Original subtitles

Lunch time

Overseer, the workmen are going to lunch

Come over here Come here

Sit down

The ruins of the mansion

l'm demolishing them today

How splendid it once was

Years ago, l came to Calcutta from my village

and saw this mansion

How magnificent it was

- Brother - Brother-in-law

Just arrived?

Your last letter didn't say you were coming

lf only you had let me know

lf you'd sent me a postcard, l'd have met you at the station

No purdah?

l live upstairs Come along

Why stare at them? Never do that

That was Majhaley Babu He's head of the mansion now

- Where are they going? - What is it to you?

Don't pry ln this mansion you'll hear and see nothing

They are important people

lf l am diligent, they are kind to me

At the beginning, l came here to teach the children

Their studies ended long ago

but l'm still paid and lodged here

l always will be

Stay with me and see Calcutta

l've seen it, brother-in-law So many big buildings

So tall, that my neck

Everything is big here

Buildings, people, names Prices are big, too

At home, milk costs 120 for 20 liters and here you get

- 11 liters - Only?

Here everything is big, and all the weight is borne

by us small people

We are obliged to submit

l've found a job for you

At a bridal-mark

Mohini Sindoor? What shall l do in a women's concern?

lt's not women's work, though

lt's good pay, seven rupees a month

Plus lunch

Lunch, too? Can l eat as much as l like?

Certainly But come and sit here

This bed is meant for you

Mr Suvinay, the proprietor, is a Brahmo Samaji, a noble man

But Brahmo Samajis are not of our caste

How can l eat at his place?

Don't worry, he has employed a Maharaj to cook

Nibaran, it's you?

ls all well?

Hurry The British have been shooting in the Bazaar again

Rest a while l'll be back soon

Hurry Chotte Babu is coming out

l know

l know who you are

You're Teacher's brother-in-law, aren't you?

- You're a wonder - A wonder?

Why sit in the dark? Can't you light that English lamp?

No, you definitely can't

l was afraid l'd break the glass

True When l first

came here, l, too, was afraid of that

But that wicked girl Chinta has broken thousands of lamp-glasses

Why are you standing? Sit

lt's a curious mansion No one asks about the cost of breakage

Curious?

Did you see the young master?

No? He left in the carriage

Do you know where he has gone?

She's the cause of all evils l'll tell you about it later

l'm run off my feet here l never have time to talk

My eyes

are weary and tired

Oh beloved, where are you?

Come home, so gently, so softly

A voice calls from afar

Come home, my beloved

The long night is filled with waiting

My restless heart aches

Beloved, do not taunt me so

Come home, so gently, so softly

A voice calls from afar

Come home, my beloved

Teacher, for the nation's uplift and freedom, the principles

of Brahmo Samaj are good

Only those principles can shed a new light on the nation

Throwing bombs will not suffice

Yesterday's bomb incident proves the foolishness of that

Yes but didn't you want a new clerk for your concern?

- l've the right boy for the job - What kind of boy?

He's a villager, but he's educated

Hardworking and honest He is standing outside

Why didn't you tell me at once? Call him upstairs

Brother-in-law, come upstairs

Now what was l saying?

So people threw bombs First remove the faults in society

Remove false values, old customs in the name of religion

You were saying something about old customs

Society's customs This

My late wife regarded him has her brother

He's just arrived

- Will you drink tea? - l drink milk, but not now

Where is he from?

Village Fatehpur Post Gajna District Nadia

Fatehpur

in Nadia district

Do you know that village?

- What is his name? - Bhoothnath

The fact is, l was born on Shivratri

so my aunt named me Bhoothnath

Jabba, such laughter is not suitable

for girls of our society

Let her laugh l'm not offended

All laugh at my name lt can mean Ghost Man

Teacher, your brother-in-law seems to be a simple man

Bhoothnath, if you wish you may begin work today

l'll explain the job

They're new

Your meal is ready

- So little rice? - You will not get more

The young mistress herself issues the rice

l've cooked all there was, so how can l give you more?

This is a crime Return my land My children are starving

l won't stir till you return my land

Another word and your tongue will be pulled out

No You people have taken the land of my forefathers

Tell your master

that if the curse of this poor man

A splendid son-in-law There's none like him in all Calcutta

Are you drunk? There's none like him in all lndia

See how his eyes gleam

You have outdone that Cheni Dutt who tries to compete with us

Cheni Dutt married his cat to an lndian cat

When l told him our son-in-law came from Persia

he was dumbstruck

What nonsense you always talk

When l told Cheni Dutt you spent 10,000 on your cat's marriage

he was so surprised, his eyes went like this

Fan properly See the drop of perspiration on master's neck?

Not a moment to spare l'm run off my feet here

l have to do everything That Chinta does nothing

My sister Do you know whose maidservant she is?

Chotti Bahu's servant But l am Chotte Babu's special servant

The man l saw you carry into the mansion the other night?

The other night? l have to bring him home every night

What can l say? My Chotte Babu drinks

He returns at five in the morning

and falls asleep downstairs

He never gets upstairs

- Where is he all night? - What do you think?

With the courtesan

He's lost in her spell

lf only l could

l'd cut her hair off

That Chunni has bewitched my master His wife Chotti Bahu

never sees his face

The Chotti Bahu who sings such sad songs at night?

Should she sing songs of joy?

lf a husband turns from a wife, what can she do but lament?

Chotti Bahu is very unhappy

You haven't seen her

She is fairer than the moon

And Chotte Babu spurns such a wife for courtesans

My love, my darling, your indifference is killing me

Do not torment me so, my love

l'd give my life and soul for you

My love, my darling, your indifference is killing me

These eyes are to intoxicate you

ln their depths lie tales of love and passion

Let us lose ourselves in this sweet stupor

Drink not from the glass Come, drink from my eyes

Let us fill our hearts with this magic passion

My love, your indifference is killing me

You are lost in carefree intoxication

l am lost in a fever of love

You lie senseless while l quiver with love for you

l know not where l am, you know not what you are

This consuming passion will not be denied

My love, your indifference is killing me

Do not torment me so, my love

l'd give my life and soul for you

My love, my darling, your indifference is killing me

ls your father at home?

No, he has gone to a meeting

This is terrible

The advertisement text must be corrected at once

l'll do it

l remember the text Read it aloud

The wonderful miracles of Mohini Sindoor

The lover

and the loved one

troubled by separation

Why stop? Go on

or whose union is hindered

Go on

or the beloved who is near

but does not air

What?

or the beloved who is near but does not air

Make this correction

who is near but does not care

What vegetable should l buy?

l'll tell you shortly

Go on

May l ask you something?

What?

Who gives rice to the cook?

- Why? - Nothing l just asked

But why?

or lovers who have quarreled

all may use Mohini Sindoor

Money back if not satisfied

l'm off

Why did you speak against me to Miss Jabba? lt means trouble

But l

Cross my path and you'll soon lose your job

Lots of boys like you have come and gone here

Bhoothnath, come here

Stand here before me

What has this Maharaj told you?

- Nothing - You're lying

Then have l lied to father?

l heard everything Tell father plainly what he said

Just that if l crossed his path l would lose my job

You accepted it in silence?

Get out of this house

You're a coward Why didn't you complain?

l didn't want to bring it up

Excuses You asked me who gives rice to the cook

You thought l was giving you less food?

Why should l do that? What could l have against you?

We've no ties All l have to do is see you're fed

Haven't you gone home?

l wanted to talk to your father

He's upstairs

l wanted to talk to you, too

Well?

Well, l've thought it over

So you think And what have you thought?

l am entirely at fault l should have complained about the cook

Forgive me

Why stare?

Because of me, the man was sacked

Now look at the trouble you've been put to

Don't worry, l know how to cook

although it must frighten you

Why should l be frightened?

From tomorrow you must eat food cooked by me

Will you eat food prepared by a low-caste?

Why are you always taunting when you talk to me?

How else should l talk?

Don't hesitate Go on, tell me

l'm going

Going?

Weren't you intending to apologize to my father, too?

l'll do that tomorrow morning

You could apologize to me tomorrow morning, also

Was it necessary now?

Listen

What is it?

The night is so dark and still

Shall the watchman see you home?

A man isn't afraid of the dark

What are you carrying like that?

Destiny Chotte Babu did not return home

Come with me and you will understand

Do people of the mansion deign to come here?

To reap barley for a cure

one must tread in mud

Where is your mistress?

Your master's alone My mistress is making herself up

Wait here for me

Why are you here, you fool?

Yesterday Bahurani observed the feast of Astami, but you were out

Go away

Please let the water touch your toe

Unless Bahurani drinks this water

she cannot eat

She hasn't eaten at all

So? lf she wants to prove she's a devoted wife, why bother me?

No bother, sir Just let your toe touch the water

Now get out of here

The glass, sir

Let's slip away

A miracle

- What's that? - That?

She is Bari Bahu, mother of Chottan Babu

She is going to the Ganges

To bathe? ln that mosquito net?

Not only will she bathe, she'll bathe the mosquito net, too

Such purdah?

She also has untouchability sickness She is a widow

lt's a very delicate matter

Don't tell anyone

Chotti Babu summons you to her room

She summons me?

Yes Tonight

Tonight? But l am a man

Only men of the family may go to the women's quarters

True, but don't worry

Tonight l shall take you there secretly Understand?

Now l must go l'm run off my feet here

The bee is so naive

How he flits about the garden

Yet why do the flowers smile for him?

The bee is so naive

He flits from flower to flower

never betraying his heart's desire

He hovers before me, exchanging glances

He gazes at me, yet remains silent

The bee is so naive

Secretly, he drinks nectar from the flowers

lntoxicated, he sways as he walks

He is near the heart, yet always far away

Far away, like one unknown

The bee is so naive

lf you surprise him at play

he is quick to fly away

He never wants to learn

What an innocent creature he is

The bee is so naive

How he flits about the garden

Yet why do the flowers smile for him?

The bee is so naive

Can't you cough?

How dare you sneak up and hear my poetry

Why stare at me? Go to work

Come along

What if anything goes wrong?

Don't go back on your word

- Who goes there? - lt's Bansi

Wait Bari Bahu is washing her hands

lt's the mosquito net lady She'll wash her hands all night

Bari Bahu

Are you counting how many times l've washed?

Sixty-two times Wash once more

Now it's sixty-three

Bansi, you can come now

Bahurani, here is Teacher's brother-in-law

Bansi, leave now

Come over here, come on

Sit down

You seem to be very shy

They call you Teacher's brother-in-law What do l call you?

My father named me Atulya Chakravarty

But since he died all call me by the name my aunt gave me

Why not? Bhoothnath is a lovely name

What's wrong?

l shall call you Bhoothnath lt's one of the many names of God

Won't you call me Chotti Bahu?

Chinta, serve the offering

lt is blessed by Shrijadi

Do not be shy to eat Otherwise, l shall feel bad

Bansi tells me you work at the Mohini Sindoor factory

Do you?

Yes, but

There

l don't get on with Jabba

Jabba? Who is she?

A girl

l mean, the owner of the company

She's his daughter

She is very nice, but she speaks so harshly

What has she said?

We have no ties All she has to do is to see l'm properly fed

That's very harsh

She also said

l'm talking to you as if we've known each other a long time

l'm sorry lt's very late

Haven't you learned the customs of this house yet?

Days are for sleeping and nights for waking and waking others

l have summoned you to relieve the torment

Torment?

You can't understand, but you can help me to remove it

Why give me money?

lt's for the bridal mark of Mohini Sindoor Bring me a box

- For you? - Yes, for me

Tell me, is it effective or not?

l don't know

Ask them

Discreetly Do not tell anyone about me

lf you forbid me, l shall not tell anyone

Would you have, if l hadn't forbidden you?

Why so perplexed? Don't you know such things are not talked of?

Don't even tell Jabba She is unmarried, she won't understand

What won't she understand?

lt cannot be explained to a man, or to some women, either

lt can only be understood by unfortunate women

lt is a great disgrace and a great shame for a woman

l'll await you tomorrow

He's Chottan Babu, Bari Bahu's son He's very fond of women

Be careful Here's the timekeeper

He winds the mansion clocks

Who are you? Where do you live?

Speak up Are you mute? What's your name?

Father's name? Village? District?

How many houses? How many mansions?

Any mansions?

Run back there

Stay away from mansions l, the timekeeper, tell you this

Have you seen a clock? Time?

lt overcomes all illusions lt cures all misconceptions

lt has reduced Time into pieces of hours, minutes, seconds

Listen to the sound of time and recognize the misconceptions

Kingdoms do not last Palaces do not endure

Mansions will not endure

l speak the truth, young man Time does likewise

l shall not feel sleep heavy upon my eyes

The glittering night is vibrant

Throughout the long night we shall look into each other's eyes

The glittering night is vibrant

Wine, the night

and the spell of love

Fortunate is he who takes his fill of these

The enchantment will last the whole night long

Why should we worry about the coming dawn?

lf you could only be mine

what more could l desire?

Tonight your secrets will be revealed to me

The glittering night is vibrant

l shall not feel sleep heavy upon my eyes

The glittering night is vibrant

Those consumed by the fire of love

have lost control of their destiny

which enters all hearts

Who is not lost in love?

Who does not sigh with longing?

Beauty will enthrall you

There can be no escape

Throughout the long night we shall look into each other's eyes

The glittering night is vibrant

l shall not feel sleep heavy upon my eyes

The glittering night is vibrant

Don't worry, you won't lose your high caste

Now you can eat without fear

l have employed a new cook

That wasn't what was worrying me

l know we villagers eat a lot of rice, but still

You must eat it

lf you're even a bit hungry, you'll be cross with me again

Tell me

if used properly, is Mohini Sindoor really effective?

l'm sorry, but l've had no call to use it yet

Do you want to use it?

Who will you try it on?

lt's not for me, is it?

lf so, you'll be the loser

Please don't joke about it

l must buy it for someone else

She is very unhappy, very tormented

Who is she?

- My Chotti Bahu - Yours?

What torment?

lt is a great disgrace and a great shame for a woman

What sort of torment?

lt is very great trouble, but you will not understand

Explain it

How? You are still unmarried

Who is she, your Chotti Bahu?

l won't tell you She has forbidden it

She seems to have command over you

l promised not to tell anyone, not even Jabba

Me? Does she know me?

- l told her everything - What did you tell her?

Did you complain?

Not even your enemies would complain against you

l said

You said? Go on, say it Why do you stop?

You won't like it

Even so, l won't reduce your rations

l know that

We have no ties All you have to do is see l'm properly fed

Did you tell Chotti Bahu all that?

l told her everything

You don't tell me what she says, but you tell her what l say

Go on Tell me what you told her

lt's very hot lt's a chili

l used to think you're naive Now l know you're wicked, too

Elder sister

lt's time to eat What are you doing?

Her hands are unclean

A crow perched on her clothes so her hands are unclean

Majli Bahu, do not laugh

One day you may be afflicted with this sickness

Do not laugh

Should l seal my lips? Your antics make people laugh

Chotti Bahu, come and see

Why tease her? The poor widow does no one any harm

Why tease her?

Don't stand up for her Do l say anything when you lie in your

husband's arms?

When am l ever near your brother-in-law?

When do l have the opportunity? When does he ever stay at home?

Stop lamenting shamelessly

My brother-in-law is a man of a rich family

He enjoys song and dance all night

l come from a poor family

All know is that a woman lives for her husband

lf the husband stays away

then what are these ornaments for?

What is this life for?

Have some shame You ruin the prestige of the Chaudhary family

l've never seen a woman who pines for her husband

l want to ask you something

What is that?

Do your advertisements for Mohini Sindoor speak true?

My father started the business

He was an orthodox Hindu, not a Brahmo Samaji like me

l became Brahmo Samaji after my marriage

- l asked about Mohini Sindoor - l'm coming to it

Goddess Bhawani revealed Mohini Sindoor to my father in a dream

He believed in this boon

He began the business which l continue

But do you believe in it?

Here's Dharamdasji, head of the Samaj

My nephew, Supavitar

He has passed his M A

Come in

l was waiting for you The offering is on the table

Have you brought it?

Yes, Chotti Bahu

Show me the Sindoor

- ls Chotte Babu in? - No, he has gone out

Tell the kitchen l shall not eat today

Do not bring me food Go and fetch Bansi

Why won't you eat today?

There is no other way to fulfill my desire

l was very young when l was married My mother said to me

'Daughter, serve your husband'

The husband is a god

When l came here l found that my husband was never at home

Tell me, whom shall l serve?

This is a curious house

l married into a grand house

Plenty of wealth, servants, ornaments

l have every comfort

But all these comforts are meaningless

The greatest comfort a woman can have

You sent for me?

By some means, bring Chotte Babu to my room tomorrow

How? Chotte Babu sleeps all afternoon

As soon as he gets up

tell him l am very ill and l have eaten nothing

Ask him to see me at once Understand?

Yes, Bahurani

You were surprised

You think your Chotti Bahu is a liar

But, believe me, my Lord knows l have never told a lie

But today l lie for my husband's benefit, isn't that so?

Your husband's benefit?

Yes, Bhoothnath His daily outings, his drinking

How long will his health last?

May it be effective

Don't worry, the Sindoor will definitely be effective

lt will, won't it? My heart says so

Until the day l die, l shall not forget your kindness

lf you ever have any troubles, inform me through Bansi

Do not forget Chotti Bahu

l won't forget

The British are coming

Quick, run away from here

Beloved, you have cast such a spell on me

l have lost my tranquility, my very self

Every step l hear, l think it is you

l hide my face beneath the finest veil

Beloved, you have cast such a spell on me

When you enter the courtyard of my world

all doors open to you

l sense that my beloved is near

Showers of petals fill the air

Beloved, you have cast such a spell on me

l have lost my tranquility, my very self

l anoint my brow with bridal vermilion, with Sindoor

l make myself beautiful for my beloved

Fearing my beloved may cast an evil eye

l darken my eyes with kohl

Beloved, you have cast such a spell on me

l have lost my tranquility, my very self

Every step l hear, l think it is you

l hide my face beneath the finest veil

Beloved, you have cast such a spell on me

Why have you called me here? Why so silent?

Look at me, just this once

You see nothing?

What nonsense, l have no time to stare at your face

Please, even if you don't like to look at me

please don't go there today, l beg you

Do you think all the males in this house are impotent?

Living close to a wife does not make a husband impotent

We wed according to the rites of Hinduism

Have you no duty towards me?

He who learns from a wife

has no shame

How are you?

At least it's as well the bullet struck you in the leg

What if it were? Who is there to weep over me?

- No one? - l don't see anyone

l've heard of someone

Who?

You murmured her name in delirium

l murmured?

All the time Tell me

What are you to her?

You hear the name and you are lost

ls she very beautiful?

You would understand if you were to see her

That's enough l can imagine how she looks

One can imagine beauties

but my Chotti Bahu is beyond imagination

Don't you think of anything but her?

You're angry Very well, l will never mention her again

What if you do? Who am l to stop you?

You are quite right

We have no ties All you have to do is see l'm properly fed

Will you never forget?

l've looked everywhere for you

How are you? Does it hurt?

Chotti Bahu?

Why did she run away?

Chotti Bahu?

She had ordered me to find you The palanquin is outside

Does Chotte Babu stay at home now?

Don't talk of such things

A leopard cannot change his spots He slips away every day

Didn't the Mohini Sindoor work?

Does Chotti Bahu use it?

Yes On her forehead and in her hair parting

A mark as large as a rupee coin

But it's no use

lt's all my fault, Bansi

lf l hadn't given the Sindoor to Chotti Bahu

Are you worse? We have been so worried about you

Suvinay Babu, l must go l cannot stay any longer

Why? Do you lack anything?

- No, you have cared for me well - Then why leave?

l cannot stay ln giving Sindoor to someone, l have

done her an injustice

Why didn't you tell me?

Bansi, how is Bhoothnath?

The doctor says he'll be skipping about in a few days

See that he lacks nothing l shall pay for every medicine

Was that Chotti Bahu?

Yes, that door leads to the room of Chotti Bahu

Then this room must be in the women's quarters

lt is and it isn't

lt's a secret room

But the mansion has many rooms Why put me in this one?

Perhaps Chotti Bahu ordered it, to keep you under her care

l'm run off my feet here

Bansi

l'm fortunate you're here

Where is that fool?

Sit here for a while l'll call Bansi

- l'll find him - Listen to me

Something to say?

Only that l haven't seen you for many days

Well, take a good look now Satisfied?

A look? To see you all my life would not be enough for me

What nonsense you talk l'll be late

You go there every day Stay with me just once

l am a man, not a bunch of keys tied to your sari

Just for today Give me a chance to serve you

Why do you laugh?

Do you know how to serve?

Give me a chance, then you will know

l am a Chaudhary l have hot blood in my veins

The women of this mansion cannot serve us

l'm not like the other wives l come from a poor family

l can do everything to please my husband

Can you sing to please me?

Will you like my songs?

Not devotional songs, romantic songs such as Cunni Dasi sings

Will you sing, dance and drink wine?

Wine?

Will you drink wine all night with me?

You wanted to serve me

How can you serve me?

Bhoothnath, come here

Come over here

l am here

lt's so dark

lt is better not to see my face today

Today l have summoned you to do something

that should make a woman die of shame

Die of shame?

Yes, Bhoothnath

Who else but you could l tell?

There is no one but you to understand my torment

Why summon me?

No one should know

Bring me wine

You will drink?

l shall have to drink

l shall do whatever he wishes

He wants me to drink wine

So l shall drink

lf you become addicted, you will be ruined

What if l am ruined?

lf a man does not love his wife, she has no place in this world

l shall not bring wine for you

- You must This is my last hope - l will not

You must, or l shall never win my husband

No, l cannot bear to see you destroyed

You are fond of me, aren't you?

lf you really want me to be happy, do this for me

Bring wine for me

For my sake

My dear Lord

- Where were you? - Fetching dried fruit for you

The dried fruit is here No more excuses

Drink

Go on l shall drink later

l have drunk alone too long Now you take some

Go on Drink

No courage?

No, it's not that

Will l get very drunk?

No matter how drunk, you'll look just as beautiful

Look away

Are you shy of me?

Start

lt's bitter

l'll show you

Kingdoms do not last Palaces do not endure

These mansions will not endure

May l come in?

We were just thinking of you

Did you get my message?

You're ill?

l have been unwell since the day you left

l have given up the Sindoor business

Given it up? Why?

You ask why?

Bhoothnath, l have much to say to you

Jabba, go and bring that letter

For many days l have felt a certain apprehension

Apprehension?

You were born in Fatehpur, Nadia district?

Yes Why?

Your parents died when you were a child?

When l was four

ln his old age, father lived in Fatehpur

Was your father's name

- Five hundred rupees for you - For me?

Keep them

l promised Master to care for you Now l cannot give work

Do not refuse the money, or l shall have no peace

Why distress father, when he is so unwell?

Take this letter of introduction to Mr Rupchand

He's a big contractor He'll give you a good job

Thank you

There is something else

Jabba is my only daughter Now she is of age to marry

Father, the doctor told you not to talk much

Should l stand on ceremony with him?

You can see how my health is

That's why l want Jabba to marry next month

l cannot do that without your help, Bhoothnath

l am unworthy

l have utmost faith in you l am an ill man

Tend to the marriage formalities

l have found a good husband for her

He is Supavitar

Come in, Mr Dharamdas

l'll come again

My unspoken words lie sealed in my heart

l was so confused, l could not utter a word

My dreams remain unfulfilled

as the fire spreads in my life

My unspoken words lie sealed in my heart

l was so confused, l could not utter a word

Oh beloved, my sweet love

you have entered my very soul

My eyes plead with you

but you do not hear my cry of pain

Although the rain fell, my heart remained parched

My unspoken words lie sealed in my heart

l was so confused, l could not utter a word

We could have talked, we could have listened

Why did you leave me with a broken heart?

My life is plunged into darkness

The light of hope is extinguished

My life is cloaked in darkness

My unspoken words lie sealed in my heart

l was so confused, l could not utter a word

Wherever you are, my love

you will always be near me

How can l live without you?

How can l love again?

There has never been another for me

My unspoken words lie sealed in my heart

l was so confused, l could not utter a word

My dreams remain unfulfilled

as the fire spreads in my life

My unspoken words lie sealed in my heart

l was so confused, l could not utter a word

Bhoothnath? Come over here

Chotti Bahu, are you unwell?

Why should l be?

These days, it's like spring again

l have some money May l leave it with you? l have no strongbox

No? We'll give you a thousand

Fetch Bansi

No, you keep it How can l keep it safe?

Silly fellow, your Chotti Bahu isn't dead

Come nearer to me Come closer

Are you afraid of me?

l cannot do it Take this key

and put your rupees in the safe

Give me that glass

l ache all over

Your troubles are caused by the wine

You don't know

As soon as l drink, l feel alive again

Give it to me

You're addicted

l'm not addicted, but

But what?

l am lost in intoxication with my husband

He wants me to drink, so l drink

Do you know, he stays at home every night now?

l am very happy

Don't you see that l am putting on weight?

Give me the glass

No, you can hardly move Don't drink any more

Should l obey you, rather than my husband?

Give me the glass, l shall drink

Empty the glass then, give peace to your soul

Yes, who are you to interfere?

Shame on you

Shame?

What's 'shame' got to do with it?

No other member of the Chaudhary family has done

what Chotte Babu has done for me

Now he is mine alone

l am not ashamed l am proud

- Will you drink more? - What if l do?

No, you shall not

Have you any command over me?

Yes, you may drink before Chotte Babu, but not before me

You dare to touch me? The wife of another?

Go away

You're learning the overseer's work quickly

Do you study at home?

l've been learning from Mr Banerji at night

Every night?

So you've been too busy to call at Mr Suvinay's house?

Go there today He is seriously ill

How is your father?

ls Supavitar asleep? Wake him

He must be exhausted

Tell him to go home

How can he go? Your father is seriously ill

Supavitar has responsibilities as his future son-in-law

No, he has no responsibilities towards me

Even if he doesn't want to go, he has to

How is father?

Why didn't you wake me?

Go home, Supavitar

Go home? Why?

Never return Try to forget me, if you can

What are you saying?

Do as l say Go

Bhoothnath, come into the other room

Father has died

There's talk

that they're going to buy a motorcar

We will lose our jobs

When was my job ever safe?

They'll give up smoking hookahs

and smoke foreign cigarettes instead

They plan to sell the land and buy coal mines

How stupid Who incited them?

Sethji, l have persuaded my masters to buy your mines

And you give me only 50,000 rupees

Very well, take 10,000 more

Mr Robertson, a check for 20,000

Have you made the necessary enquiries?

Mr Robertson, mining expert, says the mines are excellent

The mine is very good

Chotte Babu, read this agreement

Where do l sign?

Where is the elder brother? His signature

lt will be done

Cheni Dutt's pigeons have flown

Cheni Dutt has lost

The Chaudhary's do not dare to challenge me

Release my pigeons

Sir, those are his pigeons

Let's show these Chaudharys

We've beaten them, Master

Master, the coal mines agreement for signature

Our valiant pigeons have brought four rival pigeons home

Take a 1,000 to the Chaudharys Ask them to return my pigeons

Did you call me?

l need a reliable man to supervise my work in Munghair

lf you go there, l'll have no worries

- When do l leave? - Tonight

Tonight You'll have to stay many months

Go and collect money for your expenses

Eat something How much longer will you torment yourself?

Not only yourself, but Supavitar, too

- Supavitar? - Yes

He met me outside Why did you stop him coming here?

How can l let him?

Why not? Your father arranged your marriage

What is the hindrance? You are both Brahmo Samaji

Yes, but how can l break other ties?

Ties that go back generations How can l?

Jabba, please speak plainly

You remember the day when father died?

You two were in the other room

Something happened on that day lt seems like a dream

lt changed me completely

What do you mean?

Father told me that day

When l was one year old my grandfather took me away

and in accordance with Sanata family rites

he had me married

Married?

Yes, when l was a year old

What is happening now, Yasin?

- Chotte Babu's going out again - Yes

Long live Chotte Babu May the round of pleasure go on

The carriage is ready

Will you go out again?

l've been at home so long that l'm suffocating

Let me have a change of air

You've stayed so many days Did you get comfort from me?

A wife can give comfort, but it's not the same thing

lf you will not stay, what will become of me?

Beloved, do not leave the gentle embrace of my arms

My eyes will fill with tears

This cascade of hair, these kohl-darkened eyes

this glittering veil, the desire in my heart

All this is for you alone

Today l shall not let you go

Beloved, do not leave the gentle embrace of my arms

My eyes will fill with tears

l am devoted to you, l thirst for you

You are my love, the light of my life

l shall take the dust from beneath your feet

and powder my brow with it, now and for ever

Beloved, do not leave the gentle embrace of my arms

My eyes will fill with tears

You who elude me

l implore you to heed me

l am all yours l am at your feet

Here shall l live Here shall l die

What's surprising about that?

lt is every wife's duty to live and die in her husband's house

Then do something

Just forget l am your wife

What?

Keep me like those women at Badan Bari

l shall live there happily

At least l'll be able to see you

They change their names, don't they?

lf you like, give me a new name, any name you like

Are you in your right mind?

lf you did that, our family would be dishonored

Then what should l do?

Do what the elder sister-in-law does

Refurbish old ornaments, play kauris, sleep with ease

You laugh?

You are comparing me with them?

Refurbish old ornaments?

Play kauris?

Where are you going? Answer me

Do you think l'm like the other daughters-in-law?

Aren't you? Have you descended from heaven?

lf l am not different, why am l fated to this torment?

Has any other wife made such a great sacrifice?

Being good Hindu women, have they drunk wine?

Why so silent? Speak

Answer me

How could you compare me to the others?

Do l have what they have?

What have you given me?

l have no one to call me mother

What do you want to say?

l drink, but l don't become mad, like you

You say l'm mad? ls that what you say?

Get the carriage Chotti Bahu is going out

She's going out? Really?

lt's a disaster, Master

Cheni Dutt and Chotte Babu fought

Dare he do such a thing?

Chotte Babu?

He's unconscious, drenched in blood

You're back

What has happened?

You haven't seen the worst Look there

Everything has been sold off

How is Chotti Bahu?

The day that Chotte Babu come home wounded, she fell ill

They say that Chotte Babu is paralyzed

Now he has stopped drinking

But what about Chotti Bahu?

Better not ask

Look at the mansion

l haven't been paid for seven months

How did it all happen?

The coal mines ruined everything

My masters did not check properly

They were cheated There's no coal, only rock

Just look at what is happening

l want my money 1500 rupees

- My five thousand - My three thousand

Just wait a few more days The money is on the way

- When did you return? - Today

Good Do something for me Bring some wine

Haven't you given it up?

l shall, from tomorrow

Take this

l have nothing else left

And you want me to sell it to buy such stuff?

You think you will give it up tomorrow, but you never will

Look at the mansion

Chotte Babu is ill and you won't come to your senses

You speak to me in this way?

Drinking has robbed you of house, family, and husband

Who are you to lecture me?

lf l don't serve my husband, then who does?

For his sake, l've sacrificed everything

l have even sacrificed my God

You say it is my fault?

How can you say such a thing?

Who is there?

Who was he?

Teacher's brother-in-law

Do you want to speak?

Do you want to see me happy?

Yes, completely

Then stop drinking wine, Chotti Bahu

Forget it

Drinking has a devastating effect

What can l do? l can't stop

A man can stop drinking, but a woman

l am not like other women l'm not

l can do everything for you

l began drinking for you, l can stop drinking for you

You'll see From tomorrow l'll not touch another drop

You won't drink?

Not at all l won't drink even a little drop

l returned a while ago l came to see you as soon as l could

l've thought of you very much

Really?

You're from Nadia District? l was married there

lf the family wanted to accept you, why have they kept silent?

Who can tell why?

My father took the secret with him

Your husband may have remarried

l'm still his wife

Maybe he is bad and won't make you happy

That is my misfortune

He may think you are bad

Will he accept you?

That's what l want to know

Why do you stop me from finding out?

Jabba

l want to help you l'll do whatever you want

Get me his address

l found a letter in father's papers

Grandmother wrote secretly without telling my grandfather

She named my husband

Atulya Chakravarty?

Why look at me like that? Do you know him?

Perhaps

l'll make enquiries about the marriage

Master

there has been no work for us lately

Master, our weapons are rusting

Hurry, you must go to the city with Chotti Bahu

The city? At this hour?

To see a great saint l have hired a carriage

We've waited for you since this morning

Don't worry l won't be long

l've heard that the saint of Barey Nagar is a true saint

He will certainly cure you

l'll be back soon

Did you call me?

l'll be back very soon

Let's hurry, Bhoothnath

Tell the driver to drive fast

Who went there?

Teacher's brother-in-law

How is Chhote Babu?

l worry about him ceaselessly

His condition is worsening

May God give him my life

My life

When l die, give me a nice ceremony

And put vermilion on me

So people can say that Laxshmi is going

Don't say that

That's the way it is

Let him have my life, God

You understand me better than anyone

Don't you want to get married?

lt would make me very happy

l would get to see my daughter-in-law

Bring a wife and l will shower her with love

l am married

When?

What has happened?

What about Chhoti Bahu?

There is no trace of her The day you left in the carriage

l was turned out of the mansion

Now l am working as a coolie

Don't the servants know where Chhoti Bahu is?

l asked everyone

There is no trace of Chotti Bahu

The mansion is now a ruin

The master is living with his in-laws

And is Chotte Babu still in the mansion?

Chotte Babu has passed away

Overseer, we have found a grave

A grave, in this mansion?

Chotti Bahu

Make sure that l am adorned in splendor

Adorn my brow with Sindoor, the bridal vermilion

so everyone will know l was a devoted wife

A devoted