1. presentsCopy !req
2. Based on the Novel byCopy !req
3. Outdoor Sequences Filmed
with the Kind CooperationCopy !req
4. of the Village of Boral.Copy !req
5. StarringCopy !req
6. REBA DEVI, APARNA DEVICopy !req
7. Cinematography byCopy !req
8. Art Direction byCopy !req
9. Edited byCopy !req
10. Sound byCopy !req
11. Production ManagerCopy !req
12. Distributed byCopy !req
13. Processing byCopy !req
14. Sound Recorded
on RCA and KINEVOX SystemsCopy !req
15. Music byCopy !req
16. Written and Directed byCopy !req
17. Who's there?Copy !req
18. Look at that!Copy !req
19. Hey!Copy !req
20. That girl won't leave
any fruit on the trees!Copy !req
21. That orchard wasn't free.Copy !req
22. We paid good money for it.Copy !req
23. I've said all along,Copy !req
24. "If we want any fruit left,
we'll have to fence it in."Copy !req
25. So many thieves in this village!
- What happened?Copy !req
26. It's Harihar's little brat!Copy !req
27. She doesn't leave
a single piece of fruit!Copy !req
28. The moment I turn my back,
she steals it!Copy !req
29. - What did she take?
- I saw her take a guava.Copy !req
30. Who knows what else?
I can't watch every tree!Copy !req
31. - Why don't you talk to them?
- Talk to whom?Copy !req
32. Who would listen to me anyway?Copy !req
33. She's not my daughter.Copy !req
34. If her own mother doesn't care,Copy !req
35. what's it matter
what you or I say?Copy !req
36. Her mother will learnCopy !req
37. when the whole village
turns against her.Copy !req
38. It's just bad upbringing.Copy !req
39. Children learn
what they're taught.Copy !req
40. Shall I carry that for you?Copy !req
41. No, thank you.Copy !req
42. Why not let me help?
Can you manage?Copy !req
43. Yes.Copy !req
44. Oh, dear.
I forgot to save some for you.Copy !req
45. Wait.Copy !req
46. Durga.Copy !req
47. Come along.Copy !req
48. She's doing no harm.
Let her stay.Copy !req
49. Why should she watch you eat?
Come here!Copy !req
50. Go on. She's calling you.Copy !req
51. Run along to your mother.Copy !req
52. Right now!Copy !req
53. What did you take
from Mrs. Mukherjee's orchard?Copy !req
54. Tell me.Copy !req
55. What are you hiding?Copy !req
56. Show me!Copy !req
57. Take it back.Copy !req
58. And sweep the yard
when you come back.Copy !req
59. Auntie.Copy !req
60. You realize the harm
you're doing the girl?Copy !req
61. - What do you mean?
- Need I tell you?Copy !req
62. Who eats that fruit?Copy !req
63. What fruit?Copy !req
64. The fruit Durga brings you.Copy !req
65. - She's just a child -
- But you're not.Copy !req
66. Have you no sense?
Who do you think you are?Copy !req
67. Think you can do as you please
because we put you up?Copy !req
68. I know you too well.
- What a lot of nonsense!Copy !req
69. Must I spell it out?Copy !req
70. Haven't you been stealing
from my kitchen?Copy !req
71. Oil, salt, chilies?Copy !req
72. Shall I look in your box?Copy !req
73. Well?Copy !req
74. Why don't you answer?Copy !req
75. You can't stay here
and carry on like this.Copy !req
76. Maybe you should go
somewhere else.Copy !req
77. I'm fed up.Copy !req
78. It's been eight years,Copy !req
79. and I won't take any more.Copy !req
80. You corrupt my daughter,
and I get the blame.Copy !req
81. I won't allow it.Copy !req
82. I don't need this bother
at my age.Copy !req
83. Out of the way!Copy !req
84. Auntie, where are you going?Copy !req
85. Auntie!Copy !req
86. Durga, come here.Copy !req
87. Let go!Copy !req
88. Durga, come here!Copy !req
89. Did you give it back?Copy !req
90. What else did I tell you to do?Copy !req
91. Where have you been,
Auntie Indir?Copy !req
92. At Raju's.Copy !req
93. This morning Shaila told me
about Hari's new son.Copy !req
94. I was on my way
when this child came to get me.Copy !req
95. We met on the road.Copy !req
96. Go in and see
your beautiful little nephew.Copy !req
97. Where's the little darling?Copy !req
98. Auntie, you're back at last.Copy !req
99. Take the blanket offCopy !req
100. so I can have a good look.Copy !req
101. The little darling!Copy !req
102. What a little darling!Copy !req
103. Bulbuls have eaten the riceCopy !req
104. How shall I pay the tax?Copy !req
105. Baby shall ride in a boatCopy !req
106. And wear red shoesCopy !req
107. Who dares say his skin is dark?Copy !req
108. Ten...Copy !req
109. 11, 12...Copy !req
110. 13...Copy !req
111. Sleep, golden oneCopy !req
112. I'll send for the goldsmithCopy !req
113. To make you a gold chainCopy !req
114. - What are you cooking?
- Can't you see?Copy !req
115. A sumptuous feast.
What else?Copy !req
116. You should one day.
Or have you forgotten how?Copy !req
117. I have.Copy !req
118. Too bad.Copy !req
119. I thought we might celebrate
our son's first mouthful of rice.Copy !req
120. With what money?Copy !req
121. I start work
for Mr. Ray next month.Copy !req
122. Really?Copy !req
123. I saw Nilmoni today.
He said Mr. Ray gave his word.Copy !req
124. - Did you ask about the pay?
- I'm not worried.Copy !req
125. Besides, I'm not going
to collect his rents forever.Copy !req
126. He can't make me
his bonded slave.Copy !req
127. That money and the fees
for my services as a priestCopy !req
128. will keep the family
going for now.Copy !req
129. Besides, there are always
good times and bad.Copy !req
130. Things are going well.Copy !req
131. The boy was born in January,
and you found work in the spring.Copy !req
132. That's why
we should spend a littleCopy !req
133. to celebrate in styleCopy !req
134. and save face
with the neighbors.Copy !req
135. Besides,
they'll all praise your cooking.Copy !req
136. That's something, isn't it?Copy !req
137. Will he pay regularly?Copy !req
138. Why wouldn't he?
Ray's a good man.Copy !req
139. Who's to say
who's good and who's not?Copy !req
140. People are always cheating you.Copy !req
141. Like when?Copy !req
142. Didn't they steal the orchard
from right under our noses?Copy !req
143. They said my brother owed them
money when he was alive.Copy !req
144. The orchard satisfied that debt.Copy !req
145. We'd have no worries
if we still had that orchard.Copy !req
146. Mangoes, rose apples, coconuts.Copy !req
147. They pick sackfuls of our fruit,Copy !req
148. but if Durga takes
a single guava -Copy !req
149. Why worry about them?Copy !req
150. They're moneylenders,
and I'm a scholar.Copy !req
151. Who cares about that
in this godforsaken village?Copy !req
152. Listen to what I'm writing now:Copy !req
153. New and original plays
and poems.Copy !req
154. When word gets around,Copy !req
155. the traveling troupes
will come in droves.Copy !req
156. Where else can they get
new material?Copy !req
157. Original plays don't grow on trees.Copy !req
158. Other writers just rehashCopy !req
159. the same old stuff.Copy !req
160. If that's acceptable,Copy !req
161. won't the original works
of Harihar Ray be as well?Copy !req
162. Of course.Copy !req
163. And as a scholar,
you'll be respected in the village.Copy !req
164. What could be better?Copy !req
165. You'll educate the boy...Copy !req
166. give him his sacred thread,
teach him to worship the gods.Copy !req
167. Durga will find a good husband.Copy !req
168. Two good meals a day,
new clothes twice a year -Copy !req
169. what more could we want?Copy !req
170. We'll have all that and more.Copy !req
171. My ancestors were writers,
after all.Copy !req
172. They left a legacy
that can't be ignored.Copy !req
173. Just wait two years.Copy !req
174. My debts will be paid offCopy !req
175. and the house repaired,Copy !req
176. and you won't have to fix
spinach and rice every day!Copy !req
177. How about that?Copy !req
178. Apu! Aren't you up yet?Copy !req
179. Apu, aren't you going
to school?Copy !req
180. Wake up.Copy !req
181. Durga.Copy !req
182. Durga, get Apu up.Copy !req
183. He has to get ready for school.
He's still snoring away.Copy !req
184. Only half a pot, ma'am.Copy !req
185. Are you feeding the cow enough?Copy !req
186. Apu, get up.Copy !req
187. "Deep in the heart of Janasthan..."Copy !req
188. Hey!Copy !req
189. Why are you getting up again?Copy !req
190. How many more times
must you dampen your eraser?Copy !req
191. Sit down.Copy !req
192. "Deep in the heart of Janasthan..."Copy !req
193. Puti, what do you want?Copy !req
194. One paisa of puffed rice.Copy !req
195. Hand over the money.Copy !req
196. "... stands the mighty
mountain Prasravan...Copy !req
197. its lofty summit...Copy !req
198. crowned
by ever drifting clouds...Copy !req
199. that ceaseless gales...Copy !req
200. urge along
the pathways of the sky..."Copy !req
201. How are you, Prasanna?Copy !req
202. Welcome, Mr. Majumdar!Copy !req
203. Dear me!
It's a trap to kill people!Copy !req
204. - Hello there.
- How's everything?Copy !req
205. Just fine.Copy !req
206. Come in, come in.Copy !req
207. You've spread quite a net, eh?Copy !req
208. How many little fish
have you caught now?Copy !req
209. There were eight.Copy !req
210. A new boy just arrived.Copy !req
211. The proverbial nine jewels!Copy !req
212. Apu, what are you smiling about?Copy !req
213. Is this a theater?Copy !req
214. My grandson will end up
behind a plow too.Copy !req
215. You were saying, sir?Copy !req
216. Seen any good
traveling troupes lately?Copy !req
217. I did see
the Trailokyatarini company.Copy !req
218. Gupe, what are you doing?Copy !req
219. The next village overCopy !req
220. booked a very good company.Copy !req
221. I'll thrash you!Copy !req
222. They thought
they could score one on us,Copy !req
223. but they didn't reckon
with Badyi Majumdar!Copy !req
224. I've booked
the finest troupe ever seen.Copy !req
225. Mr. Chakravarti!Copy !req
226. Let me have a little oil.Copy !req
227. Just a bit.Copy !req
228. I haven't put you down
for a contribution yet,Copy !req
229. but in times of need
one can expect a favor, right?Copy !req
230. Of course.Copy !req
231. Don't forget your friend
Badyi Majumdar.Copy !req
232. Mr. Chakravarti, wait!Copy !req
233. Here.Copy !req
234. When this troupe's
drummer plays,Copy !req
235. it sounds like thunder.Copy !req
236. You don't say.Copy !req
237. Mr. Chakravarti, about
your subscription for the festival...Copy !req
238. Sote!Copy !req
239. Show me your slate!Copy !req
240. Bring me his slate!Copy !req
241. Bring it here!Copy !req
242. What's this?Copy !req
243. This is what you do
during dictation?Copy !req
244. Come here,
you little scoundrel!Copy !req
245. Hold out your hand!Copy !req
246. What are you doing?Copy !req
247. What did you take?Copy !req
248. What were you doing in the kitchen?
- Nothing.Copy !req
249. Nothing? I saw you take
something from the shelf.Copy !req
250. I'm out of chilies.
I just thought I'd take a few.Copy !req
251. Show me.Copy !req
252. You should have asked.Copy !req
253. I've told you I don't like anyone
puttering in my kitchen.Copy !req
254. When you're free, come here.Copy !req
255. I need you
to chop the greens.Copy !req
256. Sit down.Copy !req
257. At your age, other girls
are helping around the house,Copy !req
258. cooking, chopping vegetables,
scrubbing pots.Copy !req
259. They even help
with the religious rites.Copy !req
260. You think it's right
to be running around all day?Copy !req
261. If you admire Ranu so much,
why not learn from her?Copy !req
262. Have you got
a fever again today?Copy !req
263. Let me see.Copy !req
264. Remember to drink
your basil tea.Copy !req
265. Run and tell your mother
we were at Puti's house.Copy !req
266. You're back?Copy !req
267. Don't touch!
Now you've done it.Copy !req
268. Mommy, I'm hungry.Copy !req
269. Didn't you have some rice?Copy !req
270. - Yes.
- Well, then?Copy !req
271. Apu! Come here!Copy !req
272. There's rice in the big bowl.
Ask Durga for some.Copy !req
273. Hari!Copy !req
274. Help me up.Copy !req
275. What's wrong?Copy !req
276. My back's gotten so stiff.Copy !req
277. How are you these days?Copy !req
278. Oh, no one cares
about an old woman.Copy !req
279. - What's happened now?
- Just look at this.Copy !req
280. What's that?Copy !req
281. My shawl.Copy !req
282. I wear it in the evenings.Copy !req
283. I'll buy you a new one
for the puja festival.Copy !req
284. - Really?
- Yes.Copy !req
285. Can I have some live coals?Copy !req
286. How can I supply you
with coals all the time?Copy !req
287. Did you bring in some firewood?Copy !req
288. Did you ask for your pay today?
How long will you keep quiet?Copy !req
289. - Mr. Ray has problems with his land.
- So what?Copy !req
290. I could lose my job
if I ask now.Copy !req
291. So be it. I'm sure there are
other jobs in town.Copy !req
292. Eight rupees,
and no pay in three months.Copy !req
293. Some job!
- This has never happened before.Copy !req
294. So you sit and do nothing?
Have you seen the houseCopy !req
295. and what the children
are eating and wearing?Copy !req
296. Durga has had a fever for days.Copy !req
297. There's no medicine
or even proper food.Copy !req
298. The boy goes to school in rags.
Is that right?Copy !req
299. Here.Copy !req
300. We can set aside repairs,
but debts must be repaid.Copy !req
301. I borrowed five rupees from
Mrs. Mukherjee six months ago,Copy !req
302. and she's quick
with the cutting remarks.Copy !req
303. Do something,
for goodness' sake!Copy !req
304. Sit down.Copy !req
305. You won't tell Mother?Copy !req
306. Idiot! She'll hear you!Copy !req
307. The sweets seller.Copy !req
308. Do you want anything?Copy !req
309. Delicious fried cream,
sweet lentil balls,Copy !req
310. coconut candies,
chandrapuli,Copy !req
311. sweet cheese balls.Copy !req
312. - Go ask Father for money.
- You go.Copy !req
313. Go on!Copy !req
314. I suppose
he's asking for money.Copy !req
315. Don't give him any.
It's a bad habit.Copy !req
316. Nothing?Copy !req
317. He's headed for Tunu's house.Copy !req
318. Chinibas is here!Copy !req
319. What's going on?
Off with you.Copy !req
320. What do you have today?Copy !req
321. Mother wants two annas' worth.Copy !req
322. Durga, come and play.Copy !req
323. Durga's on our team!
- Apu, come play!Copy !req
324. Want to come play?Copy !req
325. Then go home.
I'll be there soon.Copy !req
326. Apu's left out...Copy !req
327. Durga, would you like
some sweets?Copy !req
328. I said not to offer them any.Copy !req
329. They can buy their own!Copy !req
330. I can't stand
such shameless greed!Copy !req
331. Show me.Copy !req
332. Tunu, you coming to play?Copy !req
333. Tunu?Copy !req
334. What are you doing?Copy !req
335. How pretty.Copy !req
336. Who gave them to you?
- My father.Copy !req
337. Let me help you.Copy !req
338. Come on.Copy !req
339. Open up.Copy !req
340. Come get your candy, Sunil.Copy !req
341. Come, Khuku.Copy !req
342. How many times
have I asked for a new shawl?Copy !req
343. I need it for the evenings.Copy !req
344. Durga, come here.Copy !req
345. What about your hair?
Sit down.Copy !req
346. Mother, can you braid it
in four strands?Copy !req
347. Keep your head still.Copy !req
348. Ranu knows how.Copy !req
349. Look at your hair.Copy !req
350. Not a drop of oil,Copy !req
351. and you want four strands!Copy !req
352. Mother, did you knowCopy !req
353. that a prospective match
is coming to visit Ranu?Copy !req
354. Who's coming?Copy !req
355. Didi, have you ever seen a train?Copy !req
356. - Sure.
- Don't lie.Copy !req
357. You know where the tracks are?Copy !req
358. Where?Copy !req
359. Past the big meadow
and beyond the rice fields.Copy !req
360. - Shall we go one day?
- Let's see what you wrote.Copy !req
361. Very good!Copy !req
362. Now write...Copy !req
363. "Yikes! A ghost!"Copy !req
364. Here.Copy !req
365. Did you do well
at school today?Copy !req
366. You're so young.
Don't the other boys tease you?Copy !req
367. Apu, come here.Copy !req
368. Be a good boy and eat.Copy !req
369. You mustn't waste it.Copy !req
370. Apu, come here.Copy !req
371. Don't you want it?Copy !req
372. Fine, then. Don't eat.Copy !req
373. Nothing sweet to go with it.
Just plain rice.Copy !req
374. No wonder he runs off.Copy !req
375. How will he survive?Copy !req
376. Was he even born to survive?Copy !req
377. Go rinse your mouth.Copy !req
378. Where's Durga?Copy !req
379. - Shall I go get her toy box?
- Yes.Copy !req
380. A fine way
to bring up your daughter!Copy !req
381. What's happened?Copy !req
382. Thievery, that's what!
Your daughter stoleCopy !req
383. Tunu's bead necklace.Copy !req
384. She stole it?Copy !req
385. Don't look so surprised.
She's a thief through and through.Copy !req
386. Her father brought it
for her from town.Copy !req
387. Tunu showed it to your daughter.Copy !req
388. Then this morning it vanishedCopy !req
389. in broad daylight!Copy !req
390. She's had her eye on it all along,Copy !req
391. asking to see it every day.Copy !req
392. You won't find it in there,
and Durga isn't home.Copy !req
393. How do you know
she took it anyway?Copy !req
394. - Durga said -
- Quiet!Copy !req
395. Are you suggesting
we hid it somewhere?Copy !req
396. - No, but it might have fallen off -
- It didn't.Copy !req
397. We searched high and low.Copy !req
398. I wouldn't be here otherwise.Copy !req
399. Did you take Tunu's necklace?Copy !req
400. Didn't you?Copy !req
401. Take your hands off her!Copy !req
402. - She's a liar.
- Let me see.Copy !req
403. I suppose that fruit
is from your own orchard?Copy !req
404. What's going on?Copy !req
405. What's going on here? Huh?Copy !req
406. What's the matter?Copy !req
407. What's going on?Copy !req
408. Sarbajaya, what is it?Copy !req
409. You know we have no orchard,Copy !req
410. and I know it's wrong
to take other people's fruit.Copy !req
411. But how can you accuse her
of stealing something of value?Copy !req
412. Fruit has no name on it.
If a child happens to -Copy !req
413. Well! The rupees I lent you
had no name on them either,Copy !req
414. and you took them
eagerly enough!Copy !req
415. You've had them long enough.
I'd like them back.Copy !req
416. Come along.Copy !req
417. Should you find that necklace,
kindly return it.Copy !req
418. What's going on?Copy !req
419. Our fruit vanishes
the moment it hits the ground.Copy !req
420. When I complain,
the mother is insolent to me!Copy !req
421. "Fruit has no name on it.Copy !req
422. So what if a child takes some?"Copy !req
423. Like mother, like daughter!Copy !req
424. A pair of thieves!Copy !req
425. Come here.Copy !req
426. I said come here.Copy !req
427. You won't come?Copy !req
428. Get out!Copy !req
429. "... and that measure
is called a maund.Copy !req
430. A rupee is divided into annas,
gondas, and cowries..."Copy !req
431. Apu.Copy !req
432. Durga's meal is waiting.
Go get her.Copy !req
433. Just then...Copy !req
434. a demoness appeared.Copy !req
435. "Krik, krak, krud,
I smell human blood.Copy !req
436. Who lies awake in my temple?"Copy !req
437. The blue prince sleptCopy !req
438. while the red prince kept watch.Copy !req
439. In the second watch of the night,Copy !req
440. the demoness appeared again.Copy !req
441. "Krik, krak, krud,
I smell human blood.Copy !req
442. Who lies awake in my temple?"Copy !req
443. - Durga, open the door.
- I'll be right back.Copy !req
444. Give this to your mother
and ask her to come here.Copy !req
445. Set it down.Copy !req
446. - Are you asleep in there?
- What is it?Copy !req
447. Come here.
I have a lot to tell you.Copy !req
448. Durga, watch the milk.Copy !req
449. What?Copy !req
450. No matter what people say...Copy !req
451. Mr. Ray is a good man.Copy !req
452. Here you are.Copy !req
453. Three months' wages - 24 rupees.
Count it.Copy !req
454. I'll quickly say
my evening prayers.Copy !req
455. I have lots more to tell you.Copy !req
456. I was collecting rents todayCopy !req
457. when I met
a distinguished-looking fellow.Copy !req
458. He suddenly bowed deeply
and said,Copy !req
459. "Sir, you don't know me,
but I knew your father well.Copy !req
460. He often officiated
as a priest at my house."Copy !req
461. "What's your name?"
"Mahesh Biswas."Copy !req
462. "What do you want?"Copy !req
463. "I have something to ask of you."
"What?"Copy !req
464. "My whole family would like
to be initiated next month.Copy !req
465. It would be wonderful
if you could officiate."Copy !req
466. Quite wealthy people.
- Did you say you'd do it?Copy !req
467. Are you crazy?
Accept right off?Copy !req
468. They'd think I was hard up.Copy !req
469. Let them.
We are hard up.Copy !req
470. There could be a scandal
if people found out his caste.Copy !req
471. - Who would tell them?
- You never know.Copy !req
472. Maybe you.
I know how you women are.Copy !req
473. I'm busy enough without running
around telling your business.Copy !req
474. Don't be angry.
The job's not going anywhere.Copy !req
475. I told him we'd discuss it
after the festival.Copy !req
476. I mustn't seem overeager.Copy !req
477. Try to manage till then
on what I gave you.Copy !req
478. That should cover clothes for the kids
and a shawl for Auntie.Copy !req
479. We must pay
Mrs. Mukherjee tomorrow.Copy !req
480. Fine. Our other debts
can wait two months.Copy !req
481. And the repairs?Copy !req
482. They'll wait too.
The house survived the rains.Copy !req
483. I'll get an estimate
from the carpenter this month.Copy !req
484. You have to do something
about the kitchen.Copy !req
485. Kitchen, cowshed, walls, roof -Copy !req
486. it will all be done.
Don't worry.Copy !req
487. How many more days
till the puja festival?Copy !req
488. Twenty-one.Copy !req
489. Didi.Copy !req
490. Did you take Tunu's necklace?Copy !req
491. Don't be silly.Copy !req
492. - Who did?
- I don't know. Go to sleep.Copy !req
493. I have an idea for a new playCopy !req
494. about Babhruvahana.Copy !req
495. I'll write it
when I find some time.Copy !req
496. Listen...Copy !req
497. you lived in Benares a long time.Copy !req
498. Do people know you there?Copy !req
499. Some certainly do.Copy !req
500. Isn't there a ghat by the riverCopy !req
501. where priests sing
and recite from the scriptures?Copy !req
502. It's called
Dashashamedh Ghat.Copy !req
503. - They earn a lot there, right?
- I suppose.Copy !req
504. Then let's go.Copy !req
505. - We can't do that.
- Why not?Copy !req
506. How can we?Copy !req
507. I left there to return here
to my ancestral home.Copy !req
508. I can't go
the other direction now.Copy !req
509. Why not? You were away
eight years before.Copy !req
510. You left me at my father's
and never even wrote.Copy !req
511. I didn't really know you then.Copy !req
512. Think I'd have left if I did?
- A lot of difference it's made!Copy !req
513. This is my home now too.Copy !req
514. But just look at it.Copy !req
515. It's like living in the jungle.Copy !req
516. Jackals prowling around
as soon as night falls.Copy !req
517. No neighbors to sit and talk to.Copy !req
518. When you're not here,Copy !req
519. I'm terribly uneasy.Copy !req
520. But you wouldn't understand.Copy !req
521. You eat and sleep
and go about your work,Copy !req
522. unconcerned
whether you're paid or not.Copy !req
523. I had lots of dreams too.Copy !req
524. All the things I wanted to do...Copy !req
525. Those who came before
have passed onCopy !req
526. And I'm left behindCopy !req
527. A penniless beggarCopy !req
528. Not a cowrie to my nameCopy !req
529. Look, my purse is emptyCopy !req
530. Lord, the day is done
and evening fallsCopy !req
531. Ferry me across
to the other shoreCopy !req
532. Apu, hurry with the wood.
The fire's not taking.Copy !req
533. Is that washed?
Set it down.Copy !req
534. This blade!Copy !req
535. - Granny, are you getting married?
- Where's your mother?Copy !req
536. At the pond.Copy !req
537. Umi, come join us.Copy !req
538. We're having a picnic.Copy !req
539. All that? Set it down.Copy !req
540. Where's Nera?
- Up there.Copy !req
541. Get down here!Copy !req
542. Wash the banana leaf plates.
Sitting in the tree!Copy !req
543. Where'd you get
that shawl, Auntie?Copy !req
544. Raju gave it to me.Copy !req
545. It cost him 91/2 annas.
- It's very nice.Copy !req
546. Here comes my sister!Copy !req
547. How'd you get away?
Isn't your mother home?Copy !req
548. - What are you making?
- Khichuri.Copy !req
549. Rice, lentils,
potatoes, eggplant,Copy !req
550. cumin, chilies,
bay leaves, oil -Copy !req
551. Tepi, didn't you bring salt?Copy !req
552. You only said oil!Copy !req
553. You said you'd bring it!Copy !req
554. Wait!Copy !req
555. Auntie.Copy !req
556. Listen.Copy !req
557. Come here.Copy !req
558. What's the matter?Copy !req
559. Where'd you get that shawl?Copy !req
560. Uh...Copy !req
561. Raju gave it to me.Copy !req
562. Gave it to you?
Listen to me.Copy !req
563. You didn't ask him for it?
- Why would I?Copy !req
564. I simply said that at my age
I get chilly in the evening -Copy !req
565. Fine.
Then they can feed you too!Copy !req
566. Come now.Copy !req
567. I did ask Harihar for a shawl.Copy !req
568. Did he say no?Copy !req
569. Did you have to go begging?
You should be ashamed!Copy !req
570. What must Raju think?Copy !req
571. Can't an old woman
have wishes too?Copy !req
572. So you have wishes now -
while you eat our food!Copy !req
573. You realize the children
often go hungry?Copy !req
574. What about their wishes?Copy !req
575. Will you feed and clothe them?Copy !req
576. As long as you're
dependent on me,Copy !req
577. don't go around begging.Copy !req
578. Otherwise
make other arrangements.Copy !req
579. Put me up or don't.Copy !req
580. Think I have nowhere to go?
- Fine! Then leave at once!Copy !req
581. What's wrong?Copy !req
582. What's the matter?Copy !req
583. There, there.Copy !req
584. Go wherever you like.Copy !req
585. I can't keep you here any longer.Copy !req
586. It's delicious.Copy !req
587. Your husband will love your cooking.
- Hush!Copy !req
588. - How long until your wedding?
- I don't know.Copy !req
589. - I know. Shall I tell you?
- All right.Copy !req
590. Two months and ten days, right?Copy !req
591. How's it feel?
- Same as for everyone.Copy !req
592. Tell me.Copy !req
593. You'll find out.Copy !req
594. It won't happen to me.Copy !req
595. Sure it will.Copy !req
596. - I just know it won't.
- It will.Copy !req
597. Your mother's looking
for a suitable match.Copy !req
598. It's true. Ask her.Copy !req
599. Raju...Copy !req
600. are you home?Copy !req
601. Who's that?Copy !req
602. - I've come to see...
- Auntie?Copy !req
603. If you could take me inCopy !req
604. for a day or two.Copy !req
605. - To stay?
- Just a day or two.Copy !req
606. I get no peace at home.Copy !req
607. Nothing but nagging
day and night.Copy !req
608. Listen...Copy !req
609. go tell your mother
Auntie has come to stay.Copy !req
610. And bring Auntie
water for her feet.Copy !req
611. Where else can
this old woman go?Copy !req
612. So I thought I'd come see you.Copy !req
613. My child...Copy !req
614. if you don't look after me,
who will?Copy !req
615. Beware, O evil Serpent King!Copy !req
616. Utter such words againCopy !req
617. and I shall cut your tongue outCopy !req
618. and cast it to the jackals and dogs
for the good of the world!Copy !req
619. And for the good of the world
I shall destroy you!Copy !req
620. No, Father, I beseech you!Copy !req
621. Do not make
your own daughter a widow.Copy !req
622. Away, dissolute serpent woman!Copy !req
623. Sujata!Copy !req
624. Why do you forget your place?Copy !req
625. No longer are you
the Serpent King's daughter!Copy !req
626. You are the wife of one
descended from the mighty sun!Copy !req
627. Why, for the sake
of my humble life,Copy !req
628. do you prostrate
before a despicable serpent?Copy !req
629. No, I would not even
imagine your death.Copy !req
630. Father, trample me all you will,Copy !req
631. only grant me
the vermilion mark of marriage!Copy !req
632. A human can ask
for nothing from a serpent!Copy !req
633. Away from me,
you shameless hussy!Copy !req
634. Sujata, arise!Copy !req
635. Heed your husband's words!Copy !req
636. No!Copy !req
637. Kill me first, Father,
and then do as you propose.Copy !req
638. Let me go!Copy !req
639. Let him go!
If there is indeed a god,Copy !req
640. the serpent's pride
will be destroyed!Copy !req
641. No, your pride
will be destroyed first!Copy !req
642. Mahakal...Copy !req
643. see how my daughter
holds me back!Copy !req
644. Slay him!Copy !req
645. Be merciless in your revenge!Copy !req
646. Do you remember, Kusha,Copy !req
647. how I swore on the battlefieldCopy !req
648. to crush your skull
beneath my boot?Copy !req
649. Today is my chance!
- No, Mahakal.Copy !req
650. My brother! My friend!Copy !req
651. I beseech you, spare his life!Copy !req
652. Pay her no heed!Copy !req
653. Slay the evil Kusha!Copy !req
654. I will deal with my daughter!Copy !req
655. Come, you wicked woman!Copy !req
656. Let me go, Father!Copy !req
657. Today I shall slake
my thirst for revenge!Copy !req
658. Take this, my husband,
and protect yourself!Copy !req
659. See now, you demon!Copy !req
660. Now the victorious trumpet
will sound!Copy !req
661. Will someone here
give me a weaponCopy !req
662. that I may spill his blood?Copy !req
663. Take this, O King...Copy !req
664. and join the battle!Copy !req
665. Take this weapon, sister...Copy !req
666. and save your husband!Copy !req
667. Durga,
go see where the calf went.Copy !req
668. - Mommy, would you tie this on me?
- Wait.Copy !req
669. Am I your servant now?Copy !req
670. Apu, let's go look for Auntie.Copy !req
671. No, go find the calf first.Copy !req
672. What's that?Copy !req
673. Where did you get that foil?Copy !req
674. How dare you!Copy !req
675. What's this? Durga!Copy !req
676. What's going on?Copy !req
677. Are you hitting him again?
- He was in my toy box.Copy !req
678. So what? What use
is your precious toy box?Copy !req
679. - He took all my foil.
- Enough!Copy !req
680. Go find the calf.Copy !req
681. Idiot!Copy !req
682. Dressing up as a prince!Copy !req
683. Sarbajaya, are you home?Copy !req
684. What brings you back?Copy !req
685. I'm not feeling very well.Copy !req
686. I thought I'd spend
my last days in the old home.Copy !req
687. Don't use that excuse.
A lot you care about the old home!Copy !req
688. You'd better leave
or there'll be trouble.Copy !req
689. Just give me a minute.Copy !req
690. Sitting down, are you?Copy !req
691. Let me catch my breath.Copy !req
692. Auntie?Copy !req
693. Did you fall asleep?Copy !req
694. Would you give me
some water?Copy !req
695. The pitcher's right there.
Help yourself.Copy !req
696. Didi!Copy !req
697. Sit down.Copy !req
698. Eat it.Copy !req
699. Where are we?Copy !req
700. What are those?Copy !req
701. If Mommy -Copy !req
702. Auntie?Copy !req
703. Lord, the day is done
and evening fallsCopy !req
704. Ferry me across
to the other shoreCopy !req
705. They say you are
the lord of the crossingCopy !req
706. I call out to youCopy !req
707. Lord, the day is done
and evening fallsCopy !req
708. Ferry me across
to the other shoreCopy !req
709. You take those acrossCopy !req
710. Who haven't a cowrie
to their nameCopy !req
711. I'm a poor beggarCopy !req
712. Without a cowrie to my nameCopy !req
713. Come see Delhi!Copy !req
714. See the Qutub Tower...Copy !req
715. the Taj Mahal in Agra...Copy !req
716. the temples of Mathura,
the harbor of Bombay!Copy !req
717. - When will you be back?
- In a week or so.Copy !req
718. I'll stop in Bishnupur
on the way back.Copy !req
719. It's a market town.Copy !req
720. If I got a monthly account,
we could relax.Copy !req
721. Where'd I put that thing?Copy !req
722. I'm off.Copy !req
723. Good-bye.Copy !req
724. Apu, there's Father.Copy !req
725. Go ask him for some money.Copy !req
726. Durga...Copy !req
727. come here.Copy !req
728. - I want to make some bodi.
- Do something for me first.Copy !req
729. Go buy some molasses.Copy !req
730. I'll make rice pudding for Apu.
- Go now?Copy !req
731. Yes.Copy !req
732. He's been asking for it for days.Copy !req
733. A letter!Copy !req
734. Who's it from?Copy !req
735. Let me see.Copy !req
736. Give it here.Copy !req
737. I arrived
in Dasghara yesterdayCopy !req
738. and met with Mahesh Biswas.Copy !req
739. The poor man recently lost
two of his children,Copy !req
740. so it was no time to mention
the initiation ceremony.Copy !req
741. I'm leaving for Bishnupur today.Copy !req
742. Don't worry.Copy !req
743. I'll earn money for the repairs
and return home soon.Copy !req
744. Don't be anxious.Copy !req
745. Whatever God ordains
is for the best.Copy !req
746. Love and blessings
to Durga and Apu.Copy !req
747. Be charitable
from the goodness of your heartCopy !req
748. If I can reach
the Mother's blessed feetCopy !req
749. I shall place them
on the lotus seat of my heartCopy !req
750. What do I care
for worldly wealth?Copy !req
751. Alms, good mother.Copy !req
752. Bless you.
May you be a queen one day.Copy !req
753. Just what were you thinking?Copy !req
754. How long would this
have gone on?Copy !req
755. We see each other every day.
You could have said something.Copy !req
756. Are we such strangers?Copy !req
757. What can I do?Copy !req
758. Every day
I think there'll be news.Copy !req
759. It's never been like this before.Copy !req
760. It's been five months.Copy !req
761. Not a letter, not a word.Copy !req
762. Send Durga with me.Copy !req
763. I'll give her something
to tide you over.Copy !req
764. Take this.Copy !req
765. Don't be childish.
- I can't.Copy !req
766. Then I'll leave it there.Copy !req
767. Let go!Copy !req
768. I still have the brass vessels
from my wedding!Copy !req
769. A letter!Copy !req
770. "To Mrs. Sarbajaya Devi."Copy !req
771. I haven't been able to write
for four months.Copy !req
772. You must be worried.
In any case, I have good news.Copy !req
773. I found a way
to earn some money.Copy !req
774. I'll return home soon.Copy !req
775. It seems our luck has turned.Copy !req
776. Whatever God ordains
is for the best.Copy !req
777. Holy pond and flower garland,Copy !req
778. who worships here
in the noonday sun?Copy !req
779. It is I, Leelavati, a maiden pure,
sister of my brothers.Copy !req
780. May my sons be numberless,Copy !req
781. and may I die
by the holy Ganges.Copy !req
782. Mother Goddess, counsel me.Copy !req
783. I know not how to pray.Copy !req
784. Grant me this blessing.Copy !req
785. By leaf of limeCopy !req
786. and karamcha tree,Copy !req
787. rain, rain, away with thee!Copy !req
788. Rain, rain, away with thee!Copy !req
789. Show me your tongue.Copy !req
790. Any word from Harihar?Copy !req
791. He wrote
that he'd be back this month.Copy !req
792. Why does he wander so much?Copy !req
793. You have any sago?Copy !req
794. I can give you some.
Just send Apu over.Copy !req
795. Give her that,
and if her fever goes up,Copy !req
796. place a damp cloth
on her forehead.Copy !req
797. No cause for alarm.Copy !req
798. Just don't let her catch a chill.Copy !req
799. Nilmoni, let's go.Copy !req
800. What do you think, Doctor?Copy !req
801. Come close.Copy !req
802. What?Copy !req
803. We'll go see the train
when I'm better, all right?Copy !req
804. We'll get there early
and have a good look.Copy !req
805. You want to?Copy !req
806. Hush. Don't be afraid.Copy !req
807. I'm coming!Copy !req
808. What is it?Copy !req
809. Didi is worse.
Mommy says to come.Copy !req
810. I see.Copy !req
811. Bini, sweep the yard.
I'll be back soon.Copy !req
812. Let's go.Copy !req
813. Go get my husband, will you?Copy !req
814. Tell him I said to come.Copy !req
815. - Is Didi asleep?
- Yes. Now run along.Copy !req
816. That's a good boy.Copy !req
817. Auntie?Copy !req
818. Mother sent these for you.Copy !req
819. I'll set them here.Copy !req
820. Couldn't it have waited
a bit longer?Copy !req
821. Khoka!Copy !req
822. Durga!Copy !req
823. Ah, you're home.Copy !req
824. Come.Copy !req
825. How are you?Copy !req
826. I take it the children
are out running around?Copy !req
827. Where are you going?Copy !req
828. Come see
the presents I brought.Copy !req
829. I'd have come home earlier
if I could.Copy !req
830. My luck finally turned
at Ranaghat.Copy !req
831. Made all the running around
worth it.Copy !req
832. This is from the chadak festival.Copy !req
833. Made out of jackfruit wood.Copy !req
834. And you wanted an image
of the goddess Lakshmi.Copy !req
835. I had it framed in glass.Copy !req
836. And this is for Durga.Copy !req
837. A new sari. Look.Copy !req
838. No need to worry anymore.
I'm back now.Copy !req
839. Khoka, take the things
off the shelves and put themCopy !req
840. on the bench.Copy !req
841. You know, this past yearCopy !req
842. I've lost all attachment
to this ancestral home.Copy !req
843. If it weren't for you
and your husband,Copy !req
844. I don't know
what we'd have done.Copy !req
845. Not at all.Copy !req
846. How much good was our help
if we couldn't keep you here?Copy !req
847. That's not your fault.
It's our fate.Copy !req
848. Other people live
happy and peaceful lives here.Copy !req
849. Well, I hope you're happy
in your new home.Copy !req
850. Sarbajaya?Copy !req
851. Come in.Copy !req
852. You can sit on this.
- No need for that.Copy !req
853. These mangoes fell down
in the storm.Copy !req
854. I thought you could use them
for your trip.Copy !req
855. - You went to all that trouble?
- It's nothing.Copy !req
856. I've never given you anything.Copy !req
857. What are a few mangoes?
So you're really leaving tomorrow?Copy !req
858. Yes.Copy !req
859. You're probably angry
I didn't mention it before.Copy !req
860. Why should I be angry?Copy !req
861. I was very happy for you
when I heard.Copy !req
862. Rotting away in one place
year after yearCopy !req
863. does no one any good.Copy !req
864. It makes a person
petty and mean.Copy !req
865. That's what it's done to me.Copy !req
866. Perhaps I'll go
on a pilgrimage to Chandranath.Copy !req
867. I'll see what my husband says.Copy !req
868. Khoka!Copy !req
869. Don't trouble yourself
on our account.Copy !req
870. Please sit down.Copy !req
871. I've been confined to bedCopy !req
872. for a month and a half
from indigestion,Copy !req
873. so I couldn't come see you.Copy !req
874. Chakravarti tells me...Copy !req
875. you're moving to Benares.
- That's right.Copy !req
876. We're leaving tomorrow at dawn.Copy !req
877. You're leaving tomorrow?Copy !req
878. Harihar...Copy !req
879. are you doing the right thing?Copy !req
880. You're Rajkeshto's son,Copy !req
881. Tarkalankar's grandson.Copy !req
882. Your family has lived here
for three generations.Copy !req
883. We village elders
are still around.Copy !req
884. You could have
discussed it with us.Copy !req
885. What good
would that have done?Copy !req
886. Look at the house.Copy !req
887. I have no means to repair it.Copy !req
888. Perhaps with your help
I'd have raised some money,Copy !req
889. but how long can this go on?Copy !req
890. It's been a long time -
almost 15 years -Copy !req
891. and I still haven't
paid back your loans.Copy !req
892. Maybe I can pay them off
by selling a few of these things.Copy !req
893. All my plans came to nothing.Copy !req
894. I wanted to be a writer.Copy !req
895. Look at these.
Eaten up by woodworms.Copy !req
896. I hoped to educate my boy.
That came to nothing.Copy !req
897. And my little girl slipped away.Copy !req
898. It's best to go. Sometimes one
must leave one's ancestral home.Copy !req
899. At least in the city
I can scrape byCopy !req
900. reciting scriptures and narrating tales.Copy !req
901. But you'll be back sometime, right?Copy !req
902. THE ENDCopy !req