Drama: Ann
By: Balu George.
Exterior – Naval Public School – Cochin – Morning.
We cut to a group of parents with toddlers in their arms. Most of the kids are crying. Cars are parked outside the school gates. This is their first day at school away from home. The mothers are consoling the kids. In the meanwhile the senior students can be seen entering through the gate, some walking in, some on cycles. The school has three blocks all painted white. The walls have been freshly painted and there is an emblem on top of all three blocks announcing the school to be the “Naval Public school – Established for Navy personnel children”. The students are kids of navy personnel posted at the Cochin naval base, hailing from various parts of the country. They talk mostly in Hindi and English.
Interior – Raunak’s house – Cochin – Morning.
A middle aged woman dressed in salwar kameez walks into a room, carrying a glass of water. The room is small with a study table, a wooden cupboard, a clothes stand and a single bed. A music system is placed on top of a table. Posters of Shahrukh khan and Virat Kohli adorn the wall. The room is unkempt with a cricket bat, and clothes lying on the floor. The occupant of the room is fast asleep on the bed. We cannot see him yet as he has his head under a blanket. The woman is his mother. (Harleen) She raises the blanket and pours the glass of water on the boy’s face. He is Raunak. He springs up from the bed.
Harleen
Do you know what the time is? You are going to be late for school. Get up and hurry if you want to reach school by 9.15.
She walks out of the room into the adjoining hall. Raunak looks at the clock on the wall which shows the time to be 8.50 am. He jumps up off the bed, grabs a towel from the clothes stand and enters the bathroom.
Cut to – The clock showing the time to be 8.55 am.
Cut to – Raunak emerging from the bathroom. Harleen enters the room.
Harleen
5 minutes bath? Did you brush your teeth?
Harleen leaves the room. Raunak enters the bathroom again and emerges brushing his teeth. While brushing he grabs a few books from the study table and throws them into his school bag.
Harleen
(Shouting from the hall)
Breakfast is ready!
Raunak emerges from the room dressed in his school uniform which is a white shirt and grey pants. He grabs a slice of bed toast from a plate on the dining table, munches on it and meanwhile starts putting on his socks. An elderly woman, his grandmother enters the hall from her bedroom. This is his grandmother.
Grandma
Why can’t you get up a bit earlier Raunak? Why this hurry?
Raunak is now putting on his shoes looking at the watch on his hands.
Raunak
Will talk later Grandma. I am getting late.
Grandma
You are getting late because you are waking up late.
Raunak approaches his grandmother, hurriedly kisses her on the cheek and runs out. He gets on a bicycle placed in the garage, and pedals out quickly.
Exterior – Naval Public School – Cochin – Morning.
A group of boys are standing on the cemented basketball ground inside the school campus. Groups of other students stand nearby talking. One of the students is Rajesh (Raunak’s friend).
Schoolboy – 1
Any new girl in class?
Rajesh
I heard there are one or two.
Schoolboy-2
How is it going with Asha?
Schoolboy -1
(Laughing derisively)
Why are you asking that? It is what we call a one way affair. She hates Rajesh boy here
Rajesh
Shut up man.
Cut to – Raunak entering through the gate on his cycle. Rajesh spots this.
Rajesh
Well Raunak is here. That means it is time for the assembly bell to ring.
On cue the assembly bell rings and the student’s enter the building.
.
Interior – Assembly Hall – School – 9.15 am.
The students are lining up according to their respective classes. Raunak and Rajesh get into line. The class prefects stand at the front of the line. A girl walks towards the line. She is wearing the white shirt and grey skirt assigned for the girls in the school. She looks a little lost. She is pretty. She gets into the line 3 or 4 places ahead of where Raunak is in the line.
Raunak
(Turning back to Rajesh)
New girl?
Rajesh
Yeah. She is staying near my quarters.
The assembly bell rings again and everybody goes silent, for the principal of the school has entered the podium. He is about 55, balding, dressed in a suit worn over a brown shirt with dark pants. He wears a blue stripped tie. The school captain barks attention and the students stand at attention. The principal approaches the mike and starts addressing the students.
Principal
Good Morning. We welcome all of you back to school. I hope you spent your vacations in a fruitful manner. I hope all of you put your mind on studies this year and bring laurels to the school. Let us sing the national anthem.
A group of students approach the mike and start singing the anthem. The students join in. Raunak’s eyes are on the new girl.
Interior – Classroom – Naval Public School – Morning.
The students of class 12 are entering the classroom after the assembly. The students take their seats. Raunak sits with Rajesh. The new girls is seated 2 places ahead of Raunak in the adjoining row.
Raunak
Who is the new girl?
Rajesh
Her name is Ann. She is staying near my quarters. Her father got transferred here this
summer. They are Goan Christians. She is kind of pretty isn’t she?
Raunak
Yeah kind of.
A girl comes and sits on the desk in front of Raunak and Rajesh. This is Asha. Rajesh leans forward and speaks to her.
Rajesh
How was your vacation Asha?
Asha
You should know. You were hanging around my house all the time. If you continue this I will have to complain to the principal.
Rajesh
I love you Asha.
Asha
Shut up.
The teacher enters the room and everybody goes silent.
Fade out:
Exterior – Lane outside Ann’s house.
We see Ann walking up the lane and unlock the gate in front of her house. A dog comes running from the front yard and jumps on her. The dog is excited and stands up on his hind legs and licks Ann’s face.
Ann
(Patting the dog’s head)
Down Oscar down. Good boy.
Ann walks up to the porch as Oscar follows her wagging his tail. There is a parrot kept in a cage on the front porch. Ann goes to the cage and pats the parrots head.
Ann
Did you have a good day Polly?
Polly squeaks.
Ann rings the doorbell. It is opened by a matronly woman in a white top and blue skirt. Her hair is short and greying. She smiles at Ann. She is Maria, Ann’s Mom.
Maria
How is the new school? How are the kids?
Ann walks into the living room and throws her bag down on the couch.
Ann
Seems like a nice school. I have not talked too many kids yet.
She flops down on the couch and switches on the T.V.
Ann
Where is Thomas?
Maria
He is in his room.
Maria
You want tea?
Ann
Yeah Mom.
Ann switches off the T.V, bounds up the stairs and opens a door. Inside the room a boy is sitting at his computer playing a video game, headphones plugged into his ears. He is bespectacled and skinny.
Ann walks up to him and clutches his neck. The boy is startled and turns around.
Thomas
Don’t disturb me Ann. I am almost getting to the next level.
Ann
Why do you play this stupid violent video games Thomas?
Thomas
Shut up and get out Ann.
Ann
Ok. Ok.
Ann walks down the corridor and enters her room. The room has Shammi Kapoor poster’s placed all over the wall. Ann walks to the sound system and switches it on. We are greeted by the rhythmic sound of “Ai Ai Aa Suku Suku”. Ann dances to the tune doing a few funny Shammi Kapoor steps.
Fade out:
Interior – Raunak’s house. Night.
Raunak is on the couch watching T.V. His mother is at the dining table cutting vegetables while his grandmother is seated nearby chanting from the Adi Granth. The doorbell rings.
Harleen
Open the door Raunak. It must be your father.
Raunak duly gets up and opens the door. A hefty man in a turban walks into the living room. This is Raunak’s dad, Sukhwinder. He greets his mother who smiles back at him. He sits on the couch and switches the channel to the CNBC. Raunak comes and sits on a chair beside the couch.
Sukhwinder
So, Raunak now you are in the 12th standard. Do you have any plans on what to do with your future?
Raunak
No dad. I have not decided yet. I thought I will decide, once school is over.
Sukhwinder
No need to do engineering or medicine. Anyway you have to join my business. Do C.A or get an MBA. That will be helpful.
Raunak
Ok dad.
They sit and watch T.V.
Exterior – Naval Public school – Morning
The students are standing outside the building in groups, chatting away. The little kids are being consoled by their mothers. Rajesh is standing on the basketball court talking with the same boys we saw the other day.
Schoolboy -1
So how is it going with Asha?
Rajesh
She loves me. I think she is just playing hard to get.
Schoolboy -2
The other option is she does not love you.
The other schoolboy laughs.
Rajesh
First get yourself a girlfriend and then start making fun of others.
Raunak enters the gate on his cycle, and the assembly bell rings.
Cut to – The students in the hall singing the national anthem.
Cut to – The students in the classroom, as the English teacher reads out from “As you like it”.
Cut to – A middle aged man, the physics teacher entering the room, as the English teacher leaves the room. He goes and sits on the chair and calls out Rajesh’s and two other boy’s names. They stand up.
Physics Sir
Please get out.
Rajesh.
But we did not do anything Sir.
Physics Sir
But you will do something. So let us get the formality done with.
The other students laugh.
Cut to – The Chemistry teacher scribbling equations on the board. A boy slyly opens his lunch box under his desk and snacks from it.
Cut to – The school canteen. The students are seated at the tables having lunch. Raunak is seated with Rajesh and the other 2 boys. Ann is sitting alone at a nearby table. Raunak looks at Ann.
Rajesh notices this.
Rajesh
You like her man?
Raunak shrugs.
Interior – Classroom – Evening.
The Math’s teacher, a lady dressed in a sari is explaining the basics of trigonometry. She looks up and notices Raunak looking at Ann, who on the other hand is looking out of the window.
Maths Teacher
Raunak!
Raunak
(Standing up)
Yes Madam.
Maths Teacher
What is Sin@45?
Raunak remains silent. The teacher calls out Ann’s name.
Maths Teacher
What is Sin@45, Ann?
Ann does not answer.
Maths Teacher
Please go and stand outside the room.
Raunak and Ann move outside the classroom. They stand by the wall. Ann takes out a bubble gum from her pocket and places it in her mouth. She offers one to Raunak who accepts it. They smile at each other.
Exterior – Evening – Naval public school.
Raunak and Rajesh are walking towards the cycle shed. The students are milling out of school.
Rajesh
Did you talk to her?
Raunak
No. But she offered me a gum.
Rajesh
Well I guess that is a good start to the romance.
Raunak
Do you think I stand any chance with her?
Rajesh.
Why don’t you come over to my house on Sunday? Maybe we will get a chance to talk to her.
Raunak
Ok man.
Both of them get on their respective cycles and pedal off.
Interior – Raunak’s house – Sunday Morning.
Raunak is in his room standing in front of the mirror. He is wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans. The T-shirt is not tucked in. He combs his hair carefully. Then he walks out. Then re-enters and grabs a perfume bottle on the table and sprays it on his T-shirt.
Sukhwinder is seated on the couch reading the economic times. Harleen is seated at the dining table reading a paper. As Raunak moves towards the door his mother notices him.
Harleen
Where are you going so early in the morning?
Raunak
I am going to Rajesh’s house Mom.
Harleen
Will you be back for lunch?
Raunak
No I will only be back by evening.
Raunak grabs the cycle leaning against the garage wall and cycles off.
Exterior – Lane outside Ann’s house.
Raunak pedals into the lane leading towards Rajesh’s house which is at the end of the street. As he goes past Ann’s house he sees Ann standing along with her brother in the garden. The dog sits on his paws beside them. Her mother is standing beside them reading from the Bible. The brother looks bored. Ann has a few tears running down her cheek. A cross is placed on a raised piece of mound of earth on the ground.
Raunak looks a bit puzzled by all this. He reaches Rajesh’s house, unlatches the gate and rings the bell, all the while staring at the strange scene unfolding before him. Rajesh opens the door.
Rajesh
Hey man!
Raunak
Did somebody die?
Rajesh
Polly died.
Raunak
Who is Polly?
Rajesh
Take a guess.
Raunak
Her grandmother?
Rajesh
No, her parrot man. She seems to be a bit on the crazier side. I have been observing them for quite some time. Who holds a burial ceremony for a parrot?
Raunak
No, that is kind of cute.
Rajesh
You wanted to meet her right? Let us go over.
Raunak and Rajesh cross over to Ann’s house and enter the garden where the strange scene is unfolding. They stand with their arms folded, heads bowed in respect. The ceremony ends.
Maria
Hi Rajesh? How are you? Who is with you?
Ann
(Wiping tears off her cheek)
That is Raunak. He studies in my class.
Raunak
We are sorry about your parrot’s death.
Ann
That is all right. He is in heaven.
Rajesh looks quizzically at Raunak as all of them walk into the house.
A lean, middle aged man dressed in a shirt and pants is seated on the couch reading the Sunday papers. This is Ann’s father. Mathew.
Mathew
Is the burial over?
Maria
Yes.
Mathew
How are you Rajesh? Who is with you?
Ann
This is Raunak. He studies with us.
Mathew
Great that you have found some friends Ann.
Mathew gets up and shakes Raunak’s hand.
Mathew
We shall talk some other time. We are going for the afternoon service at church.
Rajesh
All right Uncle. We were also about to leave.
Mathew
Do come over some other time.
Raunak.
Yes Uncle.
Raunak and Rajesh leave. Ann accompanies them to the door.
Ann.
See you in class tomorrow.
Raunak
(Smiling)
Bye Ann.
Ann
Bye.
Rajesh and Raunak walk down the garden to the gate.
Rajesh
Who holds a burial ceremony for a parrot? Ok so want to play some football?
Raunak
No man. Let us do it some other time. I have to go and see Maninder.
Rajesh
That lawyer cousin of yours?
Raunak
Yeah.
Raunak gets on his cycle and leaves.
Exterior – Maninder’s house.
Raunak cycles into the front yard of a house, quaint and modest. Two little boys are playing cricket in the front yard.
Raunak
Hey champs.
Boy-1
Hey Raunak.
Boy-2
Hey Raunak.
Raunak
Where is dad?
Boy-1
He is in the kitchen.
Raunak
Ok champs. Let me go in and meet dad.
Raunak goes in through the front door which lies open. A woman in a grey T-shirt and pyjamas is sitting on the couch reading the Sunday papers.
Raunak
Hey Jasleen.
Jasleen
Hey Raunak. How are you?
Raunak
Good. How are you?
Jasleen
Good. How are Uncle and Aunty?
Raunak
They are good too.
Jasleen
Maninder is in the kitchen.
Raunak
Ok.
Raunak moves into the kitchen, where a balding man in his 30’s is scrambling eggs in a pan. He is wearing a T-shirt and shorts and looks like he has just woken up.
Raunak
Hey Maninder.
Maninder
(Turning around)
Hey man. You had breakfast?
Raunak
Yeah.
Maninder
Well it is continental breakfast for us today. Toast, scrambled egg, butter and jam.
You have some too.
Raunak
Yeah all right.
Maninder transfers the eggs from the pan on to a plate.
Maninder
Let us go to the terrace. I need a smoke.
Maninder and Raunak walk out into the front yard. The kids are still playing cricket there.
Maninder
You know how much Virat Kohli earns in a year?
Raunak
How much?
Maninder
A lot.
Raunak
Yeah so?
Maninder
I am going to send the boys to a cricket coaching camp. Who knows, one of them might become the next Kohli? I might be able to retire early.
As if on cue one of the kids slams the ball out of the compound. Maninder grins widely.
Maninder
See I told you right. They have talent.
Raunak smiles.
They bound up the stairs to the terrace, where Maninder lights a cigarette
leaning against the parapet.
Maninder
The Indians are rolling all of them over at home.
Raunak
Yeah.
Maninder
Let us see how they do when they tour outside home. Saw any new movies?
Raunak
Yeah saw a few.
Maninder
So what is up?
Raunak
I met this girl.
Maninder
Talked to her?
Raunak
A little.
Maninder
Does she seem interested in you?
Raunak
Don’t know yet. So how do I woo her? You are the expert.
Or you were before you got married.
Maninder
A simple piece of advice. Take it slow. Become friends with her. At the right time make the move.
Raunak
Hmm. Ok .Sounds simple.
Maninder
Yeah. Let me know how it progresses. I can advise you. Let us go get some breakfast man. I am hungry.
Exterior – Naval Public school – Evening.
Raunak and Rajesh are playing basketball with a bunch of other guys. After the game is over,
Raunak and Rajesh stand by the basketball ground and talk.
Raunak
You know what my cousin told me?
Rajesh
What?
Raunak
He said, fist you have to become friends with the girl. Then you make the move. Now what I
can’t figure out is how I become friends with Ann. She hardly talks to anybody.
Rajesh
You come and hang out at my house man.
Raunak
Yeah, that is a good idea.
Exterior – Rajesh’s house – Sunday Morning.
Raunak and Rajesh are playing football in the yard. Raunak keeps on glancing over at Ann’s
house hoping to get a glimpse of her. Ann comes out of the house with a few wet clothes in
a basket and starts placing them on the clothes line hung in the yard. Oscar is hanging
around sniffing the ground.
Ann waves at them. Raunak and Rajesh wave back.
Exterior – Church – Sunday afternoon.
Raunak and Rajesh are outside the gate on their cycles. People are walking out after the
service is over. Raunak spots Ann in the crowd. She looks quite pretty in a blue skirt and white top.
Raunak sighs.
.
Interior- School canteen. Afternoon.
Raunak and Rajesh are seated at a table having lunch. Ann is seated at a nearby table, alone.
Raunak smiles at Ann who smiles back.
Rajesh
She does not seem to have made a lot of friends.
Raunak
Yeah.
Exterior – Naval public school – Morning.
It is raining heavily. The students stand outside under umbrellas. Raunak enters
through the gate on his cycle wearing a raincoat. The bell rings.
Interior – Assembly hall – Morning.
As the students stand in line, the prefects walk up and down the line, checking whether the
students are wearing shoes. The prefect notices that Raunak is wearing sandals.
Prefect
Go and stand at the back. You are not supposed to wear sandals.
Raunak
For God’s sake, it is raining.
Prefect
Rules are rules.
Raunak moves towards the back of the hall, where the teachers are standing and joins the
other offenders who are wearing sandals. He notices Ann in the group and goes and stands
beside her. The Principal enters the podium. The national anthem is sung and then the principal
steps before the mike to make a few announcements
Principal
Will Shweta, Tony and Arun come up on the podium please?
Three students get up on the podium.
Principal
This team has won the debating event preliminaries. They will be our team for the
inter school competition to be held in Choice school next week.
The students clap, first the seniors and then the juniors.
The principal makes a few such announcements, announcing other teams selected for the
inter school competition. All announcements are followed by applause.
Principal
Will Rajesh of 12th Standard please step up on the podium?
Rajesh gingerly steps up the podium and stands beside the Principal.
Principal
This gentleman was reported yesterday by his physics teacher for having forged the physics teachers own signature in his record book. Such behaviour is unacceptable in this school and
he is being suspended for one week. I hope he serves as an example to all of you, so that such offences are not repeated again by any of you.
The students of first and second standard start applauding. There is silence and soon all
the other students and teachers start laughing. The principal also manages a wry grin.
Ann and Raunak look at each other and laugh.
Interior – Ann’s house – Evening.
Ann is seated at her table in front of the laptop. She is dressed casually. She navigates to the Gmail
login page and types in her username. Then she enters the password. A message that the
password is incorrect pops up on the screen. She retypes the password and the same message pops
- After retyping the password a few times, the message “Try after some hours” pops up
on screen. Ann sits at the table looking worried.
Interior- Ann’s house – Night.
The family is seated at the dining table having dinner. Mathew notices that Ann looks a little
worried.
Mathew
What is the matter Ann?
Ann
I was unable to log into my email account. My password was not accepted.
Maria
You must have forgotten your password. You check your mail every other month right?
Ann
No Mom. I remember the password. It was Oscar.
Mathew
Try again.
Ann
I think somebody has hacked into my account.
Thomas who is seated beside Ann laughs.
Maria
Who would be interested in hacking into a 17 year old girl’s email account?
Forget it. Try again tomorrow.
Ann
Ok
Thomas
It must be the CIA.
Ann glares at Thomas.
Maria
Rajesh’s mother told me that there is an inter-school competition to be held next week.
Are you going?
Ann
Yeah. They need some kids for the cheerleading squad. I am in that group.
Maria
Ok.
Fade out:
Exterior – Naval Public School – Morning.
A bunch of students stand on the road. All are dressed up in white T-shirts and blue jeans. The
T-shirts have Naval Public School embossed on them. They get into a bus parked on the road.
Rajesh gets on the bus and walks down the aisle to the back where he had noticed Ann going.
He finds her seated alone at the window seat. She is listening to music on her i-pod. He sits
beside her. They smile at each other. The bus starts and is off.
They sit silently on their seats, Ann having her eyes outside the window, her head resting against the
window sill.
Raunak
What are you listening to?
Ann takes off her headphone.
Ann
What?
Raunak
What are you listening to?
Ann
Oh. I am listening to Shammi Kapoor songs. I love them. What kind of music do you like?
Raunak
Nothing in particular. I listen to Hindi film songs. The new ones.
Ann
You should listen to old Hindi film music. Especially the ones picturised on Shammi Kapoor.
He was a great dancer. I mean he did not dance like Hrithik Roshan. But the expressions on his face were priceless. There was so much joy and naughtiness in his face. I just love him.
Raunak
How did you get interested in old songs?
Ann
My father loves old Hindi songs. That is how I got hooked. He also loves movies. He has these huge collection of English and Hindi movies.
Raunak
What kind of movies do you like?
Ann
I love E.T. You believe in aliens?
Raunak
I don’t know.
Ann
I think there might be aliens out there. It is just not possible that we are alone in this vast
universe. I mean it does not make sense.
The camera tracks away from the window as we leave them engaged in their conversation.
Exterior – Choice School – Morning.
There is a stage on the school ground. A dance competition is going on in the stage. The
tent constructed before the stage is full of students from various schools cheering on
the participants.
Raunak and Ann along with a few students stand outside the tent holding up banners like
“East or West NPS is the best”. They shout out these slogans. Students from other schools stand
nearby shouting their own slogans.
Interior – Choice School canteen – Afternoon.
Students from various schools are seated in groups having lunch. Ann and Raunak are sitting alone at
a table having lunch.
Raunak
You don’t seem to have a lot of friends?
Ann
No I love people. It is just that my father gets posted to various places. I have lived in
Goa, Bombay and now Cochin. I keep on changing schools every 3 or 4 years.
I had friends in my first school. But then I had to leave. Then I had a new set of friends in my
second school. Then I had to leave again. I missed them. I just gave up trying to make new friends after that. I know we will move out soon. That is why. You seem to have a lot of friends.
Raunak
Yeah. Rajesh is my best buddy though.
Ann
He is a funny guy. He seems stuck on Asha. He is following her all over the place.
Raunak laughs.
Ann.
You have any pets. I love dogs.
Raunak
I have always wanted to adopt a puppy. But my mom and grand mom are
scared of dogs.
Ann
You take one home. I am sure they will fall in love with the dog soon enough.
The camera tracks away from the table as we leave them engaged in their conversation.
Exterior – Choice school – Late evening.
The cheerleading squad seems to have tired out. Ann and Raunak are seated nearby on chairs
placed in the tent. A duet is going on. The song in “Tumko Dekha Toh Ye Khayaal Aaya”
from the movie Saath Saath. During the song Raunak glances at Ann, who seems to be sleeping.
Exterior – Naval public school – Night.
The bus comes to a stop before the school. Parents are waiting in their cars on the road.
As the students bundle out of the bus, Rajesh catches up with Raunak.
Rajesh
What happened man? I saw you cosying up to Ann.
Raunak
We just talked.
Rajesh
What about?
Raunak
About Shammi Kapoor and aliens.
Rajesh
She is a strange strange girl.
Fade out:
A series of Montages in the form of a song.
Raunak and Ann sitting together with Rajesh in the school canteen having lunch, chatting and
laughing.
Raunak walking Ann home.
Rajesh, Raunak and Ann playing football together in Rajesh’s house. Oscar is there too, chasing the
ball.
A scene on Raksha Bandhan day where Asha can be seen tying the Raakhee on Rajesh who wears a
stupid expression on his face.
Rajesh, Raunak and Ann doing combined studies at Ann’s house.
Raunak chatting with Thomas and Mathew at Ann’s house. They seem comfortable with each other.
Interior – Naval Public school – Exam hall.
The students can be seen writing their exams as a teacher walks between the rows of tables.
The exam is over and the students walk out of the exam hall. Raunak catches up with Ann.
Raunak
How were the exams?
Ann
All right. How was yours?
Raunak
All right, I guess. What are your plans for the vacation?
Ann
It is Christmas right. So we are taking off to Goa to visit family. My grandparents stay in
Margoa. They have a place near the beach there.
Raunak
Have a nice time. Merry Christmas.
Ann
Merry Christmas to you too. See you next term. Bye.
Raunak
Bye.
Exterior – Maninder’s House – Evening.
Raunak cycles into the front yard. The brothers are in the yard playing cricket. This time around
they are wearing pads and gloves and are using a stich ball. Maninder is standing nearby watching
the game shouting instructions.
Maninder
Hey Raunak. How are you?
Raunak
Fine. Can we go up to the terrace? I need to chat.
Maninder
Ok.
Exterior – Maninder’s terrace – Evening.
Maninder is leaning against the parapet smoking as Raunak stands beside him.
Raunak
So I took your advice and became friends with her.
Maninder
Great. Great. The boy is a fast learner.
Raunak
So how exactly do I make the next move?
Maninder
Where is she now? Is she at home during the vacation?
Raunak
No. She is in Goa visiting her grandparents.
Maninder draws on his cigarette and ruminates for a moment or two.
Maninder
Go to Goa.
Raunak
Are you serious?
Maninder
Go to Goa. Declare your love for her. Girls like grand romantic gestures.
Raunak
But how do I find her?
Maninder
You don’t know?
Raunak
She said her grandparents live in Margoa by the beach.
Maninder
Go for it man. Find her. Roam the streets like the hero does in movies.
Raunak
Maybe I will.
Maninder
All the best young man.
The ball lands on the terrace. Maninder grins widely.
Maninder.
I told you right. The kid has got talent. I may be able to retire early.
Raunak smiles.
Fade Out:
Interior – Raunak’s house – Night.
The family is seated at the dining table having dinner.
Raunak
Dad. I was thinking of going to Goa for a few days with Rajesh.
Sukhwinder
You want to try drugs?
Raunak
No dad no. We just wanted to see the beaches.
Sukhwinder considers the request for a moment or two while chewing on his food.
Sukhwinder
All right. But don’t do drugs.
Raunak
Thanks Dad.
Exterior – Goa Railway station – Afternoon.
Raunak and Rajesh can be seen hailing a cab outside the station. The cab drives through the roads of
Goa as Raunak and Rajesh takes in the sights.
Rajesh
There are so many coconut trees. Feels just like Kerala.
The cab comes to a stop at a hotel. Raunak and Rajesh check in.
Interior – Hotel room – Evening.
Raunak and Rajesh are seated on the bed after having freshened up.
Rajesh
So what is the plan?
Raunak
She lives near the Margoa beach. That is all I know.
Rajesh
It will take days to find her man.
Raunak
Yeah. It might.
Rajesh
And if at all we find her, how exactly do you plan to propose?
Raunak
I will go with the flow. Let us go to the beach today evening itself.
Rajesh
It will take days man. I tell you.
Exterior – Margoa beach – Dusk.
Raunak and Rajesh are standing on the beach. There is a sizeable crowd.
Rajesh
It will take days man.
Somebody calls out Raunak’s name. Raunak turns around to find Ann walking towards them.
Raunak smiles at Rajesh.
Rajesh
That was easy. Now go with the flow.
Ann reaches by their side.
Ann
(Grinning widely)
What are you guys doing here?
Raunak does not answer for a moment. Then replies.
Raunak
I came to tell you I love you Ann.
Ann considers this statement of love for a moment wearing a bemused expression on her face.
Ann
Ok.
Raunak
Just Ok?
Ann
Yeah. I guess I am fond of you too.
Raunak grins happily.
Rajesh
That was easy too.
A series of Montages in the form of a song.
All three of them frolicking and throwing water on each other in the sea.
The three of them on the bus, Ann seated beside Raunak, talking to him.
The three of them visiting various churches and other sightseeing places in Goa.
All three of them in a shack trying beer for the first time.
The montage ends with a shot of Raunak and Ann sitting on the beach watching the sunset,
holding hands.
6 MONTHS LATER
Interior – Assembly Hall- Naval public school – Evening.
The Convocation ceremony for the passed out students is happening in the hall. The hall is
jam packed with parents and relatives. We can see Raunak and Ann’s parents in the crowd.
The Principal calls out the names of the students and one by one they come and collect their
certificates. Ann, Raunak, Rajesh, among others. The atmosphere is jovial and cheerful.
Interior – Classroom – St Theresa’s college – Morning.
We see Ann seated among a group of students, listening to the teacher reading out Shakespeare.
Interior – R.K Sharma &Associates –Chartered Accountants – Morning.
Raunak is seated at a table in a room with the other employees. The room is stacked with files and
books on tax and law. Mr Sharma the proprietor of the firm calls out for Raunak. Raunak approaches
him. Raunak is doing his internship at the firm.
Raunak
Yes Sir?
Sharma
You head out to M.J traders tomorrow. Start the Interim Audit.
Raunak
Yes Sir.
Interior – Ann’s House – Mid Night.
Maria gets up from the bed, switches on the light, and then walks down the stairs to get a drink of
water from the kitchen. As she walks back to her room, she notices that the light is witched on in
Ann’s room. She opens the door to see Ann sitting on the bed crying, her head buried into her knees
Maria
(In a worried tone)
What is the matter baby?
Maria goes and sits beside Ann.
Ann
I can’t sleep mom. I have not slept for the whole of last week.
Maria
Are there any problems at college? Have you fought with Raunak?
What is the problem? Tell me. You know you can tell me anything.
Ann
Nothing of that sort. It is just that I can’t sleep and sometimes I feel like
crying. I don’t know why. I just feel like crying.
Maria
It is all right. It must be the heat. Apply coconut oil on your head from
tomorrow. It will help cool your head and body.
Ann
I don’t think it is the heat mom.
Maria
Don’t worry. I will buy some oil tomorrow.
Ann nods.
Maria
Now go back to sleep.
Ann lies back on the bed. Maria covers her with the blanket, kisses her forehead and leaves the
room after switching off the light.
Ann lies in bed with her eyes open, staring out of the window.
Exterior – St Theresa’s college – Evening.
Ann is standing outside the college compound. Other students walk by. A man dressed in a black
pants and white shirt stands near by her. He is chewing on tobacco. He stares at Ann.
She seems uncomfortable. The Man spits out his tobacco. Ann glares at the man, walks away and
stands at another place. Two boys from the college walk by, and one of them spits on the road near
where Ann is standing. She suddenly gets angry at the boy.
Ann
(Angrily)
Hey there!
The boy turns back and looks at her.
Ann
Why did you spit at me?
Boy.
Relax. I was just spitting out my chewing gum. Why should I spit on you?
Ann does not answer and keeps glaring at the boy, who shrugs it off and walks away.
Soon Raunak comes on his bike.
Ann
Hey.
Raunak
Hey. Get on.
Ann gets on the bike and they drive away.
Interior – Coffee shop – Same evening.
Raunak and Ann are seated at a table sipping on ice tea.
Ann
So how is work?
Raunak
It is out audit. I am lazing around. I call office about at 3.00 pm report on the day’s work
And skip out. I even watched a movie one day. Nobody calls to the shop from the office.
So it is kind of a relaxed atmosphere. Unlike when you are in the office when the boss
Is watching you all the time. You have dark circles under your eyes Ann.
Ann
I have not been able to sleep properly for the last few days.
Raunak
Oh ok.
Ann
Do you know anything about hacking?
Raunak
I have no idea whatsoever. Why?
Ann
I have been locked out of my account for the past 6 months. My password is not being accepted.
Raunak
Start a new account. It is that easy. You might have forgotten the password.
Ann.
Yeah I know. But I remember the password. It was Oscar.
Raunak.
Forget it. Rajesh is got a new crush in his college.
Ann
(Smiling)
He never gives up does he?
Raunak
(Laughing)
Yeah, he is kind of pissed off that I got a girlfriend before he did.
Ann smiles.
Fade out:
Interior – Ann’s house –Morning.
Mathew and Maria are seated on the couch. Mathew is reading the paper while Maria is watching
T.V.
Maria
Did you notice anything wrong with Ann lately?
Mathew
(Not looking up from the paper)
No. Why?
Maria
I found her one night crying on the bed. She says she is not getting sleep, and feels like
crying all the time.
Mathew
It must be the heat and humidity.
Maria
Yeah maybe. But she rarely listens to those Shammi Kapoor songs anymore.
Also she is not playing with Oscar as she used to. She spends most of her time
In the room. And she keeps on talking about her email account being hacked.
Mathew
Don’t worry. Everybody goes through such phases. She will get over it.
Exterior – St Theresa’s college – Evening.
We see Ann hailing an auto outside the college. She gets on it and plugs in her i-pod. She looks in the
rear view mirror of the auto and notices a white car with its tinted dark glasses rolled down take off
just as her auto starts.
The auto rambles along, as Ann gets lost in the music. The auto stops at a traffic signal. Ann catches
sight of the car parked just behind the auto. The auto takes a left from the junction and so does the
car. By now Ann has her eyes fixed on the car.
After travelling a few minutes the auto takes a left leading into Ann’s lane and the car follows suit.
The auto stops in front of Ann’s house. She gets out, pays the driver and watches the car move down
the road. She watches it till it is out of sight.
Interior – Ann’s house – Same evening.
Ann gets into the house and sits on the couch. Maria comes into the room. Ann seems a bit worked
up.
Maria
How was college today?
Ann
Mom. I think somebody followed me home today.
Maria stares at Ann with a concerned expression.
Maria
What do you mean?
Ann
A white Zen. It followed me from college to here.
Maria
It must be a coincidence Ann. It must be some student who lives nearby, who comes in a car
to the college.
Ann
No Mom. I don’t think so.
Maria sits beside Ann and takes her hand in hers.
Exterior – A house – Same evening.
The white car enters the house. A boy gets out of the car. His mother, who is standing
In the yard watering plants greets him.
Mother of boy.
How was college?
Boy
(Smiling)
It was good.
Interior – Coffee shop – Saturday evening.
Raunak and Ann are seated at the table having ice tea and French fries.
Raunak
Why did you call me and tell me you wanted to meet immediately?
Ann
This might sound crazy to you. My mom says I am imagining things.
But I am sure somebody followed me home the other day Raunak.
Raunak
Why would somebody follow you home?
Ann
(Now crying a little)
And I still cannot open my email account. I am sure it was Oscar.
Raunak takes her hands in his and consoles her.
Raunak
You are imagining all these things Ann. It must be some coincidence.
And people forget their password all the time.
Ann
There was also this phone call I got at midnight. Nobody answered from the
other end.
Raunak
It might have been a wrong number Ann.
Ann.
(Her eyes brimming over now)
I don’t know Raunak. I don’t know.
Fade out:
Exterior – Maninder’s Terrace.
Maninder
So what is the problem? You seem worried.
Raunak
It is Ann.
Maninder
What about her. You guys had a fight?
Raunak
No. She seems to have trouble sleeping. Also she is saying that somebody is
following her, that somebody hacked into her email account, such kind of stuff.
She seems distant and preoccupied with these obsessions.
Maninder smokes and thinks for a moment as Raunak looks on.
Maninder
Why don’t you advise her to see a psychologist?
Raunak
Psychologist?
Maninder
Yeah. People get depressed all the time.
Raunak
I don’t think she will agree.
Maninder
Talk to her parents. You are close to them right.
Raunak
Yeah, I am.
Maninder
Talk to them.
Raunak.
I guess I will. Where are the boys? What happened to the cricket?
Maninder
(Grimacing)
Yeah. They seem to have lost interest in cricket. Says video games are more
exciting.
Raunak laughs.
Fade out:
Exterior – Ann’s home – Afternoon.
Raunak rings the doorbell and waits for the door to be opened. Soon enough Maria opens the door.
Maria
Hey Raunak. What are you doing here? Ann is in college.
Raunak
There is something I wanted to talk to you about.
Maria
Ok. Come in.
Interior – Ann’s home – Afternoon.
Mathew and Maria are seated on the couch. Raunak sits nearby on a chair.
Mathew
What do you want to talk about Raunak?
Raunak
It is about Ann.
Mathew
What about Ann?
Raunak
She has been talking all these crazy things to me. Like somebody is following her.
Somebody has hacked into her email account etc. She met me the other day and she was crying. I am a little worried about her.
Maria
(Glancing at Mathew)
I told you right. We are worried too Raunak.
Raunak
So the thing is I talked to my cousin and he advised me to ask her to visit the psychologist.
Mathew and Maria look at each other.
Raunak
So many people go through depression.
Mathew stays silent for a moment.
Mathew
I will talk to her. Maybe it is a good idea. I had a cousin who suffered from depression.
He got all right after he started visiting the psychologist.
Raunak
Thanks Uncle. I have to leave now.
Maria accompanies Raunak to the door.
Exterior – St Mark’s medical college – Morning.
We see Mathew along with Maria and Ann driving into the hospital. It is a sprawling compound
housing the hospital as well as the medical college.
Interior – St Mark’s hospital – Morning.
All three of them are sitting outside the psychologist’s office. Ann is listening to her i-pod and is
looking down at the floor. Ann’s name is called out. They enter the room.
Interior – Mr Sekhar’s (Psychologist) Room – Morning.
Mathew, Maria and Ann are seated in chairs before the doctors table. Mr Sekhar is a short man with
a gentle demeanour. He is in his 50’s and his hair is almost totally grey.
Maria
She is having trouble sleeping.
Sekhar
Are you Ann?
Ann
Yes.
Maria
She says somebody has been following her home. Also that somebody has hacked into her
Email account. She hardly talks to us anymore.
Sekhar studies Ann’s, who is looking down at the floor.
Sekhar
Can you both leave the room? I need to talk to her alone.
Mathew and Maria leave the room.
Interior – The foyer outside Mr Sekhar’s room.
Mathew and Maria wait outside on chairs. Maria seems anxious. Ann exits the doctors room and
comes near them.
Ann
He wants to see both of you. He asked me to wait outside.
Mathew and Maria walk into the doctor’s room.
Interior – Sekhar’s room – Morning.
Maria and Mathew are seated before the doctor.
Maria
What seems to be the problem doctor? Is it depression?
Sekhar
Nothing to worry about. It seems like the onset of Bi-polar disorder.
Maria looks at Mathew, a bit alarmed.
Sekhar
Nothing to worry about. Her symptoms seem to show she might be
suffering from Bi-polar disorder. Mood swings, obsessions, a little paranoia.
As I said there is nothing to worry about. About 10 patients with
Bi-polar disorder visit me every day. I will prescribe some medicines. Give it to her
and visit me after two weeks.
Mathew
Thank you doctor.
Fade out:
Interior – Ann’s house – Night.
Maria has some pills in her palm and she gives it to Ann along with a glass of water. Ann takes the
Medicine, places it in her mouth and gulps down the water.
Interior – Ann’s house – Bathroom.
Ann walks into the bathroom, opens her mouth and spits out the pills. She flushes it down the toilet.
This scene is repeated the next night too.
Exterior – St Theresa’s College – evening.
The sky is dark and it is raining heavily. Ann holding an umbrella in her hand hails an auto.
She gets into it and the auto starts. She plugs in her i-pod and closes her eyes.
The auto reaches the traffic signal. Ann opens her eyes and notices the white car behind the auto.
She is startled. She keeps her eyes fixed on the car as the car trails the auto in the heavy downpour.
She reaches her home and after hurriedly paying the driver rushes into her house, goes upstairs to
her room, and closes the door. She crawls under her bed and starts crying.
Interior – Ann’s house – Same night.
Ann is lying on her bed with her eyes open. Her phone rings. She takes the phone and stares at it.
Then takes the call.
Ann
Hello.
There is no answer from the other end.
Ann.
Hello.
Ann
(Now shouting into the phone)
Who the hell is this? Are you the one who hacked into my email account?
Why are you following me? What do you want from me?
Ann starts crying and throws the phone against the wall. She grabs the laptop from her table,
and sends it crashing on to the floor. Then she grabs some books from the table and starts throwing
them out of the window. Maria and Mathew rush into the room.
Maria
(In a worried tone)
What is the matter baby?
Ann continues throwing books out of the window. Then grabs a few music CD’S and break them on
the floor. Maria starts crying. Mathew goes to Ann and gets a hold on her and embraces her tightly
against him. Ann breaks down crying into her father’s shoulders.
Exterior – Ann’s house – Midnight.
An ambulance arrives outside the house. Mathew holding Ann closely to him, walks to the
ambulance along with Maria and gets in.
Exterior – Emergency ward- St Mark’s hospital.
The ambulance parks outside the emergency ward and an attendant rolls a wheel chair close to
the ambulance. Ann is asked to sit on the wheel chair and the attendant rolls her into the ward.
Inside the ward she is laid on a bed. A nurse injects sedative into her and she slowly dozes off.
Mathew and Maria stand beside her looking concerned. Maria is crying.
Interior – Hospital room – Morning.
Ann is lying asleep on the hospital bed. Maria sits beside her. Ann soon opens her eyes and looks
around the room.
Maria kisses Ann’s forehead.
Maria
Did you sleep well baby?
Ann
Yes.
Interior – Mr Sekhar’s Room – Morning.
Mathew and Maria are seated before the doctor.
Sekhar
Bi polar patients have these kind of episodes. Nothing to worry.
She will be all right. Now that she is admitted, it gives me a chance to
monitor her closely. We will try some medicines on her and see what works.
Please don’t be worried. She is in safe hands.
Interior – Hospital Room – Morning.
Raunak is at Ann’s bedside holding her hands.
A series of Montages in the form of a song.
The doctor visiting Ann and talking to her.
The nurse giving her medicine at night and asking her to open her mouth to check if she has gulped
her medicine.
Ann walking in the hospital garden with Raunak.
Mathew buying food from the hospital canteen and bringing the food to her room.
Ann being given medicine.
Rajesh and Raunak in Ann’s room talking and joking with her.
During the course of the song Ann seems to be getting into a better mood.
Exterior – Hospital garden – Evening.
Ann, Raunak and Rajesh are seated on a bench.
Ann
So what about your new crush Rajesh?
Rajesh
Yeah I proposed to her.
Ann
And?
Rajesh
She told me I am like a brother to her.
Ann laughs loudly.
Rajesh
I have no idea why I inspire brotherly feelings in girls.
Raunak and Ann laugh.
Interior – Hospital room – Evening.
Ann is lying on her hospital bed watching the T.V placed against the wall. There is a show on Animal
Planet about dogs. A dog similar to Oscar appears on the screen. A small kid is playing with the dog.
Suddenly Ann’s face lights up. She gets up and walks out of the room hurriedly.
She walks out to the reception where a nurse is working on her computer.
Ann
Can I use the computer for a moment?
The nurse looks up at Ann.
Nurse.
Yeah Sure.
Ann navigates to the email account page and types in her name. She holds her breath for a moment
And then types her password. Viola! The account is open. Ann smiles.
Exterior – Hospital Garden – Evening.
Ann is sitting with Raunak her head resting against his shoulder.
Ann.
You know, at home I was not taking the medicines.
Raunak
What?
Ann
(Smiling)
Yeah. I was hiding it behind my gums and spitting it out.
Raunak laughs.
Raunak
Are you taking them now?
Ann
Yeah I am. They seem to be working. I must have been imagining all those things.
They must have been coincidences. Yesterday I was able to open my email account.
Raunak
Wow! Really?
Ann
(Smiling)
Yeah. I forgot that the C in Oscar was in capitals.
Raunak takes hold of Ann’s hands and kisses her forehead.
Interior – Ann’s house – Evening.
Mathew stands in the living room dressed in his Navy uniform looking smart. Maria too is there
dressed in a sari. Thomas and Raunak looks smart in suits.
Ann walks down the stairs dressed in a blue gown looking pretty her face having
regained its glow and charm.
Raunak walks up to Ann and offers her his arms.
Exterior – An Auditorium- Night.
A banner stretched across the top of the auditorium shows that this is the place where the annual
navy ball is taking place.
The family enters the hall. The hall is decked up with colourful bulbs and decorations. The room is
full of Navy personnel in their uniform and their families. People are dancing on the floor.
Raunak takes Ann’s hands and accompanies her onto the dance floor.
Ann spots Rajesh dancing with a pretty girl. Rajesh looks at Ann and winks. Ann smiles back and
Gives him a thumbs up.
Rajesh and Ann dance as “Save the Last dance for me” from The drifters plays on the Music system.
Fade out:
15 years later
Interior – A house – Evening
Raunak is seated on the porch reading the newspaper. He has a beard and his hair is slightly grey. He
is in his shorts. As the camera moves closer to him, he puts down and his paper and
talks into the camera.
Raunak
So everything turned out all right. She is fine. We have two kids now.
She still has her mood swings. But that is all right I guess. She has become a
content writer and writes the occasional article in the papers. I love her. She loves me.
Nothing else matters.
Raunak opens the door and moves into the bedroom. Ann, a little boy and a little girl are swinging wildly to the tunes of a Shammi Kapoor song. Ann takes hold of Raunak’s arms and he too joins in.
The camera tracks away from the window.
The END
