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Scene 2

Stage divided in three parts. Part one, Mrs Bhushan. Part two, Mr Bhushan. Part three,
Mr Rehman.

Mr Rehman sitting at his desk. He remembers something and then reaches for the phone.
The sound of a phone ringing and a line connecting plays. The phone is picked up by
Mr Bhushan.

Mr Bhushan: Hello?
Mr Rehman: Ah, Bhushan. I hope I’m

not interrupting you?
Mr Bhushan: No sir, not at all. I’m

just looking over a few contracts the
associates have drafted.

Mr Rehman: Right, well…I’m just
calling to confirm our arrangement for 6
pm this evening. At your house, isn’t it?

Mr Bhushan: (under his breath) Gosh!
Mr Rehman: Sorry? I didn’t quite catch that.

Mr Bhushan: (rallying) Oh, just a scratchy throat sir—and of course, my family is

looking forward to meet you.
Mr Rehman: (in a serious tone) Likewise.

Line disconnects. Mr Bhushan dials. Line connects.

Mrs Bhushan: Hello?

Mr Bhushan: Neelima! I completely forgot! The boss is supposed to be coming around to
our place this evening! I invited him for tea and snacks last week!

Mrs Bhushan: (shocked) What? Oh Akshay! How could you forget? It’s Ramu’s day off,
and I won’t be back till at least half past six!

Mr Bhushan: (groans) He hinted at the possibility of discussing a promotion too. He’s
such a serious, solemn sort of chap, Neelima, I’ve yet to see him even crack a smile. We’ll
just have to wing it, though how I’m supposed to explain an empty house and ordering
from the halwai…

Mrs Bhushan: (sighing) Don’t worry Akshay, let me call Ramu and see what can be done.

Mr Bhushan: Would you, Neelu? That would help a lot!
rallying: collecting (his thoughts here)
(Curtain) scratchy: rough
to wing it: to do something without
proper preparation or time to rehearse

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