Part 1
Scene 1 – Heathrow Airport
Nandini arrives at Heathrow Airport carrying her suitcase. She looks nervous but excited about beginning her married life in London. As she struggles with her luggage, Kunal notices her.
Kunal: Hi. Need some help?
Nandini: No, thank you. I can manage.
Kunal: Are you sure? That suitcase looks heavier than you.
Nandini: I said I can manage.
Kunal: Okay, okay. Don't get angry. I'm Kunal.
Nandini: I'm Nandini.
Kunal: Nice to meet you, Nandini. Are you new to London?
Nandini: Yes, I've just arrived from India.
Kunal: Then you definitely need someone to show you around.
Nandini: That's very kind of you, but my husband is coming to pick me up.
Kunal: Your husband?
Nandini: Ye . I am married.
Kunal: Oh! I see.
Nandini gives him a polite smile and walks away.
Kunal: Wait. At least let me take you out for coffee.
Nandini: I'm sorry, but I don't think my husband would appreciate that.
Kunal: Fair enough. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable.
Nandini: It's alright. Goodbye.
Kunal: Goodbye, Nandini.
Nandini walks away, unaware that her new life in London is about to take an unexpected turn.
Scene 2 – Nandini Finds Rajdeep
Nandini looks around the airport anxiously.
Nandini: Rajdeep should have been here by now.
She checks her phone repeatedly.
Nandini: Why isn't he answering my calls?
Finally, she spots Rajdeep.
Nandini: Rajdeep!
Rajdeep turns around. Instead of smiling, he looks irritated.
Nandini: I was waiting for you. I thought you might have been delayed.
Rajdeep: Why did you come?
Nandini: What kind of question is that? I'm your wife. You asked me to come to London.
Rajdeep: I never wanted you here.
Nandini: What?
Rajdeep: You heard me.
Nandini: Rajdeep, what's wrong?
Rajdeep: Everything is wrong.
Nandini: Did I do something?
Rajdeep: No. The problem is that I married you only because of your family's money.
Nandini stares at him in shock.
Nandini: What are you saying?
Rajdeep: I married you for the money. That's all.
Nandini: But you told me you loved me.
Rajdeep: I lied.
Nandini: You lied to me?
Rajdeep: Yes.
Nandini: Then why did you bring me to London?
Rajdeep: I didn't ask you to come after the marriage.
Nandini: But I'm your wife.
Rajdeep: Not anymore, as far as I'm concerned. Stay away from me.
Nandini: Rajdeep, please don't leave me like this. I don't know anyone here.
Rajdeep: That's not my problem.
Rajdeep walks away.
Nandini: Rajdeep!
He doesn't turn back.
Nandini slowly sits on a bench, tears filling her eyes.*
Nandini: How could you do this to me?
Scene 3 – Alone in London
Later, Nandini walks through the streets with her suitcase. She has nowhere to go.
Nandini: Where am I supposed to go now?
She calls Rajdeep again.
Nandini: Please answer the phone.
The call goes unanswered.
Nandini: I left my family because I trusted you.
She wipes her tears and enters a nearby diner.
Scene 4 – Inside the Diner
Nandini enters the women's bathroom and begins crying.
Nandini: Why did this happen to me?
She covers her face and sobs.
At that moment, Mauli enters. She notices Nandini crying.
Mauli: Hey... are you okay?
Nandini quickly wipes her tears.
Nandini: Yes, I'm fine.
Mauli: You're crying in a bathroom and telling me you're fine?
Nandini: I don't want to trouble anyone.
Mauli: You're not troubling me.
Nandini: I have nowhere to go.
Mauli: What happened?
Nandini: My husband left me.
Mauli: He left you here?
Nandini: Yes.
Mauli: And you don't know anyone in London?
Nandini: No.
Mauli: Do you have somewhere to stay tonight?
Nandini lowers her eyes.
Nandini: No.
Mauli: Then you're coming with me.
Nandini: What?
Mauli: Come to my apartment.
Nandini: I couldn't possibly impose on you.
Mauli: You're not imposing. I'm inviting you.
Nandini: But we don't even know each other.
Mauli: That's true, but I know what it's like to feel alone.
Nandini looks at her gratefully.
Nandini: Thank you.
Mauli: Don't thank me yet. You haven't seen my apartment.
Nandini manages a faint smile.
Scene 5 – Mauli's Apartment
Mauli opens the door to her luxurious apartment. Nandini looks around in surprise.
Nandini: You live here alone?
Mauli: Yes.
Nandini: This is such a beautiful apartment.
Mauli: My father pays for most of it.
Nandini: Your father?
Mauli: He's very rich.
Nandini: Then you must be very close to him.
Mauli's smile disappears.
Mauli: Not really.
Nandini: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—
Mauli: It's okay.
Mauli drops her handbag on the sofa.
Mauli: My father and I are estranged.
Nandini: Then how do you manage everything?
Mauli: He sends me a cheque every month.
Nandini: Every month?
Mauli: A very large cheque.
Nandini: So you don't have to work?
Mauli: Work? What's that?
Nandini smiles slightly.
Mauli: I'm just joking.
Nandini: You seem to enjoy your life.
Mauli: I do. Parties, shopping, friends, late nights... whatever I want.
Nandini: You seem very different from me.
Mauli: That's probably why we met.
Nandini: What do you mean?
Mauli: You're traditional. I'm the complete opposite.
Nandini: Maybe we can still be friends.
Mauli smiles warmly.
Mauli: Now that's exactly what I wanted to hear.
Nandini: Thank you for helping me.
Mauli: Forget Rajdeep for tonight.
Nandini: I don't know if I can.
Mauli: You don't have to forget him tonight. Just don't let him decide your future.
Nandini looks at Mauli with gratitude.
Nandini: I don't know what tomorrow will bring.
Mauli: Then we'll deal with tomorrow when it comes.
The two women smile at each other, beginning an unlikely friendship.
Cricket
Anupamaa
24