Download - Script of Vikramaditya Motwane's Lootera - 2nd Draft

7/22/2019 Script of Vikramaditya Motwane's Lootera - 2nd Draft

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Registered at the Film Writers Associatio Reg # : 10729

15/02/200

2nd Draft

Inspired from "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry

screenplay:

Bhavani Iyer

Vikramaditya Motwane

THE LAST LEAF


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FADE IN:

1 EXT/ INT. THE COTTAGE - PAKHI'S ROOM -- EVENING

TITLES BEGIN

An abstracted view -- very blurred, smoky. Undulating wavesof white.

Slowly getting clearer as the vision opens up. Snowflakes.Pristine purity. A blanket of white over the landscape.

And slowly coming into vision is a breath-takingly beautifulbarren tree.

PAKHI (V.O.)'What we call the beginning is often theend. And to make an end is to make another

beginning..'

Moving farther away from the tree, through the glass of awindow, into a room, where the tree forms a fitting bookmarkoutside the window.

The room gets increasingly focussed. A fireplace, a shelf ofbooks, farther and farther into the room, until one reaches adesk. A dried rosebud, a beautiful old clock, a paper knife,a pen-stand, ink, sheaves of paper. And on a singular sheetof paper --- Words, fingers, pen scratching on paper. Thewords etch out on the paper.

PAKHI (V.O.) (CONT'D)'This isn't a story of love. Love takesaway too much, destroys too much, hurtstoo much... It's easier to hate. So, thisis a story of hate -- a hate that wasstronger than love...'

CLOSE UP of the pen as an ellipsis is formed after the words.On the third dot -- the ink blot slowly dries as it permeatesinto the paper.

TITLES END

FADE TO BLACK

2 INT / EXT. THE HAVELI & TOWNSHIP -- VARIOUS

PAKHI (V.O.)'This story that began a while ago.. Atime when India's independence was still amuch-loved new-born..'

FADE IN

Images of a small flag-hoisting celebration, people wearingkhadi.


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2.

The Last Leaf, 2nd Draft, 1-2-2005

PAKHI (V.O.) (CONT'D)'It brought a lot of changes.. Some good,some not..'

A small shop being robbed by petty thieves.

PAKHI (CONT'D)'In the tiny township of Siliguri, in theoutskirts of Bengal, many things changed..'

Visual of the township.

PAKHI (V.O.) (CONT'D)'The zamindars, who'd ruled small towns,almost like their own kingdom, were nowkings only of their own abodes...'

Pakhi's mansion/ haveli lit beautifully by the evening sun.

PAKHI (V.O.) (CONT'D)'And they drowned their sorrows in an excessof culture, books and music..'

Strains of music as we move closer to the haveli.

CUT TO:

3 INT. THE HAVELI -- NIGHT

The music gets stronger, mellifluous. A musical soiree is on.Several people listening intently, very elite. The mood isbeautiful, candles, lanterns, flowers, opulent.

An all-male gathering in the center of the room. The womenfolk,exquisitely dressed are sitting separately in the balconyoverlooking the atrium.

PAKHI (V.O.)'My father, Zamindar BikramadityaRoychowdhury was no different..'

ZAMINDAR ROYCHOWDHURY is sitting at the vantage seat of thehost, listening to the music, absorbed.

PAKHI (V.O.) (CONT'D)'Like any other Indian, Baba rejoiced whenthe British left Indian shores. What hemissed was like-minded companions that hecould discuss books, poetry and musicwith... But money makes up for a lot ofthings.. And of that, we had no worry..'

The Zamindar looks toward the gathering with a dissolute air.He looks up towards the balcony and a smile breaks over hisface.

PAKHI (V.O.) (CONT'D)'The only thing that worried Baba was me...'


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The enchantingly beautiful young Pakhi, about twenty one,sitting in the balcony, smiles at her father.

Music plays on.

ZAMINDAR (O.S.)

(urgent note)Pakhi's had another attack of asthma...

CUT TO:

4 INT. THE HAVELI - PAKHI'S ROOM -- NIGHT

Pakhi is sitting on a large armchair, gasping for breath. Anelderly maid, PISHI MA is holding her hand.

The Zamindar enters the room with urgent strides, an elderlydoctor, DR. GUHA following him.

ZAMINDARShe was fine this evening...

The doctor takes Pakhi's pulse. She looks feverish, strugglingto breathe. Dr. Guha administers an injection. The Zamindarlooks on, terribly worried, almost close to tears.

He moves away, looking out of a window, agitated, helpless.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)(almost under hisbreath)

I can't bear to see my child like this,time and again!

DR. GUHAYou know how it is, Zamindar babu. Aslong as medical attention is close by,there is no cause for worry.

The Zamindar doesn't reply. He looks at Pakhi, who's breathingis getting slightly easy now. She reaches a hand out in hisdirection, her eyes still closed.

The Zamindar walks close to her and clasps her hand.

CUT TO:

5 INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY -- DAY

The zamindar is looking among the large groaning shelves ofbooks. A gramophone is playing a lovely melody.

PAKHI (V.O.)'Ours was a very different world..Sheltered, escapist... Baba had his world

of books and music...'

Pakhi is sitting at the window-seat, a pen in hand, book onher lap.


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PAKHI (V.O.) (CONT'D)'And I had my writing.. I wrote anythingthat came to mind.. Short stories, poems,thoughts.. Rather immature, but I wasgetting better.. And someday I would writea book.. lots of books.. I'd be a famous

writer.. Then I'd meet someone wonderfuland live happily ever after.. I lived inmy dreams.. It was a fairytale existence..'

CUT TO:

6 EXT. THE HAVELI LAWNS -- EVENING

Pakhi and her father walking along the lawns, talking. Analmost lyrically beautiful sunset.

PAKHI (V.O.)

'Life was simple, self-contained, like aplacid lake..'

CUT TO:

7 INT. THE COTTAGE - PAKHI'S ROOM -- EVENING

The hand stops writing. Leans back -- anticipatory almost.

PAKHI (V.O.)'Nothing is constant, not strife.. notpeace.. The tranquility of my life wasabout to be hit by a storm..'

CUT TO:

8 EXT. TOWNSHIP STREETS -- DAY

Golden dust rising from the street as a lovely old vintage caris traveling the streets of the township. At a juncture, ittakes a turn and enters a long lane.

Pakhi is sitting in the back seat of the vintage car, lookingout, humming a tune.

Almost simultaneously, another car, rather dusty and not ingreat shape, coming from the opposite direction, turns intothe same lane. The two cars travel alongside for a considerabledistance.

Pakhi looks to her left with curiosity. The two cars are almostadjacent now. Exactly the same moment, VARUN SHRIVASTAV, agood-looking young man driving the other car, looks in herdirection. Their eyes lock. Sheer chemistry.

Pakhi reddens, but doesn't look away, holds his gaze. Suddenly,the young man's face breaks into a smile, utterly charming.

Disarmed, Pakhi looks away, blushing.

As the two cars reach a two-way fork, Pakhi's car turns to theright. Shooting a look over her shoulder, she smiles at him,without meeting his eyes.


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DR. GUHAChecked himself out... Seemed in an awfulhurry.. But he was pretty ok.. Nursehere ran a couple of tests.. I don't thinkthere's any cause to worry.

Pakhi nods, absently, disappointed.

PAKHIThank you, Uncle..

She walks away from the doctor, in characteristic swift strides.A sudden thought makes her turn back.

PAKHI (CONT'D)Did he say what his name was?

CUT TO:

11 INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY & CORRIDOR -- AFTERNOON

VARUN (O.S.)Varun Shrivastav...

Pakhi looks up with a start. She's arranging some books. Sheputs down the books in her hands in a hurry, and rushes towardsthe door.

VALET (O.S.)I'll let Zamindar babu know..

Down the corridor, she sees the main door. Varun is standingby the door, half of his face in clear vision of Pakhi. Pakhiis surprised, happy, curious.

A moment later, he enters and approaches down the corridor,led by the valet. Hurriedly, she steps back. He passes byher room and disappears into the house.

Pakhi stands at the door of the room, flustered, uncertain,contemplating what to do next. Just then, the valet walkspast.

PAKHI(feigningnonchalance)

Binod da, did I hear someone come in?

VALETYes.. A stranger.. Never seen him before..He wanted to meet Zamindar Babu.. He saidhe's a..

(struggling)A...

CUT TO:


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12 INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY -- EVENING

ZAMINDARArchaeologist. He's got a letter from theArchaeological Survey of India.. They would'greatly appreciate it if I would help

him..'

He laughs. While speaking, the zamindar stands at the table,perusing some books, while Pakhi is ticking off a list.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)Looks like they've sent all the books thistime! Quite a miracle..

(digressing)I invited him for dinner tonight...

Pakhi turns away from her father to hide her expression, happy,

excited. She walks towards the other end of the room, in rapidstrides, like always.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)(gentle exasperation)

How many times do I tell you... You're notrunning a race! Slow down.. You're not ahyperactive kid anymore.. Be a lady...

CUT TO:

13 INT. THE HAVELI - PAKHI'S ROOM -- EVENING

Pakhi is sitting in front of the mirror.

Bangles, kajal, saree, perfume, anklets, the works... and finallythe hair. Pakhi is getting ready. Very sensual, very feminine.

Periodic looks at the clock. Time seems to move in slow-motion.

PAKHI (V.O.)'Time was always my adversary.. It justtook so long to pass.. Or maybe, like Babaalways said, I was always in too much of ahurry..'

A clock begins striking. Continues into the next scene.

CUT TO:

14 INT. THE HAVELI - LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT

The antique clock finishes striking eight. Pakhi descendsdown the stairs, ladylike, lovely, almost ethereal.

Varun is sitting on a couch, a small bandage at his temple,and another in his hand. His gaze moves to the stairs and he

gives a start, transfixed for a moment, surprised to see Pakhi.He slowly gets to his feet -- an almost involuntary action.

Pakhi smiles, a small smile as she reaches him.


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PAKHIYou must be Varun Shrivastav...

VARUN(flustered)

Er, yes... I..

PAKHIMy name is Pakhi...

VARUNNice to meet you...

Both fall silent. Awkward, but rife with chemistry.

VARUN (CONT'D)Yesterday, I...

Just then, the zamindar walks towards them from another room.

ZAMINDARAh, I can see you both have met. Pakhi,this is the gentleman I was telling youabout... My daughter, Pakhi..

Pakhi nods formally, hiding a smile.

PAKHINice to meet you..

CUT TO:

15 INT. THE HAVELI - DINING ROOM -- NIGHT

Pakhi, the Zamindar and Varun are sitting at the dining table.Dinner is being served by quiet efficient servants.

ZAMINDAR(a fond look atPakhi)

She would like to call herself a writer..(teasing)

She's not half bad...

PAKHII ama writer! And I amgood!

The zamindar laughs and smiles at her fondly.

ZAMINDAR(to Varun)

By the way, I'd also like you to look atsome of our own family heirlooms... I hopeyour bosses at the Archaeological Surveywon't mind..

VARUNNot at all.. I'd be honored...


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ZAMINDARI always thought archaeologists were theseold musty people... Aren't you a littletoo young to be one?

VARUN

Not really. Actually, I am a trainee still.But they allowed me to come here and leadthis expedition because it is my hunchthat something much older lies below thesurface of that temple site...

ZAMINDARAnd what if you're wrong? And you don'tfind what you think there is?

VARUN(shrugs, smiling)

I guess I'll just call it bad luck, andleave. My superiors won't be happy.. ButI'm hoping that won't happen..

(pause)I know that your family has owned the landfor years.. And I'm really grateful foryour cooperation and help.

The Zamindar nods imperiously.

ZAMINDARWhere are you staying?

VARUNThere's a guest house in town.. It's closeto the temple site too.

The zamindar nods. Varun winces slightly as he picks up adish and his bandaged arm hits the table.

ZAMINDARI meant to ask earlier..

(pointing to hisbandages)

What happened?

Pakhi and Varun exchange glances, she looks down, her faceflushed.

VARUNI met with an accident yesterday...

ZAMINDARWhere?

VARUNIn this town...

ZAMINDAROh, really.. With another car? Do youremember the make?

(MORE)


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ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)Not too many people here have cars.. Wecan find out who it was..

Pakhi looks at Varun.

VARUNNo, I don't remember the make...

PAKHI(cutting inhurriedly, todistract)

Which book will you start reading, Baba?

ZAMINDAR(immediatelydistracted)

Oh, I don't know.. I'll let my mood decide.Incidentally, they haven't sent ParadiseLost and Regained both in one volume likeI requested... I'll have to write to themagain..

(to Varun)Books and music. My only two vices!

Pakhi and Varun exchange a look, one of relief. The distractionworked.

CUT TO:

16 INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY -- NIGHT

A gramophone is pulled out of its jacket. The zamindar looksis putting on the gramophone. Pakhi and Varun are sitting closeby. Pakhi has a cup of tea in her hand, Varun a glass of wine.

The gramophone begins whirring.

The zamindar comes to them and settles in his large armchair,and picks up his glass of drink.

Music begins playing softly now. Pakhi smiles at her father

at the choice of music. The zamindar smiles back.

ZAMINDAR(to Varun)

This is Romeo and Juliet composed byTchaikovsky. He began working on thecomposition in 1870... But that didn't dowell, and he agreed with the critics thatit lacked something.. Tchaikovsky keptmaking modifications and changes until in1880, ten years after his first reworkingof the piece, Tchaikovsky rewrote the

ending, finally giving the piece aconclusion that he was proud of...

They listen on as the beautiful music plays on.


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ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)It's a wonderful musical interpretation,and somehow the soul of the play shinesthrough with such incandescence.. Are youfamiliar with the play?

Pakhi throws a mischievous glance at Varun.

PAKHI(quoting)

"It was the lark, the herald of the morn..No nightingale. Look love, what enviousstreaks, do lace the severing clouds inyonder east..."

ZAMINDAR(continuing)

"Night's candles are burnt out and jocund

day, stands tiptoe on the misty mountaintops..."

VARUN(unexpected, withflourish)

"I must be gone and live, or stay and die.."

Pakhi and the zamindar look at Varun, stunned.

VARUN (CONT'D)Yes, I am familiar with Shakespeare. ButMilton is one of my favorites. I haveread Paradise Lost and Regained severaltimes. I think Milton has gone beyondDante, though he adopted the un-rhymedepic verse from Dante himself.

The zamindar and Pakhi listen, rapt.

VARUN (CONT'D)In Dante's Divine Book of Comedy, Ipersonally was pretty much lost severaltimes while reading Purgatorio andParadisio.. The object of literature,

divine or otherwise, is to be understood,don't you think? Milton, on the otherhand...

Varun trails off, as if suddenly conscious of having spoken alot.

VARUN (CONT'D)I'm sorry.. Literature is a passion.. andI tend to get carried away...

ZAMINDAR

(clearing his throat)Where did you say you were staying?

CUT TO:


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17 EXT. HAVELI OUTHOUSE -- EVENING

Varun is standing at the door of the outhouse. Servants aretaking in bedding and other stuff to make the place inhabitable.He looks rather serious.

Next to Varun is another young man, dressed nattily, DEBDASMUKHERJEE. Given to impersonating Dev Anand, ever so often, inspeech and manner.

DEBDASWe're actually staying here...? Not insome dirty smelly old guest house, likealways?! I must say, Varun babu, I'mimpressed.

Looking about, Varun's eyes fall on Pakhi, who's standing atthe balcony of her room, watching them. Seeing him look at

her, she colours and with a smile, retreats.

Deb watches the exchange. Catching Varun's eye, he raises aneyebrow.

DEBDAS (CONT'D)Diversion or distraction?

VARUN(curtly)

Neither.. Let's get on. In half hour,Zamindar babu is showing us the site..

CUT TO:

18 EXT. THE TEMPLE SITE -- DAY

The Zamindar and Pakhi, accompanied by a senior, quiet,respectable man, MAJUMDAR meet Varun and Deb at the entranceof the temple site.

ZAMINDARThis is Majumdar, our family friend. Hehandles all our finances.. His daughterDevi and Pakhi have grown up like sisters...

Varun and Deb nod in acknowledgement.

VARUNThis is my friend and associate...

DEBDAS(cutting in)

Debdas Mukherjee...

Varun looks at Deb in amusement. As do the zamindar and Pakhi.

DEBDAS (CONT'D)(self-deprecating,laughing)

Yes.. My parents have a strange sense ofhumor!


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They all laugh and enter the site.

CUT TO:

19 INT. THE TEMPLE SITE -- DAY

The zamindar, Majumdar, Varun, Deb and Pakhi are walking throughthe temple site. Outside, magnificent carved pillars and ruinsand they walk through all that towards a shrine, which is ratherlarge, and spectacularly beautiful.

Pakhi is walking with her father, watching Varun,surreptitiously.

ZAMINDAR(talking as theywalk)

For as long as I've known, this site has

been like this... We haven't done anythingto build any newer structures.. just keptit clean..

He gestures towards, what seems very well-maintained ruins.

VARUNThat's great! The soil and the climate ofBengal encourage rapid growth of thickvegetation which is destructive to desertedbuildings.

(light laugh)Of course, in demolishing ancient citiesand temples, man plays a much bigger partthan Nature ever can!

The zamindar reciprocates with a laugh. They've reached theshrine by now. They begin walking up the steps.

ZAMINDAROur family has been taking care of thisshrine for centuries now..

A stunningly beautiful idol is visible, kept under lock andkey. Deb shoots a look at Varun. Varun meets his glance.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)(pointing)

This idol belongs to my family. I thinkit is about three hundred years old...

Varun pulls out his camera from a bag and looks askance at thezamindar.

VARUNMay I?

The zamindar nods.

ZAMINDARWould you like a closer look?


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Varun nods. Majumdar brings out the keys.

A key snaps the lock open. They're now within the shrine.

Photographs of the idol, the shrine -- all seen from Varun'sPOV.

He moves close to the idol and points to something.

VARUNLook at this loop at the back of the idol?It was meant to hang from the walls ofhouses in newly emerging trading cities inancient Bengal.. This idol is much olderthan you think...

(looking at Deb)I'd place it around 2nd century AD..

The zamindar raises his eyebrows in surprise. He exchanges alook with Majumdar. Pakhi looks at Varun, who is now talkingabout something else to the zamindar.

VARUN (CONT'D)We shall begin work from tomorrow... Theworkers shall be here by eight in morning...

Voice trails off.

CUT TO:

20 EXT. THE HAVELI LAWNS -- NIGHT

On a projector set up in the lawns, a Bengali movie is on!Deb is watching with a woebegone expression. Several otherpeople are watching with rapt attention. Pakhi and a friend,DEVYANI are sitting with her father, right across Varun andDeb.

DEVYANISo, this is Varun babu..

Pakhi 'Sshhs' Devyani, darting a look at her father, who'sengrossed in the movie. Devi looks at Deb and Varun.

DEBDAS(to Varun)

In our world, watching a movie means goingto the theater! Here, the theater comesto you! Long live zamindars!

Varun laughs.

DEBDAS (CONT'D)(complaining)

They could've at least got a Dev Anand

film...


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VARUN(amused)

Maybe they thought, why get the originalwhen there's already a copy!!

(with bite)Debdas Mukherjee..

Deb laughs easily. They begin watching the film again. Acouple is having a fight, speaking rapid-fire Bengali.

DEBDASI can see this everyday in my house.. Myparents do a better job!!

Varun bursts into laughter. Looks from people around. Hequietens, self-conscious. He catches Pakhi's eye. She smilesat him. He smiles back.

DEBDAS (CONT'D)(looking at thescreen)

You'd better start learning the languagethough!

CUT TO:


Pakhi is sitting on her window sill, a book in her lap, pen inhand. Rabindra sangeet is playing softly on the radio.

Pakhi looks at the outhouse. A radio is being tuned and finallybegins playing a popular Dev Anand number. Pakhi smiles. Shemoves to her radio and tunes it.

The same song plays now.

CUT TO:

22 INT / EXT. THE HAVELI / TOWNSHIP / TEMPLE SITE -- DAY / NIGHT

(Song plays on.. Through the montages)

Pakhi pulls back the curtains of her window and looks down.Very early morning. Varun and Deb are getting into their car/jeep. Deb in the driver's seat. With a flurry of dust they'reoff.

CUT TO:

At the temple site, the zamindar holds a ceremonial coconut,as a pandit applies tikka on it. Several workers standing around --alongwith Varun, Pakhi, Debdas, Devyani, Majumdar and somevillagers. A cheer goes around as soon as the coconut isbroken.

CUT TO:

The Zamindar is showing some heirlooms to Varun, who inspectsthem gravely with a connoisseur's eye.


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Deb is looking watchfully.

CUT TO:

Pakhi and her father are driving back from somewhere. Theypass by the temple site that Varun is working on. Several

workers are digging, clearing etc. The zamindar puts a hand onthe driver's shoulder, asking him to stop.

CUT TO:

Pakhi and the zamindar walk through the debris/rubble towardsVarun, who looks taken aback at this surprise visit. Also atad uncomfortable.

CUT TO:

Varun and the Zamindar are listening to some music playing on

the gramophone. Silent. Letting the music wash over. Pakhismiles from the door as she passes.

CUT TO:

Varun and Deb are sitting outside the outhouse, lying on akhatiya of sorts, looking at the night sky. From the windowof her room, Pakhi is watching the same sky, book in her lap,pen in hand.

CUT TO:

Early morning. Pakhi and Devyani are plucking flowers, theirhair open and still wet. Pakhi looks covertly in the directionof the outhouse. Devyani catches her look. Pakhi looks away,flushing.

CUT TO:

Pakhi is walking down the corridor in rapid strides, likealways. She looks in as she passes the library, her gaitsuddenly mellow, lady-like. She smiles covertly. The momentshe passes the room, down the corridor, her pace is brisk again.

PAKHI (V.O.)

'A lot of things were changing.. And Ididn't understand it.. But I didn't wantto..'

CUT TO:

On the dining table, Varun is speaking. The zamindar listeningto him attentively. Pakhi looks at Varun, not really listening.

CUT TO:

Pakhi is sitting in her room, writing in her book.

She puts her pen down, and switches off the radio.


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The song ends.

CUT TO:

23 INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY -- NIGHT

The zamindar is sitting in his usual chair. He puts down hisglasses and a official looking document and rubs between hiseyes. Pakhi is making a cup of tea for him.

PAKHI (V.O.)Some changes weren't so pleasant.. Baba'sancestral farmhouse was taken over by theIndian government.. We've been paidhandsomely for it, of course.. The ZamindarAbolishment Act was likely to be passedany day.. Baba took all of this badly...

Pakhi looks at her father, who seems lost in thought. Puttingthe cup down, she sits by her father's chair.

ZAMINDAR(a note ofbitterness)

Nothing is the same anymore.. 'Zamindarbabu'... will soon be just a word.. meaningnothing..

Pakhi holds her father's hand.

PAKHI'Zamindar babu' is still the most respectedman in town.. The most revered...

ZAMINDARThat's all I have left today... If I losethat respect, I've lost all...

PAKHI(gently)

And we have each other... Isn't that allthat matters?

She holds her father's hand reassuringly. The zamindar looksat his daughter and a slow smile dawns on his face.

ZAMINDARLet's go for a picnic tomorrow.. Visit thefarmhouse one last time...

(trying to cheerup)

We'll ask Varun babu to join us too...

CUT TO:

24 EXT. TOWNSHIP STREETS / FARMHOUSE -- DAY

PAKHI (V.O.)'Picnic, for a zamindar, had an altogetherdifferent definition...!!!'


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Meanwhile under another tree, Pakhi and Devyani are sitting,very lady-like.

PAKHI(humorous)

I really hope some poor fish will decide

to put us out of our misery soon!

Pakhi watches Varun from out of the corner of her eye. Devyaninotices.

DEVYANIVarun babu?

Pakhi looks at her with a start. Devyani smiles impishly.

CUT TO:

Deb looks towards the women and addresses Varun, who's lookingat the fruit hanging from the tree above them, intently.

DEBDASNewton already did that.. And besides,even if it falls we won't be able to eatit.. Tradition, you see?!

Varun smiles a 'Touche'. His eye catches Pakhi's that momentand she looks away, hurriedly. Deb looks at Varun shrewdly.

DEBDAS (CONT'D)I hope you know what you're getting into...

CUT TO:

Pakhi looks at Devyani, in affront.

PAKHII'm not getting into anything, Devi...You're being silly..

DEVYANIAm I? I've seen the way you look at him...

PAKHI(hotly)

I don't look at...(then stopping)

What's wrong with the way I look at him?

DEVYANI(laughing)

There's nothing wrong... Nothing at all..Just that when you're doing this..

(imitates Pakhilooking out of

the corner of hereye)..you know you're in for trouble!

CUT TO:


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Varun sits up and begins dusting grass off his sleeves.

VARUN(crisply)

You're being ridiculous... But why doesthat not surprise me?!

DEBDASHey, don't get mad at the messenger..! !I'm just telling you what you already know..

CUT TO:

Pakhi shakes her head, annoyed.

PAKHII don't know anything. You're just beingreally silly...

CUT TO:

Debdas gets up dusting himself, suddenly somber.

DEBDASYou just need to stop running away fromfacts...

CUT TO:

PAKHII'm not!

CUT TO:

VARUNYou're crazy!

Just then, a cheer goes up from the servants around thezamindar. A fish has caught the bait.

CUT TO:

26 EXT. FARMHOUSE LAKEFRONT -- EVENING

The mood is quieter now, the golden evening light forming astrange hush around everyone. A small bonfire is burning.The flickering flames are enchanting.

Zamindar and Majumdar are talking. Varun and Deb, Pakhi andDevi are sitting close to each other. Something diverts Deb'sattention and he moves away. Just then, Majumdar calls out toDevi, who leaves too.

Varun and Pakhi are left alone. Sudden surge of awkwardness.Varun smiles stiffly at Pakhi. Pakhi smiles back -- easily,

naturally.

VARUNThank you for saving me... and taking meto the hospital..


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PAKHI(smiling)

You would've done the same.. But when youleft from the hospital so suddenly, Ithought....

She trails off, then looks at Varun and remedies hurriedly.

PAKHI (CONT'D)Baba is very fond of you...

VARUNHe's an amazing man...

PAKHI(nods, with pride)

He is. He's always been my hero. He almostinstinctively seems to know the right path

in life..(laughing)He gives a bad name to the traditionalvillainous zamindar.. To all the people inour little town, he stands for all that'shonest and fair and just...

Varun's expression alters slightly at her words. Small silence.

PAKHI (CONT'D)You must travel a lot because of yourwork...

VARUNYes...

PAKHIDo you like what you do?

VARUNI love the thrill of the unknown..

PAKHIThe unknown frightens me.. I needknowledge.. I need to know..

VARUNYou can never know all...

Small silence again. Pakhi speaks up after the pause.

PAKHIDon't you feel bad about leaving some placebehind?

VARUNI do... But there's always a new tomorrow

to look forward to.

Just then, the zamindar calls out to Varun. Varun leaves Pakhiwith an excuse.


23/117

22.


Pakhi watches Varun -- her feelings shining in her eyes.

CUT TO:

Servants are loading luggage back into the cars.

CUT TO:

27 INT. TOWNSHIP STREETS -- EVENING

The motorcade of cars is making its way back in similar fashionas it arrived. Impressive, decadent.

CUT TO:

28 INT. ZAMINDAR'S CAR -- EVENING

The zamindar is sitting with Pakhi in the back seat. Varun is

in the front with the driver.

ZAMINDAR(wistful)

So many memories attached to that place...I'll miss it..

He sighs. Pakhi puts a hand over her father's.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)(clearing his throat)

Ah well.. Nothing is permanent.. Not evenyour company, Varun babu.. I'll be reallysorry to see you go this month end..

Pakhi's expression changes. Her eyes meet Varun's in the rear-view mirror.

PAKHI(trying to be casual)

This month-end?

Varun looks at Pakhi thru the mirror.

VARUN

Yes... That's the time I've been given bymy bosses to complete my work here...

Pakhi is silent. She looks out of the window at the darknessoutside, suddenly subdued.

CUT TO:


Pakhi is sitting by the dressing table combing her hair.

PAKHI (V.O.)'The month end.. It was just three weeksaway.. Time, like always, was against me...But what could I do?'


24/117

23.


Pakhi looks out of the window and looks at the outhouse. Varuncontemplating the blank canvas is visible.

CUT TO:

30 INT. HAVELI OUTHOUSE -- NIGHT

Varun is standing in front of the blank canvas, contemplatively.Debdas sighs exaggeratedly at Varun and shakes his head.

DEBDASI'm tired of lugging this wretched thingaround! Why don't you give up your sillynotions of being a painter and just throwit away? Or for heaven's sake, throw somepaint over the damn thing and get it overwith! It's driving me crazy!!!

Varun smiles, nonchalant.

VARUNI'll paint it... Someday, I'll paint it...And you watch, you skeptic, my paintingwill be a masterpiece!

DEBDASYeah, sure! Forgive me if I don't hold mybreath..

Varun stands looking at the canvas.

CUT TO:


POV: Pakhi looks at Varun studying the canvas and suddenly herface lights up.

CUT TO:

32 INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY -- MORNING

PAKHI

I want to learn painting...

The zamindar looks up at Pakhi, who's giving him his cup oftea. And pouring out her own cup.

ZAMINDARPainting? What's this sudden new craze?

PAKHIIt's not new, Baba... Remember how I'vealways been fascinated by painters..

The zamindar furrows his brows.

ZAMINDAR(after a thought)

No...


25/117

24.


PAKHIBaba! You never listen when I talk! Justthe other day I was telling you how I wishedI could paint...

ZAMINDAR

Didn't you study art as part of your...?

PAKHI(cutting in)

That was so basic, Baba!! My main subjectwasn't...

ZAMINDAR(cutting in)

All right, all right.. I'll ask Majumdarto arrange for an art teacher.. MaybeDevyani could learn too..

PAKHINo.. Devyani isn't interested in art.. AndBaba, why ask for a teacher..

ZAMINDARNo teacher? So how do you plan to learn?

PAKHI(casual tone)

I believe Varun babu is an excellentpainter..

ZAMINDARHe is?

PAKHIYes.. He has this big easel in his room.I guess he intends to paint something inhis time here..

ZAMINDARBut would he want to teach you? Besideshe's here only for a short..

PAKHI(interrupting)

He could teach me something.. And once Iam a little better, you could ask for anart teacher to come over. Do you thinkyou could ask Varun babu?

CUT TO:

33 INT. THE HAVELI - DINING ROOM -- MORNING

Varun chokes over his cup of tea and looks at the zamindar in

surprise. Debdas looks taken aback. Devyani is amused. Pakhidoesn't look at Varun.


26/117

25.


ZAMINDARI know you have a busy schedule.. But acouple of hours a week..

Deb tries to catch Varun's eye, but Varun is looking at thezamindar -- deliberately avoiding Deb's gaze.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)Devi beta, I thought you could also joinPakhi, if you're interested...

Pakhi looks at Devi with large eyes, willing her to say 'No'.

DEVYANINo, kaka.. I'm not particularly interestedin painting..

ZAMINDAR

(to Varun)Just teach her a bit.. Let's see if she'sgood enough.. And more importantly, ifshe'll see it through to the end..

Pakhi looks at her father in mock-annoyance. The zamindarlaughs.

Deb looks at Varun, his mouth unsmiling, shaking his head inslight chiding.

CUT TO:

34 EXT. THE HAVELI -- MORNING

Varun and Deb are walking towards the outhouse.

DEBDASWhat was the big idea of not tellingZamindar babu that you didn't know how topaint?

VARUNI didn't want to upset him.. And howdifficult can painting be?

DEBDASYou haven't touched that damn canvas forthe last three years. You really want meto answer that question?

Varun laughs.

DEBDAS (CONT'D)(shaking his head)

Archaeologist to art teacher! In lessthan a week. You do travel fast! Do you

even own paints?

They now enter the outhouse.

CUT TO:


27/117

26.


35 INT. HAVELI OUTHOUSE -- MORNING

Varun and Deb are picking up bags etc, ready to leave for thesite.

DEBDAS

(conversationally)Do you know that this outhouse is actuallycalled 'master moshair baadi'? Teacher'squarters?

VARUNUh huh..

DEBDASOf course, Pakhi never had any teacherhere.. She studied in Shantiniketan..

Varun looks up at Deb, sharply.

DEBDAS (CONT'D)English Literature, I believe...

VARUN(sarcasm)

You seem to be full of information.. Who'syour source? The grocer in town?

DEBDASDevyani...

VARUNAh, Deb's Devi...!!! A match made inheaven..

DEBDASUnlike you, I'm not crazy!

They move out of the outhouse

CUT TO:

36 EXT. HAVELI OUTHOUSE -- MORNING

They get into the jeep. Deb in the driver's seat.

DEBDASThe daughters of zamindars don't have muchfreedom.. The only male they interact with,other than family, is the teacher. Mastermoshai. And they usually end up fallingin love with him...

Varun is visibly irked by Deb's remarks.

VARUNWhat are you trying to get at?


28/117

27.


DEBDAS(serious now)

You and I both know what this whole exerciseis about, so don't play innocent! Thegirl is falling in love with you...

The jeep drives off in a cloud of dust.

CUT TO:


Varun is sitting on a chair, his feet on a table, readingattentively. The book -- 'How To Paint Landscapes'.

A worker comes upto him with a large package and places it onthe table.

WORKERAll the stuff you asked for, Varun babu.Some colours are missing, but I goteverything else...

Varun nods and gets back to reading.

Deb, standing close by, smiles ruefully and shakes his head.

CUT TO:


Pakhi is looking at the clock which shows five pm. On the bed,clothes are strewn all around. Just then Devyani enters theroom. She looks in the direction of Pakhi's gaze at the clock.

DEVYANIWhat time does your painting class start?

PAKHISeven o clock...

Devyani sits next to Pakhi, looks at the bed full of clothesand shakes her head, a gentle look on her face.

PAKHI (CONT'D)(tentative)

Do you think I'm being a fool, Devi?

Devyani looks at Pakhi, taken aback by the tone of her voice.

DEVYANINo.

PAKHIWhat if he is just being polite because

I'm the zamindar's daughter? What if hedoesn't even notice me that way? Whatif... what if he already has someone...


29/117

28.


DEVYANII think Varun babu is decent enough tohave told you if that was the case... No,I don't think it's that...

PAKHI

You know, he doesn't say much about himself.I don't know anything at all about...

DEVYANI(cutting in)

Now you'll get the time and the opportunityto know... And let him know you.. It'sonly a matter of time.. It's very easy tolove you, my dear..

PAKHIBut why would he love me? Maybe he sees

me as just a simple silly small town girl..Foolish, unsophisticated..

DEVYANI(firmly)

You're neither silly, nor foolish..(trying to be light)

Unsophisticated, well maybe.. But as longas I'm around to help you... Now what doyou wear when you begin classes in love?

Devi picks up a saree, its folds winging through the air.

CUT TO:


Varun almost forcibly takes his eyes off Pakhi. Aware of herappearance, yet a little shy, Pakhi is breath-taking. Pishi Mais sitting in a distant corner -- the chaperone, knittingsomething.

Clearing his throat, Varun looks at the canvas set up on aneasel in front of him.

VARUNHave you done this before? Er, I mean,learned painting of some kind inShantiniketan..

PAKHI(glowing smile)

You know I studied in Shantiniketan...!

VARUN(cornered)

Er, I...

PAKHIYes, I learnt a little bit.. The basics..


30/117

29.


Varun busies himself with the bottles of colors, clearlynervous.

PAKHI (CONT'D)I hope I wasn't being too forward, askingBaba to request you to teach me..

Varun looks at her, stares for a moment longer. The attractionbetween them is evident.

VARUNNo, not at all...

Pakhi stands next to the easel, a respectable distance fromVarun.

VARUN (CONT'D)So.. What would you like to paint?

PAKHII thought, Portraits?!

Color drains off Varun's face at the thought.

VARUNWell, why don't we start with landscapes?

Pakhi looks at him, quizzically.

VARUN (CONT'D)(assuming confidence)

It's easier to get your brush-strokesconfident with landscapes first.. Portraitsrequire a finer command...

Pakhi nods. Varun picks up a pencil. And shows her a pagetorn out of a book which has a rather simple landscape painting.

PAKHIThis is too simple! I want to do somethingmore complex.. I guess you don't trustme.. Let me show you...

She picks up a pencil, holding it in a very assured manner andbegins drawing.

PAKHI (CONT'D)This is the bay just off the place whereyour excavation site is..

VARUN(out of his depth)

Oh..

Pakhi steps back and looks at the easel, a nice outline of a

landscape, wooden bridge et al.

VARUN (CONT'D)Oh, you know this much already...


31/117

30.


PAKHINow to paint on the leaves... Would youlike to show me?

VARUNEr, er... Mix Green and a bit of black

together...!

He takes a brush, holding it stiffly and draws very amateurishleaves.

Pakhi looks at Varun in surprise and her expression changes asslowly realization dawns. She bursts into surprised laughter.

PAKHIYou don't know how to paint!!!!

Varun 'SHHHH's her, looking towards Pishi Ma.

VARUN(whispering)

Please don't let zamindar babu know...

Pakhi laughs, very amused.

PAKHI(impishly,whispering too)

I won't if you won't...

Varun looks at Pakhi. She holds his gaze. Electric.

CUT TO:


Devyani looks at Pakhi. Pakhi is plaiting her hair. They'resitting in front of the mirror.

DEVYANIYou'reteaching him?!!!

Pakhi winks at Devi.

PAKHISomeone has to learn, and someone has toteach for the classes to go on...!

CUT TO:


Deb looks at Varun, shaking his head, admonishing.

DEBDAS

You must be kidding!

CUT TO:


32/117

31.



Pakhi has a faraway expression in her eyes, a smile thatwouldn't quit her face.

PAKHI

I can't wait to start....

CUT TO:


VARUNShe said she'll come to the site.. Fromtomorrow.

Deb looks at Varun, and laughs -- half amused.

DEBDASDon't tell me I didn't warn you...

CUT TO:


Devi meets Pakhi's eyes over the mirror.

DEVYANIWhat did I tell you... He feels the sameway that you do..

CUT TO:


VARUNI've always wanted to learn painting...That's all there is to it...

Deb laughs and gets back to the book he's reading.

DEBDASYou're playing with fire...

VARUNYou're wrong!

CUT TO:


PAKHI(smiling)

You're right...

CUT TO:


33/117


34/117

33.


PAKHIAn archaeologist who never studiedhistory?!!

VARUN(easily)

I took up archaeology because my uncle wasan archaeologist. He would visit all thesefascinating places and I always wanted todo that... Also it's wonderful to knowabout the way people lived.. and thatsomewhere, somehow we're linked to themstill...

Pakhi smiles at his words.

DEBDAS(to Varun)

I'll see you later. I need to go to townto get some equipment for the extra workerswho start tomorrow..

Pakhi throws a meaningful glance at Devi, indicating that sheshould leave too.

DEVYANI(to Deb)

I need to go to the town market.. Can youplease accompany me? I need to pick upsome big parcels...

Deb looks at Varun, a serious look of warning about thingsgoing the way they were. He nods to Devi and walks towardsthe jeep.

PAKHIEr, you could take my car..

(to Devi)The driver will take you.. Varun babu candrive me back home..

DEBDAS(pointed look at

Varun)He's not famous for his skill behind thewheel!

PAKHII'm willing to take a chance....

CUT TO:

50 EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE -- LATE EVENING

Pakhi and Varun are standing in front of the breath-taking

scenery. The easel is set, paints laid out, but they'rewatching the scenery -- enthralled. Varun is silent.

Pakhi looks at him, then speaks tentatively.


35/117


36/117

35.


PAKHI (CONT'D)Do you parents approve of your decision tojoin your uncle?

A shuttered look comes over Varun's face, but he composeshimself within a moment.

VARUNI wouldn't have listened to them anyway..

(seems to be talkingalmost to himself)

I don't know whether what I wanted to dowas right or wrong.. But now,

(shrugs, back incontrol)

This is all I know..

Pakhi looks at him, a little perplexed, not knowing what to

make of him still.

PAKHII'm sure the path you've chosen is thebest for you..

Varun looks away, doesn't reply, doesn't meet her eye. Hegets up abruptly and looks at the golden sky that's approachingdusk.

VARUNIt's getting dark.. We'll come again anotherday..

CUT TO:

51 EXT. TOWNSHIP STREETS -- EVENING

Varun is driving. It's the twilight hour. The mood is quiet --introspective for Varun, puzzling for Pakhi. Pakhi is coughingslightly. Finally Pakhi breaks the silence.

PAKHIEr, is everything ok?

Varun nods, changing gears rather forcibly. Pakhi is quiet,coughing intermittently. They drive on for a while, then Pakhibreaks the silence again.

PAKHI (CONT'D)Did I say something wrong?

Varun, engrossed in thought, shakes his head in the negative.

PAKHI (CONT'D)I don't usually think before speaking,it's a problem, really. I'm sorry if...

Varun is about to say something when Pakhi has a small coughingfit. She drinks water out of a bottle.


37/117


38/117

37.


DOCTOR(to the zamindar)

Here's the prescription. No cause forworry.

(to Pakhi)Take it easy for the next couple of days.

I'll see you at the hospital this weekendfor your usual check up..

ZAMINDARThank you, Doctor..

The doctor leaves the room. Pishi Ma follows him to usher himout.

Alone now, the zamindar looks at Pakhi, anger tinged with worry.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)

Why were you alone? Why was Ram Saran notwith you? How could you be soirresponsible, Pakhi...

PAKHIBaba... I just wanted to..

ZAMINDARAnd why wasn't Devi with you? I told youI don't want you going anywhere alone..What if...?

PAKHII wasn't alone, Baba... Varun babu..

ZAMINDAR(snapping)

What the hell would Varun babu know? Ishe a doctor? A surgeon? A specialist?

PAKHI(gently)

Baba..

ZAMINDAR

(not letting herspeak)

And what if Varun babu didn't know how togive the injection? Do you know...

PAKHI(gently, holdingher father's hand)

Baba... It's okay... He knew.

The zamindar looks at Pakhi for a long moment -- love, worry,fear all fighting for expression on his face.

DEBDAS (O.S.)How is she now?

CUT TO:


39/117

38.



Varun is slumped on his bed, looking at some abstract point inthe ceiling, smoking a cigarette. Deb is looking at him.

Varun looks out of the window towards Pakhi's window.

VARUNShe was better when we got back.. I guess,she's all right now..

Deb looks at Varun, intently.

VARUN (CONT'D)She's not like other girls...

DEBDAS(fierce)

Damn right, she's not.. She's the zamindar'sdaughter..

Varun doesn't reply, continues smoking, looking at the starson the night sky. Stars, distant, twinkling.

ZAMINDAR (O.S.)Varun babu...

DISSOLVE TO:


Rocks. Shattering. Hammering all around -- systematically,wearing them down. Mirroring Varun's state almost -- as hewatches, standing in a trench, smoking absently, an intentlook about him.

ZAMINDAR (O.S.)Varun babu...

Varun looks up with a start and sees the Zamindar standingabove. Varun immediately throws away the cigarette and clambersup the make-shift ladder.

CUT TO:


The zamindar and Varun are walking, away from the din towardsa quieter part of the site. The zamindar somehow seems tired,frail, older.

ZAMINDAR(awkward, butsincere)

I want to thank you for what you did

yesterday..

VARUNPlease zamindar babu.. Don't mention it...


40/117

39.


The zamindar looks absently around.

ZAMINDARThat's why I don't let her go out too much..I.. she..

(pause)

She's all I have.. when she was about five,her mother was struck with tuberculosis..Pakhi got infected too.. Her mother diedwithin a year.. Pakhi was spared.. Buther illness developed to very acute asthma..Added to that, she has lymphoma, a conditionof the lungs which can anytime veer towardssomething more dangerous.. And if shegets an asthma attack and doesn't get hershot in time....

He trails off. Varun awkwardly tries to console him.

VARUNShe will be fine, zamindar babu...

ZAMINDARGod bless you, son.

Varun is very uncomfortable.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)I'll take your leave now. You need to getback to your work.

The zamindar turns and walks away. Takes a few steps. Thenturns back towards Varun.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)What you've done today is beyond gratitude..Please feel free to ask anything.. Nothingwill be too big..

The zamindar walks on towards his car. Varun looks at him,very disconcerted. He turns and sees Deb standing, watchinghim.

DEBDAS(gesturing to theenvelope in hishand)

There's a letter from Bajpai Uncle...

CUT TO:

57 INT. HAVELI OUTHOUSE -- EVENING

Varun and Deb are packing a suitcase, putting in clothes, somephotographs taken etc.

DEBDASHave you told Zamindar babu?

CUT TO:


41/117

40.



Varun knocks on and opens the door of the library. He is takenaback to see Pakhi sitting on an armchair, a shawl around her,a book on her lap, looking at some nebulous distance -- lost.

She gives a start as she sees Varun.

VARUNI was looking for Zamindar babu...

(pause)How are you feeling?

PAKHI(smiles, awkward)

Much better now. Thank you... Thank youfor that day...

VARUN(waving it away)Like you said.. You would've done thesame.. I am glad you're all right...

PAKHIDid you want to see Baba about somethingimportant? He's gone to meet his lawyer.He'll return by night..

VARUNWell.. I wanted to tell him that we'releaving for Calcutta for a day..

PAKHIOh...

VARUNPlease give him the message, if I'm unableto meet him.

Varun turns to leave. Pakhi fights with herself, but unableto hold back, calls out.

PAKHI

Will you call me?

Varun turns and looks at her -- a strange expression on hisface.

PAKHI (CONT'D)(blushing)

From Calcutta, I mean.. If you get sometime off from work...

Varun nods curtly and without saying anything more, turns aroundand leaves.

CUT TO:


42/117


43/117

42.


DR. GUHAWell, it's off...

ZAMINDARWhy?

DR. GUHAShe ran away with some guy that she was inlove with...

The zamindar is shocked.

ZAMINDARDidn't Sujoy know?

DR. GUHA(shrugs)

I guess not.. He'd arranged for her

marriage with a very good family.. Butnow he's got no face to show the world..All because of this new-found freedom thateveryone wants to give girls...

ZAMINDAR(with dignity)

Freedom is a wonderful thing, Biswas.. Ourcountry has won it after a hundred years..I think it's high time the womenfolk wereentitled to their's...

DR. GUHAYes, but look where it landed poor Sujoy...

ZAMINDAREach person is different.. Unfortunatelywhen misused, anything can get a bad name..My daughter has all the freedom I'd give ason.. But I trust her implicitly..

(emphasizing, almostto himself)

Each person is different...

The doctor nods his assent and moves away. Pakhi looks at her

father, who seems suddenly lost.

PAKHIAre you all right, Baba?

CUT TO:

61 EXT. ZAMNDAR'S CAR -- EVENING

The zamindar and Pakhi are in the car, traveling. The zamindarlooks out of the window, rather disturbed.

ZAMINDARMy biggest fear in life is the day I haveto bid you goodbye.. The day you'll leaveme and start a life of your own..


44/117

43.


PAKHIBaba...

ZAMINDAR(raising his hand)

I know it has to happen.. I have to

experience this loss, this knowledge thatmy little girl is not going to be with mealways..

Pakhi looks at her father, caught in emotion.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)But, my child, I want to tell you onething.. Don't keep me in the dark.. Youand I are friends.. we've always been,right?

Pakhi nods.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)When you meet someone... tell me..

(voice close tobreaking)

Don't do what Payal did... That would breakme..

Pakhi holds her father's hand in a firm reassuring grip. Theyare silent for a moment, both gathering their composure.

They are now passing by the temple site. Pakhi looks at it,missing Varun.

PAKHI (V.O.)'I knew what Baba meant.. I wanted to tellhim too.. But what would I tell him, whenI knew just one side of the story...? Iknew only my feelings...'

CUT TO:

62 INT. BAR -- EVENING

BAJPAIWhat do you feel, Varun?

Varun gives a start as he looks at UNCLE BAJPAI, a thin well-dressed elderly kindly-looking man -- not having heard him atall, lost in thought.

DEBDAS(explaining)

Bajpai Uncle was saying we should try toaim to finish by next weekend...

Varun nods, abstractedly. Their table is strewn withphotographs, documents, some reference material etc. Bajpaipicks up a photograph and looks at it closely.


45/117

44.


BAJPAI(looking at Varun)

By the way, great job..

VARUN(smiles, sardonic)

Thank you. I learnt from the best..

He then looks away, lost in thought. Bajpai watches him for along moment, then speaks, kindly.

BAJPAIIt's not worth it, son...

Varun looks at Bajpai, surprised he should know. Then he looksat Deb and realizes Deb must've told him.

BAJPAI (CONT'D)

It's not fair on her either. You belongto different worlds.. It's best that youmove away now. Or you'll only cause hurt..Am I right?

Varun doesn't reply.

He looks at a wall. There's a amateurish painting of alandscape. Varun laughs, a short bitter laugh..

VARUN(scathing)

The world conspires...!!!

On the landscape.

DISSOLVE TO:


PAKHI (V.O.)'Time just seemed to move so slowly...Seconds felt like hours... Minutes likedays... and hours felt like infinity..'

Pakhi stands by the window, watching the blank canvas visiblethrough the outhouse window. The door is still locked.

CUT TO:

Only Pakhi and her father are having dinner. Strangely silent.Empty. Pakhi looks at the seat where Varun usually sits,missing him, but not letting on to her father.

CUT TO:

It is morning. Pakhi and Devyani are collecting flowers for

the puja in the lawn as usual. Pakhi looks at the locked doorof the outhouse. Devyani catches her look, smiles inunderstanding.

CUT TO:


46/117

45.


Pakhi is walking down the corridor. The space around seems tostretch endlessly.

CUT TO:

Night. Pakhi is sitting by her window, looking at the outhouse.

CUT TO:

64 EXT. VICTORIA MEMORIAL -- DAY

Varun and Deb are sitting on a bench, feeding pigeons.

DEBDASThere's a bus leaving in an hour's time..

VARUN(feeding pigeons,

not looking atDeb)Let's stay another day...

Deb looks at his friend, not reacting.

CUT TO:


Pakhi is sitting by the window, book in her lap, looking atthe empty outhouse.

PAKHI (V.O.)'Three days had passed... And he hadn'tcalled either... I was getting worried..'

CUT TO:

66 INT. THE HAVELI - PAKHI'S ROOM -- MORNING

Dusty morning sunrays hit Pakhi through the curtains. She'sfallen asleep on the window ledge. She opens her eyes andlooks at the ceiling for a moment. She then looks outside thewindow.

The jeep is parked. She jumps up, a wide smile spreading onher face.

PAKHI (V.O.)'There was no doubt in my mind now... Iwas in love. Unbearably. Irrevocably. Ijust had to know what he felt...'

CUT TO:

67 INT. THE HAVELI -- MORNING

Pakhi is pottering by a vase at the first landing of the stairs,arranging flowers but evidently waiting to encounter Varun.The moment she sees Varun coming towards the stairs, she stopswhat she's doing and takes a step towards him..


47/117

46.


PAKHIVarun babu..

Varun stops at the bottom of the stairs and smiles at her, buthis manner seems rather withdrawn.

VARUNI was going to meet your father about yourfamily heirlooms..

Pakhi moves down the stairs.

PAKHII thought you said you'd return in a day..

VARUNYes, but some work came up..

Pakhi's smile falters. This is not the answer she's expecting.She stops at the second stair, looking down at Varun.

PAKHI(tentative)

Did you miss not painting?

VARUNNot really.. There was no time...

Pakhi gets more upset, but tries not to show.

PAKHISo, we meet today at the same time?

VARUNI'm sorry, but I can't.. I have to sendsome photographs urgently to my bosses..I gave them to develop yesterday, I'll getthem this evening...

PAKHITomorrow then?

VARUN

Tomorrow, I will be going into town topick..

PAKHI(interrupting,temper rising)

Day after, the day after that... Next week?

Varun looks at her and speaks emotionlessly.

VARUNI leave next week.

Pakhi looks at him, the truth hitting her like a ton of bricks,tries to compose herself, willing herself not to let heremotions out.


48/117

47.


A moment later, she moves away and walks past him. Varun takesa deep breath.

CUT TO:

68 INT. THE HAVELI - DINING ROOM -- NIGHT

Varun, Deb, Pakhi, Devi are at dinner. The mood is tense,unnaturally quiet.

DEBDASWon't zamindar babu join us?

PAKHI(curt)

He's gone out to meet a friend..

The attendants begin serving dinner.

They begin eating quietly.

DEVYANI(politely)

Did you find any books of interest at thebook store, Varun babu?

PAKHI(to Varun, almostconversationally)

You must get Shakespeare's Hamlet..

VARUNI already own a copy..

PAKHI(not letting himcomplete hissentence)

You'll find the character of Hamlet veryinteresting.. He spurns the love of Ophelia,the woman who loves him beyond anyone else..And whom he loves as much... Why do youthink he did that?

VARUN(quiet, playingalong)

Because he believes that he will only hurther more, if she enters his terrible life..

PAKHIBut he did worse... She went mad with hurtand killed herself! "Oh woe is me.. T'haveseen what I have seen, see what I see.."

Deb and Devi watch the two, fighting out a very private battle.Just then, Pishi ma comes to Pakhi's side and puts down a bowl.

PISHI MAYour favourite dessert, Pakhi di..


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48.


Pakhi gets up from her chair and putting down a napkin, speaks,addressing no one in particular.

PAKHIPlease excuse me.. I'm not feeling toowell...

Varun looks at her as she walks away.

CUT TO:

69 INT. THE HAVELI - CORRIDOR -- NIGHT

Varun catches up with Pakhi and holds her by the elbow.

VARUNWhat is wrong?

PAKHIWhat is wrong?!!! Ask yourself thatquestion...

VARUNI'm not the one over-reacting...

PAKHII'm over-reacting? You go away sayingyou'd return in a day, you don't come backfor three days... You tell me you'd call..But you don't... You have no thought towardsme and how worried I'd be...

VARUN(disquietinglycalm)

Why would you be worried...?

PAKHIBecause...

(trails away, hurtat having to spellthings out)

You know the reason... Why do you want to

make me say it?

Varun looks at her, impassive, trying not to react.

PAKHI (CONT'D)Why are you behaving like this?

VARUNLike what?

PAKHIAs if there's nothing between us.. Don't

you feel anything for me at all?

Varun doesn't reply. Slowly, Pakhi's temper cools, and shelooks at him, shocked into quietness.


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49.


PAKHI (CONT'D)You feel nothing?

VARUNI'm leaving this place in a week..

PAKHI(ignoring his words)

You feel nothing? Then what was all thattime we spent together for? Why did youdo that?

VARUN(angry)

You wanted to learn painting..

PAKHIAnd you agreed to teach me.. Despite not

knowing how to hold a brush! Why did youdo that?

VARUN(snapping)

Because I'm a damn fool, that's why!

PAKHISo all of this was just a game?

VARUN(angrier)

Yes, it was!!! I was just playing a game.There now, you know the truth..

Tears fill her eyes at the hurt and humiliation of unrequitedlove. She watches as Varun turns and walks away.

CUT TO:


Pakhi is sitting on her chair, writing in her diary, her penscratching on paper, angrily. There's a knock on the door andDevi enters. She reaches Pakhi and sits next to her, silently,

without saying anything.

PAKHIDon't say anything, Devi... I don't wantto hear anything...

She continues writing, but tears fall down her face now. Shewipes them away angrily, and continues writing. Devi watchesher.

PAKHI (CONT'D)I don't blame anyone. I was the fool..

Her anger dies as hurt and pain take over. Her face crumples,but she continues writing. A moment later, she throws the pendown and turns to Devi.


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50.


PAKHI (CONT'D)He doesn't care about me, Devi..

DEVYANIThat's not true..

PAKHIHe just told me that... I've been such afool...

She wipes away her tears angrily.

PAKHI (CONT'D)I won't let him hurt me like this.. He hasno right..

She moves towards the open window and shuts it with all hermight.

CUT TO:


Pacing up and down, smoking a cigarette, Varun looks at theshut window of Pakhi's room.

Deb observes his friend's turmoil.

CUT TO:


Pakhi is writing in her diary.

PAKHI (V.O.)'I was in pain.. I couldn't think straight..I just wanted to disappear somewhere, sono one could see me.. or witness myhumiliation... Every time I saw him, I sawa love that would never be.. a world thatI would never belong to...'

CUT TO:

73 INT. HAVELI OUTHOUSE -- EVENING

Varun is sitting with an abstracted look about him. Deb ispacking up suitcases and talking.

DEBDASI'll leave after dinner, take care of thearrangements at Calcutta. I'll return inthe morning, and then we can leave tomorrownight with the rest of the stuff..


DEBDAS (CONT'D)I just hope that...


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51.


He trails off as he notices Varun's demeanor.

DEBDAS (CONT'D)(kindly)

Leave it.. You're doing the right thing..It would've never worked...

Varun gets up and walks out of the room.

CUT TO:


Pakhi is sitting with her father, going through some letters,when there's a knock on the door. It's Varun. Pakhi turnsaway. The zamindar beckons Varun warmly, asking him to enter.

VARUN

(to Pakhi)Hello..

Pakhi nods and moves away. The air between Pakhi and Varun isvery strained.

ZAMINDAR(going throughsome papers, toVarun)

I've received a letter asking me whether Iwould like to sell the rare heirlooms Iown..

(snort)He promises me a very good price.. Peoplehave no respect for history, do they?

Varun makes a noncommittal reply, then clears his throat as ifto say something.

VARUNI came in to tell you that I'm leavingtomorrow...

Pakhi stiffens the moment she hears the words, but doesn't

turn to Varun.

ZAMINDAROh, is it one month already?

VARUNYes sir.. I was wrong, after all. We foundnothing.. The whole exercise has beenfutile..

ZAMINDAROh. I'm sorry to hear that. But we are

so happy to have had the chance to knowyou.. It's strange how life brings suchdifferent people together and makes thempart of each other's lives.. Even if for ashort while.. We'll miss you terribly..


53/117


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53.


Very sensual. They're in each other's arms. They make love.

CUT TO:

77 INT. HAVELI OUTHOUSE -- LATER

Pakhi is sitting by the closed window on a chair, scribblingsomething on a piece of paper.

Varun looks at her, and goes close to her. Pakhi sees himlooking, smiles shyly at him and goes back to scribbling.

This is a very different Varun -- warm, affectionate, alldefenses down.

VARUNWhat are you pretending to write?

PAKHII'm not pretending.. I'm writing a story.

VARUNWhat's it about?

PAKHIIt's a story.

VARUNIs there a boy?

Pakhi nods.

VARUN (CONT'D)And a girl?

Pakhi nods again.

VARUN (CONT'D)Are they in love?

PAKHI(looks into hiseyes)

No...

VARUN(holding her gaze)

Are they going to fall in love?

Pakhi looks away, flushing.

PAKHII don't know.

VARUN

What is he telling her now?

Pakhi doesn't reply, looking at his eyes.


55/117

54.


VARUN (CONT'D)Is she angry with him?

PAKHI(softly)

Yes..

VARUNAnd what is he doing?

PAKHIHe is too close for her comfort...

VARUNSo what does she do?

PAKHIShe tells him that...

VARUNDoes he move away?

PAKHINo...

VARUNHas he told her that she's the mostbeautiful girl he's ever seen in his life?

PAKHI(looking into hiseyes, intense)

No...

VARUNHas she told him she loves him more thananything in this world?

PAKHINo...

VARUNWhen is she going to tell him?

Pakhi doesn't reply. He touches her lips.

VARUN (CONT'D)When?

Pakhi doesn't reply, overwhelmed. Varun moves his face closeto her to kiss her. She moves away and gets up. He holds herhand.

VARUN (CONT'D)Don't go...

PAKHIIt'll be morning soon.. I have to..


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55.


But he holds onto her hand, not letting go. On their hands.

CUT TO:

78 EXT. THE HAVELI -- MORNING

Morning light bathes the haveli beautifully.

CUT TO:

79 INT. THE HAVELI - ZAMINDAR'S ROOM -- MORNING

The zamindar is sitting on a chair, reading his newspaper andhaving tea. He looks up at a knock and is surprised to seePakhi.

PAKHIGood morning, baba...

ZAMINDARGood morning... You're up awfully early..

Pakhi flits about the room in nervousness, straightening thisand that.

PAKHIThese flowers are two days old.. I musttell Pishi Ma to ask the servants to takecare..

She moves away with the vase, places it at the door, then turnsback and straightens the bed covers.

ZAMINDAR(exasperated)

Will you please sit down?! You're makingme dizzy!!

Pakhi slows down and sits on the chair opposite her father andpicks up a newspaper. The zamindar looks at her closely.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)Pakhi.. what is it?

Pakhi continues looking at the newspaper, not knowing how tostart. She looks up and sees that the zamindar is waiting,patiently. Mustering courage and a deep breath later, shebegins.

PAKHIEr, Baba... Remember that day when we weretraveling back after my check-up.. Youtold me something..

ZAMINDAR

(racking his memory)I did...?


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56.


PAKHIYou said that er... you said that if therewas anything in my life, I should come andtell you first...

The zamindar looks at her quizzically. Pakhi doesn't meet her

father's eye..

PAKHI (CONT'D)Baba, there is someone..

Realization dawns on the zamindar, and a slightly shutteredexpression falls on his features. Pakhi goes silent, lookingat her father now, slightly uncertain of his reaction.

ZAMINDAR(after a long pause)

I see..

Pakhi is silent, waiting.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)(stern, taciturn)

Who is this someone?

PAKHI(after a moment)

Varun...

The zamindar looks at Pakhi, not too surprised as if she wasjust confirming what he already suspected. Rather thunderousexpression, revealing nothing with his tone though.

ZAMINDARTell him I want to meet him...

CUT TO:

80 INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY -- LATER

The zamindar looks up as Varun knocks and enters the door.Pakhi is sitting on a chair close by. She looks at Varun andthen at her father.

ZAMINDAR(to Pakhi)

Go to the other room..

PAKHIBut Baba..

ZAMINDAR(authoritative)

Go..

Pakhi looks at Varun and leaves the room, standing howeveroutside the door, her fingers crossed in prayer, walking upand down in nervousness.


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57.


ZAMINDAR(CONT'D)Pakhi told me about the two of you...


ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)

She's untouched by the world. She doesn'tknow any artifice or pretense. But I knowbetter...

(pause)You are meant to return to god-knows-where-you-came-from this morning.. Am I right?

VARUN(quietly)

Yes, sir..

ZAMINDAR

So, if you leave this morning, what is tohappen of her?

Varun looks at the zamindar, not protesting, not speaking.

ZAMINDAR(CONT'D)I told you the other day, she's all I have..I can't bear to have any one.. ANYONE...hurt her in any manner..

Varun is quiet.

ZAMINDAR(CONT'D)We know nothing about you... To Pakhi, itdoesn't matter. But it does to me...

Varun is silent, meeting the zamindar's gaze levelly.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)Where are you from?

VARUNBombay..

ZAMINDAR

Your background... Education?

VARUNI'm self-taught..

ZAMINDARArchaeology?

VARUNTurned from hobby to interest to profession.

ZAMINDAR

Your parents...

VARUNThey died in an accident when I was four..


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58.


ZAMINDARFamily?

VARUNI have none...

The zamindar goes silent. His manner thawing.

ZAMINDAR(quieter now)

I have no problem with you, son.. You're awonderful person.. I've seen ample proofof that in the last month.. You haven'tabused our trust or hospitality in anymanner..

(pauses, thencontinues)

But I'm just a father. No man will be

good enough for my daughter... I stilldon't approve of this.. But I promised youthat you could ask me for anything youwanted... I didn't know you'd ask me forthe most precious thing in my life...

The zamindar smiles at Varun as he says the last words. Varunlooks very uncomfortable.

VARUNSir...

ZAMINDARLet me finish.. I need some more answers.You are aware of Pakhi's health?

VARUNYes, Sir..

ZAMINDARIf she hadn't spoken to me this morning,would you have...?

VARUNYes. I wouldn't have left before I did

that...

ZAMINDARWill you marry her?

Varun looks at the zamindar, looks down, takes a deep breathand then answers.

VARUNYes, sir...

Outside, Pakhi smiles in utter happiness.

CUT TO:


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59.


81 INT. HAVELI OUTHOUSE -- DAY

Deb is standing in front of Varun, aghast.

DEBDASYou're getting married?

VARUN(looking Deb inthe eye)

The engagement is tomorrow...

DEBDAS(shocked)

What? And when were you planning on tellingme all this?!

Varun is silent, takes a drag of his cigarette.

DEBDAS (CONT'D)As it is Bajpai uncle is not very pleasedbecause we couldn't carry out...

VARUN(cutting in)

That wasn't part of the plan.. He knowsthat...

DEBDASYes, but now this... How will...

(breaks off)Why?

VARUN(shakes his head)

I don't know...

DEBDASWhat's going on? Is there something Idon't know...

Varun is silent, harassed.. Keeps smoking, looking out of thewindow.

DEBDAS (CONT'D)What is it, man? We've known each otherfor more than six years now.. We've neverhad any secrets before.. What is it? Doyou love her?

VARUNI don't know...

DEBDASThen why did you agree to this... this

marriage? Isn't it wrong... to Pakhi?Her father?


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60.


VARUN(raking his fingersthrough his hair)

I didn't know what to say..

DEBDAS

So what? What are you trying to say? Idon't understand! I don't understand youat all. We were meant to leave tonight...Everything is scheduled.. And...

VARUN(cutting in,snapping)

Life doesn't happen like we schedule it..Accept that!!!

Both angry, they stand looking in opposite directions. A long

pause later, Deb speaks up.

DEBDASWhere is the engagement?

VARUNThe temple site...

Deb looks at him, sharply. Varun interprets the look and shakeshis head in the negative. Deb looks away.

CUT TO:


The zamindar is sitting on his large imposing chair. Majumdaris sitting on a chair by the table. The zamindar is dictatinga letter.

ZAMINDAR'Thakur Bikramaditya Roychowdhury is happyto invite you for the engagement of hisdaughter... no, his only daughter PakhiRoychowdhury to Varun Shrivastav...'

He breaks off and addresses Majumdar.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)So what if he's not a Bengali... Thosetimes are gone.. We're in the 1950s.Caste and such stuff don't matter anymore..Poor boy has no parents.. But he's awonderful chap.. We've all seen that. Andthat's all that should matter...

Majumdar nods in assent.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)(continues dictating)Where were we?


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61.


MAJUMDAR"..to Varun Shrivastav..."

ZAMINDARYes.. on Shukla Paksh. Indian monthblah..., the twenty first of November..

He talks to Majumdar.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)It israther short notice.. Just two daysaway.. But those who can't make it for theengagement can come for the wedding, whatdo you say?

MAJUMDAROf course...

ZAMINDAR(dictating again)'The wedding will be on the auspicious dayof the ... Indian blah... December 15th..I would like to share my joy and happinesswith my friends and relatives... I wouldbe honored if you grace the occasion withyour presence and bless the happy couple..'Yours, Etc. Etc.

MAJUMDAR(getting up)

Is there anything else, Babu?

Suddenly, the zamindar looks lost, he hasn't heard Majumdar atall.

MAJUMDAR (CONT'D)Zamindar babu...

The zamindar turns to look at Majumdar, very emotional.

ZAMINDARShe's really going away, Majumdar...

Majumdar puts a hand on the zamindar's shoulder. A momentlater, the zamindar squares his shoulders and gets up from hischair.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)(clearing his throat)

Let's get started now... So many things todo..

CUT TO:

83 EXT. THE HAVELI -- DAY

The haveli is bedecked with flowers. Guests have arrived.Children playing around, women moving around importantly.


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62.


Rangoli being made. Children. Lots of laughter, sound, music.

CUT TO:

84 INT. HAVELI OUTHOUSE -- DAY

Deb, watching all of this from the window of the outhouse,turns to Varun, who's sitting on a chair, smoking, dressedvery elegantly.

DEBDASAre you...?

Just then, there's a knock on the door and a little girl enters.

LITTLE GIRL(taking Varun'sarm)

Come, they're calling you...

A moment later, an older woman enters, and shooing the kidaway, smiles at Varun.

LADYEveryone is looking for the son-in law...

Varun smiles and gets up from his seat.

CUT TO:

85 INT. THE HAVELI -- DAY

The zamindar is calling out instructions. A pandal is put up,a priest setting up puja stuff.

CUT TO:

86 INT. THE HAVELI - PAKHI'S ROOM -- DAY

Alta is being applied on Pakhi's feet. Another woman is takingcare of her hair. Devi is sorting bangles. Pakhi looks veryhappy, blushing, smiling.

Her hands are next in line for alta.

Hands outstretched, she looks in the direction of the window.Devi, who's standing there now, nods. Pakhi smiles, excited,anticipatory.

CUT TO:

87 INT. THE TEMPLE SITE -- DAY

The place is beautifully bedecked.

Pakhi enters the puja area flanked by friends and other women.She stands next to Varun as the rites are read. She steals aglance at him. His expression is grim, remote. But catchingher look, he smiles, warm, tender. She lowers her eyes.


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63.


The engagement ceremony is over, heralded by conch shells andshower of confetti and roses.

The zamindar watches the proceedings, proud, sad.

CUT TO:

88 INT. THE TEMPLE SITE -- NIGHT

Guests are slowly moving away. The place is being cleared ofpeople. Pakhi and Varun are talking to someone. The personis called away. Snatching the moment, Varun takes Pakhi aside,away from prying eyes.

PAKHI(protesting,laughingly)

I'm going to get a bad name!

Varun doesn't say anything. He holds her hands and looks asif he's about to say something. Just then, the zamindar passesby them, but doesn't see them. The moment is lost.

Varun looks deep in Pakhi's eyes for a long moment, then kissesher on her forehead. Very tender, gentle. And then he turnsand leaves. Pakhi stands, looking at him, her eyes welling upwith tears.

CUT TO:


Pakhi is asleep on her bed, still wearing all her jewelry anddress clothes. Even in her sleep, she is smiling.

PAKHI (V.O.)'I was so happy that I was frightened..Frightened that I might wake up and realizethat all of this was just a dream... Butit wasn't... I couldn't thank God enough..'

FADE OUT:

MORNING

Pakhi gets up and stretches on her bed. She looks at theclothes she's slept in and smiles at herself.

She then gets off the bed and stands by the window, lookingout. She sees the blank canvas. Smiles in anticipation ofthe future.

CUT TO:

90 INT. THE HAVELI -- MORNING

The place is abuzz. Pakhi watches as the zamindar is standingwearing a coat, being fitted for it. The tailor is nippingand tucking at the suit.


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64.


The zamindar, impatient with the inactivity is talking toMajumdar, giving instructions to servants. Devi is gettingsome rangoli done.

ZAMINDAR(to Majumdar)

Get the silver idol of Kali out from thestore room. We'll install it today in thepuja room, after the havan..

(to servants)Ask Pishi Ma whether the havan samagri hasbeen bought... And send Ram Saran to fetchthe pandit at twelve...

Pakhi walks to her father and puts a hand on his arm. He turnsto her and holding his hands out, asks.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)

What do you think?

Pakhi smiles at him affectionately, and taking his hand takeshim aside.

PAKHISit down and breathe now... You're behavinglike Pakhi express!!!

Servants milling all around, ladies taking charge ofarrangements, Pishi Ma calling out instructions. In the midstof all this, Pakhi sits her father down.

Majumdar moves away from the room, up the stairs.

Just then, Pishi Ma reaches Pakhi and the zamindar, stands infront of them, looking troubled.

PISHI MABabu... The police are here...

The zamindar and Pakhi look at each other, surprised. As doesDevi, who stops her rangoli. Two uniformed police officersenter the room.

The zamindar walks upto them.

ZAMINDARBose babu.. What brings you here...

BOSE, about fifty, shrewd, world-weary eyes, shakes hands withthe zamindar, respectfully. The other officer joins them.

BOSEThis is my associate, Devidayal.

The zamindar nods.

BOSE (CONT'D)There's been an unfortunate development.The temple site has been looted...


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65.


ZAMINDAR(puzzled)

Looted?!

BOSEWe have reason to believe that this is the

work of a gang.. They've pulled off similarscams in other parts of the country..Master criminals..

ZAMINDARWhat is there to loot at the site? It'sjust...

BOSEPillars, etchings, anything of value...And the idol in your shrine..

ZAMINDARHow can that be? The shrine is alwayslocked.. and only I have the key.. andonly last evening, we had the engagementceremony there..

BOSEWho all are living in your house at present?

ZAMINDARWell, my daughter and I, servants who'vebeen with us for over two decades, yes,there is one new servant we hired a fewdays ago, but he's from Pishi Ma'svillage... Then there's my son-in-law to-be who lives with his friend in theouthouse... But how could anyone...?

Pakhi beckons a little kid who's playing.

PAKHIGo to the outhouse and ask Varun Dada tocome immediately..

BOSE

What's your son-in law's name?

ZAMINDARVarun Shrivastav.. Do the police have anyidea about how this happened?

BOSEAnd his friend's name...

ZAMINDARDebdas Mukherjee... But will you tell mewho did this? How did this happen?

BOSE(deep breath)

They dug a tunnel... From the temple siteto underneath the shrine...


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66.


Majumdar is at the head of the stairs.

MAJUMDAR(calls out)

Babu!!!

Devi looks at her father. The zamindar doesn't listen, lookingat Bose in shock.

BOSEVarun Shrivastav, alias Narayan Maurya,alias Mohan Das, alias Raj Saxena... andseveral more-- about six feet tall,athletic, good- looking, very knowledgeableabout a host of things especially literatureand archaeology..

A shocked look comes over the zamindar's face. Pakhi looks

stunned. Devi looks on in shock.

BOSE (CONT'D)Debdas Mukherjee, aka Vijay, Guru, Basant.. --about five ten, curly hair, dresses likeDev Anand...

ZAMINDAR(shaking his head)

There must be a mistake...

Majumdar hurries towards them, shocked, out of breath.

MAJUMDARBabu... We've been robbed! The store roomis wiped clean!

Pakhi and her father look at him, shocked beyond words.

Just then, the little kid Pakhi had sent to fetch Varun comesto them. She tugs Pakhi's hand.

LITTLE GIRLDidi... There's no one in the room... Butthis letter was stuck on the door...

Pakhi takes the letter with trembling hands. She opens it andbegins reading. Everything is now from Pakhi's POV. Shaky,abstracted.

VARUN (V.O.)'I know you can never forgive me for whatI'm about to do... You showed me thepossibility of a different life, aninfinitely better one... But I don't thinkI'm worth it.. Neither am I worthy

Download - Script of Vikramaditya Motwane's Lootera - 2nd Draft

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