"I never could cross .." ".. the distance .." ".. of streets." "I never could cross .." ".. the distance .." ".. of streets." "A thousand times .." ".. I hesitated" "Only to re-start again." "A thousand times I hesitated." "Only to re-start again." "Who knows the earth.." ".. of one's land?" "Who knows the earth.." ".. of one's land?" "I walked with dirt in my eyes.." ".. and a cloud of dust over my heart" "A thousand times .." ".. I hesitated.." "Only to re-start again." "A thousand times .." "Rizoo, you're up very early today, son?" "Some tea?" "We'll have it together at the table." "Rizoo." "What were you writing, early morning?" "Granny." "Where would Mammo Nani be?" "Who knows if she is alive?" "I pray for her every day." "May she be well." "How come you thought of her all of a sudden?" "I dreamt of her last night." "Poor thing." "She was never a burden on anyone." "I wish .." "We had done more to keep her with us." "When Ahmedbhai died.." ".. there was no-one to care for her in this entire world." "So many letters from her!" "I never replied to even one." "Where is there place in such small flats." "My silence must have hurt her very deeply." "Grandma." "Do you still have those letters?" "Yes." "Can I see them?" "Just a moment." "Here." "Since Ahmedbhai died I have no-one to call my own." "I am totally alone." "I wish to come to you." "Rest assured, I won't bother you." "I will cook for you." "Sweep and swab for you." "Take care of your grand-son." "Please send for me." "What are you staring at, child?" "Pick up the luggage." "Go on!" "You are Riyaz, yes?" "How you've grown!" "God be praised, just like your mother!" "May she rest in peace." "The same innocent face she had." "When I came last, you were that small." "You played on my lap." "I've cleaned your bottom." "I don't remember." "Listen to that." "Forgotten your Mammo Nani." "I've grown fatter." " like a cow !" "But our Fejji must be the same." "Slim and fit." "Isn't it?" "Where is your granny?" "Fejji?" "In the kitchen?" "Who is it, Rizoo?" "Granny, some-one's come" "Some-one ?" "It's me, Mammo!" "Mammo." " Fejji." "Fejji." " Mommo." "You could've sent a telegram." "At least a letter." "What's the use." "I wrote many letters and got no reply" "You were worried, I'd take over your house." "Fejji, how much does a poor old woman need?" "A corner somewhere." "Rizoo, get some sherbet for your Mammo Nani." "No sherbet-verbet." "What I need is a hot bath." "My clothes are filthy from the journey." "Rizoo, go fill a bucket with hot water." "He's quite forgotten me." "Doesn't recognise me or even greet me." "Rizoo, you didn't wish your Mammo Nani." "Greetings." "Live long!" "Be happy!" "May God guide you." "I used to worry how you'd cope with your orphaned grand-son." "Tell us about you." "It's a long story." "What happened?" "I never went to see those dreadful people again." "Tell me all the same." "You'll hear it all." "What's the hurry." "We have our lives ahead of us." "The water ready, son?" " Yes." "I'll make the tea." "How will I open this on my own?" "Rizoo." "Come here quickly" "Allah." "Open this." "Good!" "So, you've forgotten me .." ".. but I have not.." ".. I often thought of you over there." "Do you know where I was all these years ?" "Very far from here." "Yes, in Pakistan." "Your grand-uncle took me there." "Allah, spare me." "He broke my ties with my dear ones." "But, see, I'm back." "To be with you, forever!" "Granny, how long will she stay?" "Why?" "She says she will stay here forever." "What can I do, son." "Throw her out?" "Poor thing has no-one but us." "No-one even to bury her." "You have no regard for others." "Regard." "Regard." "Listen." "From tonight Mammo Nani will sleep in your room." "My room?" "." "Just you see, I'll fail in my exams." "She'll not let me study yakking all the time." "She'll chew my brains." "She is my sister." "She's come to stay and she will stay." "Do you want me to top the class?" "Or remain a duffer" "What is it you want?" "Quiet." "She'll hear you." "Lord." "Allah." "What are you doing there?" "Won't you have some tea?" "So, tell me what happened?" "What shall I say?" "They treated me like a dog." "But you always said Ahmedbhai treated you so well." "The day he passed away everything changed." "He married me against his family's wishes." "Not having children was excuse enough." "My sister-in-law turned me into a servant." "Come now, you always exaggerate." "Why would I lie to you?" "How they tortured me." "How do I tell you?" "One day I was hanging out the wash .." "They flung a big stone at me." "Hit me right on my temple." "See." "It left a scar." "Why didn't you write?" "What could you have done ?" "I went straight to the police." "They just laughed and said .." ".. family quarrels should be settled at home!" "They were all against me." "Riyaz, your tea is getting cold." "I fled from there." "And went to a mosque close by and stayed there." "Every day I'd do the rounds of the Indian Consulate." "Finally I managed a three month Visa." "And came directly to you." "Why are you both looking so glum?" "I'm not dead, am I?" "I'm alive and kicking." "Fejji, smile!" "Why are you making a face?" "This is time for fun." "Smile." "Smile." "Why must I laugh?" "I'm not in the mood." "Yes." " You remember our neighbor?" "Yes" " Mushtaque." "He was very naughty, I remember." "Fejji, this old photo?" "When did you get it framed?" "How lovely we three looked?" "What days they were!" "See Anwari's hair style." "She was very naughty." "Father would scold her so much." "Yes." "Rizoo, reduce the volume." "My fish need music to digest their food." "Have you told Anwari?" "No." "When I reached Delhi station I wanted to meet Anwari." "But that husband of hers .." ".. he would have slammed the door on me." "Brother Sabir is doing well." "What news of that cobbler?" "By God's grace he is doing well." "Exporting goods as far as America." "Only shoes!" "A cobbler, after all." "So what if he's a millionaire." "Mammo, you still chew paan just as much as you used to." "Shall I make you one?" "Less lime and no tobacco." "I know!" "You should stop consuming tobacco as well." "What should I do?" " Tobacco is bad for your health." "My husband got me into the habit." "Now he's gone bless his soul." "It's an expensive habit." "Difficult to get in Pakistan." "Really?" "While he was alive I was never in need." "Say what you like he was a good man." "May God give peace to his soul." "Do they still show Indian films in Pakistan?" "No - that's the one thing I hankered for." "Our films don't get there but they make their own." "Okay." "But not like the old days." "Not at all!" "Noor Jehan, Dilip Kumar!" "There's a new singer there." " Iqbal Banu." "Wonderful voice." "Qateel Shifai's lyrics." " Excellent." "Don't you want to sleep?" "If you talk all night how will I sleep?" "I have school tomorrow." "Put out the lights." "Good night, Rizoo." "God, you are benevolent." "You are merciful." "You pardon all our sins." "Lord, may my late husband's soul rest in peace." "God, please punish those wicked people." "Who tormented me and rendered me homeless." "God, you are kindness itself." "I thank you a million times over .." "for bringing me together with my sister and family." "Take pity on my Fayazi, Riyaz and on my sorrows." "Protect them from misfortune and safeguard me." "Give my Riyaz prosperity, wealth and fame." "Make him a doctor .." "an engineer or a government official." "Come and see what she has done." "She has spread her clothes all over the balcony." "Even on my fish tank." "Son, must you complain first thing in the morning." "Everyone has to adjust." "Adjust!" "Adjust!" "I did adjust." "First she has taken over my bed." "If I don't study now will I not fail?" "I'm fed up with your endless chattering." "You only think of yourself?" "One day I will leave everything and go away." "Where will you go?" "Wherever I get some peace." "Granny, where's my lunch box?" "Son, eat in the canteen today." "Why?" "I've not cooked" " Mammo Nani's here, that's why." "Wait" " I'll make another toast for you." "I'll miss my bus." "Just wait." "Who'll go with me to the police registration office?" "Rizoo will." " Grandma" " Rizoo." "Accompany Mammo Nani, son." "Today is physics." "How can I miss that" "Why don't you go along?" "You gone mad?" "Go alone to the police?" "Slow down, please." "Why make me run?" "Lord, what a city." "Such filth as well." "Had you seen Lahore!" "Such wide roads, bungalows .." "Green trees." "Imported cars going zip-zip." "If it's so wonderful why did you come here?" "It's all that but there's nothing like one's own country." "Yes, but you left willingly." "You get to be older and you'll understand.." "that the scent of one's own country is something wonderful." "Allah." "This is the Visa office." "Your name?" "Mehmooda Begum Ahmed Ali." "Go and meet the officer." " Okay." "Sit there." "Here for the first time?" "From where?" "I am from Lahore." "No, I'm from Hyderabad Sindh." "I see." "You must have relatives here?" "I am staying with my sister." "This is my grandson." "May god protect him." "He's a capable child." "He studies in an English school." "His mother died when he was a baby." "She died in a road accident." "These bus drivers.." "Silence !" "This is no public garden." "It's a government office." "Sit quietly." "Go you've been called." "Come, son." "Greetings, officer saheb." "Mehmooda Begum Ahmed Ali." " That's my name." "How are you?" "How long are you staying in Bombay?" "You see I am staying with my sister." "This is my grandson, my sister Fayazis grandson." "Wish the officer!" " Hello." "His granny is very ill." "I will need to stay at least three months." "They all say the same things." "Live long - be happy May your children prosper." "How many children do you have?" "Three." " May they all become police officers like their father." "All three are daughters." "And so?" "Girls are more caring than boys." "Isn't that so?" "Fine, fine." "Next." "Forgive me for taking up your valuable time." "Goodbye, son." " Goodbye." "Come." "Where are you going?" "To reach the boy to school." "But what's the location?" "St. Aloysius Academy." "And where do you live?" "Zilla Sultanpur." "I could tell from your accent that you're from UP." "I am from Panipat." "It used to be in Punjab and now is in Haryana." "Have you land in Sultanpur?" "A small one." "It's been divided many times over." "I see." "How was your crop this year?" "Did it rain or not?" "There were floods the crop was ruined." "Your wife and children?" "Are they with you?" "They are in the village with my mother." "Someone has to take care of family elders." "That is true." "How much do you earn per day?" "On a good day some fifty-sixty rupees." "How much can you send back home on that?" "Stop here." "Stop, stop." "Is it here, your school?" " Yes." "There it is." "Your school is impressive!" "Yes." "Hi, Riyaz." " Hi." "Are these your friends?" "Call them." "It'll get late." "Bye." "Why so late?" "You missed the first period." "No matter." "Rizoo, who was that?" "How should I know?" "She offered me a lift and I took it." "Strange looking lady." "Is she your governess?" " Shut up." "Very bad, taking lifts from governess." "Shut up." "Keep your mouth shut." "Who is she then?" "A relative of granny's." "She arrived last night." "Why not say so?" "Idiot." "One of your close relatives?" "Don't go by her looks." "She's a very rich lady." "She's come from Dubai." "Comes every year to experience the monsoon." "She watches the rain from her car on Marine Drive." "She has over 100 cars." "She's forever traveling." "London, Paris, Tokyo, Timbuctoo." "Then why was she in a taxi?" "Her Mercedes went for servicing." "New model, with an A.C." "And she owns that taxi." "She owns more than 20 taxis." "You know." "Don't bluff." "Never seen her before." "Come on." "I've got an idea." " What?" "Let's bunk after lunch." "And go to a matinee." "Not me." "You two go." "Kazi is going to revise 1857 today." "Rohan, are you coming?" "Its the last day for "Psycho"." "That's for Adults." "Haven't you seen A films before?" "Forget it." "We have to do 1857." "You can't forego the first freedom war for Hitch cock?" "Call yourself a film buff?" "We'll go." "You win." "Let's go." " Come on." "You look so stupid." "Who do you think you look like?" "Two please." "Lucky" " We've got tickets." "The back seat." "One in the front." "Wait on the side." "Go." "Where are you two going?" "We have tickets." "This picture is not for children." "We are not children." "Trying to be clever?" "Shall I call the police?" "Go from here!" ""We're standing in your path."" "Rizoo." "Yes." "You're back early today?" "Yes." "I came to keep the bag." "We have sports practice." "I have to go back." ""The new destination."" "Did you eat something?" "Did you eat something?" " Yes." ""We're standing in your path."" ""We're standing in your path."" "Nani, can I have some money?" "How much?" "Twenty or Twenty five." "I don't have that much." "I'll get it tomorrow from the bank." "I have it, son." "Why should you?" "Spoiling the child." "You're too much!" "I'm living at your place .." "Eating my fill here I can't give this much?" "Here, son." "Here you go." " Thank you." "You two aren't going out?" "No." " Why?" "I just asked." "Thank you, grandma Mammo." "Bye." ""I had no complaints."" "You're a genius" " Mammo Nani has her uses." "You took Mammo's burkha?" "You gave him your burkha." "No." "You took it for something?" "Yes." "We rehearsed a school play." "You said you had sport's practice." "The rehearsal came later." "So you like acting?" "Our Zubeida too loved acting." "She wanted to be a heroine." "Your grandpa was a studio manager." "He took me one day to Shantaram filming." "What an eye Shantaram had." "Seeing Zubeida he said." "You will have a heroine's role in my film." "What was that film's name?" ""Suraag" or "Suhaag"?" "Why are you raking up the past?" "Girls from good families don't act in films." "That's why she was married off early." "She was not yet sixteen." "That's why your grandma married her to that scoundrel." "You'd do the same were she your daughter." "I'd never do that." "To harm the young for one's own needs is a sin.." "Stop it." "What I did was right." "You are talking nonsense." "What was right about it?" "You pushed your daughter into a dark well." "Uncaringly, you married her to that useless fellow." "Riyaz, such things are not for you to hear." "Change your clothes." "Rizoo, sleep in your room today." "I will sleep here." "Don't talk that way of his father in front of him." "Don't talk what way?" "As if you've told me everything about my father." "What is there to tell?" "He married your mother." "Two years later they both died in a car accident." "You've said he's dead?" "Why are you lying?" " Be quiet." "How will you know what I've gone through to raise him." "How long can you hide the truth?" "Tease not my heart." "Tease not my heart." "O, my dearest." "Tease not my heart." "Tease not my heart." "You always smile at me." "But why are your eyes filled with sorrow?" "You always smile at me." "But why are your eyes filled with sorrow?" "Your destination.." "What's burning?" "Nothing." "Smoking, are you?" "You'll burn your hand." "Give it to me." "Why do you have these fish?" "Set them free, son." "Go and throw them in the sea." "The bigger fish will eat them." "Do you know fish in tanks live longer?" "You call it living being in a prison?" "What was the play for which you took my "burkha"?" "Drama." ""The Old Maid of Panipat"" "What." " Yes." "These days there are plays like." ""The Thug Of Delhi"." ""The Dandy of Banaras"" "Who wrote it?" "Agha Azhar." "No." "Our teacher." "The librarian." "That's commendable." "What is its plot?" "Plot?" "The story." "Oh, story." "What happens is .." ".. a man runs a guest-house with his mother .." ".. known as the "Haunted Mansion"." "In his old mansion." "Because whoever goes to stay there .." ".. disappears!" "One day a girl goes to stay there." "She comes to know there's something strange going on." "And so her life is in danger." "She realizes that the man is the murderer." "Later, he buries the bodies in his mansion." "And his mother was actually dead." "He keeps her body in a chair." "With whom he talks." "God protect us." "What kind of story is this?" "And your school authorities have it performed by kids?" "What kind of school is this?" "I will talk to your head master tomorrow." "No!" "You can't do that." "He never meets people." "His father too will meet me, I'll tell him straight." "I'll also say that from now on, no plays for you." "I'll give it up myself." "But please don't go to my school." "What use just giving up acting in plays?" "Your school should not be staging such plays at all." "I'll accompany you tomorrow, no matter what." "There is no such play!" "I made it all up just now." "Made it up?" "Why?" "I went with Rohan to to see an A movie." "Wearing your burkha." "It's the story of that film." "So?" "So that's the case?" "Our boy is growing up." "Sees movies secretly he should not be seeing." "Smokes cigarettes which he should not be doing." "What else do you do, Rizoo?" "Nothing." " Not asleep yet." "Yes, I will." "I'm reading my prayers." "You won't tell Nani will you?" "Thank you.." "Go to sleep." " Thank you." "Goodnight." "Allah, our Lord, You are the Merciful." "Forgive our crimes." "Protect us, grant us wealth, respect and fame." "Amen." "Allah." "Why are you offering prayers here?" "Where else can I?" "In the balcony?" "No." "If you should fail it will be on my head." "You should stand first." "Become a doctor or.." ".. an engineer." " No." "I will write books." "I will write books." "Be a writer." "What will you live on then?" "Sees movies all the time with that useless Rohan." "Never listens to me." "Let him become a writer!" "Don't encourage him." "How am I doing that?" "Let him do what he wants to." "Why do you two fight all the time?" "Who's fighting?" "Where's that Shantabai?" "She always arrives on Sundays when the water taps dry up." "What is there to wash up?" "Tell me." "I'll do it." "What can you manage?" "Sit and chew your paan." "Started again?" "See." "I want to help with the housework." "She won't let me." "I want to contribute to the expenses, she won't have it." "By selling your jewelry?" "No need." "I am not that destitute." "I can teach girls the Quran." "As I did when I stayed at the Lahore mosque." "Who'll learn from you?" "Let it be." "God has given me enough to care for three people." "Allah." "Shantabai, what happened?" "Nothing." "I fell." "And that causes these bruises." "Your husband must have beaten you." "Why can't you spit on him and leave." "Where will I go?" "My fate is such.." "Will you keep wailing or do some work?" "Hurry - the water will stop." "Oh, God." "Why do you want to be familiar with servants." "Hello." "Yes." "Greetings." "Granny, Anwari Nani is calling from Delhi." "Hello." "Greetings." "Its grace of Allah." "How are you?" "And the children?" "Great." "Mammo is here." "Talk to her." "Hello." "Anwari." "How are you?" "With God's grace I am alive." "Yes, I see." "I see." "How long will you stay?" "Where will she stay?" "Ask." "Yes." "Will you stay with us?" "What?" "Okay." "Okay." "Okay, convey my greetings too." "Hello." "The line's disconnected." "What did she say?" "When is she coming?" "Where will she stay?" "The Twenty fifth." "There is a meeting at Sabir's." "They'll stay at the South End." "This time raise the issue of our house." "No use." "What can she do?" "It's all in Sabir's hands." "What's this?" "Anwari is our sister." "We have our rights along with her." "She is not the same Anwari." "See the cobbler's style!" "She'll hear." "Forget it." "This is it." "Wait." "Talk of the money, Fejji." "We'll see." "The opportunity should arise." "They're here." "Talk properly before them." "Don't get carried away." " I look okay?" "Comb your hair properly." "Come in." "Come." "How tall you've grown." "Come in." "Anwari." " Fejji." "My eyes were yearning to see you." "I was sorry to hear about Ahmedbhai." "Hello, Anwari." " Hello." "How are you?" " How are you?" "Come in." "Come." "Please be seated." "Sit." "Sit." "Greetings." "Hello." "How are you?" "It's the grace of Allah." "Why are you standing there come here?" "Hello." "Greetings." "Hello." "Come sit by me." "How are you?" " Fine." "Anwari." "What have you done to your hair." "I've applied henna." "It's imported." "Henna." "It's only applied after Haj." "Is your time up, then?" "Really, that's enough." "I thought you were hiding your age." "If I didn't look young he'll get another right away." "Where will one find a good looker like you?" "You didn't bring the children?" "They're not children anymore." "Each one is now independent." "Salma is about to deliver." "Haroon is studying in America." "And to be married on the night of Id." "What class are you in?" "Ninth." " Ninth?" "Great." "He comes first every year." " Really?" "What will you study in college, science or commerce?" "I will write books be an author." "How will that help you?" "It won't fill your belly." "It's fine as a hobby." "At one time I recited verse too." "The wetness of tears makes the ground a field." "The baptism of fire makes gold into a jewel." "Wow." "Tea, coffee, cold drink?" "Shall I order pastries?" "A cup of tea will do." "Let's go home." "We'll eat together." "I've made Pasande." "No, not today." "Some other time." "What will you have?" "Cocoa cola." "Beer?" " Shame on you, Giving alcohol to a child?" "Beer is not alcohol." "I used to drink beer with his father." "Stop all that." "I'll place the order." "Hello." "Room service." "This is room no. 27." "Cocoa cola and tea." "Pot tea." "Two pot, four cups." "Yes." "Send some pastries and snacks." "Soon." "Thank you." "Allah." "So stylish, our Anwari." "Since when did you start this pot-tea?" "Don't tease." "We are meeting after so many years." "Mammo Baji, how long are you here?" "As long as God and my Visa permits." "I almost forgot." "Come along." "The suitcase is open." "I see." "What do you read?" "Khalil Gibran." "Gibran." "Bring it." "Have it." "Give the cocoa cola here." "Mammo Baji, for you." "It's here." " This tape-recorder, for you." "Take a look." " Thank you." "Anwari you've gone mad." "I'll wear silk at my age?" "Why, Mammo, why can't you wear silk?" "What need for all this, Anwari." "You must not give children such expensive gifts." "There's no-one greater than children." "Fejji, you were to ask Anwari about something." "What?" "She's just talking nonsense." "Nonsense?" "You were going to ask .." "What happened to the Panipat house?" "What a house that was." "The likes of it do not exist today." "Nothing's left now." "It's an ice factory now." "That's true." "What about our money?" "Fayazi and I also have a share in it." "You'd get your share had your father not left debts." "He died leaving debts amounting to thousands." "Selling the mansion did not cover it." "I paid 22,000 from my pocket towards it." "I have explained everything." "And she swallowed all of it." "God forbid that I'd steal from my own sisters." "That too, after Haj?" "I said earlier do not ask." "Anyway, you're lying." "Do I not know you?" "Since childhood you've been .." ".. a lying, selfish, and confirmed thief." "Your husband Sabir is two steps ahead of you." "Cheat." " Mammo granny." "Quiet!" "You're just a child." "You don't know." "These rich folk are all devils." "They ate away our inheritance." "I was in Pakistan and my stupid sister kept dumb." "But I'll not keep quiet." "Don't I know where our share went?" "This witch gave it to this cobbler .." "for his shoe factory." "Anwari, our share is over 100,000." "Give it in god's name the plague will hit you." "Better stop your sister." "She's gone crazy .." "Can't face decent people." "Riyaz, take this mad old woman away." "You are crazy." "Riyaz." " Be afraid of the Lord, Anwari." "Forget my share if you will but give Fejji hers." "She has starved in order to raise him." "Why?" "His father does not provide for his food?" "Don't you know?" "My father's dead.." "Dead?" "Who said so?" "He's well and alive." "Enjoying life with his second wife." "It's a lie." "It's a lie, isn't it, grandma." "Granny, Didn't mother and father die in an accident?" "Making us the liars?" "You are a cheat." " You are all liars!" "You are all liars!" "Cheats." "Riyaz." "You're just a child." "Don't behave this way." "This is between us sisters." "Why do you interfere." "Liars, all of you." "I don't want to see your faces ever." "I hate you all." "Riyaz, take your gift." "The tape recorder." "I don't want anything." " Riyaz." "I don't want anything from any of you." " Sister." "Don't be so anxious." "He'll return." "I am scared." "He may do anything." "Had you told him earlier this may not have happened?" "What could I tell him?" "Zubeida was still warm in her grave .." ".. and his father remarried." "Abandoning his month-old son to my care." "Is this what I had said?" "Hiding the truth during his childhood was okay." "But now he's older, aware." "He'd understand." "You saw how he reacted?" "But how will you understand?" "Had you children, you would." "God, please bring back Rizoo." "Should I phone the police?" "No, no." "God knows where my Rizoo is." "Rizoo." "Return home!" "Come back home." "Why are you here so late at night?" "Go home." "Go and sleep." "Where did you go?" "We were so worried." "What do you care if I live or die?" "Riyaz." "Rizoo." "Have you eaten?" "You must be hungry." "Eat something.." " I don't want to eat." "I won't talk to you." "Come on." "Go and sleep." "All should be well by morning." "Everything will be fine, Fejji." "I said I won't eat." "Eat, son." "You haven't had anything since morning." "Even your anger must be hungry." "Fejji too hasn't had a morsel." "She's been crying since the morning." "I'd have sorted you out with two slaps." "Why did she lie?" "Why didn't she tell me about Father?" "So she didn't." "But think, why." "Because of you." "That a small child should not be hurt." "I know all that." "I'm no child." "I know everything." "Granny hates my dad." "That's why she said he was dead." "But why should she hate him?" "What did he do?" "Ask your granny that." "She will tell you." "She lies so what can she say." "I will never forgive her Not even when I die." "What are you babbling?" "All this talk of death." "I'd like to write to my dad to say I want to meet him." "I want his address." "I don't know about that." "If you want the address ask Granny yourself." "You know that I'm not talking to her." "You ask her and tell me." "Okay, I'll ask her." "You will write but what will he do with you?" "That's my business." "Okay, what do I have to do with it." "You're grown up now." "Do as you wish." "Mr. Rizoo." "Not smoking today?" "No." "Don't if you like but I'd like to." "You'll smoke?" " Yes." "Light it." "Light it." "Have you smoked before?" "Secretly, like you." "Your grandpa thought servants were stealing his cigarettes." "And I would laugh." "He smoked with great style." "Like this." "Let's begin." "What are you doing?" "I'm making Rizoo's breakfast." "You rest for today." "He won't eat food cooked by someone else." "Let him taste what I prepare." "He'll be licking his fingers." "Ahmedbhai invited special friends for my biryani." "There would be no leftover." "What's this, son?" "You aren't dressed for school?" "Mammo Nani, tell her." "I'm not talking to her nor will I go to school." "Then what will you do?" "What's that to her?" "Mammo Nani, tell her." "You mustn't talk like that If you don't study .." ".. then who will take of two old women like us?" "Who else do we have but you?" "I won't go to school." "Mammo, make him understand or I'll throw him out." "I'm fine." "I'm going." "Where are you going?" "Stop this insane boy." "Or he may do something." "Then how will I face Zubeida on judgment day?" "I've no intention to die" " I'm going to the terrace." "Mammo Nani, send my breakfast there." "Okay, okay." "Where will he go" " After all, he's that rogue's offspring." "Why think of abuses now?" "Had you only told him?" "Take rest for one day." "Rest." "That is not written in my fate." "Are you angry even with me?" "Angry?" "Do I have that right?" "What is the matter?" "You think I should have told him about his father." "I have loved him more than a mother or father." "Even then he harbors such bitterness towards me." "Did I say that he didn't?" "You didn't?" "That ingrate never turned his head .." "..to see if his son was dead or alive." "I have raised him with great difficulty." "Now he won't even talk to me - look at him!" "And you are making my wounds hurt more." "How am I doing that?" "What else?" "Instead of curbing him you bait him further?" "I understand that you have given your life to him." "I don't need your certificate." "The egg is burnt!" "Mammo, you are so stupid." "Move away." "You are so unpredictable." "Hot and bothered one moment and cool the next!" "Want to butter something then do that to the toast." "Not to me." "There you are." "Riyaz." "Riyaz." "Are you feeling okay?" "You've bunked school for ten days." "Don't want to top again?" "Top." "Top." "Who's bothered?" "Meaning." "I'm sick of school." "Maybe .." ".. I should take up a job." "You're great." "Don't you know even a peon has to pass his Metric." "So, you'll polish shoes at VT Station?" "What's wrong with that?" "I know why you talk this way." "You've found out about your dad." "Who told you that?" "Mammo Nani." " How dare she?" "She has no right to interfere." "She sent you?" "I'm only trying to help." "I don't need your bloody help." "Leave me alone." "Go away." "Mammo Nani, tell her to stop this noise." "My fish will go crazy." "If only your fish could teach you some sense like Jenas." "Riyaz, are you deaf?" "Answer the phone." "Why aren't you answering?" "Riyaz." "Hello." "Who?" "Rohan?" "Have you no work?" "You just left from here." "What is it?" " I'm sorry, whatever happened was not right." "You're a strange one don't tell anyone anything?" "I am what I am." "You know me." "Anyway, I'm sorry." "I shouted at you." "What happened at school?" "Too bad you bunked." "We did the Lady Macbeth speech today." "'Is this the dagger which I see..'" " I've learnt that already." "What else?" "Nothing." "What are you doing?" "Reading Khalil Gibran." "Never heard of him." "Because you're an ass." "He's a poet." "He's a super poet from Lebanon." "Want to hear a poem?" "No." "Life is an island in an ocean of loneliness." "An Island whose rocks are hooves." "Its trees are dreams, whose flowers are subtle." "And whose brook, a thirst." "I am a stranger in this world." "And there is no-one in the universe." "Who understands the language I speak." "Great, isn't it?" " What's great about it?" "I know its way above you." "You clunk." " Is Mommo Nani at home?" "They're both here." "I can't speak now." "Okay, see you." "Bye." "Swine." "Rizoo." "What were you reciting on the phone?" "Why were you listening?" "I too love Urdu verse specially Faiz Ahmed Faiz." "Last night your last memory filled my heart." "Like the spring's calm advent in the wilderness." "The next one is even better." "Like soft desert footfalls." "As rest comes without cause to a sick man." "Who is the poet?" "Faiz Ahmed Faiz." "Do you remember more?" "A great deal." " Recite then." "Speak, for your lips are free." "Speak, your tongue is still your." "Your upright body is yours." "Speak, your life is still yours." "I'm slogging to death in the kitchen." "And here poetry is being recited." "Where are you going?" "Don't want to eat?" "Tell her I'll eat when I want to." "Rizoo." "Eat quietly." "Go on." "Come on." "You are not to read at the table." "How often have I told you?" "Mammo granny." "Tell her." "I'll do as I please." "That's enough!" "Any more nonsense and you'll get a slap from me." "Why does she insist that I read?" "When I want to read I am told not to." "Rizoo." "Show." "You've scored over me even in Geography" " My subject." "Did you make up to the teachers?" "You never studied and yet you've got good marks." "Show your card." "Pass marks only." "Makes no difference." "My dad will give me the camera." "He promised." "My dad will give me a book his idea of fun." "My dad's pretty cool." "He's an okay guy." "Well done." "You have lived up to all my expectations." "I am very proud of you." "Where would you like to go?" "London, Paris, Rome, Tokyo." "Rizoo, a letter for you." "It's on the table." "Read it later." "First tell me your results." "They're okay." "That's good." "Fejji was so worried." "Dear Riyaz, I received your letter." "Reading it I was puzzled." "Your Nani detests me." "How did she let you write to me?" "I have learnt to forget that I have a son called Riyaz." "After so many years I do not want to establish ties." "I enclose a Demand Draft for Rs.1,000." "This is why you must have contacted me after so long." "After this don't think I will give you anything." "Nor should you take the trouble to write." "Your Mehboob Alam." "What's this?" "Rizoo." "Grandma?" "Riyaz." "Got your results?" "You stood first." "Why are you crying?" "Stop it." "May God keep you, bless you." "See here?" "Thank you Nani." "Children .." "This is a Prayer bestowed in Mecca." "In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Mercif." "You alone we worship." "You alone we ask for help." "How was the film?" " It was nice." "I've seen it before." "What's going on?" "Since Mammo Nani has come something's going on." "Can't you see that children are learning the Quran?" "You join as well, son." "No, I have lots to do." "Like watching movies or loafing with friends." "That' how you'll waste your holidays." "We worship only You.." "Come and sit." "After the holidays." "Have some shame." "These kids fast 30 days." "You don't pray, read the Quran, nothing." "Sit down, now." "We worship only you and request you to bless us with Your grace." "Girls, repeat after me." "I've been at him for ages to study the Quran." "See how Mammo has made him obey all in one go." "What's your name?" " Farzana" "Will you explain .." "I begin in the name of God, who is all Merciful." "Excellent!" "See." "The lesson ends here." "Now you may all go home." "God be with you." "Bless you all." "Mammo." " Yes." "Looks as if Shantabai is not coming yet again." "She takes off atleast two/three days every week." "She knows Ramzan is on." "Let me help." "Let it be." "Or you'll say that I was worse than your sister-in-laws." "Don't say that even as a joke." "Oh, God." "Slaving away is my destiny." "Some become heroes others are slaves." "What use are your complaints?" "Shall I call Shantabai?" "Where does she lives?" "In the hutments behind us." "Rizoo, come" "Oh, God." "Look at the stones." "Great." "What a fine car you have!" "The children.." "Allah." "Where now?" "This way?" "What a stink!" "Seems that the biggest loo in the world is here." "Where ever is her place?" "Allah." "Have you forgotten where it is?" "How long will you lead me?" "No, grandma." "It's there." "That's Shantabai's house." "It's this one?" "Okay." "Shantabai." "Allah." "Look at you?" "That man must have beaten you again." "Why didn't you tell us" " I'll come to work, promise." "Tell madam to cut two days pay." "What can I do?" "Tell me where that scoundrel is." "I don't know." "Don't lie to me." "Tell me where to find him." "He must be somewhere." "You go." "I'll come tomorrow." "I will speak to your man in no uncertain terms." "Take me to him." "What are you doing?" "You don't know the kind of people they are here." "Let it be - he'll beat me even more." "I'll see how he beats you." "He's sitting there." "That guy?" " Yes." "You are Shantabai's husband?" "I am." "So." "Its you." "Scoundrel!" "Call yourself a man?" "Drink away a woman's pay?" "Beat her, on top of that." "Old woman, what's this racket?" "Is he a relative?" "He's my son." "I've come to take him." "Come." "Why should I?" "Get lost." "Get up or else." "Have you gone crazy?" "Have you no shame?" "Serving poison to everyone." "How will you face your Maker?" "You will rot in hell." "Why did you beat me?" "Quiet." "Look at her?" "What you have reduced her to?" "How dare you beat her?" "Ask for her forgiveness." "Swear you won't strike her again." "I swear." "Please forgive me." "If you raise your hand on her again .." "I'll finish you off." "Come along." "Not a word to Fejji." "Just say that .." "Shantabai will come to work from tomorrow." "Are you scared of Nani?" "Not at all." "She gets upset at every little thing." "Worried." "All she knows is to worry" "Don't we all need to worry about children." "She wants the best for you." "Then why won't she let me be a writer?" "What do you want to write about?" "Stories." "What kind?" "About what I see around me." "The way that Manto writes." "He did the same?" " Yes." "He wrote about what he observed." "That's what I want to do." "I want to experience a great deal in life .." ".. and write about them." "Life." "There are many things in life .." ".. that it is better not to experience." "Like what?" "Like experiencing hell." "You've seen hell?" "Yes, son." "With these very eyes." "May God help me to never witness it again." "Ahmedsaheb (God bless his soul) and I .." ".. left everything in the dead of night .." ".. carrying only what we had in our pockets and hands .." ".. and journeyed towards Pakistan." "Along with other refugees, we were taken in trucks .." ".. to the border.." ".. from there, we walked." "What bad times they were." "Suffering." "Fire." "Blood." "Looting." "Screams of the dying." "There were around 500 of us." "While we were crossing over from this side .." ".. just as many were coming across from the other" "From this side, the people were Muslims." "From that side, Hindus and Sikhs." "But both sides went through the same trauma." "Abandoning their homes, property, loved ones." "There was a woman walking along with me." "She had two small children." "They were in her arms." "One died while in her arms." "Where was the time for any burial?" "When we came to a river people told her to .." ".. dispose of the dead body in its waters." "The poor woman was not in her senses." "She threw the live baby into the river." "And held the dead child strapped to her breast." "Her worn and weary eyes are still before me,.." ".. and her shriek .." "Allah." ".. all this .." ".. you saw with your own eyes?" "And much more." "I will write about all of this." "Who will read it?" "No-one wants to cry over sorrow." "This is what Life is." "Life is ahead of you." "There is much more to life either than sorrow." "What did Ghalib write .." "When man is so filled with sorrow." "Then sorrows ease away." "I was so burdened with misery." "That Life became easy to bear." "Whatever you write .." ".. let it be from from the heart." "This new film is about the Partition." "Shall I get three tickets for tomorrow?" "Will Fejji come?" "It's a serious film." "About Life?" "Mother, here is our old house." "Grandma." "If at this time you talk of leaving India.." "don't interrupt when adults are talking." "I just wanted to know what will happen to my education." "It looks as if they've filmed my life." "Remember our neighbor Khan Saheb house in Panipat?" "His house was just like this one." "Grandma, keep quiet." "Don't disturb others." "May people never be so forsaken again?" "I don't remember." "I was very young." "These memories refuse to leave me." "While he and I were together .." ".. we shared such good times." "But the day he died .." ".. and looked at me for the last time .." ".. his eyes seeking pardon for leaving me alone.." ".. his brother refused to spend a pie on his burial.." "They said, "Barren witch, you devoured your husband"." ""And are now bent on devouring us"." "How long could I take their treatment?" "I had to leave." "Why torture yourself." "It had to be so." "A letter, Nani." "Who is it from?" " Anwari Aunty." "Yes." " Open it." "It contains two checks." "One in your name and the other in Mammo Nani's." "Did I not say .." ".. she was cheating us." "I persisted that day that's why she's sent it." "Rizoo, put it in Fixed Deposits tomorrow." "Have you gone mad?" "We each should get 50,000." "Send the cheques back .." ".. saying they can pay for Sabir's funeral." "Will you fight on till you die?" "Tell us, does your cheque go in the bank or not." "What will I do with it in the bank?" "I have to buy many household things." "And there's Idd on soon." "You have all you need here." "We will manage as we have done." "Why do you worry." "Just extend your Visa." "Don't be anxious." "That man there is a good man." "What was his name?" "Inspector Apte." "Hello, Mr. Apte." "Why do you need an extension?" "I am very ill, sir." "You don't look ill." "What can I say?" "I have trouble breathing." "I feel suffocated." "My heart too is not okay." "Tell him." "The doctor has said that she mustn't travel." "I hear this all the time." "Can't find a new excuse?" "How long will it take for you to get well?" "Extend the Visa by three months." "I can't give you more than 25 days." "It is all in your hands." "May your children prosper." "How are your three girls?" "How do you know about them?" "You've forgotten so soon?" "You told me the last time." "Okay, fine." "25 days and not one day more." "And get the Doctor's Certificate." "Of course." "May God give you a long life." "The box, son?" "Please take this." "What's it?" "Sweetmeats, for the children." "I made them, with my hands." ".. in pure ghee." "Ask the constable to distribute them." "Let's go, son." "Here you go." "Take this." "You look so healthy." "Who'll give the Certificate?" "God will have mercy and provide someone." "Hello." "Do you need something?" " No." "If you do, tell me." "Passport, visa, dollars, sterling, dirhams.." "My name is Raju Agent." " No, we don't want anything." "Let's go." "I'll get you a medical. certificate" "We don't need anything." "You can get me a certificate?" "Want it today, 1,000." "Tomorrow, 500." "Next week?" " 300" "Are you mad?" "Who will give so much for a slip of paper?" "I'll give a hundred." "250, okay." "Special rate for you." "Hundred and no more." "Bargaining as you would over vegetables!" "No." "No more than 200" "Okay, settled at 200" "What disease do you want .. what to write." "Old age." "The disease of diseases." "There's no such disease." "I get breathless climbing steps." "That will do." "Shall I write asthma?" "Asthma." "Breathe like that in front of the doctor." "God is Great." "He is Everybody's God." "God is Great." "He is Everybody's God." "He is the creator." "He is nature." "He is the creator." "He is nature." "You!" "Cover your head or the devil will beat you." "He answers everyone's prayers." "God is merciful." " Riyaz." "He answers everyone's prayers." "God is merciful." "I'll be back." "Riyaz." "Riyaz." "Riyaz is out." "Where's he?" " I don't know." "Come up for minute." " Okay." "Recite loudly now." "Come on." "Hello, Mammo granny." "Tomorrow is Riyaz's fifteenth birthday." "I know." "I thought we should give him a party .." "but he shouldn't know of it." "Surprise party?" " Yes, that." "Like the idea?" " It'll be fun." "You tell his friends to be here after Iftar (breaking of fast).." "..but Rizoo should not know." "Will you do that?" "I'm off." "Wait." "May God bless you." "Thank you, grandma." "Shantabai, come." "Listen." "How is your husband?" "He returns early now." "Drinks less too." "Great." "This is for you." "It's the boy's birthday, you see." " I see." "Get to work." "On the road give alms to the poor." "May God guide you." "Take this." " What is it?" "Why should I say?" "See for yourself." "Tape recorder!" "Happy returns of the day." "You've become rich, birthday boy?" "My Granny gives money every birthday .." "..to distribute to beggars." "Eat something?" "No, I'm fasting." "You, fasting." "Don't joke." "Since when have you become a Muslim?" "Mammo Nani is very particular." "I promised her .." ".. that every birthday I will fast." "You're a big bore." "Here, take this." "I reserved it ahead." "What's this?" "Hitchcock." " Like it?" "It's superb." "It's very nice." "Thanks." "How is your story coming along?" "About Mammo Nani?" "I'm revising it." "How does it go?" "Simple story." "Mammo Nani leaves her home, family .." ".. and goes away with her husband Ahmedbhai .." ".. to an unknown land." "She has no-one there." "Ahmedbhai tells her, "You are my Queen"" "He gave her gold and wealth and said.." ""Do not fear." "We will face life's hurdles together"." "One day, Death claims him." "Mammo Nani has no-one to befriend her." "So she flees to her sister." "And starts life anew." "What's the point?" "What's the point of the story?" " The point is." "Everyone returns to their roots." "Ridiculous." " Ridiculous." "Granny." "What need for all this?" "What else happens on a birthday?" "Who will eat such a big cake?" "God will send people." "I'll open it." "I'll open it, son." "Happy birthday to you." "Who called you?" "Happy birthday to you." "Take it." "Happy birthday dear Riyaz." "Boys, give him the birthday bumps." "Allah." " Granny." "Granny, save me." "What are you doing?" "Put me down." "One." " Granny." "Two." " Leave me." " Three." "Granny." " Four." " Granny." "Leave me." "Leave me." "Come on, cut the cake." "Stop!" "This birthday can't happen." "Why not?" "Because I must first recite a poem." "I have a friend His name is Riyaz." "Who looked like an over-grown "piyaz" (onion)." "When he went to school He stank of onion, the fool." "He fled his class one day Running home all the way!" "Come on, blowout the candle." "Happy birthday to you." "Time to eat" "Pick up the plates." "Here." "Don't be shy." "Feel at home." "Take it." "Granny made these." "This too." "Very nice." "This sweet." "Shantabai, sherbet for the children.." "I will get it." " Get it, quickly." "Take this." "This is very tasty." ".. there's sweet chutney too." "The children are feeling shy, they aren't eating properly." " Yes." "Have more?" " No." "Didn't like it?" "More sherbet, Shantabai." "Yes, I will get it." "Where did Fejji go?" "She didn't cut the cake either." "Granny, who called all of them?" "Your Mammo Nani." "She did it all." "Ask her." "She wanted to surprise you." "Surprise." "I never wanted them to come to my place." "Don't speak that way." "They're here now." "Come and talk to them." "I won't go." "What will they think?" "And Mammo Nani?" "Come on." "Get up." "I won't go." ""The girl's dance's on the terrace and the boy's crazy for her."" "What is Rizoo doing inside?" "He must be tired." "It's late." "We must go." "Bye, Rizoo." "Bye, Rizoo." "Bless you." " Thank you, aunt." "See how many gifts there are for you." "Open them." "I don't want to see them." "Given with such love and you won't open them?" "What need was there to do all this?" "I've never called anyone here except Rohan." "Today you called all of them." "You insulted me before by friends." "What's wrong in having called them?" "Why are you feeling bad about it?" "Because we are not like them." "So what?" "We are what we are.." "They are what they are.." "Do you know what they are?" " What?" "They have big houses." "Servants, furniture, books." "They are all so rich." "They may be rich at home." "They had fun over here." "And where have they had such food in their lives?" "Not in seven lives, I'm sure they must be running me down." "Let them?" "Who cares for such hypocrites?" "Why do you interfere?" "Granny lets you live here does not mean .." ".. you can do as you please." "Big deal, celebrating my birthday." "You don't like my staying here?" "That is so." "I have no privacy now." "what I drink, eat read .." "You won't leave me be for even a minute." "He is right, Mammo." "That's your habit." "Wherever you go you take charge." "Since you've come you're after Rizoo." "You've been bossing me since childhood." "It's not like that .." ".. I take this house to be my own." "Is that wrong?" "This is not your house." "You are a guest here." "A guest?" " Yes." "A guest in my own sister's house?" "Fejji?" "I see." "Those who don't have their own home.." ".. have no home at all." "I will go now." "God bless." "She's really gone." "Bring her back." " I won't go." "Don't say that, son." "Where will she go?" "She doesn't know her way." "Look for her on the terrace." "I will not go." "Then I will." "I never could cross .." ".. the distances .." ".. of your streets.." "I never could cross .." ".. the distances .." ".. of your streets.." ".. A thousand times .." ".. I hesitated." "Only to re-start again." ".. A thousand times .." ".. I hesitated." "Only to re-start again." "Who knows the earth .." ".. of one's land?" "Who knows the earth .." ".. of one's land?" "I walked with dirt in my eyes." "And a cloud of dust over my heart." ".. A thousand times .." ".. I hesitated." "Only to re-start again." ".. A thousand times .." ".. I hesitated" "Only to re-start again." "What boundaries are these that entangle my feet." "What boundaries are these that entangle my feet." "Again and again, I tried to reach my home in vain." ".. A thousand times .." ".. I hesitated." "Only to re-start again." "Mammo." " Mammo granny." "Let's go home." "Don't act childishly." "See, Rizoo has come to fetch his Mammo Nani." "You go." "And tell everyone Mammo is dead." "God forbid." "You will see my corpse if you don't come home." "Please come home." "Come on." "How content these small fish are." "No-one can take them away from their little home." "Why are you sitting here?" "Do you permit this poor old woman to sit in the balcony?" "I am sorry, Mammo granny." "I treated you very badly yesterday." "I was thinking only of myself" "That's the difference." "Young people think only of themselves." "Old people, of others." "Are you afraid of old age?" "Not old age." "I'm very afraid of loneliness." "Faiz put it so well." "Put out the candles.." ".. remove wine, flask and cup." "Lock up your sleepless portals." "Now, no one will come here." "No one any more." "Leave all this." "Let's talk of something useful." "Shall we see a film?" "Of course." "We'll take Fejji too." " Yes." "What is this man doing?" "I can't understand any of it." "Quiet." "I'll tell you when we get home.." ".. all of it ?" "Okay." "Tell me now." "Who was that man?" "Kept murdering everyone." "Such a bad film." "I went to sleep." "Murder after murder." "It's a detective story." "What?" "With no crime what work will the detective have?" "That's the fun of it." "Who was the man whose wife kept cooking and cooking?" "He's the detective a police officer." "I see." "It was him." "Reminds me." "I should meet Apte Sahib for my Visa." "He won't do anything." "He's said so." "I'll cry before him." " He's seen all that." "Shall we catch that agent who got us the Certificate?" "Who?" "That man with goggles." " Raju." "The dark fellow." " Yes." "He gave us his card." "You have it?" " Should be here." "Is this it?" " Yes." "Read the address." "It's in Dharavi." "Don't you dare take Mammo Nani there." "That area is not for women." "Should I go alone then?" "Go with Rohan." " Okay." "Excuse me." "Do you know Raju Agent?" "He lives across over there." "Him." "The man standing there?" " Yes, that's him." "Excuse me." "What is it?" " We need Mammo Nani's Health Certificate." "Which one?" "Mehmooda Begum Ahmed Ali." "Don't you remember?" " Oh, you mean that old hag." "That stout woman who jabbers away." "You need another?" " Yes." "Not possible." "The Police acts tough if you get a second Certificate." "I don't want trouble." "Try elsewhere." "What should we do?" "I will tell you of a cheap and permanent way out." "Go and meet inspector Apte.." ""Let's have a puff."" "Who do you want?" "Raju Agent, short and very dark." "No-one like that here." "He said to come here." "Trishna Hotel." "No, granny, he said Krishna hotel." "Krishna is across." " Krishna's across, right." "Thank you." " Let's get out fast" ""Let's have a puff."" "Why so late?" "He's been waiting for ages." "Now he's off mood." "Hello, Inspector Apte." "Don't take his name." "He agreed after much persuasion." " Thank you very much." "Thank you for coming here to help an old woman." "Two teas." "How much longer will you stay?" "The days that remain." "This is my home-land." "I was born in Panipat." "I am here with my loved ones." "Have I no right to live here?" "Why tell me." "Saheb knows your problem, right?" "Can't her case be closed?" "She has no-one except my Granny and myself." "It's not that simple." "This is not about two people but two nations." "Case can't be closed." "But her papers can vanish." "Have you got the goods?" "Goods?" "Money." "Cash." "I have brought all that my sister has, 5000." "Don't mention the sum." "Forgive me." "Here 4,800." "And listen." "I've run around; brought Sir here." "Something for me?" "Now leave straightaway." "Don't turn to look at Sir." "Go straight." "Come, son." "You're all wet." "Remove your shoes." "Go bathe, son." "I'll bring fresh clothes." "These Bombay rains are something." "On now, off again." "What happened out there ?" "God willing all will be fine." "My clothes, quickly." "Wretch!" "Where did you get this?" "Granny." " Shameless fellow!" "Call this reading?" "This is why I struggled to send you to school?" "Ingrate!" "Why beat him?" "He's no child." "Don't dare interfere!" "You're the root cause." "You encourage him." ""Let him read"." "See the results." "I didn't ask him to read this." "Even so, it's a sign that he's grown up." "It's time for him to see women and the like." "Get him engaged." "I won't hear your nonsense." "I know what to do." "Come here, imbecile." "What are you doing?" "Someone's here." " You'll get me mortified." "Is this why I send you to school?" "What else do you do?" "Tell me." "I will teach that Rohan a lesson too." "Greetings." " Greetings." "Mother asked if you will come for Iftar dinner." "Of course I will." "Is this what you call studying?" "Insolent." "Watch some more movies." "Insolent." "Mrs. Rizvi wants us to dine with her." "Mrs. Rizvi" "Till today she's not been so kind." "Why now?" "Because I teach her daughter Farzana." "She must have thought.." " Was I born yesterday?" "Don't I know that you are plotting to .." "match Farzana and Rizoo?" " Allah." "What is this?" " Mehmooda." "I can see through you." "Since you've come here our lives are hell." "You've occupied this flat." "You're trying to ensnare my grandson." "And he.." "Granny, stop it." "Shut up." "Insolent." "Come here." "Fejji." "I feed and clothe you and you turn against me." "In Pakistan they rightly called you a witch." "You devoured my Zubeida and now." "Stop - you've said enough." "See how the Maharani sits as if she's not heard a word." "Granny, don't shout." "Why talk of such useless things." "Be quiet." "This is not my magazine." "Farrokh asked me to keep it." "Some excuse that is." "Say prayers and your anger will cool." "I got carried away saying all manner of things." "To blow up issues is an old habit of yours." "Your anger is like the Bombay rains." "On one minute." "Off the next." "Forgotten how you broke my doll?" "Because it had a blue frock while yours was white." "You were no less." "You never let me touch your doll." "That green perfume bottle from Lucknow?" "Who threw it in the gutter?" "You two are the limit." "Fight like children and then make up." "That's how siblings behave." "How will be know?" "He's an only child." "Mammo." "You didn't take my words to heart?" "Not at all." "The words just poured out." "How can I feel bad?" "Can I come in?" "I won't disturb you?" "Come in." "Let it play." "I don't like silence." "What record is it?" ""Four Seasons"." "I like it." "I brought this to show you." "I will give this to Fejji for Idd." "What is it?" "Her hands are worn out with grinding spices." "With this it's easy." "Plug on .." "Spice mix ready!" "Like it?" "Yes." "You forgot me?" "How can I?" "I thought I'd have a sherwani tailored for you." "Sherwani." "Keep extra folds or in six months it won't fit." "You had to choose black?" "He'll look a crow in this." "Black is okay." "It won't show dirt." "Master, with it a kurta and Aligarhi pyajamas." "And a topi." "No topi." "Are you mad?" "Return in four days for the trial." "It will be Idd then." "I want it tomorrow." "Allah." "Pistachios are costly here." "You are eating the lot." "What'll we put in the sweet." "Rizoo likes it, doesn't he?" " A lot." "Shantabai, see who it is?" "Yes." "Mehmooda Begum Ahmed Ali lives here?" "She lives here, doesn't she?" "Who is it?" "The police." "Police." "I will take a look." "Wait." "Allah." "What is it?" "Are you Mehmooda Begum?" "Yes." "Deportation Order." "Come with us." "Tomorrow is Idd." "Quiet!" "Hiding in India when your Visa has expired?" "It's not like that." "Come and sit inside." "The boy will return soon and explain it all." "Stop this talk!" "Will you come or we'll handcuff you." "Handcuffs?" " Handcuffs." "There's no time." "Hurry." "We have two others to catch." "Leave her." "Come on." "Leave me." "Fejji." "Where are you taking me?" "Let go my sister." "She's done nothing." "Shantabai, take a look." "Mammo." "Fejji." "Allah." "Where are you taking me?" "Fejji." "Allah." "Mammo." "Where are they taking you?" "She hasn't done anything." "Mammo." "Where are you taking my sister?" "She hasn't done anything." "Mammo." "Mammo Nani?" "What happened?" "They took her away." "Who?" "Two police officials." "They took mammo granny away." "Where?" "They didn't even let her take her clothes." "I don't know where she is." "Where's Inspector Apte?" "He's been trasffered." "But he said Mammo Nani could stay with us." "Then why did the police take her?" "All Pakistanis overstaying are being sent back." "Where will Mammo Nani be?" "One lot is being sent today by the Frontier Mail." "Go to Bombay Central Station." "You may find her there." "Look, sir." "This is the file." "Where are you taking me?" "I couldn't even wish him." "I just have the clothes on my back." "All my things are left behind." "Even my Prayer Mat!" "How unjust can you be?" "Think of God." "Why cry?" "You are returning to your home." "Why grumble?" "My home is here." "I want to be buried here." "Giving me six feet space would harm no-one." "Come." "Aunt, take care of this child." "He's just been operated." "He's a little weak." "Child, don't be afraid." "She is with you." "Come on." "What kind of duty is this to accompany them?" "I called Amritsar." "Few more will be sent off tomorrow." "We've done all that." "Why do these people stay in India?" "What will they get here?" "Has she sat down?" " Yes." "Mammoo granny." "Where are you going?" " Son." "Rizoo." "Where are you going?" "I never could cross.." ".. the distances.." ".. of your streets." "I never could cross.." ".. the distances.." "I never could cross.." "This true story took place 20 years ago." "To date, we have made every effort to find Mehmooda Begum." "But there was no sign of her." "Relatives and friends in Lahore, Islamabad.." "Karachi and Multan.." ".. said they had no news of her." "Who knows if she is alive or." "Child, why are you staring?" "Pick up my luggage?" "Mammo Nani?" "We thought that.." "I was dead." "I won't die so easily." "There's strength still in these old bones." "I will not die that easily." "Granny?" "Who is it?" "Who else will come to you, silly?" "It's me." "Mammo!" "Mammo." "I had given up hope." " Fejji." "Thank God." "Yes." "She's begun to cry." "She should be happy." "I'm back now to bother you." "Returned to go back again." "The police will take you back again." "Now no one will catch me." "How long is your Visa for?" "Forget the Visa." "Tell me about yourself." "What a handsome lad." "How many books have you written?" "Have you got him married yet?" "Where's his bride?" "If only we could find a nice enough girl." "Were I young I'd marry him straightaway." "Mammo granny." "I'm here now so." "I'll find an angel to light up this home." "My son." "Such a easy task." "We should have done it then." "I repeat, don't do all this." "If you are caught?" "Let it be. if you don't wish to help me, don't." "I will do it all, myself." "But listen carefully." "I will not go back." "This time, no one will dare .." "Handcuff Mehmooda Begum .." ".. and make her cross the border." "Name." "Mehmooda Begum Ahmed Ali." "Husband's name, late Ahmed Ali Masood." "Age: 75." "Resident of Lahore, Pakistan." "Died:" "May 25, 1994." "Copy to Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi." "Copy to Immigration Officer, Bombay Police." "I am now a genie." "Only those with a magic lamp will be able to see me." "Who knows the earth.." ".. of one's land?" "Who knows the earth.." ".. of one's land?" "I walked with dirt in my eyes.." ".. and a cloud of dust over my heart" "A thousand times .." ".. I hesitated.." "only to re-start again." "A thousand times .." ".. I hesitated.." "only to re-start again." "What boundaries are these that entangle my feet." "What boundaries are these that entangle my feet." "Again and again, I tried to reach my home in vain." ".. A thousand times .." ".. I hesitated." "Only to re-start again." ".. A thousand times .." ".. I hesitated." "Only to re-start again." ".. A thousand times .." ".. I hesitated." "Only to re-start again."