MANAN SS - AUTUMN - PROLOGUE ON PG 1

Manik Malhotra, a retired senior in his 80's, sets out on a journey to complete the last few items on Nandini's bucket list.

PROLOGUE

A PUBLIC PARK IN TORONTO, CANADA - EVENING

An old couple in their 80's shuffle along a paved, narrow path strew with beautiful golden foliage from giant trees. The entire landscape is carpeted with a surreal saffron hue, making the view an absolutely breath taking one.

From their stiff but determined gait, it is clear that the aftermath of old age has set in ripe.

The woman, Nandini Murthy, early 80's, settles down on a bench in the park and takes deep breaths. She is dressed in a warm frock and blouse with a shawl to go.

Her husband, Manik Malhotra, mid 80's, stands on and watches her with a smirk. He is tall like always but comparatively shrivelled and greying with age. He takes off his hat, straightens out the little tufts of white hair spread over his balding head and sits beside her, adjusting his thick, dark blazer as he does.

MANIK: Tired?

Nandini is still breathless. She closes her eyes, takes in a deep breath, holds it and lets go. When she finally opens her eyes, she is much more relaxed.

NANDINI: Better now.

They watch the sun sink into the horizon, its beautiful orange rays scattering all over the park.

Manik wraps an arm around her shoulder and pulls her close. She cosies up to him and smiles, pleased with the heavenly sight before her eyes.

MANIK: No matter how many times you see it, you just can't get enough, right?

NANDINI: (leans onto his chest) Hmm. It's so beautiful.

Manik looks peaceful as he enjoys the setting sun with his wife. His eyes twinkle with excitement when he places a heavily wrinkled hand over the chest pocket of his coat.

FLASHBACK - EARLIER IN THE DAY:

Manik waits at the counter of a travel agency. The agent hands him two train tickets to Vancouver. On his way out, he looks down at it proudly before slipping it into his chest pocket.

END OF FLASHBACK.

Do it now, thinks Manik excitedly. We have waited a lifetime for this!

He fidgets a little as he prepares to pull out the tickets but pauses at Nandini's weary voice.

NANDINI: (quietly) Shall we go home?

MANIK: Now?

NANDINI: Hmm. Yeah. I just need a nap. Feeling quite tired.

MANIK: (troubled about the tickets) Erm. Ok fine. Come. Let's go.

Manik rises to his feet and trudges a bit ahead. He stops and turns around to check on Nandini. But she struggles to catch up with him, huffing and puffing with each laborious step.

MANIK: What's wrong?

Manik doesn't get the gravity of the situation until Nandini ---

--- COLLAPSES to the ground!

Reflexes kick in. He quickly stumbles forward and braces her fall with his arms.

MANIK: Nandini!

Nandini no longer responds to his touch or calls.

MANIK: Nandini!!!

AT A HOSPITAL - LATER

Manik is trembling and in tears as he peers through the ICU's glass door.

He sees a doctor and his team attend to Nandini.

The nurses are under intense pressure. They run helter-skelter and follow instructions.

A POP sound ensues as the doctor delivers a sharp wave of life-saving electric current right into Nandini's chest. It momentarily jolts her entire being and throws her back onto the bed, limp and lifeless.

Another shock.

And another.

The waves on the monitor grow progressively weaker and weaker.

It dies down to a zero.

Flutters back to life again.

Disappears.

Shoots up again.

Manik stands on and watches the scene in absolute horror. His breath gets stuck in his throat as the waves on the monitor completely fade away.

... TO BE CONTINUED.