Original subtitles

(upbeat music)

- (doorbell rings) - Shit! Shit!

You already have a key.

One should keep checking if the doorbell works.

Who knows if one day the bell's stopped working.

- I'm really busy-- - Did you buy any salt?

- What? - Salt, madam.

Did you stock up on salt?

No. Why?

Because the government's shutting every salt factory.

Salt will soon become scarce.

Leave me alone, Khushi.

(laptop beeping)

(breathes heavily)

Hi. Good evening.

Good evening, Ms. Ahmed.

It's Professor Patrick Vine.

Chair of the department of English at Berkeley College.

I am well aware of who you are, Professor Vine.

Well, I was calling to find out about your presentation.

Will you be submitting?

Yes. Yes, of course.

You do know you have just about 12 hours.

I will meet the deadline. All is good.

Well, listen, Ms. Ahmed.

Let me be honest with you.

We at the department spend a lot of time

choosing our candidates.

And it'd be ashamed to see

one drop out at the last moment.

Yeah. Yeah.

You will have it in your inbox

when you reach the department tomorrow morning.

I certainly hope so.

I won't keep you any longer from your work,

and I look forward to reading your ideas about the course.

Thank you, Professor. Bye.

- Bye, Ms. Ahmed. - Bye.

(breathes heavily)

(soft music)

(sighs heavily)

(phone beeps)

(sighs heavily)

(Khushi singing in the background)

(sighs heavily)

Don't disturb me. Please.

How do I tidy up the place then, madam?

Don't!

The place is already pretty clean.

As you say.

(phone rings)

Hello, Mom.

I'm glad you at least answered my call.

When do I not?

Stop lying.

Well, I called because

Akko, Safiya, Nabeela and I are going on a pilgrimage.

Which is why I need my passport before 3 o'clock today.

Pilgrimage?

You and Akko are going on a pilgrimage to Mecca?

Why? Can't we?

Well, I never thought you guys would go on a pilgrimage.

Seriously? Why can't we go?

You assume everyone has drifted away from God, like you have.

You guys never even pray.

(Then why bother to go on a pilgrimage at all?

Let's end this stupid conversation.

I need my passport.

I didn't call you for advice.

Can I bring it over tomorrow, Mom?

I have a major deadline to meet today.

I've got loads of work to do.

(doorbell rings)

Khushi!

It will only take you ten minutes.

(tongue clicks) Mom, someone's at the door.

(doorbell rings)

I'll call you back.

Khushi? Where is she?

Bani apa, Mom's going on a pilgrimage.

I don't think they're going to make it.

If all the women of this family went to Mecca together,

Indians will be denied their visa thereafter.

(Iram sobs)

It's nothing to cry over, Iram.

I'm in a fix, Bani.

Something terrible has happened.

What is it?

Siraj showed up

to pay the alimony

- That rascal! - Hear me out.

(sighs heavily)

I asked Siraj to pay me

the alimony in cash, Bani.

So, he paid me ₹2.5 million in cash.

Cash?

Why did you ask for cash?

Remember Vicky from my office?

You met him at Saket Mall. Ring a bell?

- Yeah. - He's starting his own gym.

Okay. How is Vicky's gym connected to your alimony?

It's Siraj, Bani, not Vicky.

He's paid my alimony in cash after the divorce.

But you asked for the cash.

So what's the problem?

The problem is Mom's made plans

to go on a pilgrimage tomorrow.

And she's supposed to go to the bank today to withdraw money.

She will find out everything.

Find out what?

That I withdrew ₹2.5 million from her account.

- What? - Yes.

You... How?

(tsks) By forging her signature on the cheque, obviously.

I mean... Okay. Vicky required cash

for his gym urgently.

So you gave ₹2.5 million to Vicky?

- Yes. - Iram, what are you saying?

I needed to act urgently.

Vicky needed ₹2.5 million to pay off the property guy.

Business deals like this often require black money.

And you being such an ace businessman

converted Aunt Nabeela's white money to black money.

No. You're not even listening.

I decided to withdraw the money

from Mom's account for the time being

and deposit it back when Siraj paid me in cash.

But Siraj took so long to pay me back...

And now Mom has suddenly made plans to go on the pilgrimage.

(clicks tongue) Actually, this is all Mom's fault.

How could she suddenly come up with this plan?

Is it?

So first, it was Siraj's fault

and now, it's Mom's fault.

Vicky hasn't done anything?

Ask him to help you out.

I emailed him.

- Why did you email him? - He'll get back--

Is he not taking your calls?

No, no, one second.

He's not in touch with you?

Vicky has run away with your ₹2.5 million?

No, he didn't run away.

He probably got into some sort of trouble.

(clicks tongue) Forget about Vicky and think about Mom.

(Bani sighs heavily) Stupid!

Bani, I thought at least

you would help me out.

If Mom finds out about this, I'm done for.

A guy ran off with your money,

and you're worried about your mom yelling at you?

(breathes heavily)

What do you want?

I can't go to the bank alone with all this cash.

- You must come along. - I can't!

- Please, please, please! - I have too much work.

Call and ask Humaira.

I did.

She asked me to call her after 11 o'clock and fell asleep.

She didn't hang up either.

I was explaining the entire situation to her

when I suddenly heard her snoring.

That's when I realised that she fell asleep.

Asleep, right?

Bani, go with me, please?

Can't we go tomorrow, Iram?

Mom will go to the bank today

as she has to make the booking payment today.

Please, let's go. It will only take a while.

We'll be back in an hour.

(clicks tongue) This is such a torture.

Let's go.

(train chugs)

(indistinct chatter)

Hold it casually or everyone will know you've got cash in there.

(indistinct chatter)

Why are so many people gathered outside the bank?

What's wrong?

The bank's going through a merger.

(Bani) Merger?

Yes. It's an order from the Reserve Bank.

They are saying it will reopen tomorrow.

So, no deposits today?

No withdrawals, no deposits.

What can we do?

Today is the last day of my son's application.

- Oh! Where did he apply? - (Iram clicks tongue)

How does it matter?

He could be applying anywhere he likes.

- What about me? - What about you?

Even Aunt Nabeela cannot go to the bank since it's closed.

- Problem solved. - How is the problem solved?

The bank's closed today, but it will reopen tomorrow.

I cannot take another day off from work

to deposit this money.

Even you have an account here.

Deposit this in your account,

and transfer it to Aunt Nabeela's account later.

You can't deposit this big an amount in a salary account.

If we deposit this money in Mom's account,

we can at least say it's housewife savings.

Hello.

- Deposit problem? - Huh?

You need to deposit cash?

- No... - Yes, we do.

- But we do. - (grunts)

Just say the word.

I have a good rapport with Deepak bhai.

Who's Deepak bhai?

Who are you?

I am Sarfaraz.

Come. I'll introduce you to him.

- Hmm... - Are you mad?

Where are you going with this guy?

We could probably come up with a solution, Bani.

What if he runs away with your money?

- Please... - You can come along too.

His office is nearby.

- Yes, let's go. - No... Hey!

Iram. Iram.

Wait!

I am getting late.

If you want this done today,

I'll have to speak with Srikant bhai.

And you know my charges.

Two percent of the total amount.

Be reasonable.

- How much is he saying? - We'll settle for 50.

- Fifty thousand? - Hmm.

It's up to you to decide.

Please consider, Deepak bhai.

This is my mother's account.

- Is she your mother? - Huh?

No, no, of course not. She's my cousin.

My mom can't be here.

- We'll think about it. - All right.

Iram. Let's go.

Let's hear him out first, Bani.

I am going. This is too shady.

(chair creaks)

- But... - (Deepak clears his throat)

Did you bring the documents?

- Yes. - Okay.

Then hand me the PAN card and authority letter.

There is no PAN card.

My mom is a housewife.

Give me her Aadhaar card then.

I don't have that either.

Dear...

Do you have any of your mom's ID proof?

Mmm-mmm.

- How do you expect us to help? - (Iram clicks tongue)

Why would anyone put money into someone else's mom's account?

Obviously, she's my mom,

so I am depositing money in her account.

(paper ruffling)

Your authority letter is all wrong, dear.

I'll tell you what to write.

- What happened? - It's done.

What's done?

Deepak bhai will inform Sarfaraz

in which slot the money will be deposited.

He will give us a call

and we'll go over to the bank and deposit the money. Simple.

Doesn't sound so simple to me.

Forget the technicalities, Bani.

Just pick up when Sarfaraz calls.

You gave him my number?

Yes. You know how to handle these things.

I, on the other hand, get confused.

- God! - Hey!

(sighs)

(phone rings)

- (Nabeela) Yes. - Hello. Mom.

- Tell me. - Something urgent has come up.

Could you please pick up Umar from school?

You know I've to visit the bank today.

I know. I know.

But the bank's closed today.

It's going through a merger.

Going through a merger?

How do you know?

How do I know...

I was walking past the bank

and found out from people.

What?

They just stopped you on the road and told you so?

No one stopped me, Mom.

But I overheard some people talking and found out.

How did you find out, Iram?

You are asking too many questions, Mom.

- I have to go. - Oh God!

- But please... - Fine, I will pick him up.

All right. Okay.

- (phone beeps) - Goodbye. Okay.

(bird chirps)

(Iram) Humaira is coming over.

(muezzin reciting azan)

What's wrong with you?

There's news about another writer facing an FIR.

I see.

I am heading to the kitchen. Do you need anything?

No. I better get back to work.

(azan continues)

(doorbell rings)

That must be Humaira.

- (Amitav) Hi. - (Iram) Hi?

(Amitav) Long time, darling. How have you been?

Where's Bani? Come, come, come.

I was just explaining to Latika over here,

that love is at the same time

the foundation of dialogue and dialogical itself.

I agree with you... to a certain extent.

- But I would still hold... - This is Latika, by the way.

Hi. Bani.

Of course, she knows who you are. (chuckles)

How have you been, darling?

Good. Good.

- And-- - How are you?

Very well. How's the writing?

Yeah, all right. Moving along.

- Can I have a look? - Of course not.

- Let me see. - No!

What are you guys doing out?

No classes, Amitav?

College is shut because of the MCD elections.

So we decided to hangout.

But there is no way of getting a drink anywhere in the city today.

No place at all.

I mean, we even went to the local outlet, but it was shut.

Everything is shut.

I mean, these are essential services.

(Latika) Yeah.

Guys, I have a very important deadline.

So, I need to work.

Sure, sure, sure. You carry on.

Do you have any beer?

No.

Right. Whiskey?

- In the middle of the day? - So?

I don't know, dude.

I'll go check.

(sighs heavily)

Latika, come.

(Amitav) Get some glasses, Bani.

And some munchies too, please.

I don't think Bani is very happy about us coming here.

Don't worry about Bani.

She can be like this sometimes. Ignore her.

Humaira didn't show up...

And now Amitav is here.

(phone rings)

Some poor Aditya's desperate to speak to you.

How... How are you finding research?

It's good. It's really good, actually.

I really like your work, by the way.

Amitav... Sir...

He gave it to me to read.

Thanks.

Did he help you write it?

No. Why would he?

No... I just meant there's such

similarity of... material.

Are you of the mindset that female scholarship

is largely a byproduct of male genius?

No. Not at all.

Amitav...

He told me about your book.

The one that you're working on now.

You guys seem to talk a great deal about me.

No, not really.

He mentioned you just... once.

Did he say anything?

You know... about us?

No, nothing.

You know,

there's something there... between us.

But Amitav...

he's just not ready to accept it.

Please don't look so shocked.

I am not shocked.

Why would I be shocked?

Because of our age gap and all that.

Yeah.

I am shocked, huh!

Oh, my God! Bani's so cute.

She's totally shocked.

Why the hell are you going through my stuff, dude?

What's the big deal? I was just taking a look.

So, what is this for anyway?

It's for project "none of your business."

Can you pass me those notes, please?

See?

This is the problem.

There is just no academic rigour.

No consistency.

Now you're writing an article,

then you're writing some novel.

It doesn't work like that, Bani.

Careers need to be planned.

How long have you been on a sabbatical?

I don't need your career counselling right now.

And I want you to leave.

Don't get so agitated.

We used to all get so scared of her in the earlier days.

Amitav, I've a deadline to meet.

Humaira is coming over too.

We have a family crisis!

Crisis?

Crisis... then I'm your man.

(doorbell rings)

No, no, no, no. I'll get it. Bani, I'll get it. Hold on.

I will solve your crisis.

(doorbell rings)

(Humaira) What's taking so long?

- Oh! - Oh! You?

(chuckles)

- Hi, Humaira. - What are you doing here?

Where's Bani?

You guys made me rush over.

Where's Iram now?

Humaira...

- I've a crucial submission tonight. - Hey!

And we're solving a "crisis."

- Ignore him. - Why? Why ignore me?

(sighs) What's up with the pilgrimage bit?

And that too with Aunt Nabeela?

Forget the pilgrimage.

Iram has gone totally mad this time.

She lent ₹2.5 million to some Vicky.

Oh! Hello.

- Come. Let's grab a drink. - Nice blow dry.

Yes. Speaking of blow dries,

the intrusion of older siblings

always causes havoc within families.

Hello, madam.

The starlet's finally here.

How can you sleep this long, Humaira?

Please! A good sleep is a sign of good health.

Is it? You must be in perfect health then.

- (sighs heavily) - (chuckles)

Stop harassing me unnecessarily.

I rushed over as soon as I could to help you.

- Speak up. - (phone rings)

Is that Sarfaraz?

No.

(Iram) Okay, listen to this.

"Dear sir, I wish to deposit ₹2.5 million.

"This money is my saving from my household expenses

"over the last 30 years."

(phone vibrates)

- Who was that? - Spam.

- Should I make it 35 years? - Do it.

- (Iram) Okay. - But what are you writing?

Deepak bhai said this authority letter is not valid.

Deepak bhai?

Yes. Her new brother who's just sprung up.

(tsks) At least he's helping me out.

All right, now sign it properly.

The sign wasn't accurate the last time.

You need more practice.

It was absolutely fine.

Exactly like the one on the cheque.

N... Big N.

- It's there... - You signed it?

You signed Aunt Nabeela's cheque

through which she stole the money?

I didn't steal it.

- I just borrowed it. - Shut up!

(Iram clicks tongue)

Iram said she needed the money urgently,

so I signed it.

I had no clue she would withdraw ₹2.5 million in one go.

You knew she was going to give the money to Vicky?

Yes. I mean...

I vaguely knew about it.

Come on, Humaira!

So what?

She took money from her mom's account

and not from some stranger. Right?

Taking money from your mom's account

and giving it to your boyfriend so he can invest in some shady scheme

is a good thing, isn't it?

Vicky is not my boyfriend.

I just saw a business opportunity and tried to make profit.

You know Bani.

What do you mean?

What does "You know Bani" mean in this scenario?

Hello! Don't you know

that forging signatures is a crime?

Crime?

Is it not?

Okay.

Enough, both of you.

Come on, get up. Let's go to the other room.

- Let's go outside. - Yes.

Get up. You carry on.

- (Iram) I am not a criminal. - Ridiculous!

Leave. Thank you.

- (Bani) And close the door. - Yes, do it.

"Close the door," she says.

- Just get out! - "Just get out!"

We must distinguish between

the bonds of care and commitment,

that develop in a dominant/submissive

- subject/object... - She's always fighting.

She even fought with Deepak bhai.

- Vicky is not my... - For the non-binary,

the subjugation is not the goal.

(Amitav) To understand the nature of human connections,

we must examine the different dynamics that shape the...

Iram, you just gave away ₹2.5 million.

(clicks tongue) It was golden business opportunity, Humaira apa.

I'll have a 50% partnership.

What partnership?

Did you sign any contract?

His phone got stolen.

Stolen... What?

He isn't picking up your calls?

Yes. So I'm assuming his phone is stolen.

Oh God! I don't believe this.

- (Amitav speaking in the background) - (tsks)

Please don't look at me like that.

Sit down, Humaira.

Do you even realise--

...which emerged in a context of...

I don't understand what this man's blabbering.

Has Vicky disappeared with the money?

No, Humaira. Maybe he's got into some kind of trouble.

I had no choice.

It was a great opportunity.

I thought I'd get good returns.

And Umar's school fees have become ridiculously high.

- Right. - Yes.

You only saw a business opportunity, did you?

The privatisation of education,

that is the real problem, you know.

Amitav, please.

(Humaira) Do you even understand--

- Humaira. - Yes?

I don't know why but,

you have always been against me.

I don't know why, but I feel like that.

That's not the case, Amitav.

All I am trying to say is...

stop expecting for a miracle to happen.

I mean you've been trying for years now, right?

- Move on. - (chuckles)

I mean, till when are you going to bring these

"20-somethings" to her place

to make a point?

That's not the case, Humaira.

- You are mistaken. - Really?

- You are sadly mistaken. - (chuckles)

- Is it? - (chuckles)

(doorbell rings)

- Get the door. - (exclaims in annoyance)

Oh, yes, doorbell.

It always has to be me.

I... I assure you. You are mistaken.

Just making it clear.

Greetings.

Greetings, Mom. Greetings, Akko.

Iram, what are you doing here?

Didn't you go to the office?

I just dropped in and was ready to leave.

(Asiya) Dear Lord! It's a hot day.

(Akko) Extremely hot. Come on in.

(exhales heavily)

- Change this impression... - Shut up. Shut up.

I would really like to change this impression...

(Asiya) Give me your hand.

- Hello, aunty. - Hello, son.

You didn't mention going over to Bani's place.

I didn't know I was coming over to Bani's place, Mom.

- Careful. - I just stopped by.

- Oh! - And was about to leave.

Yeah!

You're leaving.

She's leaving.

But we still don't know what brought you two here.

Uh...

Iram brought some cake.

(Asiya) Huh?

When did Iram start baking cakes?

Huh?

No, I...

No reason.

You're skipping work

for no reason and delivering cakes?

Yes... Actually, Bani was...

expecting some guests.

So, I thought...

Yes. Yes.

But they are not coming anymore.

Who were coming over?

I don't know, Mom.

I'll call Bani.

(Humaira) Bani!

(Humaira) Bani.

Something's definitely cooking here.

Surely! Something is cooking.

Bani. Bani.

- Bani! - Hmm?

- Mom and Akko are here somehow. - (Bani sighs heavily)

Mom must be here to collect her passport.

Why do you have Mom's passport?

She's afraid someone might steal it from the house.

Mom has some very peculiar anxieties.

Girl, come here.

Sit.

Who is he?

That's Bani's friend Amitav.

Is that Amitav?

I didn't recognise him.

Is he a Hindu?

Yes, Akko. He's Hindu.

He's a human being. It's okay.

It's not what you think.

Oh! Is it not?

You girls have a serious attitude problem.

Iram is the fifth girl in our family who got divorced.

Akko, I've heard Shaheen's daughter is also getting divorced.

Dear Lord, what destiny are You writing for our family?

Who will marry our children

when the world finds out

how quarrelsome they all are?

- We are what you made us. - Shut up!

Mom.

You guys didn't tell me you were coming.

Do we need an appointment to come to your house?

No, Akko.

She'd give us one if she ever picked up our calls.

(sighs heavily)

Would you guys like some tea?

No, thanks.

You'll make something repulsive and serve us.

No, I'll make it properly.

Be right back.

Psst!

(Akko) Son. Come over here. Come on.

- Me? - Yes.

(chuckles)

- No, no. Sit over here. - (chuckles)

How are you?

All good.

Which tea leaves do you use?

(Bani) Same as you!

Right. But not the same etiquettes that we follow. (chuckles)

Don't just stand there. Fix the cushion.

There is a considerable amount of research

available on the behaviour of people

and how it shifts in the presence

of the previous generation.

The elders, the seniors.

Can you repeat that?

Ma'am, I was saying...

Are you originally from Delhi?

Yes. I live in CR Park.

- Parents? - They are no more. Sadly.

- Married? - (chuckles)

No. Waiting for the right one.

Come on, Bani.

You can't be that regressive.

I mean you drink too, right?

You drink... don't you?

I do, but my mother doesn't.

You need to respect the rules of my house

and not drink in front of my mom and aunt.

Please.

Your drink is the reason I've to slave over tea.

Liberal hypocrisy, I tell you.

I am not a liberal.

You're not a liberal?

No! Absolutely not!

I've got no interest in flaunting my half-baked knowledge

with every news headline.

Akko is asking for some cake.

Where do I get a cake now?

What cake?

Humaira told her I came over with cake.

What kind of a lie is this?

Why would you bring cake?

- Let's order some. - No.

They will have tea and go home. That's it.

(Akko) First, clean the teapot with hot water,

and then add the tea leaves!

(chuckles)

(coughs) Excuse me.

- Tea's here. - Tea's here.

- (Amitav clears his throat) - (Akko) It's good.

Let him have the first cup, dear.

Poor thing is sick.

He reeks of antibiotics.

- (Amitav) Yes. - (chuckles)

No, no. No tea for me.

I won't have any tea.

- You sure? - (chuckles)

Girls, why are you grinning?

Tea has several benefits, son.

One should drink tea.

- Yes. - (Humaira chuckles) Yes, Akko.

Everything you like usually has

many good qualities.

- (laughing) - Making fun of your aunt?

- No manners! - (chuckles)

Now tell me,

how did you suddenly make plans to go on a pilgrimage?

Nabeela requested her husband

to take her on a pilgrimage.

To which he replied, "Women over fifty

"can now go on a pilgrimage on their own.

"Why don't you go on your own?"

So Nabeela made up her mind about going. That's it.

- And how did you two get involved? - What do you mean?

Nabeela can go on a pilgrimage and we can't?

This is not some competition about

- who gets to go on the pilgrimage. - (chuckles)

And anyway, you two aren't that devout either.

- Seriously? - Aunt Nabeela deserves to go.

- I am pretty devout. - So am I.

Yes. You wouldn't know.

Do you stay in my house?

- Mom? - And we don't need to pray every day

with tears in our eyes like Nabeela.

- Yes. - Let those who have sinned do that.

- We haven't committed any sin. - Yes.

- We'll face God with pure souls. - Absolutely.

Are you going to serve us tea when it gets cold?

On it. On it.

Amitav, where do you work?

Centre of Developing Economies.

Is it? So you're a professor?

How is Imran bhai, Akko?

We haven't met for a long time.

How would we?

He's pretty busy.

I've been constantly telling him to pay the electricity bill,

but nothing gets through to him.

Asiya, the day will come

when the police will drag me away in handcuffs

and he will still be pampering his wife.

- (chuckles) - Wait and watch.

Does my condition sound funny to you?

Not you, Akko. I was laughing at

the unlucky cop who will come to arrest you.

- (chuckles) - Hmm.

Now, you see these interactions between

the law enforcement agencies

and the citizen

are strained by such assumptions.

Non-payment of electricity is not the police...

- (Bani) Ahem! - (Amitav trails off)

Forget all this talk.

- Where's the cake that Iram baked? - Hmm.

We'd like to taste it.

Mom, the cake... The cat ate it.

- Huh? - Huh?

The cat ate it?

Which cat ate it? Did you adopt a cat?

Mom, I've been telling you since morning

that I have a deadline to meet.

I haven't even showered yet.

Half the day's wasted and I am making tea for you guys.

Do you expect us to have just tea because you have a deadline?

Don't you have anything to eat at your house?

Unbelievable!

What an unbelievable family this is!

I've been constantly telling them to let me work,

but nothing seems to matter to anyone.

There's actually no food in your house to offer them.

(scoffs) You see this? We're being served apples with tea.

You guys have some too.

- Come. - Thank you, Akko ji.

Mom, I was saying that you guys--

(doorbell rings)

Who is here now?

Who?

- Zohaib? - Hi.

Hi, Bani.

How are you?

(sighs heavily)

- This... This is Pallavi. - Hi.

Hey.

- (Asiya) Who is it? - (Akko) That sounds like Zohaib.

Zohaib's also here now.

Why is everyone gathering here today?

Something is definitely fishy.

That's true.

I believe...

They are here.

- Greetings, Akko. - Greetings, son.

- Aunt Asiya. - Greetings.

Guess you're here for some urgent business too, son?

Y... Yes. Yes.

I actually needed Bani's help with something, so...

How nice!

Bani apa is in great demand today.

Come. Sit.

Sit. Sit.

And Bani said, "The cat ate the cake." (chuckles)

It was so funny.

- Humaira. - Yes?

It's Tauseef. He's stuck in Gurgaon traffic,

so I was just entertaining him.

Telling him everything.

There's no end to your romance, and the crisis here keeps growing.

What is it?

Tauseef, I'll call you back.

We reached on time with all the papers--

Shush...

We reached on time with all the paperwork

and were waiting in the queue.

But the registrar had a heart attack.

And they shut the gate and said, "Come back tomorrow."

My mom is constantly calling me and asking me where I am.

I was getting nervous.

I couldn't think of anything.

So... So, technically,

you've eloped.

Like... your family doesn't approve.

Oh, my God! How exciting!

- Okay-- - (Iram) I was thinking...

I'll go visit Deepak bhai with Zohaib.

- Hi. - Hi.

- Nice sari. - Thanks.

Who is she?

She...

So, we've not been introduced.

I am Humaira.

Zohaib's cousin and their elder sister.

- Iram. - I'm Pallavi.

But you can call me Pallu.

So, Zohaib and... Pallavi

went to the registrar for their marriage...

Marriage!

- Shush! - Ouch!

Whose marriage?

- Her marriage with Zohaib. - (Latika) Come on, Iram.

Pallo stepped out of her house

thinking she will be married by sundown.

But the registrar had a heart attack last minute

and now they are stuck.

This has to be the funniest interfaith situation.

- Excuse me? - It's not funny.

Okay, okay, don't get angry.

I was just saying.

What are you even saying?

Please calm down, Bani.

Okay. Okay?

Pallavi... I think you should go back home

and wait for a new date.

No way.

I'm not going back home.

We've been waiting three years for everyone's approval,

but my mom refuses to budge.

And... Zohaib's mother?

No.

Zohaib said she doesn't have to know.

I see.

You won't believe it.

Zohaib is eloping with this girl...

- Asiya. - Yes.

What are they discussing?

- So, Amitav came over to meet Bani. - Yes.

Iram and Humaira also came to meet Bani.

But who did Zohaib come to meet here?

And who is that crazy girl dressed so peculiarly?

Call Safiya.

Tell her to come over immediately.

Yes.

(grunts in pain)

Where are you going, Akko?

Just stretching my legs, Asiya.

(Akko screams)

Who put this bag here so I'd trip?

Are you okay?

- Yes. - Oh, God!.

What's inside it?

They've been together for three years,

they're getting married,

and Aunt Safiya doesn't have a clue.

Amazing.

Even we don't know anything. "Pallu."

- (chuckles) - (Bani clicks tongue)

What is happening today?

We must tell Zohaib and Pallavi to face reality.

Getting married like this is not easy.

Pallavi cannot go back home.

Her parents will make her life hell.

And if she doesn't, we'll be in hell.

Hope Aunt Safiya doesn't have a heart attack.

- What-- - I might have a heart attack!

(Akko) Bani. Iram. Humaira.

Come here.

Can you explain this, Bani?

That...

Siraj.

He paid the entire alimony

to Iram in cash.

What?

(stammers) And when did this happen?

Not too long ago, Akko.

When was this, Iram?

Yesterday... It was yesterday!

So, Siraj showed up,

handed over all this cash,

and you guys took it, no questions asked?

Does your father know about this?

Or your mother?

Telling her father about this would be pointless, Akko.

His blood pressure will go up.

Nabeela should know about this.

Right.

Dial Nabeela now.

Let's not drag Mom into this.

It will only make her anxious.

And you don't see our anxiety?

You want to protect her from all this.

But no one's telling you to worry either.

You don't have to. I will handle this.

Why wouldn't I be worried?

We can't take this lying down.

How dare that Siraj do this?

He's trying to challenge the Shamsuddin family's honour.

- Yes. Absolutely. - Yes.

It's not a big deal, Akko.

Iram will head over to the bank and deposit the cash.

How is it not a big deal?

And why should Iram head to the bank?

That's Siraj's job.

He cannot dump his black money on us.

And anyway, we're leaving on a pilgrimage soon.

This money is sacrilege for us.

But the money belongs to Iram,

and she is not going on a pilgrimage.

(Akko) Shut up!

Ask Siraj to come over and take his money.

We only accept bank transfers.

Imagine, if Siraj takes the cash

and doesn't transfer the money either,

what are we going to do?

At least we have this cash for the moment.

- Correct. - All right.

Then... call Siraj's mother.

(all three) No!

What?

But why?

We must speak to her.

She pretends to be so pious.

But her son dumped black money on our daughter.

You speak to her, Asiya.

I hate even the sound of her voice.

She acts like she's the only virtuous one.

It's pointless, Mom.

Iram already tried,

but they are not ready to cooperate.

Yes. Speaking with her won't make any difference.

How will it not make a difference?

We'll teach her a fitting lesson.

She means bricks to bricks.

(Asiya) Police.

- Let's file a police complaint. - Hmm.

Even the mother gets arrested under dowry cases.

How is this dowry, Mom?

Fine. Let's call Safiya then.

(everyone) No!

What is wrong with calling Safiya?

What's the point in calling another one of your sisters?

Seriously?

(Asiya) We'll ask Safiya to talk to Siraj's mother.

Siraj has insulted the Shamsuddin family

with his actions.

- Right, Asiya? - You are absolutely right.

- Mom? - (automated voice) Dad is calling.

Dad is calling.

Oh, no! Dad is calling. What should I do?

- What do I do? - (automated voice continues)

- (Bani gasps) - (automated voice) Dad is calling.

Who is this lady?

She...

She is Pallavi.

- And? - (Zohaib) And...

We are getting married.

- Huh? - Huh?

What?

(Akko) Getting married?

I mean... we were supposed to get married.

- But-- - I get it now.

The truth is they are getting Zohaib married.

It's not like that, Mom.

How is it not?

This girl is all decked up, sitting in your home.

- Sitting... - (phone ringing)

They arrived in front of you.

- (automated voice) Dad is calling. - He is calling again.

- Turn it off. - No.

The same number is registered in court.

Okay. Okay.

What okay?

Which court? What marriage?

Akko, please.

This is my private matter.

I'll clobber that English

out of you with my shoe.

Imagine poor Safiya's plight

when she finds out her only son is running away and getting married

with a girl from another faith.

They're all trying to fool us.

In reality, they were planning

- Zohaib's marriage-- - Mom, that's not true.

- (doorbell rings) - Un-bloody-believable!

This is a big crisis.

Huge! Massive.

- (Safiya) Open the door, Bani. - It's Aunt Safiya.

Aunt Safiya!

Akko, the bag.

Asiya, forget the bag and hide her!

What's wrong?

Give me a minute.

- The chain's stuck. - (Asiya) What all do I hide?

What are you doing?

Not here, not here.

Hide her someplace else.

Hey?

This feels really weird.

(Zohaib) What are you doing, Iram?

Trying to hide your surprise.

What else?

Greetings, Aunt Safiya.

(Safiya) You don't have to scream.

I am not screaming... Aunt Safiya. (chuckles)

(Asiya) Sit here quietly.

Greetings, Aunt Safiya.

God bless you, darling. You're here too?

- Yes. Your skin's looking so nice. - Very nice.

It's alum and rice. I will send you some.

Yes. But why does your face feel warm?

- Have some water. It's pretty hot. - No, no. I have already eaten.

Where is Asiya?

They're both inside.

Both? Is Akko here too?

- Yes. - Yes.

Is it?

What's the matter? Is something wrong?

Dear Lord!! What kind of an outfit is this, Safiya?

I hate such oddly stitched Pakistani dresses.

Did you call me here to say that?

- I'll dress the way I want to, Akko. - Hmm.

Greetings, Mom.

You are here too?

Did you quit your new job too?

(Asiya) What are you saying?

- He's just visiting his sisters. - Yes.

On a working day?

Great!

Who is this girl?

Safiya, I have an urgent matter to discuss with you.

Tell me what's wrong, Akko.

So, what happened is...

Siraj paid Iram's entire alimony in cash.

What do you mean?

It's not that hard to understand, Safiya.

Since our bold niece asked for a divorce,

Siraj had to pay her alimony.

But that scoundrel paid her the entire money in cash

and she even accepted it.

Dear God!

That Siraj turned out to be such a scoundrel.

That's really bad.

Being Iram's friend,

she seems deeply hurt. (clicks tongue)

Why did you accept the money in the first place?

You should have refused.

(tongue clicks) I just did, Aunt Safiya.

I wasn't thinking right and just took it.

All right. Let's call the police.

(Safiya) They will arrest Siraj's mother as well.

I always disliked her.

Really? You two spoke all the time

and suddenly you dislike her?

Well, I even speak with you, Akko.

Are you comparing me to Siraj's mother now?

Aunt Safiya, there is no need to involve the police.

- Yes. - That poor Siraj paid the alimony.

It's just that he paid in cash.

Poor Siraj?

Hear that? Now Siraj is the victim here.

I meant...

Bani meant that it's not a big deal.

Iram will deposit the money in her account.

Right. I agree with them.

It's not a big deal at all...

- and they will deal with it. - (all) Yes.

Safiya, you agree with everything that goes against me.

- You see, Akko... - Yes?

I am closer to them in age,

so I get their point of view and you don't.

What is it that I don't get?

- Tell her. - (phone ringing)

(automated voice) Mom calling.

Mom calling.

- Answer it. - Come on, get up.

It's prayer time. Come on.

- But I just prayed. - When?

Time passes by quickly. Come on.

- Where's my phone... - Ouch!

- What are you doing? - Nothing.

Gosh! Look at that.

This time to pray has saved the day.

- (Asiya) Slowly. Come on. - (Akko) Yes.

(sighs heavily)

Hold on a second.

Can you lay out two prayer mats, dear?

Yes.

I found one and am looking for the other.

(Asiya) What about the one I gave you last year?

I am searching for it, Mom. I am looking.

(sighs heavily)

(rousing music)

Tauseef isn't answering his phone.

(sighs heavily)

Let's get Zohaib and Pallavi out of here

before Aunt Safiya finds out anything.

(birds chirping)

Bani. Why are you standing here like a space cadet?

What do I do? Tell me.

(sighs heavily)

Do you realise

that a Muslim boy has brought a Hindu girl

to your house?

Her parents are looking for her.

We can have a mob here in no time.

(phone chimes)

What's happening, Bani?

You just told me.

(chair creaks)

Did you have a fight with Adi?

No.

Adi and I said our goodbyes.

What happened?

I ran into his wife at a book launch.

(sighs heavily)

This was inevitable.

Yeah, I guess.

But... coming face to face with her was...

It was really awkward.

And honestly,

I found her more interesting than Adi.

(chuckles)

You okay?

(message beeps)

If only he stops calling me dozens of times in a day,

I'll be absolutely okay.

(sighs heavily) I never liked Adi in the first place.

The worst kind of losers you attract.

That's the sample size in this age group.

- (chuckles) - You can be judgy.

Not in the mood today. (chuckles)

Anyway, concentrate on your book.

And what's the deadline today for?

It's a job presentation.

For Berkeley.

Job?

In the US?

- I was going to tell you-- - Going to?

How casual, Bani.

No conversation or discussion...

And you're planning to migrate to the US.

Not migrate...

(birds chirping)

How can we live here, Humaira?

Look at the situation.

Who are "we", Bani?

You and... who?

Who else are you taking along?

These...

These crazy women won't go with you.

(bird chirps)

I haven't even completed the damn application.

Do it then.

Why are you wasting your time on us?

And when you get the job, you can decide

whether to tell us or not.

(rousing music)

♪ There must be a wall ♪

♪ There must be a doorstep ♪

♪ Even those without an address ♪

♪ Must have a place They can call home ♪

(music slowly fading away)

I got really nervous seeing Dad's call.

Or I wouldn't have barged in like this.

(clicks tongue)

I know. I know. It's okay.

I didn't know either

that so many people would be here.

What did you say?

"People?" Are we "people" now?

Unbelievable, Humaira!

You behave like Akko sometimes.

I'll slap you hard, Zohaib.

First, you hid this from us for three years,

and now you're comparing me to Akko.

I didn't want to get caught red-handed by telling you.

You guys are mistaken

that you can keep secrets from them.

They know everything.

You are right about that.

They can actually sniff it.

Zohaib.

Do you two realise

how a marriage like this

can create problems in the current scenario?

What do we do, Humaira?

Should we part ways?

Or go someplace unheard of?

Change our identities.

(sighs heavily) Oh, God!

Or die?

Shut up! Don't talk rubbish.

(Bani) Sarfaraz called.

You two should leave immediately.

I knew Sarfaraz would come up with a solution.

Where is the notepad, Humaira?

Practise quickly.

How many times do I need to practise, Iram?

- Come on, guys. - Shush!

This is good, Humaira.

Exactly like Mom signs.

- Get the printout. - Of course. Right away.

Why are you signing for Aunt Nabeela?

Shut up!

I need to explain things to him now.

Oops, Bani!

Sorry... Sorry, guys. Sorry.

- I'll just... - No, no. Come.

(Amitav) It's your house.

I just came to...

- You know... - (Amitav) Yeah. Please.

So, Bani, why did you get a divorce?

Well, you know, sometimes

things don't work out.

Did you also get a TT?

TT?

No. I didn't. Why?

No, I was just asking.

- (Latika chuckles) - No. You were not just asking.

You were just telling me in your passive-aggressive way

that you are the epitome of a liberal being.

(chuckles) What?

Burdened with this responsibility to uplift the savages. Right?

(train honking, chugging in distance)

(printer whirls)

While I sign this,

say your goodbyes to this tyrannical army.

At that time,

Siraj seemed like the right choice.

Iram didn't have a career

nor did she have any prospects of having one.

(Akko) Marrying her off felt like the right choice.

(door opens)

(Iram) You forced Dad to say yes!

He never even liked Siraj.

Well, let's forget the past and move on. Make some space...

It might be the past for you,

but for me, it's my entire life!

At that moment,

Siraj seemed like the right choice.

Our families were equal in status.

He was educated and a Muslim.

How long can anyone cling on to their father and brother?

Yes, everyone gets married eventually.

You reached that age...

Does that mean you'll get me married to any random person?

Do you know what a jerk Siraj is?

All right, dear.

What should we have done?

I could have married someone of my choice

just like Zohaib is marrying the girl of his choice.

What? What did you say?

(door thuds)

What did she just say?

(Akko stammers)

Zohaib is marrying that girl.

What? Which girl?

(stammers) The one... in the red sari.

The one sitting out there?

Do you know her?

What's her name?

Name? No, we don't know her name.

Do you remember her name?

(stammers) No, we don't know her name.

Amazing!

You are getting my son married,

and you don't know the bride's name.

What are you saying, Safiya?

We found out only after coming to Bani's house.

Yes, absolutely. We found out in Bani's house.

- Is it? Really? - Yes.

Then why did you come to Bani's house today, Akko?

Asiya is here and so are his sisters.

Only I've been kept in the dark about my son's wedding.

Safiya, I came here for Asiya's passport.

We didn't know all this was going on here.

Yes. Thank God we came here.

And we're the ones who called you here.

You two are lying.

You two knew everything.

I swear on God, Safiya.

We didn't have the slightest clue.

You have always instigated Zohaib against me, Akko.

Never. Never ever!

I swear on God.

I can also swear on the Quran.

Absolutely. She never--

Why would you contradict her?

You have always been her sycophant.

Hey! Don't be rude!

(Akko) Listen to me, Safiya.

None of this is my fault.

Nothing is ever your fault, Akko.

You are always right!

But separating children from their mother is a sin, Akko!

Did I separate you from Zohaib?

Me?

None of this would have happened

if you hadn't left Zohaib with his grandparents

in a haste to get married again!

Don't blame me if you chose your husband over your son!

What choice did I have?

What choice does a woman whose husband dies

leaving two children behind have?

At least Asif accepted my daughter.

Zohaib was a boy.

I thought... (sobs)

He'll be the heir to the wealth.

What should I have done according to you?

Stayed with my parents for the rest of my life?

Bowed before your tyrannical ways?

Did Dad ever listen to anyone other than you, Akko?

Who would have supported me?

- (sobs) - (Asiya) Stop crying...

(Akko) Safiya...

- Safiya. - (all sobbing)

(Humaira) Come on, Iram.

What's with this childish behaviour?

Don't you want to go to the bank? Get up.

(Humaira) I've been trotting around with this printout for so long.

If you marry this girl,

I will consume poison!

Then do it!

(everyone gasps)

Zohaib!

Because I am going to marry only her.

And you have no right over me

to make these demands.

You abandoned me 20 years ago.

Zohaib!

How dare you speak to your mother like this?

Have you forgotten your manners?

Moments ago, you were saying this yourself.

And now you feel offended when I say it.

I have the right to say it. I'm her older sister.

But you have no right to speak to your mother in this tone.

Everyone always sides with her,

no matter what she does.

What? What has she done?

You're the one who's eloped with a girl,

and you're speaking

to your elders in that raised tone.

You should be ashamed.

Please, Aunt.

We are adults

and are getting married.

Don't try to show it in a different light.

Even if you are adults,

you will still live in this society.

How will you deal with everything that's going on?

Have you given it any thought?

What are you going to do?

What will you do?

(doorbell rings)

- I'll get that. - No, no, no!

- Someone's at the door, Mom. - Hey...

- What if it's her parents, Zohaib? - (Akko) God!

- Please, please. - Whoever it is, I must get the door.

- Mom... - Listen to me!

(Humaira) Take a seat, Akko.

You better go, Iram.

Who is it?

Greetings, Aunt Nabeela.

Greeting. God bless you, dear.

Zohaib's here too.

- (Zohaib) Greetings. - (Nabeela) Greetings.

(Nabeela) How are you?

Where did Nabeela show up from?

I called her to plan the pilgrimage.

I didn't think she would actually show up.

You are always in a hurry to call.

Sounds like the place is filled with people...

- Hmm. - You?

You're here?

You told me you had an important meeting.

- Greetings. - Greetings.

How are you, Safiya?

What are you doing here leaving Umar with me?

I asked your father to babysit Umar.

Is something wrong?

Nothing is wrong. (chuckles)

Nothing at all.

Zohaib...

has brought this girl here

and says they are getting married!

That sounds pretty serious to me.

What do you mean by "brought"?

- God forbid. - Allah has brought us to such a day!

- Look. - (Nabeela) Yes.

Safiya? Didn't you object?

I just found out, Nabeela.

(Safiya) I didn't know all this was going on behind my back

while I was planning for the pilgrimage.

- Is this what you want? - Yes.

This looks like my signature.

(Nabeela) To the bank...

"My legs...

- "My legs are permanently damaged?" - Huh?

"I was paralysed last year.

"I am bed-ridden and can't travel?

"Two and a half million?"

What ₹2.5 million?

Huh?

What... What is this?

(Nabeela) What is this?

We don't know anything about this, Nabeela.

Iram, what is this?

Mom... actually...

- Actually, Siraj... - Siraj what?

Siraj paid the entire alimony in cash.

The entire ₹2.5 million?

When? How?

Actually, I was trying to deposit this money in your account.

That's why I came here.

Why show me as a cripple

to deposit this money in my account?

You could have told me.

Do you know how shocked your father is going to be?

Don't tell Dad.

Then he won't be shocked.

Don't argue unnecessarily.

And why did you accept cash in the first place?

She is just a child.

She took it.

- She made a mistake. - Yes. She just did.

This means you knew everything.

- (Akko) Heard that? - That's why everyone's here.

We only knew about the cash.

We didn't know your daughter would declare you disabled.

(chuckles)

You should be blamed for spoiling them.

Of course, they are our children.

The Shamsuddin family's girls.

I will always encourage them.

You are making important decisions

in my daughter's life while sidelining me.

Great. And I was going on a pilgrimage with people like you.

I can only imagine what's going to happen

when Iram's father finds out.

What's going to happen? Nothing will happen.

Using our younger brother to frighten us, huh?

- (all laugh) - (phone rings)

Please. Please.

It's Sarfaraz.

(Akko) Who is Sarfaraz?

- Hello. - (Sarfaraz) Hello. You didn't come.

You wasted my time.

No. Sarfaraz, we're on the way.

Deepak bhai has left.

Nothing can be done now.

Hello, Sarfaraz.

- (line beeps) - Give it to me.

He hung up.

(paper rustling)

Great!

Thanks to your drama, the bank's closed.

But you said the bank's closed today.

Something about a merger or something.

They couldn't decide whether or not to keep the bank open.

What do you mean?

I mean, Mom,

a person often comes across experiences in life

which lead to bank mergers.

- Huh? - (Akko chuckles)

(Khushi) See, madam?

There is no salt anywhere.

But I got this for you.

It's not like you have a family to feed...

Greetings, aunts.

- Shall I make some tea? - (Iram) Yes, right away.

I will give you a hand.

- Please make some tea. - Yes.

- And give some to Nabeela too. - I don't want any tea.

Have some, Nabeela. It's all right.

- (Safiya snuffles) - The three of them always gang up.

They always do this.

Calm down, Nabeela.

(chuckles)

When I go to the bank with Mom tomorrow,

she will realise the money's missing from her account.

What's going to happen?

And what's going to happen when she finds out that Vicky ran away?

(clicks tongue) That's not who Vicky is.

You are unnecessarily doubting him.

Your vibes are very negative.

I am so sorry.

My "vibes" can't be positive for this crazy family.

Look at my life!

My career is going nowhere

I am divorced. No kids.

I have no meaningful relation in my life.

How has it all turned out to be such a mess?

I don't understand.

Bani.

What are you saying?

I mean, I...

Here...

We...

Say something.

What's wrong, Bani?

You are so tough.

You take care of everyone, yeah?

I don't want to be tough.

I want to be normal.

For once, I don't want to take care,

I want to be cared for.

Pass the water, please.

- Sure. - What happened?

- Bani, are you okay? - Yeah.

Sorry, Bani.

We'll get going.

I had no intentions of bothering you.

Don't be stupid.

No need to go anywhere.

You shouldn't keep secrets from us!

- Sorry. - It's okay. (chuckles)

And, Humaira, ask Tauseef to come here.

Only he can deal with such a complicated situation, right?

Yes, he can surely deal with it.

What doesn't make sense to me is,

what compelled her to lie?

I would have helped her out had she told me.

I am her mother, not her enemy.

- We are the enemies, Nabeela. - (phone rings)

(automated voice) Grandma calling!

Grandma calling!

She even has a grandma.

Everyone has a grandma.

Everyone does,

but what must her grandma be thinking about us?

- Yes. - (tongue clicks)

What is your name, dear?

- Pallavi. - I see.

And how many siblings do you have?

I have two older sisters.

- I see. I see. - Two sisters.

Your parents must be worried.

- Trying to find you. - Yes.

I can only imagine your mother's plight.

I can't stop my tears.

- Akko. Akko. - (snuffles)

- Akko. - Yes.

I can see how you are emotionally blackmailing her.

Oh! Now I am emotionally blackmailing her?

Don't argue with him, Akko.

He is rude.

- Emotional blackmail... - Hey...

Let them talk.

Child, having your parents' blessing is important.

The thing about husbands is

you'll get bored in a few years.

Then whom will you crib about him to? Right?

And... sibling's love is also necessary.

Otherwise, a person becomes very lonely.

(Akko clicks tongue)

Please, Akko. This is my personal matter.

(Safiya) What?

Marriage is not a personal matter.

It's a family matter.

And this family doesn't approve of your marriage.

I will only marry Pallavi.

- I love her. - Huh?

I love her?

He keeps saying "I love her" in front of his aunts.

No respect for the elders.

This is unbelievable.

Is he... not allowed to say that?

(dog barks)

Take her back. Now!

Take her back?

She's not some product bought online which you can return.

Look, you cannot stay here.

(Bani) Of course, she can.

This is my house.

The leader has finally spoken!

They can definitely live in separate rooms.

You better shut up, Iram.

(Nabeela) I will deal with you when we get home.

Nothing makes a difference to you, does it?

Helping a girl elope without her parents' consent is a grievous sin.

Who elopes with the consent of their parents, Aunt Safiya?

That didn't occur to me.

I've had enough. I am leaving.

- No, Safiya. - Safiya!

- (Asiya) Where are you going? - (Safiya) It's the limit.

- (Nabeela) Wait, Safiya... - Look!

(Asiya) Something's happened to Akko!

- Akko! - What happened?

- Akko. - (Asiya) Turn on the fan.

- Akko! - Akko!

- (Asiya) Someone get some water. - Akko!

Akko.

- (everyone) Akko! - (Pallavi) Move. Move.

Let me check on her. Move.

- What is it? - Move.

(Asiya) What happened? What is it?

What is she doing?

- (Akko screams) - Akko, I am a doctor.

Give me your hand.

You're a doctor?

Why didn't you tell me?

You didn't give me a chance.

(chuckles)

It's pretty low, Akko.

We need to give her something sweet.

Sugar will do too.

They have been starving a diabetes patient since morning.

Only fed me half an apple.

And giving me one shock after another.

If you're a doctor,

couldn't you find someone better than this idiot to marry?

Sugar.

Mmm.

- Come here. Come here. - No...

(playful music)

She gave Pallavi her chain.

Akko must have a plan.

I don't trust her at all.

Looks to me like she's in the mood to get them married.

- Akko. - Safiya.

Listen to me.

Akko.

Are you stopping them from getting married or fixing it?

Our family desperately needs a doctor.

One doesn't marry a doctor to save on the fee.

These children are not going to stop.

And if you support Zohaib now, he will really appreciate it.

Yes.

That will also bring you two closer. Right?

You are right, Akko.

Asiya, the case with you is,

if Akko declares night-time as daytime,

- you will agree with her. - Yes.

- (phone rings) - (automated voice) Granny calling.

It's my granny calling now.

I think the news has spread to UP.

(gasps) She even has a granny.

Oh, yeah! How exciting!

You know, even my granny is in UP.

Listen, it's pretty late.

You should go home.

She isn't going anywhere.

And she's not staying in this house without getting married.

How is that possible?

No court, clergy or priest would be available at this hour.

I have an idea. I have a brilliant idea.

I think you should just let us handle this.

Let him speak, dear.

- Go on. - Thank you.

One of my students' father is a judge.

Maybe I can call him and he can help us.

Yes. Go ahead, call him. Please do.

She's always interrupting.

(Amitav) Yes. Yes.

Okay. (chuckles)

Come on, man. You've a rate card for that?

He's asking for ₹2 lakh.

- Two... - ₹2 lakh?

To register a marriage?

That's how it is.

What do we do?

- Check with Zohaib. - Okay.

- ₹2 lakh - Ridiculous!

- What are you doing? - Huh?

- No, I... - What are you staring at?

What happened?

The clothes Pallavi is wearing is okay.

But what about the other rituals?

(Nabeela) Rituals?

This is an emergency wedding.

Please curb your desires.

But sweets are essential.

Otherwise, it's bad luck.

Safiya, cook something up quickly. Go on.

This wedding is happening against my wishes,

and you expect me to cook sweets?

Yes, because you're the best cook amongst us.

Nabeela will give you a hand.

Don't expect any help from me.

My hands are crippled!

Drop it, Nabeela.

Okay, all right. I've spoken to him.

The court registrar will come over and register the marriage.

- Ah! - Look.

He has to be paid ₹2 lakh.

(everyone gasps)

(everyone) ₹2 lakh!

Well... actually,

the groom is a Muslim...

Unbelievable!

One can at least expect the bribe to be secular.

It's okay. I'll manage.

(Bani) Oh, my God! What... What is this?

Some sort of agitation on the Delhi-Gurgaon highway.

Call Tauseef.

- Call him. - (melancholy music)

I called him several times.

He isn't answering.

Hi.

Let's leave this discussion for later, Adi.

I need some urgent help.

Can you ask that cop friend of yours

to find out about the Gurgaon incident today?

Yes. That one.

(Bani) There's been no news of Tauseef for two hours.

He isn't answering his phone.

He was returning from Gurgaon.

I know.

Yeah.

Okay.

(inhales deeply)

Adi will find out the details and call back.

(sighs heavily)

Everything will be fine, Humaira.

The car they are showing on the news

is exactly like the one we have.

(inhales deeply)

Don't overthink it, Humaira.

(sombre music)

You should complete your application, Bani.

(poignant music)

Help me out here, child.

Get a wok and pass me some clarified butter.

Let's see. Nothing is in place.

- Aunty. - Is this the biggest you have?

- Yes. - Look at this.

- Nabeela? - Yes.

Should I use this for cooking or for decoration?

- What should I do? - Use it for decoration.

Do you have clarified butter, or does she not use any?

Is she on a diet or something?

- We do. - She only lives on air.

- You do? - Here we go.

- Here's the clarified butter. - Thank God!

We're discovering hidden treasures.

Look at this.

Is this clarified butter or just the essence of it?

Run to the market and get some clarified butter quickly.

There's nothing to do without it.

And check if there's any semolina or not.

- Do we have semolina? - (Khushi) We do.

- Are you sure? - Yes.

- (Safiya) Okay. - She has some fritters lying around.

All right. But check for salt.

Yeah, all right.

- Here you go, have some fritters. - Wow!

Great. Khushi made some fritters.

(chuckles)

- Use this, Akko. - Yes.

It's pretty hot.

You guys chop this too.

I was thinking of ordering five kilos of besan laddoos.

No, no! Order boondi laddoos instead.

Boondi laddoos?

How can five kilos be enough?

We should order minimum ten kilos.

Who is going to eat ten kilos?

We can't send it over to the bride's family either.

Won't you offer some to the registrar?

- Yes. - And then, there's us.

- Won't we have some? - Akko!

(chuckles)

Where are the girls?

- Call them. - Yes. Iram. Bani. Humaira.

Come downstairs.

I was thinking... we should call her also.

- Who? - The other girl.

Which girl?

I mean her.

Who?

Pallavi.

(everyone) Your daughter-in-law?

- Yes, my daughter-in-law. - (everyone laughs)

Destiny wiped out a few scoundrels for you three to come in.

- Did you hear that? - Oh, my God!

(chuckles)

- Yes? - Go call Pallavi.

Okay.

What's wrong with you two?

Why do we need so many documents for a simple marriage?

You see, marriage is a legally and socially sanctioned union.

Usually, between a man and a woman.

But it's governed by laws, rules, customs, beliefs...

What happened?

(poignant music)

What's wrong with Humaira?

(Asiya) You ask her.

- (Akko) Humaira, what's wrong? - (phone rings)

Hello.

- (door opens) - (anklets tinkle)

(Tauseef) Greetings.

- Tauseef! - Tauseef!

- Unbelievable. - (laughs)

How are you?

I'll call you back, Adi.

No, no, I will. I promise.

Tauseef just walked in.

Sorry, I just saw your messages.

I dropped the phone under the seat

so I couldn't call you back.

(laughs)

How are you?

God willing, son. How are you?

All good?

- Khushi, make some tea for Tauseef. - (laughs)

(Khushi) All right.

- Why are you glaring at me? - Come.

Believe me, the phone really...

- Believe me. - What?

- (everyone laughs) - (Asiya) What happened?

Why were you being so crabby today?

Why are you behaving like Little Einstein?

(chuckles)

This is what I like about you.

You come up with the most nonsensical metaphors.

I applied for a job in the US.

I know. I saw your application.

- I knew it! - Sorry. Couldn't resist.

(sighs heavily)

But what's the point?

It's too late now.

I can't even finish it.

Did you...

really want to finish it?

Yes, of course.

I've been struggling for six months.

Then?

It just...

didn't happen.

Why not?

It's not like you lack material to draw up some

American-type reading list.

Why do you want a job in the US?

What choice do I have?

I have grown tired

of being careful all the time of not offending anyone.

Should I say it or not?

Should I write this or that?

What if I write it?

I am...

I am done with this every day fear!

(train horn blows)

Look, Bani.

Nations...

are like families.

There's always a tumult inside.

But if you leave them in a turmoil,

that turbulence stays within you for the rest of your life.

And anyway, where would you go?

There's no place in the world

where noises from here won't reach you.

♪ The nightingale Found its rose... ♪

- Really? - Remember this song from school.

♪ The rose, its garden ♪

- ♪ And we the forlorn ones have ♪ - (Bani humming)

- ♪ Found their homeland ♪ - (Bani chuckles)

(Bani humming)

♪ The rose, its garden ♪

- ♪ And the forlorn ones have ♪ - ♪ The forlorn ones have ♪

- ♪ Found their homeland ♪ - ♪ Found their homeland ♪

Son, move that over to that edge.

Yes. Bravo.

- (Humaira) Pallavi's a doctor. - (Tauseef) Of what?

- (Humaira) Endocrinologist. - (phone rings)

Hello.

(Humaira) There are no doctors in our family.

(chuckles) What's happening?

- (Humaira) It's a good thing. - (Tauseef) Yes.

- (Humaira) Now we have a doctor. - (chuckles)

What's going on?

Wedding preparations.

- Okay. - Where did they get the dhol from?

From your neighbour Uncle Kapoor. (chuckles)

See? I told you.

Poor Vicky got kidnapped by the land mafia.

They just released him.

- (everyone laughs) - Don't laugh.

These things are common in land dealings.

- Okay. - Now he won't...

buy their land and he's also going to return my money.

He's going to return your money in cash, right?

Yes. Because I gave him cash.

- (dhol starts playing) - Correct.

(dhol continues playing)

♪ O Dandy, show us the lane ♪

♪ Where your gaze first met ♪

♪ O Dandy, show us the lane ♪

♪ Where your bride lives yet ♪

♪ O Dandy, show us the lane

♪ Where your gaze first met ♪

♪ O Dandy, show us the lane♪

♪ Where your bride lives yet ♪

♪ O Dandy, how shall we adorn her? ♪

♪ O Dandy, how shall we adorn her? ♪

♪ Tell us the size of her Bindiya ♪

♪ Where your gaze first crossed ♪

♪ O Dandy, show us the lane♪

♪ Where your bride lives yet ♪

♪ O Dandy Why go on about earrings? ♪

♪ O Dandy Why go on about earrings? ♪

♪ Tell us the size of her danglers

♪ Where your gaze first met ♪

♪ O Dandy, show us the lane♪

♪ Where your bride lives yet ♪

♪ O Dandy, why dwell on bracelets? ♪

♪ O Dandy Why dwell on bracelets now? ♪

♪ Tell us the size of her bangles♪

♪ Where your gaze first met ♪

♪ O Dandy, show us the lane♪

♪ Where your bride lives yet ♪

♪ O Dandy, why buy anklets? ♪

♪ O Dandy, why buy anklets? ♪

♪ Tell us the size Of her toe rings ♪

♪ Where your gaze first met ♪

♪ O Dandy, show us the lane ♪

♪ Where your bride lives yet ♪

♪ O Dandy, show us the lane ♪

♪ Where your gaze first met ♪

♪ O Dandy, show us the lane ♪

♪ Where your bride lives yet ♪

(all cheering)