Triveni Journal

1927 | 11,233,916 words

Triveni is a journal dedicated to ancient Indian culture, history, philosophy, art, spirituality, music and all sorts of literature. Triveni was founded at Madras in 1927 and since that time various authors have donated their creativity in the form of articles, covering many aspects of public life....

The Sisters

K. Gopalkrishna Rao

THE SISTERS
(One Act Play)

Rendered from Kannada by T. V. Aswatha Narayana Rao, M.A.

[Rao Bahadur Ranga Rao chose Bangalore as his residence after his retirement. He has two daughters, Kamala and Vatsala. Kamala, the elder, is an M.A. She has joined the staff of Women’s College after spending a few years of lonely life at home. Vatsala, the younger, is prosecuting her studies in the College. Their mother had passed away when they were young. Since then Ranga Rao has remained a widower.

Ranga Rao met Professor Krishnaswamy on the Nilgiris, where he was staying during the previous summer. Educated in England Krishnaswamy returned to Bangalore as a professor of English in the Central College, after spending a few years as lecturer in a college in the North. His visits to Ranga Rao at Bangalore were frequent. The beauty of Vatsala had captured his heart while at the Nilgiris. Kamala was in love with Prof. Krishnaswamy. But when she realised that Prof. Krishnaswamy loved her sister, she buried her own longing deep down in her heart and made the necessary arrangements to bring to fruition her sister’s alliance with the Professor. This was the day fixed by Kamala to decide the date of the wedding.]

(Kamala is busy with ‘answer’ books. The song emanating from the Radio throws a peculiar glamour on the day’s function. Keeping the papers aside, Kamala seats herself on a sofa, and relaxes: her eyes are half-closed. Then, she gets up, takes up Krishnaswamy’s photograph, gazes at it for a while, and occupies the sofa, lost in thought. The Grandfather Clock strikes three. Music over, news is announced. She closes down the radio).

KAMALA: Three! Rahu-kala will begin at half past four. I asked him to be here at a quarter to four...said that would be too early...too early indeed! How foolish of me to expect these foreign-returned scholars to have faith in Rahu and Guli Kalas. (Calls)–Narayana! Narayana!

(Enter Narayan, apparelled in dhoti and mull-shirt. Added to this, his finely combed ‘crop’ and lips red with the betel juice, would make one mistake him for a Tanjore musician than an ordinary family cook. To be a film star is his pet fancy. And his previous attempts to follow the music lessons given to Kamala and Vatsala have fixed his imagination that way).

NARAYAN: Yes?

KAMALA: You seem to have fixed up some programme already?

NARAYAN: Yes. I’m off to a matinee show.

KAMALA: No. Not today. The Professor is expected. You must be here and prepare some sweets.

NARAYAN: How can I, if you ask at this hour? I must visit the cinema today.

KAMALA: Drop it. You may as well go tomorrow.

NARAYAN: No. Nothing of that sort.

KAMALA: What? Do you dare contradict me just because we have looked upon you as one of ourselves from the days of your boyhood?

NARAYAN: How else? After all, my visits to the cinema are once in a week and you wouldn’t allow even that.

KAMALA: Who objects? Only, not today. Do as you wish tomorrow.

NARAYAN: Today must I go and that to the matinee show itself. Coffee decoction is in the filter and hot milk in the thermos. Mix them and have Coffee at any time you want to. If you don’t approve of my behaviour, well, tell the master and accept my resignation now. A few music tuitions, and I earn four times the salary you pay me. If I were to be a film star! Ah! Then, ten times your petty wages.

(Narayan disappears)

KAMALA: Hallo there, Narayan...Gone! Yes, yes, times have changed and we must adjust ourselves to the ways of these servants of ours. (Goes near the door and shouts) Bora! Bora! (Instead of Bora, enter Ranga Rao).

RANGA RAO: Why, Kamala? I have sent him on some errand. The driver is on leave. Bora is to ask the doctor to send me his car direct from the club.

KAMALA: Can’t you give up your club today, father?

RANGA RAO: Why, my dear?

KAMALA: I have invited the professor and he will be here at a quarter past four. We must fix the wedding day and other details. And, by the way, our Sanskrit Pandit was here this morning and he informed me that either the 26th of this month or the 2nd of the next, are auspicious days. Your presence is quite essential to decide these matters.

RANGA RAO: Yes, yes. But...

KAMALA: But what?

RANGA RAO: What I want to say is...What’s the hurry for Vatsala’s marriage before yours is over?

KAMALA: (Laughing) My marriage! Am I of marriageable age? Oh father, put that idea aside.

RANGA RAO: After all, you’re...

KAMALA: Such talk won’t help, father (sighs). After all, he loves Vatsala and let us celebrate their marriage. (Kamala gets up, goes near her mother’s photograph on the wall and stands with her eyes fixed on it. Ranga Rao seats himself on the sofa, his eyes rest on Kamala for a while. A deep sigh escapes from his breast).

RANGA RAO: Kamala, come here.

KAMALA: Father, I’ve too much on my hands. Narayan has taken a day off and I’m left here to look after all the preparations.

RANGA RAO: Why bother about preparations, my dear. The fruits and biscuits you brought yesterday will suffice. Please do sit beside me.

(Kamala takes the other sofa. Silence for awhile).

RANGA RAO: I’ve done you a great injustice, Kamala.

KAMALA: Well...

RANGA RAO: I didn’t give you in marriage in time. I was indifferent. Thought of educating you, and as a result I’ve neglected a father’s primary duty.

KAMALA: Father dear, why think of things past? Here is Vatsala’s marriage and let’s proceed with it.

RANGA RAO: People offered themselves. I had not even the worry of searching for one. Your beauty, your sweet disposition that was enough. Yet, I...lost in the false glamour of official status, turned down all of them. Scoffed at Raghavendra Rao–then my subordinate.....now, today far better off than myself. I didn’t think of your age; I was blind to your feelings; failed to realise the craving of a young woman’s heart.

KAMALA: Father, I mean to withdraw Rupees two thousand from the treasury.

RANGA RAO: Have it withdrawn, five thousand if you want, and spend it. Why worry about money? When in office, I forgot my home, my family. That’s all. And she, she died with the single thought of your marriage gnawing at her heart...Kamala, are you to remain unmarried for ever?

KAMALA: Father, I’ve told you not to worry about me. I know my future. I have decided. It’s already getting late and he will be here shortly. (Kamala goes within. Ranga Rao approaches his wife’s photograph and stands there for a while. A car hoots outside and Dr. Swaminathan enters).

DOCTOR: Hallo, Raoji–not yet dressed?

RANGA RAO: Hallo, Doctor, please be seated. I really can’t accompany you. I must remain at home today.

DOCTOR: May I know the reason?

RANGA RAO: Preparations for Vatsala’s marriage are afoot. Professor Krishnaswamy will be here presently. It’s Kamala’s desire that I should be here.

DOCTOR: My dear friend, you know well with what distinction Kamala is serving in her college! Oh! she is a born leader. She can manage everything. After all, what’s there for you to do here?

RANGA RAO: She’s just like her mother.

DOCTOR: That’s true.

RANGA RAO: Oh! Doctor! if only she’d be married! What a happy life it would be for her!

DOCTOR: Well, she is to remain a maid–that’s her fate! to keep home for you. And you ought not to miss the. Bridge-party today. Doctor Gopalaswamy will be there.

RANGA RAO: But then....

DOCTOR: Oh! come on. Kamala will manage everything all right.

RANGA RAO: No...no… no... Kamala will misunderstand me.

DOCTOR: I’ll tell her. Why hesitate? Go on! Dress up!

(Exit Ranga Rao, and the Doctor calls–Kamala!)

KAMALA: (From within) Hallo, Doctor, just a minute. (Enter Kamala. Fresh from a recent bath and with a new, gracefully worn saree. A tiny dot of Kumkum adorns her forehead. A weariness of over-work and disgust in life show themselves clearly: yet there is no lack of beauty and charm in her).

Hallo, doctor, so glad that you’re here. We are to fix up the date of Vatsala’s marriage and the Professor will be here presently. Please be seated.

DOCTOR: Good, very good, indeed.

KAMALA: By your blessings, Doctor.

DOCTOR: Nothing is too great for you. (Enter Ranga Rao dressed up). Fix it up among yourselves. After all, what can we, old men, do here?

KAMALA: (Looking at Ranga Rao). Father?

RANGA RAO: Well, I’m off to the club. Do what you please. Here, take this, be careful. It is a blank one and only a bearer cheque. (Places the cheque-book on a small table and starts out).

KAMALA: Am I to carryon all this alone?

DOCTOR: Afraid. You acted as the Principal of your college and we’re proud of that. That reports praise you so much. Further, our presence may prove a hindrance to your talks. Come on, Raoji.

(Depart Ranga Rao and Doctor)

KAMALA: Father! (sound of car starting). Alone. Alone must I face the whole ordeal! Oh God! What’s this my lot? Well...Well. At least, Vatsala will be here.

(Vatsala, dressed in ultra-modern fashion, enters humming the tune of a popular song. At the sight of her sister, steps startled, rearranges the fold of her saree).

KAMALA: God bless you with a hundred years of life! Just now I was thinking of you, dear.

VATSALA: Sister, will you play that tune for me?

KAMALA: Oh! dear! it is such a long time since my fingers played on the strings.

VATSALA: Oh! do play.

KAMALA: Why so particular?

VATSALA: You must, today.

KAMALA: Yes. Yes.

VATSALA: Shall I accompany the song with dance too. All I care for is your approval.

(Dashes in, and enters to the sound of tinkling bells, tuned to the rhythmic notes of the song).

KAMALA: (Tuning the Veena) Now for a dance!

(Dance and Song)

KAMALA: That’s not bad. And that for a disciple of Rukmini Devi. How I wish the professor were here! Take up some song and he will be here presently.

(Kamala again tunes the Veena).

VATSALA: Why will he be here?

KAMALA: (With a smile) Why? Well, you will know in good time.

VATSALA: My programme at the college can’t be cancelled, sister dear.

KAMALA: (Keeps down the Veena) No...no...what’s up?

VATSALA: Miss Brown is leaving for England with the Captain, her betrothed. I am to give a recital. And this was its rehearsal. Saru and Sashi are to play the instruments for me.

KAMALA: Miss Brown? Your English teacher? We have a better function at home. The fixing up of the wedding day.

VATSALA: Wedding day? Whose wedding day?

KAMALA: (Drawing Vatsala to her bosom) Yours, sister dear.

VATSALA: (Freeing herself) I don’t want to marry. I am not going to be married.

KAMALA: What!

VATSALA: I won’t marry.

KAMALA: Don’t be silly. He admires you. And your behaviour in his presence has convinced us of your love for him.

V ATSALA: There, you are wrong.

KAMALA: Well, look here, Vatsala. I should say that you are very lucky to have him as your partner in life. A cultured, highly educated, young...”

VATSALA: I don’t know all that. I don’t care. I am not going to marry anybody.

KAMALA: What? Do you wish to remain thus forever without marriage?

VATSALA: Why not? I would also like to be as independent as you are.

KAMALA: Vatsa, if only you could take a peep into my heart. A slip of a girl–how can you realise my pain there–deep down in my heart!

VATSALA: I know, I know. Principal of a college, with prestige, power, and wealth...cars and servants at command...and honour and respect and obedience...(Kamala is a bit taken aby this unusual talk, strange, coming from her sister. She is silently staring at Vatsala).

I know why you want me to be married. To inherit father’s property, eh!

KAMALA: (Gasps) Va...tsa...la!

VATSALA: Look here, Kamala. He is cultured, highly educated, young...you said this, didn’t you?–Well, why don’t you marry him? (Sound of a car stopping. Both turn towards door, expecting Krishnaswamy).

VATSALA: (Goes out and returns) Saru and Sashi are waiting. I’m off. (Pain is visible on Kamala’s face, pain that her sister should behave thus. Her eyes are wet with tears. Vatsala comes to her.)

VATSALA: I’m sorry, dear.

(Deep sorrow bubbles up in Kamala’s heart. Sits with her head buried in her hands. The horn sounds. Vatsala departs. Silence reigns, with only the silent weeping of Kamala and the ticking of the clock to deepen the loneliness. Lifting up her head, she accosts Krishnaswamy’s photograph near the table and places the photo upside down. Stands as one dazed. Approaching her mother’s photograph, books full into it, and collapses with a weird cry of ‘Ma!’ (Enter Krishnaswamy. He stares in bewilderment and silence for a while).

KRISHNASWAMY: Miss Kamala!

(Kamala raises her head and looks at Krishnaswamy. Ashamed, she slips inside. Krishnaswamy replaces his photograph properly. Takes up a necklace box and keeps it on the table. Then seats himself on the sofa. Kamala enters. A forced smile is playing on her lips; hesitation and fear lurk in her face. Krishnaswamy stands up and Kamala takes the other sofa.)

KAMALA: Please be seated, Mr. Krishnaswamy.

KRISHNASWAMY: Pardon me, Miss Kamala, for my entry without previous announcement. The peon was not to be found.

KAMALA: Oh! That’s all right. After all, you are one of us now.

KRISHNASWAMY: So Soon! I very much wished to play the part of a son-in-law.

KAMALA: Oh! Do as you please. After all, you are a learned man.

KRISHNASWAMY: Well, Miss Kamala. I was to leave for Delhi today, but that couldn’t be without your permission. I have cancelled it and sent a telegram.

KAMALA: Oh! That only shows your generosity. You need not to have done that. Vatsala is lucky to have you!

KRISHNASWAMY: May...May I know–excuse me if I seem to be a bit impertinent. Why were you shedding tears before your mother’s picture? (Kamala is silent)...Perhaps I ought not to have asked that question. But...there...there it is..(Kamala still keeps silent)...Pardon me if it goes against your wish...

KAMALA: Oh! no, not at all.

KRISHNASWAMY: Perhaps Vatsala’s marriage prior to yours caused these tears?

KAMALA: What of that? After all, Vatsala is just like a daughter to me.

KRISHNASWAMY: Yes...Yes...But...

KAMALA: (Cuts him short with) Well, Mr. Krishnaswamy, our Sanskrit Pandit was here this morning in connection with the examination papers and he is of the opinion that the 20th of this or the 2nd of next month are quite auspicious. Let me get you some tea. (She goes inside).

KRISHNASWAMY: A remarkable woman! Proves herself to be as good a housewife as she has proved to be the Principal of a College.

(Enter Kamala with a tray full of biscuits, fruits and tea-cups. Krishnaswamy gets up, and places a teapoy between the two sofas...Kamala places the tray on the teapoy and turns on the radio). Why only for two? What about your father?

KAMALA: He’s at the club. He wanted to stay and had even asked the driver to take a holiday. But Dr. Swaminathan compelled him to go with him on some urgent errand.

KRISHNASWAMY: Your sister?

KAMALA: She will be here presently. Please go on. I too will join you. (Mixes coffee). Sugar?

KRISHNASWAMY: (Tasting) Oh! I expected tea.

KAMALA: (Rising) Sure! You shall have it.

KRISHNASWAMY: What about your cook?

KAMALA: (With a passing shadow of shame). He is on leave.

KRISHNASWAMY: Please don’t worry. Coffee is more to my taste than tea.

KAMALA: About your relatives, who is to be present for the preliminary ceremony?

KRISHNASWAMY: ‘Preliminary?’

KAMALA: I mean, your elders.

KRISHNASWAMY: My brother and sister-in-law will do. I will ask them to go over here for the function. They are at Kollegal.

KAMALA: I was thinking–whom to invite on our side! May I know which of the dates will suit you? 26th is too near. 2nd, I think, will be better. (Krishnaswamy is lost in some thought; his eyes rest on Kamala’s bowed face). We can arrange for a choultry. As for the musicians, those who played on our College Day will do. Oh! would you prefer a Tanjore set? (Krishnaswamy is as one deaf). After all, our set is not bad and let us encourage our own artistes. There is the music master of Vatsala too...well...Here is a cheque for five hundred rupees. Father gave that for you to cover the expenses of presentations to be made to you. (Krishnaswamy’s eyes are dilated; something queer seems to play hide and seek within them). We shall have the property registered in Vatsala’s name well before the wedding day. Surely, I know you are not taking her because of the money: Vatsala is all you want. (Krishnaswamy continues to be silent. His face mirrors some intense struggle within)...Oh! another cup of coffee?

KRISHNASWAMY: (Gasping) Kamala!

KAMALA: (A bit shaken) Yes?

(Kamala lifts her bowed head. Her upward gaze merges in Krishnaswamy’s. Their hearts tremble, as if in sudden close contact; they shiver. Kamala drops her head).

KRISHNASWAMY: Kamala, I know everything. Bora told me the whole story. Your father at the club, and why he is there...”Without Miss Kamala Heaven knows what’d have become of this house!” he exclaimed...And your mother died–how Your father neglected to arrange for your marriage...Your great affection for Vatsala...I know the whole story, Kamala!

KAMALA: Oh! that old owl! Where’s he gone?

KRISHNASWAMY: I tipped him a rupee and he’s in the bazaar.

KAMALA: Oh! (with a smile). You seem to unearth all the family secrets by your tippings, eh?

(Kamala gets up and hands him a cup of coffee).

KRISHNASWAMI: I was thinking all the way over here, if you would agree. (Kamala, suddenly surprised, drops the cup. Coffee spills) Oh! What’s that? (Tries to clean it with his handkerchief).

KAMALA: Oh! Nothing. (Goes inside hurriedly, switching off the radio as she passes).

(Krishnaswamy gets up and slowly paces the room. Tries the strings of the Veena and expresses satisfaction. Kamala re-enters with a pure white saree and a white georgette blouse).

KRISHNASWAMY: Oh! Mistook you for Vatsala! That dress...who plays the Veena? Vatsala?

KAMALA: Vatsala is trained in vocal music. She has a fine voice and she has added dance too to her accomplishments, Trained at Adyar.

KRISHNASWAMY: Then do you play on the Veena?

KAMALA: Oh! It is years since I played on it.

KRISHNASWAMY: You seem to be quite clever at putting me off! See, (touches off the strings) there! It is tuned and tuned perfectly! (Not knowing what to do, Kamala stands still, with bowed head). Now you must play. Understand?

KAMALA: Order?

KRISHNASWAMY: A request!

(Having no choice, Kamala takes up the Veena. While her supple fingers waft enthralling music, they unconsciously give expression to the sorrow and turmoil in the heart of the player. Lost in her creation, it seems to Kamala as if she is coming in the way of Vatsala,–Vatsala whom she brought up from the cradle and made her what she is today. Should she brush her aside and reap for herself the benefit of marriage? No...No...)

KAMALA: (Hysterically) No...No...No...

KRISHNASWAMY: What’s it, Kamala?

KAMALA: Oh! nothing. Somehow my fingers go crazy. Vatsala will be here presently and you may feast on her song. Such an angelic voice!

KRISHNASWAMY: Vatsala won’t be here and she won’t sing. I wanted to take her to some picture with your permission. I’d even informed her of my going over here today. I saw her now, on her way to the college with her friends. She averted her eyes as soon as she saw me. So proud! (with a deep sigh). True, I fell a prey to her beauty on the Nilgilis, at first sight. It seemed as though she was dancing on my heart. Well, to make a long story short, I fell in love with her. Then I met you here. (Silence for while). Mr. Ranga Rao too would approve of our marriage.

(Kamala gets up. Krishnaswamy takes out the necklace from its container on the table and approaches Kamala). This, bought for Vatsala, but if you are pleased to accept (Kamala is lost in contemplation of her mother’s photograph)...I have been observing Vatsala’s attitude towards me. A very haughty girl. I...

KAMALA: Oh! no, please. I should say you are wrong there. She is yet a girl. Maybe, she is a bit hasty. You mustn’t take it so much to heart. You don’t know her. She is such a jewel!

KRISHNASWAMY: What do I care for her now?

(Places the necklace on the table)

KAMALA: Please don’t speak thus.

(Sound of a car stopping. Enter Vatsala. Flying like a heavenly being, still humming her recital song. Krishnaswamy is overpowered. His heart hovers once again round Vatsala).

VATSALA: I’d fears that you might be away in anger. I ran pleading some excuse.

KRISHNASWAMY: I simply can’t believe you. You didn’t return for me.

VATSALA: Truly, it was the tears in my sister’s eyes that brought me . (Goes to the table and adorning herself with the necklace, faces Krishnaswamy) Oh! it is lovely! (Looks at Kamala). What do you say, Mamma? (At the word–‘Mamma’ Kamala’s eyes well up, something chokes her voice).

KAMALA: Your marriage is fixed, Vatsa, on the 2nd. Better you visit the picture. Let me fill in the cheque. (Tears off the leaf and hands it to her sister). Here, Vatsa, give this to him... There’s some coffee. Is it cold?

VATSALA: But your heart is so warm, sister, dear!

KAMALA: Oh!...But now, hurry up. May be late to the show.

KRISHNASWAMY: But...

KAMALA: (Turning a deaf ear to his words, drawing Vatsala to her bosom, like a mother). Now. (In a gentle voice low, yet firm and steady). Don’t be a silly girl any more. Learn to understand the Professor’s wishes. Don’t forget you are a Hindu girl.

KRISHNASWAMY: But I...

KAMALA: You will be happy with Vatsala. She gives you everything. Please don’t get upset if, on occasions, she is silly. Patience is the great thing which can render life happy.

(Krishnaswamy looks at Kamala. Then at her mother’s photograph. Something moves his heart. He tries to bow to Kamala) Oh! no...no...please. You are older than I.

VATSALA: (Bending low and touching Kamala’s feet with her forehead) You are now our real mother!

(Enter Narayan)

KAMALA: (To Narayan) Over?

NARAYAN: It is true, madam, I entered the theatre. But I simply could not stand it. My heart was here. I’ve returned. What shall I prepare?

KAMALA: After all, you were there and you could have sat till the end. Professor will be here for supper. Perhaps he too must have been fed up with his hostel stuff. Prepare something sweet and nice. Here! (Hands him some change). Poor chap! Lost his money without the show.

KRISHNASWAMY: (Sotto Voce)

“A perfect woman, nobly planned,
To warm, to comfort, to command.
And yet a spirit still, and bright
With something of an angel light.”

(Enter Ranga Rao)

RANGA RAO: It is so kind of you to accept my daughter’s hand, Professor.

(Both look at Kamala)

KAMALA: Vatsala’s marriage is fixed for the 2nd, father. They are to visit a picture, now. Let him have the car. He will drive along with Vatsala beside him.

RANGA RAO: Oh! Sure! (Hands over the key).

VATSALA: Next time onwards, Father, we won’t trouble you. We’ll be having our own car.

KAMALA: Vatsala!

VATSALA: (Realising her mistake) I’m sorry. Excuse me, Father.

RANGA RAO: That’s all right. Run along, children. (Vatsala and Krishnaswamy depart). You are not merely a daughter, you are an angel. (Approaches his wife’s photograph) Oh! sweet lady, bless your children. (Coming to Kamala). I shall retire to Adyar and you may enter Sevagram).

KAMALA: (Slowly gets up, takes up the Veena. As if in a dream her supple fingers gently play with the strings. All her inner emotions express themselves through the Veena. A sad yet majestic music escapes through her fingers. Addressing the Veena). You are all I have! You will be with me wherever I may be. You are my life, my breath, my soul!

(Music continues. Kamala is lost in rapture).

RANGA RAO: (Lifts his head up, stares heavenwards). Thy will be done!

Curtain

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: