Muhurtham is a four act comical play, published for the first time. The play revolves around a south Indian family with twins, looking for brides. The play highlights the perception of marriage between two successive generations.
Delhi Ganesh is a well to do man with several small businesses and properties. Ajith and Vinith are his sons, who are lookalike twins. Ajith, a high ranking officer in the revenue department is a dumb man. Vinith on the other hand is an unemployed and a carefree man. The father’s main concern is finding suitable brides for his sons.
Act One
Scene One
(Delhi Ganesh is seated at the main hall of his house. There is a knock on the door)
DELHI GANESH – Who is that?
BROKER: Broker..broker..come with a marriage proposal
DELHI GANESH (Goes and opens the door): Come in ..come in
BROKER: Was not sure if you’d be here. Anyway I am happy I could meet you
DELHI GANESH: What’s up?. Another new proposal?
BROKER: Ah yes, a very suitable good match for both your sons Ajith and Vinith
DELHI GANESH: How many times you have been bringing alliances, but nothing seems to be working out. I only keep spending money for horoscopes and your expenses
BROKER: What can we do Chettiar? You know your situation very well. You have so many properties, shops, rents and all; but still getting your sons married is being difficult.
DELHI GANESH: That’s why I am spending money on brokers like you
BROKER: What to do Chettiar; your sons Ajith and Vinith are lookalike twins. Although Ajith is a Class one revenue officer, he is dumb. The other son Vinith is a irresponsible fellow and free roaming fellow as you know. So it would take time for everything to get set. You need to be patient Chettiar.
DELHI GANESH: Yes. What else can I do?. Kamala delivered these twins and left the world thirty years back. All these years, I’ve raised them up all alone. I didn’t marry again, just for the sake of my sons.
BROKER: I can bring good alliances for Vinith, that is not difficult. Although he is not employed he is assisting you in rent collection and managing your shops. But then he insists that he would only marry when Ajith’s marriage is also fixed. You know, getting a bride for Ajith isn’t easy.
DELHI GANESH: But of course we need to fix alliances for both of them. Vinith understands that it’s difficult to get a bride for Ajith. That’s why he has no conditions or expectations for his own bride. So the problem now is only fixing an alliance for Ajith. Vinith’s marriage would not be a problem.
BROKER: And another important thing Chettiar; I had asked you for the shop on the third street. I have two lakh rupees ready and can even pay you the amount tomorrow.
DELHI GANESH: Oh, so you have come here with a proposal for the shop; not for my sons.
BROKER: No..no..I have come with both
DELHI GANESH: Look here… like I’ve already told you. I can’t give you the shop on a lease for two lakh rupees. There are people ready to pay me over one and a half lakh as an advance itself.
BROKER: Come on Chettiar..don’t treat me like anyone else. The shop is only for my brother-in-law.
DELHI GANESH: Alright try and fix marriages for Ajith and Vinith and I’ll consider giving the shop to your brother-in-law
(The door opens and Vinith and his friend Vivek enter)
VIVEK: Hello uncle
DELHI GANESH: Come, come Vivek how are you?
VIVEK: Fine uncle
VINITH: (looking at the broker) So I think you’ve brought another proposal
BROKER: Ah yes; we were just discussing that
VIVEK: My parents too are looking for a bride for me. You have any suitable brides with you now, for me to see?
BROKER: I don’t carry these brides with me wherever I go, not that I cannot carry them; but their parents wouldn’t allow it
(Delhi Ganesh and Vinith laughs)
VIVEK: Ha..ha…he…he…nice joke…nice joke. What I meant was any photographs with you…passport size..post card size…side view…front view, only for my parents to see. But there is one condition, the girl should be capable of understanding me very well
DELHI GANESH: That won’t be a problem at all. The temple priest has warned you against chatting with girls inside the temple. The new tea stall owner has said, he wouldn’t give you any more credit. And most importantly your father; he says that if he had an offer to exchange you for a donkey; he wouldn’t hesitate for a minute. So if these people can understand you, a girl should understand you very easily (He goes inside).
VIVEK: (Looking at Vinith) Very, very insulting
BROKER: What is your caste?
VIVEK: I think it’s Vaishnavi..I mean Vaishnav
BROKER: Where are you working?
VIVEK: Should be joining as a PRO in Chennai Port soon, in another five months..December 7 to be precise
(Vinith looks surprised)
BROKER: Oh..good…very good. It’s finalized and for sure, isn’t it?
VIVEK: Not exactly..it could change too…Just taken the written exams, have another optional paper, interviews and other things. But if all goes well, then as per their schedule, I should be joining on December 7.
BROKER: One small advice to you..don’t tell anyone that I told you this. Ask your parents to get you married within three months
VIVEK: Why?..the brides would all run away after that?
BROKER: The government is bringing in a new law. After three months, unemployed, irresponsible men need to get collector’s permission to marry. You would need to produce an eligibility certificate to marry.
VIVEK: That shouldn’t be a problem. I have contacts in collector’s office; I can get any certificate.
BROKER: Oh! So then it’s not a problem for you
DELHI GANESH: (Enters again) Vinith go have your lunch
VINITH: (Looking at the broker) Like I’ve told you earlier, I will marry only when Ajith’s marriage is also finalized. I have no other conditions or expectations from my bride (Vinith and Vivek go inside)
BROKER: I came here to tell you of a very good proposal, I have with me. Both your sons would be married soon. There are two sisters, also twins like Ajith and Vinith. And the coincidence here is that one of the girls is dumb too. Right now they’ve gone to their native Trichy and would be back next week. I’ll confirm and let you know.
DELHI GANESH: Good. Hope they are of our caste too.
BROKER: Of course, you think I’ll just bring anything and try to finish it off?
DELHI GANESH: No..no…just asked. Hope this proposal works for my sons.
BROKER: Just wait and see; and don’t forget the shop for my brother-in-law
Act Two
Scene One
(Ajith is alone in the house reading a newspaper. There is a knock on the door and he rushes to open it. It is a group of men led by the local Councilor)
FIRST MAN: It’s him, it’s him. (They all go inside and sit in the hall)
SECOND MAN: Call your father. We need to talk to him
THIRD MAN: Tell your father that the Councilor has come to meet him
(Ajith blabbers something and uses his sign language to let them know that his father isn’t there)
THIRD MAN: Oh, he is the twin brother Ajith who is actually dumb
COUNCILOR: (To Ajith) Come here sir, sit down. We have come here on a complaint against your brother Vinith. That’s why we want to meet your father. When will your father come?
(Ajith gestures to them that he isn’t in town and would be back only tomorrow).
COUNCILOR: Oh only tomorrow?
(Ajith nods)
COUNCILOR: What shall we do now?
THIRD MAN: It’s not a problem. We can talk to him. He is the accused’s brother, and a responsible person
COUNCILOR: Alright Ajith sir, where is your brother now?
(Realizing the situation, an apprehensive Ajith gestures that he had not yet returned home)
COUNCILOR: Like I told you, we have come here to act on a complaint; we have a very big problem at hand. In fact the police are coming to arrest your brother. However we have asked them to show some restraint.
(Ajith is anxiously gesturing as to what it was)
COUNCILOR: You know what your brother did today?. (Looks at his men) Tell him. Tell him
FIRST MAN: Your brother had attempted to ..to…(Looks at his colleagues) what was that?
SECOND MAN: Touching woman in a public place; indecent behavior with a woman, public nuisance.
THIRD MAN: Not a public place, it was her private place. Just in front of her house
FIRST MAN: Well there is a legal term for this…Can’t remember now…that should make it clear and give him an idea of how big the crime is.
COUNCILOR: An attempt to outrage the modesty of a woman
FIRST MAN: Ah yes…yes..That’s it… to outrage the modesty of a woman. He did that
(A shocked, confused Ajith looks at everyone)
THIRD MAN: Yes, he caught a college girl’s hand.
SECOND MAN: Actually the girl’s parents and her uncle want to file a police case and get your brother arrested
FIRST MAN: Why are we wasting our time here? Let’s ask the police to continue with their work
THIRD MAN: No, no, no… I have known his father for several years. He is a very good friend of mine. This shouldn’t happen to his family. I just can’t imagine the police coming in trucks, vans and jeeps and dragging away his brother.
(Ajith looks at him more closely, trying to recognize him)
THIRD MAN: You may not know me son. But your father knows me very well. By the way where is he working now?
(Ajith looks confused and helpless. Keeps walking around)
COUNCILOR: Don’t worry, don’t worry. Let’s think of a way out
SECOND MAN: It’s a very complicated case. We can’t help him out. His brother would have to spend at least six months in jail
FIRST MAN: It is also difficult to get bail in these cases
THIRD MAN: No, no, the councilor should help him out. Poor family
COUNCILOR: How can I help?. Let me think about it (He discreetly waves to his group, unnoticed by Ajith. The first and second men take Ajith separately)
FIRST MAN: Don’t worry; police can’t come, without our councilor’s permission. We shall ask the councilor to help you out. But we need to make him happy for that. Just give us a thousand rupees now and we shall think
(Ajith immediately gives them a thousand rupees. The two go back and give the money to the third man who leaves the house with it)
FIRST MAN: We shall think of the ways we can help you. Don’t worry for now. Alright, can you arrange for some glasses and chill water?
(Ajith goes and returns with glasses and water)
SECOND MAN: Don’t worry; we should solve your brother’s problem.
COUNCILOR: We were expecting to meet your father. But not a problem, since you too understand the situation and cooperate well
(The man who had gone out, now come back with two liquor bottles, soft drinks and snacks).
COUNCILOR: (Looks at Ajith) Come sir, take a glass and join us..We’ll discuss
(Ajith gestures that he doesn’t drink)
SECOND MAN: Pour quickly, very desperate for a drink
(They prepare the drinks, lift their glasses and shout “cheers”)
THIRD MAN: I am happy that the problem is solved for his brother. If it wasn’t for the councilor, the family would have suffered.
COUNCILOR: Honestly, I still don’t have a clue as to what I should do.
FIRST MAN: Please do something
SECOND MAN: We are all depending on you. Don’t abandon us, please
(Alcohol was soon having its intended effects. The group was quickly getting high, with everyone beginning to talk aimlessly. Poor Ajith remains a mute spectator to the developments)
COUNCILOR: Am I allowed to smoke here?
FIRST MAN: Of course, of course..brother Ajith wouldn’t mind you smoking here
COUNCILOR: (Lighting a cigarette) These days young boys don’t know how to behave. Actually there is no one to properly guide them. That’s what I would say
SECOND MAN: Holding a girl’s hand is a very serious crime. One needs to be careful not to be caught. In matters like this, no one can outdo me and our councilor
COUNCILOR: Me? Why do you say that?
SECOND MAN: Remember what happened five years back at the Shanthi Theater. We were there on the Diwali day, having fun, when we pulled a woman’s saree
COUNCILOR: I don’t remember it (looking at others) What is he blabbering?. I think he’s reached his limits
SECOND MAN: Come on; I remember very clearly, only you seem to have forgotten it. A big crowd soon gathered and we were thrashed by the public. The woman also slippered me on my face; you recollect now?.
COUNCILOR: I don’t recollect anything. Anyway forget it
FIRST MAN: (whispers) We need to buy one more bottle. Ask him for money
THIRD MAN: Anyway the councilor and all of us will have to help this family and keep them away from all problems
COUNCILOR: Want to do my best, but the case is very strong. I still don’t have a clue how I am going to help these boys
THIRD MAN: Our poor dumb brother here trusts us; we need to help his brother, at least for our brother here
(They again call Ajith and make him sit close to them)
FIRST MAN: The problem is big and we are working hard for you. Please don’t think we have come here to just have a drink and walk off. We have to solve the problem, caused by your brother
SECOND MAN: The biggest problem is the girl’s uncle. He is a very dignified and a self respecting man. Actually the police wanted to file a chargesheet of harassment and eve teasing. But he wanted the police to also include a rape attempt charge. That’s the problem now.
THIRD MAN: (Takes Ajith aside and tells him) We need to ensure our brother is safe. He has done a mistake and is to be punished, but we shouldn’t let it happen, because he is our brother. Only the councilor can help. He generally doesn’t help anyone in such matters, but our brother is lucky that he offered to him. Now the councilor wants another bottle. Just give a thousand rupees more. We need to keep him happy
COUNCILOR: (On his mobile phone) Hello, ah yes. No. No. I am making the enquiry. The boy is not here right now. Give me some more time and I will come and explain. There is no need for you to come now
FIRST MAN: Who was that?
COUNCILOR: It was the police inspector; he wanted to come right away
FIRST MAN: Please, please ask them not to come here. It would be a big embarrassment for their family
(Ajith gives them more money. The third man immediately leaves to buy a bottle)
COUNCILOR: The problem is that it’s Friday evening now. If there is an arrest now, we can’t get a bail until Monday. Let’s see what we can do
SECOND MAN: (To Ajith) Didn’t I tell you, the councilor would help?
(The man, who went out, now comes back with a bottle and another short man. Everyone acknowledge and welcome the man, who greets the councilor with folded hands and takes a seat).
FOURTH MAN: I didn’t know you were all here. Nobody told me
FIRST MAN: (Pointing to the fourth man, tells Ajith) This is the girl’s uncle we were talking about
COUNCILOR: So take back your case against his brother and help them
FOURTH MAN: Please don’t interfere in this sir. Anyway I’ll think over it
(They drink and all of them including the councilor are overdrunk and seem out of control, while Ajith watches helplessly. Ajith now sees Vinith coming inside and alerts him to stay quiet, by raising his finger to his lips. Vinith moves to a corner of the room and listens to the commotion. He soon understands the situation. Vinith discreetly signals Ajith to leave the room. Ajith goes inside unnoticed).
VINITH: (Walking in) All of you listen to me
(All are stunned. they blink; shake their head to their disbelief).
FIRST MAN: Hey he is talking
THIRD MAN: It’s a miracle. No one would believe us that he is talking. We are lucky to witness this
VINITH: Call the police now. I have no objection to it. Let them find and arrest my brother
FOURTH MAN: No my son, there is no need for that. I will withdraw the case against him
VINITH: I don’t care. I want you all to leave my house immediately, or I will call the police now
COUNCILOR: One minute. It’s not that we are unhappy with you getting back your speech. But remember brother Ajith, when you were mute, you were listening and obeying. But now since you’re able to speak, you are practicing it against us
FIRST MAN: Alright let us leave this place immediately
SECOND MAN: We know how to tackle you, if you go that far
VINITH: What do you mean?
SECOND MAN: Chase us out of your house..no problem..but don’t expect your money back
COUNCILOR: (Taking his mobile) Wait the police inspector is on line
VINITH: Ask him to come here
COUNCILOR: Hahaha…They’ve caught your brother and have him in their lock up. Now come and ask us to help
(The men stagger out of the house in a hurry)
Act Three
Scene One
(Delhi Ganesh and Vinith are in the market)
VINITH: Dad, why are you so adamant that I should also come to the market?
DELHI GANESH: I want you to be more responsible.
VINITH: But dad, I have other important work
DELHI GANESH: Do them tomorrow. You need to meet the people in the market
VINITH: Why do I have to meet them; are we going to start a vegetable business?
DELHI GANESH: you will know soon
(The two go to a potato vendor)
DELHI GANESH: Manickam, meet my son; I told you earlier, the irresponsible guy. You know how hard we’ve all struggled to come up in life, but he doesn’t seem to understand life. (Delhi Ganesh selects potatoes) Try and make him understand, if you can. I thought if people like you could speak to him, he’d probably change.
MANICKAM: Don’t worry Chettiar, I’ll change him. Let me see if I can handle him. (Looking at Vinith) I’ve known Chettiar for more than fifteen years. He’s been working hard all these years. You should try to help him as much as possible. You see, only if the family members work hard, the family would prosper; and if only every family prospers, the country would prosper; and if only the country prospers, the village would prosper”.
DELHI GANESH: It’s not like that. Only when all families prosper, the village would prosper, and only when all villages prosper, the country would prosper.
MANICKAM: Chettiar, you find fault with everything, that’s why your son doesn’t listen to you. I honestly think your son is allright, only you are at fault.
(Vinith giggles)
DELHI GANESH: Don’t listen to him, you’ll only get worse
Scene Two
(The two now go to an onion vendor)
DELHI GANESH: Muthu, meet my son Vinith; I’ve told you about him. Please speak to him and try to change him and make him a responsible fellow
MUTHU: Chettiar you leave him here, buy other vegetables and come back
(Delhi Ganesh leaves Vinith with the onion vendor and walks out. As soon as Delhi Ganesh leaves, the vendor turns around to pick up his waiting whiskey glass and greedily gulps it down. Satisfied, he then turns towards Vinith)
MUTHU: Don’t you feel ashamed of yourself?. Your father is working so hard and you don’t want to help him. Frankly speaking, I shouldn’t blame you; you see Chettiar allows you to sit and eat and that’s where the mistake is. If you were my son, I wouldn’t let you sit in the first place.
(Muthu then turns to his whiskey bottle again, pours some into his glass, adds water and mixes his drink. He then munches a few peanuts and gulps his drink. He then turns to Vinith)
MUTHU: I was telling you something, what was that?
VINITH: You were telling me that you won’t let me sit
MUTHU: (Looking surprised) Did I?, My God! I am so sorry, please pull up that stool and sit down.
Scene Three
(Delhi Ganesh takes Vinith to a woman vendor who sells brinjal)
DELHI GANESH: (Picking up brinjals) Padmini look at my son. I want you to…
VINITH: Wait wait wait. Let me explain it myself this time. You see dad has been working hard all these years, looking after the house and business. You know, I should be helping him, and be more responsible as I am grown up now. How long can he alone suffer and me roam about aimlessly?. Now you need to explain all these to me, make me realize my mistake and make me more responsible.
DELHI GANESH: (Pays for the brinjal and sighs) Uh! What shall I do?
PADMINI: You go Chettiar, I’ve seen many like him. He thinks he’s very smart. I’ll get him fixed right away. I’ll see that he doesn’t forget this day.
(Delhi Ganesh leaves)
PADMINI: Have you ever seen kids working?. Tell me, what is the use of you growing up?. There is no use of a son who doesn’t think of his parents. Chettiar has lived his life not for him, but for his children, you and your brother. Why don’t you learn from your twin brother, isn’t he dumb?
(Vinith sees Vivek, coming with a shopping bag at a distance and immediately signals him to go away)
VIVEK: (To himself) Vinith seems to be in some sort of a problem with the brinjal vendor. But why is he bent on chasing me. Anyway, is there any new law that I shouldn’t buy brinjals?. Let me check it out
(Vivek walks to the brinjal vendor, pretending not to know Vinith)
VIVEK: Please give me half a kilo of brinjal
PADMINI: (To Vinith) Look at this young man, learn from him. See how responsible he is
VIVEK: Well, make it one kg
PADMINI: (Weighing again) See, he too is of your age, but look how responsible he is. Don’t you think his parents are benefited by him?
VIVEK Maybe you can make it two kgs, please
PADMINI: You need to learn from him. This young gentleman has something, which you don’t
VIVEK: (Smiles) Or I think you can make it three kgs
(Just when the lady was happily putting more brinjals in the weigh scale, a pretty young woman comes dashing in)
YOUNG WOMAN: Vivek, Vivek; don’t buy brinjals. I hate brinjals and my mother is allergic to it
PADMINI: Who the hell is this swine here?
VIVEK: Well, well, actually I am buying vegetables for her
PADMINI: Better take these three kgs of brinjal or I’ll kill you both. Idiot, working for a senseless female
(The girl walks off in anger while Vivek takes the brinjals and pays for it)
PADMINI : Allergic it seems; nice mom, nice daughter. Roaming in the market with a senseless idiot (Looks at Vivek) If I ever see you in the market again, I’ll have you tied up to the lamp post
VIVEK: (Looks at Vinith) Hi Vinith, when did you come here?
PADMINI: Oh, is he your friend?. Nice combination. Both of you together have a great future. That poor man Chettiar. Now before I count three, I want both of you to leave this place
(Both run away from there)
Scene Four
(Vinith and Vivek in the marketplace with some other vendors)
VINITH: I warned you not to come, but you came. You didn’t bother to speak to me while you were being praised. But when you were scolded, you wanted to talk me
VIVEK: Try to understand Vinith, you always need a company when you are being scolded. Honestly, I felt too bad when she was scolding me; but it was very relieving when she scolded both of us together. You see this is what friendship is. Only a true friend would be willing to share one’s scolding
(They walk a little when Vivek’s father came their way).
VIVEK’S FATHER: What’s up, you guys are roaming in the market today?
VIVEK: (In a stern voice) Buying vegetables, not roaming. Here take this bag with you (He gives the bag to his father).
VIVEK’S FATHER: (Looking inside the bag): What only brinjal, and that too so much?
VIVEK: Yes only brinjal. You won’t understand, new research from Japan says only brinjal is good for health. That’s why only brinjal. From now on we’ll have only brinjal; brinjal rice, brinjal curry, brinjal gravy, brinjal fry and brinjal soup
(Vivek and his father leave. Delhi Ganesh enters)
DELHI GANESH: (To Vinith) Where have you been? Let’s go now. Did you see how these people in the market like and respect me? I’ve known most of them for several years. We understand each others’ difficulties and sympathize although we can’t help much
(They walk a little and stop to buy chillies from a girl).
DELHI GANESH: How much do a bunch of chillies cost?
GIRL: Its five rupees.
DELHI GANESH: Can you give me three bunches for ten rupees?
GIRL: Get lost stupid man. Is this the first time you are buying chillies?
DELHI GANESH: (Looks embarrassed) You see Vinith, people learn courtesy and respect, only with age and maturity
VINITH: Yes dad, we can see that from the girl itself
DELHI GANESH: Ah yes …But but wait…what is that you see?
VINITH: Its clear dad, you see the girl hasn’t matured yet
DELHI GANESH (Thinks for a while) Upon reconsidering, I think this market and responsibilities are not required for you. What do you say?
Act Four
Scene One
(At the Bride’s house Delhi Ganesh and his twin sons Ajith and Vinith are seated in the hall with the Marriage Broker. With them are the parents of the twin sister-brides. The twin sisters each are in two separate rooms)
DELHI GANESH: Well to be honest, we’ve been on the lookout for a bride for a quite long time.
BRIDE’S MOTHER: The same here too. We’ve been looking for suitable matches for my twin daughters Priya and Shreya, for over five years.
DELHI GANESH: I don’t know if the broker had told you all. Ajith as you know is not capable of talking, but he is a class one Additional Revenue Officer. Vinith has finished college but is yet to clear his arrears. Don’t ask me where he is working or what he is working as.
(Everyone laughs)
BROKER: Collecting the rents, maintaining your buildings and shops is itself a tough job, Chettiar. He is helping you in a big way.
DELHI GANESH: Ah yes at times, I shouldn’t deny that
VINITH: Getting a job is not important, but getting a satisfying job is important. So that’s why
BRIDE’S MOTHER: How very similar. Shreya too has a poor academic record. She got too has many arrears to clear.
BRIDE’S FATHER: It’s God’s grace that we could find a pair of twins that suits the girls.
DELHI GANESH: Not just the Gods, please have some regard for the broker too, who connected us. (Everyone laughs)
BRIDE’S FATHER: Ok, let’s not waste any more time. Ajith’s bride Priya is in that room (Pointing at one direction) and Vinith’s bride Shreya is in this room (Pointing to another direction).
BROKER: Yeah yeah, please go and see
DELHI GANESH: Fine Ajith and Vinith, get up and see your respective brides and let us know your opinion.
VINITH: Let Ajith go and see his bride first. We need to get his opinion; that’s very important
BRIDE’S MOTHER: (Looking at Vinith) But why? You too need to see your bride isn’t it?
DELHI GANESH: He has no particular conditions or expectations in his bride. All his concern is for his brother. If only Ajith’s marriage is fixed, Vinith’s marriage would not be a problem
BRIDE’S MOTHER: Just like Shreya. She too is adamant that she won’t marry unless Priya’s marriage is fixed. What a coincidence. Who would believe this?.
BRIDE’S FATHER: I have a feeling that both these marriages would be finalized today
DELHI GANESH: Just pray for it. I have nothing else more important in my life
BROKER: (Tapping Ajith’s shoulder) Please go, see the girl and let us know what you feel
(Ajith leaves the room)
DELHI GANESH: If only the boy and girl like each other and this marriage is fixed, then a big burden would be off my back.
BRIDE’S MOTHER: Have faith. I have a feeling that we would fix marriages for both the couples. We’ll all be happy soon.
BROKER: Well said. Absolutely right
(Ajith comes back, walking fast and eyes filled)
VINITH: What happened Ajith?
DELHI GANESH: Ajith, what’s wrong. Why are you crying?
BROKER: What’s wrong?. I don’t understand
BRIDE’S FATHER: Why is he upset?
(Ajth indicates to all in his sign language that the girl is dumb)
VINITH: What? The girl is dumb?
BRIDE’S FATHER: Is he feeling bad for that? What was he expecting then?
DELHI GANESH: (In a low tone) Ajith; What is this Ajith?. Which capable girl would accept to marry a dumb boy?. Please try and understand.
BRIDE’S MOTHER: He didn’t know that Priya is dumb?
VINITH: No, and neither do I until now. (Looking at his father) So you knew that the girl was dumb?
BROKER: Yes of course
VINITH: (Looking at his father) How could you ever want Ajith to marry a dumb girl? Just think for a moment how their lives would be after their marriage.
DELHI GANESH: (Looking upwards) My God! What is happening here? What is expected of me? What should I do now?
(The two girls Priya and Shreya now enter the room. Priya is weeping while Shreya is consoling her. The two walk towards the rest)
SHREYA: What’s wrong with you mom? How could you ever arrange a dumb bridegroom for Priya?. (Looking at Ajith) Please don’t be offended, but only a fully capable girl would be a right match for you. You need someone who can listen to your unspoken words, understand you, and speak for you.
VINITH: (Looking at the crying Priya) I know how you feel. You have the right to seek a perfect bridegroom. Please stop crying. Tell me if you like me and willing to wait; I shall seek your hand. But we’ll have to wait till Ajith’s marriage is over.
(A disappointed Ajith starts to walk away from the rest)
SHREYA: (Looking at Ajith) Please wait. All of us here would be happy if our marriage is fixed too. I adore the language of silence, and I understand it well. I offer my hand to you…if you’d accept it
(Ajith gracefully stretches out his hand and hold’s Shreya’s hand)
BROKER: So we are all happy, isn’t it?; both the marriages are fixed now.
(Delhi Ganesh, the Bride’s Mother and Bride’s Father stand with their heads down)
VINITH: Please, don’t feel bad. We didn’t mean to hurt you.
BRIDE’S MOTHER: We are very sorry. We didn’t realize it. We failed to think like you.
BROKER: The youth of today have humbled us
DELHI GANESH: Anyway I am very happy; I’ve got two intelligent daughter-in-laws. I won’t forget the lesson I’ve learnt today. What I expect in a society, should begin from my home.
——-The End———-
