Script of Vikramaditya Motwane S Lootera 2nd Draft PDF

THE LAST LEAF
2nd Draft
Inspired from "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry
screenplay:
Bhavani Iyer
Vikramaditya Motwane
Registered at the Film Writers Association!

Reg # : 107296 !
15/02/2005!
!
FADE IN:
1
EXT / INT. THE COTTAGE - PAKHI'S ROOM -- EVENING

TITLES BEGIN
An abstracted view -- very blurred, smoky.
of white.
Undulating waves
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 beautiful
barren tree.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'What we call the beginning is often the
end. And to make an end is to make another
beginning..'
Moving farther away from the tree, through the glass of a
window, into a room, where the tree forms a fitting bookmark
outside the window.
The room gets increasingly focussed. A fireplace, a shelf of
books, farther and farther into the room, until one reaches a
desk. A dried rosebud, a beautiful old clock, a paper knife,
a pen-stand, ink, sheaves of paper. And on a singular sheet
of paper --- Words, fingers, pen scratching on paper. The
words etch out on the paper.
PAKHI (V.O.) (CONT'D)
'This isn't a story of love. Love takes
away too much, destroys too much, hurts
too much... It's easier to hate. So, this
is a story of hate -- a hate that was
stronger 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 permeates
into the paper.
TITLES END
FADE TO BLACK
2
INT / EXT. THE HAVELI & TOWNSHIP -- VARIOUS

PAKHI (V.O.)
'This story that began a while ago.. A
time when India's independence was still a
much-loved new-born..'
FADE IN
Images of a small flag-hoisting celebration, people wearing
khadi.
2.
The Last Leaf, 2nd Draft, 1-2-2005

'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 the
outskirts of Bengal, many things changed..'
Visual of the township.
'The zamindars, who'd ruled small towns,
almost like their own kingdom, were now
kings only of their own abodes...'
Pakhi's mansion/ haveli lit beautifully by the evening sun.
'And they drowned their sorrows in an excess
of 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 is
beautiful, candles, lanterns, flowers, opulent.
An all-male gathering in the center of the room. The womenfolk,
exquisitely dressed are sitting separately in the balcony
overlooking the atrium.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'My father, Zamindar Bikramaditya
Roychowdhury was no different..'
ZAMINDAR ROYCHOWDHURY is sitting at the vantage seat of the
host, listening to the music, absorbed.
'Like any other Indian, Baba rejoiced when
the British left Indian shores. What he
missed was like-minded companions that he
could discuss books, poetry and music
with... But money makes up for a lot of
things.. 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 his
face.
'The only thing that worried Baba was me...'
3.
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.
elderly maid, PISHI MA is holding her hand.
An
The Zamindar enters the room with urgent strides, an elderly

doctor, DR. GUHA following him.
ZAMINDAR
She was fine this evening...
The doctor takes Pakhi's pulse. She looks feverish, struggling
to breathe. Dr. Guha administers an injection. The Zamindar
looks on, terribly worried, almost close to tears.
He moves away, looking out of a window, agitated, helpless.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
(almost under his
breath)
I can't bear to see my child like this,
time and again!
DR. GUHA
You know how it is, Zamindar babu. As
long as medical attention is close by,
there is no cause for worry.
The Zamindar doesn't reply. He looks at Pakhi, who's breathing
is getting slightly easy now. She reaches a hand out in his
direction, 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 of
books. 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 on
her lap.
4.

'And I had my writing.. I wrote anything
that came to mind.. Short stories, poems,
thoughts.. Rather immature, but I was
getting better.. And someday I would write
a book.. lots of books.. I'd be a famous
writer.. Then I'd meet someone wonderful
and live happily ever after.. I lived in
my dreams.. It was a fairytale existence..'
CUT TO:
6
EXT. THE HAVELI LAWNS -- EVENING

Pakhi and her father walking along the lawns, talking.
almost lyrically beautiful sunset.
An
PAKHI (V.O.)
'Life was simple, self-contained, like a
placid 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.. not
peace.. The tranquility of my life was
about to be hit by a storm..'
CUT TO:
8
EXT. TOWNSHIP STREETS -- DAY

Golden dust rising from the street as a lovely old vintage car
is traveling the streets of the township. At a juncture, it
takes a turn and enters a long lane.
Pakhi is sitting in the back seat of the vintage car, looking
out, humming a tune.
Almost simultaneously, another car, rather dusty and not in
great shape, coming from the opposite direction, turns into
the same lane. The two cars travel alongside for a considerable
distance.
Pakhi looks to her left with curiosity. The two cars are almost
adjacent now. Exactly the same moment, VARUN SHRIVASTAV, a
good-looking young man driving the other car, looks in her
direction. 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 the
right. Shooting a look over her shoulder, she smiles at him,
without meeting his eyes.
5.
Varun looks in the direction of the car driving away, taking

his eyes from the road. The next instant, he sees a tree
looming in front of him. Veering left, he loses control of
the car.
The car goes into a tremendous spin and finally stops, crashing
against the tree, smoke rising from the debris.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'And all it took was one moment.. one
person.. one accident..'
CUT TO:
9

(Song plays in the background -- enchanting, wistful)
Pakhi is sitting by the window, writing onto a book on her
lap. But she is distracted, writes a few words and then, a
faraway expression.
Image of the young man's smile.
Pakhi blushes again at the memory and smiles.
Image of her smiling back at him through the car.
The car spiraling out of control. Pakhi's expression changing
into alarm as she watches from her car.
Pakhi's fingers crossed in a quick prayer.
Varun lying on the ground, half within the car, an abstract
smile spreading on his face upon seeing Pakhi, bent over him
in worry.
Hi...
VARUN
(abstract)
Pakhi giving him her hand to help him out.

Long curtains trailing into the room, moonlight filtering.
TIME LAPSE as morning dawns, early morning light now filtering
through.
He just left...
DR. GUHA (O.S.)

CUT TO:
10
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- DAY

Pakhi turns to look in dismay at Dr. Guha, who's at the door.
She turns back at the empty bed.
6.
DR. GUHA
Checked himself out... Seemed in an awful
hurry.. But he was pretty ok.. Nurse
here ran a couple of tests.. I don't think
there's any cause to worry.
Pakhi nods, absently, disappointed.
PAKHI
Thank 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. She
puts down the books in her hands in a hurry, and rushes towards
the door.
VALET (O.S.)
I'll let Zamindar babu know..
Down the corridor, she sees the main door. Varun is standing
by the door, half of his face in clear vision of Pakhi. Pakhi
is surprised, happy, curious.
A moment later, he enters and approaches down the corridor,
led by the valet. Hurriedly, she steps back. He passes by
her 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 walks
past.
PAKHI
(feigning
nonchalance)
Binod da, did I hear someone come in?
VALET
Yes.. A stranger.. Never seen him before..
He wanted to meet Zamindar Babu.. He said
he's a..
(struggling)
A...
CUT TO:
7.
12
INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY -- EVENING

ZAMINDAR
Archaeologist. He's got a letter from the
Archaeological 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 this
time! 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 rapid
strides, like always.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
(gentle exasperation)
How many times do I tell you... You're not
running a race! Slow down.. You're not a
hyperactive 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 finally
the 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 just
took so long to pass.. Or maybe, like Baba
always said, I was always in too much of a
hurry..'
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 descends
down 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.
8.
PAKHI
You must be Varun Shrivastav...
VARUN
(flustered)
Er, yes... I..
PAKHI
My name is Pakhi...
VARUN
Nice to meet you...
Both fall silent.
Awkward, but rife with chemistry.
Yesterday, I...
VARUN (CONT'D)
Just then, the zamindar walks towards them from another room.
ZAMINDAR
Ah, I can see you both have met. Pakhi,
this is the gentleman I was telling you
about... My daughter, Pakhi..
Pakhi nods formally, hiding a smile.
PAKHI
Nice 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 at
Pakhi)
She would like to call herself a writer..
(teasing)
She's not half bad...
I am a writer!
PAKHI
And I am good!
The zamindar laughs and smiles at her fondly.

ZAMINDAR
(to Varun)
By the way, I'd also like you to look at
some of our own family heirlooms... I hope
your bosses at the Archaeological Survey
won't mind..
VARUN
Not at all.. I'd be honored...
9.
ZAMINDAR
I always thought archaeologists were these
old musty people... Aren't you a little
too young to be one?
VARUN
Not really. Actually, I am a trainee still.
But they allowed me to come here and lead
this expedition because it is my hunch
that something much older lies below the
surface of that temple site...
ZAMINDAR
And what if you're wrong? And you don't
find what you think there is?
VARUN
(shrugs, smiling)
I guess I'll just call it bad luck, and
leave. My superiors won't be happy.. But
I'm hoping that won't happen..
(pause)
I know that your family has owned the land
for years.. And I'm really grateful for
your cooperation and help.
The Zamindar nods imperiously.
ZAMINDAR
Where are you staying?
VARUN
There's a guest house in town.. It's close
to the temple site too.
The zamindar nods. Varun winces slightly as he picks up a
dish and his bandaged arm hits the table.
ZAMINDAR
I meant to ask earlier..
(pointing to his
bandages)
What happened?
Pakhi and Varun exchange glances, she looks down, her face
flushed.
VARUN
I met with an accident yesterday...
Where?
In this town...
ZAMINDAR
VARUN
ZAMINDAR
Oh, really.. With another car?
remember the make?
(MORE)
Do you
10.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
Not too many people here have cars..
can find out who it was..
We
Pakhi looks at Varun.

VARUN
No, I don't remember the make...
PAKHI
(cutting in
hurriedly, to
distract)
Which book will you start reading, Baba?
ZAMINDAR
(immediately
distracted)
Oh, I don't know.. I'll let my mood decide.
Incidentally, they haven't sent Paradise
Lost and Regained both in one volume like
I requested... I'll have to write to them
again..
(to Varun)
Books and music. My only two vices!
Pakhi and Varun exchange a look, one of relief.
worked.
The distraction
CUT TO:
16
INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY -- NIGHT

A gramophone is pulled out of its jacket. The zamindar looks
is putting on the gramophone. Pakhi and Varun are sitting close
by. 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 by
Tchaikovsky. He began working on the
composition in 1870... But that didn't do
well, and he agreed with the critics that
it lacked something.. Tchaikovsky kept
making modifications and changes until in
1880, ten years after his first reworking
of the piece, Tchaikovsky rewrote the
ending, finally giving the piece a
conclusion that he was proud of...
They listen on as the beautiful music plays on.
11.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
It's a wonderful musical interpretation,
and somehow the soul of the play shines
through with such incandescence.. Are you
familiar 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 envious
streaks, do lace the severing clouds in
yonder east..."
ZAMINDAR
(continuing)
"Night's candles are burnt out and jocund
day, stands tiptoe on the misty mountain
tops..."
VARUN
(unexpected, with
flourish)
"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. But
Milton is one of my favorites. I have
read Paradise Lost and Regained several
times. I think Milton has gone beyond
Dante, though he adopted the un-rhymed
epic verse from Dante himself.
The zamindar and Pakhi listen, rapt.
VARUN (CONT'D)
In Dante's Divine Book of Comedy, I
personally was pretty much lost several
times while reading Purgatorio and
Paradisio.. The object of literature,
divine or otherwise, is to be understood,
don't you think? Milton, on the other
hand...
Varun trails off, as if suddenly conscious of having spoken a
lot.
VARUN (CONT'D)
I'm sorry.. Literature is a passion.. and
I tend to get carried away...
ZAMINDAR
(clearing his throat)
Where did you say you were staying?
CUT TO:
12.
17
EXT. HAVELI OUTHOUSE -- EVENING

Varun is standing at the door of the outhouse. Servants are
taking in bedding and other stuff to make the place inhabitable.
He looks rather serious.
Next to Varun is another young man, dressed nattily, DEBDAS
MUKHERJEE. Given to impersonating Dev Anand, ever so often, in
speech and manner.
DEBDAS
We're actually staying here...? Not in
some dirty smelly old guest house, like
always?! I must say, Varun babu, I'm
impressed.
Looking about, Varun's eyes fall on Pakhi, who's standing at
the balcony of her room, watching them. Seeing him look at
her, she colours and with a smile, retreats.
Deb watches the exchange.
eyebrow.
Catching Varun's eye, he raises an
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 entrance
of the temple site.
ZAMINDAR
This is Majumdar, our family friend. He
handles all our finances.. His daughter
Devi and Pakhi have grown up like sisters...
Varun and Deb nod in acknowledgement.
VARUN
This 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 of
humor!
13.
They all laugh and enter the site.

CUT TO:
19
INT. THE TEMPLE SITE -- DAY

The zamindar, Majumdar, Varun, Deb and Pakhi are walking through
the temple site. Outside, magnificent carved pillars and ruins
and they walk through all that towards a shrine, which is rather
large, and spectacularly beautiful.
Pakhi is walking with her father, watching Varun,
surreptitiously.
ZAMINDAR
(talking as they
walk)
For as long as I've known, this site has
been like this... We haven't done anything
to build any newer structures.. just kept
it clean..
He gestures towards, what seems very well-maintained ruins.
VARUN
That's great! The soil and the climate of
Bengal encourage rapid growth of thick
vegetation which is destructive to deserted
buildings.
(light laugh)
Of course, in demolishing ancient cities
and temples, man plays a much bigger part
than Nature ever can!
The zamindar reciprocates with a laugh. They've reached the
shrine by now. They begin walking up the steps.
ZAMINDAR
Our family has been taking care of this
shrine for centuries now..
A stunningly beautiful idol is visible, kept under lock and
key. Deb shoots a look at Varun. Varun meets his glance.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
(pointing)
This idol belongs to my family. I think
it is about three hundred years old...
Varun pulls out his camera from a bag and looks askance at the
zamindar.
May I?
VARUN
The zamindar nods.

ZAMINDAR
Would you like a closer look?
14.
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's

POV.
He moves close to the idol and points to something.
VARUN
Look at this loop at the back of the idol?
It was meant to hang from the walls of
houses in newly emerging trading cities in
ancient Bengal.. This idol is much older
than you think...
(looking at Deb)
I'd place it around 2nd century AD..
The zamindar raises his eyebrows in surprise. He exchanges a
look with Majumdar. Pakhi looks at Varun, who is now talking
about something else to the zamindar.
VARUN (CONT'D)
We shall begin work from tomorrow... The
workers 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 other
people are watching with rapt attention. Pakhi and a friend,
DEVYANI are sitting with her father, right across Varun and
Deb.
DEVYANI
So, this is Varun babu..
Pakhi 'Sshhs' Devyani, darting a look at her father, who's
engrossed in the movie. Devi looks at Deb and Varun.
DEBDAS
(to Varun)
In our world, watching a movie means going
to the theater! Here, the theater comes
to you! Long live zamindars!
Varun laughs.
DEBDAS (CONT'D)
(complaining)
They could've at least got a Dev Anand
film...
15.
VARUN
(amused)
Maybe they thought, why get the original
when there's already a copy!!
(with bite)
Debdas Mukherjee..
Deb laughs easily. They begin watching the film again.
couple is having a fight, speaking rapid-fire Bengali.
DEBDAS
I can see this everyday in my house.. My
parents do a better job!!
Varun bursts into laughter. Looks from people around. He
quietens, self-conscious. He catches Pakhi's eye. She smiles
at him. He smiles back.
DEBDAS (CONT'D)
(looking at the
screen)
You'd better start learning the language
though!
CUT TO:
21

Pakhi is sitting on her window sill, a book in her lap, pen in
hand. Rabindra sangeet is playing softly on the radio.
Pakhi looks at the outhouse. A radio is being tuned and finally
begins playing a popular Dev Anand number. Pakhi smiles. She
moves 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're
off.
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 some
villagers. A cheer goes around as soon as the coconut is
broken.
CUT TO:
The Zamindar is showing some heirlooms to Varun, who inspects
them gravely with a connoisseur's eye.
16.
Deb is looking watchfully.

CUT TO:
Pakhi and her father are driving back from somewhere. They
pass by the temple site that Varun is working on. Several
workers are digging, clearing etc. The zamindar puts a hand on
the driver's shoulder, asking him to stop.
CUT TO:
Pakhi and the zamindar walk through the debris/rubble towards
Varun, who looks taken aback at this surprise visit. Also a
tad uncomfortable.
CUT TO:
Varun and the Zamindar are listening to some music playing on
the gramophone. Silent. Letting the music wash over. Pakhi
smiles from the door as she passes.
CUT TO:
Varun and Deb are sitting outside the outhouse, lying on a
khatiya of sorts, looking at the night sky. From the window
of 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, their
hair open and still wet. Pakhi looks covertly in the direction
of the outhouse. Devyani catches her look. Pakhi looks away,
flushing.
CUT TO:
Pakhi is walking down the corridor in rapid strides, like
always. She looks in as she passes the library, her gait
suddenly mellow, lady-like. She smiles covertly. The moment
she passes the room, down the corridor, her pace is brisk again.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'A lot of things were changing.. And I
didn't understand it.. But I didn't want
to..'
CUT TO:
On the dining table, Varun is speaking. The zamindar listening
to 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.
17.
The song ends.

CUT TO:
23

The zamindar is sitting in his usual chair. He puts down his
glasses and a official looking document and rubs between his
eyes. Pakhi is making a cup of tea for him.
PAKHI (V.O.)
Some changes weren't so pleasant.. Baba's
ancestral farmhouse was taken over by the
Indian government.. We've been paid
handsomely for it, of course.. The Zamindar
Abolishment Act was likely to be passed
any day.. Baba took all of this badly...
Pakhi looks at her father, who seems lost in thought.
the cup down, she sits by her father's chair.
Putting
ZAMINDAR
(a note of
bitterness)
Nothing is the same anymore.. 'Zamindar
babu'... will soon be just a word.. meaning
nothing..
Pakhi holds her father's hand.
PAKHI
'Zamindar babu' is still the most respected
man in town.. The most revered...
ZAMINDAR
That's all I have left today... If I lose
that respect, I've lost all...
PAKHI
(gently)
And we have each other... Isn't that all
that matters?
She holds her father's hand reassuringly. The zamindar looks
at his daughter and a slow smile dawns on his face.
ZAMINDAR
Let's go for a picnic tomorrow.. Visit the
farmhouse one last time...
(trying to cheer
up)
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 altogether
different definition...!!!'
18.
A vintage car comes into view, and drives away.

And another. It's a majestic sight.
Then another.
The motorcade enters the verdant greens of a lovely farmhouse.

CUT TO:
Servants bring out picnic tables, lay out mats to sit upon,
umbrellas are unfurled. Activity. All reek of leisure.
CUT TO:
Everyone is by the lakeside.
line is readied.
It's a beautiful sight.
A fishing
Pakhi with Devyani. Varun with Deb. The Majumdar and Pishi Ma,
the valet, and other assorted servants.
The zamindar takes the fishing line from the servant with
austerity and flings the line into the lake to a spontaneous
burst of applause.
CUT TO:
Everyone is actively watching as the zamindar sits watchfully,
waiting for a fish to bite.
CUT TO:
A small amount of restlessness. The zamindar is not as alert
as before, still waiting for the fish to bite. The sun at a
different angle signifies the time lapse.
CUT TO:
25
EXT. FARMHOUSE LAKEFRONT -- DAY

Deb, sitting under the shade of a tree, chewing a blade of
grass, removes the newspaper over his face.
DEBDAS
Man, can you hear my stomach?! Sounds
like the Ustaad Allah Rakha... On a
particularly energetic day!!
Varun looks at him humorously.
VARUN
We'll have to wait until the first
ceremonial fish is caught... Tradition,
you see?
Debdas plucks another blade of grass and begins chewing,
petulantly.
DEBDAS
At this rate, I'll turn into a cow!!
CUT TO:
19.
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.
notices.
Varun babu?
Devyani
DEVYANI
Pakhi looks at her with a start.
Devyani smiles impishly.

CUT TO:
Deb looks towards the women and addresses Varun, who's looking
at the fruit hanging from the tree above them, intently.
DEBDAS
Newton already did that.. And besides,
even if it falls we won't be able to eat
it.. Tradition, you see?!
Varun smiles a 'Touche'. His eye catches Pakhi's that moment
and 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.
PAKHI
I'm not getting into anything, Devi...
You're being silly..
Am I?
DEVYANI
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 Pakhi
looking out of
the corner of her
eye)
..you know you're in for trouble!
CUT TO:
20.
Varun sits up and begins dusting grass off his sleeves.

VARUN
(crisply)
You're being ridiculous... But why does
that not surprise me?!
DEBDAS
Hey, don't get mad at the messenger..! !
I'm just telling you what you already know..
CUT TO:
Pakhi shakes her head, annoyed.
PAKHI
I don't know anything. You're just being
really silly...
CUT TO:
Debdas gets up dusting himself, suddenly somber.
DEBDAS
You just need to stop running away from
facts...
CUT TO:
I'm not!
PAKHI
CUT TO:
You're crazy!
VARUN
Just then, a cheer goes up from the servants around the

zamindar. A fish has caught the bait.
CUT TO:
26
EXT. FARMHOUSE LAKEFRONT -- EVENING

The mood is quieter now, the golden evening light forming a
strange hush around everyone. A small bonfire is burning.
The flickering flames are enchanting.
Zamindar and Majumdar are talking. Varun and Deb, Pakhi and
Devi are sitting close to each other. Something diverts Deb's
attention and he moves away. Just then, Majumdar calls out to
Devi, who leaves too.
Varun and Pakhi are left alone. Sudden surge of awkwardness.
Varun smiles stiffly at Pakhi. Pakhi smiles back -- easily,
naturally.
VARUN
Thank you for saving me... and taking me
to the hospital..
21.
PAKHI
(smiling)
You would've done the same.. But when you
left from the hospital so suddenly, I
thought....
She trails off, then looks at Varun and remedies hurriedly.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
Baba is very fond of you...
VARUN
He's an amazing man...
PAKHI
(nods, with pride)
He is. He's always been my hero. He almost
instinctively seems to know the right path
in life..
(laughing)
He gives a bad name to the traditional
villainous zamindar.. To all the people in
our little town, he stands for all that's
honest and fair and just...
Varun's expression alters slightly at her words.
Small silence.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
You must travel a lot because of your
work...
Yes...
VARUN
PAKHI
Do you like what you do?
VARUN
I love the thrill of the unknown..
PAKHI
The unknown frightens me.. I need
knowledge.. I need to know..
VARUN
You can never know all...
Small silence again. Pakhi speaks up after the pause.
PAKHI
Don't you feel bad about leaving some place
behind?
VARUN
I do... But there's always a new tomorrow
to look forward to.
Just then, the zamindar calls out to Varun.
with an excuse.
Varun leaves Pakhi
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 fashion
as it arrived. Impressive, decadent.
CUT TO:
28
INT. ZAMINDAR'S CAR -- EVENING

The zamindar is sitting with Pakhi in the back seat.
in the front with the driver.
Varun is
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)
Ah well.. Nothing is permanent.. Not even
your company, Varun babu.. I'll be really
sorry to see you go this month end..
Pakhi's expression changes.

view mirror.
Her eyes meet Varun's in the rear-
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 by
my bosses to complete my work here...
Pakhi is silent. She looks out of the window at the darkness
outside, suddenly subdued.
CUT TO:
29

Pakhi is sitting by the dressing table combing her hair.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'The month end.. It was just three weeks
away.. Time, like always, was against me...
But what could I do?'
23.
Pakhi looks out of the window and looks at the outhouse.

contemplating the blank canvas is visible.
Varun
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.
DEBDAS
I'm tired of lugging this wretched thing
around! Why don't you give up your silly
notions of being a painter and just throw
it away? Or for heaven's sake, throw some
paint over the damn thing and get it over
with! It's driving me crazy!!!
Varun smiles, nonchalant.
VARUN
I'll paint it... Someday, I'll paint it...
And you watch, you skeptic, my painting
will be a masterpiece!
Yeah, sure!
breath..
DEBDAS
Forgive me if I don't hold my
Varun stands looking at the canvas.

CUT TO:
31

POV: Pakhi looks at Varun studying the canvas and suddenly her
face 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 of
tea. And pouring out her own cup.
Painting?
ZAMINDAR
What's this sudden new craze?
PAKHI
It's not new, Baba... Remember how I've
always been fascinated by painters..
The zamindar furrows his brows.
No...
ZAMINDAR
(after a thought)
24.
PAKHI
Baba! You never listen when I talk! Just
the other day I was telling you how I wished
I could paint...
ZAMINDAR
Didn't you study art as part of your...?
PAKHI
(cutting in)
That was so basic, Baba!!
wasn't...
My main subject
ZAMINDAR
(cutting in)
All right, all right.. I'll ask Majumdar
to arrange for an art teacher.. Maybe
Devyani could learn too..
PAKHI
No.. Devyani isn't interested in art.. And
Baba, why ask for a teacher..
No teacher?
ZAMINDAR
So how do you plan to learn?
PAKHI
(casual tone)
I believe Varun babu is an excellent
painter..
He is?
ZAMINDAR
PAKHI
Yes.. He has this big easel in his room.
I guess he intends to paint something in
his time here..
ZAMINDAR
But would he want to teach you?
he's here only for a short..
Besides
PAKHI
(interrupting)
He could teach me something.. And once I
am a little better, you could ask for an
art teacher to come over. Do you think
you 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. Pakhi
doesn't look at Varun.
25.
ZAMINDAR
I know you have a busy schedule.. But a
couple of hours a week..
Deb tries to catch Varun's eye, but Varun is looking at the
zamindar -- deliberately avoiding Deb's gaze.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
Devi beta, I thought you could also join
Pakhi, if you're interested...
Pakhi looks at Devi with large eyes, willing her to say 'No'.
DEVYANI
No, kaka.. I'm not particularly interested
in painting..
ZAMINDAR
(to Varun)
Just teach her a bit.. Let's see if she's
good enough.. And more importantly, if
she'll see it through to the end..
Pakhi looks at her father in mock-annoyance.
laughs.
The zamindar
Deb looks at Varun, his mouth unsmiling, shaking his head in

slight chiding.
CUT TO:
34
EXT. THE HAVELI -- MORNING

Varun and Deb are walking towards the outhouse.
DEBDAS
What was the big idea of not telling
Zamindar babu that you didn't know how to
paint?
VARUN
I didn't want to upset him.. And how
difficult can painting be?
DEBDAS
You haven't touched that damn canvas for
the last three years. You really want me
to answer that question?
Varun laughs.
DEBDAS (CONT'D)
(shaking his head)
Archaeologist to art teacher! In less
than a week. You do travel fast! Do you
even own paints?
They now enter the outhouse.
CUT TO:
26.
35
INT. HAVELI OUTHOUSE -- MORNING

Varun and Deb are picking up bags etc, ready to leave for the
site.
DEBDAS
(conversationally)
Do you know that this outhouse is actually
called 'master moshair baadi'? Teacher's
quarters?
Uh huh..
VARUN
DEBDAS
Of course, Pakhi never had any teacher
here.. 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's
your source? The grocer in town?
Devyani...
DEBDAS
VARUN
Ah, Deb's Devi...!!! A match made in
heaven..
DEBDAS
Unlike 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.
DEBDAS
The daughters of zamindars don't have much
freedom.. The only male they interact with,
other than family, is the teacher. Master
moshai. And they usually end up falling
in love with him...
Varun is visibly irked by Deb's remarks.
VARUN
What are you trying to get at?
27.
DEBDAS
(serious now)
You and I both know what this whole exercise
is about, so don't play innocent! The
girl is falling in love with you...
The jeep drives off in a cloud of dust.
CUT TO:
37

Varun is sitting on a chair, his feet on a table, reading
attentively. The book -- 'How To Paint Landscapes'.
A worker comes upto him with a large package and places it on
the table.
WORKER
All the stuff you asked for, Varun babu.
Some colours are missing, but I got
everything else...
Varun nods and gets back to reading.
Deb, standing close by, smiles ruefully and shakes his head.
CUT TO:
38

Pakhi is looking at the clock which shows five pm. On the bed,
clothes are strewn all around. Just then Devyani enters the
room. She looks in the direction of Pakhi's gaze at the clock.
DEVYANI
What time does your painting class start?
Seven o clock...
PAKHI
Devyani sits next to Pakhi, looks at the bed full of clothes

and 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.
No.
DEVYANI
PAKHI
What if he is just being polite because
I'm the zamindar's daughter? What if he
doesn't even notice me that way? What
if... what if he already has someone...
28.
DEVYANI
I think Varun babu is decent enough to
have 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 opportunity
to know... And let him know you.. It's
only a matter of time.. It's very easy to
love you, my dear..
PAKHI
But 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 long
as I'm around to help you... Now what do
you wear when you begin classes in love?
Devi picks up a saree, its folds winging through the air.
CUT TO:
39

Varun almost forcibly takes his eyes off Pakhi. Aware of her
appearance, yet a little shy, Pakhi is breath-taking. Pishi Ma
is sitting in a distant corner -- the chaperone, knitting
something.
Clearing his throat, Varun looks at the canvas set up on an
easel in front of him.
VARUN
Have you done this before? Er, I mean,
learned painting of some kind in
Shantiniketan..
PAKHI
(glowing smile)
You know I studied in Shantiniketan...!
Er, I...
VARUN
(cornered)
PAKHI
Yes, I learnt a little bit.. The basics..
29.
Varun busies himself with the bottles of colors, clearly

nervous.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
I hope I wasn't being too forward, asking
Baba to request you to teach me..
Varun looks at her, stares for a moment longer.
between them is evident.
No, not at all...
The attraction
VARUN
Pakhi stands next to the easel, a respectable distance from

Varun.
VARUN (CONT'D)
So.. What would you like to paint?
PAKHI
I thought, Portraits?!
Color drains off Varun's face at the thought.
VARUN
Well, why don't we start with landscapes?
Pakhi looks at him, quizzically.
VARUN (CONT'D)
(assuming confidence)
It's easier to get your brush-strokes
confident with landscapes first.. Portraits
require a finer command...
Pakhi nods. Varun picks up a pencil. And shows her a page
torn out of a book which has a rather simple landscape painting.
PAKHI
This is too simple! I want to do something
more complex.. I guess you don't trust
me.. Let me show you...
She picks up a pencil, holding it in a very assured manner and
begins drawing.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
This is the bay just off the place where
your excavation site is..
Oh..
VARUN
(out of his depth)
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...
30.
PAKHI
Now to paint on the leaves... Would you
like to show me?
VARUN
Er, er... Mix Green and a bit of black
together...!
He takes a brush, holding it stiffly and draws very amateurish
leaves.
Pakhi looks at Varun in surprise and her expression changes as
slowly realization dawns. She bursts into surprised laughter.
PAKHI
You 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:
40

Devyani looks at Pakhi. Pakhi is plaiting her hair.
sitting in front of the mirror.
They're
DEVYANI
You're teaching him?!!!
Pakhi winks at Devi.
PAKHI
Someone has to learn, and someone has to
teach for the classes to go on...!
CUT TO:
41

Deb looks at Varun, shaking his head, admonishing.
DEBDAS
You must be kidding!
CUT TO:
31.
42

Pakhi has a faraway expression in her eyes, a smile that
wouldn't quit her face.
PAKHI
I can't wait to start....
CUT TO:
43

VARUN
She said she'll come to the site.. From
tomorrow.
Deb looks at Varun, and laughs -- half amused.
DEBDAS
Don't tell me I didn't warn you...
CUT TO:
44

Devi meets Pakhi's eyes over the mirror.
DEVYANI
What did I tell you... He feels the same
way that you do..
CUT TO:
45

VARUN
I've always wanted to learn painting...
That's all there is to it...
Deb laughs and gets back to the book he's reading.
DEBDAS
You're playing with fire...
You're wrong!
VARUN
CUT TO:
46

PAKHI
(smiling)
You're right...
CUT TO:
32.
47

Pakhi is lying on her bed, book in her hand, unable to sleep.
She gets up from her bed and walks to the window.
Varun is awake too, brush in hand, looking at the blank canvas.
Then, shaking his head, not ready, he puts the brush down.
Pakhi smiles to herself, terribly happy.
CUT TO:
48
EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE -- DAY / EVENING

(Montages -- Song sequence)
Pakhi and Varun are at the mountainside, Pakhi has a brush in
hand. She is explaining something to Varun as she mixes colors
and dabs it on the canvas.
Hands, brushes, paints, palettes.. Fingers brush each other,
hands accidentally meet..
Through all of this, a painting of a lovely grand majestic
tree -- lush with leaves, is taking shape.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'Every morning was a wait.. Every evening
a celebration.. Time just flew like the
wind..'
CUT TO:
49
EXT. TEMPLE SITE -- EVENING

Stones -- lots of them, different size and shapes neatly
arranged on a table.
Pakhi and Varun are standing by the table, Pakhi holding a
stone in her hand and looking curiously.
Devyani is standing nearby -- looking around her. Deb seems
uncomfortable with their presence. It's only the four of them.
Pakhi's car with a driver, and Varun's jeep in the distance.
Pakhi puts back the stone she's been looking at.
VARUN
Have to send that for carbon-dating... A
process by which you can tell how old any
object is... And it's place in history..
PAKHI
I hated history in school!
it!!
You must love
VARUN
I never studied history!
Pakhi looks surprised.
Deb looks at Varun.
33.
PAKHI
An archaeologist who never studied
history?!!
VARUN
(easily)
I took up archaeology because my uncle was
an archaeologist. He would visit all these
fascinating places and I always wanted to
do that... Also it's wonderful to know
about the way people lived.. and that
somewhere, somehow we're linked to them
still...
Pakhi smiles at his words.
DEBDAS
(to Varun)
I'll see you later. I need to go to town
to get some equipment for the extra workers
who start tomorrow..
Pakhi throws a meaningful glance at Devi, indicating that she
should leave too.
DEVYANI
(to Deb)
I need to go to the town market.. Can you
please accompany me? I need to pick up
some big parcels...
Deb looks at Varun, a serious look of warning about things
going the way they were. He nods to Devi and walks towards
the jeep.
PAKHI
Er, you could take my car..
(to Devi)
The driver will take you.. Varun babu can
drive me back home..
DEBDAS
(pointed look at
Varun)
He's not famous for his skill behind the
wheel!
PAKHI
I'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're
watching the scenery -- enthralled. Varun is silent.
Pakhi looks at him, then speaks tentatively.
34.
PAKHI
I hope I didn't presume too much, barging
in on you like that.. It's a wonderful
day, just right to set out painting... So
I thought..
VARUN
(small smile)
It had to be today...?
Pakhi utters a short laugh.
PAKHI
Yes... I'm always in this awful hurry.
Baba calls me Pakhi Express! He keeps
asking me to slow down.. But I feel there
is so much to do.. and so little time to
do all that in.. So much to live for..
VARUN
What do you live for?
PAKHI
And writing!
(hurriedly)
And painting too. But writing is my first
passion. I want to write loads of books
and become famous by the time I'm twenty
five.. Baba has promised that he will devote
an entire shelf in the study to my books!
Someday I'll sit by a beautiful cottage in
the mountainside and just write and write
and write...
Baba.
Varun smiles.
Pakhi's eyes shine as she speaks of her dreams.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
What do you live for?
Varun laughs.
Doesn't reply.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
(prodding)
Tell me.. What do you live for?
VARUN
(rueful smile)
A dream that someday I'd stop running... A
wish that I'll go see Chandratal Lake
someday.. And a desire that I'd paint my
masterpiece someday..
PAKHI
You will do all of that.. And very soon..
They are quiet for a moment.
question.
Pakhi turns to him and asks a
35.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
Do you parents approve of your decision to
join your uncle?
A shuttered look comes over Varun's face, but he composes
himself within a moment.
VARUN
I wouldn't have listened to them anyway..
(seems to be talking
almost to himself)
I don't know whether what I wanted to do
was right or wrong.. But now,
(shrugs, back in
control)
This is all I know..
Pakhi looks at him, a little perplexed, not knowing what to
make of him still.
PAKHI
I'm sure the path you've chosen is the
best for you..
Varun looks away, doesn't reply, doesn't meet her eye. He
gets up abruptly and looks at the golden sky that's approaching
dusk.
VARUN
It's getting dark.. We'll come again another
day..
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 coughing
slightly. Finally Pakhi breaks the silence.
PAKHI
Er, is everything ok?
Varun nods, changing gears rather forcibly. Pakhi is quiet,
coughing intermittently. They drive on for a while, then Pakhi
breaks 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 coughing
fit. She drinks water out of a bottle.
36.
Varun looks at her to check if she's okay, when there's a loud

bang and the steering tilts in his hands.
Damn!
VARUN
Got a flat...
CUT TO:
52
EXT. TOWNSHIP STREETS -- NIGHT

It's very dark now. Varun pulls the cover of the boot down
and wipes his hands on a rag. He opens the car door and gets
in.
Sorry about...
VARUN
He trails off, looking at Pakhi in shock. She is trying

terribly hard to breathe, a very bad attack of asthma.
Varun holds her hand, puts his hands around her shoulder,
helping her sit up.
What happened?
Tell me...
VARUN (CONT'D)
Pakhi... what's wrong?
Gasping for breath, Pakhi points to a small bag.

Varun picks it and opens the bag. It's a first aid bag, with
syringes, vials for injection etc. He looks at Pakhi in shock.
Pakhi points at a injection. Still in shock, but level-headed,
Varun pulls out the injection and fills a syringe. Holding
it, he looks at Pakhi. She gives him her arm.
Varun rolls up her sleeve and injects the liquid in her arm.
Putting away the syringe, Varun sits with his arm around Pakhi,
holding her hand. Terribly intense.
Slowly, Pakhi's breathing returns to normal. Varun lets go of
her and gets back to his seat. He puts his coat around her to
keep her warm. Very tender. They stay sitting thus for a
long while.
They drive back.
Music begins.
Both Pakhi and Varun are silent, lost in their thoughts of the
strange intimacy that just transpired.
CUT TO:
53

The zamindar is pacing up and down as the doctor writes a
prescription. Pishi Ma is watching, concerned. Pakhi is lying
on the bed, wan.
37.
DOCTOR
(to the zamindar)
Here's the prescription. No cause for
worry.
(to Pakhi)
Take it easy for the next couple of days.
I'll see you at the hospital this weekend
for your usual check up..
ZAMINDAR
Thank you, Doctor..
The doctor leaves the room.
out.
Pishi Ma follows him to usher him
Alone now, the zamindar looks at Pakhi, anger tinged with worry.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
Why were you alone? Why was Ram Saran not
with you? How could you be so
irresponsible, Pakhi...
PAKHI
Baba... I just wanted to..
ZAMINDAR
And why wasn't Devi with you? I told you
I don't want you going anywhere alone..
What if...?
PAKHI
I wasn't alone, Baba... Varun babu..
ZAMINDAR
(snapping)
What the hell would Varun babu know? Is
he a doctor? A surgeon? A specialist?
Baba..
(gently)
PAKHI
ZAMINDAR
(not letting her
speak)
And what if Varun babu didn't know how to
give the injection? Do you know...
PAKHI
(gently, holding
her 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.
How is she now?
DEBDAS (O.S.)
CUT TO:
38.
54

Varun is slumped on his bed, looking at some abstract point in
the ceiling, smoking a cigarette. Deb is looking at him.
Varun looks out of the window towards Pakhi's window.
VARUN
She 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's
daughter..
Varun doesn't reply, continues smoking, looking at the stars
on the night sky. Stars, distant, twinkling.
Varun babu...
ZAMINDAR (O.S.)
DISSOLVE TO:
55

Rocks. Shattering. Hammering all around -- systematically,
wearing them down. Mirroring Varun's state almost -- as he
watches, standing in a trench, smoking absently, an intent
look about him.
Varun babu...
ZAMINDAR (O.S.)
Varun looks up with a start and sees the Zamindar standing

above. Varun immediately throws away the cigarette and clambers
up the make-shift ladder.
CUT TO:
56

The zamindar and Varun are walking, away from the din towards
a quieter part of the site. The zamindar somehow seems tired,
frail, older.
ZAMINDAR
(awkward, but
sincere)
I want to thank you for what you did
yesterday..
VARUN
Please zamindar babu.. Don't mention it...
39.
The zamindar looks absently around.

ZAMINDAR
That'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 died
within a year.. Pakhi was spared.. But
her illness developed to very acute asthma..
Added to that, she has lymphoma, a condition
of the lungs which can anytime veer towards
something more dangerous.. And if she
gets an asthma attack and doesn't get her
shot in time....
He trails off.
Varun awkwardly tries to console him.
VARUN
She will be fine, zamindar babu...
ZAMINDAR
God bless you, son.
Varun is very uncomfortable.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
I'll take your leave now. You need to get
back to your work.
The zamindar turns and walks away.
turns back towards Varun.
Takes a few steps.
Then
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
What you've done today is beyond gratitude..
Please feel free to ask anything.. Nothing
will be too big..
The zamindar walks on towards his car. Varun looks at him,
very disconcerted. He turns and sees Deb standing, watching
him.
DEBDAS
(gesturing to the
envelope in his
hand)
There's a letter from Bajpai Uncle...
*
CUT TO:
57
INT. HAVELI OUTHOUSE -- EVENING

Varun and Deb are packing a suitcase, putting in clothes, some
photographs taken etc.
DEBDAS
Have you told Zamindar babu?
CUT TO:
40.
58

Varun knocks on and opens the door of the library. He is taken
aback 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.
VARUN
I was looking for Zamindar babu...
(pause)
How are you feeling?
PAKHI
(smiles, awkward)
Much better now. Thank you... Thank you
for that day...
VARUN
(waving it away)
Like you said.. You would've done the
same.. I am glad you're all right...
PAKHI
Did you want to see Baba about something
important? He's gone to meet his lawyer.
He'll return by night..
VARUN
Well.. I wanted to tell him that we're
leaving for Calcutta for a day..
Oh...
PAKHI
VARUN
Please give him the message, if I'm unable
to meet him.
Varun turns to leave. Pakhi fights with herself, but unable
to hold back, calls out.
Will you call me?
PAKHI
Varun turns and looks at her -- a strange expression on his

face.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
(blushing)
From Calcutta, I mean.. If you get some
time off from work...
Varun nods curtly and without saying anything more, turns around
and leaves.
CUT TO:
41.
59
INT. THE HAVELI - PAKHI'S ROOM -- DAY

Pakhi stands in the balcony of her room, watching as Varun and
Deb drive away in their jeep.
Pakhi turns back and walks into her room.
Back in her room, she sits down by the window and begins to
write. Words. Pen. Paper.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'I felt like part of me had gone away... I
was lost, moorless..'
On the white sheet of paper.
BLEACH OUT
60
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- EVENING

A white coat moves away as Dr. Guha walks towards a desk and
places the vial for tests later.
Pakhi then goes through an array of tests, relevant to the
time. X-ray, ECG..
As the tests are on, the doctor is talking to the zamindar.
DR. GUHA
I'll change her medication slightly, since
winter is approaching and the air will be
laden with pollen..
The zamindar nods, looking at his daughter, disturbed, worried.
DR. GUHA (CONT'D)
(as he's conducting
some test)
By the way, did you hear about Sujoy
Mukhopadhyay?
No...
ZAMINDAR
(not paying complete
attention)
DR. GUHA
Poor man is shattered!
The zamindar looks at him, surprised.
ZAMINDAR
What happened?
(to Pakhi)
Wasn't his daughter's engagement sometime
soon? What's her name...?
PAKHI
Payal... Next Friday...
42.
Well, it's off...

Why?
DR. GUHA
ZAMINDAR
DR. GUHA
She ran away with some guy that she was in
love with...
The zamindar is shocked.
ZAMINDAR
Didn't Sujoy know?
DR. GUHA
(shrugs)
I guess not.. He'd arranged for her
marriage with a very good family.. But
now he's got no face to show the world..
All because of this new-found freedom that
everyone wants to give girls...
ZAMINDAR
(with dignity)
Freedom is a wonderful thing, Biswas.. Our
country has won it after a hundred years..
I think it's high time the womenfolk were
entitled to their's...
DR. GUHA
Yes, but look where it landed poor Sujoy...
ZAMINDAR
Each person is different.. Unfortunately
when misused, anything can get a bad name..
My daughter has all the freedom I'd give a
son.. But I trust her implicitly..
(emphasizing, almost
to himself)
Each person is different...
The doctor nods his assent and moves away.
father, who seems suddenly lost.
Pakhi looks at her
PAKHI
Are you all right, Baba?
CUT TO:
61
EXT. ZAMNDAR'S CAR -- EVENING

The zamindar and Pakhi are in the car, traveling.
looks out of the window, rather disturbed.
The zamindar
ZAMINDAR
My biggest fear in life is the day I have
to bid you goodbye.. The day you'll leave
me and start a life of your own..
43.
Baba...
PAKHI
ZAMINDAR
(raising his hand)
I know it has to happen.. I have to
experience this loss, this knowledge that
my little girl is not going to be with me
always..
Pakhi looks at her father, caught in emotion.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
But, my child, I want to tell you one
thing.. Don't keep me in the dark.. You
and I are friends.. we've always been,
right?
Pakhi nods.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
When you meet someone... tell me..
(voice close to
breaking)
Don't do what Payal did... That would break
me..
Pakhi holds her father's hand in a firm reassuring grip.
are silent for a moment, both gathering their composure.
They are now passing by the temple site.
missing Varun.
They
Pakhi looks at it,
PAKHI (V.O.)
'I knew what Baba meant.. I wanted to tell
him too.. But what would I tell him, when
I knew just one side of the story...? I
knew only my feelings...'
CUT TO:
62
INT. BAR -- EVENING

BAJPAI
What do you feel, Varun?
Varun gives a start as he looks at UNCLE BAJPAI, a thin welldressed elderly kindly-looking man -- not having heard him at
all, lost in thought.
DEBDAS
(explaining)
Bajpai Uncle was saying we should try to
aim to finish by next weekend...
Varun nods, abstractedly. Their table is strewn with
photographs, documents, some reference material etc. Bajpai
picks up a photograph and looks at it closely.
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.
long moment, then speaks, kindly.
Bajpai watches him for a
BAJPAI
It's not worth it, son...
Varun looks at Bajpai, surprised he should know.
at Deb and realizes Deb must've told him.
Then he looks
BAJPAI (CONT'D)
It's not fair on her either. You belong
to different worlds.. It's best that you
move 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 a
landscape. Varun laughs, a short bitter laugh..
VARUN
(scathing)
The world conspires...!!!
On the landscape.
DISSOLVE TO:
63

PAKHI (V.O.)
'Time just seemed to move so slowly...
Seconds felt like hours... Minutes like
days... and hours felt like infinity..'
Pakhi stands by the window, watching the blank canvas visible
through 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 door
of the outhouse. Devyani catches her look, smiles in
understanding.
CUT TO:
45.
Pakhi is walking down the corridor.

stretch endlessly.
The space around seems to

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.
DEBDAS
There's a bus leaving in an hour's time..
VARUN
(feeding pigeons,
not looking at
Deb)
Let's stay another day...
Deb looks at his friend, not reacting.
CUT TO:
65

Pakhi is sitting by the window, book in her lap, looking at
the empty outhouse.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'Three days had passed... And he hadn't
called either... I was getting worried..'
CUT TO:
66
INT. THE HAVELI - PAKHI'S ROOM -- MORNING

Dusty morning sunrays hit Pakhi through the curtains. She's
fallen asleep on the window ledge. She opens her eyes and
looks at the ceiling for a moment. She then looks outside the
window.
The jeep is parked.
her face.
She jumps up, a wide smile spreading on
PAKHI (V.O.)
'There was no doubt in my mind now... I
was in love. Unbearably. Irrevocably.
just had to know what he felt...'
I
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 stops
what she's doing and takes a step towards him..
46.
PAKHI
Varun babu..
Varun stops at the bottom of the stairs and smiles at her, but
his manner seems rather withdrawn.
VARUN
I was going to meet your father about your
family heirlooms..
Pakhi moves down the stairs.
PAKHI
I thought you said you'd return in a day..
VARUN
Yes, 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?
Not really..
VARUN
There was no time...
Pakhi gets more upset, but tries not to show.

PAKHI
So, we meet today at the same time?
VARUN
I'm sorry, but I can't.. I have to send
some photographs urgently to my bosses..
I gave them to develop yesterday, I'll get
them this evening...
Tomorrow then?
PAKHI
VARUN
Tomorrow, I will be going into town to
pick..
PAKHI
(interrupting,
temper rising)
Day after, the day after that... Next week?
Varun looks at her and speaks emotionlessly.
VARUN
I 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 her
emotions out.
47.
A moment later, she moves away and walks past him.

a deep breath.
Varun takes
CUT TO:
68
INT. THE HAVELI - DINING ROOM -- NIGHT

Varun, Deb, Pakhi, Devi are at dinner.
unnaturally quiet.
The mood is tense,
DEBDAS
Won'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 the
book store, Varun babu?
PAKHI
(to Varun, almost
conversationally)
You must get Shakespeare's Hamlet..
VARUN
I already own a copy..
PAKHI
(not letting him
complete his
sentence)
You'll find the character of Hamlet very
interesting.. He spurns the love of Ophelia,
the woman who loves him beyond anyone else..
And whom he loves as much... Why do you
think he did that?
VARUN
(quiet, playing
along)
Because he believes that he will only hurt
her more, if she enters his terrible life..
PAKHI
But he did worse... She went mad with hurt
and killed herself! "Oh woe is me.. T'have
seen 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 MA
Your favourite dessert, Pakhi di..
48.
Pakhi gets up from her chair and putting down a napkin, speaks,
addressing no one in particular.
PAKHI
Please excuse me.. I'm not feeling too
well...
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.
What is wrong?
What is wrong?!!!
question...
VARUN
PAKHI
Ask yourself that
VARUN
I'm not the one over-reacting...
PAKHI
I'm over-reacting? You go away saying
you'd return in a day, you don't come back
for three days... You tell me you'd call..
But you don't... You have no thought towards
me and how worried I'd be...
VARUN
(disquietingly
calm)
Why would you be worried...?
PAKHI
Because...
(trails away, hurt
at having to spell
things 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?
Like what?
VARUN
PAKHI
As 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 she
looks at him, shocked into quietness.
49.
You feel nothing?
PAKHI (CONT'D)
VARUN
I'm leaving this place in a week..
PAKHI
(ignoring his words)
You feel nothing? Then what was all that
time we spent together for? Why did you
do that?
VARUN
(angry)
You wanted to learn painting..
PAKHI
And you agreed to teach me.. Despite not
knowing how to hold a brush! Why did you
do that?
VARUN
(snapping)
Because I'm a damn fool, that's why!
PAKHI
So 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 unrequited
love. She watches as Varun turns and walks away.
CUT TO:
70

Pakhi is sitting on her chair, writing in her diary, her pen
scratching on paper, angrily. There's a knock on the door and
Devi enters. She reaches Pakhi and sits next to her, silently,
without saying anything.
PAKHI
Don't say anything, Devi... I don't want
to hear anything...
She continues writing, but tears fall down her face now. She
wipes them away angrily, and continues writing. Devi watches
her.
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 pen
down and turns to Devi.
50.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
He doesn't care about me, Devi..
That's not true..
DEVYANI
PAKHI
He just told me that... I've been such a
fool...
She wipes away her tears angrily.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
I won't let him hurt me like this.. He has
no right..
She moves towards the open window and shuts it with all her
might.
CUT TO:
71

Pacing up and down, smoking a cigarette, Varun looks at the
shut window of Pakhi's room.
Deb observes his friend's turmoil.
CUT TO:
72

Pakhi is writing in her diary.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'I was in pain.. I couldn't think straight..
I just wanted to disappear somewhere, so
no one could see me.. or witness my
humiliation... Every time I saw him, I saw
a love that would never be.. a world that
I would never belong to...'
CUT TO:
73
INT. HAVELI OUTHOUSE -- EVENING

Varun is sitting with an abstracted look about him.
packing up suitcases and talking.
Deb is
DEBDAS
I'll leave after dinner, take care of the
arrangements at Calcutta. I'll return in
the morning, and then we can leave tomorrow
night with the rest of the stuff..
DEBDAS (CONT'D)
I just hope that...
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:
74

Pakhi is sitting with her father, going through some letters,
when there's a knock on the door. It's Varun. Pakhi turns
away. The zamindar beckons Varun warmly, asking him to enter.
Hello..
VARUN
(to Pakhi)
Pakhi nods and moves away.

very strained.
The air between Pakhi and Varun is
ZAMINDAR
(going through
some papers, to
Varun)
I've received a letter asking me whether I
would like to sell the rare heirlooms I
own..
(snort)
He promises me a very good price.. People
have no respect for history, do they?
Varun makes a noncommittal reply, then clears his throat as if
to say something.
VARUN
I came in to tell you that I'm leaving
tomorrow...
Pakhi stiffens the moment she hears the words, but doesn't
turn to Varun.
ZAMINDAR
Oh, is it one month already?
VARUN
Yes sir.. I was wrong, after all. We found
nothing.. The whole exercise has been
futile..
ZAMINDAR
Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. But we are
so happy to have had the chance to know
you.. It's strange how life brings such
different people together and makes them
part of each other's lives.. Even if for a
short while.. We'll miss you terribly..
52.
Varun darts a look towards Pakhi, then turns to address the

zamindar.
VARUN
A van will arrive tomorrow and we'll load
all the rocks and findings at the site. I
really can't thank you enough for your
hospitality..
(pause)
I hate to do this.. But I have to...
Pakhi still doesn't turn back.
CUT TO:
75

Pakhi looks at the closed window of her room. Contemplative.
Then, deep breath, decision made, she moves to the window and
opens it.
The jeep is in gear. Pakhi watches as Varun bids goodbye to
Deb. The jeep drives off. Varun stands alone, in front of the
outhouse for a moment, then goes in.
Music begins.
Through the window of the outhouse, Pakhi can spot a couple of
suitcases, all neatly packed. The blank canvas is where it
was.
She stands still for a moment, and then, her decision made,
she walks out of the room..
She walks down the stairs, through the large corridor, outside
the house, down the driveway and finally stands in front of
the outhouse.
She hesitates for a moment, then knocks on the door.
Music stops.
CUT TO:
76

Varun opens the door and is shocked to see Pakhi. He lets her
in. She enters and stands by the window, shivering slightly
in the cold air of the night.
Varun gently pulls her away from the window and closes it, so
the chill stays out.
They stand facing each other.
hand in his.
Music begins again.
Varun reaches out and takes her
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, scribbling
something on a piece of paper.
Varun looks at her, and goes close to her. Pakhi sees him
looking, smiles shyly at him and goes back to scribbling.
This is a very different Varun -- warm, affectionate, all
defenses down.
VARUN
What are you pretending to write?
PAKHI
I'm not pretending.. I'm writing a story.
What's it about?
It's a story.
Is there a boy?
VARUN
PAKHI
VARUN
Pakhi nods.
And a girl?
VARUN (CONT'D)
Pakhi nods again.

Are they in love?
No...
VARUN (CONT'D)
PAKHI
(looks into his
eyes)
VARUN
(holding her gaze)
Are they going to fall in love?
Pakhi looks away, flushing.
I don't know.
PAKHI
VARUN
What is he telling her now?
Pakhi doesn't reply, looking at his eyes.
54.
VARUN (CONT'D)
Is she angry with him?
Yes..
(softly)
PAKHI
VARUN
And what is he doing?
PAKHI
He is too close for her comfort...
VARUN
So what does she do?
PAKHI
She tells him that...
VARUN
Does he move away?
PAKHI
No...
VARUN
Has he told her that she's the most
beautiful girl he's ever seen in his life?
No...
PAKHI
(looking into his
eyes, intense)
VARUN
Has she told him she loves him more than
anything in this world?
No...
PAKHI
VARUN
When is she going to tell him?
Pakhi doesn't reply.
When?
He touches her lips.

VARUN (CONT'D)
Pakhi doesn't reply, overwhelmed. Varun moves his face close

to her to kiss her. She moves away and gets up. He holds her
hand.
Don't go...
VARUN (CONT'D)
PAKHI
It'll be morning soon.. I have to..
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 and
having tea. He looks up at a knock and is surprised to see
Pakhi.
PAKHI
Good morning, baba...
ZAMINDAR
Good morning... You're up awfully early..
Pakhi flits about the room in nervousness, straightening this
and that.
PAKHI
These flowers are two days old.. I must
tell Pishi Ma to ask the servants to take
care..
She moves away with the vase, places it at the door, then turns
back and straightens the bed covers.
ZAMINDAR
(exasperated)
Will you please sit down?!
me dizzy!!
You're making
Pakhi slows down and sits on the chair opposite her father and
picks 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 to
start. She looks up and sees that the zamindar is waiting,
patiently. Mustering courage and a deep breath later, she
begins.
PAKHI
Er, Baba... Remember that day when we were
traveling back after my check-up.. You
told me something..
I did...?
ZAMINDAR
(racking his memory)
56.
PAKHI
You said that er... you said that if there
was anything in my life, I should come and
tell you first...
The zamindar looks at her quizzically.
father's eye..
Pakhi doesn't meet her
PAKHI (CONT'D)
Baba, there is someone..
Realization dawns on the zamindar, and a slightly shuttered
expression falls on his features. Pakhi goes silent, looking
at her father now, slightly uncertain of his reaction.
I see..
ZAMINDAR
(after a long pause)
Pakhi is silent, waiting.

ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
(stern, taciturn)
Who is this someone?
Varun...
PAKHI
(after a moment)
The zamindar looks at Pakhi, not too surprised as if she was

just confirming what he already suspected. Rather thunderous
expression, revealing nothing with his tone though.
ZAMINDAR
Tell 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 and
then at her father.
ZAMINDAR
(to Pakhi)
Go to the other room..
But Baba..
Go..
PAKHI
ZAMINDAR
(authoritative)
Pakhi looks at Varun and leaves the room, standing however

outside the door, her fingers crossed in prayer, walking up
and down in nervousness.
57.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
Pakhi told me about the two of you...
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
She's untouched by the world. She doesn't
know any artifice or pretense. But I know
better...
(pause)
You are meant to return to god-knows-whereyou-came-from this morning.. Am I right?
VARUN
(quietly)
Yes, sir..
ZAMINDAR
So, if you leave this morning, what is to
happen 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, it
doesn't matter. But it does to me...
Varun is silent, meeting the zamindar's gaze levelly.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
Where are you from?
Bombay..
VARUN
ZAMINDAR
Your background... Education?
I'm self-taught..
Archaeology?
VARUN
ZAMINDAR
VARUN
Turned from hobby to interest to profession.
Your parents...
ZAMINDAR
VARUN
They died in an accident when I was four..
58.
Family?
I have none...
The zamindar goes silent.
ZAMINDAR
VARUN
His manner thawing.
ZAMINDAR
(quieter now)
I have no problem with you, son.. You're a
wonderful person.. I've seen ample proof
of that in the last month.. You haven't
abused our trust or hospitality in any
manner..
(pauses, then
continues)
But I'm just a father. No man will be
good enough for my daughter... I still
don't approve of this.. But I promised you
that you could ask me for anything you
wanted... I didn't know you'd ask me for
the most precious thing in my life...
The zamindar smiles at Varun as he says the last words.
looks very uncomfortable.
Sir...
Varun
VARUN
ZAMINDAR
Let me finish.. I need some more answers.
You are aware of Pakhi's health?
Yes, Sir..
VARUN
ZAMINDAR
If she hadn't spoken to me this morning,
would you have...?
VARUN
Yes. I wouldn't have left before I did
that...
ZAMINDAR
Will you marry her?
Varun looks at the zamindar, looks down, takes a deep breath
and then answers.
Yes, sir...
VARUN
Outside, Pakhi smiles in utter happiness.

CUT TO:
59.
81
INT. HAVELI OUTHOUSE -- DAY

Deb is standing in front of Varun, aghast.
DEBDAS
You're getting married?
VARUN
(looking Deb in
the eye)
The engagement is tomorrow...
DEBDAS
(shocked)
What? And when were you planning on telling
me all this?!
Varun is silent, takes a drag of his cigarette.
DEBDAS (CONT'D)
As it is Bajpai uncle is not very pleased
because we couldn't carry out...
VARUN
(cutting in)
That wasn't part of the plan.. He knows
that...
DEBDAS
Yes, but now this... How will...
(breaks off)
Why?
VARUN
(shakes his head)
I don't know...
What's going on?
don't know...
DEBDAS
Is there something I
Varun is silent, harassed.. Keeps smoking, looking out of the

window.
DEBDAS (CONT'D)
What is it, man? We've known each other
for more than six years now.. We've never
had any secrets before.. What is it? Do
you love her?
I don't know...
VARUN
DEBDAS
Then why did you agree to this... this
marriage? Isn't it wrong... to Pakhi?
Her father?
60.
VARUN
(raking his fingers
through his hair)
I didn't know what to say..
DEBDAS
So what? What are you trying to say? I
don't understand! I don't understand you
at 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.
pause later, Deb speaks up.
A long
DEBDAS
Where is the engagement?
VARUN
The temple site...
Deb looks at him, sharply. Varun interprets the look and shakes
his head in the negative. Deb looks away.
CUT TO:
82

The zamindar is sitting on his large imposing chair. Majumdar
is sitting on a chair by the table. The zamindar is dictating
a letter.
ZAMINDAR
'Thakur Bikramaditya Roychowdhury is happy
to invite you for the engagement of his
daughter... no, his only daughter Pakhi
Roychowdhury to Varun Shrivastav...'
He breaks off and addresses Majumdar.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
So what if he's not a Bengali... Those
times are gone.. We're in the 1950s.
Caste and such stuff don't matter anymore..
Poor boy has no parents.. But he's a
wonderful chap.. We've all seen that. And
that's all that should matter...
Majumdar nods in assent.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
(continues dictating)
Where were we?
61.
MAJUMDAR
"..to Varun Shrivastav..."
ZAMINDAR
Yes.. on Shukla Paksh. Indian month
blah..., the twenty first of November..
He talks to Majumdar.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
It is rather short notice.. Just two days
away.. But those who can't make it for the
engagement can come for the wedding, what
do you say?
Of course...
MAJUMDAR
ZAMINDAR
(dictating again)
'The wedding will be on the auspicious day
of the ... Indian blah... December 15th..
I would like to share my joy and happiness
with my friends and relatives... I would
be honored if you grace the occasion with
your 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 at
all.
Zamindar babu...
MAJUMDAR (CONT'D)
The zamindar turns to look at Majumdar, very emotional.

ZAMINDAR
She's really going away, Majumdar...
Majumdar puts a hand on the zamindar's shoulder. A moment
later, the zamindar squares his shoulders and gets up from his
chair.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
Let's get started now... So many things to
do..
CUT TO:
83
EXT. THE HAVELI -- DAY

The haveli is bedecked with flowers. Guests have arrived.
Children playing around, women moving around importantly.
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, dressed
very elegantly.
Are you...?
DEBDAS
Just then, there's a knock on the door and a little girl enters.
LITTLE GIRL
(taking Varun's
arm)
Come, they're calling you...
A moment later, an older woman enters, and shooing the kid
away, smiles at Varun.
LADY
Everyone 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 priest setting up puja stuff.
A pandal is put up,

CUT TO:
86
INT. THE HAVELI - PAKHI'S ROOM -- DAY

Alta is being applied on Pakhi's feet. Another woman is taking
care of her hair. Devi is sorting bangles. Pakhi looks very
happy, 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 a
glance at him. His expression is grim, remote. But catching
her look, he smiles, warm, tender. She lowers her eyes.
63.
The engagement ceremony is over, heralded by conch shells and

shower 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 of
people. Pakhi and Varun are talking to someone. The person
is 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 as
if he's about to say something. Just then, the zamindar passes
by them, but doesn't see them. The moment is lost.
Varun looks deep in Pakhi's eyes for a long moment, then kisses
her on her forehead. Very tender, gentle. And then he turns
and leaves. Pakhi stands, looking at him, her eyes welling up
with tears.
CUT TO:
89

Pakhi is asleep on her bed, still wearing all her jewelry and
dress 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 realize
that all of this was just a dream... But
it wasn't... I couldn't thank God enough..'
FADE OUT:
MORNING
Pakhi gets up and stretches on her bed. She looks at the
clothes she's slept in and smiles at herself.
She then gets off the bed and stands by the window, looking
out. She sees the blank canvas. Smiles in anticipation of
the future.
CUT TO:
90
INT. THE HAVELI -- MORNING

The place is abuzz. Pakhi watches as the zamindar is standing
wearing a coat, being fitted for it. The tailor is nipping
and tucking at the suit.
64.
The zamindar, impatient with the inactivity is talking to

Majumdar, giving instructions to servants. Devi is getting
some rangoli done.
ZAMINDAR
(to Majumdar)
Get the silver idol of Kali out from the
store room. We'll install it today in the
puja room, after the havan..
(to servants)
Ask Pishi Ma whether the havan samagri has
been bought... And send Ram Saran to fetch
the pandit at twelve...
Pakhi walks to her father and puts a hand on his arm.
to her and holding his hands out, asks.
He turns
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
What do you think?
Pakhi smiles at him affectionately, and taking his hand takes
him aside.
PAKHI
Sit down and breathe now... You're behaving
like Pakhi express!!!
Servants milling all around, ladies taking charge of
arrangements, Pishi Ma calling out instructions. In the midst
of 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 in
front of them, looking troubled.
PISHI MA
Babu... The police are here...
The zamindar and Pakhi look at each other, surprised. As does
Devi, who stops her rangoli. Two uniformed police officers
enter the room.
The zamindar walks upto them.
ZAMINDAR
Bose babu.. What brings you here...
BOSE, about fifty, shrewd, world-weary eyes, shakes hands with
the zamindar, respectfully. The other officer joins them.
BOSE
This is my associate, Devidayal.
The zamindar nods.
BOSE (CONT'D)
There's been an unfortunate development.
The temple site has been looted...
65.
Looted?!
ZAMINDAR
(puzzled)
BOSE
We have reason to believe that this is the
work of a gang.. They've pulled off similar
scams in other parts of the country..
Master criminals..
ZAMINDAR
What is there to loot at the site?
just...
It's
BOSE
Pillars, etchings, anything of value...
And the idol in your shrine..
ZAMINDAR
How can that be? The shrine is always
locked.. and only I have the key.. and
only last evening, we had the engagement
ceremony there..
BOSE
Who all are living in your house at present?
ZAMINDAR
Well, my daughter and I, servants who've
been with us for over two decades, yes,
there is one new servant we hired a few
days ago, but he's from Pishi Ma's
village... Then there's my son-in-law tobe who lives with his friend in the
outhouse... But how could anyone...?
Pakhi beckons a little kid who's playing.
PAKHI
Go to the outhouse and ask Varun Dada to
come immediately..
BOSE
What's your son-in law's name?
ZAMINDAR
Varun Shrivastav.. Do the police have any
idea about how this happened?
BOSE
And his friend's name...
ZAMINDAR
Debdas Mukherjee... But will you tell me
who did this? How did this happen?
BOSE
(deep breath)
They dug a tunnel... From the temple site
to underneath the shrine...
66.
Majumdar is at the head of the stairs.
Babu!!!
MAJUMDAR
(calls out)
Devi looks at her father.

at Bose in shock.
The zamindar doesn't listen, looking
BOSE
Varun Shrivastav, alias Narayan Maurya,
alias Mohan Das, alias Raj Saxena... and
several more-- about six feet tall,
athletic, good- looking, very knowledgeable
about a host of things especially literature
and archaeology..
A shocked look comes over the zamindar's face.
stunned. Devi looks on in shock.
Pakhi looks
BOSE (CONT'D)
Debdas Mukherjee, aka Vijay, Guru, Basant..
about five ten, curly hair, dresses like
Dev Anand...
--
ZAMINDAR
(shaking his head)
There must be a mistake...
Majumdar hurries towards them, shocked, out of breath.
MAJUMDAR
Babu... We've been robbed!
is wiped clean!
The store room
Pakhi and her father look at him, shocked beyond words.

Just then, the little kid Pakhi had sent to fetch Varun comes
to them. She tugs Pakhi's hand.
LITTLE GIRL
Didi... There's no one in the room... But
this letter was stuck on the door...
Pakhi takes the letter with trembling hands. She opens it and
begins reading. Everything is now from Pakhi's POV. Shaky,
abstracted.
VARUN (V.O.)
'I know you can never forgive me for what
I'm about to do... You showed me the
possibility of a different life, an
infinitely better one... But I don't think
I'm worth it.. Neither am I worthy of
your forgiveness.. I don't regret anything
I've done in life so far.. But from today,
I will live with the guilt of having hurt
you for the rest of my life... Thank you
for the painting lessons.. But I don't
think I'll paint again..'
67.
The letter flies from Pakhi's passive hands. Pakhi watches

her father as he sits down on a chair, heavily.
Images/ Montages.
Varun talking about Milton.
Varun taking photographs of the shrine, of the idol.
impassive eyes.
His
Varun telling the zamindar 'I'm here just for a month'.

Varun's discomfort when Pakhi lands at the temple site.
Varun saying he never studied history.
Varun in a trench, from a different angle now, giving a start
as he sees the zamindar standing above.
Varun telling Pakhi he was going away for a day.
Varun trying to tell Pakhi something at the engagement.
Through all of this, a tunnel being dug... and them getting
closer and closer to the shrine.. and the idol.
Varun and Deb loading the van, first with the stones, small
findings lined along the periphery. Then with the pillars,
the stone henges, the idol from the shrine. Frightening coldblooded efficiency.
Varun and Deb getting into the van.
Varun looking out of the window as the van travels, a very
pensive hunted look on his face.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'The truth is always right in front of
us... But we see what we choose to see...
and remain blind to everything else...'
ON Varun's face, DISSOLVE TO:
Pakhi looks at her father, then at the letter on the floor,
then at the twinkling ring
On her finger.
Shock, inability to react.
On Pakhi's face.
FADE OUT.
INTERVAL
91
EXT. THE HAVELI -- NIGHT

A strange stillness fills the air. Despite lamps burning
within, there's a dark brooding air about the haveli.
68.
ZAMINDAR (O.S.)
'Thakur Bikramaditya Roychowdhury is deeply
regretful to inform you...'
CUT TO:
92

The zamindar is dictating a letter to Majumdar. The stance
and seating similar to a few scenes ago, but the mood decidedly
opposite. The zamindar looks lost, broken, terribly vulnerable.
ZAMINDAR
...that the wedding of his daughter has
been canceled, due to unforeseen
circumstances..
The zamindar breaks off and clears his throat which has gone
rather rough. Majumdar waits silently, sympathy etched in his
manner.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
You know, good people shouldn't suffer
like this.. But they say that the followers
of the Devil are always taken care of..
It's those who follow the right path who
get hurt all the time...
Pakhi, about to enter, stops at the door and waits. She looks
at her father, visible from the half-open door. She looks
sad, pained but moreso at his grief, which is almost palpable.
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
(dictating again)
Please accept my apologies for the
inconvenience caused ...
He trails off, lost again.
up.
Babu...
A moment later, Majumdar speaks

MAJUMDAR
ZAMINDAR
(coming out of his
thoughts)
You take care of the rest, Majumdar.
really not upto it..
I'm
MAJUMDAR
All right, babu. But we need to look at
the account books soon.. The Zamindar
Abolishment Act has taken away all our
lands.. And now that the heirlooms are
gone too...
He trails off, not wanting to complete the sentence.
listening, looks on grimly.
Pakhi,
69.
MAJUMDAR (CONT'D)
It's not serious, but we need to be
sensible..
The zamindar is silent for a long time.
ZAMINDAR
(almost to himself)
How did all this happen? One moment I had
everything.. everything a man could desire..
And the next, everything is over?
He is silent for a moment.
Then,
ZAMINDAR (CONT'D)
(pulling himself
together)
Look at me, crying like a child who's lost
his candy! We still have this haveli. I
am alive, healthy.. much better off than
so many other people..
(Getting up)
Mail this letter. And in the morning,
we'll sit and go over the accounts books.
Everything will be fine. After all,
tomorrow is another day..
The zamindar gets up from his chair and walks towards an old
gramophone. He puts on a record. Wonderful classical music.
Majumdar looks at his employer, not fooled one bit.
later, he leaves.
A moment
CUT TO:
93
INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY -- LATER

Pakhi enters the library. The zamindar turns to look at her
as he pours a drink into his glass. A smile, very efforted.
ZAMINDAR
How are you, my child?
He walks to his chair, with the bottle of alcohol and settles
it on the table next to his armchair. He sits down and gets
comfortable.
Pakhi sits on a chair next to him, watching him. Music soaks
over them. The zamindar drinks, introspective, thoughtful.
Suddenly the room seems too big, its largeness too enveloping.
PAKHI
(very close to
tears)
I'm sorry, Baba...
The zamindar smiles at Pakhi, gently, sadly.
70.
ZAMINDAR
It's not your fault.. None of us could've
imagined..
Pakhi kneels next to the zamindar's chair.
PAKHI
(softly)
I know you're hurt.. All our land is gone,
and all our heirlooms.. We have nothing
anymore. And we've lost face... Friends
and relatives will have something to point
a finger against you now.. And that is all
thanks to me..
ZAMINDAR
If they're true friends, they will always
be with us.. And relatives, who needs them?
Like you said, we have each other.. And
that's all we need.. Don't you agree?
Pakhi holds her father's hand and kisses it, terribly moved.
The music washes over them again. Melancholic, moving, achingly
beautiful. The zamindar takes another swig from his glass,
emptying it in a gulp, shutting his eyes, holding back his
pain.
Pakhi looks at him, and unable to take it anymore, gets up and
walks towards the door.
At the door, she turns back. Her father is lost in his world
of music and the escape of his drink.
CUT TO:
94
INT. THE HAVELI - CORRIDOR -- NIGHT

(Music continues)
Pakhi walks along the corridors of the haveli. There is an
emptiness about the place, a bleakness, that wasn't there
before.
CUT TO:
95

Pakhi stands by the window, looking down at the outhouse.
blank canvas is still there.
The
A shutter appears over her eyes, her features. She sits at

the window seat, looking at the night sky. Like she'd done
several hundred times before. Music from the library filters
in.
CUT TO:
Music is stronger.
glass.
The zamindar takes another gulp from his
71.
As he puts the glass on the table beside him, tears escape his
tightly-shut eyelids.
CUT TO:
Pakhi sits at the window, looking at the sky, dry-eyed.
continues.
Music
TIME LAPSE
Morning dawns. Everything is silent, except for the chirping
of early birds. Pakhi is in the same position at the windowseat. She looks at the clock in her room. It's a few minutes
before six in the morning. She gets to her feet.
CUT TO:
96
INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY -- MORNING

Pakhi looks in through the half-open door and sees her father,
still on the armchair. She enters the door. The zamindar's
empty glass is lying on the floor. The record is whirring,
played through.
She reaches her father and takes his hand, to wake him up. A
sudden change comes over her face. She looks at her father,
places her hand on his chest. Another shutter falls over her
face as she realizes that her father is dead.
Music begins.
CUT TO:
97
INT. THE HAVELI-- DAY

Music continues.
A shok-sabha at the haveli. The entire village seems to have
turned up to pay their respects. Pakhi is sitting in a corner.
Next to her, Devi is crying quietly. Majumdar wipes his tears.
Only Pakhi is dry-eyed.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'When I was eight, Baba had taken me to
watch an old mansion of ours being razed
to the ground. The systematic demolition
was fascinating. First one floor, then
the other.. And within moments, the entire
place came crashing down.. Watching it, I
wondered what that building must've felt
like... Now I knew..'
People are walking off, expressing their condolences to Pakhi.
Everyone is kind, sincere. Dignified grief.
CUT TO:
Pakhi is sitting in the library. The chair that her father
used to sit at, looms emptily. Facing her are Majumdar and a
man who looks like a lawyer.
72.
The man explains something as he puts papers in front of Pakhi.

Majumdar adds his remarks.
Pakhi reads the documents and then signs on them.
'I felt like I was signing away my right
to all my memories. But I wanted to do
it.. Baba, who gave life to those memories,
wasn't there anymore.. I had nothing to
hold me there now..'
First one, then another.
On signature.
DISSOLVE TO:
Pakhi is standing at the door, outside the haveli. Luggage is

being loaded into a car. Devi and Majumdar stand next to her.
Devi is in tears.
All the luggage loaded, the driver now gets into the car.
Pakhi looks at Devi and hugs her, fiercely. Majumdar hugs her.
And opens the door of the car for Pakhi, one last time.
Pakhi gets in.
The car drives off.
Devi and Majumdar wave.
Pakhi doesn't look back. The car passes by the outhouse.

blank canvas stares at her through the open window, as if
mocking. Pakhi averts her eyes.
The
CUT TO:
The car now travels along the road, and passes the place where
she first met Varun in his car.
I/C
Varun looks at Pakhi and smiles.
I/C
Pakhi shakes her head firmly, not allowing herself to think.
CUT TO:
The car passes through the archaeological site where Varun
worked. She doesn't look, keeping her eyes straight ahead.
'I was glad I was moving.. There was a
small cottage Baba had bought in Spiti,
years ago. That would be home now.. Here,
too many memories tied me to the past..
And I wanted to cut off all ties with what
was. I wanted to look at what could be..
towards the future..'
Music continues. The car travels on. The landscape changes
from dusty plains to clearer mountains. Beautiful, breathtaking.
73.
CUT TO:
98
EXT. THE COTTAGE -- DAY

Pakhi gets off her car and looks at the cottage, which is almost
picture-postcard-like in its prettiness.
SHYAMA, an elderly dignified-looking maid greets her warmly,
affectionately. The driver carries the luggage inside. Pakhi
stands looking about her... At the cottage..
DISSOLVE TO:
The same view. The cottage now looking lived in, smoke rising
from the chimney.
CUT TO:
99
INT. THE COTTAGE - PAKHI'S ROOM -- AFTERNOON

The room is simple, neat. A large window looks out at the
lawns. A table is set beside the window. Large shelves for
books. Pakhi is unpacking. She removes books from a box and
places them on the shelves.
In the box, she suddenly comes across some painting stuff..
Brushes, paints. A hunted look comes over her face.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'The things we love most are always denied
to us.. or taken away from us.. First my
dream of falling in love and living happily
ever after.. Then Baba.. But everyone
experiences the loss of a loved one.. In
death or in life..
Pakhi puts up a painting that we've seen earlier in the haveli
library.
She places a radio on a table.
She puts up a framed photograph of her father on the table.
And a single rose-bud in front of it.
'My grief wasn't unique, neither was my
pain.. I'd always hated people who glorified
their troubles.. I didn't want to become
one of them. Bitter, self-pitying.. I
just had to make my peace with life and
move on...'
Finally, she pulls out a sheaf of papers from one of the boxes
and places it on the table.
'At least I had something to build from..
My writing.
(MORE)
74.

The dream I always had, of writing a book,
living by a mountainside, looking out of
the window at snow-capped peaks and tall
trees, would come true... All wasn't
lost...'
Pakhi sits at the table. She picks up a pen and sits, holding
the pen poised over the sheet of paper. The blank piece of
paper stares at her.
She switches on the radio. The song from 'Baazi' plays. A
hunted look comes over Pakhi's face, and she switches off the
radio. Complete silence.
TIME LAPSE
It is darker outside the window now. Pakhi is still sitting
at the table, looking at the paper in front of her. The paper
is still barren of words.
CUT TO:
100
INT. THE COTTAGE - DINING ROOM -- NIGHT

Pakhi is sitting at the dining table. All alone, she seems
dwarfed by the large table. She is playing with the food on
her plate, disinterestedly.
Shyama enters with dessert and chides her for not eating well.
Pakhi smiles and makes an effort.
CUT TO:
101
INT. THE COTTAGE - PAKHI'S ROOM -- NIGHT

Pakhi gets up from sleep, the room lit only by moonlight. She
sits by the table, looking at the blank sheet of paper. No
words, still.
CUT TO:
102
EXT. MOUNTAINOUS LANDSCAPE -- DAY/ EVENING

Pakhi is walking along the lovely pathways and lovely winding
roads, framed by trees. Strangely silent..
CUT TO:
103

Pakhi is again at the table. Golden light from the window
bathing her. She is staring at the blank sheet of paper. She
moves the pen, almost by sheer will. Some words find themselves
on the paper. The next moment, she scratches them out...
Just then, there's a knock at the door.
SHYAMA
Dinner is laid, Pakhi Di..
Shyama is at the door.
75.
Pakhi nods.
PAKHI
Thank you, Shyama.. I'll be there..
Shyama leaves.
Pakhi looks at the blank sheet of paper.

CUT TO:
104
INT. THE COTTAGE - DINING ROOM -- NIGHT

Pakhi is sitting at the table, playing with the food on her
plate -- lost in thought. Shyama watches Pakhi, and a moment
later speaks up.
SHYAMA
Pakhi Di...
Pakhi looks up, startled.
SHYAMA (CONT'D)
(very hesitantly)
Can I ask something?
PAKHI
What is it, Shyama?
SHYAMA
Zamindar babu... how...
(trails off)
Pakhi goes very still.
to fight her tears.
Looking at a fixed spot, trying hard
A heart attack...
PAKHI
Pakhi gets up from her seat, gives a strained smile in Shyama's

direction.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
You can go home now, Shyama.. Take care of
your son.. I hope he gets better soon.
I'll see you tomorrow morning..
Pakhi leaves the room.
Shyama watches her, in concern.

CUT TO:
105

Pakhi is sitting on the table, her pen moving over the paper
forcibly. Frustrated, she rolls up the paper into a ball and
throws it to the ground.
Fingers holding the pen, the ink spreading over paper unsure,
uncertain, scratched out. Paper rolled into a ball, lands on
the floor.
76.
CLOSE ON: The ball of paper lying on the floor. Off-screen

sounds, pen scratching on paper, angry tearing of the paper
and another ball lands on the floor. Then another. And
another.
Finally, Pakhi sits on the table, slumped, breathing heavily.
Her vision slowly gets blurred by tears -- the first tears
since her father's death.
Wiping her face, angrily, not allowing herself to cry, Pakhi
sweeps some books off the table. The books land on the floor
beside the balled up pieces of paper, which seem to almost
mock her.
Tears blur her eyes, but she wipes them away, still not letting
herself cry. She moves to the shelf, throws some books off
them. Picks a book, begins shredding pages, throwing the pages
into the wind outside the window. She picks up another book,
tears it wildly, more aggression. Then another, and another.
All the time, her anger reaching towards a violent crescendo.
As the last book falls from her hand, half inside the house
and half outside into the ground below the window, she slumps
onto the chair, breathing terribly labored.
Her eyes fall on the photograph of the zamindar.. Tears fall
down her face again. And this time she makes no attempt to
stop them. Allowing herself to grieve over her father's death
for the first time..
Slowly, her breathing gets more and more labored as the tears
fall unstoppable.. And she blacks out.
BLEACH OUT
106
INT. THE COTTAGE - PAKHI'S ROOM -- DAY

An X-ray slowly comes to focus.
DR. TSERING, a quiet mild-mannered man in his 50s looks at the
X-ray against the white wall -- concern writ large on his face.
Pakhi is lying on the bed, under the covers.
coughs shake her frail body.
Intermittent
Dr. Tsering puts the x-ray on the bedside table and looks at
Pakhi, who has her back to him and Shyama, looking out of the
window. Shyama is watching, concernedly.
DR. TSERING
Pakhi.. I have the reports of your x-rays
and scans and blood tests..
(pause, deep breath)
I'm afraid the news isn't very good. You
have tuberculosis..
Pakhi closes her eyes at his words momentarily, then opens
them.
77.
Pakhi's POV- Slowly the view from outside the window comes
into focus, and along with the snow-capped peaks in the
distance, she now sees the tree outside the window. Tall,
magnificent but somehow bereft because of the leaves that are
falling -- almost like a gentle rain -- off it.
Meanwhile Dr. Tsering keeps speaking, but his voice is almost
like an indistinct drone to Pakhi.
DR. TSERING (CONT'D)
TB isn't something to be taken lightly,
even with normal patients. But keeping in
mind your medical history and your lung
problem... frankly, you're in a very
delicate state. The slightest neglect can
have devastating consequences.
SHYAMA
Don't worry, Doctor.. I'll make sure she
takes complete care..
Pakhi continues staring at the tree, fascinated. Watching as
the leaves fall, one by one -- carried by the breeze. Behind
her, Dr. Tsering's words seem almost incoherent.
DR. TSERING
(to Shyama, in the
background)
She needs to take these medicines
regularly.. Complete bed rest.. And food
at regular intervals.. Medical science has
advanced, and there is a cure now, even
for TB.. But complete care is a must..
Dr. Tsering looks at Pakhi's unresponsive back.
The best thing for you, my child would be
to get admitted to a nursing home..
Pakhi doesn't react.
in the negative.
He looks at Shyama, who shakes her head

(sighing, to Shyama)
Well.. Please make sure she takes her
medication.. And give me a call anytime..
Good bye, Pakhi..
He touches Pakhi's shoulder and leaves. Pakhi lies there,
staring at the tree outside, with a strange feverish
fascination.
CUT TO:
107
INT. THE COTTAGE - PAKHI'S ROOM -- EARLY EVENING

Pakhi is lying on her bed, coughing intermittently, in almost
the same position that she was.. But the light is different.
It is now early evening..
78.
She's looking out of the window. Shyama enters the room and
seeing the tray of food lying on the bedside table untouched,
exclaims.
SHYAMA
Your lunch, Pakhi di...!! I'll heat it
up.. You need to take your medicines..
Pakhi doesn't react, her eyes fixed on the tree.
SHYAMA (CONT'D)
(looking at Pakhi,
worried)
Pakhi di...
Pakhi doesn't reply. About to say something, but thinking the
better of it, Shyama takes the tray of food and leaves the
room. Pakhi looks at the tree, a couple of more leaves fall.
DISSOLVE TO:
108
INT. THE COTTAGE - PAKHI'S ROOM -- LATE AFTERNOON

The sky is a deep gold. A snow-storm seems to be on course.
Consistent snowing outside. Shyama enters the room. Pakhi is
lying on the bed -- just like earlier.
SHYAMA
It's been two days, Pakhi di. This is not
good for you...
PAKHI
(snapping)
Leave me alone. Please..
Hurt, Shyama quietly moves towards the door.
about to move out, Pakhi speaks.
Just as she's
PAKHI (CONT'D)
I'm sorry, Shyama..
She breaks off, coughing.
features softer now.
Shyama stands at the door, her
SHYAMA
You owe it to yourself to take care of
yourself. You know your health better
than anyone else.. This is not good..
She stops. Pakhi doesn't reply for a long moment.
staring at the tree, she speaks.
Then, still
PAKHI
See this tree here? When I came here, it
had a lot of leaves... that even autumn
couldn't tear away.. And then, they began
falling again.. Nature wants the tree to
wither away.. That's its destiny. Try as
it might, the tree can't fight it..
(MORE)
79.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
The leaves fall of their own accord..
pulled away from their home, the tree by a
force beyond their control..
Shyama listens, a worried look coming over her face. Pakhi
turns to Shyama, feverish face and eyes shining with strange
light.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
This tree symbolizes my life.. and its
leaves my breath.. The day the last leaf
falls, my breath shall stop.. And I'll
die..
Shyama looks shocked.
In the distant sky, dark clouds gather. Another leaf falls
off the tree. We follow it's descent right until it hits the
ground.
CUT TO:
109
EXT. TOWN STREETS -- EVENING

Varun picks up a fallen leaf from the ground and twirls it
between his fingers. He looks in the direction of a grandlooking old mansion. Lost in contemplation.
Shall we leave?
DEBDAS (O.S.)
Varun snaps out of his thoughts and turns to look at Deb. He

nods and they begin walking out the gates of the property.
DEBDAS (CONT'D)
I spoke to the caretaker of the monastery..
No one comes here during winter. Told him
we were antique dealers..
His voice trails off as Varun and Deb walk away..
CUT TO:
110
INT. TEA SHOP -- EVENING

Varun and Deb are sitting at a table, warming their hands on
cups of steaming tea. They're the only people there.
Varun is pointing to a map laid out on the table.
VARUN
There's a trap door here on the east end
of the garden leading to the cellar.. we
might have to dig our way in.. But this is
the best way. No effort.. We just need to
know the best time..
A young waiter comes upto them.
80.
WAITER
Looks like you're new in town, babu. You
should get back to where you're staying as
soon as possible. Looks like today will
be the first snowfall of the season... It
can easily turn to a snow storm.. Best to
stay indoors..
Outside, the sky is strangely dark and the wind is howling
ominously now. Varun and Deb exchange glances.
CUT TO:
111

Varun and Deb walk on.
on the street.
Only two or three people are walking
And suddenly, one man they've passed by does a double-take and

looks at them with a surprised expression on his face. The
man is Inspector Bose.
He takes a moment to place them and begins following them.
Varun and Deb walk ahead, swift strides. Suddenly as they
pass a shop window, Varun notices Bose behind them. He looks
at Deb and indicates the reflection on the window, even as
they continue walking.
They slow down. As does Bose. They pick up their pace. Bose
does ditto. They now reach an intersection. Varun gestures
with his eyes that Deb take the other fork, while he takes
another.
Bose watches the two of them split and hesitates a moment,
wondering whom to follow. He then follows Varun.
CUT TO:
112
EXT. PAKHI'S COTTAGE -- EVENING

Lights come on in the cottage, one by one.
CUT TO:
113

Varun turns into an alley. Bose reaches there and looks to
see an empty street. He's lost Varun. He looks around -three roads ahead of him. He makes a decision and runs swiftly
into one, his gun now in his hand.
From a small alley, Deb walks almost right into Bose. They
look at each other for a moment. Deb turns and breaks into a
run. Bose is in pursuit.
CUT TO:
81.
114

Pakhi is sitting on a chair by the window, looking at the tree
outside. Shyama arrives, and stands at the door. Pakhi turns
on hearing her.
SHYAMA
(looking worried)
Can I get you something, Di?
Tea...
PAKHI
No, thank you Shyama... You'd better go
home now. Good night..
She looks out of the window.
On the sky, dark clouds gather.

CUT TO:
115

Varun scales over a fence and jumps onto a dirt road, when he
turns to see Deb running, and close on Deb's heels though
separated by too many bushes/ trees/ encumbrances is Bose, gun
in hand.
Bose now sees Varun also ahead of him.
over his face.
A grim smile breaks

CUT TO:
116
EXT. PAKHI'S COTTAGE -- EVENING

Shyama shuts the main door of the cottage behind her and walks
ahead. She looks up at the first storey, where Pakhi's window
is. She looks at the tree in front of it and sighs, disturbed.
She then walks towards the gates.
CUT TO:
117

Varun and Deb now reach a blind alley of sorts, a tall wall
looms ahead of them, tall hedges on both sides of them.
Varun swiftly, with the agility of a cat, scales the wall with
the help of a creeper running all along it, and gets on top of
it. He looks impatiently as Deb, a little behind turns into
the alley. But right on Deb's heels is Bose.
Deb climbs onto the wall, holding the creeper.
Stop right there.
Deb keeps climbing.
BOSE
Don't make me do this...
Bose takes a deep breath and shoots.

CUT TO:
82.
118

Pakhi watches as snowflakes now fall down the landscape outside
her window.
CUT TO:
119

Varun watches Deb's body, fallen on the snow, dead. He meets
Bose's eyes with a cold expressionless look, cuts the creeper
and jumps over to the other side.
Bose stands by the wall, looking at the fallen creeper, knowing
there was no way he could scale it now.
He looks at the fallen Deb.
Snowflakes falling upon the blood on the snow, covering it
within moments.
CUT TO:
120

Pakhi is sitting on her chair, lost in thought.
CUT TO:
121

Bose watches as some policemen place Deb's snow-covered body
onto a stretcher and take it into a van. A small crowd gathers
to watch.
Shyama passes by, looking at the crowd in curiosity.
CUT TO:
122

Roadblocks are being placed and oncoming vehicles stopped, by
waving flashlights. Snow is falling.
Policemen are looking into every vehicle.
head, running his hand through his hair.
Bose shakes his
BOSE
We need to find him before nightfall...
A local inspector, wise-looking, practical, shakes his head.
INSPECTOR
I don't see how we can do that.. Within
moments, it's going to be dark.. Looks
like we'll have to wait until tomorrow..
Bose shakes his head, talking into a walkie-talkie..
83.
BOSE
All exit points are sealed?
CUT TO:
123
EXT. TOWN STREETS -- NIGHT

It is terribly dark. In the cold light of the moon, Varun is
seen -- walking swiftly along the road, hunching to shelter
from the heavy snowfall.
In the distance looms a magnificent tree and a cottage
alongside. Pakhi's house.
CUT TO:
124

A coughing fit assails Pakhi. As it passes, she gets up from
her chair and walks towards the table. She runs her fingers
over the photograph of her father, touching the rather withered
rosebud in front of it.
She looks at the blank sheets of paper on the table, which
seem to stare at her, mocking.
Outside the window, snow is falling at an alarming rate.
Pakhi opens the window and stands as the violent cold air hits
her, whipping her clothes about.
Suddenly, Pakhi hears a sound from the hall. Alert, she moves
towards the door -- heartbreakingly frail, vulnerable. She
coughs, serious now, thanks to her exposure to the cold air at
the window.
PAKHI
(calling out)
Who is it?
CUT TO:
125
INT. THE COTTAGE -- NIGHT

A window suddenly bursts open in the foyer, snow bursting into
the house, the wind making a terrible howling sound.
Pakhi moves down the corridor, towards the stairs, coughing
very badly now, breathing hard, an oncoming asthma attack.
The wind from the open window makes any sound almost impossible
to be heard over it.
Shyama?
PAKHI
She walks down the stairs, coughing and struggling to breathe,

the asthma attack controlling her completely.
84.
Varun stands in the long verandah along the door. Gun in hand,
moving swiftly along the wall. The only sound is the terrible
wail of the howling wind and the snowstorm outside.
Varun reaches the window and closes it.
trap the wind outside.
Finally managing to
His back to the foyer, he leans against the wall, panting,

breathing heavily. All is silent. Suddenly the door between
the foyer and the verandah opens.
Varun whirls around, gun poised in hand.
Pakhi looks at him.
They look at each other, shocked. Pakhi is struggling to

breathe, holds the knob of the door and slumps to the floor.
(Everything is now from PAKHI's POV.)
She is lying on the floor, perspiring for lack of oxygen.
Varun kneeling beside her, holding her arm, his face grim,
tense. He puts his arm around her shoulder.
Images of the past flash in front of her. The present and the
imagined interlock, until she's not sure which is which.
Past: Varun putting his arms around her shoulder, looking at
her, shocked about her attack.
I/C:
Pakhi pushes Varun away. Varun persists, overpowering her
easily. He picks her up. The ground lifts from under Pakhi.
She continues resisting him, feebly -- struggling terribly to
breathe.
They go up the stairs.
CU: A hand pulls open a drawer.
I/C:
Past: Varun pulls out the bag of medicines.
I/C:
Present: Varun loads a syringe. Pakhi is on the bed -- a heartwrenching sight, unable to breathe -- a terrible wheezing sound
coming from her.
I/C:
Past: Varun lifts the sleeve of her blouse.
I/C:
Present: An injection is administered on her forearm.
I/C:
85.
Past: Varun is holding her close as Pakhi passes out in his

arms.
CUT TO:
126

A lamp is burning by the bedside. Pakhi is sleeping on the
bed, terribly weak, her breathing still labored. We see her
from the POV of Varun, off-camera.
Pakhi moves on the bed, and slowly opens her eyes, slowly
getting oriented. She realizes that she's in her room, and
that her hand is being held by someone. As her eyes travel in
the direction of the person, her face freezes in shock. Varun
is looking down at her.
VARUN
(sincere, but
expressionless)
How are you feeling?
Pakhi recoils as if stung.
pushes him away.
She jerks his hands off her and

VARUN (CONT'D)
Pakhi...
PAKHI
(fierce, furious)
Don't say my name! Don't you dare say my
name.. What are you doing here?
Varun is silent. Offering her a glass of water.
the glass off his hand.
Pakhi knocks
She moves to the phone, dials a number. The phone is not

working, lines down -- just static. Furious, she throws the
phone off the table.
Get out!!
PAKHI (CONT'D)
Get out of here!!!
VARUN
I can't. I need a place to stay until the
storm blows over...
Pakhi looks at him incredulously.
Here!!!
out!!!
PAKHI
You want to stay here!!!
She begins breathing heavily again..
Get
86.
VARUN
(looking at her,
intent almost
cold)
Please.. You don't want another attack.. I
can't leave. I'll go in the morning...
Pakhi sits on the bed, holding her chest, trying to breathe
easy.
No!
PAKHI
This is my house! I won't let you...
She breaks off, coughing.

I can't leave.
VARUN
I'm sorry.
PAKHI
(sarcasm)
All right! Stay! Stay for as long as you
want... But let me warn you, there's nothing
here that you can steal.. nothing of any
worth.. So why waste your time?
VARUN
I just want to spend the night.
gone in the morning.
I'll be
PAKHI
(complete sarcasm)
Oh, just one night?!!! Why didn't you
tell me earlier?
VARUN
(not reacting)
I can't leave.
He moves away from her. Suddenly, his eyes fall on the writing
table and he sees the photograph of the zamindar with the
rosebud in front of it.
He turns to Pakhi, his eyes questioning, knowing the answer
but not wanting to accept it.
PAKHI
(trying to keep
emotion from her
voice)
He couldn't take it.. More than the loss
of money, it was the loss of face, of
dignity..
(bitterly)
He died of a broken heart.. and broken
trust..
Varun is silent.
87.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
Now you know... All is lost. And I can't
bear to look at you a moment longer! Go
away from here. Find another house.
Another place. Destroy some other life!
You've done all you could here!
(getting more and
more worked up)
Leave me alone. Please.
She moves to him and pushes him, hits him with all her feeble
might. Varun holds her hands, overpowers her easily.
VARUN
I can't.
Slowly, Pakhi's strength saps, she stops fighting.

PAKHI
(incredulous, bitter)
Nothing touches you, does it...?
Varun looks at her for a moment, then letting her go, turns
and walks to the window.
Varun looks at the photograph -- and then away, out of the
window at a nebulous distance. Terribly shaken. Runs his
hand through his hair. Deb's death. Now knowledge of the
zamindar's. Silence.
CUT TO:
127
EXT. THE COTTAGE -- NIGHT

The snowstorm rages on, angrily, noisily.
CUT TO:
128

Utter silence as both Varun and Pakhi sit on different corners
of the room, lost in their own worlds of anger, pain and shock.
Pakhi sits on a chair, looking out of the window at the tree,
which is barely visible.
TIME LAPSE
The first rays of sun hit Pakhi and she opens her eyes, fallen
asleep on her chair, a blanket around her. As she slowly gets
oriented, she looks about her.
Varun is nowhere to be seen.
Knocking on the door slowly gets distinct.
Open up.
VOICE (O.S.)
It's the police!
CUT TO:
88.
129
INT. THE COTTAGE - HALLWAY -- MORNING

Two policemen stand at the door, talking to Pakhi.
POLICEMAN
... on the loose since last night. There
have been roadblocks put, so he doesn't
skip town. But we're warning all residents
around here.. Please lock your doors well,
and don't open the door to any stranger.
Pakhi looks at them, quiet, silently acquiescing.
POLICEMAN 2
(to the first, as
they turn to leave)
Are you sure he isn't injured... If his
friend was shot dead, surely...
Pakhi suddenly stops closing the door midway.
PAKHI
(calling out)
Someone was shot?
POLICEMAN
Yes... They were two of them. We got one.
Shot dead. On the spot. The second got
away. Didn't even turn back when his
partner was shot...
They turn back and walk on. Pakhi stands at the door, and
turns into the house. She spots Varun stands by the door to
the foyer.
Deb?
PAKHI
Pakhi gives a short hard laugh.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
Just when I thought there were no further
depths you could fall to, you prove me
wrong...
Just then the door opens and Shyama steps in.
SHYAMA
Di, what were the police...?
Before she can finish, taken completely by surprise, Varun
points a gun at Shyama -- in a motion so swift the gun seemed
to appear out of thin air.
Shyama looks at him, stunned. Pakhi looks at the tableau -Varun, gun in hand, Shyama's stupefied expression. And shaking
her head, walks away.
89.
Shyama looks at Pakhi's receding back, clueless about what was

happening.
CUT TO:
130

Pakhi is sitting on the armchair, by the window, gazing outside -almost disconnected from the proceedings. Shyama is standing
by a wall, watchful, alert, angry. Varun is putting the
telephone back on the table and checking the connection. He
gets a dial tone. He dials a number.
Gun in hand, he keeps a watchful eye on Shyama as he speaks
into the phone.
VARUN
Uncle... It's me, Varun.
me out of here...
You need to get
He continues talking into the phone, but his voice fades off
as we stay with Pakhi who's watching the falling leaves of the
tree, back to her earlier state of mind.
Shyama watches Pakhi, disturbed.
SHYAMA
(to Varun)
You won't get anything here... And what
kind of heroism is this -- holding two
women hostage? The police will be here
soon and...
VARUN
(looking at Pakhi)
The police were already here.. They're not
likely to disturb us very soon...
Shyama looks askance at Pakhi, her unspoken question about why
Pakhi didn't turn Varun in -- realizing, knowing there was a
lot more between them than she knew.
SHYAMA
(to Varun)
Who are you?
Pakhi waits for a moment, looking at Varun, wanting to know
his answer. When Varun doesn't reply, she laughs dryly,
humorlessly.
PAKHI
Like Lord Vishnu, he's called by many
names!!!
Shyama looks on, completely foxed.
CUT TO:
90.
131
EXT. THE COTTAGE -- AFTERNOON

Two policemen get off a jeep and station themselves close to
the gates of Pakhi's cottage. A senior officer gives them
some orders and drives off, the jeep full of more policemen.
Varun is talking on the phone, standing by the window, hidden
from outside view and watches this. His gun is lying on the
table. It is evident that he is in charge, but Pakhi is holding
her own, not browbeaten.
VARUN
(into the phone)
I don't think I can make it to Delhi
tomorrow, Mr. Mahajan. I am caught up in
some business here in Bombay... I shall
call you as soon as I get there..
He hangs up and meets Pakhi's eyes.
coldly.
Pakhi stares at him,
Shyama enters with a tray containing a single plate of food

and places it on a table in front of Pakhi, decidedly ignoring
Varun.
Shyama silently gestures towards the plate.
small gesture of denial. Varun notices.
Pakhi makes a
PAKHI
Lies are a way of life for you, aren't
they?
There is silence for a few minutes.
Then Varun speaks.
VARUN
Very often the life you lead is not the
life you choose..
Pakhi looks at him with scorn.
PAKHI
Ah, I now see the man holding a gun to
your head!
VARUN
I've been living this life for too long..
I know no better.
PAKHI
I've heard that before..
VARUN
(calmly)
Yes, but you don't understand what it
means..
PAKHI
I don't?! Well, what can I say?
a simple small-town girl..
I'm just
91.
VARUN
I was brought up among pickpockets and
petty thieves in Bombay.. My first crime
was when I was five. I entered a house
through a small window, that only a child
could enter.. And opened the main door so
that the gang could steal...
Pakhi is drawn, despite herself.
interested.
Shyama looks at Varun,
VARUN (CONT'D)
(matter-of-factly)
I was a fast learner. And I always wanted
to be better than anyone else.. If I was
brought up like you, I might've been a
winner in life.. The most adventurous
archaeologist, perhaps.. But I wasn't.. I
became the most daring criminal!
Pakhi is silent.
Varun looks at her.
VARUN (CONT'D)
It's all about survival.. You need to live..
PAKHI
(almost to herself)
Sometimes, you don't..
She looks out of the window. A light snow is beginning to
fall. Varun looks at her, not following, then at Shyama, who
has a worried expression on her face.
CUT TO:
132
INT. THE COTTAGE - KITCHEN -- AFTERNOON

Shyama enters the kitchen with Pakhi's untouched tray and sees
Varun standing by the kitchen counter, eating a fruit from a
basket. His gun is on the platform.
Shyama meets his gaze, then turns and walks away, not saying
anything.
CUT TO:
133

It is getting darker. Varun is sitting on his chair, exhausted
from all the happenings of the previous day. His eyes are
closed, and his head drooping with sleep -- terribly vulnerable.
A hand picks up the gun from the table it's lying on and
advances stealthily towards him. Stopping by his chair, the
hand rises to clobber him on the head when Pakhi speaks up.
No...
PAKHI
92.
Shyama, holding the gun -- her hand poised in the air to hit
Varun looks at Pakhi surprised.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
Baba always used to say that life has it's
own way of evening itself out.. He's done
wrong.. He'll pay for it. It's not upto
you or me to decide his punishment.. If
there is justice in this world, his
punishment will find him..
And Pakhi turns away, not wanting to answer the unspoken
question in Shyama's eyes.
Sensing something, Varun gets up. He sees the gun in Shyama's
hand. Shyama throws a look towards Pakhi, who's standing with
her back firmly upon them.
Quietly, Shyama hands the gun back to Varun.
CUT TO:
134

It is dark outside. Pakhi is sitting by the window, watching
the snowfall. A couple of leaves fall off the tree.
SHYAMA
I can't let you stay here with this...
PAKHI
(cutting in)
Go home now.. It's beginning to snow harder.
I'll be fine..
(a look at Varun)
Nothing more that he can do.. Nothing at
all..
SHYAMA
(looking at Varun,
but not addressing
him)
But will he let me leave?
PAKHI
Ah! Can someone who knows only how to
betray trust, place trust in another person?
That's really a difficult decision..
(looking at Varun)
No point in appealing to the finer
sentiments of one who doesn't have any..
(to Shyama)
I wish you luck, Shyama... Though I never
had any..
Varun looks at Pakhi, a shuttered expression in his eyes.
CUT TO:
93.
135
INT. THE COTTAGE -- EVENING

Varun stands as Shyama opens the door.
SHYAMA
I won't tell the police.. or anyone.. Just
don't do anything to her..
VARUN
(bitterly)
Don't worry. No harm will come to her..
In fact, I'm hoping to be gone by tomorrow..
I've done enough damage to last her a
lifetime..
SHYAMA
(looking up the
stairs)
I don't know how long that lifetime is
going to last now... When you've lost the
will to live, nothing can help.
Varun looks at her, nonplussed.
SHYAMA (CONT'D)
(distraught)
The doctor said she has TB.. She doesn't
take any medicines.. Doesn't eat.. Her
life hinges on the leaves of the tree.
She believes that the day the last leaf
falls, she will die.. She sits by the window
and watches the leaves fall and waits...
For her own death...
Varun looks at Shyama, shocked by what he's just heard.
CUT TO:
136

Varun is talking on the phone. Pakhi is looking out of the
window, coughing intermittently. The wind is howling. Snow
falling heavily.
VARUN
(into the phone)
Looks like a big snowstorm.. Yes, maybe
the only opportunity for me to escape..
All right... Mall Road Junction. Ok..
He hangs up and looks at Pakhi.
VARUN (CONT'D)
I will be leaving tomorrow morning at five..
Pakhi doesn't react. Varun stands by the window, a very
disturbed look on his face.
94.
VARUN (CONT'D)
I know you will never forgive me.
shouldn't.
You
Pakhi doesn't reply. Looks at the tree, shedding leaves.

Varun looks at the tree and then at Pakhi, very disturbed,
shaken.
VARUN (CONT'D)
(stiffly)
I am really sorry.
Pakhi doesn't say anything.
Music Kicks in.
On the leaves and snow falling outside the window,
CUT TO:
137

Music Plays On.
Pakhi is lying on the bed, sleeping.
Varun watches, for the first time his guard down -- not cold,
not alert. He continues watching her. The night passes.
TIME LAPSE
Daybreak. Varun looks at the sky, first light of dawn. But
the snowstorm is still raging. One last look at Pakhi, still
sleeping and he leaves the room.
He opens the main door and steps out cautiously.
sight.
No one in
CUT TO:
138
EXT.
THE COTTAGE / TOWN STREETS -- MORNING
Music Plays On.

In the watery light of the early hour, Varun walks out of the
main door. As he walks to the gate, he looks at the tree
outside Pakhi's window.
He walks out of the gate of Pakhi's cottage.
Snow falling on his shoulders and head.
Through the pathway, trees all around.
glance.
Down the street.
Without a backward
Until he reaches a tiny road intersection, with one sign

pointing Mall Road.
On seeing the sign, his strides now grow slower.
his features set but troubled.
He walks on,
95.
He turns the road. In the distance, a man is standing by the

edge of the road, under a tree. A car is parked beside him.
Varun walks on -- getting closer and closer to the man.
The man looks in Varun's direction.
Varun looks at the man, and walks towards him, slow deliberate
steps. Suddenly, Varun's face clears -- having arrived at a
decision.
The man, within arm's distance now, looks at Varun and is about
to speak. Varun looks away and turns back.
He walks along the road, farther and farther from his pick-up
and escape. He passes through the same snow-capped trees,
winding long roads, that he'd walked down just moments earlier.
CUT TO:
139
INT. THE COTTAGE - PAKHI'S ROOM -- MORNING

Pakhi looks up, surprised to see Varun standing by the door.
VARUN
It's still not safe.. I'll stay a couple
of more days.
Pakhi shrugs.
PAKHI
(looking out)
There is a room downstairs..
It is dark and snowing outside -- not like morning at all.
'I didn't know what strange game of Fate
had brought him back into my life.. What
it meant, what it would lead to... I didn't
want to know. I just wanted to be alone
in my misery.. I didn't want an audience..
Especially not him.. But I couldn't bear
to turn him away.. And anyway, it didn't
matter anymore. Nothing did..'
Varun stands a little behind Pakhi, both of them looking at
the tree now, as a few more leaves are shed.
CUT TO:
140
INT. POLICE STATION -- DAY

Bose looks at the snow falling ceaselessly outside his window,
and shakes his head in angry resignation.
BOSE
He hasn't skipped town so far, that's
certain. He's likely to try today..
(MORE)
96.
BOSE (CONT'D)
Just the right opportunity for him to make
his escape..
The local Inspector looks at Bose.
INSPECTOR
Or maybe not. Maybe like us, he's unable
to get out either...
BOSE
(pointing at the
map spread on the
table)
He has to be around here somewhere.. Some
abandoned house.. Which we've somehow
overlooked..
(sudden thought)
Can I get a list of all the houses and the
owners' and which houses are inhabited and
which ones are empty?
The inspector gestures to a constable to do the needful.
INSPECTOR
A lot of records were lost in a fire last
year.. But we have details about most of
the houses...
BOSE
Most isn't good enough...
The constable is browsing through a filing cabinet.
out of the window at the terrible snowstorm.
Bose looks
CUT TO:
141
INT. THE COTTAGE - PAKHI'S ROOM -- AFTERNOON

Varun enters the room with a tray containing two cups of tea.
It's snowing heavily. Wind, gale blowing violently outside
the window. Pakhi is watching transfixed.
VARUN
Guess Shyama couldn't step out in this
weather..
He hands a cup to Pakhi.
doesn't take the cup.
She shakes her head in the negative,
Varun sighs, and leaving his too on the tray, sits on a chair.
They sit in silence. After a long pause, Pakhi speaks up.
PAKHI
Did you ever love me?
VARUN
If I could turn back time, and change
things, I would...
97.
Really?
it?
PAKHI
(hard laugh)
That changes everything, doesn't
VARUN
I do not expect you to forgive me, Pakhi..
PAKHI
(snapping)
Don't say my name! Please... Don't say
my name..
Varun looks at her, holding her gaze. Silence. Electric.
Pakhi moves away and sits by the window. She's hurt, hurting,
trying to hold herself together, but fraying around the edges.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
(angry, hurting)
Did you ever love me?
VARUN
I don't know what 'love' means.. Love is
a luxury in my world. Your father's warmth
towards me, your tenderness... all that
felt unreal. I couldn't relate to it..
Because I've never experienced it..
PAKHI
And yet you chose to abuse it..
VARUN
I have no justification for what I do.. I
do this because I'm no good at anything
else.. I had to become like this, because
I had to live..
PAKHI
So, crime is the readymade solution for
poverty?
VARUN
(scornful)
It's wonderful to sit on a cloud and debate
about the rights and the wrongs, Ms.
Roychowdhury.. You haven't known a single
day of deprivation, so you will never know
what it is like to be me..
PAKHI
I may not know want. But I do know several
people, who worked in my father's house,
served in his land, who were poor. Their
honesty could be vouched for.. They didn't
take the easy way out..
VARUN
I don't know about anyone else.. I know
about me..
(MORE)
98.
VARUN (CONT'D)
I know that if I had someone to hold my
hand and guide me right, I wouldn't have
been where I am... But believe me, if I've
ever been truthful in my life it's when I
say this... I never intended to cause so
much hurt to you or your father...
He pauses, takes a long breath and then continues.
VARUN (CONT'D)
When I came to your town, with a mission
of unearthing the idol in the centuriesold site owned by a zamindar, I had no
idea all this would happen... I drove in
to check the scene... And the first person
I saw was you...
Two cars passing. Pakhi looking into Varun's car.
turning the same instant. Eyes locked.
Varun
VARUN (CONT'D)
Little did I know that you'd be that very
zamindar's daughter.. And that things would
go so well..
The zamindar asking Varun, 'Where did you say you were staying?'
VARUN (CONT'D)
Our mission was very clear.. We had to get
the idol. The archaeological expedition
was just a front..
Varun taking pictures, Varun and Deb studying maps, photographs.
VARUN (CONT'D)
.. to dig a tunnel that would get us inside
the shrine.. to the idol..
The workers digging.
VARUN (CONT'D)
And then things happened.. things that I
didn't understand, that I had no control
over...
Zamindar asking Varun to teach Pakhi painting. Hands, painting.
Pakhi and Varun watching the landscape. The car ride, Pakhi's
asthma. The intimacy.
VARUN (CONT'D)
I tried to hold back..
Varun in the bar in Calcutta.
But I couldn't...
Coming back.
Coldness to Pakhi.
VARUN (CONT'D)
Pakhi and Varun making love. The zamindar asking him if he'd
marry Pakhi. The engagement.
99.
VARUN (CONT'D)
Stealing from your home was not part of
the plan.. Deb and I resisted it. But...
(pause)
Why did all that happen? I don't know.. I
really don't.. Like I wrote in that note...
PAKHI
(cutting in,
bitterly)
The note.. Yes, thanks a lot for that note.
Otherwise, I would never have believed
that you did it.. I wouldn't have believed
the police, the reports, nothing.. I
would've just believed that you would never
have done something to hurt me.. That you
were innocent.. The world was conspiring
against you, framing you..
VARUN
Sometimes, life doesn't give you a chance..
Like with Deb.. I had no choice. I had to
leave him.. You may not understand..
PAKHI
(cutting in)
I guess what you're saying is one can't
fight Destiny.. That tree out there is
meant to wither away and die. Winter wills
it.. Nature wants it that way.. And there's
nothing that the poor tree can do about
it, is there?
VARUN
But come Spring, Nature wants the same
tree to blossom.. Nothing is final.. Nothing
is permanent..
PAKHI
Does that mean there's still hope for you?
(gently)
And for you...
VARUN
They are both silent for a long while.

Gently.
Then, Pakhi speaks.
PAKHI
You never answered my question.
ever love me?
Varun looks at her, holding her gaze.
Did you
Not replying.
CUT TO:
100.
142
EXT. THE COTTAGE -- EVENING

The snowstorm rages.
CUT TO:
143

Pakhi looks at the tree. An inscrutable expression on her
face as the tree is almost bare of leaves, save a handful.
The light in the fireplace has gone off.
Varun notices.
CUT TO:
144
EXT. THE COTTAGE -- EVENING

Varun puts the axe down and stacks the firewood neatly. He
leans on the axe for a moment. A leaf drops and passing close
to his face lands on the ground. Varun looks up at the tree.
Suddenly, a strange look comes over Varun's face.
CUT TO:
145

Varun walks in with a pile of firewood
fireplace. He shakes the snow off his
shivers slightly. He works to get the
the flames rise, he warms his hands by
and places them in the

head and shoulders and
fire going. And once
the fire.
Pakhi sits by the window, not paying any attention.

CUT TO:
146
INT. THE COTTAGE - VARUN'S ROOM -- NIGHT

In the feeble light of a lantern, Varun is painting something.
CUT TO:
147

Pakhi is lying on her bed, in the dark, unable to sleep.
tray of food lies by the bedside table, untouched.
She coughs intermittently. A storm is raging outside.
Lightning, thunder, Nature's fury at its most violent.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'I was tired... scared... Of what, I didn't
know.. I wanted death. I was waiting for
it... But a strange fear rain through my
blood.. I wanted to sleep.. perchance to
dream..'
101.
Pakhi lies on her side, her back to the window -- her fingers
trembling strangely. She coughs, long, persistent.
CUT TO:
148

His hair slightly wet as if just out from a bath, slightly
shivering, Varun warms his hands by the fire. He listens to
the faint sounds of Pakhi coughing, a serious expression on
his face.
He looks towards the window of the room. A flash of lightning
illuminates the tree in a different perspective, but a few
leaves are still visible.
DISSOLVE TO:
149
INT / EXT. THE COTTAGE - PAKHI'S ROOM -- MORNING

The aftermath of the storm is visible outside the window -broken branches, fallen leaves, a broken tree... But a single
leaf on the tree hangs valiantly.
Pakhi, standing by the window, looks in surprise at the tree.
She looks pale, dark circles due to sleeplessness underlining
her frailty.
CUT TO:
150
INT. POLICE STATION -- DAY

Bose, runs a harrowed hand through his hair. Clearly, he hasn't
got much sleep. Outside the window, the wind begins howling
again. Snow falling.
BOSE
There must be some record of these old
houses... What about calling the municipal
corporation? They must surely keep some
records..
INSPECTOR
Constable Karma left early this morning to
look. Meanwhile, why don't you try to
catch some sleep?
BOSE
(laughing)
My vacation's been shot. My wife's already
not talking to me.. I might as well get
some thing done...
(looking out the
window)
How much longer will this bloody storm
last?
CUT TO:
102.
151
INT. THE COTTAGE -- DAY

Varun is talking on the phone.
VARUN
A couple of days more.. Yes, I know, Uncle..
He breaks off with a slight cough.
VARUN (CONT'D)
No, I'm fine.. I can't talk now.
call you..
I'll
Pakhi is sitting on her chair, trying hard to breathe. Varun

looks grimly at single leaf, which is trembling violently in
the wind.
CUT TO:
152

In the feeble light of a lantern, Varun is painting something.
CUT TO:
153
INT. POLICE STATION -- NIGHT

A constable comes in with a file and hands it to the local
inspector. The inspector looks and then hands it to Bose.
Outside, the snowstorm is raging.
CUT TO:
154

Varun, shaking and shivering in the snow, picks up a pile of
wood and walks towards the house, throwing a look at the tree.
A single leaf is holding on.
CUT TO:
155

Fire burning warmly in the room. It is dark, except for the
moonlight streaming from the window. Pakhi is sitting on the
chair, thin, vulnerable. Varun in another chair.
The mood is softer, gentler.
PAKHI
I think you should leave tomorrow morning.
The more you stay on, the more time runs
out for you...
(a pause)
Mine already has..
Varun looks at her and at the leaf, which is fluttering in the
strong wind.
103.
VARUN
I always saw you as a very strong person..
PAKHI
I thought that too.. Life, very often,
proves us to be terribly wrong.
There is silence.
Why?
VARUN
(almost despite
himself)
PAKHI
I needed to take charge. Life didn't allow
me to.. I thought death would..
VARUN
So, Death is the readymade solution to all
pain then?
PAKHI
Maybe when you have nothing to live for..
VARUN
What did you have to live for, back then?
Baba...
PAKHI
VARUN
Sooner or later, he would've left you..
Hope...
PAKHI
VARUN
..which rules eternal.. You can still find
it..
You..
PAKHI
Varun is silent.
VARUN
What you loved was an illusion... I am not
that person.. This is me.. Terrible, dark,
ugly..
He goes quiet for a moment, looking out of the window.
VARUN (CONT'D)
I keep that part well-hidden, under several
wonderful masks.. because I'm ashamed..
I'm afraid of being loved because I don't
know if I'm capable of returning that love..
104.
He looks at Pakhi, and a slow smile spreads over his face.

She's fallen asleep. He picks up a rug from the bed and covers
her up.
He stands, looking at her for a long minute. He then turns to
the tree and watches the leaf, which seems almost ready to
fall in the stormy night outside.
He walks out of the room.
TIME LAPSE
Pakhi is sleeping in the armchair, the storm raging outside
her window.
CUT TO:
156

Varun is piling up wood, looking up at the tree.
CUT TO:
157

In his room, Varun sits, shivering by the fire, rubbing his
hands together to generate warmth.
CUT TO:
158
INT. POLICE STATION -- NIGHT

Bose is scanning through the print of names and addresses.
And suddenly stops at one name.
BOSE
Thakur Bikramaditya Roychowdhury?
CUT TO:
159

On her chair, Pakhi opens her eyes languidly. She looks at
the shawl around her and realizes Varun must've covered her.
She looks towards the window, her eyes widen in surprise. She
gets up from the chair and walks towards the window and stands
looking out.
A tree close-by has fallen down, dry shrubs all over the lawn.
But the single leaf is still safely hanging on the tree.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'Life seemed to be playing some strange
game.. Two nights of a storm that blew
down everything.. even big strong trees.
But the leaf hadn't fallen.. What did it
mean?'
105.
Varun enters the room and watches Pakhi looking at the tree.
A cough escapes him. Pakhi turns.
Varun offers her a glass of juice from the tray he's brought
in. She shakes her head in the negative.
Just then, Shyama enters the room.
SHYAMA
Di, how are you? I was so worried... But
I just couldn't get out...
She suddenly stops short on seeing Varun.
I thought...
SHYAMA (CONT'D)
Varun shakes his head, and smiles at Shyama -- a fleeting hint

of the charming young man we've seen earlier. Shyama melts,
but not visibly so.
A coughing fit assails Pakhi. Varun swiftly moves to get her
glass of water. She puts a hand out, stopping him. Shyama
notices.
Varun looks on, at the leaf outside the window, grimly.
And suddenly, he notices a few policeman approach the house,
led by Bose. Varun looks at Pakhi, who's also seen them.
Shyama notices the exchange.
Just then, there's a smart knock on the door. Shyama moves
towards the door. Pakhi looks towards the balcony on the other
side, a curtain protecting it.
CUT TO:
160

Bose enters Pakhi's room, followed by Shyama. Two other
policemen following him are asked by Bose to wait by the door.
Nodding at Pakhi, he respectfully takes off his cap.
Good morning...
BOSE
Pakhi nods.
BOSE (CONT'D)
How have you been?
BOSE (CONT'D)
I am very sorry to hear about your father.
Pakhi nods, dignified.
106.
BOSE (CONT'D)
You must know about the hunt for the
criminal who's escaped three days ago..
None other than the man who robbed your
family... Varun Shrivastav.. Or Narayan
Maurya, or Mohan Das, or Raj Saxena...
Bose takes out a photograph of Varun's. And shows it to Shyama.
Shyama looks at Pakhi. A look transpires between the two women.
BOSE (CONT'D)
(to Shyama)
Have you seen this man?
SHYAMA
(shaking her head,
with dignity)
No, Sir.. I don't think I have..
BOSE
(to Pakhi)
I don't think anyone must hate this man as
much as you...
PAKHI
Hate is a very strong emotion, Inspector.
I wouldn't say that...
Bose's eyes rove the room. He walks around, trying to be
unobtrusive. Standing by the window, Pakhi watches, holding a
chair for support -- visibly weak, but annoyed at the intrusion.
BOSE
I hope you lock the windows and doors at
night... Someone might just be lurking
somewhere and you might not even know it...
And considering your health...
PAKHI
I am ill, Inspector, not dumb..
She begins coughing slightly, all the moving around, making
her weak. Bose looks at the tray with a pitcher of juice and
two glasses, and the slices of toast on it.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
(thinking on her
feet)
I'm expecting Dr. Tsering...
BOSE
I wonder, how would you react if you saw
him again?
Pakhi is silent.
BOSE (CONT'D)
After all, you almost married him..
Shyama looks at Pakhi, all the pieces falling in place.
107.
BOSE (CONT'D)
Would you turn him in, considering all
that he's done to you and your family? Or
would you abet him -- for old times' sake?
I wonder...
Pakhi watches Bose, resolutely, not reacting to his probing.
Outside on the balcony, Varun stands, shivering in the cold,
holding his chest, trying not to cough.
BOSE (CONT'D)
Have you seen him around here, in the last
couple of days?
Pakhi looks at the photograph for a long moment.
looks at Bose straight in the eye.
No, I haven't...
She then
PAKHI
BOSE
Can I look around the house, if you don't
mind?
He walks about the room and is about to reach close to the
balcony.
PAKHI
My word is not good enough for you,
Inspector?
BOSE
I don't mean that at all...
PAKHI
Am I under suspicion?
BOSE
No, not at all, madam..
PAKHI
Then I suggest that you stop looking around
my house. And if your questions are done,
please leave. I need to rest.
BOSE
(nods)
Thank you for your time.. I'll call on you
if anything else comes up..
(moves towards the
door, suddenly
turns)
May I ask you, madam, what is your illness?
PAKHI
I believe that I don't have very long to
live..
(MORE)
108.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
The good doctor would like to dissuade me
on that, but I don't think he is likely to
succeed... Does that answer your question?
Bose is quiet for a moment.
He looks at Pakhi kindly.
BOSE
I would like to think you're wrong, Ms.
Roychowdhury. I am sure you will get well
very soon. Good day..
Bose moves out of the door.
Shyama follows him out.

CUT TO:
161
EXT. THE COTTAGE -- DAY

Bose turns back towards the cottage.
BOSE
Get half a dozen men stationed around here.
He was in this house... And is likely to
come back.. if he's not already in.. Tap
the telephone lines in the house...
CUT TO:
162

Varun enters the room, and sneezes thrice consecutively.
VARUN
Thank you for not giving me away..
PAKHI
(laughs selfdeprecatingly)
I don't know why I'm doing this.. I want
to see you pay for what you did.. I want
to hate you so completely.. And I should
hate you.. But...
(trails off)
I don't want to get into what's right and
wrong or who's at fault. That won't bring
things back...
Silence.
Then, Pakhi speaks again.

PAKHI (CONT'D)
I think you should leave now.. The
inspector suspects something. He will be
back, I'm sure.
VARUN
I'll need to make a phone call sometime
today.. I'll know then when I can leave..
Varun coughs again.
109.
PAKHI
(only half-joking)
Maybe you should stay away from me.. Looks
like you're coming down with something.
Please help yourself to something..
(gesturing the
bedside table)
All the medicines in the world there!
Varun pours a glass of juice for himself and hands a glass to
Pakhi, who's sitting in her chair. A moment later, Pakhi
accepts the juice. Varun smiles. They sit in silence, finish
the juice and toast.
Shyama enters to take the trays away. She looks at the glass
in Pakhi's hand, the plate by her side. She looks moved,
thankful. As she passes Pakhi, Pakhi looks at her.
Thank you...
PAKHI (CONT'D)
SHYAMA
(smiling, motherly)
He did what I perhaps never could have..
Nothing else matters..
She indicates the empty glass in Pakhi's hand.
glass on the tray in Shyama's hand.
Shyama leaves the room.
Pakhi puts the
Pakhi looks at the leaf.
PAKHI
I have stopped trying to understand life...
It plays such games with us.. And I'm tired
of running..
(to Varun)
Do you ever feel that way?
Yes..
VARUN
(laughs)
But my feet keep running..
PAKHI
I want to ask you something.
is your name?
What really
VARUN
(laughs)
Atmanand Tripathi..
Pakhi bursts into laughter, for the first time in a long while.
Varun smiles, happy to see her laughing.
PAKHI
(smiling)
Changing names was a sensible idea..
your uncle? The one who was an
archaeologist?
And
110.
VARUN
Uncle Bajpai. He's the brains behind our
outfit.. The connection with archaeology..
When I was ten, I robbed an archaeologist
who visited Bombay, by the Gateway of India.
I found these strange stones and tiny
hammers in his bag.. I was fascinated for
life...
He looks at her, smiling.
Pakhi...
The gazes lock.
Chemistry.
VARUN (CONT'D)
(serious)
Her smile fades, she looks away.

PAKHI
I think you need to go.. Make that call..
Please...
CUT TO:
163

The light is fading, but no lamps are lit in Pakhi's room.
Putting down the phone, Varun looks at Pakhi, who's watching
the leaf flutter in the strong breeze, enthralled.
There is silence.
When?
PAKHI
(breaking it,
finally)
CUT TO:
164
INT. POLICE STATION -- EVENING

Bose has headphones around his ears. He looks at the local
inspector. Outside, a terrible snowstorm is raging again.
BOSE
Tomorrow morning... Around seven.. That's
when he plans to leave. Call the men back.
Get a good night's sleep. We'll catch him
on the run tomorrow..
CUT TO:
165

PAKHI
Where will you go now?
Hyderabad...
VARUN
111.
PAKHI
And get back to what you always did?
VARUN
I don't know.. Life is so full of ironies.
I keep traveling from one place to another..
I've been to almost every city, more than
two dozen small towns in the country..
Except the place I've always dreamed of...
Chandratal Lake.. I always wanted to
paint... My masterpiece! But... It's like
some power keeps us from having that one
thing we desire more than anything in life..
Pakhi smiles at him.
He holds her gaze.
VARUN (CONT'D)
I want you to be well... I want to think
of you and know that you are happy...
PAKHI
(bitter laugh)
Why do you care? And anyway, it's not
likely to happen.. I'm living on borrowed
time..
VARUN
You'll live a long happy life.. I know
that..
PAKHI
(suddenly angry)
I wish I was like you.. I wish I could
walk away as if nothing ever happened, and
tell myself 'Oh, she'll be happy'. If
that helps you get over your guilt, great,
go ahead!
VARUN
My guilt is something I'll live with all
my life! I hope and pray that the
retribution your Baba believed I'd get
comes to me soon.. I know I will pay for
what I've done.. I know any apology is
ridiculous.. I have taken someone's life,
killed him, as it were, with my bare hands..
And I'm doing that even now.. But what do
I do? What do you want me to do, Pakhi?!
What?!!
Pakhi looks at him, intense, hurt, seeking.
PAKHI
(her voice close
to breaking,
terribly vulnerable)
I want you to tell me that I mattered...
In some small way, maybe... But I wasn't
just a pebble that sank to the bottom of a
lake without leaving a ripple..
112.
Varun looks at Pakhi, unflinching, straight into her eyes.

VARUN
Will you believe me if I told you the truth?
Pakhi looks at him, doesn't reply.
VARUN (CONT'D)
I hate myself much more than I can ever
love... What worth is my love to someone
like you? I cannot even dream of having
you in my life.. I don't deserve you..
A strange note enters his voice.
VARUN (CONT'D)
The last three days have made me see what
I really am.. Watching you sit here,
looking out of that window and waiting for
your life to end made me realize how
terrible I really am.. I feel disgusted at
myself that I could drive someone like you
to this point...
He sits in front of Pakhi's chair and takes her hand in his.
Pakhi doesn't protest.
VARUN (CONT'D)
Your life is worth so much more.. Don't
give anyone this kind of power...
PAKHI
What do I live for?
VARUN
Yourself... Live your dream.. Write
books.. Become the world-famous writer you
always wanted to be.. You have the power
to make it come true..
PAKHI
(close to tears)
So, it all ends.. Once again..
Varun is quiet, holding her hand. Pakhi's hand shivers in
his. She is shaking. Varun puts his arms around her. She
holds him tight.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
I'm so afraid of being alone...
VARUN
You won't be alone.. Ever.. I promise..
His arms tighten around her.
CUT TO:
113.
166

Varun gets up, and looks at Pakhi who's lying on the bed, next
to him. She is sleeping, peacefully, breathing easily. Awash
with tenderness, he touches her face. Pakhi coughs in her
sleep and turns over, holding his hand.
Gently and slowly, Varun disentangles his hand from Pakhi's
firm grip. He looks towards the window, at the tree. A streak
of lightning illuminates it. The tree is bare of leaves. The
last leaf has fallen.
A cough rises up in Varun, but he holds his chest, not coughing -lest the sound wake her up.
Slowly he moves towards the door of the room.
CUT TO:
167
INT. THE COTTAGE -- NIGHT

Varun walks down the stairs, with purpose - coughing
intermittently.
He reaches the main door and opens it.
CUT TO:
168

Varun looks at the tree which is completely bereft of leaves,
strangely despondent-looking. Strings of twine, almost
invisible, hang from one particular branch.
Varun is coughing heavily now.
about him, he is shivering.
The wind is blowing his clothes
He moves to a wall, where we've always seen him chopping wood.

He picks up a ladder, which so far has always been an abstract
shape in the background and moves it to the tree.
He places it against the tree and slowly climbs up the ladder,
shivering, coughing all through.
He reaches the top of the ladder and puts his hand in his pocket
and pulls out something. In his hand we now see several painted
leaves. An unexpected and violent cough makes him lose his
balance slightly. The leaves fall off his hand. He manages
to save just one.
He ties the single leaf on a string hanging from the tree,
knotting it several times to secure it.
He begins coughing again. This time unable to retain his
balance, he falls off the ladder to the ground. Snow begins
falling on him.
Coughing, shivering, he tries to get up and move but is unable
to. Finally he gives up. Crawling, he's reached the tree.
114.
He sits under it, holding his knees -- trying hard to breathe -his breath forming little rings of vapour in the terribly cold
air.
And suddenly, the vapourous breaths stop.
The single leaf is strongly fighting the wind.
Snow continues falling.
CUT TO:
169

Pakhi is sitting on her bed, a strange calmness about her.
She looks at the clock beside her bed. It's half past seven.
There is a sadness about her, but also fatalism.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'He had left again.. Perhaps this time,
forever.. But I wasn't surprised..'
She runs her fingers over the bed. Knowing last night was the
last she'd see of him. Loneliness grips her heart.
'We're all meant to walk the paths that
are destined for us.. Maybe his path and
mine were just meant to cross each other
at strange points, but never to walk
together...'
She looks at the tree. The leaf is still there, holding on
valiantly. A sad smile breaks across her face.
There's a knock on the door. Shyama is at the door, with a
tray of tea. Expecting to be sent away, she stands in the
doorway, hesitant.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
Good morning, Shyama..
Shyama enters the room, hesitant.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
I was being so silly, wasn't I?
Shyama smiles, touches Pakhi's hand, glad that her mistress
was out of her self-imposed sentence.
PAKHI (CONT'D)
Will you join me for a cup of tea?
Shyama smiles broadly.
She pours out a cup of tea for Pakhi.
Pakhi takes the cup and walks towards the window.

'Some dreams are meant to remain just that..
(MORE)
115.

Dreams.. Not meant to be tainted by
reality..'
She walks towards the window, and stands looking at the tree.
PAKHI'S POV: She looks down, and sees something lying at the
bottom of the tree, covered in snow.
A horrified expression spreads over her face. The cup drops
from her hands and shatters to pieces. Shyama looks up,
surprised. Pakhi turns from the window and runs out of the
room.
CUT TO:
170
INT / EXT. THE COTTAGE -- MORNING

Pakhi runs down the stairs, down corridors, throws the door
open and rushes towards the tree. As she nears it, she falters,
slowing down.
She walks to the tree and finally reaching it, crouches below
it.
She puts her hand out.
Lying on the ground, snow fallen over him, is Varun. Pakhi
places her hand on his chest. His breath has stopped, he is
dead.
She looks up at the tree, and sees the leaf tied to the branch
with a string. Fallen close to Varun are several other leaves,
dried up but painted to look green still..
Pakhi's fingers touch the painted leaves.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'He had painted his masterpiece...'
As she watches the leaf, and at Varun's face in her lap, tears
fall down Pakhi's face as she breaks down, for the first time.
Helpless, all alone, clutching at the leaves fallen around
him..
The first ray of sun breaks through the clouds.
Shyama watches from a distance -- tears falling down her face.
Bose stands by the gate, with about a dozen policemen looking
at Pakhi -- fatalistic.
'I had loved him and hated him more than I
can ever express.. But I'd never understood
him.. Neither in life... Nor in death...
And thus a strange story of love and hate
ended..
(MORE)
116.

and a strange new life began... A life
that I had no right over.. Because my life
was his redemption..'
CUT TO:
171
EXT. CHANDRATAL LAKE -- EVENING

Pakhi is sitting by the breath-taking lake, set amid the awesome
snow-clad mountains all around.
She places an urn on the jewel-like waters of the lake.
PAKHI (V.O.)
'He could rest in peace.. All his dreams
were fulfilled.. His masterpiece,
Chandratal lake, and my life.. Now it was
my turn.. Apart from my life, he'd given
me another gift -- words... And fulfilled
another promise. I would never be alone...'
CUT TO:
172

Pakhi sits on the table, writing. Fingers, words.
speed, as if a dam had been broken.
Breakneck
PAKHI (V.O.)
'We only live, only suspire.. Consumed by
either fire or fire..'
On the tree outside the window, which we finally see in
conjunction with Pakhi. It is brilliant hued in all the glory
of spring -- the turning of life's infinite circle.
FADE OUT
THE END

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THE LAST LEAF

Registered at the Film Writers Association!

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

Slowly getting clearer as the vision opens up. Snowflakes.

INT / EXT. THE HAVELI & TOWNSHIP -- VARIOUS

PAKHI (V.O.) (CONT'D)

INT. THE HAVELI -- NIGHT

The enchantingly beautiful young Pakhi, about twenty one,

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

The Zamindar enters the room with urgent strides, an elderly

INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY -- DAY

PAKHI (V.O.) (CONT'D)

EXT. THE HAVELI LAWNS -- EVENING

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

Leans back -- anticipatory almost.

EXT. TOWNSHIP STREETS -- DAY

Varun looks in the direction of the car driving away, taking

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

Pakhi giving him her hand to help him out.

DR. GUHA (O.S.)

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- DAY

INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY & CORRIDOR -- AFTERNOON

INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY -- EVENING

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

Time seems to move in slow-motion.

Continues into the next scene.

INT. THE HAVELI - LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT

Awkward, but rife with chemistry.

INT. THE HAVELI - DINING ROOM -- NIGHT

The zamindar laughs and smiles at her fondly.

Pakhi looks at Varun.

INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY -- NIGHT

EXT. HAVELI OUTHOUSE -- EVENING

Catching Varun's eye, he raises an

EXT. THE TEMPLE SITE -- DAY

As do the zamindar and Pakhi.

They all laugh and enter the site.

INT. THE TEMPLE SITE -- DAY

The zamindar 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's

EXT. THE HAVELI LAWNS -- NIGHT

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

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

Deb is looking watchfully.

The song ends.

INT. THE HAVELI - LIBRARY -- NIGHT

EXT. TOWNSHIP STREETS / FARMHOUSE -- DAY

A vintage car comes into view, and drives away.

The motorcade enters the verdant greens of a lovely farmhouse.

It's a beautiful sight.

EXT. FARMHOUSE LAKEFRONT -- DAY

Meanwhile under another tree, Pakhi and Devyani are sitting,

Pakhi looks at her with a start.

Devyani smiles impishly.

Varun sits up and begins dusting grass off his sleeves.

Just then, a cheer goes up from the servants around the