First cut of a short movie script. Story credited to Sachin who blogs at Meri Kahani
1
Cancer hospital board
An old hospital room….. Large windows … slightly faded white paint .. clean…
A 70’s fan with a large protruding center whirrs.
Large metal bed in the center with a similar bed table on which there is newspaper-wrapped partially opened pack of oranges.
Karthik : Late 20’s , 2 day stub
Tina: Late 20’s, Hospital councilor
Karthik is leaning on the wall with his face towards the wall and hands folded above ….
Walks towards the bed ..crashes with a thud …spreads out his hand and leg in an X position and casts a forlorn look to the fan
Cuts to the fan and close-up of Karthik’s face few times
Tina’s energetic footsteps
Tina knocks and enters the room . Karthik has a pillow over his eyes
TINA
Good morning Karthik .. did you sleep well . I hope you had the medicines given by Annie sister yesterday night
No Response
TINA
Are you awake Karthik
KARTHIK
Growls
TINA
ohfoooo. Karthik you are in one of those bad trips gain…
Tina is active during the conversation
KARTHIK
Tell me Councilor how long do I have
TINA
Karthik don’t be such a kid ….. Being a medical professional you should know that cancer is not an incurable disease these days. There is so much of technology available. I am sure Dr. Gowda would have explained you all the possibilities
KARTHIK
Why me of all the people..I am not even thirty…
TINA
It is important though to not to loose your heart.. Show me a good face and I will get you out of this ….
TINA
Would you have these medicines
Tina slowly helps him sit on the bed , gives the pills and a glass of water….
Tina caringly rubs Karthik’s face and exits
2
Evening. Tina knocks and enters in denims and sweatshirt with a white collar
TINA
Hi Karthik Just thought I will say bye. How was the biriyani ???
She goes and opens a round steel lunch box
Makes out that it hasn’t been touched
TINA
Not even a spoon. Could have given it to somebody else if you were not having. You told you liked malabari biriyani. Had to wake-up at 4 today to cook it.
KARTHIK
Why are you doing this Councilor ?
TINA
I got a name
KARTHIK
I even don’t have a life ahead of me
TINA
Not everything has to be done with express intentions
KARTHIK
I didn’t mean it. I am sorry. My state doesn’t leave me with many options.
TINA
That is because you choose not to.
KARTHIK
You know this is not the real me
TINA
I too was wondering whatever happened to that glamorous, firebrand communist at college. Seriously you were the hero of all of us first years and had quite a fan following in the ladies hostel.
KARTHIK
Those were the best years
TINA
Hey look… I got to go. Take care and have your medicines on-time. I can ask Annie to give a sedative if you are not getting sleep
KARTHIK
Looks at Tina’s eyes and says in a soft moist voice
I just can’t thank you enough
TINA
Don’t bother. I will see you tomorrow
Tina Exits
3
Bright day
Karthik is by the window ardently looking outside …..
Cuts to a close-up of a small plant on the window ledge. Morning dew on the leaves, a little bud or flower, swaying against the wind.
Karthik paces up and down the room . humming a tune from a recent movie ( allah ke bande) … . exited .
Tina knocks and walks towards Karthik
KARTHIK
Good Morning Tina.
TINA
Good Morning. What in the world has happened. Was that you humming the tune
KARTHIK
Why not …….. I got a beauty as a neighbor
TINA
Surprised. I thought you room was cut away from the other rooms
KARTHIK
Senorita won't you come to the window and greet my dear friend
Tina walks to the window, stand close to Karthik and looks out through the window
TINA
Smiles. She looks kind of cute. Not a classical beauty but definitely has some mystery
Karthik comes and sits on the hospital bed
TINA
So there goes the inspiration. You already had the medicines. Looks like your muse is working wonders on you. Making you disciplined so quick ??
Karthik smiles and looks( sparks) at Tina
4
Another Day
KARTHIK
What about my babe’s food
TINA
What ??
KARTHIK
Tina don’t tell me you forgot it. I had asked you get organic manure from the supermarket near your home
TINA
Sorry Karthik. Totally slipped me. But anyways as a saying goes “ what is born in fire doesn’t wither in the heat” your muse is too wild to shrink so easily
Both laugh
Tina and Karthik comes to the window and looks at the plant.
Cuts to plant
KARTHIK
No Tina seriously please get it tomorrow
TINA
hmm didn’t know you could be so caring
KARTHIK
If I choose to
TINA
And how does my lord make such choices
Both laugh
5
Close-up shot of the plant mutilated and broken down. . The frame moves in a sort of drunken, surreal way
Cuts to Karthik’s face from outside. The window railings form the foreground.
Karthik leans against the window and look lost. Signs of unhappiness and being lost. Droopy eyes are a little moist
Tina walks waving a hospital file.
Karthik shows an eye movement to look through the window
Tina looks out and shows an expression of surprise
TINA
But you have to see this ..
She waves the file in her hand
TINA
The second biopsy report. Your tumor is localized and can be easily cured with radiation or worst case a surgery
Karthik shows an expression of disbelief
KARTHIK
Are you serious ??
KARTHIK
Do things change with such rapidity always
Turns slowly and looks at the plant
The plant
Karthik’s face . Tears trickle down
Karthik walks to Tina and holds her hand. Eyes locked.
