THE SISTERS
(One
Act Play)
Rendered
from Kannada by T. V. Aswatha Narayana Rao, M.A.
[Rao
Bahadur Ranga Rao chose Bangalore as his residence after his retirement. He has
two daughters, Kamala and Vatsala. Kamala, the elder, is an M.A. She has joined
the staff of Women’s College after spending a few years of lonely life at home.
Vatsala, the younger, is prosecuting her studies in the College. Their mother
had passed away when they were young. Since then Ranga Rao has remained a widower.
Ranga
Rao met Professor Krishnaswamy on the Nilgiris, where he was staying during the
previous summer. Educated in England Krishnaswamy returned to Bangalore as a
professor of English in the Central College, after spending a few years as
lecturer in a college in the North. His visits to Ranga Rao at Bangalore were
frequent. The beauty of Vatsala had captured his heart while at the Nilgiris.
Kamala was in love with Prof. Krishnaswamy. But when she realised that Prof.
Krishnaswamy loved her sister, she buried her own longing deep down in her
heart and made the necessary arrangements to bring to fruition her sister’s
alliance with the Professor. This was the day fixed by Kamala to decide the
date of the wedding.]
(Kamala
is busy with ‘answer’ books. The song emanating from the Radio throws a
peculiar glamour on the day’s function. Keeping the papers aside, Kamala seats
herself on a sofa, and relaxes: her eyes are half-closed. Then, she gets up,
takes up Krishnaswamy’s photograph, gazes at it for a while, and occupies the
sofa, lost in thought. The Grandfather Clock strikes three. Music over, news is
announced. She closes down the radio).
KAMALA: Three! Rahu-kala
will begin at half past four. I asked him to be here at a quarter to
four...said that would be too early...too early indeed! How foolish of me to
expect these foreign-returned scholars to have faith in Rahu and Guli
Kalas. (Calls)–Narayana! Narayana!
(Enter
Narayan, apparelled in dhoti and mull-shirt. Added to this, his finely combed
‘crop’ and lips red with the betel juice, would make one mistake him for a
Tanjore musician than an ordinary family cook. To be a film star is his pet
fancy. And his previous attempts to follow the music lessons given to Kamala
and Vatsala have fixed his imagination that way).
NARAYAN: Yes?
KAMALA: You seem to
have fixed up some programme already?
NARAYAN: Yes. I’m off
to a matinee show.
KAMALA: No. Not today.
The Professor is expected. You must be here and prepare some sweets.
NARAYAN: How can I, if
you ask at this hour? I must visit the cinema today.
KAMALA: Drop it. You
may as well go tomorrow.
NARAYAN: No. Nothing
of that sort.
KAMALA: What? Do you
dare contradict me just because we have looked upon you
as one of ourselves from the days of your boyhood?
NARAYAN: How else?
After all, my visits to the cinema are once in a week and you wouldn’t allow
even that.
KAMALA: Who objects?
Only, not today. Do as you wish tomorrow.
NARAYAN: Today must I
go and that to the matinee show itself. Coffee decoction is in the filter and
hot milk in the thermos. Mix them and have Coffee at any time you want to. If
you don’t approve of my behaviour, well, tell the master and accept my
resignation now. A few music tuitions, and I earn four times the salary you pay
me. If I were to be a film star! Ah! Then, ten times your petty wages.
(Narayan
disappears)
KAMALA: Hallo there,
Narayan...Gone! Yes, yes, times have changed and we must adjust ourselves to
the ways of these servants of ours. (Goes near the door and shouts) Bora! Bora!
(Instead of Bora, enter Ranga Rao).
RANGA RAO: Why,
Kamala? I have sent him on some errand. The driver is on leave. Bora is to ask
the doctor to send me his car direct from the club.
KAMALA: Can’t you give
up your club today, father?
RANGA RAO: Why, my dear?
KAMALA: I have invited
the professor and he will be here at a quarter past four. We must fix the
wedding day and other details. And, by the way, our Sanskrit Pandit was
here this morning and he informed me that either the 26th of this month or the
2nd of the next, are auspicious days. Your presence is quite essential to
decide these matters.
RANGA RAO: Yes, yes.
But...
KAMALA: But what?
RANGA RAO: What I want
to say is...What’s the hurry for Vatsala’s marriage before yours is over?
KAMALA: (Laughing) My
marriage! Am I of marriageable age? Oh father, put that idea aside.
RANGA RAO: After all,
you’re...
KAMALA: Such talk
won’t help, father (sighs). After all, he loves Vatsala and let us celebrate
their marriage. (Kamala gets up, goes near her mother’s photograph on the wall
and stands with her eyes fixed on it. Ranga Rao seats himself on the sofa, his
eyes rest on Kamala for a while. A deep sigh escapes from his breast).
RANGA RAO: Kamala,
come here.
KAMALA: Father, I’ve
too much on my hands. Narayan has taken a day off and I’m left here to look
after all the preparations.
RANGA RAO: Why bother
about preparations, my dear. The fruits and biscuits you brought yesterday will
suffice. Please do sit beside me.
(Kamala
takes the other sofa. Silence for awhile).
RANGA RAO: I’ve done
you a great injustice, Kamala.
KAMALA: Well...
RANGA RAO: I didn’t
give you in marriage in time. I was indifferent. Thought of educating you, and
as a result I’ve neglected a father’s primary duty.
KAMALA: Father dear, why
think of things past? Here is Vatsala’s marriage and let’s proceed with it.
RANGA RAO: People
offered themselves. I had not even the worry of searching for one. Your beauty,
your sweet disposition that was enough. Yet, I...lost in the false glamour of
official status, turned down all of them. Scoffed at Raghavendra Rao–then my
subordinate.....now, today far better off than myself. I didn’t think of your
age; I was blind to your feelings; failed to realise the craving of a young
woman’s heart.
KAMALA: Father, I mean
to withdraw Rupees two thousand from the treasury.
RANGA RAO: Have it
withdrawn, five thousand if you want, and spend it. Why worry about money? When
in office, I forgot my home, my family. That’s all. And she, she died with the
single thought of your marriage gnawing at her heart...Kamala, are you to
remain unmarried for ever?
KAMALA: Father, I’ve
told you not to worry about me. I know my future. I have decided. It’s already
getting late and he will be here shortly. (Kamala goes within. Ranga Rao
approaches his wife’s photograph and stands there for a while. A car hoots
outside and Dr. Swaminathan enters).
DOCTOR: Hallo,
Raoji–not yet dressed?
RANGA RAO: Hallo,
Doctor, please be seated. I really can’t accompany you. I must remain at home today.
DOCTOR: May I know the
reason?
RANGA RAO:
Preparations for Vatsala’s marriage are afoot. Professor Krishnaswamy will be
here presently. It’s Kamala’s desire that I should be here.
DOCTOR: My dear
friend, you know well with what distinction Kamala is serving in her college!
Oh! she is a born leader. She can manage everything. After all, what’s there
for you to do here?
RANGA RAO: She’s just
like her mother.
DOCTOR: That’s true.
RANGA RAO: Oh! Doctor!
if only she’d be married! What a happy life it would be for her!
DOCTOR: Well, she is to
remain a maid–that’s her fate! to keep home for you. And you ought not to miss
the. Bridge-party today. Doctor Gopalaswamy will be there.
RANGA RAO: But
then....
DOCTOR: Oh! come on.
Kamala will manage everything all right.
RANGA RAO: No...no…
no... Kamala will misunderstand me.
DOCTOR: I’ll tell her.
Why hesitate? Go on! Dress up!
(Exit
Ranga Rao, and the Doctor calls–Kamala!)
KAMALA: (From within)
Hallo, Doctor, just a minute. (Enter Kamala. Fresh from a recent bath and with
a new, gracefully worn saree. A tiny dot of Kumkum adorns her forehead. A
weariness of over-work and disgust in life show themselves clearly: yet there
is no lack of beauty and charm in her).
Hallo,
doctor, so glad that you’re here. We are to fix up the date of Vatsala’s
marriage and the Professor will be here presently. Please be seated.
DOCTOR: Good, very
good, indeed.
KAMALA: By your
blessings, Doctor.
DOCTOR: Nothing is too
great for you. (Enter Ranga Rao dressed up). Fix it up among yourselves. After
all, what can we, old men, do here?
KAMALA: (Looking at
Ranga Rao). Father?
RANGA RAO: Well, I’m
off to the club. Do what you please. Here, take this, be careful. It is a blank
one and only a bearer cheque. (Places the cheque-book on a small table and
starts out).
KAMALA: Am I to
carryon all this alone?
DOCTOR: Afraid. You
acted as the Principal of your college and we’re proud of that. That reports
praise you so much. Further, our presence may prove a hindrance to your talks.
Come on, Raoji.
(Depart
Ranga Rao and Doctor)
KAMALA: Father! (sound
of car starting). Alone. Alone must I face the whole ordeal! Oh God! What’s
this my lot? Well...Well. At least, Vatsala will be here.
(Vatsala,
dressed in ultra-modern fashion, enters humming the tune of a popular song. At
the sight of her sister, steps back startled, rearranges the fold of her
saree).
KAMALA: God bless you
with a hundred years of life! Just now I was thinking of you, dear.
VATSALA: Sister, will
you play that tune for me?
KAMALA: Oh! dear! it
is such a long time since my fingers played on the strings.
VATSALA: Oh! do play.
KAMALA: Why so
particular?
VATSALA: You must,
today.
KAMALA: Yes. Yes.
VATSALA: Shall I
accompany the song with dance too. All I care for is your approval.
(Dashes
in, and enters to the sound of tinkling bells, tuned to the rhythmic notes of
the song).
KAMALA: (Tuning the
Veena) Now for a dance!
(Dance
and Song)
KAMALA: That’s not
bad. And that for a disciple of Rukmini Devi. How I wish the professor were
here! Take up some song and he will be here presently.
(Kamala
again tunes the Veena).
VATSALA: Why will he
be here?
KAMALA: (With a smile)
Why? Well, you will know in good time.
VATSALA: My programme
at the college can’t be cancelled, sister dear.
KAMALA: (Keeps down
the Veena) No...no...what’s up?
VATSALA: Miss Brown is
leaving for England with the Captain, her betrothed. I am to give a recital.
And this was its rehearsal. Saru and Sashi are to play the instruments for me.
KAMALA: Miss Brown?
Your English teacher? We have a better function at home. The fixing up of the
wedding day.
VATSALA: Wedding day?
Whose wedding day?
KAMALA: (Drawing
Vatsala to her bosom) Yours, sister dear.
VATSALA: (Freeing
herself) I don’t want to marry. I am not going to be married.
KAMALA: What!
VATSALA: I won’t
marry.
KAMALA: Don’t be
silly. He admires you. And your behaviour in his presence has convinced us of
your love for him.
V ATSALA: There, you
are wrong.
KAMALA: Well, look
here, Vatsala. I should say that you are very lucky to have him as your partner
in life. A cultured, highly educated, young...”
VATSALA: I don’t know
all that. I don’t care. I am not going to marry anybody.
KAMALA: What? Do you
wish to remain thus forever without marriage?
VATSALA: Why not? I
would also like to be as independent as you are.
KAMALA: Vatsa, if only
you could take a peep into my heart. A slip of a girl–how can you realise my
pain there–deep down in my heart!
VATSALA: I know, I
know. Principal of a college, with prestige, power, and wealth...cars and
servants at command...and honour and respect and obedience...(Kamala is a bit
taken aback by this unusual talk, strange, coming from her sister. She is
silently staring at Vatsala).
I
know why you want me to be married. To inherit father’s property, eh!
KAMALA: (Gasps)
Va...tsa...la!
VATSALA: Look here,
Kamala. He is cultured, highly educated, young...you said this, didn’t
you?–Well, why don’t you marry him? (Sound of a car
stopping. Both turn towards door, expecting Krishnaswamy).
VATSALA: (Goes out and
returns) Saru and Sashi are waiting. I’m off. (Pain is visible on Kamala’s
face, pain that her sister should behave thus. Her eyes are wet with tears.
Vatsala comes back to her.)
VATSALA: I’m sorry,
dear.
(Deep
sorrow bubbles up in Kamala’s heart. Sits with her head buried in her hands.
The horn sounds. Vatsala departs. Silence reigns, with only the silent weeping
of Kamala and the ticking of the clock to deepen the loneliness. Lifting up her
head, she accosts Krishnaswamy’s photograph near the table and places the photo
upside down. Stands as one dazed. Approaching her mother’s photograph, books
full into it, and collapses with a weird cry of ‘Ma!’ (Enter Krishnaswamy. He
stares in bewilderment and silence for a while).
KRISHNASWAMY: Miss
Kamala!
(Kamala
raises her head and looks at Krishnaswamy. Ashamed, she slips inside.
Krishnaswamy replaces his photograph properly. Takes up a necklace box and
keeps it on the table. Then seats himself on the sofa. Kamala enters. A forced
smile is playing on her lips; hesitation and fear lurk in her face.
Krishnaswamy stands up and Kamala takes the other sofa.)
KAMALA: Please be
seated, Mr. Krishnaswamy.
KRISHNASWAMY: Pardon
me, Miss Kamala, for my entry without previous announcement. The peon was not
to be found.
KAMALA: Oh! That’s all
right. After all, you are one of us now.
KRISHNASWAMY: So Soon!
I very much wished to play the part of a son-in-law.
KAMALA: Oh! Do as you
please. After all, you are a learned man.
KRISHNASWAMY: Well,
Miss Kamala. I was to leave for Delhi today, but that couldn’t be without your
permission. I have cancelled it and sent a telegram.
KAMALA: Oh! That only
shows your generosity. You need not to have done that. Vatsala is lucky to have
you!
KRISHNASWAMY:
May...May I know–excuse me if I seem to be a bit impertinent. Why were you
shedding tears before your mother’s picture? (Kamala is silent)...Perhaps I
ought not to have asked that question. But...there...there it
is..(Kamala still keeps silent)...Pardon me if it goes against your wish...
KAMALA: Oh! no, not at
all.
KRISHNASWAMY: Perhaps
Vatsala’s marriage prior to yours caused these tears?
KAMALA: What of that?
After all, Vatsala is just like a daughter to me.
KRISHNASWAMY:
Yes...Yes...But...
KAMALA: (Cuts him
short with) Well, Mr. Krishnaswamy, our Sanskrit Pandit was here this morning
in connection with the examination papers and he is of the opinion that the
20th of this or the 2nd of next month are quite auspicious. Let me get you some
tea. (She goes inside).
KRISHNASWAMY: A
remarkable woman! Proves herself to be as good a housewife as she has proved to
be the Principal of a College.
(Enter
Kamala with a tray full of biscuits, fruits and tea-cups. Krishnaswamy gets up,
and places a teapoy between the two sofas...Kamala places the tray on the
teapoy and turns on the radio). Why only for two? What about your father?
KAMALA: He’s at the
club. He wanted to stay and had even asked the driver to take a holiday. But
Dr. Swaminathan compelled him to go with him on some urgent errand.
KRISHNASWAMY: Your
sister?
KAMALA: She will be
here presently. Please go on. I too will join you. (Mixes coffee). Sugar?
KRISHNASWAMY:
(Tasting) Oh! I expected tea.
KAMALA: (Rising) Sure!
You shall have it.
KRISHNASWAMY: What
about your cook?
KAMALA: (With a
passing shadow of shame). He is on leave.
KRISHNASWAMY: Please
don’t worry. Coffee is more to my taste than tea.
KAMALA: About your
relatives, who is to be present for the preliminary ceremony?
KRISHNASWAMY:
‘Preliminary?’
KAMALA: I mean, your
elders.
KRISHNASWAMY: My
brother and sister-in-law will do. I will ask them to go over here for the
function. They are at Kollegal.
KAMALA: I was
thinking–whom to invite on our side! May I know which of the dates will suit
you? 26th is too near. 2nd, I think, will be better. (Krishnaswamy is lost in
some thought; his eyes rest on Kamala’s bowed face). We can arrange for a
choultry. As for the musicians, those who played on our College Day will do.
Oh! would you prefer a Tanjore set? (Krishnaswamy is as one deaf). After all,
our set is not bad and let us encourage our own artistes. There is the music
master of Vatsala too...well...Here is a cheque for five hundred rupees. Father
gave that for you to cover the expenses of presentations to be made to you.
(Krishnaswamy’s eyes are dilated; something queer seems to play hide and seek
within them). We shall have the property registered in Vatsala’s name well
before the wedding day. Surely, I know you are not taking her because of the
money: Vatsala is all you want. (Krishnaswamy continues to be silent. His face
mirrors some intense struggle within)...Oh! another cup of coffee?
KRISHNASWAMY: (Gasping)
Kamala!
KAMALA: (A bit shaken)
Yes?
(Kamala
lifts her bowed head. Her upward gaze merges in Krishnaswamy’s.
Their hearts tremble, as if in sudden close contact; they shiver. Kamala drops
her head).
KRISHNASWAMY: Kamala, I
know everything. Bora told me the whole story. Your father at the club, and why
he is there...”Without Miss Kamala Heaven knows what’d have become of this
house!” he exclaimed...And your mother died–how Your father neglected to
arrange for your marriage...Your great affection for Vatsala...I know the whole
story, Kamala!
KAMALA: Oh! that old
owl! Where’s he gone?
KRISHNASWAMY: I tipped
him a rupee and he’s in the bazaar.
KAMALA: Oh! (with a
smile). You seem to unearth all the family secrets by your tippings, eh?
(Kamala
gets up and hands him a cup of coffee).
KRISHNASWAMI: I was
thinking all the way over here, if you would agree. (Kamala, suddenly
surprised, drops the cup. Coffee spills) Oh! What’s that? (Tries to clean it
with his handkerchief).
KAMALA: Oh! Nothing.
(Goes inside hurriedly, switching off the radio as she passes).
(Krishnaswamy
gets up and slowly paces the room. Tries the strings of the Veena and expresses
satisfaction. Kamala re-enters with a pure white saree and a white georgette
blouse).
KRISHNASWAMY: Oh!
Mistook you for Vatsala! That dress...who plays the Veena? Vatsala?
KAMALA: Vatsala is
trained in vocal music. She has a fine voice and she has added dance too to her
accomplishments, Trained at Adyar.
KRISHNASWAMY: Then do
you play on the Veena?
KAMALA: Oh! It is
years since I played on it.
KRISHNASWAMY: You seem
to be quite clever at putting me off! See, (touches off the strings) there! It
is tuned and tuned perfectly! (Not knowing what to do, Kamala stands still,
with bowed head). Now you must play. Understand?
KAMALA: Order?
KRISHNASWAMY: A
request!
(Having
no choice, Kamala takes up the Veena. While her supple fingers waft enthralling
music, they unconsciously give expression to the sorrow and turmoil in the
heart of the player. Lost in her creation, it seems to Kamala as if she is
coming in the way of Vatsala,–Vatsala whom she brought up from the cradle and
made her what she is today. Should she brush her aside and reap for herself the
benefit of marriage? No...No...)
KAMALA: (Hysterically)
No...No...No...
KRISHNASWAMY: What’s
it, Kamala?
KAMALA: Oh! nothing.
Somehow my fingers go crazy. Vatsala will be here presently and you may feast
on her song. Such an angelic voice!
KRISHNASWAMY: Vatsala
won’t be here and she won’t sing. I wanted to take her to some picture with
your permission. I’d even informed her of my going over here today. I saw her
now, on her way to the college with her friends. She averted her eyes as soon
as she saw me. So proud! (with a deep sigh). True, I fell a prey to her beauty
on the Nilgilis, at first sight. It seemed as though she was dancing on my
heart. Well, to make a long story short, I fell in love with her. Then I met
you here. (Silence for while). Mr. Ranga Rao too would approve of our marriage.
(Kamala
gets up. Krishnaswamy takes out the necklace from its container on the table
and approaches Kamala). This, bought for Vatsala, but if you are pleased to
accept (Kamala is lost in contemplation of her mother’s photograph)...I have
been observing Vatsala’s attitude towards me. A very haughty girl. I...
KAMALA: Oh! no,
please. I should say you are wrong there. She is yet a girl. Maybe, she is a
bit hasty. You mustn’t take it so much to heart. You don’t know her. She is
such a jewel!
KRISHNASWAMY: What do
I care for her now?
(Places
the necklace on the table)
KAMALA: Please don’t
speak thus.
(Sound
of a car stopping. Enter Vatsala. Flying like a heavenly being, still humming
her recital song. Krishnaswamy is overpowered. His heart hovers once again
round Vatsala).
VATSALA: I’d fears
that you might be away in anger. I ran back pleading some excuse.
KRISHNASWAMY: I simply
can’t believe you. You didn’t return for me.
VATSALA: Truly, it was
the tears in my sister’s eyes that brought me back. (Goes to the table and
adorning herself with the necklace, faces Krishnaswamy) Oh! it is lovely! (Looks
at Kamala). What do you say, Mamma? (At the word–‘Mamma’ Kamala’s eyes well up,
something chokes her voice).
KAMALA: Your marriage
is fixed, Vatsa, on the 2nd. Better you visit the picture. Let me fill in the
cheque. (Tears off the leaf and hands it to her sister). Here, Vatsa, give this
to him... There’s some coffee. Is it cold?
VATSALA: But your
heart is so warm, sister, dear!
KAMALA: Oh!...But now,
hurry up. May be late to the show.
KRISHNASWAMY: But...
KAMALA: (Turning a
deaf ear to his words, drawing Vatsala to her bosom, like a mother). Now. (In a
gentle voice low, yet firm and steady). Don’t be a silly girl any more. Learn
to understand the Professor’s wishes. Don’t forget you are a Hindu girl.
KRISHNASWAMY: But I...
KAMALA: You will be
happy with Vatsala. She gives you everything. Please don’t get upset if, on
occasions, she is silly. Patience is the great thing which can render life
happy.
(Krishnaswamy
looks at Kamala. Then at her mother’s photograph. Something moves
his heart. He tries to bow to Kamala) Oh! no...no...please. You are older than
I.
VATSALA: (Bending low
and touching Kamala’s feet with her forehead) You are now our real mother!
(Enter
Narayan)
KAMALA: (To Narayan)
Over?
NARAYAN: It is true,
madam, I entered the theatre. But I simply could not stand it. My heart was
here. I’ve returned. What shall I prepare?
KAMALA: After all, you
were there and you could have sat till the end. Professor will be here for
supper. Perhaps he too must have been fed up with his hostel stuff. Prepare
something sweet and nice. Here! (Hands him some change). Poor chap! Lost his
money without the show.
KRISHNASWAMY: (Sotto
Voce)
“A
perfect woman, nobly planned,
To
warm, to comfort, to command.
And
yet a spirit still, and bright
With
something of an angel light.”
(Enter
Ranga Rao)
RANGA RAO: It is so
kind of you to accept my daughter’s hand, Professor.
(Both
look at Kamala)
KAMALA: Vatsala’s
marriage is fixed for the 2nd, father. They are to visit a picture, now. Let
him have the car. He will drive along with Vatsala beside him.
RANGA RAO: Oh! Sure!
(Hands over the key).
VATSALA: Next time
onwards, Father, we won’t trouble you. We’ll be having our own car.
KAMALA: Vatsala!
VATSALA: (Realising her
mistake) I’m sorry. Excuse me, Father.
RANGA RAO: That’s all
right. Run along, children. (Vatsala and Krishnaswamy depart). You are not
merely a daughter, you are an angel. (Approaches his wife’s photograph) Oh!
sweet lady, bless your children. (Coming back to Kamala). I shall retire to
Adyar and you may enter Sevagram).
KAMALA: (Slowly gets
up, takes up the Veena. As if in a dream her supple fingers gently play with
the strings. All her inner emotions express themselves through the Veena. A sad
yet majestic music escapes through her fingers. Addressing the Veena). You are
all I have! You will be with me wherever I may be. You are my life, my breath,
my soul!
(Music
continues. Kamala is lost in rapture).
RANGA RAO: (Lifts his
head up, stares heavenwards). Thy will be done!