"This is a story of a Colonel... yes, he is a Colonel but that's history now... because, he was at that position when the British ruled India." "The British left India and the Colonel left the army." "But he did not give up his army discipline." "People now address him as Rai Sahab." "He lives in a palatial mansion with his sister, Sattee Devi." "Rai Sahab had a son, Neelesh." "He was as obstinate as his father." "But his interests were quite different." "He wanted to be a singer but Rai Sahab was against it." "He married Sujata, a girl of his choice." "And they had to face the same as people in their situation have to." "Neelesh and Sujata gave up on life after their struggle with poverty." "They both expired and left behind five orphan children." "After seventeen years, Rai Sahab got Neleesh's children back home." "He tried to educate them... but these children also proved to be as obstinate as their elders." "Several teachers were hired but none of them stayed for long." "They stayed for few weeks, months, some got fed up and left and... no, he hasn't left, he is their current teacher!" " We are silent!" " Quiet!" " We are quiet, you are talking." " Shut up!" "Stand up, I say!" "What did I do that you are hitting me?" "Inspite of not doing anything if this is your state... so if you do anything what will your condition be?" "I've heard a lot about you all but I will surely reform you'll!" " Stand up!" " I am standing." "Stand on the bench." "Memorize this lesson till then I will teach a poem to these two." " I want to do." " What do you want to do?" " Sir, I want to do it." " But what do you want to do?" " I want to do." " But what?" " I did it." " What, you did it?" "Okay, never mind." "No!" "Ghost!" "Ghost!" "No!" "There's a ghost!" " What happened to the teacher?" " He yelled out 'ghost'  ran away!" "Brother, look at this!" "Who has played this prank?" "Who else but those children for whom new teachers keep coming here!" " This is not the first time." " Call them out quickly!" "Stop pretending, Master is calling you'll out!" "Oh!" "So you will not wake up easily, come on, get up!" "Hey!" "Wake up." "Sister, Master has called you all out, come quickly!" "I don't understand why you are hell bent on reforming them?" "Brother, you're also very stubborn!" "If they don't wish to study, let them not!" "You go and sleep, I will reprimand them." "Come out quickly and stand in a queue." "Where is Rama?" "You also stand here with them!" "You are their captain, they don't do anything without your consent." "Tell me the truth, who has played this prank?" "Who lit a candle on the back of a tortoise?" "Tell me who is responsible for this prank?" "Or else, the whole night you will be standing here." "You won't tell, alright then keep standing here the whole night." "Narayan, you stand here and see to it that they don't try to sit." " Okay but the whole night?" " Yes, let them stand here!" " Me too?" " Yes, you too!" "You play the prank and I have to pay for it." "'Shani' has a shadow on 'Mangal' and that's why 'Budh' can't prosper." "But 'Brahaspati' has entered the 'Rahu' hence..." "Just a minute, I cannot understand a word you are speaking!" "Why don't you explain it to me in a simple way?" "Stop joking and listen to what he says." "Please tell him in a simple language, will he get a job today?" "It seems that you are reading a calender and not his palm!" "Child, I don't approve you making fun of my palmistry!" "I am stuck!" "He is hell bent on explaining the complete science." " What are you thinking?" " I was trying to listen to the second track!" " What is that?" " Don't you know?" "I call the inner voice my second track." "But the problem is that my second track speaks louder than me!" "So what is your second track telling you now?" " It says that I'll not get this job." " Why won't you get?" "Because, if doesn't leave my hand, I can't go for my job interview!" "You're not destined for a job, your lines indicate you'll do a business." "'Mangal'  'Budh' will unite  when 'Shukra' will come out from 'Shani'... you will receive a huge wealth!" "I am not able to get a simple job and you are talking of huge wealth!" "You may show your palm to him, I'll leave." "Alright, you read my palm." "Actually I don't know English..." "I need a man who could write in English the things that I tell him." "But you are supposed to write only what I tell you, alright?" "I have man working here since many years." "But now he has become quite old!" "He can't see properly, every letter has to be typed many a times!" "There isn't much work to do, there will be 10-12 letters everyday." "And once in a month you will have to type out all the bills." " I hope you understand." " Yes, I do." "Please take him in and explain all the work." " Alright." " You can go inside with him." "Please sit." " Do you smoke?" " No, thank you!" "Okay, you have to keep all the letters you receive in the left tray." "The letters you don't have to reply are to be kept in the right tray." "This procedure is to make the work more systematic." "And the letters you reply, file their copies in the files kept there." "There is a separate file for every year, I've kept them very accurately!" "You will have no problems." "This cupboard was ordered by me." "My boss did not tell me a word, he is a very nice man." " He's taken good care of me." " Since when are you working here?" "Last month I completed 22 years." "If I need anything I immediately ask the boss." "He's never refused me, he gave me Rs. 500/- on my daughter's wedding." "It wasn't a loan, he presented it to me." "I have served him for many years and now I've become old..." "I cannot work efficiently and then there's a loss because of me." "I told him myself, he has not asked me to leave!" "He did not tell me to leave, I am leaving this place myself!" "I've left my spectacles out, I'll come back now." "That was nice but what was the benefit?" "You both have lost the job, that old man will not be there for long." "Very soon, he will take him out from his job." "Let him do it, I did not like it there and I came back." "Oh, yes!" "There is a letter from your uncle!" " When did it come?" " In the morning." " What has he written?" " You read it yourself." "He's written something about a house and also a job." " So what do you think?" " What do you think?" "Ravi, I think you should take up this job." "I am sure that you will get a nice job in next 5-6 months." "Besides, I am here, I will inform you." "You can go and take up the job and even settle your home matter." " There is one more love letter." " What is that?" "Where did I keep it?" "Send the rent within 10 days or you will have to vacate this lodge." "Is this a good life that we are leading?" "!" "I'll go home and send you money from there." "I'll keep walking, I am sure I will find my destination someday!" "Here, eat to your heart's content!" " Aunty, greetings!" " Live long, my son!" "Look who is here!" "Hey!" "You've grown a mustache, you've become very big." "Your uncle is hard of hearing especially, when I call him out!" "Hey, listen!" "Look who is here." " You have actually come back!" " Greetings, Uncle!" " Why didn't you write to us?" " Uncle had sent me a letter." "How would I know, he doesn't tell me anything." "I had written but I was not sure that he'll come here on receiving it." "I have written to him many times even before." "Uncle, in a city everyone has to struggle to get a job." "But you had written that you were working in a motor factory." "That's right but that factory went on a strike and I lost that job!" "That was bad but how are you concerned with the strike?" "This politics is fine with only two types of people... one, who are not bothered about earning any bread for their family... and the second, who don't have any bread at all!" "Okay tell me, did you find another job?" "Not yet but I expect to get a good job in next 6-8 months." "Until then why don't you take this job?" "Don't worry about the money." "A little more won't make any difference to Rai Sahab." "All he wants is someone should teach his grandchildren." "Oh!" "That's why you've called Ravi here to be bashed by those brats?" "Don't go there, son." "And don't you dare take him to the mansion!" "Are Rai Sahab's grandchildren so dangerous?" "Son, they are the messengers of death!" "She hears all kind of stories sitting here at home." "I hear things properly, I am not deaf like you." " What did you say?" " Shanti's mother has told me everything." "But what have they done?" "Son, dozens of teachers have come and left that place!" "They called a teacher from Delhi and those brats threw a snake in his bed." "Do you know what you are talking?" "It was just an earthworm!" "Didn't you tell me that a teacher from Benares ran away the same night?" "No, I am sure he must be from Bariely." " But he did run away!" " This sounds quite interesting." "Ravi, if you get influenced by her talks and don't feel like it... then don't take up the job but atleast meet Rai Sahab." "You never know, if he likes you, he may ask you to join his business." "Your lines tell that you will do a business." "When 'Shukra' exits from 'Shani', you will receive a huge wealth." "You have unnecessarily scared the poor child." "He was a brat when he was a kid, he had tied a frog to your braid." "And you went jumping around everywhere!" "Yes, I had thrashed him a lot after that, okay now get up  take a wash." " Hello, Panditji." " Hello!" " Has Rai Sahab come down." " Yes." " Is he the new teacher?" " Yes!" "Don't hesitate to answer if he asks you anything." "Don't make noise with your shoes!" " Can I come in?" " Please come, Panditji." "Rai Sahab, he is Ravi, my nephew." "I spoke to you about him, he came as soon as he got the letter." "Sit down!" " How far have you studied?" " I have completed my B.A." " I wanted to do M.A. But..." " I didn't ask what you wanted to do." " How much have you studied?" " I have done B.A." "Oh my!" "This man seems to catch up every word!" " In which subject have you majored?" " In Economics because..." "I did not ask the reason!" "The people who give explanation without asking, often lie!" "This monster is out to snap at me!" " What were you doing in the city?" " Nothing." " How did you survive there?" " I could not anymore." " What did you do prior to that?" " I tutored children." " Which class?" " From the 1st to the 10th standard." " How much did you earn?" " Enough for me to survive!" " Were your students scared of you?" " No!" "They loved me." "But what if the children are goons?" "Children are never goons, they can be imps or naughty!" "Can you reform them if they are naughty?" " I can try!" " Will you get scared and run away?" "I can assure you that I will not run away without informing you." "If I let you stay in this mansion, will you live here?" "Yes, my uncle has already told me about it." "Then he must have also told you that the discipline here is very strict." "Will you be able to abide to rules of this place." "I don't know the rules so how can I say whether I can abide to it or not?" " What would you like to have?" " No, thank you, we'll leave now." " Let's go, Ravi." " Panditji, you wait here for a minute." "To hell with this job, I am not interested!" "Oh!" "They have already begun the game." "I swelled up with pride when Rai Sahab told me that... he'd not seen such a teacher before and immediately fixed his salary!" "And his lodging and boarding is exclusive!" "I was very scared but Ravi replied with confidence, it was great fun!" "Yes, you'll feel very contended to send him away to those monster kids?" "You wait and watch if something happens to him!" "You are talking as though I am sending him on the battleground!" "It is worst than that!" "On the battleground the soldiers atleast have a rifle... what will you give him?" "Aunty, why are you so scared, after all they are kids, what will they do?" "Besides, it isn't good that fearing them, I shouldn't teach them." "Anyway, lets see who proves to be worse, they or me!" " If they are apes then I..." " Hey!" "What happened to your shoes?" " Yes, what happened?" " A stone got stuck, so I had to cut it out!" "But why did you wear this one, you should have bought another one!" "You come with me, I'll buy you new clothes and shoes." "I will have to oil them!" "Please come this way." "Please ring that bell if you need anything, I'll be at your service." "You please sit, I will inform my Master." " Do you need some tea?" " No, thank you!" "Do you need something?" "Nothing." "I just wanted to see where you'll stay." "Next time knock before you come into anybody's room." "She also seems to be quite tough!" "I'll keep in mind next time!" "Masterji, you..." "Hey!" "What is this?" "They started it already?" "Are you alright or are you hurt?" " No, I am fine!" " This is a prank played by these imps." "I'll tell Madam right away, she'll hide their skin with her stick!" "Hey, listen!" "There is no need to tell anybody." "Masterji, hold the reins or they will even shave off your mustache!" " What?" " I am sorry!" "I often say things without thinking!" "My name is Narayan and my father's name is..." " I don't want to know your father's name." " Alright." " Since when are you working here?" " I'm here since I was 14 years old." "Oh, I forgot!" "Master has called you in the living room." "You go I am coming." " May I come in?" " Come!" "Sit down!" "Get ready now!" "They are children but he is their grandfather." "I have unnecessarily put myself in trouble!" " Did you see your room?" " Yes." " Is it alright?" " Yes, its very good." "Tell Narayan if you need anything." "I have called you here to introduce you to your students." "The entire family needs to be reformed." "Where is Rama?" "Rama is the eldest, she was studying in class 10th and left her studies." "He is Ajay, he was in the 5th or the 6th standard... he fought with his school teacher and has left his studies now." "His parents never tried to send him back to school." "After them are Vijay and Munni, her name is Meeta." "And he is Sanjay." "These three have never been to school." "They have been educated a little by dozens of teachers in the past." "Rest is in your hands, until you are here, teach them as much as you can!" " Brother, did you see this?" " What is this?" "This is the leg of the chair which was in his room." "These brats broke the chair, Masterji sat on it and fell down." "No I didn't, I did not sit on the chair!" "Don't make an excuse, you have a wound on your forehead." "Oh, this!" "I got hurt when I was getting down from the horse cart." "Sattee, don't argue further, you can go." "You also go and keep your books ready." "He will start teaching you from tomorrow." "Go!" "Alright Rai Sahab, I'll also take your leave." "Did your uncle tell you who these children are?" "Yes, he told me that they are your son, Neelesh Rai's children." "And he even told me under what condition they were brought here!" "In that case, I don't need to tell you any further." "But I would like to caution you not to fall for their innocent looks." "They all are very good actors." "When you deal with them you'll know, they are like animals from the zoo!" "They don't seem to have any traits of a human being." "I know that they have been raised in dire poverty." "But one doesn't need to buy culture and etiquettes." "If a child is deprived from parents he learns it from his neighborhood." "But it seems as though these children have vowed never to reform!" "There is only one good quality in these children and that is... they have a lot of unity, you punish one, they all protest!" "Although Rama is the eldest, she is the most stubborn of them all!" "She has anger at the tip of her nose!" "She cannot bear the sight of Sattee!" "And she thinks that I am my son's killer!" "She thinks that I purposely did not search for Neelesh." "As a matter of fact, I waited for him for 17 years... that someday, he might..." "Ravi, I don't know why but I think that you will reform these children." "No teacher till date has covered up for them." "You fell from the chair and said that the horse cart hurt you." "Ravi, you will do me a very big favor... if you make these children well-mannered." "Rai Sahab, I'll try my best to improve them... they seem to be smart and clever, only they are very obstinate!" "If I can get control of that then you will be very proud of these kids." "You stop worrying about these children and leave them to me." "I think I will be able to handle them." "Can I leave and start preparing for my task?" "What is the matter?" "Don't laugh, don't you know your salary will be cut?" " What?" " Yes, I lose 10-15 rupees every month." "And whenever I feel like laughing, I run towards the forest." "Silly man!" "You must laugh your heart out whenever you feel like!" "I'll reimburse your salary!" " Who was laughing so loudly?" " Masterji, he asked me to laugh." "You draw very well but you have made one mistake." "I don't need this!" "So you all must be having your books with you." "Do one thing, close your books." "Neither will I teach nor will you study." "Lets sit and chat!" "He's lying, he will teach us later." "Alright, first let me memorize your names." "Your name is Ajay, you are Vijay, you are Meeta and you are Sanjay." "Isn't it right?" " Answer me!" " The old man told you our names." "No Meeta, this is not the way to address him!" "But he is an old man, his mustache is also gray!" "No Sanjay, don't say that, tell me how he is related to you?" " Do you know the relation?" " He is our pop's pop!" "You are absolutely right!" "Did you address your father as pop?" "No, we called him father." "And how did your father address his father?" "He called him father." "That means he is your father's father!" "So that means he is your grandfather." "If I keep their pictures in front of you, how will you differentiate?" " One is our father's picture." " Very good!" "And the other?" "His pop's!" "Aren't you'll feeling hot?" "I'll switch on the fan." "Oh my!" " What happened?" " What happened to you?" " Me?" "!" " Go wash your face!" " What do you mean?" " Don't you have a mirror in your room?" "Masterji, hold their reins or they'll even shave out your mustache." "I think I should shave out my mustache before they do it!" " What are you thinking?" " Nothing!" "I was listening to the second track." "The children have done it, tell me where I should wash my face?" "Who has done this?" "Tell me soon or I shall skin your hide!" "Alright, I'll find out." "Sanju, stand up and tell me who did it?" " Tell me, who did it?" " Leave him alone." "Such a small child cannot play this prank." " Then who played this prank?" " I did, punish me!" "Why do you want to become as shameless as her?" "Get out from here, you will not get food!" "You'll become alright only when you remain hungry!" "Have your dinner." " Yes, Masterji." " Come in." " Who kept this stick here?" " I kept it." " Why?" " Madam told me to keep it here!" "Give this back to her and tell that I don't hit children while teaching." "You can go now!" "Sanju, come here, child!" "Why are you looking around, come here, I am calling you." "Get your book here!" "Open your book." "Hey!" "Where are the first pages of your book?" " I read them." " Is that why you tore them off?" " Yes." " Will you read the rest of the pages?" " No." " Alright, I will teach you only when you feel like it." "Go and sit down now." " What is this?" " Won't you hit me?" "Masterji, why did you send back this stick?" " Because I thought it belonged to you." " It does belong to me." "But perhaps, you are not aware why I kept it here!" " I know it!" " Oh!" "So that means..." "It means its my responsibility to teach the children, not yours!" "I would like it if you don't interfere in my work." "I don't want to listen to what you like and what you don't!" "I kept this stick in this class and it will remain here!" "You may be educated but even you need to learn manners like them." "Entering the class room without permission is bad manners!" "You perhaps have not learnt this before!" "Ravi is right, you come out!" "Ajay, what did the previous teacher teach you?" "What did you learn in geography?" "So tell me what did you learn in geography?" "Who is eating?" "Sanju, what are you eating?" "Won't you share it with me?" "Okay, let me see what you are eating." " Why did you throw his toast?" " He will not eat!" "Nobody will eat anything until sister doesn't eat food." "Hasn't your sister eaten anything since yesterday?" "Even I have not eaten!" "Don't worry child, we all will eat together now." " And sister?" " She too will eat with us!" " Sister will not eat!" " I will not eat until she doesn't eat!" "I too will join you all in your hunger strike!" "Alright, I'll come back, you'll study." "Come in." "So you have also left the class?" "Have you come here to complain about them?" "No sir, I have come here to complain against you!" "I think these children don't need a teacher." "You have unnecessarily called me here!" " What do you mean?" " These children don't need education." "All they need is love and sympathy!" "Which neither you can give them nor can Sattee Devi give!" "If love could be given in doses like medicine, I would do that too... but the problem is, there's no love potion available that I can buy them." "I got them here from those slums..." "I tried to bestow them with all types of luxuries..." "I'm trying to make them civilized, is it because I don't love them?" "The luxury that you call love is not love, its just a comfort." "This can be attained by any patient in any hospital." "You have always been like a disciplined nurse to them... you never gave them the love a mother can give!" "You are providing them with things they need... but only parents can provide them with unconditional love!" "For that, they don't need to see their children's qualities!" " What are you trying to say?" " Last night you punished Rama." "You did not give her food and that's why, none of them ate." "They went to sleep hungry, did you try to pacify them even once?" "I've tried it." "When parents punish, they love their children too!" "But these children are far too impudent!" "I have hired you for this, its okay if you can reform them... or else, you too can leave!" "Who is it?" "You?" "!" " Can I come in?" " Yes." " Please sit." " I have come to ask you something." " Ask me." " Are you aware why I have been called here?" "Yes, we are animals from the zoo and you've been called to train us!" " You are angry Rama, that's..." " Speak to me with respect!" " I am not your student." " I know that." "I know that you are not interested in studies." "But I had come here to ask you something else." " Ask." " I've heard that many teachers have come here before me." "But they all left infact, they were made to leave!" "If you think the same for me then tell me, so that I can leave myself!" "Neither did I call you here nor will I ask you to leave... you can ask this question to Rai Sahab." "Don't do that, if you are caught singing, you'll be in trouble!" " Stop such habits." " Why, what is the problem in singing?" "Singing is the root cause of all the problems!" "Whenever you feel like singing, you can go towards the forest." " I should go to the forest to sing?" " Yes." " Why?" " I don't think even you will last for many days." "You have all bad habits, sometimes you sing and sometimes you laugh!" "Hey, listen!" "Come here and sit down." "Okay tell me why Rai Sahab gets irritated with singing?" "Haven't you heard of the proverb 'a burnt child dreads fire'." "But why should Rai Sahab dread music?" " It did create dread in his life!" " Are you talking about Neelesh?" "Was a very good singer?" "Not only good, he was amazing!" "The Manager once had even heard him on the radio!" "But Masterji, this love for music is like being an ascetic!" "You need to concentrate on it all the while." "When he used to sing at the break of dawn, believe me... it used to feel as though he is waking up the Goddess!" "His music was very aromatic!" "He used to sometimes sit under the tree in the garden... and sometimes on the terrace and he would be in a trance for hours!" "Hey!" "Since when are you standing here?" " Since a long time." " What's this, lime water?" " Is father awake?" " Long back, he's asked you to be ready by 10 a.m." " Why?" " You have to go to Mr. Chaudhry's house." "The one who came here with his daughter." "But I've to go to city today." "Anyway, what will I do there?" "All these visits are happening because of you!" " What are you talking about?" " They are very wealthy." "So, are they giving me anything?" "Let me tell you one thing, I really liked the girl!" "Do one thing, you get married to her!" " I'll find someone else." " You joke a lot." "Master, tell your father and fix up this alliance." "Forget it Narayan, I don't want to be stuck in a marriage." "Take this!" "Today for the first time, I will sing with my Guru in a conference." "Didn't Narayan tell you anything in the morning?" " What?" " Didn't he tell you to be ready by 10 a." "M?" "You have to accompany me to Mr. Chaudhary's house." "But father, today I have to go to the city." " My train leaves at 11.30 a.m." " You have to go and sing there?" " Yes." " Is your singing more important than going with me?" "But father, I..." "Neelu, no son in our family has ever dared to back answer his father!" "You cannot accompany me because, you want to sing?" "But its a music conference and the tickets are sold." "And you'll get money for the show?" "How much money will you get?" "Will you get enough money to buy a pall for your father?" " Father!" " Did I send you to a hostel to grow up to be a musician?" "Do you want to turn this mansion into an entertainment house?" "I thought that you were just nursing an expensive hobby... but I had no idea that you wanted to sing to earn a living!" "Will you sing in a place where the courtesans will dance?" "You have misunderstood." "Ustaad Shiv Nath is a renowned singer." "I am going to Mr. Chaudhary's place..." "I have fixed your marriage with his daughter." "Reach his place within half an hour!" "He was as obstinate as his father." "He did not go to Mr. Chaudhary's place, he gave me a letter... and left for the city." "For the first time I saw how heart broken his father was!" "He did not do right." "Master used to sit alone at the dining table." "And used to get up without eating!" "He studied for one more year in the city... and one day when he returned..." "God bless you!" " God bless you, child." " Father, she's your daughter in law." "Something suddenly happened that is why, we had to get married!" "We thought that we would call you there... or we would come here and get married but..." "But what?" "You were scared that I would not accept her?" "A father is happy when his son is happy!" "Child, his mother is not alive to carry out the rituals to welcome you." "But if I was aware, I would surely arrange some music to welcome you." "But you both never gave me that chance!" "Take her to your room, son." "Its 9 p.m. And father is yet not at the dinner table?" "After I was born, for the first time father is late." "I am not aware if he was late before that!" "Otherwise, he so punctual that as he starts winding his watch... the clock strikes 9 o'clock!" "Vegetables in mustard!" "Father loves this dish!" " But where is he?" " Master is not feeling well." "He's asked you carry on  has called you to the living room after dinner." "Why in the living room, if he isn't well then why isn't he in his room?" "He did not tell me." "Is he upset because of me?" "No, if he is upset its because of me and not you!" " Father!" " Come in, Neelesh." " Did you have your dinner?" " Yes." " And your wife?" " Yes, she too had her dinner." "I heard that you are not feeling well." "No, its not like that, its just a feeling of... sit down..." "I am sorry father, I got married without your consent that is why..." "No son, your marriage should have taken place only with your consent." "And it has!" "Father, I know Sujata since a long time." "She is the daughter of my Guru." "He passed away suddenly and I did not get the time to inform you." "Although I wanted to marry only with your blessings." "Son, every man has a right to live and lead his life in his own way." "The way I have done!" "I have never caught hold of anyone for support." "I am glad that my son has grown up so much that... he doesn't need my support anymore!" "Go build a house of your own where you can lead a life in your own way." "The way I made this house and I lead my own life here!" "I don't let anybody else rule this house!" "Yes, as a father and a son we both have some duties." "Which we both will abide." "I have taken out rupees fifty thousand for you... take it with you and start your own life." "Lead it your own way wherein there will be no interference from my end." "If you think its less, the cupboard is open, take as much as you want." "There is no need to seek my permission!" "That was the last meeting between the father and the son." "After that, they both never met again." "And neither did they ever keep in touch." "Seventeen years passed by and then one day... when Master came back, there was a letter from his son in his mail." "He went out immediately!" "And when he returned back three days later, the children were with him." "But these poor children had come here in a very bad state." "But Master took good care of them." "But Rama's anger has taken after her family!" "Infact, more than her grandfather!" "She was leaving the house with all the children one night." "But Master forcibly got them back home!" "He called Sattee Devi here and they were prohibited from going out!" "Nobody can cross the boundary!" "Since then music is banned in this house!" "Neelesh sir's room has been locked, nobody can enter that room!" "These kids are such brats that whatever you do, they'll not reform!" "Dozens of teachers have come here." "The previous teacher left middle of the night  he left back his clothes!" "I wear those clothes..." "Narayan, you will never get my clothes." "Even if I leave, I'll take my clothes along." " You are different, Masterji." " Why am I different?" "We can send your clothes back at your uncle's house." "I'll leave now, its quite late," "Get up early tomorrow, Master is going to the city." " Why?" " He goes often regarding his business." " Sattee Devi is also going." " Why is she going?" "She has a house there." "I'll go now." "Manager, have you kept all the important documents?" " Yes." " Please get my briefcase" "I may return back after one week or it may take me 10-15 days..." "Sattee is going back home, I had called her for these children." "She can't stay here for long." "I hope you know that I'm placing a very big responsibility on you." "Yes Rai Sahab, I do understand that you are placing me under a trial." " I hope you won't be disappointed." " I hope so too!" "That I will surely meet you when I return back." "I hope I don't get to hear that you too ran away!" "If you need anything you can ask the Manager, you'll have no problem." " You'll get everything you want." " Alright, I'll take your leave now." "Manager, please have the bags put in the car." "Let's go, Sattee." " Come in, Manager." " Don't you have a class today?" "No, today I have given them a holiday." "You've given a holiday as soon as Rai Sahab left?" "Yes." "I've listed down few books, please get them for me." "Along with this get me a carom board set and a cricket gear." " What are you asking for?" " I've written whatever I need." " But what will Rai Sahab say?" " You show him this list." "Tell him that I had ordered for these things." "I can't understand what you are trying to do." "Don't worry, you please get me these things by tomorrow morning." "Masterji, where are your students today?" " I've given them a holiday today." " I am saved." " Why?" " I would be dead if they would have come here." "I have to clean this room without their knowledge." " Why, who's room is it?" " It belongs to Master Neelesh." " Open it, let me see what's in." " No, they may come here!" " Don't worry, I close the door." " You're responsible for everything!" "When did you all come in?" " You play the 'sitar' very well." " My sister plays it better than you." "Really, then please tell her to play it for us." " Play it, sister." " For the first time I've heard music in this house." "Aren't you scared of grandfather?" "Old man is not here..." "I have told you'll several times to call him grandfather and not old man!" "Hey!" "Scoundrel." " Where did you learn this word?" " From the watchman." " Why didn't you'll come to the class?" " You didn't go to your class?" "Grandfather went out today so we went to play." "Why didn't you tell me about it?" "What were you all playing?" " Baseball!" " In the house?" "What if you would break something?" "We've already broken your window pane." "That's bad!" "Next time, you should go out and play." " Who will let us go out?" " I will take you!" " Will you take us?" " Of course!" " We'll not talk to you if you don't take us." " Let's go." " Sister, you also come along." " No, you all carry on." "No, if we go, we all will go together." "Yes sister, let's go!" "You also sing with me!" "Not like that, sing the verse too!" "Rama, you also sing!" "Do you know what we are singing?" "Of course I know, you teach them the notes!" "I am not teaching you, you must have learnt it from your father." "Yes, so where were we?" " On the 5th note." " How?" "Tell us!" "You used to eat in the kitchen, wonder when formed this new habit." "The English have left and left this table and chair for you!" "Thank your stars that they have left me back for you." "And if they would take me along, you'd be waiting here for me!" "I wonder who is at the door!" "Coming!" " Did you forget your aunt?" " Look, I've got all of them here!" " Aunty, she is Rama, Rai Sahab's grand daughter." " Greetings!" "God bless you, child." "Please come in." " Accept my greetings too!" " God bless you, my child!" "You all are here?" "!" "Rama, please come in." "Hey!" "Take them inside..." "What is the matter, child?" "Uncle addressed her by saying 'hey', that's not the way to call a woman." "Yes child, you're absolutely right!" "Okay, tell us something more about us!" " You both have gray hair." " And you don't have hair at all!" "Come on inside!" "Come sit!" "Sit here, child!" "Uncle, do you play this 'sitar'?" "He can barely hear anything, how will he play a 'sitar'?" "I used to play it when I used to live here." "Ravi, make arrangements for their snacks, they must be hungry." " No, we have eaten." " Of course not, we are hungry!" " I'll make something." " Yes aunty, we all will have lunch!" " We'll eat together." " Don't get up, I've to make it." "I'll come back now." " When is Rai Sahab returning back?" " In a week's time!" "But how did you know that he has gone out of town?" "Seeing these children I understood that Rai Sahab is out of town." "Uncle, you'll have unnecessarily defamed these children!" "I did not defame them, it was your aunt who was against them!" "These children are so sweet that..." "They are very sweet children, they never harass me." "Ravi, look what she is doing here!" "What could Rama be doing?" "!" "I'll just be back." " Child, you go and sit, I'll make it myself." " No, I'll help you!" " What is the matter, aunty?" " Son, please explain it to her." "You think I cannot cook?" "I used to cook when my father was alive." " We did not have a servant." " Why don't you tell her something?" "What can I say?" "I suggest you both leave it, I'll knead the dough." "How can you enter the kitchen with your shoes?" "You are just like my aunt!" " Why don't you go and sit inside?" " Look at her, aunty!" "She came here for an outing and now is sitting here to cook!" "Actually, I wouldn't mind if she manages my entire house!" "Manager, is there any news from Rai Sahab?" " Well, he..." " What's the matter, you look very worried." "Masterji, whatever you are doing is not right at all!" " What?" " Taking the children out everyday!" "So what, don't they eat, sleep and study everyday?" "So what's the harm if they go out to play everyday?" "You know that when Rai Sahab comes back, you'll have to answer him." "Alright Manager, tell me one thing... have you ever seen these children so happy every before?" "You haven't!" "If you would be in my place you would realise... these children have never studied with so much dedication ever before." "Their sister has already made them study the books you got that day!" "They harassed their teachers because they were stubborn!" "Aren't they the same children who made their teachers lives miserable?" "They used to make them leave, seeing them do you yet feel the same?" "I am talking about Rai Sahab and not the children." "I have been asked to stay here for the sake of these children, not him!" "Only 5 minutes are left for 9 p.m., you'll be late for dinner." "How could I be late?" "Look, I am already here!" "Shame on you, you did not wash your face!" "Three minutes are yet left, I'll be back in two minutes." "The barber  the merchant went to the lame ghost's house in the night." "And when the lame ghost returned... he saw the door was closed... he asked from outside 'who is inside?" "'" "The barber understood who it was and asked back 'who is outside?" "'" "I am the lame ghost!" " I am also the lame ghost!" " I am a ghost, I'll eat you up!" "I am the messenger of death, I'll eat you up!" "Masterji, she is scared." " Then what happened, sir?" " The ghost asked 'what is your symbol?" "'" "The barber threw out his blade and said 'look, this my nail!" "'" "The ghost thought if the nail is big then how big he would be in person?" "Shut up!" "When there was no answer, the merchant threw a rope outside." "And said 'look, this is my hair!" "'" "The ghost was shocked and yet when there was no reply... the barber said to the ghost 'you go away or I shall spit on you!" "'" "Then he took some lime juice and threw it from the window." "Seeing this the ghost said 'I am going from here, messenger of death!" "'" " Please tell us one more story." " You want to hear one more story?" " But not a ghost story." " Let's hear Baiju and Tansen's story!" "Yes sir, tell us that story." "You must be aware that Tansen was one of the 9 gems of Akbar's court." "He was a renowned singer of his times!" "One day, a singer visited Akbar's court." "His name was Baiju Bawra." "He challenged to compete Tansen." "All the ministers gathered in the court." "Two marble platforms were built, one for Tansen and other for Baiju." "Tansen began to sing, while he was singing, all the birds and animals... around, gathered in one place." "Tansen put a gold chain around the neck of all the animals there." "As soon as the song got over all the birds and animals ran away." "Now Tansen told Baiju to get back the gold chains from them." "Baiju started singing, as he was singing... the animals and the birds that went away, came back." "And while singing, he took out the gold chains  handed over to Tansen." "Now it was Baiju's turn, he sang a song... with so much emotion that the marble platform under him started melting." "Baiju kept on singing and the marble kept on melting." "Baiju got stuck in the molten marble... seeing him stuck in that, everyone there started shouting." "Listening to their screams, Baiju woke up from his trance." "He stopped singing and as soon as he stopped, the marble solidified again." "But Baiju was stuck in the marble, he told Tansen to sing... and get him out from that, Tansen got very scared... he said..." "Hey!" "They all have gone off to sleep." " Did Tansen manage to take out Baiju?" " Then..." "I will tell you the remaining story tomorrow." "Its very late, you also go to sleep." "Yes." "Why do you speak so formally with me?" "Is it because I spoke rudely with you the other day?" "That was nice!" "Lts not bad manners to speak with respect!" " You don't speak to me like that." " Then how shall I address you?" " There you go again!" " Alright, I'll be informal with you." "Who is inside?" " Who is inside?" " Who is outside?" "I am the lame ghost and I'll eat you up!" "What is this lame ghost doing here early in the morning?" " How is your hand?" " Its fine but why are you asking?" "Sister has sent this balm and asked you to massage it." "Go and thank your sister from me!" "You are laughing so loudly, what if your salary is cut?" "You waved a magic wand and changed everyone in this house." "These days the children study, play and they laugh too!" "Nobody needs to go to the forest anymore!" "But what will happen when Rai Sahab comes back?" "Oh!" "What will we do?" "But there's one thing, Masterji... he's not a bad man, he sure is very strict!" "That's because he left the army but not the army discipline." "Was Rai Sahab the same even when Neelesh was here?" "No, he was strict but he often joked too!" "Rai Sahab has taken this shock very badly!" "I've not heard him laughing since past 20 years." "Narayan, God willing, you will even see him laugh very soon." "Yes Masterji, just once, make him happy... get back his smile, I'll give you anything..." "I can't give you anything but yet, if you ask for my life, I'll give..." "Now you try to get the white coin and you two get the black one!" "No, I want the red coin." "No, you'll get the black one!" "Now start playing." "Hey!" "You are cheating?" "Don't do that!" "Now let's see who gets the queen, give me the striker!" "Very good!" "You'll continue playing and after an hour, go and rest in your rooms." "And listen, nobody should cheat!" "Sanju, don't cheat!" "Okay, you'll play." "Scoundrel!" " What happened?" " Insect!" " Where is an insect?" " It was here!" " But there is nothing here." " It was here just now." " It was troubling me since half an hour!" " What?" " An insect." " Insect?" "!" "There really was a black insect here!" "Rama, you really are crazy!" "Come on, let's get the insect!" "It looks as though a lion had attacked you!" " Come in, Panditji." " Where is Ravi?" "He is teaching the children in their class." "He'll come down in 5 minutes, you please sit down." " Excuse me, I'll finish my work." " Oh yes, you continue!" " When is Rai Sahab returning back?" " In 4-5 days." "He's sent a letter saying that he'll be back by the 25th." "Oh, on the 25th!" "But today is just the 15th, there are 10 days more!" "Time passes off very soon!" " Greetings, Uncle!" " Greetings!" " Greetings, uncle!" " May God bless you!" "Long live, my child!" "Is your class over?" " Yes, Uncle." " Within half an hour, we'll have carom board class." "Oh!" "So you'll even have a class for carom board?" " Children, you go to your room." " Come on!" " Uncle, what brings you here?" " There was a letter for you." " Who's letter is it?" " Amit has written it." " What has he written?" " I have got a job, uncle." "I have to join the duty within two days." " Where?" " Its a very good company." "Its a very good job, I had given an interview before coming here." "I have got this job with the help of Mr. Dixit." " When do you have to reach there?" " By the 18th." "You mean after two days?" "!" " Yes." " How can you go so soon?" "Besides, who will be here?" "That's the problem because, Rai Sahab is not here." "And what about the children?" "But Uncle, I cannot afford to lose this job!" "How long can I be here, all their life they cannot study at home!" "Soon they will go to school." "You decide but I suggest don't take a decision before Rai Sahab returns." "Okay, I will leave now." "Come home with Rama someday, your aunt was asking about her!" "Why did you stop, please sing!" " Why?" " I can't sing in front of you." "Why, am I so ignorant that I can't appreciate a good song?" "No, that's not the reason, actually I cannot sing properly." "I don't think so, whom did you learn music from?" " From my father?" " So, your father was your teacher?" " Let me see what you were singing." " This is father's book." "Is this your mother's picture?" "This was father's last song that he taught me." "My mother was not alive then, she had expired 3-4 years back." "And father too never kept well." "Father!" "Why are you coughing so much?" "Shall I call the doctor?" "'Dear father, its been 17 years since I left your house... or should I say, since I've settled down..." "I have lived my life the way you told me to do... in my own way but today I am compelled to write to you... not for myself but for the sake of my five children... please take care of them.'" " Yes, father." " Come here, son." "Post this letter." "Where were you wandering around in the rain?" " It stopped raining, father." " This is the money for the stamp." " Where are you going?" " To post father's letter." "Give it back, I am getting late." "How were you last night?" "You don't take your medicines in time." "Father, did you write a letter to grandfather?" "Yes, I have written that he should come to take you all." " Why?" " Because you cook vegetables with mustard very well." " He loves it, you feed him." " Stop joking, father!" " Tell me the truth!" " Your temper is just like your grandfather's!" " You'll be fine with him!" " Tell me what have you written?" " Have you asked him for money?" " No, child!" "Your father can never do such a thing!" " I'll die but I'll never..." " When why did you rite to him?" "Remember mother once told you to write and you scolded her!" "Child, go and get some tea for the doctor." "Are the tablets over?" "My breath is over now!" "How can I treat you like this?" "I've told you to get admitted in a hospital." "I know that is why today, I wrote a letter to my father." "Where can I leave these kids?" "Look, I throw up blood many times in a day." "That same day we took him to the hospital." "But it was too late and we could see his end nearing." "Everyday he would ask about grandfather's letter or arrival." "But I know that grandfather did not come because of his ego." "And when everything was over, he came to fetch us." "I came here for my father's sake!" "Rama, I don't blame anyone." "But I'll tell you frankly, everyone has misunderstood Rai Sahab." "You too!" "And also your father!" "You think that he purposely did not try to find out about his son." "But the fact is that he waited for his son's letter for 17 years." "If he would have written even once, Rai Sahab would've gone to take him." "How do you know, who told you?" " Rai Sahab told me." " Then why didn't he pacify my father?" "How could he, he did not know where he lived." "Why didn't he come when he received the letter?" "Rama, you jumped to your own conclusion." "Did you ever ask Rai Sahab why he did not come?" " Why would I ask?" " Then why would he ask?" "He was answerable to his son, not to you." "Okay, I will tell you." "When your father's letter reached here, Rai Sahab was not in town." "He received the letter after almost a month." "And as soon as he read the letter, he did not wait here for a minute... he immediately left to meet his son." " How do you know?" " There you go again!" "Don't you remember?" "He was with you for 2 days trying to convince you to come here." "He stayed with you all for 2 days in the same clothes." "He had no change of clothes, have you forgotten all that?" "Why did he have to plead to such small kids?" "His ego did not stop him!" " Yes, Master." " Who has got this here?" " Masterji has got it." " Why?" " The children play here." " Where is Ravi?" "He's left." "He's gone to the city, he was saying..." " Where is the Manager?" " He's gone out." " Call him!" " Alright." "Wait!" " Who have put this picture here?" " The children." " Where are they?" " In the school." " Which school?" " The place where they study." "You mean their class?" "What are they doing there?" " They are studying there." " Studying?" "!" "They study uptil 1 o'clock everyday." " And who is teaching them?" " Rama." "Greetings, grandfather!" " When did you come back?" " Just some time back!" " Greetings, grandfather!" " Live long, my son." " Has aunty come with you?" " No, she'll live in her house now." "You continue to teach them." "Grandfather, take this vegetables with mustard." "I have made it, you like it, isn't it?" " Father told me about it." " Neelu told you?" " He used to remember me?" " He used to miss you a lot." "He used to talk very often about you." "Did he tell you that I am callous, I've meted out injustice on him?" "No grandfather, he used to say that... he had never come across any man who is so firm on his principles!" "Who is it?" "Come inside." "Why are you'll standing outside, come in!" " Who taught you to say good night?" " Masterji!" "Will you sleep on my bed?" " I will also sleep here." " Me too!" " Okay, you both sleep here." " Do you know a story, grandfather?" " Which story?" " The story of a lame ghost." " No." " I know it." " Okay tell me." " Once upon a time, there was a lame ghost." "He said 'who is inside, I am the lame ghost!" "'" "'Come out or I shall kill you!" "'" "The barber spitted on him and the lame ghost ran away!" "Come in, child!" " Has Ravi taught them these stories?" " Yes." " Did he say anything while leaving?" " He said he's got a good job." "That is why he had to leave." "I am very thankful to him for introducing me to my children!" "But I didn't like one thing, he left in my absence without informing me." "He didn't do a right thing." "Grandfather is upset because, you left without meeting him." "Otherwise, he is very happy and its good to see him laughing." "You'll be shocked to know but Meeta sleeps with him these days." "Sanju stays with me and Ajay  Vijay have gone to the hostel." "When they were leaving, grandfather got very emotional." "He said that he had barely stayed with them." "He referred to you and said you could've taught them few months more." "But you must be very busy, you don't even have time to meet Sanju." "Sanju and all others miss you a lot!" "Sanju and all others miss you a lot!" "You've read this line 50 times and I've heard it 50 times!" "But why don't you read out the other names?" " Who does that mean?" " Rai Sahab!" " Ajay and Vijay." " And?" " Narayan and the Manager." " And?" " And who else?" " Stupid man, why aren't you taking Rama's name?" "Stop getting embarrassed like a woman!" "Okay tell me, did you tell anything to Rama?" " Yes, I did." " What?" "That I will miss her." " What a fool!" " What else could I tell her?" "You wanted me to behave like the film heroes?" "Okay, did Rama tell you anything?" "No, when I was leaving, everyone came out to leave me." "Even I don't wish to leave but its a good job and I cannot leave it." "Please apologize to Rai Sahab on my behalf." "Please explain it to him." "I am leaving Ajay, do you remember everything I told you?" " When will you return back?" " The day you get married, my child!" " Will you call me?" " Where are you going, sir?" "I have to go for some important work." " And when will you come back?" " I'll come back soon, Sanju." " Where is your sister?" " She's crying in her room." "Won't you ever come back?" "Not even to meet grandfather?" "I will come Rama, I will come to meet you!" "I am leaving, Rama." "I think you should go and meet them." "And if possible, why don't you speak to Rama once?" "What?" "Inspite of loving you, Rama will never be able to talk to Rai Sahab." "Amit, you think I can talk to him?" "If you are sure of Rama's feelings then you can surely talk!" "If you cannot speak then atleast you can tell uncle to speak for you?" "That poor Rama has no other way!" "Her parents are not alive, whom will she confide in?" "Why don't you go and meet perhaps, Rai Sahab may himself understand!" "Come on, lift your head, very good!" "Now don't touch your eyes." "Wear these glasses!" "Sheru, take the children inside." "Go inside, its very hot out here!" "Hello, Rai Sahab." " Hello!" " Why have you come now?" " Who has called you here?" " Nobody called me." " I just came to meet." " Whom have you come to meet?" " I beg your pardon!" " Have you come to meet Rama or the children?" " I've come to meet everyone." " You haven't come here to meet me!" "If you'd care about me, you wouldn't have left in my absence." "I had to leave in your absence but you know the reason." "Besides, I completed the task you had handed over to me." "Who said that your job was done?" "You have just reformed the kids." " What about the rest?" " Rest, who?" "Who will reform me?" "You yet have to reform me." "Sit down, Ravi." "My children have reformed me, Ravi..." "I am very happy and very thankful to you." "You have united me with my children!" "Or else, my remaining life would be spent in sorrow... and the children would always think that their grandfather was a tyrant!" "Rai Sahab, you cannot capture the fragrance if you close your fist!" "The essence of your love would someday reach to the children!" "How are Sanju and the rest?" "Ajay and Vijay must be writing to you from their hostel." "They write every week but how did you know that they are in a hostel?" "Well, Rama had written a letter to me." "I had asked her to inform me about your return... and also how successful I was in my work!" "Actually, you should have written the letter to congratulate me." "Of course not!" "You should have written the letter because..." "Anyway, forget it all." "I have lost my son due to my ego..." "I don't want to repeat the same mistake!" "It may become a good news if I share it with you." "I have a friend from my army days, they are an affluent family..." "I want to fix Rama's marriage with his grandson!" "She'll be very happy if she gets married in that family!" " Does Rama know about this?" " No." "Ravi, I have broken down somewhere within myself." "I've become weak, I don't know why but I am scared to talk to her." "If she refuses then I won't be able to tolerate it!" "Although, there is no reason or doubts for my fear." "Ravi, I could not get my son married as per my wish." "But I desire to get my granddaughter married as per my wishes!" "I perhaps want to atone for my sins!" "Ravi, let's go into the living room, its very sunny here." " Where are Sanju and Meeta?" " In their room, go and meet them." "They'll be very happy to see you, they miss you a lot!" "I could not get my son married as per my own wish." "But I desire to get my granddaughter married as per my wishes!" "I perhaps want to atone for my sins!" "Someone is surely remembering you that is why you are sneezing!" " Who is remembering me?" " Masterji must be remembering you." "But why is he remembering me three times?" "My dear child, he loves you that's why he is remembering you!" " But sister, he loves you too!" " But she is not sneezing!" "Now your Masterji must be sneezing!" "What is the matter?" "Where are you off to?" "I am going back to the city by the afternoon train." "But what is the hurry?" "Stay for a couple of days more." " No uncle, I had told Amit I'd return soon." " But what's the matter?" "Why are you looking so glum?" " Nothing." " Did you meet Rai Sahab?" " Did you meet Rama?" " Yes" " How is she?" " She's fine!" " Where are you going?" " To the kitchen." "Where is Ravi?" "Didn't he come to meet you?" " Where were you?" " In my room." " He went up to meet you." " When did he come here?" "Around a hour back but how could he leave without meeting me?" "Rama, come here!" "Come closer!" "Come more close!" "I don't approve of you leaving so early!" "Did you come here just to touch this place!" "You wait here, I'll look for him." "You get in, the train is moving." "Take care and do write to us." " Where is Ravi?" " What?" "Has Ravi left?" "Panditji, it would be better if we go from here!"