! (Mohammad look at him sternly). I mean my sir!

Mohammad : It is not so. This man was every thing to us in the jail. We could trust him and entrust him with any job. I have even given him the supervision of the women prisoners.

Shanthi : And then he has become perfect after getting the tutelage of our father (all three laughs). Father is trying to say something. Only Shankar Uncle can make out certain signs. Can you please go in?

Shankaran Nair : (To Mohammad) I shall be back soon (runs inside)

Shanthi : As if father was expecting you. Brother, did you notice that joy on his face, When you came?

Mohammad : We used to each other quite often to exchange ideas. We had even anticipated the present transfer agreement.

Shanthi : Shakunthala's life is ing through unexpected events.

Mohammad : Isn't it the case with all of us? How about yours, Shanthi? Did you anticipate this state of affairs?

Shanthi : If only, Shivan could be out of danger?

Mohammad : What bigger danger than this could he be in? His present arrest is said to be for his part in a massacre

Shanthi : Mohammad! Don't you know Shivan can never do such a thing?

Mohammad : I know. In fact, it was the other way around. He exposed the corruption and plunders by a leader and was leading a mass agitation against him.

Shanthi : Then?

Mohammad : There were no weapons in the hands of Shivan or his followers.

Shanthi : Even then?

Mohammad : Even then, massacre took place there. Shivan was made the first accused. Deadly weapons were recovered from his ers. Not only that. There is information that has not reached here, is the irony.

Shanthi : What is that?

Mohammad : It was I, Who had to arrest him.

Shanthi : Didn't you recognize each other?

Mohammad : He stared at me in disbelief. I patted him on his shoulders and said "don't worry every thing will be all right". He stood there with an innocent smile on his lips, as in the past.

Shanthi : Yes, Shivan is like an ascetic with terrific control over his mind. His blazing mind! No one can put it out.

Mohammad : Culprits escape these days. And the public are with them too!

Shanthi : How is Shivan now? Is he well?

Mohammad : Has to be. I have also arranged to give him sufficient materials to read and write.

Shanthi : Will I be ever able to meet him?

Mohammad : Can't say. Shivan too is longing for your presence..

Shanthi : Really? May be our father is waiting for Shivan, who may never come at all.

Mohammad : Won't the message be delivered, then? (Shakunthala comes in a haste from inside)

Shakunthala : Uncle Shankar said there is a blue flower under that big mango tree at the southern most end. He wants it!

Shanthi : I shall bring it just now. (Runs out). If Ratheesh is there, tell him, I want to meet him.

Shakunthala : I don't have any problem.

Mohammad : What is it I hear about the transfer of this estate and also regarding misappropriation of huge amount of money?

Shakunthala : How did you come to know of all this?

Mohammad : It is our job to find out such things. It is our duty to enquire about the well being of others. By the way, what about your son?

Shakunthala : Ah, he is studying away, in a public school

Mohammad : Far away, is it?

Shakunthala : Don't torment me with such questions. (Ratheesh comes from outside. Not quite happy to see Mohammad there)

Mohammad : Hallo, Ratheesh! Come.

Ratheesh : (Noticing Shakunthala standing there, crying) Have you come to file a complaint here too? (Shakunthala starts to go inside. Mohammad says 'stay there in the tone of authority. She obeys)

Mohammad : Hey! What's this behavior towards women?

Ratheesh : Oh, you have come to settle my domestic affairs?

Mohammad : Let it be, after all we are old friends. Can we do away with that friendship altogether? (un expectedly). Don't you have a son? Where is that naughty boy? I haven't seen him. How does he look? Like father or mother?

Ratheesh : (Not amused) He doesn't study here

Mohammad : (Meaningfully) Away, isn't it? far away ....far far away.

Ratheesh : You are crossing the limits. You should behave a bit more decently.

Mohammad : Sorry for that. I took that liberty because of our old friendship. (Pointing inwards). These are habits that he taught us. Be frank, don't hide anything. Don't be afraid of anyone, a hundred odd advises like these for success.

Ratheesh : What are you doing here, in this uniform?

Mohammad : Nothing special. Just thought of visiting him as I was ing by. Isn't this the house, where I ate and slept a long while ago? That is how I heard of the speciality of the day, also about a message or a transaction or the like.

Ratheesh : Yes. After the death of that man.

Mohammad : Is that transaction that imminent?

Ratheesh : Yes. Everything will be over in a few minutes

Mohammad : But, You said, it is after his death. Death is not in our hands. It can be late or may not take place at all?

Ratheesh : What! Are you mad? You say death may not take place at all?

Mohammad : Certain people are like that. That is what I meant to say. Anyway, with whom is the transaction taking place?

Ratheesh : Let me be frank with you. The matter is strictly personal, a family affair. Why should you...?

Mohammad : I have heard, he has nothing strictly personal nor any family affairs.

Ratheesh : He has! He has his weakness in matters concerning his children.

Mohammad : Do you mean, he is like some of your leaders who can even weaken the nation to secure the interests of their children?

Ratheesh : I don't know

Mohammad : You didn't answer my question. To whom is this property being transferred? I heard, it is to the global authority.

Ratheesh : You are right.

Mohammad : Where do they operate from?

Ratheesh : From far away

Mohammad : May be far away.

Ratheesh : I think you are mocking at me.

Mohammad : No, I am just amused to hear that people from far away are setting their office in this house.

Ratheesh : Why? Can't it happen?

Mohammad : Who said so? But the man who is lying there is one who has sent back those who had come across the seas and established themselves here.

Ratheesh : So what?

Mohammad : Hearing of all these transfers, agreements and global authority the man lying inside smiles occasionally. The old man is still quite a witty person.

Ratheesh : I don't understand any thing. All you say is nonsense.

Mohammad : Nonsense indeed! The past as well as the present. You haven't gone inside and met him after you came here?

Ratheesh : (Surprised) How do you know?

Mohammad : Am I not a member of this house-hold, the eldest son? Should I not

know all these?

Ratheesh : Oh...Oh! You have appeared with a claim here

Mohammad : True. It seems I too have a share of this property. He didn't say so now. He said it long back.

Ratheesh : No one gives a share of the property to his illegitimate children.

Mohammad : (Controlling his anger) May have to give, some times If the illegitimate child is brought at home educated and openly approved, a share of the property will have to be given.

Ratheesh : It cannot be. It will be a hindrance to carry forward the agreement with the global authority

Mohammad : That will hinder my interest. I shall disclose that secret to you. It is hoping to get a share that I have rushed in at the last moment... Brought a sapling too, to plant there.

Ratheesh : In this property?

Mohammad : Yes. I thought it would make that great man happy, an apt gift to my Guru. A plant. The sapling of a fine variety of sandalwood tree.

Ratheesh : We have already decided to cut away all the trees here, and you want to plant another one? How absurd!

Mohammad : I brought it as a birthday gift. It has to be planted somewhere here? How absurd!

Ratheesh : There is no place for it in this compound. We won't give you even a pin point here.

Mohammad : How long can I carry it on my head? A place in this three acre estate for my sandalwood sapling too.

Ratheesh : No, not possible.

Mohammad : I can't take it back, either. That is the way with me.

Ratheesh : (Impatient) It is getting late. But they are reminding from there. They are not like us. They value punctuality, And here? We are harping about a message without any concern for the time being wasted. And then comes another claimant with his silly sandalwood sapling!

Mohammad : (Laughs) A new claimant isn't it? (Looking worried) Where will I plant this sapling now? This too has to grow here. Into a strong fragrant sandalwood tree with a fine trunk, branches and leaves. Is the water and manure from this soil meant only for the deadly trees? Where can I plant this? (looking

outside) Will somebody help me, please...

(The light dims)

SCENE 5

(When the light comes again, Shakaran Nair comes out of the room in a hurry)

Shankaran Nair : He is unusually excited as the time approaches. He seems to say that a bird has come or will be coming or some thing like that. As he is communicating by gestures nothing is quite clear, even to his daughters.

(Shanthi and Shakunthala come out from inside)

Shanthi : Uncle shankar, did you understand? What father said is about that golden bird of which he had mentioned before

Shakunthala : How could you know sis?

Shankaran Nair : After all it is your sister who is near him most of the times. May be he is lying there waiting to deliver the message to that bird?

Shanthi : Uncle treats it as a joke!

Shankaran Nair : It is not a joke my child. Everything seems to be topsy-turvy. There has to be a quick decision; or else, the circumstances of Ratheesh will be....

Shakuntala : It is a difficult problem. The Global Authority is sure to retaliate if the word given to them is broken. He should have consulted some one before entering into such an agreement.

Shankaran Nair : I have heard a part of the secret discussion going on between Ratheesh and his aide. As far as I could understand if Ratheesh finds his life is in danger, he won't leave any of us alive. Be careful... he is a venomous snake.

Shanthi : Be careful, Shakunthala, you are his target.

Shakunthala : No. I am no more scared. I have had enough and more. I have even lost interest in life once my son has gone away. I am now ready for anything!

(Ratheesh comes from out side)

Ratheesh : Things are going beyond my control.

Shakuntala : What do you mean?

Ratheesh : The ultimatum has come from abroad. They have threatened to face any act of retaliation, if the agreement not honored in letter and spirit.

Shakunala : Who should be prepared?

Ratheesh : You! Both of you! Those who should transfer this property to me.

Shankaran Nair : Isn't it the responsibility of those who have signed?

Ratheesh : Watch dogs have nothing to do here.

Shankaran Nair : (As if struck hard). What did you say? (Bursts in to tears). He once said that I should go away and live peacefully some where, after he is gone; because there are idiots here who wag their tongues as they like. But, How can I leave this place?

Ratheesh : All have to clear off, very soon.

Shanthi : Then, how about that message?

Ratheesh : Message! Who wants it? How long has every one been waiting for it? The lazy people here have no idea of the value of time...but...

Shakunthala : The global authority has, isn't it?

Ratheesh : How insolent you have become, after coming here!

Shakunthala : Yes, I have had a rebirth after coming here. I am changing myself into an entirely new person. It is the strength of this atmosphere.

Ratheesh : Say, it is the strength gained in the presence of your father.

Shakunthala : No doubt about it. It is that strength it self. It is miraculous and is superhuman! He fills everyone's heart with love. He knows no fear or doubts. The global authority cannot enter that fortress of power; it is like fire.

Ratheesh : You, delivering speeches! Suppose that fire is put out?

Shakunthala : That's what you wish; your dream! But, it is not that easy

(The aide comes running from outside. Calls Ratheesh to him and tells him something in secret)

The aide : There was a message from far. They want to know the reasons for this delay

Ratheesh : I know (thinks for a while) Tell them, there will be no more delay, I have to hold my head high in this world. I have made up my mind (Tells something to the aide in secret)

(They both exit fast)

Shanthi : Oh my little sister! I never thought you could be so daring...

Shakunthala : You didn't think so. Isn't it? A woman must have more courage, if she has to live in this world. Not to kill anyone, but to survive.

Shanthi : If only you could be so, much early!

Shakunthala : I was a slave in that house. Many dreadful things took place there. Strangers came and went. I had no right to ask anything... and I regained my inner strength when I came into the presence of my father.

Shanthi : That is enough. Now, we will get back our child too.

Shakunthala : Will we sis? I can't even believe, he is alive

Shanthi : Nothing has happened to him. He will come. I dreamt even last night, that he was coming!

Shakunthala : There is nothing else left in my life. I endured all these, for his sake.

Shanthi : Don't worry! He will come. Everything will be alright.

Ratheesh enters, hearing the conversation)

Ratheesh : No, he cannot come

Shakunthala : (started) What?

Ratheesh : Now, I shall tell you, why?

Shakunthala : It is about our son? Tell me, please!

Ratheesh : He is in the school of the Global Authority, in a far away land. Now, they have imprisoned him too.

Shakunthala : Why, So?

Ratheesh : They had great hope when I signed this agreement with them. They had assured to bring him up in all luxuries and educate him and make him a great person.

Shakunthala : And. how.....?

Ratheesh : Now they are observing all that is happening here, minute by minute. They also know (pointing inwards) it cannot happen without a word from the man.

Shanthi : That is true, while father is alive.

Ratheesh : (Thinks for a while) Yes, while he is alive... that is the question being asked from afar.

Shakunthala : But, what is the fault of our son?

Ratheesh : They have imprisoned him. That is their way. That is their law.

Shakunthala : Ratheesh, you too obey their law?

Ratheesh : Yes, I am also a loyal servant of theirs, bound to enforce their law. Any one breaking it, would be finished off by those in the gang itself; without delay, without questioning.

Shakunthala : Then what will happen to my son?

Ratheesh : His life is hanging in the balance

Shanthi : Hanging in the balance of cruelty! It is nothing to those who are used to homicide.

Ratheesh : After that, they will hunt me down. They will kill me, before I find a place to hide.

Shakunthala : How can our son be saved? what is the way to save yourself?

Ratheesh : There is no way. Either, obey the laws and live as they wish.

Shakunthala : Or else?

Ratheesh : Be a prey to their sword. It could happen any moment. They keep sending messages.

Shakunthala : Who can save you from them?

Ratheesh : None, except this agreement. I doubt, if this agreement could be signed, while he is alive.

Shanthi : Our father understands all this

Ratheesh : (Hopefully) Is it? How?

Shanthi : Through a sixth sense, through a perception of his dreams. . . .

Ratheesh : What do you mean?

Shanthi : Yes, that's it. People are coming and going since morning. Father is aware of the crowd in the garden. He need not see them, yet he knows. We can make it out from his reactions, at times.

Ratheesh : How?

Shanthi : A bit of a smile. Sometimes a cloud on hi face, a stare sometimes, and other times a drop of tear.

Ratheesh : What is the meaning of all these?

Shakunthala : Those who watch him and listen to him can understand it. It is the sign of the joy and sorrow that es his mind!

Shanthi : Not only that. It also hints at all that we have to do.

Ratheesh : Don't delay it then. You need not put forward the present problem

as of my doing. He might agree to the transaction, if he comes to know that the life of our child is in peril.

Shanthi : No need to tell him that. He has already understood it. As soon as Shakuntala came, his mind went into a turmoil, and then cleared. He wished to see the child.

Ratheesh : (Anxiously) Then...?

Shanthi : His heart must have become heavy, as he could not see the child and as he was listening to all that was going on here. It cast a shadow on his face.

Shakunthala : Father will certainly have a solution to this problem.

Shanthi : I too, hope so. May be, he will consider all these, while giving the message.

Ratheesh : If it is delayed any more....... (Scared and looking around). Do you know? The law enforcers of the global authority are there in every country. Today, they have come here too. There are three of them in that crowd in local attire. They are dare devils, part of my gang...? (Rushes out)

Shakunthala : Sis, the situation is not that easy, it is really beyond our control.

Shanthi : (Thoughtfully) There has to be a solution for everything. Even now I

feel, he will come! Our tears will end!

Ratheesh : A secret news!

Shakunthala : Is it about our son?

Ratheesh : Can't say! A secret police force has slipped into the crowd here. Could Mohammad be one among them?

Shanthi : Oh, never. He is working in the neighbouring state. He just dropped into meet father as he was ing by.

Ratheesh : Oh, what a relief! (goes out)

Shakunthala : I am getting scared. Who all have reached here? Their movements are shrouded in mystery! What about my child, then?

Shanthi Didn't I tell you? He will come! I have a strong feeling that our father is waiting for the arrival of his grandson. My dreams will come true. What I have written will be a reality.

He will come Riding the crest of the waves,

Leaning against the of clouds, Holding the whip of lightning, Listening to the songs of the sea, Galloping, He will come As the rising Sun. (Mohammad enters reading from a book, as if to complete the ditty) The universe trembled at the sight, The stars shivered and stared. The sun paled into dim light. Radiating the heat of the midday And as the sound of the hoofs of the sun's chariot rises, (Mohammad looks up at Shanthi and continues in an encouraging tone) He will come With an amazing spell Into my heart with a soft melody....

Marvelous : Though we like all these, we don't get much of a chance to participate in and enjoy such emotions. He will come, certainly. What will you give us if he comes?

Shanthi : (Laughs) It is also written in that book? Now only, I have come to

know that police men commit theft as well.

Mohammad : You means this note book. I roamed around all the rooms in the house, as usual. Then I chanced to see your writing table and a few books scattered on it.

Shakunthala : Didn't you see anything else? A Photo?

Mohammad : Yes, I saw. A picture of father, mother and the three of us. I had managed to get a copy then itself. Another one was the picture of a handsome young man.

Shanthi : Did you know him?

Mohammad : Yes I did. I can very well understand the reason for keeping it like a treasure!

(He reads again from the book) He will come Without any proclamation, Without elephants and trumpets, He will come, alone, No one will recognize him,

But will doubt, Yet mesmerize at his splendour! Prison gates will open if he wills, fetters slacken And the locks open themselves He will come Wise people will adore him and fools will mock at him. Is it a poem, story, drama or autobiography?

Shanthi : Isn't the source the same for all? My journey is also in search of the source of writing. Can you read the rest, please? Or else I shall read it. (Takes the note book from his hand and reads)

He will come. Those who have gone to sleep contemplating him will be sanctified by his tears. The world will awaken itself. Angels will welcome him and lead him to his bedchamber.

Shakunthala : I shall read the rest. It is really long since I saw your writings. I used to write for you, those days.

Shanthi : True. Just as I used to help our father. I used to dictate and you would write, without any interruption.

Shakunthala : Can't I still do it? If he comes... yes.. (Reads from the book)

He will come? He will be called a rebel. And his days of torment will begin. For, he will again order; to whip the Pharisees, who are hypocrites and to put the prostitutes, drug peddlers and dealers of destructive weapons, on trail in the streets.

He will come and will roar with anger in public places against inequalities.

(Stops reading). I know they will not leave him alone. (reads)

He will be handcuffed. They will force him to climb up the mountain with the cross and fix him with nails through his chest. Even then that defiant man will not lower his head, nor bow before anyone. For he foresees his own resurrection!

Then for him a thousand and one lamps will be lit. Nature will be decked with flowers. The sweet smell of sandal wood will be spread all over the earth. Those in fetters will be freed...

(Shankaran Nair comes hastily from inside)

Shankaran Nair : You all may come in. (All the three go inside)

He says there is a bird coming from a far. (Looks out searchingly) But I don't find it any where. Let me look for it again (goes out)

(After a while, Shivan can be seen coming slowly amidst a roar of victory from the crowd and an unearthly music is heard. The uproar ends as soon as Shivan approaches the house. He touches the steps of the house in obeisance. He has the aura of a young *yogi

Shivan : (Looking around) Every thing as before (looks at the grove) the swing out there, the woods and the birds in it...

(Ratheesh comes in hastily from outside and looks perplexed at the sight all of a sudden) Shivan looks closely at Ratheesh and extends his hands joyfully towards him.

Didn't you recognize me?

Ratheesh : No. Who are you? Where do you come from?

Shivan : Now, I myself don't know who I am. I am coming from a place that is a bit far.

Ratheesh : Are you not from this place?

Shivan : There is no clear answer to your question at the moment.

Ratheesh : Why have you come here?

Shivan : A message. I got a message, inviting me to listen to a new message.

Ratheesh : Who could send that message asking you to reach here?

Shivan : It is unlike the olden days. From what all ways a message can reach! From what all sources! Any how, is Shakunthala well?

Ratheesh : (Surprised). Yes

Shivan : And your son? He must have grown up. Must be a smart boy, isn't it?

Ratheesh : How do you know me so close...? (ing) You ...Shivan...? Aren't you Shivan?

Shivan : (Smiles) How fast you recognized me!

Ratheesh : (Startled, steps back) You were far away in a prison?

Shivan : Yes, in a small island in the bay. In a desolate place where no one can come.

Ratheesh : Sentenced to death in a sensational murder case?

Shivan : Yes, no doubt. For killing about eight thousand people with poison gas. The judgement is of the International Court of Justice. The judiciary can pin point the offenders, these days.

Ratheesh : I read about it in the newspapers. Your photo was also there?

Shivan : It is a long time since we met last. Even then, I recognized you soon ...You may wonder how I could. You see, You should have a third eye for all these. Well, you didn't say anything about your son. Where is that cute little boy?

Ratheesh : He is studying; far away.

Shivan : It is dangerous as the distance increases. My neck is under a sharp sword...far away! How about your son?

Ratheesh : (To himself) It seems he knows everything.

Sivan : Come let us go near our father.

Ratheesh : (As if in a dilemma) I shall come later.

Shivan : You are in trouble as the transaction is not happening. Aren't you? Take it easy.

Ratheesh : (Shocked) How did you know?

Shivan : Knowledge is not anybody's private property. Especially, when it is about the dealings of the global authority.

Ratheesh : (Shocked again) Tell me frankly. Whose spy are you?

Sivan : (Laughs) my own. I have always been my own agent, spy or messenger. I often get messages from within and try to act accordingly.

Ratheesh : I don't believe it

Shivan : No need. We shall sit together when the time comes. And discuss about the origin of the message that we have to act upon. I don't accept any message from outside. I listen to the suggestions of my friends, the masses, those in power and the governments and try to understand them. I will think about them, holding them close to the light within me. And finally accept the direction coming from the depth of my soul. (Laughs loudly). That would often be to defy the laws and lack of freedom and the global authority.

Ratheesh : The global authority?

Shivan : (Laughs) Don't you know? It is a demon sitting in a far corner of the earth and causing turmoil in poor countries. A terrorist who throws away millions to rake in huge profits. They can make any one and accused an award death sentence. Be careful.

Ratheesh : (Startled) have you come with the wages of my defeat?

Shivan : No. I just told you so. If you wish to make a profit from them, you fall in to their trap. No more escape for you.

Shankaran Nair : (Comes from outside, shouting joyfully). The golden bird has come! Don't you? It is circling high up in the sky. Look closely or else you can't see it. How beautiful! Powerful! (Sees Shivan, and also sees Ratheesh who seems to be frightened) Well, who is this?

Shivan : A er-by....

Shankaran Nair : What is a er-by doing here?

Shivan : I have heard, this place was like that. A place for wayfarers and those gone astray to stop and have some rest. Look, there used to be a lamp there, that could be seen even from far. You grope your way in the darkness and reach here, you could share the available food and get a mat to sleep on!

Shankaran Nair : (Enjoying the talk) That's a nice story

Shivan : When it is dawn and the way is clear, you could go back. I wonder, how many reached here guided by that light and returned after convincing themselves of the way to be followed.

Shankaran Nair : Had you been here, before?

Shivan : Yes, uncle Shankar

Shankaran Nair : (Wonder stuck) Have you seen me before?

Shivan : No...(er) Yes.

Shankaran Nair : None, other than prisoners have...

Sivan : I am a prisoner even now. I have come out of a prison.

Shankaran Nair : (Guessing) Who could this be? I have seen all the of this house, expect one. (clearing his doubt) You are from that island, deep in the sea?

Shivan : Had you been there, uncle?

Shankaran Nair : Aren't you Shivan?

Shivan : I am so called as well. Every person in the world has may names.

Shankaran Nair : (Overjoyed) Did you see father? Did you see Shanthi?

Shivan : I see them in my mind's eye everyday. To day. I want to sit by them for a long time.

Shankaran Nair : I shall go in and inform of your arrival.

Shivan : No, I shall go in myself. I too, am in a hurry to meet them.

Shankaran Nair : Do come, then (runs inwards).

Shivan : Come, let us go in and meet father.

Ratheesh : No. This house is banned for me.

Shivan : Who? Father! No!

Ratheesh : You are all watching a drama against me. I am being bound tight.

Shivan : Come, let us undo that knot.

Ratheesh : Or else, I will undo that myself. I will destroy every thing.

Shivan : Eh. No need for that. If you start destruction, you, yourself will be destroyed. You may think you have gained, but it would be just the opposite! Let us forget all that now.

Ratheesh : (Expressing revenge). Forget all that? Never!

Shivan : Don't you want to hear that message? All these people are crowding here, just for that.

Ratheesh : I can guess what that message is. It is against us, against this transaction.

Shivan : There is no reason to think so. We have to celebrate father's birthday, after the message.

Ratheesh : (Thoughtfully) celebration! We shall see!

What a celebration!

Shivan : I have brought a small sandal wood sapling. A birthday gift. Father shall plant it some where in this garden.

Ratheesh : (Terribly upset). Another sandal wood sapling. All those coming here, planting sandal wood saplings? No. No more trees are to be planted here.

Shivan : Then?

Ratheesh : We will take this over soon. All the trees that are here will be cut down, straight away.

Shivan : (Feigning grief) Then what about my sandalwood sapling?

Ratheesh : It can't be planted here.

Shivan : Reason?

Ratheesh : No place for that here. We won't give an inch of this land.

Shivan : I have to plant this, any where in this three acres of land. (Looking away). Look, all of them coming here have small plants in their hands. All are coming with birthday gifts. All are my friends! Don't be in a hurry. Let the message be over. Then we will all plant these plants together.

Ratheesh : (Crying aloud in anger). You are a trickster, having come here to suck my blood. I won't let this happen. The agreement I signed, shall have to be implemented (rushes out).

Shivan : Can't insanity be cured? We shall see.

(Mohammad comes from inside)

Mohammad : (Looking happy and personally to Shivan). I hope everything went through as arranged. Any problem during your journey?....

Shivan : None at all. Two men arrived at the right time with your letter.

Mohammad : They are quite trustworthy, honest as well. They are against injustice. That is why I selected them for this mission. They will get the reward they deserve for conducting this operation so well.

Shivan : The person who has signed a transfer agreement is running around this place like a mad man.

Mohammad : There is no way, but shoot down a mad dog.

Shivan : Let us see if the poison can be extracted.

Mohammad : Ratheesh won't let you do that.

Shivan : He is scared of the global authority. Afraid, that his life will be in danger any moment, if the transaction doesn't take place

Mohammad : Any guarantee for the life of the boss of the global authority? I have spread my net there also. I got a message stating that he too has started running for his dear life.

Shivan : Really?

Mohammad : Then what? Is it a child's play? It is the case against the killing of about twenty thousand people. I shall not let the culprits escape. For a while you can point the accusing fingers at the complainant itself. But can it succeed always?

Shivan : How is father?

Mohammad : It is a day when dreams will end up in reality. You have come. The celebration can begin. It is not the father who is ill, the daughter is the patient. She is always after a character, she created for herself.

Shivan : A character?

Mohammad : Now that character is standing in front of us in flesh and blood. What bliss for Shanthi!

(Shanthi comes out from outside. Stops looking at Shivan for some time)

Shanthi : Welcome to the golden bird of our father! Oh, welcome, my valiant hero!

Mohammad : The language is poetic.

Shivan : It is through poetry that two hearts come close.

Mohammad : Have you too turned a poet?

Shivan : (Pointing at Shanthi) How else could I touch this heart?

Shanthi : The man, father is waiting to whisper that message is no one else. It is this man of mine, who has the heart and will to receive it.

Mohammad : I knew it much early. That's why I have made all these arrangements. There is a big vehicle lying outside. I have told everybody here, that my family is in it.

Shanthi : I have heard so, too.

Mohammad : Times have changed. The man in it is officers, proficient at nabbing Interpol criminals, just waiting for my orders.

Shivan : Why are they here?

Mohammad : They have a job to do. Certain people connected with this agreement, have infiltrated among the people gathered here. They will be grabbed before they know what is happening. Their chief, who is directing them from a far away place, will also be caught.

Shanthi : Here itself?

Mohammad : No. Everything after this auspicious ceremony. That too if it is absolutely necessary (thinking). It will be unnecessary; considering all the information received so far.

Shankaran Nair : You may all come now. How delighted he was on hearing about the arrival of Shivan. I have not seen him so happy till now. Exhilarate, as if a lost child has been back!

Shivan : For me it is a rare boon, obtained by a mere chance. How can I think this great man for all these?

Mohammad : Come, let us go inside. (All three go inside)

Shankaran Nair : The auspicious moment we were all waiting for. How blessed I am to be here. Now every thing will happen fast. The land is filled with well wishers. Everything has to be brought in order. He may sit up and whisper the message into Shivan's ears. Then Shivan, his heart filled with it, will announce it in his own words to the multitude of people gathered here. Or will he himself come to the verandah and address the crowd? It is what is needed, it would have been better. Ah! They may not be thinking the way I do. The birthday gifts are to be presented afterwards. Let me go and arrange everything. (runs outside).

Ratheesh : (Enters with his aide) Inform the headquarters there is nothing to worry about. Everything will take place as already planned.

The aide : Let us go in. Why should we be standing outside?

Ratheesh : Wait. Now, Shivan too has reached here after escaping from the jail

The aide : That means our task has doubled.

Ratheesh : Keep a watch on that other man also. I don't think that Mohammad is an ordinary policeman. It seems he has collected all the information.

The aide : He too should be trapped, or we won't be safe.

Ratheesh : Come, let us get in.

The aide : Yes. I think they are hatching a conspiracy against us, inside.

Ratheesh : No doubt. Don't you see? The birthday gifts, that people carry, are all saplings of trees, as if small woods are on the move.

The aide : What a scheme to stop the transaction!

Ratheesh : We have to wait till the message is delivered.

The aide : From where is he going to deliver the message?

Ratheesh : May be from the verandah. The dear one, his heir, has arrived! It won't be late now. Send another message showing the latest situation.

The aide : I have already sent it. May be, they are angry with us, as the sequence of events has gone awry. Let us see. I shall send one more message. (presses on various switches and wires on his body). It is out of range (tries again) Switched off at the other end.

Ratheesh : Keep trying off and on. You will get it. Let us see what is going on inside? (tries to go in, but Shankaran Nair hails from a distance to stop them)

Shankaran Nair : Eh, Who is trying to creep inside?

Ratish : Creeping inside one's own house? Step aside!

Shankaran Nair : I shall find out. You know he is on a vow of silence. There is very little communication, that too by signs. Very few people here, understand that language.

Ratish : Now, I can also understand all that.

The aide : I too.

(Shivan, Shanthi and Mohammad come out from inside)

Shanthi : That is fine. The message will be delivered from this verandah, here!

Shivan : You are right. The vast multitude assembled here can hear it.

Mohammad : I shall come back after setting right the arrangements here.

Shivan : He is a law and order man always.

Mohammad : I shall be back soon (goes out)

Shanthi : Ratheesh, Shakunthala does not reject you even now. She still hopes for a reunion.

Ratheesh : I have no objection to it. But my immediate problem is myself protection. The transaction, document. Nothing short of it will be...

Shivan : Don't you want to see father? May be. if you confess all your mistakes before him, if you come back...

Ratheesh : If I comeback, will you all agree to this transaction?

Shanthi : Try. Father will come here to deliver the message. Before that, I would like to set right your relationship with Shakunthala. Go, take it as a last chance for a come back. Shakunthala is also waiting there.

Ratheesh : I shall go.

Shanthi : Father is aware of all the problems. Don't rake them up and upset his peace of mind.

Ratheesh : That is none of my concern.

Shanthi : His spirits are quite high, after meeting Shivan, as if he wants to live another hundred years. Don't spoil his delight.

Shivan : There is only one way to solve problems. Be honest in our dealings. Confess one's mistakes and keep your heart clean. Be fearless!

Ratheesh : I haven't come for that. I want to establish my right here.

Shanthi : Everyone has equal rights here. It is not a new theory.

Ratheesh : Equal right? Isn't it an attempt to make Shivan the successor here? Under the guise of the birthday celebration, isn't the message to be delivered, meant to be a proclamation to disown people like me.

Shanthi : Shivan is not the successor. he is a faithful disciple who understands our father well. If he opens his heart to that disciple, he will convert that message into a philosophy, a *Karma and carry it all over the earth. That is our father's dream!

Ratheesh : Then, What about this three acres of land? (to Shivan). Are you not heir to it?

Shivan : No, I am not a heir to anything here. I am preparing to go back to where I came from. I am one, who is trying to convert in to action, all that I got from my Guru.

Shanthi : (To Ratheesh) Don't worry. Go in. Father will come out to give the message; only after talking to you Shakunthala is also there.

Ratheesh : (Thinks) But, I want to talk to that man, direct and alone.

Shanthi : Never mind. If you wish so, she will come out.

Ratheesh : Then let me go(runs towards inside)

Shanthi : This meeting may solve many problems. It is a joy of getting back some thing that was lost, a way to deliverance.

Shivan : He will be seeing the darling disciple of the past. Ratheesh was closer to him than any of us, a real young man, who took up responsibilities.

Shanthi : Gradually, he became a puppet in the hands of somebody.

Shivan : If Ratheesh attempts to wipe off the tears from his eyes, everything will be calm and quite here.

Shanthi : A meeting of the two poles! A change in basic nature itself!

Shivan : Let us hope for the best. Come, our friends and relatives are

thronging there. You see, many are waving their hands.

Shanthi : All have arrived with sandalwood saplings!

Shivan : Look, people are flowing in to this place. With flowers and saplings in their hands as birth day gifts!

(Both of them go out. The aide stealthily walks in from outside)

The aide : (Confused and disheartened at not being able to communicate with the boss).

Hello! Hello! Everything is moving smoothly here. What? Don't you hear me? Whose voice is this? It seems you are not the person, who has been giving instructions till now? Hello! The transfer will take place soon. All obstacles will be cleared. Hello don't you hear me? (murmurs) I think you are angry with the delay. Hello. Ratheesh has gone in at last. His wife and father are also there. Every thing will be settled there. What? Nothing is clear? Two more have staked their claims, quite unexpectedly. A Muslim claiming to be the eldest son, in police uniform. That old criminal, as another son. He must have escaped from the jail. Even then, everything is in our favour. People have gathered here. What a crowd! (laughs) and a sapling in everyone's hands. This show will be over soon. What? Is no message going out? I am not getting any, either. It is quite sometime since I got any message. What is this? No bulbs are glowing? Never mind, every thing will work when it is time.

(A sound of a shot is heard inside. The aide looks startled, and then listens. Two more shots are heard. The aide seems to have realized something)

Every thing is over!

(Shakunthala's cry 'Father' is heard. Shivan, Shanthi and Mohammad come from outside and run inwards. After a while, Ratheesh comes out with a revolver held in his folded hands)

The aide : Everything is safe and calm...

Ratheesh : (As If groping in the dark without realizing anything). Yes, every thing safe and calm...

The aide : So easy?

Ratheesh : The first one was difficult. That man looked at me and kept on smiling, happy that I came. Then he patted me gently. For a moment I was overcome with emotions, tears filled in my eyes. He raised his hands to wipe my tear. No! I thought. I shouldn't falter! Then I regained composure. Or, did I lose it? Didn't have to think twice. I stood there with folded hands. Then I aimed at his chest and shot, one, two, three! Blood flowed down. The one by his side saw it and fainted.

The aide : (Congratulating him) Even then, no one in the world will have such courage to deal with one's guru, kin and protector....

Ratheesh : I wont have it again. Every thing was over. His hands were

extended as if to shelter me.

The aide : (Anxiously) then?

Ratheesh : I ed him. The old man fell exhausted, on to my chest. Then I put him down slowly. See, the blood in my hands and on my chest!

The aide : I feel giddy at the sight of blood

Ratheesh : That too, human blood!

The aide : We have killed a lot of people, but not so close. Their blood never splattered on to our hands and chest (thinks). Don't waste time. Let us wash it before anybody comes.

Ratheesh : Yes, it has to be washed and cleaned

The aide : No one should see it, no one should know. Just as we have hidden everything before, this too...

Ratheesh : Yes, this too should be covered, hidden, unseen by anyone!

The aide : You seem to be scared?

Ratheesh : No, not at all. But how to hide this before anyone comes?

The aide : Why worry about it? No one has noticed it till now.

Ratheesh : No. (Correcting himself) Yes, Shakunthala has seen it. Once she regains consciousness...

The aide : Nothing will happen. To protect you...

Ratheesh : But you know it, you have seen it!

The aide : So what? I am not going to talk about it, to anybody

Ratheesh : But one more person has seen it.

The aide : What? In that room? Who?

Ratheesh : I myself! With my own eyes....!

The aide : What do you say? Have you gone mad?

Ratheesh : I saw it. Saw his hands rising. One, Two, Three! then that blood! An endless flow! I saw with my own eyes.

The aide : You need rest. Come, let us leave the place, before anyone else sees us.

Ratheesh : Yes, before anyone else sees us. (Staring all around). Those eyes? Aren't those eyes open?

The aide : Where?

Ratheesh : Those who have arrived at this place, and those still arriving are all staring at this. May be a thousand eyes, may ten thousand eyes. Go! cover those eyes! or else poke those eyes and make them blind!

The aide : It is not wise to stay here anymore. People will rush in and start guessing. And once they come to know... Let us inform the global authority before that. Once they congratulate you from that end, it will be a matter of great relief for you. Then, with the money and the promotion that follows...

(Attempts to operate the wires and mobile hung on his body) Hello? Am I clear? Mission accomplished, all hindrances cleared. (disappointed) What! Nothing can be heard! To and fro (attentively) Oh, none of my bulbs are lit.. All are off. Have they abandoned us? Is the connection lost?

Ratheesh : How did it happen?

The aide : No messages are transmitted. To and fro!

Ratheesh : Yes, there is no movement at all. Nobody is talking. Everything is at a stand still!

(Shakunthala comes out of the room. Her right hand is smeared with blood.)

Shakunthala : True nothing has happened. Every thing is at stand till!

Ratheesh : (Shocked) Did you see that?

Shakunthala : No. I saw hands raising to bless you. Suddenly the sound of gun shots. I didn't see anything afterwards.

Ratheesh : This blood?

Shakunthala : The blood of a er by, the sign of a guide. When he fell, I patted him on his face and chest. I too have a part in that blood!

Ratheesh : You too?

Shakunthala : Yes, I was responsible for all these. It all began from me. The wife's property.

Ratheesh : How is that?

Shakunthala : This, pendant, the symbol of our wedding gave you the right to make a promise regarding this property, to someone you have not even seen. Didn't you sign the agreement based on this? (thinks for a while). If I break this, how many agreements will be undone? (breaks the chain with the pendant from her neck)

The aide : This could only break the agreement between you too. What about the agreement with them? (Doubting) Did they withdraw it themselves? Have we been saved? No messages can be sent and received. No communication. I am left alone. (Runs out)

(Shivan, Shanthi and Mohammad comes from within. Mohammad stares hard at Ratheesh - The searching look of a police chief)

Shivan : (To all those waiting in the garden and to himself)

The light is out! It is dark everywhere!

Shanthi : (Seeing the broken pendant in the Shakunthala's hands) Eh, what is this?

Shakunthala : This is the symbol of the agreement I made with a man. That agreement becomes null and void once he losses his manliness.

Ratheesh : (His voice broken) With whom can I make an agreement that needs no proof? (Comes forward and bows before the crowd. Then he drops the revolver from his folded hands)

Shivan : The message we were longing for! The message for the generations to come! The mystic message poured into my ears!

(The light dims)

The End

ENDNOTES

1 Moonless dark Indian night 2 Tulsi : Holy basil plant 3 Dharma : According to Hinduism, dharma is righteousness, the basic ethics humanity is supposed to follow. 4 Mookkuthi: A cute and tiny ornament for the nose, studded with one or more precious stones. 5 Mookkuthi Hills: The gem on the hill top is like a nose stud and hence the name for the hills. 6 Tamburu : A stringed musical instrument. 7 Hara hara Shambhoo : Hail Lord Siva. 8 Damru: A small drum which is a percussion instrument. 9 Bhadrakali: The most auspicious form of Hindu Goddess Durga. A sterner version of the Goddess, depicting her as a destroyers of evils.