Listen...Amaya (Pre shoot final draft)

8/13/2019 Listen...Amaya (Pre shoot final draft)

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INT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - MORNING1

Profile shot of LEELA sitting comfortably, reading from abook. She’s wearing reading glasses and is engrossed in thebook as she hears a door slam. Tight shot of her hand, asshe replaces the book in a bookshelf. Only a small part of

the title is visible which reads, “Living with...”

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE - MORNING2

An old clock is being wound up with a key. Door is shut.

AMAYA (O.S.)Maa...I’m going for a run

CU of a girl’s hand as it picks up an ipod from anassortment of items...Wallet, phone

LEELA (O.S.)Waapsi mein bread le aayegi?

Window opens revealing a bunch of blossoming flowers on thetree.

AMAYA (O.S.)(sarcastically)

Sirf bread kyun...ande, paper,doodh (beat) sab le aati hoon?

Feet walking quickly in slippers

LEELA (O.S.)(oblivious to sarcasm)

Oh ho ek minute ek minute, suntoh...

Main door shutting as you see a shoulder go past.

AMAYA (muttering)

Maa...you’re too much

Leela enters (back shot) opens the main door. Reveals Amayarunning far in the distance. She goes to call out after theyoung girl.

Title reveal - Listen AMAYA LEELA (O.S.)

(exasperated)Oh ho (beat) this girl justdoesn’t listen...

INT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - MORNING3 Opening credits run on the following shots


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Tight CU of hands making an espresso. Coffee beans beingloaded. Mugs being wiped down. Brownie batter being beatenand smoothed. Milk being poured into containers. Oven doorbeing closed. Steam rising from a freshly brewed coffee mugthat is placed on a table.

JAYANT (O.S.)Yeh yaad hai?

A sheaf of black and white portraits is placed on the tablenext to the mug of coffee. Very nicely shot pictures of anattractive 55-year old woman, salt and pepper hair and abubbly, attractive and dusky 23-year old girl. Variousposes, some single, some with both in the frame.

JAYANT (O.S.) (CONT’D)(naughtily)

I’m good!!!

LEELA (O.S.)Hmmm but Mr Sinha, the models arebetter!

JAYANT (O.S.)Ji...woh toh hai

A particularly nice pic of Leela is placed on top.

JAYANT (O.S.) (CONT’D)Spectacular!!

Camera pulls out to see Leela, the owner of the cafestanding smiling next to JAYANT, a handsome 60-year old

man, sitting with the photographs, sipping his coffee.

LEELA Kya spectacular? mein bilkul‘Bijouka’ lag rahin hoon!!

JAYANTBijouka???

LEELA

Arre....woh jo kheton mein nahinhote hain (beat) errr...scarecrow

JAYANT(laughing)

But I like...what was that?Bijoukas...

Leela seems to like the flirtation, but knowingly changestrack

LEELA

Haan scarecrow se yaad aaya...Ineed to lose weight.

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Jayant is completely thrown by the turn in conversation,but breaks into a slow grin.

JAYANTWaah...kya topic change kiya hai

They share a moment just as the entrance is flung open by abunch of college kids barging in. They head to a clump ofsofas that is their standard hangout

COLLEGE BOY 1(bobbing his head)

Yo Mrs K....wassssuupppp?JAYANT

Beta...tumhara matlab, What isup?

LEELA And it’s not Mrs K, it’s Leelaaunty (beat) the usual?

The guys settle on the sofas grinning.

COLLEGE BOY 1(cheekily)

Yeah yeah...we love you too Mrs KJAYANT

Chalo, abh mein inn bandaron kesaath hang out karta hoon.

As he gets up to walk over to the sofas.

LEELA Vaise, aaj main usse baat karungi

JAYANT(over his shoulder)

Koi jaldi nahin hai (beat) jabbhi...

Leela goes back to doing coffees

COLLEGE GIRL 1 (O.S.)Dude I heard this awesome guitarriff.

Jayant walks up to the group as one of them is playing theguitar bobbing his head

COLLEGE BOY 1(looking up)

Wassssu..What is up uncle J??

Jayant sits down.

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JAYANTYaar ek baat batao...tum aiseaise karke kyun baat karte ho?

As he says this he’s bobbing his head forward andbackwards, like the boy.

COLLEGE BOY 1(bobbing his head)Tch (beat) we’re in thegrrrroooove uncle...

JAYANT(raising his eyebrows)

Grrrroooove...

COLLEGE GIRL 1Uncle aap yeh suno!

The girl puts one of her ipod earphones into his ear as oneof Jayant’s eyebrows rise...promptly returning it withdisdain.

JAYANT(shaking his head)

Yaar tum isse music kehte ho?Bhai...AC/DC suno (beat) Floydsuno

COLLEGE BOY 1(shaking his head wideeyed)

Duuuude...not cool

COLLEGE BOY 2Uncle, we went digital, before I

was born! Kahaan aap analogue mein phanse hue hain?

JAYANTYou know Floyd saw the future.

The kids all look at Jayant knowing a smart ass comment is

on it’s way.

JAYANT (CONT’D)The Wall suna hai...? (singing)We don’t need no edu-cation.(beat) yaar kabhi galti se tohcollege chale jaya karo...

The whole group bursts out laughing. It’s evident that theylike his company. The camera pulls away as they playfullyput a cap onto Jayant’s head backwards.

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INT. AMAYA’S OFFICE (BOSS’ CABIN) - EVENING4

CU of a balding slimy looking man in his late 40’s as herecoils in shock from a hard slap. Pull-out to see AMAYA,standing across the desk, evidently furious at somethingthat’s been said or done.

AMAYA ASSHOLE...!!

The man begins to stand up threateningly..

AMAYA (CONT’D)Galti meri hai (beat) Mujhe pehlehi samajh jana chahiye thha, kiaap kis type ke aadmi hain

Amaya opens the door to find a girl standing outside

shocked. She slams the door on her way out of the office.

INT. JAYANT’S HOUSE (LIVING ROOM) - DAY5

JAYANT (O.S.)Nahin nahin bhai...darwaaza khularehene do.

Camera shutter sounds as a picture of a gas cylinderdelivery boy with a cylinder on his shoulder lookingstartled.

JAYANT (CONT’D)Tumhe jaldi toh nahin hai na?

The delivery boy looks confused and puts the cylinder down

JAYANT (CONT’D)(pointing to cylinder)

Zara ek minute iss par baith jao

Jayant begins to take a lot of pictures with the delivery man also starting to get involved. Jayant looks at some ofthe pictures.

JAYANT (CONT’D)(to himself)

Light theek nahin hai. bewakoof.

DELIVERY MANSaab... main?

JAYANT(laughing)

Arre nahin bhai, main...

The delivery man moves closer to an open window with hiscylinder. Jayant starts to take pictures in various posesand lighting conditions.

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The scene unfolds as a collection of pictures. The maidalso arrives to see what’s happening. She doesn’t seemsurprised as Jayant continues to shoot even her. Finally ona shot of the desperate looking delivery boy.

DELIVERY MAN

(pleadingly)Saab ab mein jaaun?

The delivery boy hoists the cylinder onto his shoulder andstarts to walk out of the door.

JAYANTCylinder toh chhod jao!!!

Last photograph of a sheepish looking delivery boy.

INT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - EVENING6

Leela is putting the chairs upside down on the tables,tidying up and wiping down as Amaya storms in.

LEELA Hi Amaya. Din kaisa tha?

AMAYA Mat poocho...

LEELA (smiling)

Theek hai

AMAYA (frustrated)

Nahi maa...poocho poochoLEELA

(naughtily)Hi Amaya. Din kaisa tha?

AMAYA Men are bastards (beat) unkedimaag mein ek hi cheez ghoomtihai.

LEELA Sex?

AMAYA Ya (beat) I slapped my boss, wellnow my Ex boss..

LEELA (naughtily)

Acchhhha! Chalo kal Naukri.compar phir register kar lete hain!

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Amaya rolls her eyes as she walks off towards her bedroom.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (A-BEDROOM) - EVENING7

Amaya’s sitting on the bed in her night clothes, stacking

playing cards into a pyramid. Leela walks in just as Amayadestroys the stacked cards. Leela sits behind her and

massages her shoulders.

LEELA Kya kiya tha usne?

AMAYA Kiya to kucch nahin, but he told

me to sleep with him.

Leela stops rubbing her shoulders for a fraction of a

second, but resumes almost immediately

LEELA Tumne over-react toh nahin kiyana?

Amaya turns to her mother after a second’s pause

AMAYA (shocked)

Ma?

LEELA Toh phir kyun itna stressed ho?Tumne jo kiya, sahi kiya.

Amaya visibly relaxes and shuts her eyes, enjoying theshoulder rub

AMAYA Hmmm...aapne kisi ko kabhithappad nahin mara?

Amaya turns to her mother

AMAYA (CONT’D)(cheekily)

Matlab, mujhe chhod kar

LEELA (smacking Amaya)

Nahin!

AMAYA (smiling)

Kabhi mann bhi nahin kiya?

LEELA Karta thha...tumhare Appa pe

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JAYANTKya baat hai Rizwaan bhai, aapnetoh inn ghadiyon ko bhi zinda kardiya!

RIZWAN BHAI

(smiling)Janaab, aapko kya laga, yehbejaan hain? Yahi toh batati hainki kab hum is jahaan mein aayeaur kab yahaan se ruqsat hogaye...

Just then a little boy brings tea to the shop. Rizwan takestwo glasses, handing one to Jayant

RIZWAN BHAI (CONT’D)Lijiye...chai lijiye

JAYANT(sipping tea)

Ek baat samajh mein nahin aayi.Itni ghadiyon ke beech mein aapandaza kaise lagate hain ki sahiwaqt kya hai?

Rizwan smiles as he taps his wristwatch.

RIZWAN BHAIArrey miyan kya sahi aur kya galat? Ek lamha, kahin Jashn kahin Janaza... (beat) Aap ekbaat bataiye...aap itni tasveeren kyun kheenchte hain?

JAYANTMein bhi kuch aap hi ki tareh,waqt se khilwaad karta hoon(beat)yun samjhiye ki mein zindagi kelamhe, tasveeron mein qaid karleta hoon...

RIZWAN BHAI

Aur woh kyun?

JAYANTTaaki woh lamhaa, sirf lamhaa nareh ke yaad ban jaaye

RIZWAN BHAI(tapping his forehead)

Janaab...yaadon ko toh yahan qaidkiya jaata hai.

Jayant has put his camera away by this point, as he gets up

to leave

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JAYANT(pointing to his head)

Arre iska kya bharosa (beat)accha Rizwan bhai, dobara aanaho, toh aapki dukan dhoondunga kaise?

RIZWAN BHAIKone par Abdul miyan ki chai kidukaan hai na, hum bayein haathpar hain.

JAYANTChaliye...milte hain.

RIZWAN BHAIJi. Jab tasveeren chhap jayeintoh hamein bhi kabhi dikha dijiye

ga.

Jayant nods as he picks up a cloth bag which is filled withjust bought books and leaves the shop. The camera stays ona clock that rings nine o’clock.


Amaya is standing by the bookshelf, sorting out a wholepile of books from the same cloth bag that Jayant hasbrought in. Leela is sitting on a corner table settlingbills, as she’s cutting cheques. Jayant looks over at Amayafrom a newspaper he’s reading.

JAYANT(naughty)

Toh kitni zor se thappad maara?

AMAYA (over her shoulder)

Dikhaoon?

Leela looks up in shock & horror as Jayant has a huge grin

LEELA AMAAAAYA....

AMAYA (smiling)

Oh ho Maaaa... mazaak kar rahinhoon.

Amaya is almost about to say something as a retort

JAYANTAccha...accha Jhansi ki Rani, tohabh tum bilkul meri tarehberozgaar ho...

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AMAYA Berozgaar nahin Jazz (beat) I’mjust taking Time off...

JAYANTBhai dekhiye (beat) jahaan hum

baithein hain, aapka Time off johai, woh bilkul berozgaari sa lagraha hai!

AMAYA Woh isliye...kyunki aap sathiya gaye hain.

LEELA AMMAAAAAAAAYYA....?AMAYA

Oh ho maa, phir mazaak kar rahihoon...LEELA

Ek baat batao, tum dono mere sarpe naachne ke bajai, kuch aurkyun nahin karte?

JAYANTMs Chamko ki baat mein dum tohhai...

Leela throws a crumpled paper ball towards Jayant, as Amaya walks over

JAYANT (CONT’D)(laughing)

Arre (beat) kar rahien hain, karrahein hain...sochne ka time tohdo!

AMAYA (sitting down)

Jazz, when I was working, toh mein hamesha sochti thi, ki jiss

din time milega, toh mein yehkarungi, woh karungi...

JAYANT(interjecting)

Zara iss, yeh-woh par prakashdaalengi

Amaya smiles as she thinks for a moment

AMAYA Jaise...I want to learn pottery.

I want to run a marathon aurshaayad ek din, mujhe apni kitaabbhi likhni hai.

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JAYANTAh ah aaah... Yeh aakhri waalachhod kar, baaki sab allowed hai.Kitaab likhne ki toh mein tab sesoch raha hoon, jab se mujhelikhna tak nahin aata thha!

AMAYA Toh likha kyun nahin?

JAYANTKyunki madam likhna abhi bhinahin aata...

Jayant points to his camera bag lying near the table.

AMAYA Chalo deal! Likhti mein hoon aur

tasveeren aap khinchiye. It’ll bea really cool coffee table book .

Jayant and Amaya both laugh, comfortable in each other’scompany, just as Leela walks over to them with a look ofresignation and gently shaking her head.

LEELA (sarcastically)

Haan bas abh yahi baaki thha(beat). Meri coffee, meri tableaur kitaab tum dono ki. Yahin issshelf par padi rah jayegi.

EXT. MOMO STALL (NR MULTIPLEX) - DAY10

2 guys and 3 girls are sat eating momos, waiting for Amaya,as one of them looks at their watch. Amaya comes running uplooking wind blown

AMAYA Hi...Sorry sorry sorry...

KARTIK

(to Amaya)Tu yaar hamesha kaise late hotihai bei?

AMAYA Oye paandu...picture mein abhibhi 10 minute hain.

Amaya playfully smacks the guy across the head as she sitsdown and takes a bite off a momo from the plate.

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TARIQYaar Amaya, maanna padega! You’vegot more balls than most men outthere...

Amaya nods her head as a question

TARIQ (CONT’D)Agar mere boss ne mujhse kahahota that I need to sleep my wayup..

LATIKA (interjecting cheekily)

Male boss ya female boss???

TARIQ(angrily)

How the hell does that matter?

KARTIK(interjecting cheekily)

Free sex is always welcome!

Amaya smacks him across the head again as Tariq glares athim

TARIQ(irritated)

Shut up yaar (beat) Mere meintabh bhi ittni himmat nahin hotiki mein apni job chhod deta.

AMAYA Nahin, trust me (beat) hum meinse koi bhi hota, toh yahi karta.

SHREYA Yaar kabhi kabhi practicallysochna padta hai Amaya...

AMAYA Shreya, tu apna practicality wala

bhashan apne paas rakh!

SHREYA (offended)

Listen Amaya, just because tumneyeh step uthaya, iska matlab yehnahin hai ki woh sahi thha

AMAYA Chalo, maanti hoon ki tum ise aurkisi tareeke se handle karti, andthats your choice...I don’t deny

that

The rest of the group is starting to look uncomfortable

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KARTIKErr...

Amaya just gently raises her open palm at the boy, as shecontinues to speak slightly heatedly.

AMAYA But you can’t deny me my right tochoose.

KARTIK(pleading and dramatic)

I choose to end this conversationRIGHT NOW...I have the right tohave FUN.

The tension is lifted as Shreya and Amaya both smile.

AMAYA Ok, guess what? Mein Jazz kesaath kitaab likh rahi hoon!

A collective gaggle of “oohs and aaahs” as the friends allcongratulate her

LATIKA Yeh Jazz kaun hai?

TARIQTch...Jayant (beat) tum unhe cafe

mein mile toh ho...

LATIKA Oh! Woh Jazz? He likes aunty na?

Two of the friends glare at her as Amaya looks at herslightly surprised

AMAYA (dismissively)Are you mad?

KARTIK

(interjecting)Hallo laddyz... abh picture bhidekh lein?

As they all get up to leave, RAGHAV is crossing the groupand he notices Amaya. He seems to hesitate for a second butthen carries on walking past them.

EXT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - DAY11

ABHAY and DEVIKA are standing outside the cafe gate as a

car goes by and a man spits out of the open window. Devikais outraged

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DEVIKA (screaming)

YOU ...

ABHAY(to Devika by his side)

Jaane do Devika...this is not America.

DEVIKA (taking a deep breath)

Hmmm. I know, I know...

Shaking her head in disbelief, they enter the cafe.

INT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - DAY12

Leela brings two brownies and sets the plate down in frontof the couple as they look up bemused.

LEELA (smiling)

Pehli baar aaye ho...this is onthe house.

Abhay and Devika seem slightly embarrassed at the gesture

ABHAYThank you. Indian hospitality kajawaab nahin!

LEELA Hospitality nahin...just goodbusiness sense! Abh tum dobara zaroor aaoge

DEVIKA Mein toh yahaan camp karne waalihoon

ABHAY(naughtily)

Aapke yahaan koi waiter vagairahki vacancy toh nahin hai na? Meribiwi thodi over qualified hai

magar...

Devika glares at her husband as Leela gets the joke

DEVIKA Don’t mind my husband, Abhay’s anAss!

LEELA

(laughing)I never judge a book by its cover

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DEVIKA (CONT’D)Aur yeh aapki beti hai...

LEELA (surprised)

How did you know?

DEVIKA She has your eyes (beat) Woh kyakarti hai?

LEELA (laughing)

Karti toh bahut kucch hai! Fulltime writer hai, part time cafe

manager (beat) but at heart,Amaya is a free spirit.

I/E. DELHI (VARIOUS) - DAY13SONG 1

Amaya sees Jayant walking towards her and as they meet, shereaches up & hugs him. They flag down an autorikshaw.Jayant is taking portraits and interesting spaces, using aDigital camera. Amaya is making notes in a little diary.She speaks to a couple of kids on their way back fromschool. They also end up window shopping around Khan

market, taking interesting pictures as they go along. Theyare crossing a magazine vendor and Amaya suddenly stops tobrowse. Jayant walks past without realising that she hasstopped. He suddenly notices and returns to grab her by thearm

JAYANTKitaab baad mein khareedna, pehlelikhne ki soch lein?

A reluctant Amaya walks away. They sit to have tea as theylook at some nice pictures on the camera that Jayant hasshot through the day. Boarding a DTC low floor bus as theytravel into various parts of Delhi, going past India gateand Rajghat. They also end up in CP, as they chat with

vendors on the street side amidst a riot of colour with thehandicrafts on offer.

Reaching old Delhi, they speak to a lot of people, ridinginto small lanes on a rickshaw. They walk into old housesand communities. Jayant seems to know this area well.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (VERANDAH) - EVENING14

Leela is sat in a cane chair, reading a Lonely planet guidebook, making notes in a little diary besides her.

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She suddenly looks up slightly concerned, glancing at her watch she makes a phone call.

CUT TO:

EXT. RICKSHAW - EVENING15

Jayant answers the call as he and Amaya are on a rickshaw

JAYANTHi Leela (beat) bas paranthe waligali ja rahe hain...

As he says this, Amaya suddenly looks at him with a funnyexpression. Noticing this, Jayant gestures questioningly.

PHONE CUT TO:

LEELA Paranthe khaane?

PHONE CUT TO:

JAYANT(very seriously)

Nahin ande ubalne...aur tumhaarepoochne se pehle, tumhe bata hideta hoon, tumhaari beti bilkultheek hai!

As he puts the phone down, Amaya smiles. She affectionatelyputs her arm around him.

CUT TO:

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (VERANDAH) - EVENING16

Leela throws her head back and laughs silently, all thetension dissolved from her face.

CUT TO:

EXT. CHANDNI CHOWK (PARATHA SHOP) - EVENING17Song 1 continues

Both of them reach the chaos of Chandni Chowk. Amaya seemsenthralled as she watches the buzz around her, speaking tochildren and other vendors as she crosses them. Jayant isconstantly meeting people he seems to know very well.

As they’re sipping tea near a sizzling kadhai, Amayasuddenly starts to speak

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AMAYA (slightly emotional)

Jab mein chhoti thi, hum yahanbahut aaya karte thhe (beat) this

was Appa’s favorite Sunday outing

As she says this Jayant looks up at her but says nothing.

AMAYA (CONT’D)In fact, maine likhna bhi yahin se shuru kiya...

JAYANTAccha?

AMAYA The Busy Bazaar, meri pehli kahani, jab mein 9 saal ki thi.

Appa ne kaha, iss kahani ke endko badal do (beat) I didn’tchange it, because I believed in

my story...

Jayant looks at her fondly

AMAYA (CONT’D)That day Appa became my biggest fan. Unhone kaha ki meri pehlikitaab jab chapegi, toh celebratekarenge champagne ke saath!

(wry smile)I guess, he just ran out of time

JAYANT(gently)

Tumhari kahani ka end tha kya?

AMAYA (smiling)

Sad.

Jayant and Amaya sit in silence for a couple of seconds, asAmaya seems lost in her memories

JAYANTAccha chalo...tumhe ek bahut hidilchasp insaan se milwaata hoon(beat) puraani ghadiyan theekkarta hai (beat) paas mein hihai.

EXT. CHANDNI CHOWK (LANES) - EVENING18Song 1 continues

They set out to look for the place, but Jayant seemscompletely lost and unsure of where he could be...

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EXT. ABDUL’S TEA STALL - EVENING19

Amidst all the hustle and bustle, they come and stop atAbdul Miyan’s tea stall, with Rizwan bhai’s shop in thebackground. Jayant doesn’t see it.

JAYANT(frustrated)Tch...Aditi, chalo phir kabhi

aayenge

Amaya looks very surprised as Jayant gently guides herforward, finally walking off ahead of her.

EXT. FLOWER MARKET - MORNING20

The sun has barely started to come up. The whole frame

seems to be overflowing with a profusion of flowers indifferent colors and sizes. A florist is busy cutting stemsand finally starts working on an exquisite bunch of lilies.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (L-BEDROOM) - MORNING21

Amaya wakes up a sleepy looking Leela with the same bunchof lilies, a present, newspapers and coffee.

AMAYA (hugging Leela)

Happy birthday maa...I love you.

Leela hugs her daughter back as she climbs into bed withher mother. Leela opens her present as both of them settledown in bed. Amaya leans against her mom.

LEELA Toh kal kya kya kiya?

AMAYA Mera dictaphone aur Jazz kechaaron memory cards bhar diye!

Amaya snuggles closer to a smiling Leela as she speak andshakes out a newspaper to read.

AMAYA (CONT’D)He’s pretty cool...har kisi kesaath ghul mil jaate hain. AurChandni Chowk jaisi jagah mein(surprised) unhe har gali ki hardukan ki pehchaan hai (beat) sirfek nahin dhoond paye...

Leela’s looks slightly puzzled as she takes a call.

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JAYANT (O.S.)Haan bhai, aaj ke din woh kyakehte hain? Happy Birthday!

LEELA (smiling)

Thank you! Tumhari badi tareef horahi thi

JAYANT (O.S.)Amaya se kehna, ki mera din bhibahut accha guzra

LEELA Tum jab aaoge toh khud hi kehdena...

Leela puts the phone down as both mother and daughter

settle down to drink the coffees. Amaya looks at Leela.

AMAYA Maa... Aditi kitne saal ki thi?LEELA

(surprised)8 ya 9 ki thi shaayad...kyun?

AMAYA (shrugging)

Kal achanak unhone mujhe Aditikeh kar pukaara.

Amaya who’s looking at her mother, turns back to her paperlying open on the bed. Leela looks circumspect.


A goofy but smart looking man is standing in front of anamused Leela

RAGHAV(rolling his eyes)

Aunty...churi do. Bas aap mujhechuri de do.

Leela places a bread knife on the counter

LEELA Accha...by the way (beat) isskesaath kya karna chahte ho beta?

RAGHAV(sardonically)

Khudkhushi

Quickly pulling the knife back.

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LEELA Par Raghav beta yeh bread knifehai (beat) yeh istamal karo

Leela gets a naughty smile as she places a wicked lookingknife in front of Raghav.

RAGHAVAapko mazaak sujh raha hai? Meinitna good looking hoon, talented hoon, 6 pack hai, IQ of over 220aur sabse badi baat...itna modest bhi (beat) aur aapki beti se itna pyaar karta hoon, par woh mujhekoi ghaas hi nahin daalti

LEELA Hmmm...RAGHAV

(frustrated)Hmmmm nahin aunty. Kuch karo.

Just then, Amaya walks out from the back of the cafe, onher way to run some errands.

AMAYA (muttering to herself)

Oh god! Yeh phir aa gaya?

RAGHAV(calls out)Hi Amaya

AMAYA Bye Raghav (beat) Ma thodi der mein aati hoon.

Raghav has a puppy dog look of adoration on his face as hesees her leave the cafe. Amaya on her way past a sittingJayant, affectionately squeezes his shoulder.

RAGHAV

Aunty, I really love Amaya.

LEELA (copying him)

Raghav, I really love Amaya too!

Raghav shakes his head and turns on his heel, waving toJayant on his way out. Leela joins a chuckling Jayant whois sitting in front of an open laptop.

LEELA (CONT’D)Accha ladka hai (beat) and crazy

about Amaya.

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JAYANT(smirking)

Bhai jisko dekho, ya to maa pefida hai, ya beti pe (beat) iskanaam kya tha?

Leela looks at Jayant for a fraction longer than normal, asshe turns his laptop towards herself.

LEELA (gently)

Raghav.

JAYANThaan...haan Raghav.

Both of them sit quietly for a moment as Leela looks atpictures taken on the Chandni Chowk outing. A nice picture

of Amaya sipping chai from a kullad comes up.

JAYANT (CONT’D)Acchi tasveer hai.

LEELA I’m glad Amaya’s really fond ofyou Jayant...

JAYANT(thoughtful)

Hmmm...Aasaan nahin hoga

LEELA Jaanti hoon...Aur Amaya ko bhi.She’ll handle it.

Jayant pauses for a moment as he picks up both the cups to wash up.

JAYANTChalo birthday girl...shaam ko

milta hoon

Crossing Leela, he gently places a hand on her shoulder as

she sits, with a slight smile at the inference.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (L-BEDROOM) - EVENING23

Amaya is stood in front of Leela’s cupboard, riflingthrough a lot of saris. She drapes one and then another,till she finally settles on a particularly nice one.


Amaya walks into the cafe, oblivious to her surroundings,holding the selected Sari

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AMAYA Maa...mein Priya ki shaadi pe yehsari pehen lun?

LEELA Priya? Finally!!! (beat) Magar

Nishant usse bahut bada nahinlagta?

Abhay & Devika walk into the cafe with a big pile of books

AMAYA (slightly irritated)

Haan toh Priya usse 20 saalchhoti hai maa...what do youexpect? (beat) Magar woh ek saathacche lagte hain.

Amaya notices Devika & Abhay as he steps up and places thebooks on the counter.

ABHAYYeh lijiye, more books for Book-A-Coffee!

DEVIKA (smiling at Amaya)

Hi! I’m Devika.

AMAYA Hey! Amaya...

DEVIKA Haan pata hai...the free spirit?

AMAYA (cheekily)

Accha...toh aap meri maa se pehle mil chuki hain?

INT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - LATER25

All four are sat around one of the tables

LEELA Dus saal ke baad America se waapas kaise aaye?

ABHAYDevika yahan clinic kholna chahtithhi.. Waise bhi apna ghar tohapna hi hota hai (beat) Bas abhrehne ki aadat phirse daalnipadegi!

LEELA Kyun? Pasand nahin aa raha?

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DEVIKA (apologetic)

Nahin...woh baat nahin hai (beat)Yahan re-locate karne se pehle,hamare doston ne warn kiya thha,yahan ke so called, system ke

baare mein.

LEELA (laughing)

The famous Indian system!

ABHAY(interjecting)

Bhai I’ve made my peace with it.Chai paani pilane se, agar kaamaasan ho jaata hai, then do itna? Sab karte hain..

AMAYA So basically, you’ve taken theeasy way out

LEELA Eh come on Amaya... He’s got apoint.

AMAYA Kya point Ma? Sab yahan yahisochte hain, isiliye toh kuchnahin badalta

ABHAY(offended)

Amaya (beat) it’s not that I’msupporting corruption...Leela steps in slightly embarrassed, to cool it down

LEELA Arre Abhay...kiske chakkar meinpad gaye? Amaya and my husband ...

Just then Jayant bursts in jovially with his camera.

JAYANTArre waah! Mehfil jami hai, aurhamein khabar hi nahin!

Jayant walks up to Abhay & Devika to introduce himself.

JAYANT (CONT’D)(shaking hands)

Hi, Jayant Sinha.

ABHAYAbhay, my wife Devika.

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RAGHAV (O.S.)(singing)

Happy birthday to you...Happybirthday to you!

Raghav traipses in with a huge bunch of carnations,

precariously balancing a cake box in the other hand. Leelalooks very surprised at his entry

LEELA Raghav, tumhe bhi pata thha!?!

DEVIKA Oh! Happy birthday

LEELA (laughing)

I try not to advertise it! Magar

yeh sab kasar nahin chhodte.

INT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - LATER26

Raghav and Devika are clapping to the beat of ‘Sheila kijawaani’ as Amaya is stood in the middle of the cafe with avery embarrassed Leela, making her dance to the tune beingsung by the group.

ALL(in chorus)

What’s my name? What’s my name?What’s my name? My name isLEEELA...LEEEELA ki jawaani...

As Leela, makes a half concerted attempt at following herdaughter, she laughs self consciously

JAYANT(to Devika)

Itne saalon se keh raha hoon,Leela galat profession mein hai

Leela escapes from Amaya’s clutches as Raghav moves away to

put on some music. Amaya also happily walks over to whereDevika and Jayant are standing, as Leela also joins them.

JAYANT (CONT’D)Madam, party warty toh chaltirahegi, magar aapne kucch socha,ki kispe likhna hai?

Amaya smiles at Jayant’s teasing tone.

AMAYA Nahin...writer’s block!

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JAYANT(smiling)

Pata hai? Uss din tumse baat karke ehsaas hua, ki kisi insaan koagar vaqaui samajhna ho, toh uskiyaadon mein jhaank kar dekha

chahiye (beat) why don’t we writea book on memories? Memories ofthe busy bazaar.

Amaya looks intrigued by the thought as both of them wanderoff towards the cake. Suddenly a happy Jive number booms tolife, that Raghav has found and Jayant immediately turns to

walk towards Leela to drag her onto the floor.

DEVIKA (gesturing to Jayant)

Aapke husband bhi writer hain?Leela’s taken aback for a second, but before Leela canclarify, Jayant reaches her and drags Leela away into the

middle of the cafe for an impromptu and happy jive.

Raghav comes towards Amaya with a stylish two step, butnoticing her expression, shakes his head and heads toDevika to take her onto the floor to dance with.

Abhay walks upto join Amaya and they both stand watchingthe two couples dance. Amaya’s smile slowly fades as shenotices a certain closeness between Jayant and Leela, injust the way they look at each other. While Raghav stealsglances towards her, he notices an unconscious frown onAmaya’s face. Amaya watches as the piece finishes with abig flourish and Leela’s face is lit up with a smile.

INT. JAYANT’S HOUSE (LIVING ROOM) - MORNING27

Jayant is standing in the middle of a ransacked room withhis hands on his hips, looking for something that he can’tfind, steadily becoming more and more angry. He searches inall his camera bags, in the toilet, in the pockets of histrousers, inside shoes and cupboards, working himself into

a frenzy. He finally goes to a land line and startsdialling numbers furiously.

JAYANTSorry...shayad galat number laggaya hoga.

He bangs the phone down in a rage.


Leela takes a sari out of the cupboard for Amaya to wearand as she removes it from the shelf, a couple of papersfall to the ground.

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She bends down to pick them up and gets a smile on her faceas she sees, THE BUSY BAZAAR by Amaya Krishnamoorthyscribbled in a child’s handwriting on top of a handwrittenstory. She smiles as she looks at ink blotches across thepages and she dwells on the doodles that adorn the pages.Finally she carefully folds it and puts it into her handbag

lying beside the cupboard.


Leela walks up to the door and turns a sign on it whichreads CLOSED. Amaya comes up to her from behind.

AMAYA Arrey, cafe band?

LEELA

(chirpily)Haan, kyunki hum lunch ke liyebahar jaa rahe hain.

AMAYA Biryani khaane? Woh toh mein ghar par bhi bana sakti hoon!

LEELA Tum biryani banaogi? Tab tohpukka bahar chalte hain.

AMAYA C’mon maa, I’m not that bad...

LEELA (naughtily)

Quite bad...

Leela laughs watching a protesting Amaya walk away.

AMAYA (mimicing Leela)

Quite bad (beat) nonsense.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (L-BEDROOM) - DAY30

Leela is filing her nails as you can hear pots and pansclanging offscreen. She has her cell phone stuck to her ear

with her shoulder.

AMAYA (O.S.)MAAA....KADHAI KAHAN HAI?

LEELA (sarcastically)

MERE BATHROOM MEIN...

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Leela puts the phone down as she shakes her head and goesback to filing her nails.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (KITCHEN) - DAY31

Amaya is searching the cupboards looking frustrated

AMAYA (shouting)

MAAA....GARAM MASALA KAHAN RAKHAHAI?

Amaya suddenly turns to see Leela standing at the kitchendoor with her hands on her hips.

LEELA (dryly)

Tumhaare bathroom mein.Amaya and Leela both laugh as Leela comes into the kitchento help. After a couple of tries, Amaya finally gives up &looks at Leela helplessly

AMAYA Abh kya karoon?

Masalas are taken out and measured. Tomatoes are chopped asthe meat is cleaned cooked. Leela makes Amaya doeverything.

LEELA Abh do chammach garam masala daaldo

AMAYA Appa hamesha apne haath se masaledalte thhe...

LEELA (surprised)

Arrey, tumhe yaad hai?

AMAYA Aur woh aapse acchi biryani banate thhey

LEELA (naughtily)

Mere rogan josh ke saamne unkiBiryani ko koi poochta bhi nahinthha

Amaya continues to do what she’s doing on the fire

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AMAYA (quietly)

He was a great guy (beat) theyjust don’t make men like himanymore no?

Leela looks over her shoulder at Amaya, because somethingin her tone, catches Leela’s attention

AMAYA (CONT’D)(being cheerful)

Arrey, abh please aap senti matho jaana

LEELA (smiling)Mein senti ho rahi hun?!?

Leela watches Amaya for a couple of seconds as she busilyflings the onions into the hot oil, splattering it all overthe frame. She is constantly referring to a book as well asher mother, to get it right. In the middle of all this, sheis also taking down notes in a little diary.

AMAYA Maa (beat) issme kucch gadbad hai

INT. JAYANT’S HOUSE (KITCHEN) - DAY32

Jayant is sitting holding his head in frustration as hegets up to start walking towards the kitchen. A maid iscutting and chopping stuff near the basin as Jayant entersand goes towards the fridge. As he opens the door, his eyegoes to a ‘post it’ that is prominently displayed. It reads“Leela Memsahib- 9810340954”


Leela walks over to have a look and adds some salt to thecooking meat. She mixes everything together as Amayaupturns the Biryani & garnishes it.

AMAYA (satisfied sigh)

I’m pretty good ma...

Leela laughs as she carries the bowl to the dining table.

LEELA Accha baitho (beat) mujhe tumsekucch baat bhi karni thhi...

Leela’s phone rings as she’s setting the bowl down.

LEELA (CONT’D)Amaya phone uthana...

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AMAYA (looking at the number)

Jazz ka hai

LEELA Toh le lo...

By this time Amaya has already handed Leela the phone.Leela looks at Amaya oddly, as she takes the call.

LEELA (CONT’D)Hello? Kahan thhey? (beat) Auritne gusse mein kyun ho?

PHONE CUT TO:

JAYANT(irritated)

Mera phone kho gaya hai...PHONE CUT TO:

LEELA Kahan? (beat) Sorry, sillyquestion.

PHONE CUT TO:

A supremely irritated Jayant uses his free hand in agesture of disbelief at what he’s heard!

JAYANTTum log kya kar rahe ho?

PHONE CUT TO:

LEELA haan bas khaana khane lage thhey,special Amaya biryani...

Amaya serves her mother as she also sits down to eat.

PHONE CUT TO:

JAYANTAmaya se poocho, sirf Biryanipakati rahegi, ya kuch likhne kabhi karegi?

LEELA (looking towards Amaya)

Haan haan likh bhi rahi hai...

Just then, there are sparks and loud electric short circuitsounds from a corner of the kitchen.

31.


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LEELA (CONT’D)Oh God...Jayant mein tumse baad

mein baat karti hoon.

Amaya and Leela both rush to drop circuit breakers and makesure that there is no fire. Amaya dials from her cell phone

AMAYA (flustered)

Hello? Electrician bhaiya?

The food on the table lies forgotten.


Leela has just finished dressing and is applying the lastof the eyeliner as Amaya walks in with a messily draped

Sari

AMAYA Maa...

Leela immediately goes to help with the pleats and as she’ssmoothing them down

AMAYA (CONT’D)(surprised)Aap kahin baahar jaa rahe ho?

LEELA Jayant ke saath dinner pe jaarahin hoon (beat) tumhe drop kardete hain

AMAYA (irritated)Kyun? Mein apne doston ke saath

jaa rahi hoon

LEELA (taken aback)

Have fun (beat) meri taraf se

Priya aur Nishant ko wish kardena

Amaya is combing out her hair in the mirror as she watchesher mother leave the room, in the reflection.

INT. ITALIAN RESTAURANT - NIGHT35

Leela is wearing the top Amaya had given her on herbirthday. The last of the meal is being cleared away asanother waiter places desserts in front of them.

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LEELA (picking up a spoon)

Maine zindagi mein ek cheez nahinkiya...travel (beat) kuch dinpehle ek Australian milli. Shemust have been older than you also!

Jayant looks up at her with mock horror.

LEELA (CONT’D)She’d bought a one way ticketaround the world. Koi plannahin...bas jab mann kiya chalpadi aur jahan kucch pasand aagaya toh theher gayi...

JAYANT

(smiling)Musafir...

LEELA I envied her...how I envied her !

JAYANT(reaching over quietly)

You and I will travel the worldLeela.

Jayant pauses for a couple of seconds and then sighs

JAYANT (CONT’D)(nostalgic)

Madhavi and Aditi also loved totravel. Chhuttiyan theen, humsubah paanch baje Ranikhet keliye nikal pade.

Leela looks surprised and she stops eating.

JAYANT (CONT’D)Madhavi ko dhaabe ki chai bahutpasand thi. Chota sa dhaba tha.

hum ruke...Aditi peeche ki seatpar so rahi thhi, toh maine uskadarwaaza khola aur gode mein uthaliya.

CUT TO:

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (L-BEDROOM) - NIGHT36

Amaya has returned from the wedding and walks into Leela’sbedroom. The room is empty. Shutting the door, she carries

on to her room.

CUT TO:

33.


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INT. ITALIAN RESTAURANT - NIGHT37

JAYANTJab tak Aditi utthi, halki halkibaarish hone lagi. Madhavi nekaha ki ek cup chai peeke chalte

hain

Jayant seems to be struggling at this point, but controlshis emotions as Leela puts a hand over his.

JAYANT (CONT’D)Aditi ko bhook lag rahi thhi tohMadhavi aur Aditi gaadi mein sesandwiche laane gaye. (beat) Meincamera ka roll badal raha thha

CUT TO:

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (L-BEDROOM) - CONTINUOUS38

Tight shot of Leela’s face as she’s sat up in bed, asJayant is leaning with his hand on his head, stillrecounting the story

JAYANTBaarish aur bhi tez ho gayi toh

maine kaha, ki tum dono wahingaadi mein hi ruko, mein paise dekar aata hoon.

LEELA (leaning in)

Phir?

EXT. LEELA’S HOUSE (VERANDAH) - MORNING39

CU of Jayant’s face to transition from the last night. A wide shot reveals them sitting on the verandah. Leela is innight clothes while Jayant is still in what he wore theprevious night.

JAYANT(emotional)

Paise de kar mudha hi thha (beat)saamne se ek truck aate dikha.

A strange sense of calm seems to descend on Jayant’s face momentarily

JAYANT (CONT’D)I saw the truck...hit my car. Hekilled my 9 year old daughter and

my wife...

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Jayant now has tears in his eyes as Leela moves closer tohim, cradling his head in her arms.

JAYANT (CONT’D)Saalon tak main yahi sochta thha, kaash uss gaadi mein main bhi

hota

They sit in silence as the scene stays with them, both lostin their own thoughts...


Amaya is crossing Leela’s open bedroom door, when she issurprised to see both sides of the bed ruffled. She walksaway, slightly puzzled as she hears voices in the verandah.

JAYANT (O.S.)Mujhe chalna chahiye...

I/E. LEELA’S HOUSE (VERANDAH) - MORNING41

Amaya walks onto the verandah.

AMAYA Maa...?

She stops as she sees Jayant and Leela. Leela is stillsitting close to Jayant and she quickly moves away fromhim. Both of them straighten up slightly embarrassed. Amayaturns to walk away.

LEELA (calling after her)Listen...Amaya

The scene stays with an internally struggling Leela as she watches her daughter walk back into the house.

AMAYA (O.S.)(softly)

I’m listening maa

EXT. SOUTH DELHI ROAD - DAY42

Traffic is in typical Delhi chaos and sounds of horns andgeneral cacophony. Wide shot reveals Amaya in running gear,sprinting down the sidewalk.

AMAYA (V.O.)(gasping for air)

I’m listening maa

Pushing the pace, she remains calm and collected byexpression, but sweat is pouring off her face.

35.


37/84


Amaya still in her running gear, sweating profusely walksup to Leela who’s cooking lunch.

AMAYA

Mujhe Bangalore jaana hai (beat)I want to meet paaty

Leela pauses surprised to see Amaya in running gear.

LEELA (quietly)

Can we talk?

AMAYA (interjecting)

Mein kal jaana chaahti hoon

LEELA Baat karti hoon

Leela calls a number on the cordless as Amaya looks on

LEELA (CONT’D)Sujata?

SUJATA (O.S.)Leela! What a lovely surprise,kal hi Amma tum sab ke baare meinpooch rahi thhi, kaise ho tumlog?

LEELA Amaya, Bangalore aana chahti hai.

SUJATA (O.S.)Lovely, koi interview hai?

LEELA Nahin, Amaya tumse milna chahtihai

SUJATA (O.S.)Everything okay?

Amaya goes back into her room as Leela continues to speakin the background.

LEELA I don’t know (beat) Mein kalshaam ki ticket book kar rahihoon

There is a pointed and distinct silence from Sujata

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SUJATA (O.S.)Please tell Amaya, I’m reallylooking forward to seeing her

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (A-BEDROOM) - DAY44

Amaya is standing with her back to the open door, lookingoutside through the window. Leela walks into the room.

LEELA Attey tumhe airport pe leneaayengi

AMAYA (with her back to Leela)

Mujhe nahin jaana

LEELA (susrpised)Par, abhi toh tumne kaha ki...

Amaya whips around with barely controlled anger

AMAYA (furiously)

I can change my mind maa Leela looks at Amaya for a couple of seconds and is unsureof how to react.

INT. JAYANT’S HOUSE (LIVING ROOM) - EVENING45

Jayant is sat on a chair, reading the same sheaf of papersthat had fallen out of Leela’s cupboard earlier. A looselybound collection of pages, titled THE BUSY BAZAAR in achild’s handwriting. CU of a scrawl, “and the little girlhad tears in her eyes as she looked for her father...”


Leela is sat on a chair while Amaya is curled up on a beanbag fiddling with a ring on her finger. The entire sequenceis done as a series of images where dialogue is all onappropriate shots but without lip sync.

LEELA (V.O.)Your father was my best friend(beat) Jis din maine unhe khoya,aisa laga ki unke saath khud kobhi kho diya.

Leela leans forward leaning her face in her hands.

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LEELA (V.O.) (CONT’D)Magar tumhe dekha aur ehsaas huaki zindagi kisi ke liye nahinrukti (beat) You became mystrength Amaya.

Amaya looks up for an instant, with moist eyes. She looksaway, controlling herself.

LEELA (V.O.) (CONT’D)I really missed your father . Yehbaarah saal bahut mushkilthhey...aur mujhe sahi aur galat batane waala koi nahin thha.Tumhe akele paalna, apne aap mehi ek challenge thha...but I’veenjoyed every moment of it.

Leela walks to the open window and stands very still, withher back to Amaya

LEELA (V.O.) (CONT’D)I’m proud of who you’ve grown upto be. Appa would have been too(beat) Intelligent, confident,ambitious young woman. Tumhaareliye ek exciting duniya intezaarkar rahi hai (beat) Full ofopportunities.

Leela turns back towards Amaya.

LEELA (V.O.) (CONT’D)Toh kucch saal pehle maine socha,ki kyun na abh mein bhi apnizindagi dobara shuru karoon.I started Book a coffee...kucchpurnane doston se mili aur kucchnaye dost ban gaye (beat) Jayantand I just clicked.

Amaya looks up to meet and hold her mother’s gaze

LEELA (V.O.) (CONT’D)Yeh nahi maloom thha ki hamareraaste ek hain ki nahin (beat)darr lagta thha...infact sabsebada darr toh yeh thha ki tum Jayant ko pasand karogi ya nahin

(relieved)Woh darr bhi khatam ho gaya.Amaya looks away at this point.

LEELA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

And Amaya, I’m sure you’llunderstand this, Jayant made mefeel like a woman again.

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Amaya is still fiddling with her ring.

LEELA (V.O.) (CONT’D)Hum zindagi saath guzaarna chahtehain...

Leela continues to wait for Amaya to speak. Amaya suddenlygets up and walks past Leela, on her way out of the room.

LEELA (CONT’D)(surprised)Amaya?

Amaya shuts the door behind her.

INT. JAYANT’S HOUSE (LIVING ROOM) - NIGHT47

Extreme CU of a computer screen where the final coloringand touches are being made to an image. The frame widens toreveal Jayant working on a draft title page for the book.It reads, ‘Memories...of The Busy Bazaar’. He seemsengrossed in what he’s doing as an SMS arrives on hisphone. He picks it up distractedly, but as he reads it, hestops doing whatever he’s doing on the computer. He looksaway for a few seconds and then goes back to finish off thecover page he was working on.

EXT. SOUTH DELHI ROAD - NIGHT48

CU of feet in running shoes, pounding the road. RevealAmaya running in the rain and cold. This time she’s notcalm, she’s crying copiously while really pushing the pace.


A glossy print out of the title page Jayant was working onlast night is placed on the counter.

JAYANTKaisa laga...

Amaya picks it up and looks at it. She then gently placesit back on the table as she looks up to a still smilingJayant. Leela is on her way into the cafe from the back

when she pauses at the door.

AMAYA (curtly)

I don’t like the title

JAYANT(surprised)

Kyun?

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AMAYA (slight choke)

Kyunki yaadein bahut personalhoti hain

Leela enters the cafe and looks to catch Jayant’s eye.

AMAYA (CONT’D)Aur hamein koi haq nahin hai, kiapne matlab ke liye auron kiyaadon ko khureden.

(over her shoulder)Hamein yeh kitaab shayad shuru hinahin karni chahiye thhi

JAYANTDer toh abhi bhi nahin hui hai

Amaya is a mixture of being angry and emotional as shestops near Leela

JAYANT (CONT’D)Par jo shuru kiya hai, usse khatmkarna accha hota hai

Amaya watches him for a lingering second, unsure of what tosay and then walks out of the room. Leela shares a look

with Jayant.


Raghav is sat with Jayant at a table, as he’s reeling offjoke after joke off his phone.

RAGHAVChaliye, yeh waala suniye...Banta: Paaji jab mein paida huatha na...military waalon nein 21topein chalain theen. Santa:Kamaal hai! Sab ka nishana kaisechook gaya?

Leela comes over and leaves a coffee on the table as she’sgoing to serve some other people. Raghav looks up as herealizes that no one’s laughing.

RAGHAV (CONT’D)(mumbling)

Itna kharaab toh nahin tha?

He stands up purposefully, taking the tray from Leela,gesturing to her to sit as he walks off to serve theremaining customers.

LEELA Ranikhet kab jaa rahe ho?

40.


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JAYANTEk do din mein

LEELA (apologetically)

Ek baat poochun? Abh wahan jaa

kar kaisa lagta hai?

JAYANT(smiles)

Chubta nahin hai. Ussi dhaabe parbaith kar chai peeta hun. Dhaabe

waale ke saath baatein bhi hotihain (beat) bahut saari gaadiyanbhi guzar jaati hain...

Jayant looks away for a couple of seconds

JAYANT (CONT’D)(far away)Abh chubta nahin hai

Jayant gets up to leave as Leela also follows to the door.

LEELA Kal jab maine Amaya se baat ki,usska koi reaction hi nahin thha.Ek shabd nahin kaha ussne

JAYANTKahegi. Thoda waqt do

Jayant puts an arm around Leela as he leaves.


Leela walks back to the counter where Raghav has the titlepage in his hand

RAGHAVNice...magar aunty (beat) yehbusy bazaar kya hai?

LEELA (smiling)

Ek chhoti si ladki jo ek bazaar mein kho jaati hai...and goeslooking for her fatherAmaya ki pehli kahaani (beat) aurshayad abh pehli kitaab

Leela suddenly looks very old and withdrawn.

RAGHAV

Aunty?

41.


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LEELA Zindagi mein maine jo bhi kiya(beat) apni taraf se hamesha sahisamajh ke kiya...Amaya ke liye,apne liye

Raghav looks a little confused but says nothing

LEELA (CONT’D)Lekin aaj samajh hi nahin aa rahaki sahi kya hai aur kya galat

A couple of people walk into the cafe, as one walks over tothe book shelf to borrow a book. Leela gets busy with thecustomers as a disturbed Raghav waves goodbye and leaves.

INT. JAYANT’S HOUSE (BEDROOM) - NIGHT52

DREAM SEQUENCE

Photograph of a little girl hugging a younger Jayant isstood by the bedside alarm clock which is beeping.

Random images in a crazy looking dream sequence. Rizwaanbhai pointing to his forehead; a b/w obituary (MadhaviSinha 42 & Aditi Sinha 9, survived by Jayant Sinha); Leelaturning around and smiling; CU of a hand loading an olderfilm camera; a lit funeral pyre; Rizwaan bhai pointing toforehead again; photograph on film being developed ofMahavi and Aditi smiling, CU of a clock face with thesecond hand ticking away; Aditi stood in a market, callingout to her father. Suddenly there is no image. Dark

While asleep, a little smile had developed on Jayant’s faceas he saw Aditi in the dream. As the image goes black, hiseyes open almost in fear. Confusion. He sits up and putsoff the alarm, rubbing his face wearily.

I/E. LEELA’S HOUSE - EVENING53

Sound of a door bell ringing, as Leela opens the main doorto see Abhay standing outside with a bottle of wine.

LEELA (surprised)

Arrey Abhay (beat) What apleasant surprise! andar aao

Abhay walks in as Leela gives him a hug.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE - EVENING54

Amaya is sat on a sofa doing crosswords as Abhay enters &

settles down next to her.

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ABHAYGussa thanda?

AMAYA (embarrassed)

I’m so sorry for that day...

ABHAY(laughs)

Don’t bother...

AMAYA I’m an idiot.

LEELA (to Abhay)

So tell me (beat) how’s Devika?Where is she?

ABHAYShe’s just gone to see a fewplaces to rent (beat) clinic keliye...bataya thha aapko

LEELA Haan...

ABHAY(awkwardly)

It’s a family day in?

LEELA Yeah...just

Abhay looks around the room and seems slightly perplexed

ABHAYJayant (beat) ghar par nahin hai?

LEELA Jayant...ghar par hi honge.

ABHAY

Of course!

Leela and Amaya look bemused as Abhay blunders on

ABHAY (CONT’D)Mausam kaafi erratic sa ho gayahai (beat) nahin?

LEELA Haan, but I like it. It’s nice.

ABHAY

Har saal, issi vaqt baarish hotihai?

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LEELA (smiling)

Actually, kabhi bhi ho jaati hai(beat) one never knows

Abhay laughs nervously, completely bemused as he looks

around the room. Leela continues to be puzzled.

ABHAY(confused)

He asked me actually. Jayant nehis kaha thha, shaam ko ghar aajaana...?

There’s a couple of seconds of silence, as both Leela andAmaya realize at the same time, what the confusion is.Amaya, gets up suddenly and storms out of the room. Abhaylooks at her leaving and then looks to Leela for an

explanation. Leela turns to look at him, shrugs with aslightly embarrassed smile.


Jayant is stood in his living room laughing away, as Abhaynursing a drink, looks embarrassed & foolish.

JAYANTToh aap wine bhi Leela ke yahanchhod aaye?

ABHAY(consternation)

Kamaal kartein hain...aap batanahin sakte thhey ?

JAYANT(laughing)

Chaliye, mein bhullakad hoon,address SMS karna bhool gaya(beat) magar huzoor aapne bhi tohkhud hi apne mann mein sab decidekar liya...

Abhay walks upto a photo wall of Jayant’s pictures andlooks at random images of an upturned vegetable seller’scart, a typically misty Delhi morning and images that areof mundane activities but are shot in a way that stand out.

ABHAYExtraordinary

JAYANT(joining him)

Nahin (beat) ordinary. Roz marra

ki zindagi...

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ABHAYJo hum aksar nazarandaaz kar detehain. Aap mein aur ham mein yahi farq hai.

Abhay notices a couple of pictures of Amaya in various

moods, very prettily lit and moody in texture

ABHAY (CONT’D)Angry young woman!

JAYANT(shrugs)

Maybe just misunderstood. Aur waise bhi, gussa ek bahutimportant emotion hai, nahin?

Abhay looks at Jayant and nods. The camera tracks across a

series of pictures such as a child laughing hysterically, adog sitting on the roof of a car, a man running to catch abus, garbage collector smoking a beedi and others.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (A-BEDROOM) - DAY56

Amaya has her laptop open on her bed, listening to adictaphone as an old woman speaks of a riot 25 years ago.Making notes as she goes along in a big white pad, shelooks at a picture on the screen as she begins to type.Leela walks in. RECORDED VOICE

(crackling dictaphone)Log chaaron taraf bhaag rahethhey...cheekhein sunai de rahintheen.

LEELA Amaya, tum taiyyar nahin huin?

AMAYA (sharply)

Kis liye?

LEELA (surprised)Arre (beat) Naye chairs ka sample

ready hai, we need to approve it

AMAYA (irritated)

Toh meri aane ki kya zaroorathai? Aap jaake dekh lo

LEELA (irritated)

Aap jaake dekh lo? Mein akelenahin decide kar rahin hoon Amaya(beat) I want your opinion.

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AMAYA (very sarcastic)

My opinion? Really?

Amaya goes back to working on her laptop as Leela slams thedoor on her way out.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (L-BEDROOM) - TIME LAPSE57

CU of Leela’s face gasping for air. She is stood holding achair in the bedroom, struggling & panic stricken on herface. Finally she lies down, switching off the lights.

She tosses and turns as the bedside clock steadily goespast hour after hour. At 5 am, she finally shuts her eyes.


The cafe is buzzing with people and extremely busy. Amayais alone behind the counter handling it all. Devika is bythe bookshelf, picking out some books. The college kids areon the sofas, creating a ruckus. Raghav who’s sitting in acorner watching the commotion, walks upto Amaya.

RAGHAVHelp karoon?

AMAYA (dismissively)

No thanks...

Raghav steps away and watches her for a while. In thechaos, Amaya drops a cup that smashes on the floor. Raghav

walks over to the broken crockery, bending to clear it

RAGHAV(wryly)

Mere khayal se, mein help kardeta hoon...

As he begins to tidy up and serve some of the waiting

orders, Devika joins them.

DEVIKA (smiling)

Chaos huh? Leela kahaan hai?

AMAYA (curtly)

Tabiyat theek nahin hai

Devika gets a concerned frown on her face

DEVIKA Kyun? Kya hua?

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AMAYA (disinterested)

I don’t know .

Devika and Raghav both looked puzzled at Amaya’s tone asAmaya walks away.


Leela’s lying down as the door opens to let Devika in.

LEELA Hi Devika

DEVIKA Nahin nahin...mat uthiye, what’shappened?

LEELA Bas aise hi...

DEVIKA (mock sternly)

Doctor hoon, mind reader nahin.Bataiye kya hua?

Devika checks Leela’s pulse as she sits down next to her

LEELA (taking a deep breath)

Just...very breathless

DEVIKA Aap asthmatic hain?

LEELA Nahin. Pehli baar hua hai...

DEVIKA Hmmm (beat) stressed?

Leela remains quiet for a bit as she shrugs her shoulders

LEELA Aajkal kaun stressed nahin hai?

DEVIKA (laughs)

Main aapko kucch prescribe kardeti hoon. It’ll calm you down

LEELA Thank you. Accha Abhay kaisa hai?

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DEVIKA Travelling to Dubai again (beat)pakka wahan koi girl friend chhupa rakhi hai

Both Leela and Devika burst out laughing.

DEVIKA (CONT’D)Chalo, you take care. I’ll seeyou soon


Devika walks over to Amaya at the counter as Raghav issetting up a coffee.

DEVIKA

Amaya, yeh dawai Mamma ko sone se pehle dena

RAGHAV(concerned to Devika)

Hua kya hai unhein?

DEVIKA Nothing serious (beat) just a bitstressed I think

Amaya takes the prescription without any overt emotion.Devika leaves as Raghav steps upto Amaya.

RAGHAVMein le aata hoon

AMAYA (curtly)

Raghav, mujhe tumhari madad...

RAGHAV(interjecting angrily)

Madad nahin chahiye? (beat)Amaya, mein yeh sab tumhe impresskarne ke liye nahin kar rahahoon. I’m really fond of Leelaaunty, this is for her. Do you

mind?

Raghav walks away from the counter with the prescription inhis hand. Amaya watches him go, surprised and chastised.


CU of water being poured into a glass. Shot widens to see

Amaya having served her mother food in bed. She leaves the medicine next to her bedside table.

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As Amaya is walking away from the bed, Leela gently holdsher hand in affection.

LEELA Thank you (beat) Maine tumharadraft padha (beat) it’s

touching ...nice.

Amaya seems uncomfortable and seems to be want to pull herhand away

LEELA (CONT’D)(earnestly)

Amaya...please talk to me.

Amaya removes her hand from her Leela’s grasp & walks away.

AMAYA

Good night Ma...

I/E. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - DAY62

The college kids are sitting in their usual place. The cafeis full and Amaya’s busy at the counter and she’s alsotaking delivery of coffee stocks.

AMAYA (to the delivery boy)

Agle hafte Ma poora hisaab kardengi.

The coffee delivery boy leaves, Raghav walks in whistling.

RAGHAVHi Amaya.. (beat) Oh, hamari tohbaatcheet band hai

He turns and goes and joins the college kids. Amaya giveshim a look, then is back to her work.

Leela walks into the cafe. Amaya seems surprised to see herin the cafe.

AMAYA (slightly concerned)

Aap kyun utth aayin? Weren’t yousupposed to stay in bed?

LEELA (smiles)

Publisher ke saath meeting haina? Tum jaake mil aao (beat) aurusse thappar mat maar dena...

Amaya seems to hesitate, but picks up her files lyingnearby. She says nothing and begins to walk out of thecafe.

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LEELA (CONT’D)Oh Amaya...Devika ne aaj shaam kohummay ghar bulaya hai

AMAYA (pointedly)

‘Hummay’ matlab ?Leela remains quiet for a fraction longer than normal.

LEELA (ticked off)

You and me Amaya

AMAYA (turning away)

I’ll try

INT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - DAYPBS 2SONG 3

Amaya leaves as Leela watches after her.

Raghav notices this. The kids are strumming the guitar.

On cue, Raghav starts singing an upbeat song. The wholecafe gets involved and a general mood of bonhomie and goodcheer ensues.

Leela is pulled by Raghav into the knot of people who arelistening and participating with the impromptu song thathas sprung up. There are individual little jigs that happenin all corners of the cafe. Almost everyone seems to crowdaround Leela.

EXT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - CONTINUOUS63

Leela pulls out her phone to make a call, when she stepsout of the cafe, to avoid the noise. While waiting for thecall to connect, she sees Jayant standing at a red lightacross the road. Leela disconnects the phone, as he walks

up and gives her a hug.

LEELA (pleasantly surprised)

Abhi tumhe hi phone kar rahithhi...? Kab waapas aaye?

JAYANTTum kaisi ho?INT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - CONTINUOUSPBS 2

Song 3 continues

Jayant and Leela walk in together.

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LEELA ...Angry

The kids finish singing to raucous applause from everyoneinside. Jayant doesn’t hear her answer clearly.

LEELA (CONT’D)Baitho, mein abhi aati hoon

INT. PUBLISHER'S OFFICE (CABIN) - EVENING64

Wide shot of Amaya and a distinguished man sitting acrossher at a desk. He is tapping a pencil on the table topgently, weighing up what he is about to say. Amaya’s

manuscript lies beside him.

MR. KHANNA

Ms Krishnamoorthy...

Amaya tenses, grits her teeth and looks down to her feet.

MR. KHANNA (CONT’D)Congratulations on your firstpublication!

Amaya is expecting to hear something else. Then sherealizes what she’s hearing. She can’t help but smile asshe accepts his handshake.

MR. KHANNA (CONT’D)(warmly)

Yakin hi nahin hota ki, MEMORIESOF THE BUSY BAZAAR, ek 1st time

writer ka kaam hai...brilliant

AMAYA Thank you!

MR. KHANNA Actually, I was looking forwardto meeting Mr. Sinha as well. Hisphotography is outstanding ...

AMAYA I don’t think he’s in town (beat)There’s just one thing sir ...

Mr Khanna looks at her a little taken aback.

AMAYA (CONT’D)Mujhe, iska title change karnahai

MR. KHANNA

(immediately)Bilkul nahin.

51.

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It’s the title that’ll sellfirst. People will love the bookafter that

Amaya thanks him and leaves. As she steps out of hisoffice, she dials Leela’s cell phone.

CUT TO:


CU of Leela’s phone being plugged into a charger by Leela’sbedside. As Leela leaves the room, she takes a quick lookin the mirror and runs a brush through her hair. She walksout of the door and the phone rings, ‘AMAYA calling’

CUT TO:


The last of the crowd is leaving as Leela sits down.

JAYANTPata hai...maine socha ki mainkyun jata hun ranikhet...Kyunkiabhi bhi maine unn rishton kokahin sambhaal kar rakha huahai.. Amaya bhi shayad wohi karrahi hai.

LEELA (irritated)

Abh toh usse baat karne mein bhidar lagta hai (beat) pata nahinkab kya keh degi

Jayant sits back and takes his glasses off.

JAYANTEk baat samjho Leela, jis maa kepyaar par woh sirf apna haq

samajhti hai, usse lagta hai wohpyaar kal bant jaayega

LEELA Aisa kuchh nahin hoga

JAYANTAb tak woh bekhatke tumhaarekamre mein aati-jaati rehtithhi... Kal usse knock karnapadega..andar aane ke liyeijaazat leni padegi. Do you

realise what that means?

CUT TO:

52.

MR. KHANNA (CONT'D)


54/84

INT. DEVIKA’S HOUSE (LIVING ROOM) - EVENING67

Abhay hands over a drink to Amaya

ABHAYToh kitaab kaisi chal rahi hai?

AMAYA (distracted)

Publish hone waali hai (wryly) wanted Ma to be the 1st person toknow...

Amaya looks at her watch and then uses her cell to call.She disconnects the phone after a while, as the call goesunanswered.

AMAYA (CONT’D)

(to Devika)Raaste mein hogi...

CUT TO:

INT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - NIGHT68

Leela and Jayant are still sitting and chatting

JAYANTWe all make our own comfort zonesaround us (beat) Woh jab disturbhota hai toh taqleef hoti hai..

LEELA Par woh tumhare saath itnicomfortable hai

JAYANTComfortable hai.. par sirf dostke taur par.. (beat) She missesher father Leela. Shayad isi baatka dar hai ki mein unki jageh leloonga

LEELA Toh tum usse yeh kyun nahinsamjhaate (beat) ek dost kitarah?

JAYANTSach toh yeh hai ki yeh baat ussekoi nahin samjha sakta.. Ussekhud samajhna padega

Leela looks away with a deep sigh

CUT TO:

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INT. DEVIKA’S HOUSE (LIVING ROOM) - NIGHT69

Amaya is on the phone ringing Leela again. She’s lookingperturbed and a little hassled. Abhay is also on a phone

ABHAY

Land line bhi nahin lag raha...

DEVIKA (concerned)

I hope she’s feeling well (beat)time mat waste karo, lets go...

Devika quickly gets up and collects her bag as Abhay rushesto get the car keys.

CUT TO:

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (L-BEDROOM) - NIGHT70

Leela’s cell phone is ringing again and then finallydisconnects to show 12 missed calls from Amaya.

CUT TO:

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (KITCHEN) - NIGHT71

Leela and Jayant are sitting around the kitchen tableplaying SCRABBLE, with drinks in front of them. The mood issombre, but Leela and Jayant seem comfortable in the spellsof silence that develop. Jayant is struggling to remember a

word that he wants to place.

JAYANT(frowning)

Oh ho...usse kya kehte hain?(beat) bhula diya na?

Leela is looking at her letters as the kitchen door swingsopens. Amaya steps into the kitchen, followed closely byDevika and Abhay.

LEELA (looks up)

Amaya? (beat) Devik ...(contrite) mein bilkul bhool gayi.

Amaya looks thunderous as she stands shaking her head

AMAYA (under her breath)Un-believable...

DEVIKA (embarrassed)Nahin nahin (beat) it’s okay...

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ABHAY(interjecting)

We’ll do the dinner some othertime

AMAYA

(incredulous)Aapne kaha thha ki aaj dinnerinke ghar pe hai...

JAYANT(pacifying)

Actually Amaya...

Amaya whips around to face him, spitting venom

AMAYA (clenching her teeth)

Mein aapse baat nahin kar rahinhoon. I’m speaking to my mother.Do you mind ?

Abhay and Devika become very awkward and make anembarrassed exit as Leela stands up horrified.

LEELA AMAYA...How dare you?

JAYANT(getting up to leave)

Leela (beat) rehne do, meinchalta hoon...

LEELA (angrily)

Nahin! Tum yahin ruko

INT. ABHAY’S CAR - NIGHT72

Abhay and Devika are driving silently. After a couple ofseconds, Devika turns to Abhay.

DEVIKA I think Amaya just over-reacted.

ABHAYDevika (beat) Amaya ke nazariyese dekho. Woh is relationship kokaise accept kar sakti hai...?

DEVIKA Kyun? Amaya ek modern ladki hai(beat) she knows her mind

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ABHAY(angrily)

Modern ladki hone ka yeh matlabthodi na hai, ki woh emotionlesshai (beat) dono cheezon koconfuse mat karo

DEVIKA I think you’re being very unfairAbhay...

ABHAYFair, unfair ki toh baat hi nahinhai...mein yahi keh raha hoon, kimein bhi aise hi react karta. Aur mein, Amaya se umar mein bahutbada hoon.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (KITCHEN) - NIGHT73

An absolutely livid Leela is standing in front of a defiantlooking Amaya. Jayant is still sitting at the table.

LEELA Listen Amaya...

AMAYA NO... YOU LISTEN. Aapko jo kehnatha (beat) maine sunn liya.

(furious)You’ve betrayed my father.

Leela looks at Jayant at this point almost beseechingly andJayant holds her gaze, gently shaking his head from side toside.

AMAYA (CONT’D)You’ve embarrassed me (beat)You’ve changed...

(pointing to Jayant)Suddenly yeh kya aa gaye, aapkipoori zindagi palat gayi (beat)

I’m no longer important? (beat)And what were you thinking? Meinapne doston ko kya kahoongi? Yehlo...wedding invitation (beat)mera nahin, meri ma ka.

Amaya is pacing around the room like a madwoman.

AMAYA (CONT’D)How will you break this to Attey(aunt)...Paati (grandmother)?Unhe kaisa lagega? Kya kahogeaap? (beat) I HATE YOU. I hatewho you’ve become...

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LEELA Amaya maine...

JAYANT(quietly)

Leela...

Leela doesn’t say anything more and Amaya continues.

AMAYA You obviously don’t love Appa.

Not being able to control herself anymore, Leela speaks

LEELA (angry)

I loved your father . My Husband.Par Amaya, main saari zindagi

peeche dekhte huey nahin jeenachahti

AMAYA (spitting venom)

Jayant can never be my father andhe will never take Appa’s place(laughing bitterly) magar apnetoh...

Leela looks on questioningly, since Amaya seems to pause

LEELA Maine toh...kya?

AMAYA (bitterly)

That was Appa’s and your bedroom

Jayant looks at Amaya who now almost has tears in her eyes.

LEELA (gently)

Amaya...bas karo...please stop.

AMAYA (viciously)

He makes me feel like a womanagain, yahi kaha tha na aapne?What is it Ma? Is it just thesex?

The room goes deathly quiet as you hear a chair beingscraped back. Jayant stands up after a few moments.

JAYANT(quietly)

Amaya...agar Aditi ne aaj yehkaha hota, I’d have slapped her

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Jayant walks out of the kitchen as you hear the main doorshut shortly thereafter.

EXT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - NIGHT74

Jayant shuts the main door as he steps out of the cafe. TheCLOSED sign continues to gently shake long after Jayant hasleft the scene.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (A-BEDROOM) - NIGHT75SONG 4

CU of Amaya’s face as it enters the frame and exits rapidlytime after time. This happens for a couple of seconds tilla wide shot revels Amaya on the floor, doing sit-ups. Youcan see that she is angry, upset and really pushing herself

physically. As she finishes, her eyes go to a photograph ofLeela and her on the bedside table. Picking it up, shesmashes it on the floor.

EXT. SOUTH DELHI ROAD - NIGHT76Song 4 continues

Jayant is walking, as though lost in a zone. He walks at asteady pace, but with his head held very still. He doesn’tlook left or right & continues to stare far into thedistance.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (VERANDAH) - NIGHT77Song 4 continues

Leela is stood in the verandah, with tears rolling down herface. She is stood still as a statue, with no discernibleemotion on her face. Just the tears keep flowing non stop.

INT. DEVIKA’S HOUSE (LIVING ROOM) - NIGHT78Song 4 continues

Sitting on a couch, Abhay and Devika are watching TV whenDevika’s cell phone beeps. She reads the SMS which says,“Sorry for what happened earlier. Leela”. She nudges Abhayto whom she then passes the phone.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (BATHROOM) - NIGHT79Song 4 continues

Leela is standing in front of the sink, taking off all her makeup. She finally splashes her face with a lot of waterand as she wipes off the last few drops of water, she looks

at her bare face, with slightly red eyes.

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INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (A-BEDROOM) - NIGHT80Song 4 continues

Amaya is sitting in the middle of the shards of glass fromthe shattered photo frame. She is holding a large piece ofglass in her hand, but is lost in thought and intently

looking at the tip of the shard. There are tears in hereyes and she unconsciously begins to grip it tighter andtighter. Finally she snaps out of her daze as a steadystream of blood begins to drip from her cut palm onto thepicture of Amaya and Leela, lying on the floor.

EXT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - MORNING81Song 4 continues

The college kids walk upto the door to find the CLOSEDsign. They walk away slightly perplexed.

EXT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - TIME LAPSE82Song 4 continues

Traffic and people zip past the closed coffee shop & lotsof regulars come & leave looking surprised. The collegekids come back later to still find the cafe shut.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (A-BEDROOM) - MORNING83Song 4 continues

Amaya is sat in front of her computer, with her Gmail open.The open E-mail reads, “Ms. Krishnamoorthy, suggestedchanges on The Busy Bazaar still awaited. Sincerely, S.Khanna.”

Amaya continues to look at the screen blankly, finallyresting her head on the table looking at a picture of Leelaand her father near the laptop screen. Her injured hand isbandaged up

EXT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - MORNING84

Song 4 continues

Raghav walks upto the cafe with a large cardboard box inhis arms. Surprised to find it closed, he waits for acouple of minutes before walking away.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (KITCHEN) - DAY85Song 4 continues

Leela is on the phone with Sujata, sitting at the table.

LEELA Sujata (beat) am I really beingselfish? Have I betrayed Bala?

59.


61/84

Leela continues to listen

EXT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - EVENING86

Raghav walks up to the cafe with the same large cardboard

box in his arms. Finding it still closed, he peeps into thecafe to try and figure out what’s happening. Finally he

walks away frustrated.

INT. PUB - NIGHT87

Loud music in the b/g as Amaya’s friends sit aroundslightly uncomfortable. No one knows what to say andevidently Amaya is clearly not in the mood to be here atall.

TARIQArre cheer up baba... we’re allhere for you aur hum sab samajhtehain, tum par kya beet rahi hai

AMAYA No, you don’t Tariq

SHREYA (sharply)

Eh Amaya, relax yaar. He’s justtrying to be nice (beat) aurtumhe kyun lagta hai ki pooriduniya tumhaare against hai?

LATIKA (nervously)

Shreya, chup kar yaar

SHREYA Amaya, we’re friends right (beat)

magar such bataon, toh sometimesI just don’t get you.

AMAYA

Mujhe yahan aana hi nahin chahiyethha

The friends look bemused as Amaya picks up her bag andleaves the pub without even saying bye.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE (A-BEDROOM) - NIGHT88

Amaya is typing on her computer, “Foreword by AmayaKrishnamoorthy”

Close shots of her typing on the keyboard, her face as sheconcentrates on a particular phrase or word.

60.


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Jayant is sat surrounded about 7-8 camera bodies. Some filmand some digital SLR’s as well as lenses of all shapes andsizes. He’s cleaning each of these meticulously with anarray of cleaning equipment at his disposal. As he finishes

cleaning each piece, he gently places it back into a bag.Doorbell rings.

I/E. JAYANT’S HOUSE (LIVING ROOM) - NIGHT90

Jayant opens the door to see his maid standing outside. Helooks a little bemused at her and a slight frown developson his face, as though he doesn’t recognise who she is. The

maid looks up at him and seems confused and surprised atthe same time. Neither of them move for a couple of seconds

MAID(hesitant)Saab? Mein andar aa jaaon?Jayant looks at her face and then suddenly seems to start,as he steps to one side to let the maid in.


Leela is carrying some boxes into the storeroom at the backof the cafe. Raghav enters with the same large cardboardbox just as she’s left.

RAGHAVLEELA AUNTY!!

LEELA (O.S.)Mein idhar hoon (beat) peeche

Raghav walks towards the back room.

RAGHAV(cheekily)

Aapki Labour union strike par

thi? Hamari maange poori karo...poori karo...

LEELA (distracted)

Kya keh rahe ho Raghav?

RAGHAVArre... mein do din se iss hathiko laad ke laa raha hoon, auryahan aapki factory pe taala lagahua hai

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LEELA Factory? Maange?

(getting it)Ohhh Raghavvvv ! Abh yeh kya layeho?

Raghav has already unwrapped the package as he presents it with a dramatic flourish

RAGHAVTANTANDA...NA NA NA NA...Leela looks thrilled at a new signboard that Raghav hasdesigned and had fabricated for the front of the cafe.Leela puts her arm around his shoulders as heaffectionately hugs her back

LEELA

I like it.

RAGHAVLekin yahan dekh kar lag raha haiki signboard ki nahin, logon ki zaroorat hai

AMAYA (O.S.)Maa...INT. BOOK-A-COFFEE CAFE - CONTINUOUS92

An angry Amaya is looking for her mother. Leela leaves thestore room as Raghav hesitates for a second. He remainsstanding where he is.

AMAYA (bitterly)

Aap dono ko shaadi karni hai,saath rehna hai, jo karna haikariye. Just please tell Jayantnot to call me.

Leela takes the phone from Amaya’s hand and dials a number.

LEELA Jayant (beat) Please Amaya kophir phone mat karna.

Leela returns the phone to Amaya as she looks taken abackand leaves the cafe. Raghav is surprised at the way Amayaspeaks to Leela as he emerges looking embarrassed butchanged in a way. He walks up to a stunned Leela andenvelops her in a bear hug.

Amaya comes into the cafe on her way out. She sees Raghav

and walks away without saying anything. Raghav follows heroutside where she’s waiting for an auto.

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RAGHAV(tapping her shoulder)

Hey Amaya...?

Amaya turns to see him and is a little surprised.

RAGHAV (CONT’D)Pata hai...tum sirf pretend kartiho ki tum ek bahut open minded ladki ho (beat) but actuallyyou’re a hypocrite.

AMAYA (angrily)

Fuck off Raghav.

RAGHAVI will...but, why are you hurtingher?

AMAYA Hurting her? Nobody understands

what I’m feeling. Kisi ko koifarq nahin padta (beat) waise bhithis is none of your business...

RAGHAVKya tumhe sach much lagta hai kiunhe farq nahin padta? (angrily)Amaya, tum bacchi ho kya?

As this is getting very heated, people are walking pastthem, looking surprised at what’s happening.

AMAYA Raghav...

RAGHAV(interrupting)

I haven’t finished ...Mein aathsaal ka tha, jab mere parents

alag ho gaye (beat) meri maa nedoosri shaadi kar li. Papa nenahin ki (beat) for our sake.Didi aur mein apni apni zindagimein busy ho gaye (beat) and hejust got so bloody lonely. It wasreally sad to see him likethat... hamne unhe convince kiya(beat) He married again.

INT. LEELA’S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS94

Leela is writing a note and you only see the signoff, “loveyou always, Ma” as she finishes.

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Sealing it, she walks over to leave it for Amaya in herroom. She sees her laptop open on the table and leaves thesealed envelope by it’s side.

RAGHAV (V.O.)Mein samajh sakta hoon ki you’re

embarrassed (beat) Log kyakahenge and all that...hum bhithhey. But, we didn’t want to beselfish...(beat) Amaya,everything is not about you.


RAGHAVYaar, sabko maloom hai you’refond of Jayant, so what’s the

problem ?

Raghav looks at Amaya, completely flummoxed.

AMAYA I’ll tell you what the problemis...to know that my mother ishaving sex with another man.

RAGHAV(incredulous)

You disappoint me...

As he says this, he walks away from Amaya, not looking backeven once. Amaya continues to stand where she is and

watches him go.

EXT. ABDUL’S TEA STALL - EVENING96

Jayant is standing outside Abdul Miyan’s tea stall. Helooks confused for a couple of seconds before he recognisesthe landmark to Rizwan bhai’s shop and turns into the lane.

I/E. RIZWAN BHAI’S SHOP - EVENING97

A young man is sitting in Rizwan bhai’s place and he looksup as Jayant steps into the shop.

RIZWAN’S SONJi kahiye?

JAYANTWoh...Rizwan bhai?

RIZWAN'S SON

(surprised)Aayiye baithiye...apki koighadi...?

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JAYANT(smiling)

Nahin nahin, mein toh yuhin...

RIZWAN'S SON(gently)

Pichle hafte, Abba ka intequal hogaya.

Jayant leans back against a wall, surprised & sad.

JAYANTMaaf kijiyega. Hum kuch mahine pehle hi mile thhey (beat) badedilchasp insaan thhey woh...

Jayant opens a paper envelope that he’s carrying and takesout a sheaf of photographs he had shot when he was last

here. He hands them over to the young man.

JAYANT (CONT’D)Mein unki kucch tasveeren layahoon.

RIZWAN'S SON(realising who he is)Accha...toh Abba ne aapka zikr

kiya thha!

JAYANT(surprised)

Mera zikr ?

RIZWAN'S SONYahan har koi sirf apni ghadiyanmarrammat karwane aata hai (beat)bas aap hi ek thhey jo yuhin waqtbitane chale aaye...Shayadisiliye aap unke zehan meinquayam rahe.

As the young man is looking at some very nicely shotpictures of Rizwan bhai, he looks up with a smile.

RIZWAN'S SON (CONT’D)Inhe dekh kar, Abba ko hamesha

muskurate hue yaad karenge.

JAYANT(smiling)

Aapke Abba toh kehte thhey, kiyaadon ko innme nahin...yahan quaid kiya jaata hai.

Jayant taps his forehead like Rizwan bhai had done earlier.

The scene stays with a Jayant who seems lost in thought.

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EXT. CHANDNI CHOWK (LANES) - EVENING98

Jayant is walking back lost in thought when he suddenlynotices a young girl standing crying in the middle of alane. He stops seemingly undecided, but walks on. A coupleof people cross the frame and as he looks back, he sees

Aditi stood there instead, crying. He looks confused as he walks towards Aditi. A few more people cross the frame andas they clear, the girl has changed back to the originalchild with her father squatting beside her and comfortingher. Jayant watches them walk away into the crowd.


Amaya is sat at her desk, noticing the letter and her mother’s handwriting, she puts the letter in a drawer. Her mind clearly elsewhere. She starts to type “Live by what

you believe in...” she pauses for a fraction, intentlylooking at the screen “...even if it kills you”. A steelyresolve descends into Amaya’s eyes just as Leela knocks onthe bedroom door and walks in.

LEELA Khaana laga diya hai...

AMAYA (not even looking up)

Mujhe bhook nahin hai

Leela begins to walk out but then stops and turns.

LEELA Kyun? Kya problem hai Amaya

AMAYA Mujhe kab khaana hai, kab sonahai, kisse milna hai, mein decidekaroongi. Mein bacchi nahinhoon...you need to realise that

Leela walks upto Amaya, shuts the laptop screen forcefullyas Amaya looks up surprised and irritated

LEELA Accepted. Magar Amaya, tumhe bhirealise karna hoga ki mein abhbhi tumhaari maa hoon

AMAYA (dismissively)

Please ma...mein jhagda karne ke mood mein nahin hoon

LEELA

Toh abh mein tumhe time parkhaane ko bhi nahin bol sakti?(beat) Meri taraf dekho Amaya.

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Yeh tum baar baar claim karti ho,I’ve grown up, I’m mature (beat)but g

Listen...Amaya (Pre shoot final draft)

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Transcript of Listen...Amaya (Pre shoot final draft)