Preview of “Broken Bonds”

18/6/2017

Characters

Bhadra - Hero
Rohan - Younger brother of Bhadra
Madhuri - Younger sister of Rohan and Bhadra
Maina - Bhadra’s Lover
Sona - Younger sister of Maina
Keshav - Hero
Pallav - Younger brother of Keshav
Neelkanth - Manager of Mind’s Quill office.
Nivedita - Keshav’s Lover
Pratyusha - Nivedita’s friend
Padma - Pratyusha’s aunt
Mahesh - Madhuri’s lover
Chandini - Maina’s friend
Mukund - Pratyusha’s Lover

Scene I

[This scene takes place in Minds Quill office, a spacious cosy room filled with books on every shelf, a huge office table, and three chairs. They had a balcony where they occasionally smoked. Enjoying the fresh air on a sunny Sunday morning, Rohan and Neelkanth sat facing each other on either side of the table.]

Rohan took a break from reading a novel submission to say:
A good story has a soul within it Neelkanth, and the words were written are to just describe its beauty. The words used in our books are not bad but these books lack the soul itself. Honestly, how many of our recent releases are fascinating?

Neelkanth was also reading another submission. He closed his book, took a deep breath and yelled:
Soul? Let's be realistic Rohan, our writers are getting sold for filmy stories and a majority of our readers are those who expect either violence or sexual content written with vivid descriptions explaining every act! Did you even see our recent sales chart? Our last choice for publishing was the book “Nude’d” and now that is on the top being sold like a freshly baked cake. People are not buying what we expect Rohan. Yes! When we started this business it was very different from what it is now and over the years people have changed. Stories don’t get popular unless there is a television show about it or there is something related to sexual content or violence. Readers want pages filled with great twists. Historical shows and books have now become official sex shows, thanks to the writers.

Rohan putting the novel in his hand aside and closing his eyes mumbled:
Isn’t it a disgrace for a writer to fill pages with twists just to grab a reader’s attention? Aren’t there any writers left to write fantabulous fables that shape the view of children? Neelkanth, every dark act that we publish today shall instil negativity in the minds of our reader's. It pains me when we feed ourselves with the money earned by selling such disgraceful pages. As a publisher I hate myself!

[As soon as Rohan completed his sentence, Madhuri, Bhadra, and Maina enter the room. Neelkanth walked to them as soon as he saw Bhadra]

Bhadra introduced his younger brother Rohan by saying:
Maina, I would like you to meet my younger brother Rohan and that is his friend Neelkanth. Both of them run a publishing house and they are very good at it. I say so because they make profits even in our times when videos are more preferred! My brother also writes but let me just admit it, they are not quite the page-turners that we would love to read.

Maina looking at the crimson red face of Rohan cheerfully said:
So nice to meet both of you. If you don’t mind can I ask you why are you so serious? I was told by your sister that your nose looks red but I don’t think it is just that now. Why are you so serious?

While Rohan turned to look at Bhadra furiously, wanting to give them some privacy Madhuri interrupted Maina by saying:
Maina, let me show you my home. We could also unwrap all the gifts Mahesh has given me for this Valentine's day. There are loads of them!

[Maina looked at Rohan and Neelkanth for one last time before Madhuri and she left. Bhadra stood looking at the new book on the table and Neelkanth walked along with Maina and closed the door as they walked out]

Rohan slammed the table and shouted at the top of his voice:
You have crossed the line! Tell me this isn’t happening! You dare not do this! You will destroy our reputation in our community if you welcome her to our family! Did you forget that she is not a member of our caste! She would be a disgrace amongst our family members and our legacy would be ruined! What religion would your children be off? Being the eldest, you must take responsibility for our family! Look at you!

Bhadra looked seriously at Rohan and said sternly:
Rohan! One more word insulting her and you would regret saying so in the first place. I know you do not wish this to happen and I have thought through it a lot many times! I cannot let go and lead a life as if nothing ever happened. Even if I did, the pain would consume me my whole life. As far as I know, the caste I am born in and the religion I follow has nothing to do with the woman I am marrying. Don’t be an educated fool!

[Bhadra walked out as soon as he finished not wanting to hear a word more.]

Neelkanth staring at the furious face of Rohan said:
He is right, isn’t he? You are being an educated fool! Looking at you, I see a slave bound to the mortal constraints that we humans built for ourselves. I wish a day would come when men would stand united rather than differentiating each other on the basis of their nationalities, castes, and colour. However, it is hard to accept that a few things will always be dreams after all! Mostly because there are always men like me only hoping rather than striving to make these dreams come true.

Rohan sitting back in his chair stated:
Neelkanth, a day would come when my brother would realize who the educated fool is. The mortal constraints are no foolish deeds, my friend.

Scene II

[This scene takes place in the living room of the girl's apartment. To one end was a television and facing it was a sofa filled with cushions and teddy bears. Chandini, Pratyusha sat on the sofa while Maina and Nivedita sat on the carpet filling plates with rice and curry. While Maina just returned back from Bhadra’s home, all the others were also exhausted having done window shopping since afternoon. It was a pleasant full moon night.]

Nivedita served rice and asked Maina:
So how did the first visit go? We are quite curious to know what has happened. I wish Madhuri had stayed back, it would have been a delight to listen to her version of the story too. Trust me, I don’t understand why she has to leave? If we four girls are staying far away from our families. What would happen if she had stayed back? I get angry when parents insist that their children be back home before 9 pm!

Chandini got down from the sofa and served herself some curry. Tasting the curry, she answered:
It is perhaps because they want to have dinner together! Maybe that is the only time when all the family members meet in the entire day. I seriously never valued my dinner for many years and did not even understand why my mother insisted on my presence but now, I miss my family dinners. Just before I eat, I recall my family. Perhaps Madhuri is lucky to have her family in the same city where she works.

After a moment of silence, Maina answered:
Yeah, she is kinda lucky. Everything was fine Nivedita and I couldn’t meet her mother as she had to travel to the nearby city. Madhuri told me she would be coming back late at night but the funny part was when I met Bhadra’s younger brother. You must see him, looks like a joker. Man, the red nose is perfect! He also has a friend named Neelkanth who is quite charming, his dress was amazing!

Pratyusha who was busy with her phone until then suddenly throws it on the sofa and shouts furiously:
What is wrong with this fellow? I told him, I am not interested in a relationship but he never gives up. I told him all about my relationship, still, he says he can’t give up on me. He claims himself to be romantic which is idiotic! I will slap him the next time if he keeps on messaging me. Some guys should understand when a girl says no, it is a no!

Nivedita tasted the delicious eggplant curry that Chandini cooked before asking:
Didn’t you tell him that you are in a relationship with Mukund? Maybe he doesn’t understand what a relationship means. Trust me, it happens... and is it Pallav? If it is him, then you can never make him understand. He has this pre-imposed notion that you and Mukund can’t work it out. I don’t know what makes him believe that!

Chandini who just finished her dinner continued as fast as she could say:
Even I believe Pratyusha and Mukund cannot work it out. We all have only one soul mate and to think otherwise is both mad and stupid! I think Pratyusha should be happy that a handsome boy like Pallav loves her. How many boys do these days wait for a girl even after they reject their proposal for a relationship? But still, he loves her no matter what! He is to be admired as these are the days when relationships are like contracts agreed by two people! Love is not a clause in it, unfortunately.

Maina heard Chandini and asked curiously:
You were right about the madness but why would a girl like a boy who is already in a relationship? Isn’t it foolish if she is giving herself to a boy who actually loves another girl with her knowledge? Are these girls we are talking about real? Because, if my Bhadra would someday love someone else, I would kill him! He is mine and only mine. That is how it is and that is how it should always be!

Chandini was shocked on hearing Maina, she never expected that Pratyusha didn’t tell them about Mukund:
Seriously? Both of you don’t know that Mukund actually loves another girl apart from her? Come on, guys! You never knew that? I thought you knew it. She loves him despite the fact that he actually loves another girl! Whenever I ask her, she tells me that he told her, he loves her more than the other girl! Their whole relationship has been like this since the beginning!

[Maina’s face turned pale. She did not believe what she just heard and was lost in her thoughts]

Nivedita furiously asked:
Pratyusha! What is wrong with you? Do you love Mukund even after he loves another girl? You are not only fooling yourself but you are also destroying the other girl's relationship! My God! How can you even do this? Did you even think twice before taking this decision? Boys lie all the time and if he is just lying imagine how much that would affect you!

Pratyusha snapped back:
Nivedita, you out of all should not talk about relationships! You don’t even have the courage to accept Keshav’s request. It has been two years since he proposed and even today, he is waiting for a response and you are talking about love? Frankly, nothing can be more amusing!

While Nivedita was grinning her teeth unable to say anything Maina said:
Alright! I have been in a relationship for years. Am I qualified to tell you? Just because a boy says, he loves you more, it isn’t true! Loving a boy who loves two girls at once is as foolish as it sounds and the worst part of it is that you are defending your actions! Pratyusha, it doesn’t take a genius to tell that you are fooling yourself. You would end up either breaking another relationship or sunk in sorrow about a boy whom you believed! Ultimately, you would regret letting him betray you!

Chandini clapped in excitement and shouted:
That is exactly what I told her in the first place! I told you, he would leave you if you force Mukund to choose between one of you. He is just having fun and you are letting him! Why don’t you just start afresh and love the boy who loves you? He is lovely!

Pratyusha burst out saying:
None of you know the pain of letting go of a boy whom you love wholeheartedly! You talk so much about soul mates Chandini? What if your soul mate loved another girl? Would you just let him go? And Maina, if your cute little Bhadra loved another girl, can you just wipe off your memory and forget him? All of us are the same! We are selfish but we preach when it isn’t our fault. I am not fooling myself and if you were in my position, none of you act any different!

The room was silent for a few moments and breaking the silence, Pratyusha said:
I am sorry guys. For me, this is very personal and I understand you guys are trying to knock some sense into my head but it would take time. However, I promise that I will ask Mukund to choose and Chandini, if you like Pallav so much, why don’t you start a relationship with him?

Chandini stated:
Pallav and Me? My god! He is younger than me. He is like my little brother!

Scene III

[Finishing his work on the first day of the week, Keshav returned home tired. Working in a steel company was very tiresome and for a graduate who has only a year of training, it was tough. Fortunately, he got placed on the outskirts of his hometown and was living with his brother. Keshav visited his family every weekend and as he rested on his unorganized bed filled with clothes, his younger brother Pallav knocked on the door before entering. The sun was setting.]

Pallav looking at his brother sleeping on the bed in his formal dress said:
Brother, can I talk to you for a few minutes. I am stuck in my life and everything seems to fail. My job is boring, my love life is in a mess, as the girl I love is with another. I want to learn a few tips from you and before you say anything, I would like you to know that you are my inspiration for many things. It takes a lot of determination to stick to a girl who doesn’t respond to you when you are in love with her. I value you now more than ever because I feel it. There is nothing more disheartening than a one-sided relationship!

Keshav sat and was surprised to listen to his brother’s admiration towards him. He asked:
Pratyusha didn’t give up on Mukund, did she? My little brother, since you have come to me for help, I am being completely honest with you. I don’t know how determined you think I am, but you must learn one important thing today. Two people love each other only when they can be happy and see a future together. At the end of the day, it all comes back to happiness and no matter how we see, all healthy relationships are those which are filled with happy moments outnumbering the sad ones. However, to start one such relationship there is one crucial element that both the boy and the girl should share. It is called hope! No matter how determined a boy or a girl is when his or her partner doesn’t have a hope of a successful future, the relationship would not even begin but if they really share hope, I believe it is the inception of the trust! Over time, this trust would make their thoughts alike and every moment with his or their partner would be bliss!

[Pallav loved what he just heard. He was so surprised that it was all so simple when his brother says it]

Keshav continued after Pallav sat beside him on the bed:
But, not all relations are the same as this world has millions of minds living together. Sometimes, few people actually build their hope on wrong persons but they wouldn’t know it, would they? This hope is a slow poison as it doesn’t just kill the individual’s happiness but would make them question the concept of relationships. I am sorry for saying this but both you and Pratyusha are hoping for the wrong persons, she is hoping for Mukund which is never going to happen as he doesn’t share an ounce of hope with her and you are hoping for her which would also not happen because if she realizes her relationship won’t work, she would be devastated. Which means she would in no way even think of starting a relationship with you.

Pallav thought for a second and asked:
I don’t understand why doesn’t she sense he is using her? Everything is plain and simple! Why can’t she just open her eyes and see what exactly is happening? Am I asking too much? Or is she is being foolish, isn’t she? What is so difficult to understand?

Keshav was fed up but he took a deep breath and explained:
She isn’t being foolish, please stop saying that and also stop wondering why she is not liking you but try to understand why she is still hoping for Mukund. She is not letting it go because deep inside, she has hope. Do you even believe that without an ounce of hope, I stayed with Nivedita for such a long time? She is hopeful about our future as much as I am! You would be a fool if you still hope for Pratyusha!

[Pallav did not say a word.]

Scene IV

[It was sunny friday afternoon and just a few hours before the weekend holidays started, Neelkanth and Rohan waited for the author in their office. These meetings were conducted to seal the deal about royalty that would be paid after the book was published. As the clock short hour hand reached four, Nivedita arrived and knocked on the door.]

Neelkanth opened the door and welcomed her:
Hello there, my name is Neelkanth. Nice to meet you in person Ms. Nivedita. We are pleased to sign a deal with you, I was fascinated reading your manuscript. I must admit that it needs a bit of editing but my God you are excellent at playing with your words. Please take a seat and this is my brother and publisher Rohan!

Nivedita greeted and settled down in a chair while Neelkanth gave her a glass filled with grape juice. Sipping it, she said:
I am glad you guys liked the story. Though it might sound rude, I must also admit that you guys have a different taste as compared to other publishers to whom I have sent it to previously. Some of them even lost their taste for tragedies and every paperback book I buy today is filled with stuff that would rush the adrenaline. Being a reader, I sometimes feel that just because the writer wants the character to be a hero, he is made to look like one but none of his qualities inspire me and just don’t ask me about the heroine. She is just a supporting character in most of the novels these days. I have recently read a book titled “Nude’d” and trust me, it was suggested to me by three of my close friends and every word in it is shit! My friends enjoyed the lead female role getting drunk, partying late night, dating random boys for sex and what not! Given a chance, I would punch the publisher straight on his face for publishing such a piece of garbage!

[While Neelkanth smiled, Rohan smirked looked at him. A moment later]

Rohan leaned forward and spoke for the first time saying:
Then, you can just punch me on my nose and scold me as you wish because I am the idiot who published it. Forgive me; I regret publishing it more than you do but sometimes we don’t have a choice, do we? I believe for a publisher to publish one good book, he has to publish at least ten bad books filled with stories that readers would love to read. If not the publisher would have no business to run or investment to publish another book. Anyway, I found your book quite captivating and I find your views quite impressive too. Business aside, would you like have a cup of coffee with me sometime?

[Neelkanth was shocked seeing Rohan asking a girl to him join for coffee]

Nivedita smiled and replied:
I wouldn’t mind at all. Shall we meet at 6 pm?

Nivedita stood up and left with hoping to complete the business talk that evening.

Neelkanth walked along with her and closed the door. He immediately turned back and shouted:
What the fish! What just happened? Did you ask a girl out for coffee? Rohan, is everything alright? I feel like my world has been just ripped apart. It is like an unexpected catastrophe! Did you like her by any chance? Man, I am going to kill myself today!

Rohan smirked again.

He knew that it has been years since he asked a girl for a cup of coffee but after Neelkanth kept on shouting in excitement, he replied:
Come on Neelkanth. Look at her, she looks beautiful and let alone her beauty, her views about valuing family more than friends, her way of writing words and arguing about the various elements of writing is impressive. What more could I seek from a girl to ask her to join me for a cup of coffee? She left me curious and now it is the time I learn about her as much as I can.

Neelkanth heard everything patiently and replied:
There was once a friend of mine who told me, “Even the most idiotic works in writing have something of an essence imbued in them and all that it takes is to look at them from the perspective of which the writer intended us to see it from” and that idiot is just staring at me now. When you talk to her, I am afraid of what might happen Rohan, as you seem quite impressed by her already.

After a moment of silence while Neelkanth and Rohan looked at each other, Neelkanth continued:
Rohan, do not make a mistake, Gods’ aren’t cruel but they wouldn’t hesitate to test every one of us wanting to see if we would really live up to what we deeply believe in our life!

Rohan smiled before exclaiming:
And Gods’ would be amazed to see me answer them!

Scene V

[This scene takes place in Mahesh’s apartment at 4 pm on Friday evening as the sun was setting. The room was cleaned by Mahesh as soon as he received a message from Madhuri well in advance that she would be coming to meet him. In the past, there were times when Madhuri left as soon as both of them reached his place, as Mahesh seldom cleaned it and the apartment stinks. After she arrived and both of them settled down, Madhuri sat on the bed caressing Mahesh’s hair and he lay on her lap.]

Mahesh looked at Madhuri as she was lost in her thoughts. He asked:
You seemed to be distracted. What happened? Are you getting those horror dreams again or are you wondering about our future as you always do? You must understand that I am settled and will take good care of you. I am a member of your caste by the good grace of all Gods and your mother has no reason to reject me. Don’t worry about me being eight years elder than you, I think your mother wouldn’t worry about that either as back in her time, even a gap of ten years was nothing.

Madhuri looked at Mahesh for a moment and replied:
I am not worried about us. I am worried about my elder brother and Maina. After many arguments, Rohan failed to convince Bhadra to let go of his relationship with Maina for the family. Two days back, they had an argument again and Bhadra just walked away calling Rohan a fool it seems. My mother isn’t the woman most of my friends thinks she is. Though she appears to be calm, she is not! After we lost our father, she has taken both roles and I have never seen any woman of her age being more stubborn than her. I know, for sure, she wouldn’t even allow Maina to step into our kitchen and imagine my elder brother wants to bring Maina as her daughter-in-law. I am worried about what would happen!

Mahesh smiled before saying:
I believe you are overthinking it. Most parents wouldn’t let go of their children, especially mothers. For them, their sons are the most prized possessions and the last thing they would do is to let them go! Don’t worry. Nothing will happen. In fact, I am sure your mother would compromise and welcome Maina gladly as a member of your family. She is a good girl and is beautiful. What more could your mother ask for? She might not be of our caste but she is from a royal family after all! I don’t see any reason why your mother would not be convinced.

Madhuri was disappointed as Mahesh did not understand the seriousness, so she shouted:
You don’t understand Mahesh! Maina isn’t that perfect and I don’t blame her. No girl of her age is perfect, do you think I am perfect? But the problem with Maina is quite different. She is short-tempered and I can't even imagine what would she say in an argument that would inevitably happen when she would meet my mother? I dread the thought of both of them fighting. Bhadra cannot pick a side! Neither Rohan nor I can handle the situation.

[Mahesh did not want to talk about this topic, so he diverted the discussion saying: Say whatever you want to about Bhadra but I like him. Your brother has got the guts to stand up for what he believes and loves in his life. I think Rohan lacks that, thanks to your mother. He is as stubborn as she is and I am afraid he might suffer a lot in the future!]

Madhuri hit Mahesh on his head and said:
And that is why I say you are crazy! You praise the family idiot and forget to even acknowledge the hero!

Scene VI

[After many calls, Mukund finally messaged back to Pratyusha that he would meet her in the Casting cafe they usually meet at. As the sunset, Mukund and Pratyusha sat facing each other after ordering two cappuccinos and a chocolate pastry. The waiter brought them the coffee and pastry]

Mukund sipped the cappuccino before saying:
So finally madam, you wanted to meet! What is the matter? Miss me? I know it has been a long time since we met but I think this meet is for a specific reason. So, before I start expecting great things and imagine loads of stuff that actually never happens, please tell me why you wanted to meet me?

Pratyusha looked at Mukund staying silent as she did not know where to start, however, a moment later, she said:
Mukund, all this time you have been telling me that you love another girl as well but as days pass by, there is this question in my mind that pops up asking what is our future together? All this time, I waited in hope that someday you would bring up this topic but you never did. So, I want to know now what is our future? Have you ever given a thought about it?

Mukund tasted the cake and started smiling as soon as he heard the word future. Mocking Pratyusha, he said:
Look at you! You talk like you an about to be a married girl now! We are just twenty-three and there are many years ahead of us. Planning the future is done by fools who can’t live their present life. Don’t worry, I am no fool as I rejoice to live in the present. I rejoice every moment of it and my only goal is to earn as much money as I can. I believe in “Live the moment!” so don’t ask me stupid questions like having you thought about our future? Our future? Puff! If it makes you feel any better, my answer to your question is I have never even thought of my future.

Pratyusha was disappointed but she was determined to know given the choice whom would he choose, so she asked:
Mukund, can you seriously answer me one question? I am confused about my life and please don’t make fun of me this time. I want you to listen very carefully. If you were to choose between me and Ritika, whom would you choose to lead your life with? Don’t you dare just say my name without meaning it, as you would have to leave Ritika forever and stay with me if you do so. I think I have been fooled enough just by hoping for great things from you! And you have been enjoying my lenience! Today, things must be cleared once and for all!

Mukund lovingly asked:
What happened to you all of a sudden? I have been telling since the very beginning. I love you more than her. Why don’t you just listen to me? We had great times in the past and I see us…

Pratyusha interrupted by shouting:
Don’t you try to beat around the bush again! Don’t tell me that you love me more and all that bullshit! Answer my question, if you have to choose between both of us, whom would it be? I am seriously not going to ask you again and you dare not joke again with your stupid answers. Just say is it me or her!

Mukund looked at Pratyusha’s stern face. He looked all around, he knew this day would come. Giving up on whatever might happen and unable to look at her, he closed his eyes before he said:
Ritika it is!

[He expected to be slapped or water being thrown on his face but nothing happened and when he opened his eyes, the chair before him was empty.]