UNTITLED AND UNFINISHED PLAY

Once there lived a girl called Leki Wangmoangmo and a boy called Sonam Tashi . They are cousin (half cousin) to each other.

ACT I

Sonam Tshering and Kinley Wangmo have married and they have one kid. Before Kinley Wangmo married Sonam Tshering she had husband working in police and owing to differences of opinion and misunderstanding they got divorced after one girl child who is Leki Wangmo. Sonam Tshering’s marriage isn’t first either; he was married to one of the southern Bhutanese girl called Sirijana and had one son. Sonam  had changed many wives and now it is with Kinley Wangmo he is entitled to remain in bond.

Scene I

AT DINNER

Sonam Tshering: Kinley Wangmo, today at work I had a bad news about Leki Wangmoangmo’s father; I guess he won’t survive. People say it is his last stage of living. Alcohol and he is inseparable and ara after knowing that Jamtsho can’t live without it, it I guess is gonna take his life.

Kinley Wangmo:  You see! he still drinks. The reason I left him was due to his excessive drinking  habits. He does not concern and bother about what is happening in the house. He would never stay at home once he comes from work. What more can there be left with him, now? I guess he better prepare to die.

Sonam Tshering: Whatever Kinley, it is not good on our part to be happy on the cause of misery of others. All of us born are bound to die and change. Nothing remains behind, not even our shadow and tiniest of needle pin. It’s only the matter of time and fate. Thus it is always good to be good to oneself and others. Rather I guess, you better go and make a visit to him taking his child Leki Wangmoangmo along. He would be more contented.

Kinley Wangmo:  I cannot dare Sonam  since it is I who left him.

Sonam Tshering: Still then, think about Sonam. It is her father. She is too young to understand at this stage, though.

Kinley Wangmo: Okay then I shall go tomorrow early morning.

SCENE2

At Jamtsho’s home

Tsheirng Dolker: Jamtsho, open your eyes. See who came here?

Jamtsho: Whoever! I don’t care (his eyes closed). Even if it is Mr. Death, brother of impermanence, I care very less.

Tsheirng Dolker: Don’t you say that my son: it’s too bad and ominous to say such. It’s your own daughter Leki Wangmo.

Jamtsho opens his eyes and in tears gives smile to his little one who is 3 years of age.

Jamtsho: My little one, there is nothing I can do to transcend with this nature of life: death that is uncertain, unwished and unwanted leaves no one, not even King and lama. It would be lie for drunkard like me to transcend or evade. You got to grow up, live strong, be beautiful and help out your mom and step father. Come my little (he takes Leki, cuddles and kisses in tears). Be a kind human and I know you will as I was except for my drinking habit. How could I quit drinking when I felt pains within the heart each single day when thinking of stage that once I would have to encounter which is not other than today.

All of them have no other option to divert than to submit to strong and compulsive wave of impulse that triggers emotions of heart to vaporize and let monsoon fall through windows of the soul.

Kinley Wangmo: (crying) Don’t utter such bad mouth. You don’t worry about her, I will do my best to grow her up. You have to be strong and give up drinking once and for all. You will be cured. Put your entire trust in kencho sum.

Jamtsho: No Kinley Wangmo,I guess it’s too late. Nothing much can be done. Time has come and I will have to go. I breathe last breath in and when I can’t exhale, then I am done. Do take care of yourself as well.

Tsheirng Dolker: My son, worry not. All of us will be fine. You be careful, have faith and trust in god since it is it who protects us all time.

(looking at Kinely Wangmo) He’s gone Kinley. My son left me. Jamtsho wake up, my son, you can’t leave before me.

Kinley Wangmo: Jamtsho (in cold still voice, cries silently- tears fell down).

Jamtsho passed away and prayers and merits were accumulated in his name by his mother, relatives and ex-wife Kinley Wangmo.

ACT II

Sonam Tashi  half cousin to Leki Wangmo is son of Tenzin Namgay and Mendrel Tshomo. His father was working under department of road as a mason while his mom stays at home looking after children. By grace of god, government and parents Sonam Tashi  grew up and he got to study at Sherubtse college.

Tenzin Namgay: My son, you are going to college tomorrow. Till now you have been a good son to us. Don’t you change since change inevitable will take care of itself. However if you change, change plus change make tremendous change and if that is for bad and evil speech, act and thoughts it would be shame on my part to be calling you as my son. Do protect yours and others dignity, fame and name. But I would appreciate if change I see in you is on the positive note.

Sonam Tashi : My speech, action and intention are my character and identity yet they are not alone part of my identity. Parent’s words, support, love, care and help are also foundation upon which my identity has rested and I will ensure I don’t dismantle it when I change myself.

Mendrel: Good son, have faith in kencho sum in whatever circumstances you go through. It is our greatest companion of past, present and future. And most importantly, do not forget to study both for marks and life. More you study, brighter you become. Study life and study books.

Sonam Tashi : Alright mom, I shall. I got to go; my friends are waiting. Bye and take care of yourselves.

ACT III

Scene1

At regional gathering at Sherubtse Sonam Tashi , Leki Wangmo and many of them gathered. They are welcomed by organizers 2^nd and 3^rd years’ regional mates. They shake hands and make first years sit.

Orgainizer (Dorji Norbu): (in soliloquy before everyone turned up): I have been single all these years. If fate permits I think I got to break this status. I shall pick one of freshers. I am so tired of singlehood. When couple work in pair along the road and footpath it is always my rational mind that has to be extra careful to defeat pain given by sight of them and remind of my own status. I envied them and pitied my status. But these year on I am going to let my ex status rest and enter into joyous realm and let those single guys like me pain their heart. Ha ha ha

All of them took seat.

Dorji Norbu: Hi, good evening to all. To introduce myself I am Dorji Norbu studying in third year and I am from Tsirang Toey.  I have organized such gathering to make ourselves, especially freshers to get acquainted with our regional mates. It is important to know who else belong to our region and render help in times of need. Though I am from Tsirang, I did my high schooling from Drukgyel. I wish and hope all of you will have great time here at Sherubtse . Yes you have worked hard or luck has worked hard to push you all till here and I wish you all good luck in whatever you do. And most importantly I hope all of you will smile and talk whenever we meet each other. It would be great and convenient, as we did so far, if you guys can also travel together with us during the vacation time.

Alright friends! Now you introduce yourselves, seniors shall introduce first followed by junior. Give your name, course you are pursuing, village, status and names of high school you graduated.

(All will introduce ….audience shall not hear all instead they shall hear soothing beautiful music and actions. Few will talk and make it audible to audience in loud and clear voice).

When Leki Wangmo talks at last

Leki Wangmo:  My name is Leki Wangmo and I am from Dungkhar Chhoeling. I did my high schooling at Damphu Higher Secondary School. (She makes attempts to sit without revealing her status but to no avail when others shouted to reveal.) I am single.

Leki Wangmo and Sonam Tashi  kept staring at each other since they heard they are from same village but they could not talk.

SCENE II

Going back to hostels from gathered place

Sonam Tashi  was amazed by her beauty on first sight and now he is more curious to know about her after introduction. Tandin makes effort to talk.

Sonam Tashi : Hi, you said you are from Dungkhar Choeling, right?

Leki Wangmo: Yes, I am. You too, aren’t you?

Sonam Tashi : Yes.

Leki Wangmo: How come I have not seen you even once? Where do you stay currently?

Sonam Tashi : My dad works at Monger and I live there. It is my resettlement at Tsirang.

Leki Wangmo: We too

Sonam Tashi : Oh really. Where are you actually from then?

Leki Wangmo: Drujeygan, you?

Sonam Tashi : Me too. My mom told we have our relatives at Tsirang, my uncle’s daughters and sons.

Leki Wangmo: Their names?

Sonam Tashi : I am not really sure. Something like Leki Wangmoangmo, Sonam Choki and Ugyen Sonam  children of my uncle Sonam Tshering.

Leki WAngmo: Oh, is it? (Smiling) It is us, then?

SonamSonam : Oh really, then you are cousin to me. What about your friend. Where is she from?

Yeshi Choden: Oh me? I am from Gosarling.

Sonam Tashi : Sorry I forgot to introduce him. Brother would you mind introducing yourself.

Darjay: I am Karma and from Mendrelgang.

Leki Wangmo: So, how do you guys like here? I am not yet accustomed here and am missing home desperately.

Yeshi Choden: Yeah me too. It is such a cold place and melancholic here.

Sonam Tashi  : For me it is same. I can get used to and live anywhere. But I do miss my parents too.

Darjay: It is really boring here as opposed to words of people who say that college life is interesting one.

They reached near hostel before Karma finishes talking.

Leki wangmo: Well brother, then I got to go. See you later.

Sonam Tashi : Alright, bye.

ACT IV

Scene 1

In the open ground boys fight. Ugyen Tenzin ang friends got beaten up mercilessly by seven friends of Sonam Tashi . In the middle of beating Ugyen Tenzin speaks.

Ugyen Tenzin: ah ah ..(in agony wakes up). What do you all think of yourselves? Is it only you who have friends?

Yeshi Tenzin: Yeah, you should have felt really proud having struck us so hard. Was it fair? Not in any ways. You are seven and we are just three.

Kezang Dawa: If you guys still want to fight let’s do this Saturday. Come eight of you, eight versus eight in free hands. Our boss and friend too shall come.

Wangchuk Namgyal: Who is your boss?

Kezang Dawa: see it yourself. Come on guys let’s go.

Scene 2

Eight versus eight, team of Sonam Tashi  and Ugyen Tenzin fight in open ground as fixed. As they fight news of sickness of Leki Wangmoangmo was reached by Phuntsho Wangdi to Ugyen Tenzin, recent close friend of Leki Wangmoangmo.

Ugyen Tenzin: Excuse me guys, I am sorry and if you guys will excuse me as I have to rush to hospital. Sonam is sick. Let’s fix another time.

Sonam Tashi : No you cannot go. I am going; she’s my cousin. Rather excuse us. Come boys, let’s go.

They rushed to hospital. She was lying sick in bed.

Sonam Tashi : What happened Sonam?

Leki Wangmo: It’s slight heartache or may be stomach pain. I have this illness and I will get over it.

Sonam Tashi : Is it? Do let me know whenever you are sick. See, you have really grown weak and sick. You must be skipping meals or not eating on time.

Leki Wangmo: Yeah sometimes when assignments are due. Don’t worry bro, I will be alright.

Sonam Tashi : Well in this case take care of yourself, alright? Yeshi look after her. In case you need something do let us know.

They rushed back to hostel.

As Sonam  moves to hostel with friends he sees Ugyen Tenzin and friend going to hospital with some drinks and food in polythene bag. Sonam  was jealous of him going for Sonam but he let him go as it was in her sickness.

Sonam Tashi : Where are they going and why? He always has to be on my way. Are they just friends? I think he better be just friends when I am the one who loves her. Otherwise in my need I would even drill a mountain and get to her and annihilate whoever comes on my way.

SCENE II

In the library

Sonam  goes to search for book, “The Pursuit of Happiness” by Will Smith to read during his most melancholic time. When he was done searching and came downstairs he sees Ugyen and Leki Wangmoangmo seated together in kuensel corner reading kuensel and teasing to each other. He goes there.

SONAM TASHI : Ugyen, you better stay away from my cousin.

UgyenTenzin: Why? (to Leki Wangmoangmo) Is he your cousin? Really? I regret to know that he is your cousin but don’t worry I am not a child who leaves their parent after so much of bond and affection are shared. I would better die than leave you.

Sonam Tashi : am I happy to know that my cousin has a boyfriend like you? Hey man better stay out of her life or I break your bones next time I see you with her. Be reminded.

Leki Wangmo was shy to say anything since her cousin had seen her with her boy.

At hostel

Sonam Tashi : Is what I see today the real? No! I would not like to think that way. May be they are just friends and classmates. Reaction too fast always paints and ruins our happiness. So let me not be judgmental and for now let’s say he is not her boyfriend. I was so frustrated to see them together but why was I at peace at the same time as I see her?

               River of heart’s travel is so rapid and quick that it merges itself into an ocean by a simple sight of rain. Ocean moves slightly at night by winds of memory. Rain, rain rain! Do rain to my sight often. You devour all illusions of the world. I breathe in total peace as I see you. Sonam Tashi shine in my heart as sun clearing all the darkness that my lives present and past accumulated.