Original subtitles

Have a look at this saree, madam.

-This one?

Yes, it looks nice.

-And this one? The colour combination is nice.

-No, not this one. -This one? It'll look great on you.

-And the blue one?

-Hmm!

-How is it?

Madam, you're making the saree look gorgeous.

Aw! Um... give me this one.

Madam, this one is already booked. By her.

-Oh! -Kindly ask her if she's taking it.

-Over there? -Hmm.

-Okay.

Excuse me...

Are you going to buy the red Baluchori saree?

No, it's discarded. You can take it.

Show me that one, please.

-This one?

-Yes, that one.

You have something without the zari?

-Sure, I'll show you. -Wow.

-Madam, you can avail of a marriage anniversary discount this month.

Not applicable. Thank you.

-Hold it up against yourself.

Wow!

I'll take this one, pack it.

-Okay, thanks.

Shankar da, bill this... -Try this one.

Hold it.

This one's nice too. You like it?

-Hmm. -And look at that one again.

This one's the best.

Don't overthink it. The red one looks way better.

You got lucky. Do you know her?

Yes, my husband knew her.

Oh! Okay, finalize this one please.

-Okay. -And show me that one.

That one... -Which one? The green one?

-Yes, the light green one.

-Uh, the pink one, sir? -Yes, the pink one, right.

-Okay, shall I show it to you? -Yes, let me see it.

Yet again here I stand, a weary wanderer

This crown of thorns feels heavy on my head

Our lives have drifted into separate ways

Even if I accept it, can I truly?

I reach for it, but it slips away…

And like that, I lose every time I turn back

It all feels so different now

Loosening my grip, I’ve almost drifted off

It all feels so different now

Misted stairs slipping downward

Far below, only water waits

There, a slice of moon is floating

Swaying delicately

I wade into the water to save it

Yet I fail

And like that, I lose every time I turn back

It all feels so different now

Loosening my grip, I’ve almost drifted off

It all feels so different now

THE BETTER HALF EVEN TODAY

Why send gifts to relatives who are hardly ever around, Ma?

Just get on with the wedding quietly.

Don't be cheeky.

No one will come if we don’t follow the customs. They'll all sulk.

You really are thickheaded. We bought a huge topor for him!

Yeah, the XXXL topor.

I'll look horrid in it, you will all laugh at me.

-No one will laugh. Even Tarun Kumar wore a topor at his wedding.

You'll look just like him. -Who is Tarun Kumar?

Uttam Kumar's brother. You know Uttam Kumar?

-Come on! -You know him, right?

Oh, you don't? -The entire Bangladesh knows him.

-Wow! -This is for me.

It's gorgeous! Let me see it!

You'll look lovely in it.

She looks good in anything she wears.

-Learn from him. -Hmm?

Forget ₹9,000. You haven’t even bought me a ₹1,000 saree ever.

Really? You've an almirah full of sarees.

He didn't gift me this one. My friend Ranjan did.

Laha?

-Yes. -Your only guest at the wedding?

You got off easy.

I don't know anyone else here.

I'd have invited at least a hundred people if this were Bangladesh.

-Didi (sister). -Yes.

I got a 30% marriage anniversary discount!

But your anniversary has already passed.

-Hello? -They don't know that.

-Speaking. -Why let go of the opportunity?

Ma, how does it look?

Like I said, you look good in anything you wear.

Didi?

-Don’t outshine the new bride now. -Oh! You're too much!

Why did you let her take it?

I never would have.

The red was too bright.

And that's the one she wanted, see!

Metaphorical, isn't it?

As if the saree is Suman Chatterjee. You both took a liking to it.

One of us discarded it.

Two women, and one saree.

How does the bugger look?

-What do you mean by "bugger"? -Well, doesn't matter.

Mr Suman will be in a tight spot now. Handling the new wife!

I shouldn't have told you, Madhuja.

Shubhra di, he made you suffer.

You didn't, but Bihu di told me everything.

I have no sympathy for that man.

I want that Meghla to have an affair!

-Meghna. -Meghna!

-Hmm. -Let her fall for that Mr Baluchori.

Professor Suman Chatterjee will be seething with jealousy.

Madhuja, this is a school.

A staffroom.

Alright.

We'll continue this after school, in the car.

You don't get it, there's no space for a double bed in your room.

If we set the bed facing south, it’ll be quite comfortable.

Why don't you do something?

I find it difficult to go up & down the stairs. I am alone.

Why don't I move to Chhoto's room downstairs?

I can take a little walk in the courtyard in the evenings.

-Hmm. Not a bad idea.

Ma better shift downstairs.

Sure. A big new room for the new bride.

Why can't Dada (elder brother) move instead?

Bhai can take his room.

No way.

Just like the prayer room, Ma's room too cannot be shifted.

As long as Ma is alive, she will stay in that room.

Son, I was only saying this for your own good.

It's no problem, Ma. We'll manage in that room.

There's no attached bath either. The one outside is rather tiny.

Payel is an air hostess.

It’s bigger than the lavatory on a plane.

She's used to smaller spaces.

Don't worry.

Anyway. I need your opinion on something.

What is it?

At my wedding...

I'd like to invite Mejo... I mean, Boudi (sister in law).

I mean Shubhra di.

But why?

What about everyone else?

Come on, feel free?

Ma?

Don’t do it over the phone.

What happened?

Sorry to disturb you so late in the night, Mejo.

It's okay. Any problem?

Big problem, Mejo.

What's wrong?

I'm getting married!

Huh?

What! -Yes!

You're something! Come inside!

Sit.

So then?

A love marriage?

Huh?

I was coming back from a program in Delhi.

The flight was stuck on the runway for three hours due to the fog.

She's an air hostess. You know how it is.

You need water, tea, biscuits...

And while that happened... -The fog cleared up, eh?

She only has her uncle, aunt, and a few friends.

So we’re having a small wedding at our home.

Good. The perfect way to have a wedding.

Without wasting all the family money!

You have to come, Mejo!

Me?

-Hmm.

No excuses, it's my wedding after all.

And bring Bihu di too. You'll feel comfortable with her around.

Bihu got transferred to Dehradun.

-Really? -You two must come visit me later.

Yes, but you've to be there on that day. It's my wedding!

Let's see...

Ma insisted.

So? -Alright, we'll see.

What are you doing?

Ma.

Talk to Mejo.

Why!

Talk to her!

Hello.

Yes.

Yes, I am good. How are you?

Hmm.

Hmm...

Hmm... alright.

Alright, I'll come.

You're impossible.

You wouldn't listen to me.

Hmm?

But it's you I'll come for.

Madhubani art! Hmm!

Payel? -Hmm.

Why did you say all that in front of everyone?

Someone gifted you a new saree.

That he's a close friend...

Ranjan or whatever his name is... They don't need to know all that.

And why did you avail a marriage anniversary discount on his gift?

We'd have bought it ourselves.

Don’t you feel awkward receiving such an expensive gift?

I do... don't you?

Can one refuse?

-Hmm.

My brother is so thickheaded, all of a sudden he...

Look.

If you are uncomfortable with Shubhra coming to his wedding...

just feel free to tell me, I'll make sure she doesn't come.

No, let her come.

Bhaiya (young brother) wants her to.

So I'll meet her.

-Hey, Shubhra is here. Come. -You go.

Please excuse me. -Sure.

Come!

How are you?

You?

-Good. -Hmm.

-Getting by.

Babu couldn't come down from Bangalore.

His exams are going on. -He lives in Bangalore now?

Come.

Great! What's he doing there?

-Studying engineering. -Good.

Come.

-Hope you are good? -Hmm.

Come here.

-Her uncle will give her away? -Yes, we told you.

When will we start?

-Look who is here. -Ah!

Congratulations.

The invite said "no gifts", so I came empty-handed.

You did the right thing. Mejo, look.

Does it look funny?

Not at all. You look rather sweet.

Now focus on getting married.

Come, stand beside me.

Yes.

Aww!

Come... this way... careful. Turn it this way.

Come.

Careful, don't drop her.

-Shut up, will you!

-Take this key, put the envelopes inside the lower drawer, okay?

Lock it properly, okay?

-Alright.

Come on, remove the leaves and look at your husband!

There you go!

Excuse me.

-Let's go, have phuchkas! -No, not phuchkas, something else.

-No, phuchkas! -Don't be silly now!

-No, phuchkas!

How are you?

Going to meet Ma?

-Yes. -Go.

-Please. -Oh, thank you!

Here you are, Mejo bou! You remember me?

I'm stuck upstairs. Widows shouldn't attend weddings.

Since I became a widow at 28, life has been devoid of all fun.

Come, it's been ages I met you!

(priest chants in Sanskrit)

-Ranjan.

Over here!

Hope you got here easily. -Wow!

You look gorgeous!

-Hmm!

Thank you.

Bless you, dear.

Sit.

So, your chess partner is gone...

Yes... he was suffering a lot. He is at peace now.

You remained alone?

Didn't find anyone I liked.

I am so glad you came.

(priest chants in Sanskrit)

I thought Chhoto would never get married.

Did you see the bride?

Did you like her? -She's very sweet.

But why are you sitting here alone?

A mother shouldn't attend a son's wedding?

Well, you know.

You never believed in all this.

I wouldn't have, had you been there. Now I've retired.

I'm listening to the wedding happen.

Balcony seats are the most expensive in a cinema hall.

-Hmm. -So go there.

Go and watch the wedding from your balcony.

Like a queen!

Told you...

I've given it all up.

The queen's given up her throne.

Shubhra, how are you?

-I'm good. -Please have dinner, okay?

I'll be back.

-Now you have a friend in this house.

-Who? -There.

Hey, come here.

-Yes.

-Bhai (young brother), put on a smile!

Why the long face?

Hey.

This is Ranjan.

Oh!

My college friend from Dhaka University.

He's now settled in Kolkata, India.

Good. You have great taste.

-Why do you say so? -The saree.

Oh!

Well, look who is wearing it!

-He doesn't know anyone here, so he was unsure about coming.

How will we know each other unless we meet?

-That's true.

Come here. Sorry.

-Sure. -I'll be back.

I thought I'd...

Meghna.

Shubhra.

Hello.

I realize Shukanto is really fond of you.

Yes, I came for him.

You two chat, I'll check on the guests.

Yes. Sure.

So...

If you don't help, I'll be in huge trouble.

Kindly don't mention my name anywhere.

And that you've come here, keep it between us.

I don't want to be the great ex-wife.

Tea, coffee?

I'll help myself.

-Will you be staying with us now?

-Oh, yes, she will! -Who knows?

Will you let her stay in your room?

-Mejo boudi... -Huh?

-And where will you stay?

I put the envelopes in the almirah and locked it.

-You did? -Yes.

-Thank you. -Reema...

-Yes?

-Excuse me. -Yes.

-Why do you look so nervous?

-Careful with the saree.

The saree...

So, it's done!

Yes, you're doing it right.

What happened!

Wait, let me hold her. Leave her, I've got her.

You'll hurt your leg, leave her. -What happened? You want to sit?

Make some space. Give her water.

-Let's go. I'll take her. -Careful, slowly.

Careful, careful...

-Steady. -I'll come?

No, you stay here. Hey, take her.

Meghna? Want some water?

Huh? Meghna, water? -No...

-Try Dr Banerjee's number. -Yes.

Mejo bou, what's happened to you?

Boudi, please go out and make some space.

Too many outsiders crowding in!

They told me you had fainted.

But here you are! Jhuma is a such a prankster!

-Over there.

-Oh! Sorry!

How are you feeling? Could you get through?

He must be at his Southern Avenue clinic.

No.

-Want his other number? -I have that one.

-What is wrong with you, dear? -Tell him I'll send the car.

-Wait. It's ringing.

-Oh, wow! -What?

You've kept it hidden, eh?

You don't need a doctor for this!

She is expecting! I can tell from her pulse!

You'll have a son this time! Mark my words!

Son, you are about to become a father!

-Since you were discussing, you should've told the truth.

Shall I call all my friends and show them our medical reports?

You're making up all kinds of lies to get sympathy from your friends.

Such a good man, yet his wife couldn't conceive.

This is not right.

(priest chanting)

Mammam... What's wrong with Mammam?

Nothing's wrong, dear.

-What's wrong with you? -It's nothing, dear.

-Look, don't worry at all.

-Bye. -Take care.

-Take care. -Yes.

Come, Mejo.

I can't tell you how happy I am that you came.

My wedding would've been incomplete without you. Thank you so much!

Stop it.

I can't even ask you to visit again.

Come over to my place sometime, both of you.

And thank you for the topshey fry.

Well, it was in honour of a special person.

I know, which is why I said it. You see, Chhoto...

even if everything tears apart, one thin thread still holds on.

You are that thread between me and this house.

I wish you a great life.

And before becoming husband & wife, become best friends.

Thank you, Mejo.

-Thank you.

-Let's pack up the utensils. -Yes, sir.

Stop scrolling, will you? Go to sleep.

Are you feeling okay?

Yes.

When did you get your last period?

Two months ago.

You should've informed me.

I was waiting.

Even then...

should've told me.

Why are you worrying?

Why would I worry? I mean... everything happened so abruptly...

It's 2 am. Go to sleep.

How can I...

Don't you hear the decorators making all that noise downstairs?

Won't you be happy if we have another child?

Why won't I be happy?

But these things require planning.

You can't plan everything.

I mean a basic planning.

Masood's accident,

you,

me coming down to India, our marriage,

which of these things were planned?

-You think I am just a huge gossip.

But see? It's proved yet again.

It's Shubhra who was having trouble conceiving.

-Hmm...

When Ranga grandma said that Meghna is pregnant,

did you see Suman's face go pale?

Suman is 55 now.

When that child turns 20,

Suman will be 76.

Obviously he is nervous.

Should've thought of it before.

I’m going to Delhi tomorrow morning for a lecture.

I'll be back day after.

You should consult Dr Sen. This cannot be.

What if it is?

If a new baby is on the way...

why not?

We'll handle it together.

What?

I had told you. An ex-wife is like a moneylender.

She knows she will never get back her principal investment.

So, she makes sure she collects the interest.

See this and then go home.

You, me, Suman... our final balance sheet.

-Ranju. -Hmm?

-Positive. -Oh, god!

This is not right.

What?

This is absolutely wrong.

I don't accept this.

What are you saying?

I am stating the truth.

Why are you staring?

Don't do this to me.

I don't understand what you are saying.

Ask your friends, they'll tell you.

-We'll go up on the roof in a bit and fly kites.

-Okay.

-Give me.

-Honey, don't be naughty. Okay? -Hmm.

-Say ta-ta to him. -Ta-ta.

-See you. -See you.

-Have a safe journey.

Ta-ta.

-We took precaution, Megh.

This isn't supposed to happen.

-No use saying that now, it's happened.

Now tell me, what next?

How are you so sure it's not Mr Suman's?

Because I am sure.

It's not possible for him.

As in?

Tikli?

When Masood passed away in an accident, I was already pregnant.

Tikli is not Suman's child.

That he's incapable of becoming a father,

Suman didn’t tell me about it before we got married.

I found out later, with proof.

Your husband is not capable of becoming a father.

He is sterile.

Look, Megh,

hiding our relationship and keeping this pregnancy a secret...

It's impossible!

I'll arrange everything, go and get an abortion tomorrow.

And there's no need to talk about this with anyone.

I understand!

I understand you won't take any responsibility!

Oh, come on! You are getting me wrong!

Not at all! I'm not getting you wrong at all!

You've always been a defensive person, a coward.

Nothing else!

-Listen to me-- -Don't touch me!

Megh...

Madam, a lady has come to see you. She must be from your school.

She's waiting outside.

She should've called first!

What is wrong?

She wanted to meet you.

It's important.

Tell her.

You would've refused had I called you up.

I wouldn't have come had I not been in grave trouble.

Come in.

Your husband is already used to raising someone else's child.

Good for him.

It'll prove once again that the problem was with the first wife,

that he has always told the truth.

He'll surely accept it.

What will you do if he accepts it?

Hmm?

He cheated me from the very beginning.

I can't lie and do the same to him.

Oh, your lies!

The very foundation of your marriage was built on a lie.

And lies are like Raktabeej.

Once a drop falls on the ground, it keeps multiplying.

I didn't want to lie.

If I keep Ranjan hidden, I’ll be insulting myself.

And there's no way Suman will accept it.

He's already acting weird.

Because you are Mrs Chatterjee.

But, just like you haven't promised him

that you won't love someone else after marriage,

Suman too isn't bound to accept your lovechild.

It's complicated.

And very messy.

But why should I get caught up in this Bermuda Triangle of yours?

Who am I?

Last time, Suman was in a coma, you didn't know anyone in this city.

So, I helped.

But I have no pin codes or passwords to solve your pregnancy issue.

Kindly do not disturb my peace and my time. Please.

Sorry.

-Hmm.

It's not like Suman alone ruined my life in the Chatterjee house,

you're partly to blame too.

-Is it? -You gave me his medical report

and shattered the basic trust I had in him from the very beginning.

That one report stood like a wall between me & Suman every moment.

Anyway he is a cold person.

On top of that, I was turning cold too.

Then Ranjan came to India. Everything turned upside down.

Indirectly, Ranjan coming into my life…

You are responsible for that too.

Oh!

Hmm!

Even though you left that house, your ghost still lingers there.

They may not say it outright,

but I know they're always comparing.

Shubhra! Shubhra! Shubhra!

I've had to put up a fight against Shubhra for all these years!

So I thought, since you're so important, why not come to you?

Maybe you can pull me out of this ditch.

Think about it. That day,

when I gave you the medical report, did I act like a foe

or a friend?

What would you have done if you didn't have the report today?

How would you have known who the father of your child is?

-Weren't you returning tomorrow? -Hmm.

Honey... Tikli dear...

-Dad! -Here you are!

-How have you been? -I called Mammam.

She said she has gone to a friend's place.

She told me that Boroma (aunt) will feed me dinner.

Ah.

Alright, go, eat.

Yes! Come! We will eat now!

Aren't you hungry?

-Yes.

Go, freshen up.

-Boroma... give me food! -Yes, we're getting hungry!

-Yes, dear. -What will Tikli have today?

Let's see what's for dinner!

Bye.

Okay.

Please.

You know what, Didi?

I put up with a betrayal six years ago

just for my little daughter’s security.

So she could have a family. I didn't do it for myself.

You did it just for your daughter?

Don't say this to anyone else.

You've said to me, that's okay. Don't tell anyone else.

That'll lead them to think that you never loved Suman, only used him.

Tell me, you know there are single mothers, right?

Single mothers! Why do you need a father to raise a child?

You could've raised her on your own had you wanted to.

But you didn't take that path. It was your choice.

-No. Not my choice.

A mother chose that path for the sake of her child.

Um... fair enough.

A mother who once compromised for the sake of her child,

must now decide what to do in the light of this new situation.

I want to keep the baby.

Ranjan is scared of breaking my family.

But I... I will handle everything.

Didi, please, can you ask him to be strong?

Can I bring him to you?

Have you gone mad?

A complete stranger!

I'll invite him home and talk to him about your pregnancy?

Really! Phew!

Anyway...

this country has enough problems, can't handle a foreign passport now.

Sorry!

So far, far, far away

So far away are you and I

Our useless lives float through the sky

So far, far, far away

So far away are you and I

Our useless lives float through the sky

I had told you

I told you, "Listen...

Our shared joys are drenched in fake love"

And you told me

You told me, "Listen...

Don't complicate it Live it like a dream"

I can't accept being barren I believe neither can you

Stop all the clocks that steal the sleep of the night creatures

People don’t know how to be respectful anymore.

The wedding invites clearly stated "no gifts". Yet, look?

We have tons of wall clocks now.

Why do people give clocks as wedding gifts?

It's simple. To teach you the value of time.

-Hmm? -After marriage

you lose track of time. Right?

Sorry.

Could you please come upstairs?

Yes, sure. Go, I'm coming.

Joint family.

So far, far, far away

So far away are you and I

Our useless lives float through the sky

I told you

I told you, "Listen...

These days the nights seem as heavy as mercury"

And you told me

You told me, "Listen...

Close your eyes I'm sending you a carriage of sleep"

So far, far, far away

So far away are you and I

Our useless lives float through the sky

This rooftop is where I first told you about Meghna. Remember?

I do.

You had said her Bangladeshi accent

is making you slip.

And now things are slipping badly, brother.

What's happened?

-You just got married, sorry to-- -No, tell me.

How long have you known Meghna’s friend?

Not very long. I only got to know him properly at the wedding.

Has she told you anything about him?

A longtime friend from Bangladesh.

Many Hindus from there are moving here due to the political situation.

He's one of them. A lawyer.

Still hasn’t become a member of the Bar Council here.

He came and got in touch. They are the best of friends.

Yes, they do equate friendship with love these days.

True.

Are you suspecting something?

Suspicion is a very... narrow and negative word.

Your intuition tells you.

It's all messed up, brother.

The pregnancy test was positive this morning.

I don't know...

I went to Delhi for the lecture… Immediately took a flight back.

She's cheating on me.

What are you saying!

This pregnancy isn’t from me.

Don't discuss this-- -I won't. Don't worry.

I’ve been noticing for a long time, she texts someone at night.

The phone light is always on. -Well, talk to her.

But...

-Don't worry, I am there. Bye. -It's okay. Bye.

Told you.

Not a suspicion, an intuition.

Dada, Tikli is there.

Whatever you do... it should not impact her, please.

That's what is stopping me!

Sorry.

Mejo bou!

Mejo bou!

Do you recognize me?

You will surely have a son this time!

A son!

Look, I don’t feel like beating around the bush, okay?

I'll be direct.

I am feeling cheated.

Cheated?

Don't make that naive face. It won't get you any sympathy.

Speak softly, Tikli is sleeping.

I am speaking softly! Don't try to manipulate my life, please!

Why?

Don't you like manipulation?

No, and I won't fall prey to it.

Then just shut your mouth & sleep. It's my pregnancy, I'll handle it.

What!

What do you mean? What will you handle?

It's not from me! No one knows it better than you!

Nor does anyone know it better than me that Tikli too isn't yours!

Acting smart, aren't you?

Bringing up the past to blackmail me!

You'll just dump someone else's child on me? Is it?

How are you so sure

that it's not yours?

I know...

It's not mine! I know!

Hope you're not acting smart now, Mr Chatterjee?

I'll slap you hard if you talk to me like that!

Why did you come back this late? Should've stayed with him!

Why did he drop you home? -Because he's a gentleman!

Because it got late!

You were watching us like a thief!

-Go away! -He didn’t do that!

Don't make me open my mouth, Suman.

You've misbehaved enough already!

You've threatened to slap me!

Isn't it enough? -No, it isn't!

It is not enough!

You're all troublemakers! He escaped from Bangladesh and came here!

We let you stay in this city out of pity! Bl**dy ungrateful!

Now he's screwing with me! -Not a word more against him!

You don't know Ranjan! -Oh! It hurts?

Why judge everyone by your own standards?

You lured a newly widowed pregnant woman in to sort out your life!

-One more word-- -Or what? You'll hit me?

You don't have the guts!

You're from the aristocratic Chatterjee family!

Raise your hand against your wife and prove your manhood now!

That you can't!

You couldn't become a father in six years, you never will!

So it's out then!

It's not mine, it's Ranjan's!

Shame on you!

Listen.

If you want to stay in this house, get it aborted.

Tell your gentleman friend to figure out the rest.

Period.

Dad and Ma, both love you a lot, Joy.

Elders have many kinds of problems, you see.

Like... office problems, friend related problems, money problems.

Dealing with all that, they lose their temper and start fighting.

But they love you a lot. Right?

-Hmm.

-Whenever you feel like, during free periods, during the lunch break,

just come to me.

Okay? I'll talk to you as a friend.

-Don't be naughty! Go, sit in your class quietly.

Mejda and she are having a lot of issues at home.

They had a huge fight last night.

I know the problem.

How do you know?

Meghna had come to my place last night.

-Hmm.

What now, Mejo?

It's a mess. Let them deal with it.

Meghna dropped off Tikli at school this morning, packed her bags

and left home without telling anyone.

I don't know why I came running to you.

To disrupt my peace.

You called her up?

It's switched off.

It rang at around 8:45 am. She didn't answer.

It's switched off since then.

Wait till her daughter's school is over. Want some tea?

I'd rather have poison.

Buy some extra. I'll have it too.

And it starts again!

Let's go. Come.

-Sorry, Mrs Chatterjee, this is not a pregnancy.

There is a big growth in the left ovary.

I mean, a tumor. Probably why the home kit showed positive.

That’s why your periods stopped.

Don't worry. Quite a common problem.

We’ll just operate and take it out.

Then everything will be normal.

-Okay. -I'm prescribing some blood tests.

It'll take around three days for the reports to come.

Come back with them. By the way, the next day,

when you come with the reports, come on an empty stomach.

-Sure. -We'll do some more tests if needed.

I can't tell you in detail, I am somewhere at the moment.

-Any issues? -Excuse me?

-Children. You have any? -Yes, a daughter. Tikli.

Tikli, nice... sweet name.

So, is this something to worry about?

Let the reports come. Why worry already?

You and I can do nothing by worrying. It's all...

Right.

-Try again later.

-Meghna's phone is still switched off.

I don't get this! Why are you going on calling her?

Did she inform us before leaving? Why should we call her up?

How strange! She should've informed Ma at least!

What kind of behavior is this?

Where's Babu?

He went to pick up Tikli from school.

-Hmm.

-It's between husband and wife. They’ll sort it out themselves.

We shouldn't interfere.

Things aren’t looking good.

There was a lot of shouting late into the night yesterday.

We couldn't help but listen, Ma. He wanted to go and stop them.

I stopped him.

-Such a shame! The new bride has just arrived in this house.

Thank God she left for London this morning.

Or else she would’ve heard all the household scandals.

-You must be very hungry? -Yes.

-Let's see what we can eat.

And then we can...

We'll go somewhere from here.

-Where? -And then we'll...

Leave her!

What are you doing!

But... People are looking! What are you doing!

Whatever I said was out of anger.

Why are you dragging Tikli into this?

Listen to me. She doesn't need to face all this!

Please listen to me!

Okay, tell me clearly, what are you trying to say?

Let's go home & talk. Come.

Don't you dare touch me! I will start yelling right here!

Don't create a scene here.

Am I the one creating a scene, or you two? Fine, do as you wish.

Tikli will come with me. -She won't go anywhere!

Don't drag her. -Megh, listen...

Hey! What "Megh"?

Bl**dy intruder! A refugee!

Intruder! -Leave him!

What is this, Mr Suman? People are watching, the kid's here!

Let them see his real face! Don't you dare touch her!

I won't hear anything. Tikli will come with me!

-She won't go anywhere. Take her to the car!

Tikli, go. -Let's go sit in the car.

What do you mean?

If I don’t make you run around your own city like a bl**dy refugee

I swear, Meghna Mustafi will change her name!

Meghna, just listen to me...

Why are you taking Tikli?

-Let's go!

That this isn't a pregnancy,

that Meghna is actually sick,

does your brother know that?

Not sure.

And it'll be of no use, Mejo.

Ranjan Laha is the biggest tumor for him right now.

You know why I feel bad?

It's out of the bag now.

There was no cat inside, but the bag is now open.

Meghna left too hastily.

When you have an alternative support system,

the reaction to an insult speeds up.

Meghna had called.

I thought I'll go meet her.

Maybe I can help.

She’s gone to a small guesthouse in Golpark with the kid.

-A guest house? -Yes.

Tikli seems very nervous.

She’s usually glued to my side.

She didn't even come to me today.

Kids really do understand everything, don't they, Mejo?

She looked like she was seeing me for the first time in her life.

Poor girl.

I am in a fix now, Mejo.

Meghna is sharing every bit of it with me.

But she won't let me tell anyone.

How can I do this?

I can talk to Ma...

But at her age, how much pressure can I really put on her?

-True. -Right?

And if she ever finds out I've told anyone, it'll be betraying her.

She will stop talking to me as well.

I won't be able to track her.

Doesn't matter she finds out or not, she trusted you with this.

Why will you break her trust?

But I'll lose my mind if I don't share it with someone.

I have to tell someone!

Look, Mejo...

beyond all these family issues, you're the one I'm closest to.

The dearest to me.

Please help, Mejo.

Mejo! Please! My mind's not working! -Help?

Help? And I?

What are you saying?

Look.

As a teacher, I'd have given my suggestion

to a parent in this situation-- -Yes, do that!

Do that! -Yes, that I can do.

Imagine I am Suman Chatterjee.

Hmm?

I am the father of Tikli, your student.

Hmm?

Madam. -Hmm.

-I have told you everything. -Hmm.

-My wife left the house suddenly.

She hasn't got in touch since then.

This is a school.

Not a marriage counselor's office, Mr Chatterjee.

You have told me about your marital problems.

But you didn't talk about the child even once.

It's not that, madam.

You see, since Tikli left... I am completely shattered.

You're using the child on sentimental grounds.

The well-being of a child is her father and mother's responsibility.

It's how it is. -Hmm.

-But unfortunately, it seems to be your last priority.

Look, causing Tikli any discomfort

isn't something we'd want. Neither me nor her mom.

Is that why your wife has taken your kid and moved into a guest house?

How responsible!

Listen.

As a teacher,

I am not at all concerned about your marital problems.

Okay? Not at all!

In my line of work, I see plenty of parents like you

dealing with all kinds of marital issues.

We become aware because the kids end up suffering.

And I’ve always seen you parents; you're so self-absorbed

that your child’s well-being and needs stop mattering to you!

In fact, to be very honest,

the kids in our orphanage are better off than those with families.

Because they are the one and only priority there.

And in families like yours, they are the byproducts of your whims!

-Okay, Mejo. Now leave it. -Think about it, Mr Chatterjee!

You alone have turned the lives of two women and a child topsy-turvy!

You've destroyed them and you continue to do so! It's high time!

You admit your faults, accept full responsibility

or else just simply f**k off!

If I say more, I’ll be breaking someone’s trust too.

Give me a minute.

If I'd been pregnant, even if you didn't want,

I'd have gone to your house.

I'd have figured out the rest later.

But I won't let you get involved in all this now.

I'm not answerable to anyone.

If you want, you can still come and stay at my place.

Imagine how I'll feel if you and Tikli stay at a place like this?

When a boat is going from one bank to another,

it must drift in the river for a while.

Let me do that at least.

Useless excuse.

A bit of pressure, and the weakling inside you comes out.

You've already lost before the fight even begins.

-Come on... -And that's why

we could never be together.

Don't worry.

I'll manage.

Just stay by my side.

Oh!

I'd like to talk to her.

-Sure.

Come inside.

Bhaiya?

Showing the aquarium to your daughter.

Pack your bags.

No, Didi.

There's no way I am going back to that house again.

The way he has insulted me, humiliated me...

going back is out of the question.

Did I tell you to go back to that house?

Did I?

I was... I was going through a major inner dilemma.

Which Shubhra should I side with?

The ex-wife? Or the school teacher?

And I did not come here for you.

Let me make this very clear.

I'm just here for the sake of your child.

You adults can keep fighting your ego battles.

But a child can't be staying at a guest house day after day.

What about when your operation happens and you get hospitalized?

Will she be alone here? Eat, sleep, go to school on her own?

Or, will your friend help?

I didn’t go to him. He was scared to take onus for his own child.

But, Didi...

there is no way I am going back to Suman's house.

Please do not... do not force me.

You don't mind going to my house, do you?

My tenant has left, and the room is vacant now.

Until you find a proper place...

What are you thinking?

Listen.

Since I'm having to suffer because of your choices,

you must respect my choices too.

Come to the Mitra house.

Hmm.

Mitra means friend.

Pack your bags.

Wipe your tears.

A woman is the better half, right?

So, we women... we are all just 'a half' apparently.

Come.

Let’s see if the two halves can come together to make a complete woman.

I thought Meghna would at least get in touch with me.

You have high expectations, Ma. Besides, someone is instigating her.

At least this false pregnancy brought out the truth.

It's been going on for a while.

I had seen them together outside a movie theatre a few days ago.

This is why prenuptial agreements are necessary.

She'll claim half the assets now.

If she considered me family, she would've told me.

I did not expect this.

Shubhra had left too, but she said her goodbyes to everyone.

Shubhra left in tears.

-No offense, but this is why you should marry within your faith.

-Oh! -I am not that modern.

-Forget it. That's not a factor.

Chhoto, could you get in touch with her?

Yes... uh...

She said she has gone to a friend's place.

What friend? She must've gone to his place.

I don't think I can ever perform Raktakarabi again.

Why?

Why? The entire drama is just Ranjan, Ranjan, Ranjan.

Disgusting!

Oh, God!

Dipali...

-Coming.

Go upstairs and give her these.

Okay.

See, I can't open it.

Give me.

Who are you?

Shubhra.

Shubhra?

What do I call you?

Shubhra.

I see.

Meghna had gone to a guest house near Golpark. I informed Mejo.

She gave her a good scolding and took them home.

-Good. Shubhra did me a huge favour.

At least the child is safe.

Dipali, go upstairs, stay with the kid.

Yes, ma'am.

She has been through a lot.

Phew! Thank God I don't have school tomorrow.

-I am not hungry at all. -Neither am I.

Are you feeling alright?

Yes, I'm okay.

Why did Bhaiya have to drag you into this...

I repeatedly requested him not to tell anyone in the family.

Family.

Technically, I'm not family. Maybe that's why he told me.

Sorry, Didi.

Sorry to disturb you again.

I really mean it. I'm very sorry.

As a child, I was quite a handful.

Always running around, bumping into my elders.

I'd immediately say sorry and get back to playing.

Dad used to say, "Don't say sorry all the time.

Say a final sorry at night and go off to bed."

You should do the same.

Say your goodnight and all the day's sorries in one go.

I think you'll keep bumping into me now.

You were right, Didi.

I really have been used.

From the very first day.

Apparently, he fell for me after hearing me sing in Dhaka.

But in so many years

not once has he asked me to sing.

I was only meant for his needs and to fill the void you left behind.

Honestly, he could never really get you out of his system.

But he got me out of his house successfully.

And listen,

everyone has used everyone.

Not Suman alone.

Stop with the blaming and eat or I'll have a lot to say too.

Remember what you had said?

"An ex-wife is like a moneylender.

She knows she will never get back her principal investment.

So, she makes sure she collects the interest."

That's what I am doing, isn't it?

Bringing you to my place,

placing food before you and giving you an earful of nonsense.

I deserve this.

The price you pay for taking shortcuts in life.

The doctor's appointment is at 11 am tomorrow, Ranjan can't go inside.

You said you don't have school tomorrow.

Will you come with me please?

A hundred percent.

Come, let's finish dinner quickly.

Then we can make a list of duties I have to do for you.

Hmm?

Look, Ranjan...

this is very awkward for me.

I'm sure you understand.

I don't want to know anything about the equation you two have.

That's for you two to deal with.

Tell your friend to give me my daughter back.

She just can't uproot my daughter!

This is... this is illegal. Right? You know that very well!

Please.

We need to do a CT scan on the basis of the blood reports.

-I see. -CT guided HP.

Jhuma, take her to the radiology department for a CT HP.

-Okay, sir. -Go.

-I'll leave this here. -Sure.

The report doesn't look good. I didn't expect it to be this bad.

Anyway, the scan is a must for a confirmation.

Confirmation of what?

CT guided biopsy.

Biopsy?

-Give me a printout of this please.

Where are you going? -For a CT scan.

Okay...

-Hmm. -This way.

-Histopathology test.

During the scan,

a needle is inserted to take a tissue sample for a biopsy.

-Oh... -Let the report come.

Will take around 5 to 6 days.

When do you plan to operate?

We'll take the final call after the report comes.

Is there anything to worry about?

Yes, there is.

How are you related to her?

I am... her husband's ex-wife.

What?

Give up your ego and try to change the way you think from now on.

You think it was me who told her to leave?

You didn't tell Shubhra to leave either.

You don't need to say these things aloud.

What do you mean? I'll allow her to do as she pleases so that she stays?

I know who’s been feeding her these ideas. That lawyer, Ranjan.

May I come in?

-Yes. -Am I interrupting?

No, it's okay.

Meghna's blood reports aren't good.

The tumor has been sent for a tissue biopsy.

The doctor says it doesn't look good.

How are you getting so many details about this?

Meghna had called me.

So call her back, I'll talk to her.

She is your wife.

Please don't ask me to mediate.

Ma, come. -Yes.

You want some tea?

Come.

You are strange, Didi.

So hard on the outside, but inside…

Soft like cotton, right?

Of course you'll say that.

Cotton gets twice as heavy

when it soaks up tears.

Keep that in mind.

-You had won the fight against Suman

because you were alone.

I’m tied down because of the kid.

Which is why I am saying, whatever you decide, think about the kid.

She shouldn't have to be the victim.

Look... she doesn't know that Suman is not her biological father.

When you get admitted to the hospital,

how will she manage without her father?

It's her father Tikli will want.

And Suman loves her a lot, like you said.

That's for Suman to figure out.

Now that I have left that house,

like you, my decision won't change either.

Our situations aren't the same.

When I walked out, I didn't have a Tikli.

I did not have a Ranjan, a Shubhra, beside me!

Don't equate yourself with me.

Argh!

Answer it?

No, I won't!

Then he'll just keep calling! Answer it.

What will I tell him?

Let's hear what he has to say.

Hello.

Hello, can you hear me?

Listen, where are you?

At a friend's place.

-Oh...

Um...

That's okay, get ready, pack your bags, I am coming to take you.

Please, I beg of you, please come back.

I have... I have heard everything.

I know, okay?

I am coming.

Last night, I saw a strand of your hair on the pillow.

Your things are everywhere in the room...

Your scent still lingers on the pillow...

Please, dear, come back. It's impossible for me.

I can't stay alone.

Why? You stayed alone for about three years after your last divorce.

Why...

Why are you comparing yourself to Shubhra?

Do you know her? No, right?

That was… Our relationship was completely mismatched.

It was a very cold relationship.

When Shubhra had left, I somehow didn't have any problems. I had...

accepted it.

But it's impossible for me this time.

Please come back, I will love you with all my heart.

Hello?

Hello? -Hello.

Please don't do this. You...

We will talk things out, okay? I am coming to you; we'll talk.

No.

Bye.

Hello?

Meghna?

Me...

I shouldn't have put the phone on speaker.

Sorry, Didi.

It's okay.

Where you're currently employed,

I am an ex-employee from there who took voluntary retirement.

The way you are suffering...

That's your salary.

And my insult...

my discomfort... it's the pension I am getting.

My concern came true, Mrs Chatterjee.

The patient has the right to know what has happened to her

and how much time she has.

How much time do I have?

Three to five months.

Grade 4 cancer.

Besides, it has spread throughout the body.

Any... treatment or operation?

None.

We may make money from it.

But it’ll only prolong her pain and suffering.

Though, if you want, I will do the treatment.

Might extend it by one or two months.

No...

I don't want any treatment.

-You’re lucky you haven’t yet felt the severity of your illness.

You mentioned, right...

Light fever, headaches, missed periods, weakness...

It's because of this.

It has wrecked everything inside.

I will give you medicines for some relief.

All I can say is, had it happened to a loved one, I’d advise the same.

I'm here.

I don't feel too well

Popping pills all day at home

I'm thinking of songs and longing to see you

I can't go out

I'm locked up in my home, lying in bed

I keep switching Instagram filters

Yes, Mejo?

I draw the curtains of melancholy on a cloudy day and lie down

So no light reaches my eyes

Yes?

What!

I send a spy into my own mind

So no light reaches my eyes

Which sea is this river going to...

So no light reaches my eyes

The silly thermometer measures my fever

Here you are!

Mammam!

Mammam!

Why are you late?

-Who wants chocolate?

-Me! -You?

Give me! Why are you doing this? Give me...

Come on, give it to me?

Give me...

Come, rest.

Give me!

I don't feel too well

I keep swallowing this darkness with the white antibiotic capsules

Day and night...

Have rules ever served anyone?

So, I put aside all hesitation

To text you "Tell me, how have you been?"

I draw the curtains of melancholy on a cloudy day and lie down

So no light reaches my eyes

Maybe my fever will recede a bit

So no light reaches my eyes

I send a spy into my own mind

So no light reaches my eyes

Which sea is this river going to?

So no light reaches my eyes

The silly thermometer measures my fever

I contacted another doctor I know.

Showed him your reports.

I mean... just to be sure...

So...

Everyone's saying the same thing, right?

Look...

You... Whatever time you have left, whatever little time is there...

Spend it however you wish. Freely, joyfully, and with love.

Just tell me what I can do for you.

I will do my best.

Save my daughter, Didi!

Give her good education and manners, like you.

Raise her to be someone like you. Please!

That's all. I...

I don't want anything else.

I'm begging you, Didi...

I'm begging you...

I don't want to do this...

I don’t want to die burdening you with Tikli, Didi.

But promise me this much.

There are many orphanages run by your school’s missionary.

Talk to them and arrange something for Tikli.

Promise me this?

Promise me, please...

There is no way I will send Tikli back to Suman again, Didi.

No way.

How can a father say...

"Bring up your daughter like yourself.

She has the same traitor's blood running in her veins."

Didi?

Take rest.

Since you are saying

I will talk to Father about Tikli's home.

I’m not angry with you, Ranjan.

Destiny...

Look, you're her...

old friend...

Lover.

Maybe you are. It's okay.

Happens all the time these days.

You know this is my second marriage. The first one didn't work out.

This time, I had a feeling that all of it was going

quite well in fact.

Maybe you got into a relationship.

But we could've talked it out and adjusted. Eh?

Extramarital affairs are common.

Do all marriages break?

Meghna herself won’t be around.

Your "Megh".

Ranjan, you have to help me out.

I know I am disturbing you, right?

It's okay, please go on.

Only you can make it happen.

I want to take responsibility for her entire treatment.

Through you.

You get what I mean?

My name shouldn't come up.

I mean... if she finds out...

We shouldn't leave any stone unturned.

And there's another thing. You...

talk to Tikli as soon as possible and bring her to me.

How will she live without her mother?

I know. You are there.

But you can't take care of her like I can, right?

Can't love her like I do...

Chhoto...

Oh! Just quit, will you?

Tell Laltu to take out the car.

I'm going out. Seems it'll rain. -Where are you going?

Do I ask y'all when you go out?

Shall I come with you?

There's no need.

Laltu...

Laltu...

Yes, sir?

-Take out the car. Ma will go out. -Okay.

It would've been better if the pregnancy news was true.

I don't have time, Ranju.

I don't trust Suman at all.

I must stop him before he creates a legal mess.

We can't stop it legally, honey...

A father gets his child's custody. -Told you, he isn't the father!

We've to prove that first!

Have I stopped you?

Just do it!

Don’t suffer from indecision so much, Ranju.

What's all your nervousness about?

Just once in your life, fight back for me!

Every step of the way, I’ve been cheated by that man!

If you can't stop him, then just stop being a lawyer!

You'll never change!

Could you please call Shubhra Mitra?

Yes, madam, please wait.

Okay.

-Auntie. -Yes?

-Are you looking for Shubhra Mitra? -Yes.

Oh, how do you know her?

Say that Shubhra's mother has come.

But Shubhra di's mother is no more. She passed away years ago.

Huh?

Say that

Suman's mother has come.

Oh!

Sorry, sorry.

You should've said so. Why did you hesitate?

Every daughter in law has a mother in law.

Sit, I'll call her right away. -Hmm.

I've mentioned everything in detail in your will.

Everything.

It has also been notarized by someone.

What’s most important is, who will you give Tikli’s guardianship to?

I mean, when you're not around,

who will be the legal authority.

Who will sign all her documents as her guardian?

So, that's one.

Matters of the law.

Now, Meghna's own law.

The responsibility & the right to apply it lies only with Meghna.

For that, you'll have to sit with Mr Suman directly,

face to face, and talk it out clearly, Meghna.

Not over the phone.

-You may not like what I say.

What do you think? It is all Suman's fault?

Not at all.

Both are at fault.

Both have used each other.

But the problem is the kid doesn't know that.

How her heart will react when she finds out...

I can't even bring myself to imagine that.

I am not going to live for long.

Meghna won't be there too.

I have heard that she doesn't want to give the child to Suman at all.

Strange! Is the child hers alone?

Don’t we mean anything to her?

Please guide Meghna so the child is safe and secure.

Suman will be left all alone.

Don't worry about Suman.

He'll learn to live alone. Like I did.

And...

if there’s even a slight bit of hope in your heart…

that, for Tikli's sake, I'll stand beside Suman,

that will not happen, Ma.

Suman does not need anything in his life right now, but a mirror.

Let him stand before the mirror, know himself, understand himself.

Then maybe he'll realize what he gained and what he lost.

Come.

-Which one? -Chocolate flavour!

-Chocolate? Okay! -Give me, please!

-Alright. -Tikli... let's go.

Please listen to me.

She'll come with me today, so will you. Okay?

No one is going anywhere.

Listen, dear, you are not well, you need rest.

-I won't rest until I'm in my grave. -Why are you saying this?

I told you, I'm sorry, I'm really sorry. Please!

Mr Suman, you two better talk in my car.

You...

Why are you interfering?

I'm not interfering yet, Mr Suman.

If I did, you wouldn't be to able to come here, talk to Meghna, nothing.

You can talk all you want, but in my car.

Tikli doesn't need to listen to any of this.

Please understand that. Hmm?

You want ice cream?

Huh? Come.

Mango? -All of them!

All of them?

Give her an orange stick first.

-I don't have enough time left to complete the divorce formalities.

And I won’t give Tikli’s custody to someone

who has been using her since before she was born.

Using her?

What are you saying? Haven't I loved Tikli, don't I love her?

You've loved her like a trophy.

So you can show everyone that Suman Chatterjee can be a father.

You love Professor Suman Chatterjee so much,

that it didn't stop you from using me and my daughter.

This is completely baseless. I don't know who's planting these...

I know who's instigating you.

-Ranjan, right? -Of course!

Ranjan is my lover. For many years. And now, he's my lawyer too.

He'll get in touch & explain everything to you.

If Suman Chatterjee wants to keep his head high in this society,

don’t you dare reach out to Tikli.

Apart from your medical report,

I will do Tikli's DNA test if needed & prove it that you're not her dad.

Masood Mustafi is her dad.

Not just that.

You've been posing as her father under a false identity,

without adoption, illegally.

Illegally?

Don't you dare fight for Tikli's custody ever.

See, I will die.

But I’ll leave my time bomb ticking.

The moment you even touch Tikli,

you and the Chatterjee family will be destroyed.

This is not right.

This is not right!

You're not being fair to me!

It's like you said... a traitor's blood runs in my veins.

I've agreed to a mutual separation.

You understand, Ma? -Huh?

I've given up Tikli's custody too.

What am I to do?

Why drag her to the court in the middle of all this?

Impossible!

That's it.

It's all over.

This house has been in constant turmoil because of me.

Two divorces.

She just came into our family, and this is what she is seeing.

I’m a lot older than you.

Forgive me. -Don't say that.

-She won't let you see the child? -No, she will.

Oh, she will!

In presence of a third person.

What!

Meghna will die.

And finish me too.

Babu...

Sorry.

Chhoto!

-Mammam, sit straight.

Oh, my!

Here, have this.

-Yes... -You look so pretty!

Mammam, put the phone away.

Go upstairs with Dipali auntie. I'm coming. Go.

Go, dear.

-Goodnight... -Goodnight, Mammam.

Goodnight, Shubhra. -Goodnight!

-Call her Shubhra auntie. -It's okay.

-Give me. -Come.

-Which story will you tell me today? -The story about the two queens.

-The entire story?

-Yes, if you don't fall asleep.

And which story will you tell me?

-The story of the evil king. -Really? Okay, let's go.

As promised,

I met with Father.

Spoke to him about Tikli's home.

There's an orphanage in Darjeeling. He recommended it, it's very good.

It's a bit far away, but then

if that's what you want... that Tikli be sent to an orphanage,

then I'll go and settle her there myself.

Due to a man's flawed character, due to his manipulation,

my daughter will grow up in an orphanage.

Look, since you've already decided, think about the positive side.

Thousands of orphaned children grow up together over there.

They stay together, like friends.

Although, Tikli's situation is slightly different.

Tikli was asking me today,

"Mammam, are we going to stay at Shubhra's house forever?"

If it were true... I'd be so relieved, Didi.

You know it's not possible...

Must you pressure me about it?

Yes, I don't have any children.

But I have a mother within me.

Don't pressure her, please.

I feel terrible saying this to you.

No, I just said it...

No, it's not "just", Meghna.

Nothing between us is just "just". Everything between us is serious.

I had a spare room. You were in trouble,

I brought you here because of the kid.

But in this house, by choice, I am alone.

Alone.

You get it?

Now, you’ll have to walk the rest of the way alone. Like I did.

Think about this.

Born to a Muslim mother,

raised in a Hindu family,

Tikli will now spend the rest of her life in a missionary institution.

She will learn just one faith.

Humanity.

Isn't that something?

My faith says

death is a natural transition.

A transition from this world to another world.

If that is true, Didi...

Inshallah, I will meet you again.

So you can torment me again?

No...

I won't torment you ever again.

Never.

We both deserve to be rewarded.

Why?

Because of our exquisite taste in marriage!

Husband, children...

We found no peace anywhere!

Didi... Oh, Didi...

In spring

When it became a giver

It would shed

A few of its leaves

In spring

When it became a giver

It would shed

A few of its leaves

Yet so many

Of its leaves would still remain

When life was like a flower

Ugh, stop it!

That same bad habit of yours... recording videos!

Keeping memories, are you?

You'll watch it when I'm no more?

Meghna on river Ganga?

Well said. River Meghna on River Ganga!

Fine, I'll put the phone away.

Sing the rest. -No, I won't sing.

It's been years since I've been on a boat.

Thank you for fulfilling my last wish.

I miss my homeland...

Listen.

Once Tikli goes to the orphanage in Darjeeling,

at least you must go visit her sometimes. Okay?

Didi won't always be able to go.

And handling Suman is your responsibility too.

Be the villain if you have to be, for me.

You and Didi are my last hope.

Stop saying "last" all the time.

It's irritating.

You'll go when your time comes.

I've seen some of the patients in the hospital closely.

During the test.

Tikli shouldn't see me like that.

And...

even you won't like to see that worn-out Meghna, would you?

No...

I know.

I've given you all the documents.

This is the only one left.

Only two people have seen this apart from Suman.

Didi and I.

And you're the third person.

Keep it carefully.

Use it in court if you have to for Tikli.

Suman's medical... I mean, infertility report.

I won't let any harm come to Tikli, Meghna.

Oh, please don't call me Meghna.

Megh.

Yes, Megh.

Here, read it yourself.

Oh!

I was cheated big time.

Boatman... -Yes, madam?

-How far is the shore? -Just a little farther.

What happened!

Oh! She jumped off!

Hey!

Megh!

Boatman!

Megh!

Megh!

Megh...

Megh!!!

Hello.

Yes, tell me.

Finish eating, or you won't get your chocolate.

No, I want chocolate.

Come on, eat up.

Yes?

Huh?

See!

Maybe you will go away

Leaving everything the way it is

It's evident in your eyes

You are not in love anymore

Why say it in so many words?

It's not like I don't understand

It's not like I don't understand

There are things one must accept

Maybe you will go away

Leaving everything the way it is

-Hey! Don't go there! -Let me go to her!

Where is Tikli?

-She is there. -Where is she?

-She is at home. -At home? No, she is not well...

I have to see her! -She is safe, believe me.

-She is safe? Where is Tikli? -Mr Suman... she is at home.

-What's he saying? -Calm down.

Today, when I'm frozen in time You blame me

The one who has nothing to say when faced with blames...

Is the assailant

I am bowed down under the weight of all these words

I no longer want to show how deeply wounded my heart is

I'm drowning too!

Just come back as a midnight song in my voice

Maybe you will go away

Leaving everything the way it is

Mammam was very sick, you know.

The doctor had said she will suffer a lot.

A lot of pain.

Would you have liked that?

The place where Ma has gone to now...

there is no pain, no struggle, no suffering there.

Hmm!

Has Mammam died?

Oh, dear!

Shubhra, please take me to Mammam! Please...

You know, wherever I am

After thousands of poems, exhausted, at the end of the day

It's you I call out to

Just come back as a midnight song in my voice

Maybe you will go away

Leaving everything the way it is

It's evident in your eyes

You're not in love anymore

Why say it in so many words?

It's not like I don't understand

It's not like I don't understand

There are things one must accept

She has slept.

Her fever has gone down.

All arrangements done for tomorrow?

Yes, my friend Imran has arranged everything at the cemetery.

But I don't think we'll get the body from the postmortem before 11 am.

Life ends, and you’re officially just a body.

I’m in a serious moral dilemma.

On one side, Mr Suman; on the other… Meghna’s last wish.

Mr Suman is caught in the web of his own making.

I’ll have to carry out the rest of the unpleasant tasks.

Maybe I have to too.

Guardianship doesn't just mean to carry out orders, Ranjan.

Meghna didn’t even think to ask me before deciding this.

I don't have the option to refuse, nor to sit back and do nothing.

Wherever Meghna is now, she must accept my decisions regarding Tikli.

Shubhra di, you just have one job now.

When it's all over, you've to take her to an orphanage. That's all.

That's not all, Madhuja.

It was Meghna's decision to put her in an orphanage.

All I did was speak to Father and arrange for it.

To tag her as an orphan and separate her from Suman

maybe Meghna's revenge, but Tikli's well-being?

No mother, no father, she has now fallen ill with a fever.

None of us are thinking about her.

Even Meghna didn't.

We must be impartial and make a decision.

We have to strike a balance.

I don’t think Mr Suman will take this very far legally.

Take off the black coat from your heart and think, Ranjan.

But she really is an orphan. That is not a lie.

She doesn't know that!

And this is neither the time nor the age for her to know this.

She knows Suman is her father.

As it is,

she was already cheated by her elders even before she was born.

Now, to victimize her all over again...

See.

Suman, Meghna, mean nothing to me.

But... I am Tikli's guardian.

She is my one and only concern.

-You woke up?

Come, come to me.

Come.

Come.

Come to me.

What's wrong, dear?

Are you hungry?

Can't sleep?

What do you want, tell me?

I want to go to Dad.

Shubhra, I want to go to Dad.

Oh, dear...

I cheated both of them.

Shubhra, Meghna, both.

Driven by my own ego.

Trust me, now I can say it to the entire world without hesitation.

The only thing holding me back is Tikli.

She's been through so much, I don't want her to go through this now.

If I fight for the custody in court

she will find out.

You know, even her own father would not be able to love her like I do.

Call me before you go to the cemetery tomorrow.

I wonder what she is doing right now...

She is with Mejo.

Mejo took them home from the guest house.

Just for Tikli's sake.

And there's something... you should know.

You're healthy today, and standing on your own feet because of Mejo.

When you were in a coma, facing death,

Shubhra Mitra stood strong beside Meghna and fought the fight.

On one condition.

Meghna would never tell you about Mejo's help.

I am younger than you, Dada.

But I must say,

if you can't let go of your ego and be a truthful person,

you don't deserve to be a husband or a father.

Shubhra di...

Shubhra di, wake up.

Wake up. -You haven't slept?

No.

Mr Suman has come, he is waiting at the gate.

Suman?

Yes. Come.

Phew!

Careful.

-Tell Dipali to open the gate. -Hmm.

Her fever has gone down.

She didn't sleep all night.

Don't disturb her now, please.

Come outside.

Sit.

I haven't slept all night either.

I heard about her from my brother.

In the morning, I thought

I'll just come to you, let's see what happens.

Well, I am relieved that she is with you.

I am not worried about that.

No...

She won't be staying with me.

She'll be going to an orphanage in Darjeeling.

That's what Meghna wanted.

Doesn't matter what I think.

The tenant upstairs had left for Chennai. The room was vacant.

I let Meghna and the kid stay there.

Your wife, your daughter...

Since I'm having to carry the tag of being your ex-wife for all my life,

might as well.

It's the least I could do.

Now, I have to take Tikli to the orphanage and then I can...

rest.

Orph-- Orphanage?

Orphanage. Told you, she'll be sent to an orphanage in Darjeeling.

Are you serious?

Yes.

Shubhra... Tikli is not an orphan! This is strange!

I don't get it.

Orph...

-It's what Meghna wanted. -No... you don't understand.

Whatever Meghna wanted is not...

Don't do this, please. Without Tikli, I...

Okay, what if I adopt her?

Adopt?

You passed off someone else’s child as your own

just because you wouldn't adopt a child,

to hide your own inability.

I had told you so many times.

If we can't conceive... it's no problem.

We can adopt.

But, no.

Your ego! Your stubbornness!

The world will find out about your incapability.

So, in order to prove me wrong,

you proved me incapable in front of your family and friends,

you forced me to leave by insulting me!

Then you used another woman, to cover up the same truth!

What? What did you gain from it, Suman?

What did you end up with?

Nothing.

Nothing at all.

But still I am saying...

Can't we do this?

Can't we raise her together? I mean...

You just...

just forgive me.

I'll forgive you?

And like the last scene of a film

we will forget everything joyfully and raise the child together, right?

Yes. Well, no...

I am not saying that.

Look, I didn't do this to...

See, my biggest blunder was not listening to you.

Evicting you...

But please... don't do this.

Don't take her away. I'll do whatever you say.

I can't give you that chance anymore, Suman.

You both have used me.

You, your wife.

There was no one to think about me.

See how the tables have turned now. You need me and Tikli

but maybe we don't need you at all.

Maybe Tikli too will become someone's better half someday.

And then, she shouldn't yield even an inch to someone like you.

If I can teach her just that, my job is done.

I... I understand everything. But you see...

Meghna herself is no more.

And since she is no more... Our fights, quarrels, insults...

Can't we bury it all away?

For Tikli.

I'm telling you, I'll do whatever you ask of me.

Please.

And what about the ten years I wasted in between, Suman?

Ten years.

Though, it's not all your fault.

Patriarchy.

The toxic ego of patriarchy.

For ages, our society has carefully diminished women to just halves,

then glorified it by calling them the better half.

After marriage, your surname, your identity,

coming to reside in your house,

nearly denying the first 20-22 years of life before that,

and the logic of living as a half...

The phenomenon called marriage. Well, I succumbed to it!

But then...

I don't want to give up the last few years of my freedom

to a man, to anyone!

In this house, in this room, I am a whole, complete!

I feel complete! -Absolutely!

-I feel content! -Yes, yes!

And I intend to keep it that way!

Absolutely!

That's how it should be... I mean...

I'm not going to intervene in any way.

Yes, whatever you...

I was just thinking about the child.

Please, without her, I...

Look, whatever Meghna wanted is not...

Well, it is definitely important.

She has given you the responsibility. But...

think about it, it happens these days.

People do it. There are thousands of such precedents. So...

they get divorced, then they resettle again.

It's so... Like...

Richard Burton,

Elizabeth Taylor, they got married twice.

Sophia Loren, married the same man twice. Okay, don't go that far.

What's his name... Elon Musk?

He...

You're smiling? I was just giving you examples.

Your mind is not working.

It's not working at all.

A mismatched,

cold relationship...

Can you repair it so easily?

Sit, I'll get you tea.

"Didi, I thought a lot, I couldn't find anyone else I could trust.

I'm giving you Tikli's guardianship.

Without your permission.

One of the two halves is now ceasing to exist.

Let the other half take care of the child.

I am not waiting to find out if you accepted my decision.

I want you all and Tikli to remember me like this.

Please accept my regards.

I’m sorry for all the unfair demands I’ve made so far.

I had to go anyway.

So I’m going on my own will.

No one but my own destiny is to blame for my death.

Meghna."

Chhoto, show her face to her.

Mammam... Mammam!

-Here she is, dear. -Mammam!

-Chhoto, take them to the car.

-Please help them. -Yes, now go, dear.

I'll come soon.

-Come.

Come with me, dear.

Mammam! Mammam...

I want to go to Mammam...

Mammam...

Mammam...

I want to go to Mammam... Mammam!

Mammam...

It's nothing. I just want to live separately.

On my own.

I got a flat on rent, a two-bedroom flat.

Don't stop me.

I know your room is too small for you and Payel.

You don't say it, but...

Please shift into my room.

Let that room have a happy couple living in it for once.

Sorry, Ma.

Please forgive me... if you can.

-Open your mouth.

Chew it nicely.

Wow! So many puppies!

Just as sweet as you!

Here. -Madam.

-Hmm. -He's here.

-Feed her. -Give me.

Have it.

Here I am.

Like you said...

a two-month deposit & the current month’s rent.

I brought the entire year's rent.

Check the cheque.

'Shubhra Mitra'

Now, could you please call her?

Yes.

Please wait here for a minute.

Sure.

-You know who has come to see Tikli because she has fever?

You know who's come? -Hmm?

Dad!

Dad?

Where is he?

I'll tell you. First, finish your food like a good girl.

-Hmm. -Dipali.

-Hmm?

-Take her upstairs when she's done.

-Hmm.

-This? -The rent receipt.

And this is the key.

Go upstairs, I'll send her upstairs with Dipali.

Welcome.

Wish you a happy stay!

UNFINISHED