"What're you looking at?" "...Run along." "What...?" " No..." "Nothing." "Put them on all the boards." "Hey, what're you doing?" "Putting up posters!" "That's a "No Entry" sign?" "Next week is Our programme." "Take it off, or I'll call the police." "These Parsi's... always so fussy." "What a racket!" "Why is the chessboard here?" "Take it away." " Yes." "A body can only do one thing at a time!" "Did I say I won't do it." "Pesi Sahib's Story is in it." "How's it?" "Isn't there anything else except to read his stupid story?" "That's true enough." "Pesi Sahib phoned, I've the number." "What did you say?" " Sahib's in the bath." "What did he say?" " That he'd call again." "I won't talk to him." "Tell him I'm not in." "Give me the accounts." "Has my father left lot of wealth?" "Why a quarter kilo of peas?" "100 grams, I'd said" " They don't sell 100 grams." "Know how prices have shot up?" "Spendthrifts like you make independent India so poor!" "Keep aside 25 grams and..." "make the balance for night." "Pesi Sahib's call." "You want to speak to me?" "Shout... shout." "Take it!" "He's gone out." "When he'll return?" "He'll be back by... 12 O' Clock." "Yes... call him later." "I told you to say, I won't be back." "You've asked him to call back at 12'o clock." "It's 11.45 already." "Tell him a 1000 times, but the idiot'll never learn." "Won't you have lunch?" "No." "I'm going to Ripon club." "Your collar is here." " I don't want it." "Well, Pirojsha..." "You're obsessed by Pesi on coming to Bombay, aren't you?" "Pesi, why do you bother me?" "Parsis are strange!" "If the skin's white, They're floored!" "Disgraceful slave mentality." "Hello Piroj." "Seeing you after years!" "I returned from Bhusawal yesterday." "How're you?" " Fine." "Met Pesi yet?" " No" "He's very illusive." "We live in the same house." "But, we don't meet." "He's busy fighting his brother in Court." " I know." "Will Pesi come here...?" "Burjove, The Times won't publish my letters..." " Is it so?" "They fear... because I write the truth!" "Who likes the truth these days?" "People stick posters on "No Entry" signs!" " Oh God!" "No civic sense at all." "They ought to be jailed." "That's Bombay!" "What can we do?" "My God!" "Pesi is here..." "Wait..." "I'll be back in a minute." "Hello Pirojsha!" "I didn't know you were here." " Chagan must have told you." "Mr. Sharma" " Yes sir." "Well..." "Piroj  Pesi." "We remain best friends, though we don't meet often." "If one goes up, the other'll soon follow." "It's very expensive." "It's too expensive" "It is too expensive." " You give whatever you want." "Lost of clients want this house." "The poor chap looks old." "Poor..." "He only reaps as he sows." "I've the pen..." "Why didn't you tell me?" "Come  sit here." "I'm searching it for a long time." "Will you sit still!" "Read the form carefully  sign where the cross marks are." "Or it'll be a mess." "Sign here?" " Yes, where I've marked." "Friend." "Can you really afford a wife?" " Of course." "But, you always borrow money." "Only from you and I return it." "When the estate money comes, I'll be rich." "Will Homi give you any?" " Of course." "Piroj, will you let me sign?" "How much do I owe you?" "250 from last week and handbills 45." "Handbills?" " You got them for Vispi." "I'd the pen in my pocket all along, I got it." "Next Sunday is his funfair." "Does odd jobs for the whole World..." "But doesn't have time to talk important matters." "How's Mr. Shah, your boss." "A totally corrupt man." "Asks me to adjust accounts!" "I've managed accounts for 20 years." "And that Shah..." "Six months in the job and the idiot wants me to fudge accounts." "Why get angry?" "You'll be your own boss in Bhusawal and have nothing to do with him." "But Bhusawal means a demotion." "No house, a small office But better than that Shah!" "You're forever using silly diversions!" "You're leaving?" "What of our marriage plans?" "What's there to talk?" "There marriage bureau will show us two girls." "One for you, one for me." "On saturday, you see yours, I'll see mine." "If they're okay, we'll have a double wedding." "That's alright... but," "You and your buts!" "Tell me." "Marriage is a big responsibility..." "For a lifetime." "Now, you see the girl." "Then, you must think carefully, before saying yes." "Or it'll be one more fiasco." "Remember Diana?" "Did I marry her?" "Wasn't I saved though?" "She fooled you alright." "Ran off with 5000." "Our Parsi girl'd never..." "Not that non-Parsi bit again!" "So I'm seeing Parsi girls." "But still..." "Check her horoscope." "Such a lovely girl for me?" "Is it a dream?" "How do you like Jeroo?" "She's come from Aden with her brother." "Her father lives here." "And they've money... pots of it." "How often will you repeat it?" "Come on..." "Say yes or no to Jeroo." "I'll check her horoscope." "You should tell..." "She must marry in a month." "Her brother and aunt want to return to Aden." "She has to see other boys as well." "She has to go to Nadia also." "Give me time to think." "What's there to think!" "Say, yes or no." "My daughter plays the Piano well." "She gave a concert in Aden." "This is my card." "My rates are a bit high." "Fact is, my catering increases a man's social status." "Sit erect." "Will she bring this piano to my house?" "Where'll I keep it?" "Chagan can't go round in shorts either." "Oh God!" "Can I cope with all this?" "Greetings." " Greetings!" "Where to, Kekobad?" "Parsi paper hasn't come." "I'm going to bring it." "I can't find my keys." "It's a daily hassle." "My brain's addled." "Have to lock up everything with Kekobad around." " Aunty!" "I don't remember where I've kept the key." "I had kept it here only." "Aunty..." "Will you eat with us?" " Yes." "Aunty, I went to see a girl yesterday..." "I can't find my keys." "While you're here, son, you do me one favour." "Fix the clock and the lamp." "Okay." "I'll go up to Shirin's and look for my keys, can't find it." "It's missing." "You do this work." "Where were you?" " Shopping takes time!" "Did you see my keys?" "No use of asking you." "She's losing keys 10 times in a day." "And she's asking me?" "What's wrong with the lamp?" "One at the back." " Yes." "It's not working." " Get the screwdriver." "Okay, let me change the dress." "I'm coming." "You want the screw driver, isn't it?" "Clock is working." "Lamp is also alright!" "Is it working?" "If you don't plug it in, how'll it work?" "Do you know?" "Homi has written again." "He says... his father has left," "The clock, statues and chandeliers for him." "Pesi gets only the flat." " I know." "Oh God..." "Hirjee Seth had only 2 children." "And elder brother is fighting with the younger brother..." "Good, Hirjee brother died." "The old man must be turning in his grave." "Go  do your work." "Yes, I'll go." "I've lots of work." "Have to clean the Car." "Aunty, Is my Ovaltine ready?" " It has been ready for ages son." "You come back from the bathroom soon." "Pirojsha is waiting." "Aunty..." " What's it son?" "Where's Jamey's file?" "On the top shelf..." "Just see." "You got it?" " Yes." "Did you meet marriage bureau girl?" "That's what I told you." "Yesterday I..." "What!" "You won't marry?" "Will you marry at my age?" "Irresponsible generation." "The Parsis will die out." "Understood?" " Yes." "You never married and are preaching to me!" "It's getting late for me." "I'll leave." "How does Pesi manage?" "His life is a total mess." "No proper investments, nor does he work at insurance." "Last month FDR also matured." "Now he wants to marry!" "Aunty, Kekobad is enough to drive me nuts." "How much do I owe you?" "375!" "How it became 375?" "80 of day before plus 295 of last week." "Come here for a minute." "Leave the accounts." "Did you like my story?" "Will it happen like that in real life?" "Why is it not possible?" "Is happy ending possible?" "What can I do if you don't believe?" "Let me have my Ovaltine." "You always let the Ovaltine get stone cold!" "Was Keko here?" " No, what's it?" "My 400 rupees are missing." "I'd kept it here only." "Did you take it, Pesi?" " No, Aunty." "And, Pesi gave them to me." "What?" "He gave you!" "The grocer has come for the money..." "And what do you do?" "Keep calm, Aunty." " How can I?" "Give it to her." "The things you do..." "Harassing and old woman..." "Come on play." " You play." "This is your turn, How can I play?" "What do I owe you now?" " 375." "What's wrong with you?" "Go on..." "Will you concentrate!" "You want to play or not?" " No." "What happened about the girls?" "Is it fixed?" "Aunty, Piroj's wedding is all fixed." "Not yet..." "I've to get the horoscope examined." "I'm going to Surat tomorrow." "You've disturbed the chess board." "Trying to scorch me?" "Mix in cold water." "It's enough..." "You're making it too cold." "You told me, that's why I put." "Shall I go?" " Where?" "To buy vegetables." "Vegetables or cigarettes?" "No..." "To buy only vegetables." "Rashne is a lovely name." "I'll change your name to Rashne." "Jeroo is no good." "I just returned an hour ago." "Her horoscope is okay." "So... it's fixed." "I'll talk to Tamina Bai just now." "What?" "Of course I'll come." "I'll try to bring her." "Later, later Play later." "When I tell you." "Understood?" "How long'll you take to comb that measly hair?" "It's enough, friend." "Look this side..." "Look here." "Where's your girl?" " The matchmaker didn't return my call." "She'll call." "Are you ready?" "What's this?" "Tie it properly." " It's too tight." " No, it's not..." "Come on..." "The guests're here." "Here comes the bride." "Get the band, decorate the house." "Call the girls, ask them to dance." "Shower her with blessings." "Today is a great day." "The bride is here to stay." "The bride is very pretty." " Yes." "You didn't show interest and he said yes." "I phoned to confirm." "Did you?" "No one told me." "Don't misunderstand... but for Jeroo to live in a dump like Bhusawal." "It won't be nice, isn't it?" "You don't worry." "I have some other very nice girl for you." "Good families and moneyed..." "But don't start picking that one's fat, the other's thin." "Where has he gone?" "All this is my catering of course Jeroo has been taught to cook everything." "An expert in western cooking, she can make Parsi food too." "All the food here is from my catering establishment." "It has to be." "It's my Company's catering." "She has come from Aden." "Red sari or blue..." "What's the difference?" "Have you seen Shirin?" " She's in the dining room." "The food is awful." "What a lousy caterer!" " Get lost." "I have." "Hey Bisti, come here." "He's Bisti." "My friend." "He lives on the floor above mine." "He plays Cricket, don't you?" "Which college are you studying?" "St. Xavier." " Is it?" "How nice." "That Pirojsha is my best friend." " Is it?" " Yes." "People say, "Two bees in a pot"." "Deepa Bedi, Deepa Pirojsha." "How did you like Samson and Delilah?" "I had already seen it in Aden." "But I didn't mind seeing it second time." "Victor Mature is so strong!" "Pirojsha, what about you?" "Marriage means... a big responsibility." "You've to take care of me  you must understand me, Isn't it?" "You must now tell me... what you like..." "and what you dislike?" "I like my Daddy and my brother." "I also love playing the piano." "I practice every morning and evening." "And what else?" "I like cooking." "I like a tidy house." "I like to visit the Fire Temple." "One Saturday movies, the next Saturday dancing." "On the third Saturday movies again movies." "On the last Saturday dancing." "That was my schedule in Aden." "Vivian Leigh, Lana Turner, Clark Gable Ronald Colman." "You know them, don't you?" "Hadn't I bothered about Horoscope." "She'd be mine today." "Where are you going?" " Outside." "Hey, Sit... sit." "What do you like?" "I like stories, I write them." "Many are popular." ""Mehras's Plight" and "Mother-in-law..." ...Nagging." "Then I like pop music." "I like children." "Really, how nice!" "One minute..." "Can we speak in private?" "Okay I'll..." " You sit." "We'll go there." "One minute." "What happened?" " A kiss." "No, at the club, what did she say?" "Later, later..." "Tell me..." " Wait..." " What did she say?" "Changan will be there." " Yes." "We'll talk here." "Jeroo said..." "She had a boyfriend in Aden Her music teacher." "He resembled Ronald Colman." "His smile... his eyes..." "He looked exactly like Colman." "He was non-Parsi, so the family didn't approve." "He died in a car crash last year." "So, she came to Bombay." "Okay..." "So what?" "His death wasn't her fault." "You must accept her as she is." " Of course..." "Did I say no..." "She wants to be a concert pianist in Bombay." "She wants to give piano lessons here in Bombay." "So let her." " I didn't say no." "She confessed." "At least she's honest." " Yes." "One minute..." "One minute." "Another thing..." "It's a small thing..." "a nagging problem." " Yes, tell me." "I'm the marrying type, right?" " Of course." "...lt'll work out, won't it..." " Yes." " Thank you." "Invites us for cocktails and serves soft drinks!" "Well..." "Prohibition..." "Then serve dinner to make the loss bearable." "Speak of the devil..." "Shah with Madam in tow!" "Is she Mrs. Shah?" "She's Solicitor Mistry's widow." "She's the wife of the old man, who died two years back." "He was 20 years older than her." "It's better, he's dead." "She's latched on to Shah..." "A real man eater!" "Where did she meet him?" "She's a lawyer, She'll do anything for business." "Here, they come." "He's requested a transfer to Bhusawal." "Maybe, he doesn't like me." " No." "When are you off to Bhusawal?" "The first of next month." "You're Parsi, aren't you?" " Yes." "Got any money?" "Mummy is Punjabi, Dad and my husband, Parsi." "I wasn't initiated into Parsi rites." "If I have a child, what will he be?" "What a disgraceful woman!" "Aunty, isn't the lift working?" "Where did you disappear?" " I went to Poona." "Speak softly, she's sleeping." "Chagan has sent lacy cutlets." " Keep it in the kitchen." " Careful." "Hold some for a minute." "Where are you off to?" " Upstairs." "These clothes are for charity kids." "Where're you taking Pirojsha?" "Wait, I'm coming." "Give me." "Jeroo cleared all the cupboards, what a lot of old stuff she found!" "She made this gown for me." "What a sweet girl, son." "Give me..." "Come along." "Why do you talk so much?" "I'm coming..." "The old man's always in a hurry" " You keep on talking." "Please Come." " Come." "Come." "Ovaltine for you and tea  Potato cutlet for Pirojsha." " So sweet." "There were papers here..." "I put them together over there." "Pirojsha, you sit." "You have mixed up my story." "And your Ovaltine?" " Later." "How is your headache?" "I've taken out the Chessboard for you Pesi." "Takeit ..." "From now on we'll play at your place." "Will you take it with you?" " Yes." "I've brought cutlets." "No tea for you?" "No, I've just had hot lemon  honey." "Went to see my boss..." "I got my appointment letter to Bhusawal." "Must take over at Bhusawal on the first." "You are off to Bhusawal?" " Yes, on the 1st." "Today's the 20th, right?" " In 10 days?" "In 10 days!" "You can't just leave like that." "Darling, we'll give him a send-off party, isn't it?" "Sure, you two make a list but not too many guests." "This time we'll call Soona" " Why Soona?" "She couldn't attend the wedding." "I'll practise my piano now." "Bring your tea over here." "Are Jeroo's headaches bad?" "No... not really..." "...Except for a minor problem." "Her sinus." "She keeps the fan off and windows closed." "I'm not complaining." "I feel a bit suffocated." "She'll play a full hour now." "I'll go play cricket with the kids." "You come along." "I'll get my bat." "You've put too much dye." "It becomes too black." "It will settle in two days." "Take out my shoes." "How much polish!" "My pants get stained." "Without polish how'll they shine." "I told you to rub with a rag." " I did." "You're already here." "Where's Pesi?" " Gone to fetch Mr. Kumar." "You go in, Jeroo's inside." "Please sit." "You prepared all this?" " Yes." "So much work!" " Not at all" "Go, Mrs. Soona is here." " Is she?" "The bow-tie isn't right." "If she asked me, who I was?" "What could I say?" "Pesi's aunt's sister's son?" "So, I said, Kekobad!" "What else?" "Go..." "The guests have come." "Why is this female here?" "There's more property in the District." "Pesi's step-brother isn't ready to share it though..." "You must help us to win the case." "God is strange." "This Soona is nothing compared to my Jeroo." "Rascal..." "Come here, Pirojsha." "This party is for him." "He's leaving us  going to Bhusawal." "Which company are you joining?" "The same, another branch." "Yes I know" " How do you know?" "The whole world knows!" "Where you at the party the other night?" "Rich Memsahib, am I?" "Queen of beauty, am I?" "See my pretty umbrella." "Walking in style, am I?" "Look at this damsel." "How fair she looks." "Stomps on heavily like a fat mare of Kathiawad." "My papa has a car." "My mama has 10-12 cars." "My uncle is an big Landlord." "That's why, you're mine today." "Shameless woman, puffing away!" "Take." " There's one more file I'll get in now." "Forget the files, my Homi brother won't give anything." "He says there's no joint property." "He says, only the flat is mine." "The rest is his." "He'll have to share." "She'll do anything to get business." "Oh great!" "Now it's her ankle." "Sometimes sinus Sometimes Asthma." "Now, it's her ankle, isn't it Jeroo?" "She's a good girl, but... she prefers misery to happiness, Isn't Jeroo?" "Come in, Pirojsha." "Sit here with us." " No." "Don't go." " Enough." "We're discussing joys and sorrows What do you prefer?" " Joy or Sorrow." "He likes only Chess and my Jeroo." "Jeroo was to marry him..." "...but he took too long, so I got her." "Now that you have Pesi..." "Happiness requires hard work." "Isn't it true?" "He doesn't like hard work so he's still single." "Who's touching my piano!" "I'll come to the station..." "with my gramophone  records." "You'll be lonely in Bhusawal." "You'll feel fresh after hearing music." "What will I do in Bhusawal without you two?" "The boss wants you." "He wants the letter." " I've typed it." " Then give it." "They neither visit nor write." "No reply yet?" "It's over a month- In Bombay nobody has the time." "How much time does a letter take?" "5-10 minutes!" "Let me see your papers." "Finished typing?" "How many spelling mistakes, Mrs. Tambe." "You're always late, ever since your marriage." "I've lots to do at home." "Marriage makes so much extra work?" "Won't you get married?" " No, not at all." "Pesi's married, that's enough." "Piles of trash everywhere!" "Where're you, woman?" "To tell you the truth, You want money but you won't work." "If boss sees it, he'll scold me not you." "You're not bothered." "You don't come here to work." "You're only interested in pay." "I'm working with the boss for 20 Yrs." "Pick it up quickly..." "Work properly Durga Bai." "You always come late." "Told you so many times." "Smoke in the backyard." "It's stinking in the morning." "I've to keep an eye on her." "If she steals something?" "What'll she steal?" "Chair or bed?" "Go and prepare my bath." " Okay." "You'll never improve." "Durga Bai close the front door." "Some thief may come..." "Chagan." " Coming..." "Where were you?" " I went to close the door." "What thief will come early in the morning?" " Dog  cat might come." "Is it from Pesi Sahib?" " How're you concerned?" "Why did you touch my newspaper?" "I must know who has died in Bombay." " But you messed up the pages." "...Then I can't cut out Pesi's story." "My dear Pesi, Your Tata Co." "F.D.R. is maturing next month, aunty's also." "Don't forget to renew it." "...Keep receipts in the green file Or tell Jeroo." "She will do it carefully." "Homi's Court case will take two more years." "Why did you give your case to Soona?" "Is she the only advocate in entire Bombay." "'Gone With the Winï got good reviews Take Jeroo to the movie." "Have her piano lessons started?" "Select only Parsi students." "Is this the way to play?" "You Not this." "This move..." " Okay, keep it." "Don't understand anything." "Get lost." "God!" "Look after Pesi  Jeroo." "Give them health and joy." "Bless them with a child." "How're you doing, Mrs. Tambe?" " Fine." "Mr. Tambe is alright." " He's fine." "Tell me something." "When do you know you're going to have baby?" " What do you mean?" "A baby is on the way." "I got a letter." "If it's a boy, he'll be called Piroj." "When is pregnancy detected?" "You know in two months..." " Within 2 months!" "So, it means the baby is due in 7 months." "I'll go to Bombay in February unless..." "I'm transferred earlier." "They want me back in Bombay." "Don't leave us, we're so happy with you here." "But my home and friends are in Bombay." "It's been over 3 years." "May I go, sir?" "I've to cook dinner." "Is it okay?" "How can I understand English?" "I translated it for you." "Will a letter stop cruelty to horses?" "Don't be stupid." "This's for the fashionable SPCA folks." "City people must see what goes on in village." "Carriage owners are making horses an endangered specie." "Our Tambe sister is coming." " Give the towel." "Go... go." "Oh, what's this..." "Today is the Kite Festival." "We've brought you sweets." "A sweetened mouth talks sweetly." "He's now... how many years old." " Only six months." "What's this he's wearing on his feet." "These are anklets and... bracelets." "He's very sweet." "Will you bring a set for me?" "For baby Piroj?" "Who knows if it's "Piroj" or "Perin"." "I'll know that only if I go to Bombay." "They haven't written but I'm going." "Then I'll know." "We must be going, sir" "A soft drink...?" " We've many visits yet." "Greetings." " Greetings." "How are you?" " Fine." "Is this the place to dump garbage?" "How many times to tell you not to dump garbage?" "Hello Kekobad." "Oh, Pirojsha, you've come!" "I'll just come after shopping." "Already married before 25?" "Go by lift." "Hey, Pirojsha, you've come back to Bombay." "I've taken leave and come." "Speak louder, son." "I can't hear well now." "I've taken leave  come." " Is it?" "Is it a boy or a girl?" "Yes." "Must be downstairs." "Didn't you recognise me?" "What is it now?" "I had told you to fold the clothes!" "Must I keep after you?" "Listen how she's screaming at me." " See Pirojsha." "You came unannounced." "Had I known." "I would have tidied up." "Aunty, come and clear this up." "How much can I do alone?" "This's the fasting month." "I don't eat Non-Veg." " Fine, don't do anything." "Dump it on me." "Have you seen, how she screams at me?" "Just see..." "Daddy, you're still here?" "Come on, go for your bath." "Finish your bath in 15 minutes." "Come out after I knock the door, come on." "No skipping the soap." "What has happened in 5 years?" "Is this what motherhood does?" "I'm fed up!" "One crippled, one deaf and one an idiot!" "Who?" " Kekobad!" "Who else!" "How are your piano lessons?" "I never even started them in this madhouse!" "Go down, Pesi's fixing the car." "He'll be off to the club and you'll miss him." "Take him." "Okay." "When did you come?" "Dropped my luggage off and came straight." "You park the car here now?" " During the rains Car gets spoiled..." "It's for you." "This's 2nd." "One." "Why didn't you send a telegram?" "Mrs. Tambe got these." "Maharashtrians consider these as good luck charms... good luck charm." "Put them on..." "What's it, boy or girl?" "He isn't ours." "Maid Dear..." "Go to her..." "So, where is ours?" "..." "What's it, boy or girl?" "She had a miscarriage." "When?" " In the third month." "Why didn't you inform me?" "What's there to inform?" "It's all over now ...Let's go to the club." "Come, let's go." "Doesn't matter..." "You'll have another baby." "No chance of having any more children." "All for the best..." "Jeroo doesn't like kids anyway." "That's impossible." "She's a woman!" "Can it ever happen?" "Who knows her better, you or I?" "She's upset because of her father's illness." "But why bring Daddy here?" "The man is sick, who'll take care of him, if doesn't?" "Her brother is in Bombay now..." "big house, many servants." "But Daddy is with us, to keep an eye on me." "But things are okay?" " Yes, everything's okay." "How's the property case going on?" "Been on for five years now" " You're in good health?" "Listen, I have to go." "You carry on, finish your tea." "Where're you going?" "How long are you here?" " A week." "But, Where're you going?" "I'll all also join you." "I don't have any work." "How's the job?" "Are you doing insurance work?" "Isn't there any work other than insurance?" "I'll come with you." "No, don't." "Go home  take some rest." "I'll meet you tonight." "Follow that car." " That black car?" " Just follow, don't over take." "Your friend has left you?" "How sad..." "Am I not right sir?" "..." "Sir?" " You drive the car." "Stop!" "..." "Stop here itself." "Sir fare is 60 paise." "I don't have to get off." "But your friend has" " I don't have to." "Are you tailing him?" "You are a detective?" "What's the problem?" " Shut up." "Follow him..." "Come on..." "Quick." "Bring the files up, Pesi" " I'll bring." "You knew Pirojsha was here?" " I knew." "You didn't tell me." "What on earth are you doing here?" "Meeting anyone?" "Buying an..." "Umbrella." "An umbrella... here!" "Yes." "Since you're here, won't you come up for tea." "Please, come." "Anahita, put on some music And take Toto out." "Sit down." "Did he eat?" " Yes." "And had tablet?" " Yes both the times." "Don't take too long though" " No aunty." "Why don't you wash up?" "Toast will get cold." "Wash up here?" "Is this his second home?" "You'll have tea?" "Did you make mint tea?" " Yes, I've added." "Piroj, please come." "Sit." "Please, have a seat." "I'll have a wash." "The girl is my niece." "My late husbanïs niece, she's studying here." "Pesi and I have invested in a hill resort." "It brings good money." "Anyway..." "Pesi's Insurance isn't paying So we're partners in business." "Just business?" " Liar!" "Pesi's home expenses are high..." "Jeroo's father with them And Jeroo's medical bill as well." "Have some tea." "Goïll never forgive you." "...My poor Jeroo." "My son, my baby..." "Take the baby and go" "Where were you?" "..." "Take her." "Come immediately when I call..." "Understood?" "Still here!" "I said, go." "Help me Pirojsha!" "Help me, Pirojsha!" "Coming." "No lights?" " The fuse blew out." "You haven't unpacked?" "Your things are still packed." "I'm returning to Bhusawal tomorrow." "Your week isn't up..." "Leaving tomorrow?" "Why stay?" "You have destroyed my Jeroo and Pesi." "We're both old now We need a little happiness yes or no?" "Yes..." "You and that women want to be happy." "What of jeroo?" "Why do you look like that?" "Have you looked at Jeroo lately?" "Heard her voice?" "What have you done to her in 5 years?" "She goes through hell and you talk of happiness?" "Has Soona made you so selfish?" "God is watching you!" "You and Jeroo make quite a team." "If you go to Kashmir, you wouldn't see its beauty." "...But the muck in the lake!" "So we're muck-rakers and you're angels." "What if Jeroo finds out about your affairs." "Your Jeroo knows everything." "I've not hidden anything from her." "But the more her misery, the better she feels." "Don't talk rubbish." "She likes your sleeping around?" "Don't justify your sins." "Why should I justify?" "You think you're so pure?" "Goïs given you the right to pass judgement on the World." "Don't I know your fascination for Jeroo?" "Why don't you marry her?" "Tell me, why?" "I didn't mind that you married Jeroo." "God knows it didn't affect our friendship." "You must be faithful to your wife." "Perhaps you'd have been better for each other." "Stop it." "There's no need to play the tragic hero." "One minute... one minute..." "So you think only she suffered and I didn't?" "She had a boyfriend." "She was honest about it." "why rake up the past?" "You want to talk about the present?" "You know what happened to the baby?" "Jeroo aborted it." "Yes!" "I was so happy about the baby." "She was afraid of labour pains." "Her mother died in childbirth." "She couldn't forget it till date." "She didn't want the headache of bringing up a baby." "She said that I'm irresponsible with children." "Me!" "All my life I've been with children." "Even if the kids were someone else's." "Ask any child in the colony what they think of me?" "You know it very well." "It's been 5 years of sheer hell." "She had to marry someone." "So she married me." "Nagging all day and freezing at night." "I feel bad saying all this..." "After all, she's my wife I said it in anger, perhaps..." "But it's all true." "Pirojsha, Listen to me..." "And carefully." "Leave me alone." "You live your life and let me live mine." "Understood?" "..." "Enough of your interference." "Leave me and Jeroo alone..." "Understand?" "...You are so lost in preaching to others You don't even know Jeroo hates you." "I'm going." "Shut the door." "You believe in God." "Be grateful to God." "He has given you life." "Life to live not to complain." "It's all over." "Bhusawal is so peaceful." "What's in Bombay?" "Only the headache of Jeroo and Pesi." "There's more to life than Jeroo and Pesi." "I have my office." "I have Chagan." "The Tambes and their baby And most important peace and quiet." "Fix the button properly!" "How often have I told you to make a double loop." "You're fidgeting." "If the needle pricks you." "I've been sewing for 20 years." "Watch your blood pressure." "Please..." "Calm down..." "Calm down." "Leave it to me." "I'll do it." "Get it fixed." "What's this?" "For your promotion to Bombay." "Sahib." "You're going to Bombay, aren't you?" "As if I wanted to go to Bombay." "I asked for a transfer to Poona." "Do they listen!" "But Bombay is your home." "Home is where the heart is." "Now you may go..." "Go." "Do your work." "Will you come over for my son's birthday?" "Is she happy?" "Is her husband faithful?" "Does she too hate me like Jeroo?" "You'll come, sir?" "I've severe neck pain." "I don't go out these days." "I just come to office." "Alright." "I heard you're transferred to Bombay..." "I'm very happy." "Call me." "See you soon in Bombay." "Happy New Year" " Pesi." "Have the lights come on?" " No..." "Not yet." "Try again!" " Come?" " No..." "No..." "Yes!" "Then say so immediately." "How can I?" "I can say only after the lights come on." "Shouting unnecessarily." "The light is fixed but the phone isn't working." "It's working alright say's it's not working." "5 minutes ago it wasn't working." "It's crazy." " Works one minute, goes dead again." "Is Mr. Pestonji there?" "Seems that Piroj is back." "Is it Pesi sir..." "Yes sir We got in an hour ago." "No, Sahib didn't phone." "He's sleeping." "Yes, do call..." "ln the morning." "Go..." "Go away." "An after lunch nap?" "No... just resting a bit." "That... has gone, what's his name?" " Mr. Sharma." "Everyone has gone." "Unpacking all done?" " It's going on." "How's Chagan?" " Alright." "I guess." "I'm seeing a client later near your house..." "I'll drop in" " At what time?" "Around 8.30." "Don't be late." "I go to bed at 9." "You're habitually late..." "Welcome Pesi Sahib, You've grown old!" "Yes, old." " Is everything alright?" " Everything's fine." "How're you Sahib?" " Fine." "Is he asleep?" " No, he's up." "Is everything going on fine?" " Absolutely." "I got late" " Late by an hour and half!" "Is your neck pain bad?" "Yes, day time it's alright, gets worse at night." "Do you know?" "Jeroo's father died." "When?" "Two years back." "How was Bhusawal?" "Bombay is a concrete jungle." "The verdict on my suit..." "Against Homi ...lt's due in a day or two." "Hope it is in my favour." "Otherwise let me see it." "It's been seven years!" "I have some files to show you." "Can I come to your office?" "Yes, you can but tomorrow's my first day at the head office." "I have a meeting at 11'O'clock." "Come at 9.30." "Yes, I'll come." "What's the time by your watch?" "I forgot to give you a file." "I'll get it now" " Bring it quickly." "How're you." "Vispi?" "What news?" "I'm waiting for him." "He's late by 1 hour." "Where is he?" "Pesi..." "You're smiling." "Why do you smile?" "There's no one to take the death certificate here." "You can't have a funeral without it." "It was a massive attack." "He was gone before I came." "The fee for my visit is... 40 rupees." "How could this be!" "Pesi'd always say That I'd perhaps outlive him." "He said he'll leave his cufflinks to me." "Can I take them?" "You can think of cufflinks at a time like this!" "The funeral has to be arranged The obituary, the hearse..." "A hearse costs money." "The smallest funeral costs money." "Priests, don't come free either." "There's nothing here but statues and chandeliers." "He gave her everything he earned." "Where is she now?" "Fighting the case or chasing other husbands?" "Wasn't my husband enough for her?" "Where to?" "Anywhere..." "Nariman point." "God forbid..." "When your time comes Your soul will cross the bridge like a bird." "You're Pesi's true brother." "May God bless you with good health." "What's Aunty saying?" "I didn't pay for all this." "Telegram was sent but his brother Homi hasn't come." "How can he after the lawsuit?" "When the verdict comes..." "Poor Pesi..." "Of what use is the money now!" "Does it mean funeral?" "The prayers continue for four days." "Then is Uthamna, the final prayer." "Yes!" "Thank you for paying the funeral expenses." "I'll pay you back fully." "Pesi was like my brother." " No one told me." "Had I known." "I'd have surely helped." "Pesi didn't have money for the funeral also?" "It's all been arranged now." "Soona Mistry paid for everything." "Anyway, that's what I heard." "Even in death." "She doesn't let him go." "I'll not allow it..." "Never." "You want Auntie?" "I'll call her." "Here's the money..." "What you paid for my frienïs funeral." "I can do this much for him." "Just a minute." "Pesi left some papers for you." "Please take them." "Sorry you have to be in this room." "For the last 3 Yrs., I've rented the hall to a dancing school." "Pesi and Jeroo's shares and bank books." "The judgement was delivered yesterday." "Pesi won the case." "This's Pesi's Will." " He made a Will?" "He knew he was dying?" "He had an attack last year." "He got very restless and last month made a Will." "He wrote to you also." "Piroj, my friend!" "This Uncle's name is Piroj too." "Didn't Daddy say, Uncle will come to meet us one day." "Shall we go to see them dance..." "Shall we?" "I always thought life was I was wrong." "Come in..." "I've such a headache!" "I couldn't sleep all night." "I've brought some good investment plans, tell me if you're interested." "What will I do with more money?" "What Pesi left me is enough." "I'm not going to Europe on a tour." "I spoke to some children here about piano lessons." "You'll get few students." "It'll help you pass time..." "I'll see..." "Once my grief eases off." "Then, I've headache, acidity asthmaalso." "When you had taken so much trouble, then, please keep it on the table." "My brother will look into them." "He takes care of all my investments." "To each his own life and happiness." "Live your life." "Pirojsha." "And be grateful to God for giving you life." "...To live in happiness." "What're you looking at?" "...Run along." "What...?" " No..." "Nothing." "Put them on all the boards." "Hey, what're you doing?" "Putting up posters!" "That's a "No Entry" sign?" "Next week is Our programme." "Take it off, or I'll call the police." "These Parsi's... always so fussy." "What a racket!" "Why is the chessboard here?" "Take it away." " Yes." "A body can only do one thing at a time!" "Did I say I won't do it." "Pesi Sahib's Story is in it." "How's it?" "Isn't there anything else except to read his stupid story?" "That's true enough." "Pesi Sahib phoned, I've the number." "What did you say?" " Sahib's in the bath." "What did he say?" " That he'd call again." "I won't talk to him." "Tell him I'm not in." "Give me the accounts." "Has my father left lot of wealth?" "Why a quarter kilo of peas?" "100 grams, I'd said" " They don't sell 100 grams." "Know how prices have shot up?" "Spendthrifts like you make independent India so poor!" "Keep aside 25 grams and..." "make the balance for night." "Pesi Sahib's call." "You want to speak to me?" "Shout... shout." "Take it!" "He's gone out." "When he'll return?" "He'll be back by... 12 O' Clock." "Yes... call him later." "I told you to say, I won't be back." "You've asked him to call back at 12'o clock." "It's 11.45 already." "Tell him a 1000 times, but the idiot'll never learn." "Won't you have lunch?" "No." "I'm going to Ripon club." "Your collar is here." " I don't want it." "Well, Pirojsha..." "You're obsessed by Pesi on coming to Bombay, aren't you?" "Pesi, why do you bother me?" "Parsis are strange!" "If the skin's white, They're floored!" "Disgraceful slave mentality." "Hello Piroj." "Seeing you after years!" "I returned from Bhusawal yesterday." "How're you?" " Fine." "Met Pesi yet?" " No" "He's very illusive." "We live in the same house." "But, we don't meet." "He's busy fighting his brother in Court." " I know." "Will Pesi come here...?" "Burjove, The Times won't publish my letters..." " Is it so?" "They fear... because I write the truth!" "Who likes the truth these days?" "People stick posters on "No Entry" signs!" " Oh God!" "No civic sense at all." "They ought to be jailed." "That's Bombay!" "What can we do?" "My God!" "Pesi is here..." "Wait..." "I'll be back in a minute." "Hello Pirojsha!" "I didn't know you were here." " Chagan must have told you." "Mr. Sharma" " Yes sir." "Well..." "Piroj  Pesi." "We remain best friends, though we don't meet often." "If one goes up, the other'll soon follow." "It's very expensive." "It's too expensive" "It is too expensive." " You give whatever you want." "Lost of clients want this house." "The poor chap looks old." "Poor..." "He only reaps as he sows." "I've the pen..." "Why didn't you tell me?" "Come  sit here." "I'm searching it for a long time." "Will you sit still!" "Read the form carefully  sign where the cross marks are." "Or it'll be a mess." "Sign here?" " Yes, where I've marked." "Friend." "Can you really afford a wife?" " Of course." "But, you always borrow money." "Only from you and I return it." "When the estate money comes, I'll be rich." "Will Homi give you any?" " Of course." "Piroj, will you let me sign?" "How much do I owe you?" "250 from last week and handbills 45." "Handbills?" " You got them for Vispi." "I'd the pen in my pocket all along, I got it." "Next Sunday is his funfair." "Does odd jobs for the whole World..." "But doesn't have time to talk important matters." "How's Mr. Shah, your boss." "A totally corrupt man." "Asks me to adjust accounts!" "I've managed accounts for 20 years." "And that Shah..." "Six months in the job and the idiot wants me to fudge accounts." "Why get angry?" "You'll be your own boss in Bhusawal and have nothing to do with him." "But Bhusawal means a demotion." "No house, a small office But better than that Shah!" "You're forever using silly diversions!" "You're leaving?" "What of our marriage plans?" "What's there to talk?" "There marriage bureau will show us two girls." "One for you, one for me." "On saturday, you see yours, I'll see mine." "If they're okay, we'll have a double wedding." "That's alright... but," "You and your buts!" "Tell me." "Marriage is a big responsibility..." "For a lifetime." "Now, you see the girl." "Then, you must think carefully, before saying yes." "Or it'll be one more fiasco." "Remember Diana?" "Did I marry her?" "Wasn't I saved though?" "She fooled you alright." "Ran off with 5000." "Our Parsi girl'd never..." "Not that non-Parsi bit again!" "So I'm seeing Parsi girls." "But still..." "Check her horoscope." "Such a lovely girl for me?" "Is it a dream?" "How do you like Jeroo?" "She's come from Aden with her brother." "Her father lives here." "And they've money... pots of it." "How often will you repeat it?" "Come on..." "Say yes or no to Jeroo." "I'll check her horoscope." "You should tell..." "She must marry in a month." "Her brother and aunt want to return to Aden." "She has to see other boys as well." "She has to go to Nadia also." "Give me time to think." "What's there to think!" "Say, yes or no." "My daughter plays the Piano well." "She gave a concert in Aden." "This is my card." "My rates are a bit high." "Fact is, my catering increases a man's social status." "Sit erect." "Will she bring this piano to my house?" "Where'll I keep it?" "Chagan can't go round in shorts either." "Oh God!" "Can I cope with all this?" "Greetings." " Greetings!" "Where to, Kekobad?" "Parsi paper hasn't come." "I'm going to bring it." "I can't find my keys." "It's a daily hassle." "My brain's addled." "Have to lock up everything with Kekobad around." " Aunty!" "I don't remember where I've kept the key." "I had kept it here only." "Aunty..." "Will you eat with us?" " Yes." "Aunty, I went to see a girl yesterday..." "I can't find my keys." "While you're here, son, you do me one favour." "Fix the clock and the lamp." "Okay." "I'll go up to Shirin's and look for my keys, can't find it." "It's missing." "You do this work." "Where were you?" " Shopping takes time!" "Did you see my keys?" "No use of asking you." "She's losing keys 10 times in a day." "And she's asking me?" "What's wrong with the lamp?" "One at the back." " Yes." "It's not working." " Get the screwdriver." "Okay, let me change the dress." "I'm coming." "You want the screw driver, isn't it?" "Clock is working." "Lamp is also alright!" "Is it working?" "If you don't plug it in, how'll it work?" "Do you know?" "Homi has written again." "He says... his father has left," "The clock, statues and chandeliers for him." "Pesi gets only the flat." " I know." "Oh God..." "Hirjee Seth had only 2 children." "And elder brother is fighting with the younger brother..." "Good, Hirjee brother died." "The old man must be turning in his grave." "Go  do your work." "Yes, I'll go." "I've lots of work." "Have to clean the Car." "Aunty, Is my Ovaltine ready?" " It has been ready for ages son." "You come back from the bathroom soon." "Pirojsha is waiting." "Aunty..." " What's it son?" "Where's Jamey's file?" "On the top shelf..." "Just see." "You got it?" " Yes." "Did you meet marriage bureau girl?" "That's what I told you." "Yesterday I..." "What!" "You won't marry?" "Will you marry at my age?" "Irresponsible generation." "The Parsis will die out." "Understood?" " Yes." "You never married and are preaching to me!" "It's getting late for me." "I'll leave." "How does Pesi manage?" "His life is a total mess." "No proper investments, nor does he work at insurance." "Last month FDR also matured." "Now he wants to marry!" "Aunty, Kekobad is enough to drive me nuts." "How much do I owe you?" "375!" "How it became 375?" "80 of day before plus 295 of last week." "Come here for a minute." "Leave the accounts." "Did you like my story?" "Will it happen like that in real life?" "Why is it not possible?" "Is happy ending possible?" "What can I do if you don't believe?" "Let me have my Ovaltine." "You always let the Ovaltine get stone cold!" "Was Keko here?" " No, what's it?" "My 400 rupees are missing." "I'd kept it here only." "Did you take it, Pesi?" " No, Aunty." "And, Pesi gave them to me." "What?" "He gave you!" "The grocer has come for the money..." "And what do you do?" "Keep calm, Aunty." " How can I?" "Give it to her." "The things you do..." "Harassing and old woman..." "Come on play." " You play." "This is your turn, How can I play?" "What do I owe you now?" " 375." "What's wrong with you?" "Go on..." "Will you concentrate!" "You want to play or not?" " No." "What happened about the girls?" "Is it fixed?" "Aunty, Piroj's wedding is all fixed." "Not yet..." "I've to get the horoscope examined." "I'm going to Surat tomorrow." "You've disturbed the chess board." "Trying to scorch me?" "Mix in cold water." "It's enough..." "You're making it too cold." "You told me, that's why I put." "Shall I go?" " Where?" "To buy vegetables." "Vegetables or cigarettes?" "No..." "To buy only vegetables." "Rashne is a lovely name." "I'll change your name to Rashne." "Jeroo is no good." "I just returned an hour ago." "Her horoscope is okay." "So... it's fixed." "I'll talk to Tamina Bai just now." "What?" "Of course I'll come." "I'll try to bring her." "Later, later Play later." "When I tell you." "Understood?" "How long'll you take to comb that measly hair?" "It's enough, friend." "Look this side..." "Look here." "Where's your girl?" " The matchmaker didn't return my call." "She'll call." "Are you ready?" "What's this?" "Tie it properly." " It's too tight." " No, it's not..." "Come on..." "The guests're here." "Here comes the bride." "Get the band, decorate the house." "Call the girls, ask them to dance." "Shower her with blessings." "Today is a great day." "The bride is here to stay." "The bride is very pretty." " Yes." "You didn't show interest and he said yes." "I phoned to confirm." "Did you?" "No one told me." "Don't misunderstand... but for Jeroo to live in a dump like Bhusawal." "It won't be nice, isn't it?" "You don't worry." "I have some other very nice girl for you." "Good families and moneyed..." "But don't start picking that one's fat, the other's thin." "Where has he gone?" "All this is my catering of course Jeroo has been taught to cook everything." "An expert in western cooking, she can make Parsi food too." "All the food here is from my catering establishment." "It has to be." "It's my Company's catering." "She has come from Aden." "Red sari or blue..." "What's the difference?" "Have you seen Shirin?" " She's in the dining room." "The food is awful." "What a lousy caterer!" " Get lost." "I have." "Hey Bisti, come here." "He's Bisti." "My friend." "He lives on the floor above mine." "He plays Cricket, don't you?" "Which college are you studying?" "St. Xavier." " Is it?" "How nice." "That Pirojsha is my best friend." " Is it?" " Yes." "People say, "Two bees in a pot"." "Deepa Bedi, Deepa Pirojsha." "How did you like Samson and Delilah?" "I had already seen it in Aden." "But I didn't mind seeing it second time." "Victor Mature is so strong!" "Pirojsha, what about you?" "Marriage means... a big responsibility." "You've to take care of me  you must understand me, Isn't it?" "You must now tell me... what you like..." "and what you dislike?" "I like my Daddy and my brother." "I also love playing the piano." "I practice every morning and evening." "And what else?" "I like cooking." "I like a tidy house." "I like to visit the Fire Temple." "One Saturday movies, the next Saturday dancing." "On the third Saturday movies again movies." "On the last Saturday dancing." "That was my schedule in Aden." "Vivian Leigh, Lana Turner, Clark Gable Ronald Colman." "You know them, don't you?" "Hadn't I bothered about Horoscope." "She'd be mine today." "Where are you going?" " Outside." "Hey, Sit... sit." "What do you like?" "I like stories, I write them." "Many are popular." ""Mehras's Plight" and "Mother-in-law..." ...Nagging." "Then I like pop music." "I like children." "Really, how nice!" "One minute..." "Can we speak in private?" "Okay I'll..." " You sit." "We'll go there." "One minute." "What happened?" " A kiss." "No, at the club, what did she say?" "Later, later..." "Tell me..." " Wait..." " What did she say?" "Changan will be there." " Yes." "We'll talk here." "Jeroo said..." "She had a boyfriend in Aden Her music teacher." "He resembled Ronald Colman." "His smile... his eyes..." "He looked exactly like Colman." "He was non-Parsi, so the family didn't approve." "He died in a car crash last year." "So, she came to Bombay." "Okay..." "So what?" "His death wasn't her fault." "You must accept her as she is." " Of course..." "Did I say no..." "She wants to be a concert pianist in Bombay." "She wants to give piano lessons here in Bombay." "So let her." " I didn't say no." "She confessed." "At least she's honest." " Yes." "One minute..." "One minute." "Another thing..." "It's a small thing..." "a nagging problem." " Yes, tell me." "I'm the marrying type, right?" " Of course." "...lt'll work out, won't it..." " Yes." " Thank you." "Invites us for cocktails and serves soft drinks!" "Well..." "Prohibition..." "Then serve dinner to make the loss bearable." "Speak of the devil..." "Shah with Madam in tow!" "Is she Mrs. Shah?" "She's Solicitor Mistry's widow." "She's the wife of the old man, who died two years back." "He was 20 years older than her." "It's better, he's dead." "She's latched on to Shah..." "A real man eater!" "Where did she meet him?" "She's a lawyer, She'll do anything for business." "Here, they come." "He's requested a transfer to Bhusawal." "Maybe, he doesn't like me." " No." "When are you off to Bhusawal?" "The first of next month." "You're Parsi, aren't you?" " Yes." "Got any money?" "Mummy is Punjabi, Dad and my husband, Parsi." "I wasn't initiated into Parsi rites." "If I have a child, what will he be?" "What a disgraceful woman!" "Aunty, isn't the lift working?" "Where did you disappear?" " I went to Poona." "Speak softly, she's sleeping." "Chagan has sent lacy cutlets." " Keep it in the kitchen." " Careful." "Hold some for a minute." "Where are you off to?" " Upstairs." "These clothes are for charity kids." "Where're you taking Pirojsha?" "Wait, I'm coming." "Give me." "Jeroo cleared all the cupboards, what a lot of old stuff she found!" "She made this gown for me." "What a sweet girl, son." "Give me..." "Come along." "Why do you talk so much?" "I'm coming..." "The old man's always in a hurry" " You keep on talking." "Please Come." " Come." "Come." "Ovaltine for you and tea  Potato cutlet for Pirojsha." " So sweet." "There were papers here..." "I put them together over there." "Pirojsha, you sit." "You have mixed up my story." "And your Ovaltine?" " Later." "How is your headache?" "I've taken out the Chessboard for you Pesi." "Takeit ..." "From now on we'll play at your place." "Will you take it with you?" " Yes." "I've brought cutlets." "No tea for you?" "No, I've just had hot lemon  honey." "Went to see my boss..." "I got my appointment letter to Bhusawal." "Must take over at Bhusawal on the first." "You are off to Bhusawal?" " Yes, on the 1st." "Today's the 20th, right?" " In 10 days?" "In 10 days!" "You can't just leave like that." "Darling, we'll give him a send-off party, isn't it?" "Sure, you two make a list but not too many guests." "This time we'll call Soona" " Why Soona?" "She couldn't attend the wedding." "I'll practise my piano now." "Bring your tea over here." "Are Jeroo's headaches bad?" "No... not really..." "...Except for a minor problem." "Her sinus." "She keeps the fan off and windows closed." "I'm not complaining." "I feel a bit suffocated." "She'll play a full hour now." "I'll go play cricket with the kids." "You come along." "I'll get my bat." "You've put too much dye." "It becomes too black." "It will settle in two days." "Take out my shoes." "How much polish!" "My pants get stained." "Without polish how'll they shine." "I told you to rub with a rag." " I did." "You're already here." "Where's Pesi?" " Gone to fetch Mr. Kumar." "You go in, Jeroo's inside." "Please sit." "You prepared all this?" " Yes." "So much work!" " Not at all" "Go, Mrs. Soona is here." " Is she?" "The bow-tie isn't right." "If she asked me, who I was?" "What could I say?" "Pesi's aunt's sister's son?" "So, I said, Kekobad!" "What else?" "Go..." "The guests have come." "Why is this female here?" "There's more property in the District." "Pesi's step-brother isn't ready to share it though..." "You must help us to win the case." "God is strange." "This Soona is nothing compared to my Jeroo." "Rascal..." "Come here, Pirojsha." "This party is for him." "He's leaving us  going to Bhusawal." "Which company are you joining?" "The same, another branch." "Yes I know" " How do you know?" "The whole world knows!" "Where you at the party the other night?" "Rich Memsahib, am I?" "Queen of beauty, am I?" "See my pretty umbrella." "Walking in style, am I?" "Look at this damsel." "How fair she looks." "Stomps on heavily like a fat mare of Kathiawad." "My papa has a car." "My mama has 10-12 cars." "My uncle is an big Landlord." "That's why, you're mine today." "Shameless woman, puffing away!" "Take." " There's one more file I'll get in now." "Forget the files, my Homi brother won't give anything." "He says there's no joint property." "He says, only the flat is mine." "The rest is his." "He'll have to share." "She'll do anything to get business." "Oh great!" "Now it's her ankle." "Sometimes sinus Sometimes Asthma." "Now, it's her ankle, isn't it Jeroo?" "She's a good girl, but... she prefers misery to happiness, Isn't Jeroo?" "Come in, Pirojsha." "Sit here with us." " No." "Don't go." " Enough." "We're discussing joys and sorrows What do you prefer?" " Joy or Sorrow." "He likes only Chess and my Jeroo." "Jeroo was to marry him..." "...but he took too long, so I got her." "Now that you have Pesi..." "Happiness requires hard work." "Isn't it true?" "He doesn't like hard work so he's still single." "Who's touching my piano!" "I'll come to the station..." "with my gramophone  records." "You'll be lonely in Bhusawal." "You'll feel fresh after hearing music." "What will I do in Bhusawal without you two?" "The boss wants you." "He wants the letter." " I've typed it." " Then give it." "They neither visit nor write." "No reply yet?" "It's over a month- In Bombay nobody has the time." "How much time does a letter take?" "5-10 minutes!" "Let me see your papers." "Finished typing?" "How many spelling mistakes, Mrs. Tambe." "You're always late, ever since your marriage." "I've lots to do at home." "Marriage makes so much extra work?" "Won't you get married?" " No, not at all." "Pesi's married, that's enough." "Piles of trash everywhere!" "Where're you, woman?" "To tell you the truth, You want money but you won't work." "If boss sees it, he'll scold me not you." "You're not bothered." "You don't come here to work." "You're only interested in pay." "I'm working with the boss for 20 Yrs." "Pick it up quickly..." "Work properly Durga Bai." "You always come late." "Told you so many times." "Smoke in the backyard." "It's stinking in the morning." "I've to keep an eye on her." "If she steals something?" "What'll she steal?" "Chair or bed?" "Go and prepare my bath." " Okay." "You'll never improve." "Durga Bai close the front door." "Some thief may come..." "Chagan." " Coming..." "Where were you?" " I went to close the door." "What thief will come early in the morning?" " Dog  cat might come." "Is it from Pesi Sahib?" " How're you concerned?" "Why did you touch my newspaper?" "I must know who has died in Bombay." " But you messed up the pages." "...Then I can't cut out Pesi's story." "My dear Pesi, Your Tata Co." "F.D.R. is maturing next month, aunty's also." "Don't forget to renew it." "...Keep receipts in the green file Or tell Jeroo." "She will do it carefully." "Homi's Court case will take two more years." "Why did you give your case to Soona?" "Is she the only advocate in entire Bombay." "'Gone With the Winï got good reviews Take Jeroo to the movie." "Have her piano lessons started?" "Select only Parsi students." "Is this the way to play?" "You Not this." "This move..." " Okay, keep it." "Don't understand anything." "Get lost." "God!" "Look after Pesi  Jeroo." "Give them health and joy." "Bless them with a child." "How're you doing, Mrs. Tambe?" " Fine." "Mr. Tambe is alright." " He's fine." "Tell me something." "When do you know you're going to have baby?" " What do you mean?" "A baby is on the way." "I got a letter." "If it's a boy, he'll be called Piroj." "When is pregnancy detected?" "You know in two months..." " Within 2 months!" "So, it means the baby is due in 7 months." "I'll go to Bombay in February unless..." "I'm transferred earlier." "They want me back in Bombay." "Don't leave us, we're so happy with you here." "But my home and friends are in Bombay." "It's been over 3 years." "May I go, sir?" "I've to cook dinner." "Is it okay?" "How can I understand English?" "I translated it for you." "Will a letter stop cruelty to horses?" "Don't be stupid." "This's for the fashionable SPCA folks." "City people must see what goes on in village." "Carriage owners are making horses an endangered specie." "Our Tambe sister is coming." " Give the towel." "Go... go." "Oh, what's this..." "Today is the Kite Festival." "We've brought you sweets." "A sweetened mouth talks sweetly." "He's now... how many years old." " Only six months." "What's this he's wearing on his feet." "These are anklets and... bracelets." "He's very sweet." "Will you bring a set for me?" "For baby Piroj?" "Who knows if it's "Piroj" or "Perin"." "I'll know that only if I go to Bombay." "They haven't written but I'm going." "Then I'll know." "We must be going, sir" "A soft drink...?" " We've many visits yet." "Greetings." " Greetings." "How are you?" " Fine." "Is this the place to dump garbage?" "How many times to tell you not to dump garbage?" "Hello Kekobad." "Oh, Pirojsha, you've come!" "I'll just come after shopping." "Already married before 25?" "Go by lift." "Hey, Pirojsha, you've come back to Bombay." "I've taken leave and come." "Speak louder, son." "I can't hear well now." "I've taken leave  come." " Is it?" "Is it a boy or a girl?" "Yes." "Must be downstairs." "Didn't you recognise me?" "What is it now?" "I had told you to fold the clothes!" "Must I keep after you?" "Listen how she's screaming at me." " See Pirojsha." "You came unannounced." "Had I known." "I would have tidied up." "Aunty, come and clear this up." "How much can I do alone?" "This's the fasting month." "I don't eat Non-Veg." " Fine, don't do anything." "Dump it on me." "Have you seen, how she screams at me?" "Just see..." "Daddy, you're still here?" "Come on, go for your bath." "Finish your bath in 15 minutes." "Come out after I knock the door, come on." "No skipping the soap." "What has happened in 5 years?" "Is this what motherhood does?" "I'm fed up!" "One crippled, one deaf and one an idiot!" "Who?" " Kekobad!" "Who else!" "How are your piano lessons?" "I never even started them in this madhouse!" "Go down, Pesi's fixing the car." "He'll be off to the club and you'll miss him." "Take him." "Okay." "When did you come?" "Dropped my luggage off and came straight." "You park the car here now?" " During the rains Car gets spoiled..." "It's for you." "This's 2nd." "One." "Why didn't you send a telegram?" "Mrs. Tambe got these." "Maharashtrians consider these as good luck charms... good luck charm." "Put them on..." "What's it, boy or girl?" "He isn't ours." "Maid Dear..." "Go to her..." "So, where is ours?" "..." "What's it, boy or girl?" "She had a miscarriage." "When?" " In the third month." "Why didn't you inform me?" "What's there to inform?" "It's all over now ...Let's go to the club." "Come, let's go." "Doesn't matter..." "You'll have another baby." "No chance of having any more children." "All for the best..." "Jeroo doesn't like kids anyway." "That's impossible." "She's a woman!" "Can it ever happen?" "Who knows her better, you or I?" "She's upset because of her father's illness." "But why bring Daddy here?" "The man is sick, who'll take care of him, if doesn't?" "Her brother is in Bombay now..." "big house, many servants." "But Daddy is with us, to keep an eye on me." "But things are okay?" " Yes, everything's okay." "How's the property case going on?" "Been on for five years now" " You're in good health?" "Listen, I have to go." "You carry on, finish your tea." "Where're you going?" "How long are you here?" " A week." "But, Where're you going?" "I'll all also join you." "I don't have any work." "How's the job?" "Are you doing insurance work?" "Isn't there any work other than insurance?" "I'll come with you." "No, don't." "Go home  take some rest." "I'll meet you tonight." "Follow that car." " That black car?" " Just follow, don't over take." "Your friend has left you?" "How sad..." "Am I not right sir?" "..." "Sir?" " You drive the car." "Stop!" "..." "Stop here itself." "Sir fare is 60 paise." "I don't have to get off." "But your friend has" " I don't have to." "Are you tailing him?" "You are a detective?" "What's the problem?" " Shut up." "Follow him..." "Come on..." "Quick." "Bring the files up, Pesi" " I'll bring." "You knew Pirojsha was here?" " I knew." "You didn't tell me." "What on earth are you doing here?" "Meeting anyone?" "Buying an..." "Umbrella." "An umbrella... here!" "Yes." "Since you're here, won't you come up for tea." "Please, come." "Anahita, put on some music And take Toto out." "Sit down." "Did he eat?" " Yes." "And had tablet?" " Yes both the times." "Don't take too long though" " No aunty." "Why don't you wash up?" "Toast will get cold." "Wash up here?" "Is this his second home?" "You'll have tea?" "Did you make mint tea?" " Yes, I've added." "Piroj, please come." "Sit." "Please, have a seat." "I'll have a wash." "The girl is my niece." "My late husbanïs niece, she's studying here." "Pesi and I have invested in a hill resort." "It brings good money." "Anyway..." "Pesi's Insurance isn't paying So we're partners in business." "Just business?" " Liar!" "Pesi's home expenses are high..." "Jeroo's father with them And Jeroo's medical bill as well." "Have some tea." "Goïll never forgive you." "...My poor Jeroo." "My son, my baby..." "Take the baby and go" "Where were you?" "..." "Take her." "Come immediately when I call..." "Understood?" "Still here!" "I said, go." "Help me Pirojsha!" "Help me, Pirojsha!" "Coming." "No lights?" " The fuse blew out." "You haven't unpacked?" "Your things are still packed." "I'm returning to Bhusawal tomorrow." "Your week isn't up..." "Leaving tomorrow?" "Why stay?" "You have destroyed my Jeroo and Pesi." "We're both old now We need a little happiness yes or no?" "Yes..." "You and that women want to be happy." "What of jeroo?" "Why do you look like that?" "Have you looked at Jeroo lately?" "Heard her voice?" "What have you done to her in 5 years?" "She goes through hell and you talk of happiness?" "Has Soona made you so selfish?" "God is watching you!" "You and Jeroo make quite a team." "If you go to Kashmir, you wouldn't see its beauty." "...But the muck in the lake!" "So we're muck-rakers and you're angels." "What if Jeroo finds out about your affairs." "Your Jeroo knows everything." "I've not hidden anything from her." "But the more her misery, the better she feels." "Don't talk rubbish." "She likes your sleeping around?" "Don't justify your sins." "Why should I justify?" "You think you're so pure?" "Goïs given you the right to pass judgement on the World." "Don't I know your fascination for Jeroo?" "Why don't you marry her?" "Tell me, why?" "I didn't mind that you married Jeroo." "God knows it didn't affect our friendship." "You must be faithful to your wife." "Perhaps you'd have been better for each other." "Stop it." "There's no need to play the tragic hero." "One minute... one minute..." "So you think only she suffered and I didn't?" "She had a boyfriend." "She was honest about it." "why rake up the past?" "You want to talk about the present?" "You know what happened to the baby?" "Jeroo aborted it." "Yes!" "I was so happy about the baby." "She was afraid of labour pains." "Her mother died in childbirth." "She couldn't forget it till date." "She didn't want the headache of bringing up a baby." "She said that I'm irresponsible with children." "Me!" "All my life I've been with children." "Even if the kids were someone else's." "Ask any child in the colony what they think of me?" "You know it very well." "It's been 5 years of sheer hell." "She had to marry someone." "So she married me." "Nagging all day and freezing at night." "I feel bad saying all this..." "After all, she's my wife I said it in anger, perhaps..." "But it's all true." "Pirojsha, Listen to me..." "And carefully." "Leave me alone." "You live your life and let me live mine." "Understood?" "..." "Enough of your interference." "Leave me and Jeroo alone..." "Understand?" "...You are so lost in preaching to others You don't even know Jeroo hates you." "I'm going." "Shut the door." "You believe in God." "Be grateful to God." "He has given you life." "Life to live not to complain." "It's all over." "Bhusawal is so peaceful." "What's in Bombay?" "Only the headache of Jeroo and Pesi." "There's more to life than Jeroo and Pesi." "I have my office." "I have Chagan." "The Tambes and their baby And most important peace and quiet." "Fix the button properly!" "How often have I told you to make a double loop." "You're fidgeting." "If the needle pricks you." "I've been sewing for 20 years." "Watch your blood pressure." "Please..." "Calm down..." "Calm down." "Leave it to me." "I'll do it." "Get it fixed." "What's this?" "For your promotion to Bombay." "Sahib." "You're going to Bombay, aren't you?" "As if I wanted to go to Bombay." "I asked for a transfer to Poona." "Do they listen!" "But Bombay is your home." "Home is where the heart is." "Now you may go..." "Go." "Do your work." "Will you come over for my son's birthday?" "Is she happy?" "Is her husband faithful?" "Does she too hate me like Jeroo?" "You'll come, sir?" "I've severe neck pain." "I don't go out these days." "I just come to office." "Alright." "I heard you're transferred to Bombay..." "I'm very happy." "Call me." "See you soon in Bombay." "Happy New Year" " Pesi." "Have the lights come on?" " No..." "Not yet." "Try again!" " Come?" " No..." "No..." "Yes!" "Then say so immediately." "How can I?" "I can say only after the lights come on." "Shouting unnecessarily." "The light is fixed but the phone isn't working." "It's working alright say's it's not working." "5 minutes ago it wasn't working." "It's crazy." " Works one minute, goes dead again." "Is Mr. Pestonji there?" "Seems that Piroj is back." "Is it Pesi sir..." "Yes sir We got in an hour ago." "No, Sahib didn't phone." "He's sleeping." "Yes, do call..." "ln the morning." "Go..." "Go away." "An after lunch nap?" "No... just resting a bit." "That... has gone, what's his name?" " Mr. Sharma." "Everyone has gone." "Unpacking all done?" " It's going on." "How's Chagan?" " Alright." "I guess." "I'm seeing a client later near your house..." "I'll drop in" " At what time?" "Around 8.30." "Don't be late." "I go to bed at 9." "You're habitually late..." "Welcome Pesi Sahib, You've grown old!" "Yes, old." " Is everything alright?" " Everything's fine." "How're you Sahib?" " Fine." "Is he asleep?" " No, he's up." "Is everything going on fine?" " Absolutely." "I got late" " Late by an hour and half!" "Is your neck pain bad?" "Yes, day time it's alright, gets worse at night." "Do you know?" "Jeroo's father died." "When?" "Two years back." "How was Bhusawal?" "Bombay is a concrete jungle." "The verdict on my suit..." "Against Homi ...lt's due in a day or two." "Hope it is in my favour." "Otherwise let me see it." "It's been seven years!" "I have some files to show you." "Can I come to your office?" "Yes, you can but tomorrow's my first day at the head office." "I have a meeting at 11'O'clock." "Come at 9.30." "Yes, I'll come." "What's the time by your watch?" "I forgot to give you a file." "I'll get it now" " Bring it quickly." "How're you." "Vispi?" "What news?" "I'm waiting for him." "He's late by 1 hour." "Where is he?" "Pesi..." "You're smiling." "Why do you smile?" "There's no one to take the death certificate here." "You can't have a funeral without it." "It was a massive attack." "He was gone before I came." "The fee for my visit is... 40 rupees." "How could this be!" "Pesi'd always say That I'd perhaps outlive him." "He said he'll leave his cufflinks to me." "Can I take them?" "You can think of cufflinks at a time like this!" "The funeral has to be arranged The obituary, the hearse..." "A hearse costs money." "The smallest funeral costs money." "Priests, don't come free either." "There's nothing here but statues and chandeliers." "He gave her everything he earned." "Where is she now?" "Fighting the case or chasing other husbands?" "Wasn't my husband enough for her?" "Where to?" "Anywhere..." "Nariman point." "God forbid..." "When your time comes Your soul will cross the bridge like a bird." "You're Pesi's true brother." "May God bless you with good health." "What's Aunty saying?" "I didn't pay for all this." "Telegram was sent but his brother Homi hasn't come." "How can he after the lawsuit?" "When the verdict comes..." "Poor Pesi..." "Of what use is the money now!" "Does it mean funeral?" "The prayers continue for four days." "Then is Uthamna, the final prayer." "Yes!" "Thank you for paying the funeral expenses." "I'll pay you back fully." "Pesi was like my brother." " No one told me." "Had I known." "I'd have surely helped." "Pesi didn't have money for the funeral also?" "It's all been arranged now." "Soona Mistry paid for everything." "Anyway, that's what I heard." "Even in death." "She doesn't let him go." "I'll not allow it..." "Never." "You want Auntie?" "I'll call her." "Here's the money..." "What you paid for my frienïs funeral." "I can do this much for him." "Just a minute." "Pesi left some papers for you." "Please take them." "Sorry you have to be in this room." "For the last 3 Yrs., I've rented the hall to a dancing school." "Pesi and Jeroo's shares and bank books." "The judgement was delivered yesterday." "Pesi won the case." "This's Pesi's Will." " He made a Will?" "He knew he was dying?" "He had an attack last year." "He got very restless and last month made a Will." "He wrote to you also." "Piroj, my friend!" "This Uncle's name is Piroj too." "Didn't Daddy say, Uncle will come to meet us one day." "Shall we go to see them dance..." "Shall we?" "I always thought life was I was wrong." "Come in..." "I've such a headache!" "I couldn't sleep all night." "I've brought some good investment plans, tell me if you're interested." "What will I do with more money?" "What Pesi left me is enough." "I'm not going to Europe on a tour." "I spoke to some children here about piano lessons." "You'll get few students." "It'll help you pass time..." "I'll see..." "Once my grief eases off." "Then, I've headache, acidity asthmaalso." "When you had taken so much trouble, then, please keep it on the table." "My brother will look into them." "He takes care of all my investments." "To each his own life and happiness." "Live your life." "Pirojsha." "And be grateful to God for giving you life." "...To live in happiness."