Courtyard of a dilapidated inner-city slum dwelling, the katri. Dirty, worn-down and badly kept. There are rooms, which open into the courtyard and a main gate, which opens in the street. There is a window on the first floor. On one side of the courtyard is the mattress used by Baba Yousaf, with his belongings such as a tin box, an old, blackened kettle, some half-broken cups and an old stove. A Pakistani flag is fixed on the tin box. On the other side are Bengali 's things. In one corner is a big water-pitcher.

Early Morning:

Baba Yousaf is making tea. Bengali is sleeping. There is a knock at the door.
Bengali gets up, opens the door and goes back to sleep. Jamila enters. She walks slowly as if exhausted and softly knocks at one of the rooms. The window on the second floor opens a little. Another knock. Ejaz peeps from his room and comes out.

EJAZ
Night shift again?

Jamila nods and knocks again. The door opens and she goes in. Bengali wakes up and stretches. Old woman. Bi Hajjan. Opens the window of her first floor room and shouts at Bengali.

BI
So, the prince has woken up! How many times have I told you to get up early and clean up the place. And fold that smelly bedding of yours. There could be early
visitors. Do you hear? Get up and sprinkle the place. You live free in this building but you behave like a tenant.

Bengali gets up unwillingly, takes water from the pitcher and starts sprinkling while yawning. Ejaz comes out of his room and Bengali accidentally sprays some water on him.

EJAZ
Watch it you fool. Sprinkle lightly, don't overdo it. Whata mess you have made!

Ejaz has a map in his hands. He moves here and there and takes notes. Baba pours tea in a cup and looks up towards the sky.

BABA
Little birds, come, tea is ready. Drink it before it gets cold-

EJAZ
(to himself) A water pump in this comer, lamppost here, and garbage bin in this comer… and the complaints and suggestions box here. The katri will be transformed in a few days. {to Baba) Don't you think so?

Baba gets up, after taking a few sips of the tea, and starts going round and round

EJAZ
What is it Baba Yousaf. Why are you doing this..

BABA
(in a mysterious manner) You see this cup! I had put poison in it. Really. I swear by Almighty Allah The blue poison.

EJAZ
(laughs in disbelief) you are joking again, aren't you.

BABA
People become little birds after death. My wife, my children, they became birds.

Today I will join them. I will fly freely.

EJAZ
(Concerned) Baba, you put bleach in the tea? You are committing suicide! You can't do that. Life is God's gift, amanat, you have no right to destroy it. It is a big sin.

Tries to snatch the cup from him. Baba pushes him away and moves around with his hands moving like wings

BABA
I will become a little bird today. I will fly from here to there and from there to here, with my wife and my children.

EJAZ
(Loudly) help, help. Somebody help. Baba Yousaf is committing suicide. Zulfi!
Mansoor bhai! Bare mian! (Old Man)
Mansoor, Zulfi and Old man appear from different doors. Bi peeps from her upstairs window.

EJAZ
He has put poison in the tea and wants to drink it. He will kill himself. Stop him,

ZULFl
Poison!! Has he drunk it yet?

EJAZ
May be a few sips. Says he wants to become a bird and fly. Baba, don't drink it.

BABA
Birds, I am coming, wait for me. (to others who are trying to stop him} Let me drink my tea. Get away.They hold Baba and take the cup from his hands after some struggle.

EJAZ
Baba, we will get you another cup. Don't drink this one, it has poison in it.

BABA
(pointing towards the kettle) But that tea is also poisoned I put poison in it myself. How will I get more tea. Let me drink this one. Give me my cup.

ZULFI

We will get you fresh tealeaves. Don't you worry.

EJAZ

Yes, Bengali will bring fresh tealeaves from the shop.

Baba calms down gradually.

OLDMAN

What happened to him so early in the day.

MANSOOR

Yes. He is usually not that agitated,

EJAZ

And that tea!

ZULFl

Who can tell whether it was poisoned or not.

OLDMAN

May be he was just joking, (in a-worried tone) Now what do we do with the tea?

EJAZ

Throw it away, what else.

OLDMAN

But what if it is not poisoned..

MANSOOR

Taste it and you will find out.

OLDMAN

Why should I?

EJAZ

Throw it away Uncle. Baba's tea is undrinkable any way. A concoction of boiled water and coarse sugar can't be called tea.

Zulfi throws the tea in a comer. Washes the kettle and gives it to Baba. Baba starts crying.

BI

Some one stop him. Is this the age for crying like little children. So much noise in the katri.

MANSOOR

What is it Baba?

BABA

My tea!

ZULFI

We will get fresh tea from the shop. You don't drink this one. This is not good.

Zulfl takes Baba's tea packet away. Baba cries.

EJAZ

Yes, Bengali will get more tea. But what about the money for the tea!

ZULFI

Let us contribute. He won't stop otherwise. (Old man makes a face and digs in his pocket. Mansoor also gives some money) One, two, four. Okay that will be enough for a packet of tealeaves, (gives it Bengali) Take it and go. (to Baba) It will only be a few minutes. He is going to bring your tea. Okay?

(Bengali goes)

MANSOOR

Donations all the time. I am getting sick and tired of this.

OLDMAN

Thank God that you don't have to beg. (remembers). He is coming today.

People who had gathered around Baba, suddenly disperse. They are concerned

MANSOOR

He will demand the rent. I hate his face.

OLDMAN

Your hatred is not going to solve anything. He wants the rent. whether we

give it with love or with hatred.

ZULFI

Last time he threatened us with eviction. He said he will come with his

klashinkov brigade. How much have you got?

MANSOOR

How much? Ask if I have any at all. I haven't had any work for over three months

now.

EJAZ

They haven't replied to my application yet. I have heard that they have already

appointed some one without waiting for the interviews..

OLDMAN (To Bi) Begum, throw that jacket. I will work here. (to others) I have finally got one customer. But he seems to be one of our kind. (Bi throws down the jacket. He shows it to others) Look at the condition of this jacket It is so falling apart. Now even if I can mend it, what will he give me. Good wishes?

ZULFI

I have 90 Rupees in total- But I have to pay the fine for the Rickshaw accident to the owner.

EJAZ

But this will not even be enough for your own room, let alone the whole building. Uncle, If your customer pays

OLDMAN

To hell with my customers. You worry about your own back rent. You're four

months behind. He insults us because of you.. Why don't you get a job.

EJAZ

If only I could. They haven't even given me my degree, although I did pass.

OLDMAN

Is it our fault? What use were the 12 years of studies. Who stopped you?.

EJAZ

(angrily) You damn well know I got a first division but the Board didn't release

the result because of non-payment of dues. If my father hadn't died, I would have been studying Law.

OLDMAN

(sarcastically) Law? You are dreaming of palaces, while living in slums. You

better stay on the ground. After all, your father was just a carpenter.

EJAZ

You are being sarcastic again. Uncle. Yes, he was a carpenter, made new

furniture. He didn't mend moth-eaten jackets and didn't wear customers' used

clothes.

OLDMAN

(angered) You want to insult me with these accusations again?. Don't forget who

you are. If it wasn't for us, you'd have been thrown out long time ago. I have

never stolen any customer's clothes. But I know that your father used cheap wood

and charged for the expensive one.

EJAZ

Now you're crossing the line, Bare Mian. Don't you dare throw dirt on my dead

father.

Ejaz and Old man move towards each other to fight. Zulfi comes in between.

ZULFI

Talk some sense, Ejaz. Forget it. Uncle. Just do your work.

MANSOOR

Women inside and men outside. Bickering all the time. I am fed up with this

petty squabbling.

OLDMAN

Then why don't go, who is stopping you?

MANSOOR

(loudly) I will go, one day. I am not living here because I love it. It's because of her. Where can I take her in this condition!

Jamila enters coughing. Goes towards the pitcher. Pours water but before she can

drink it, she has a coughing fit and the tumbler falls. Ejaz helps Jamila and pours water for her

EJAZ

Here, drink. You hardly slept.

Jamila looks at Ejaz gratefully. She takes one sip and has the fit again. Both of them come in front of the stage. Ejaz has the tumbler and Jamila is trying to

overcome her cough

JAMILA

I don't sleep any more. What happened at the job interview?

EJAZ

The interviews were a sham. They had already selected some one. On the

Minister's recommendation,

JAMILA

Do something about Brother's job as well. He has been without a job for so many

months now. If I didn't have this job at the Hospital, I don't know how we would

have managed.

EJAZ

Yes, I have spoken to somebody. They need a skilled worker.

JAMILA

If he could get a job, then (coughs) then..(coughs again)

EJAZ

(softly) Jamila, you should not work so hard. All day and then this night duty.

Your cough is getting worse and worse.

JAMILA

The cough is a part of me now. If it goes away, I will feel very lonely.

EJAZ

Why don't you take medicine at the hospital. You take so much care of the

patients but neglect yourself.

JAMILA

I take medicine. But the medicine at a free hospital is useless. The poor patients get well by their own will. Even death is not free here.

EJAZ

When I get a job, I will have you treated at a private hospital.

JAMILA

Private hospital? (coughs) What about the rent. He will come today.

EJAZ

If ...If my father had not died, I would have been studying to become a lawyer.

(feels her hand)You have fever Jamila!

JAMILA

I am just exhausted, (coughs lightly) I was cleaning inside.

EJAZ

Why do you work so much. You need to rest. Otherwise your cough will never go

Away.

JAMILA

Who will do the work then. Mansoor bhai.. he is very concerned about me. I'm

a burden which he has to carry, but for how long.?

EJAZ

That Saudi visa has also not been arranged yet. I'll go to the Passport Office

tomorrow. I know an officer there He was my classmate.

JAMILA

Yes, you have to go. Talk to him about Mansoor bhai's job as well. He has this

anger in him because he can't get a job. He doesn't express it but he is very angry. He was so proud of his work before he was sacked for his union activities.

EJAZ

They have great demand for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia. He used to copy my

notes at the college, this officer.

JAMILA

You were a bright student, weren't you?

EJAZ

Yes. You will see, the minute I land in Saudi Arabia, my life will totally change. I will have money and I will buy my own house and then.. I will take you away from this rotten place.

JAMILA

(smiles wryly) You are again daydreaming Ejaz. When will you become realistic.

EJAZ

You will come with me. Won't you.

BABA

(suddenly screams) Tea, tea, I want my tea.

Jamila and Ejaz come back to reality and move away from each other.

ZULFI

That stupid Bengali has not brought tea leaves yet.

EJAZ

I will go and have a look.

Ejaz looks at Jamila and then goes. Jamila returns to her room. Mansoor is

sitting still. Old man is mending the old jacket. When Jamila passes by, Zulfi

stands in the way and looks at her meaningfully. Jamila goes around him. He is

about to say something but moves away when Bi Hajjan opens the window right

above them. Baba takes out a small Pakistan flag from his tin box and starts

marching in a circle. He sings a patriotic song.

BABA

Come Children, let us go on a tour of Pakistan

The land for which we sacrificed million lives

Come children, come sparrows, come little birds

Let us tour Pakistan.

Long long live live Pakistan

Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Long Long Live

Gandhi, Nehru Long Long Die

Come Children, Come Little birds

Let us go on a tour of Pakistan.

Allah is Great

Baba goes round and round and faster and faster, he fights with imaginary

enemies, screams, till he falls. Others look at him with disdain. Zulfi is walking about and looking at Jamila's room. Mansoor is sitting still like before. Baba puts the flag back, salutes it and then sits down

BI

(from the window) There is something going on here. I don't like this Ejaz. His

behaviour is not honourable. He doesn't have a job and spends his time peeping

here and peeping there. Do you hear me.

OLDMAN

Yes, I do and so does the whole neighbourhood.

BI

But I am telling the truth. Even a blood-sucking Churail, a witch spares the neighbours

Flirting with a neighbour's sister!

OLDMAN

Will you shut up and go inside. At least leave me in peace down here.

Bi shuts the window in anger. Old man sighs.

BABA

Tea, I want my tea.

There is a knock at the door

ZULFI

Here comes your tea, Baba. You moron, the door is open.

Bengali enters with a long face. Behind him is Munshi Noor Din, Haji’s assistant. Zulfi and Old man look at each other. Bengali gives tea packet to Baba, who happily starts

making tea

MUNSHI

He tried to slip away, when he saw me. But no one can slip away from Munshi

Nur Din. I have an eagle's eye and my aim is faultless, (looks around) Why are

you looking at me like that. Are looking at my beautiful face for the first time? This is me, Munshi Nur Din, your old servant.

MANSOOR

Then sweep the floor, servant? It is quite filthy. The broom is over there.

MUNSHI

Why shouldn't I hit you with that broom. You are trying to be funny. I will wipe

that smile off your face.

ZULFI

Leave it Munshi sahib, why get so upset. Have a seat.

MUNSHI

I haven't come to sit. (sits)

ZULFI

(hesitantly) well.. We couldn't arrange for the rent. We would have but you know

how things are these days. I had an accident and my auto rickshaw got damaged.

Bare Mian couldn't get any customer, except the one with a moth-eaten jacket...

Mansoor is still without a job and you know about Ejaz.

MUNSHI

I know about every one. I know every thing. I know even your generations.

Generations of generations. Do you understand?

BABA

(in his own mood) zindabad, bad

MUNSHI

(goes close to Baba) And I know you. You are not as crazy as you pretend to be.

(Baba suddenly scratches his face and Munshi backs away with a scream)

You bastard, son of a pig, crazy man, I will get you thrown in the mad house. All of you.. I will take you to the mental hospital. That is where you belong.

(Bengali laughs. Munshi slaps him) What is so funny, you dog. You will go

straight to prison, you thieving son of a bitch.

EJAZ

Nur Din, why are you beating this poor wretch. He can't harm any body. He has

no family. There is nobody even to mourn at his grave.

MUNSHI

Well, you all will have plenty to mourn about soon.

OLDMAN

What do you mean?

MUNSHI

{suddenly become serious} The deadline of the court notice expires today. You

will have to vacate this place within 24 hours. Otherwise you will become illegal

occupants of a private property. These are court orders . If you violate them, you

go to Jail, straight from here. I promise you that. Vacate tonight {looks at Baba)

and take all your garbage with you.

ZULFI

What? Tonight?

EJAZ

But we thought it was just another notice.

MUNSHI

1 told you it was the final notice. And this is the order of the court. (They all look

at him, shocked) You are again staring at me. I am not speaking Persian. Start

packing. No excuse will be accepted after 24 hours. Understand? (goes towards

Mansoor, loudly) Understand?

MANSOOR

{loudly) No.

ZULFI

What are you saying, Mr Munshi sir?

MUNSHI

What am I saying? I am talking nonsense. I have gone mad. But if you don't

vacate the building tonight. You will fully understand what am I saying in jail,

with the help of Police beatings. Now you understand?

EJAZ

But why are you doing this to us?

MUNSHI

Why? Who are you to ask why? Pay your rent arrears of 4 months and I will give

you an explanation.

OLDMAN

But what will the Haji do with this building after evicting us?

MUNSHI

It is his discretion. He can do whatever he wants with his property- He can build a

mansion or a brothel? Who can object! (after a dramatic pause and -with a smile)

He is building a hotel here. There is no hotel in this vicinity, you see. And the

hotel business is very very profitable, (winks at Zulfi who does not respond.

Munshi changes his tone). Understand?

EJAZ

(in an emotional tone) Will they demolish this building.

MUNSHI

Of course they will. How can they leave this building in this condition. Look, it is

so dilapidated. It can collapse any time. And what use is this old building anyway.

You give R& 100 per month as rent, and even that has to be extracted out of you.

But the value of this land has multiplied many times in the past few years.

OLDMAN

But our income has gone down. We don't know how to pay the rent.

MUNSHI

Is that my job to tell you where to get the money for the rent. We have a much

better offer, why should we refuse it and for what?

(Bi opens the window)

EJAZ

But where will we go? Where can we go?

MUNSHI

As far as I am concerned, you can all go to hell, just vacate this building.

BI

Vacate?

MUNSHI

Yes, vacate, within 24 hours.

BI

Have you gone mad, Munshi? We have been living here for over 40 years

now. Our kids were born here, they grew up here. We have spent a life time

here.. and you say "vacate".

MUNSHI

Yes, that's what I said, "vacate",

EJAZ

My childhood is buried in this dark and damp building. A childhood of aimless

wandering, illness and poverty. I played as a child under these crumbling walls

and now you say "vacate!"

MUNSHI

(in a stubborn manner) Yes, vacate, vacate-

BABA

Vacate, little birds vacate, go and fly outside.

Munshi stares at Baba, then rubs his cheek which was scratched by Baba

OLDMAN

(lost in his memories) when we left our town Saharanpur in India at the time of

Partition, we left behind a thriving tailoring business and a beautiful and happy

house. We had to leave behind our daughter Zainab too, after she was raped, and

abducted We dragged our half-dead bodies across the border. I thought at least I

will get a small shop here but I was not able to rise above the footpath . I

submitted to Fate and now (looks at Munshi) now you say vacate. Will we have

to become refugees all over again,

MUNSHI

I don't know about this refugees business. I have myself migrated from up North.

But Haji's order is Haji's order. So vacate.

ZULFI

But where can we go. The room rents are so high these days. You can't get a

shelter for a night. We have old people with us, children, sick people.. what can

we do?

BI

How can we vacate. My old man has asthma. And Jamila is having fever again.

There are others who are sick. 1 say, have these people no fear of God ? Have

they no pity?

MUNSHI

Enough of the passionate appeal old woman. Now listen carefully, for the last

time. If I see any one of you here tomorrow morning, he will be taken straight to

jail.

Jamila comes at the door coughing. Munshi is distracted by her. He stares at her

lecherously and then laughs.

MUNSHI

But not every one will end up in jail. There could be exceptions

Mansoor gets up in the meanwhile and moves towards Munshi. He grabs Munshi

by collar.

MANSOOR

Get out of here, you dirty animal... or you will be dragged out, dead. Are you

going on your own feet or..

Munshi is shocked and frightened. He moves towards the door, the composes

himself' and turns his face.

MUNSHI

Haji sahib is coming in a little while, to get signatures on the documents. You

better do as he says. Otherwise you know our goon brigade, they can crush

people like flies or ants. Have seen a Klashinkov? It is beautiful, sexy, but not for

those who face it. (laughs and then suddenly gets serious) 24 hours. It is an

ultimatum. Tomorrow morning we will bring the police with us. Each and every

one squatting this property will be dealt with severely, (loudly) understand?

MANSOOR

(loudly) Get out you bastard.

MUNSHI

(grabs Bengali by the neck) What are you doing here, you thief. Get the hell out

of here. Out,

Munshi pushes him out and leaves. Every one is silent and at a loss. Mansoor

shuts the door.

MANSOOR

Haji's dog barks like Haji.

An uneasy silence.

BABA

Long live, live. Zindabad bad. Pakistan or death. Death or Pakistan.

They give Baba dirty looks but keep quiet.

EJAZ

(suddenly realizing) My plan! My blueprint! {looks for it frantically) where is

that paper? (to Baba) Baba! You.. did you bum it to make tea? Oh my God. He

burnt my plan. This mad old man threw into fire my two months of hard work.

OLDMAN

(to himself) One is obsessed with tea and the other with the plan.

ZULFI

Come on Ejaz, this is no time to make an issue of this piece of paper.

EJAZ

Zulfl, I had worked for days and nights to draw that plan. This was a

revolutionary plan. This slum would have been transformed with the help of that

plan. I could have shown it to Haji sahib today. He might have liked it and.. but

this crazy old man..

Ejaz moves towards Baba hut then controls himself. Jamila comes closer to Ejaz in

a silent way she gives him some comfort. They both moves forward.

JAMILA

It is alright Ejaz, it was only a piece of paper.

EJAZ

(look towards Jamila and calms down) But this stupid man burnt it just to make a

cup of tea.

BABA

Come birds, tea is ready.

EJAZ

{shouts} Shut up.

BABA

Come quickly, take it before it gets cold.

JAMILA

Try to understand Ejaz, this slum cannot be reformed. It is impossible.

EJAZ

Why be so pessimistic Jamila. Change is possible. This slum can become a better

place. It is possible to install a water pump in the courtyard, to get a gas connection...

it is possible to have proper treatment for you.. and it is possible for me and you to...

JAMILA

(firmly) Stop it Ejaz. When will you stop daydreaming. This cannot be. Nothing

can change. This world has become a very ugly place People have become

heartless.

EJAZ

But you and me..

JAMILA

You're such a fool. Can't you see, we can never be together. There is an

unbridgeable and stinking sewer between us, just like the one that flows outside the

main door. And I am 10 years older than you.

EJAZ

So what?

JAMILA

These 10 years are like 10 centuries Ejaz. What I have seen, suffered in these \ 0

years, makes me much much older than you.

EJAZ

I know, I understand but..

JAMILA

{angrily} You know nothing, you understand nothing. What do you know about

me? About that Free Hospital where I work night shifts? About the generous

philanthropic owner of the Free Hospital, the same Haji who owns this building

too. And do you know anything about the patients in my care? Do you know what

their ailment is?

EJAZ

What are you trying to say? I don't understand.

JAMILA

You don't get it, innocent boy.

EJAZ

No, tell me. What do you want to tell me?

JAMILA

(wants to say something but then changes her mind) Nothing, (pause) Thank God that Baba has burnt your plan.

They come back to the others. Baba is still calling the birds.

BABA

Tea is getting cold. Come darlings.

EJAZ

Will you shut up!

ZULFI

Come to your senses Ejaz. We are facing eviction from the building.

Improvements Plans are meaningless at the moment.

EJAZ

(coming to senses) Yes, you are right. Plans can be made again. He is crazy. I am

not.

OLDMAN

Will we have to look for another roof for shelter?

JAMILA

But where can we go? This building, whatever its condition is, is our home. We

have grown up here. We never dreamt of bungalows and open, fresh air. We

never hoped to have whitewashed houses. Why are they doing this to us?

EJAZ

They want to take away from us even the right to breathe this smelly air.

ZULFI

How can we find another place like this. The landlords demand one year’s rent in

advance.

OLDMAN

But what can we do? They are powerful, they own everything. They have an army

of goons with weapons, and then the police... all are at their disposal. How can

we say no?

EJAZ

But we have no other option..

ZULFI

We have to say no.

OLDMAN

We said no once, when Haji raised the rent. But next day we were thrown in jail,

after getting sound thrashing from Haji's goons. Wasn't that a good enough

lesson?

JAMILA

But uncle.. (starts coughing)

EJAZ

(gets angry) We will not vacate. We will stay.

ZULFI

(gives Jamila a glass of water) But Haji is coming anytime now. (Jamila drinks

and returns the glass. Zulfi asks Jamila) More water? (Jamila gestures in

negative) What will you say to Haji, Ejaz.

Bl

(from the window) Jamila, what are you doing there. You are not well. Go inside

and rest. (to others) How can we go looking for a new home with Jamila in such

condition,

Jamila goes in. Bengali returns.

OLDMAN

But good woman, what will we tell Haji sahib.

BI

This building is not his ancestral property. He also got it allotted after Partition.

ZULFI

But he is the owner now and we are tenants. He has a legal right to evict us.

EJAZ

But.

OLDMAN

How can you fight with the Law. If you do, that is big trouble-1 have seen people

suffering for such misadventures.

EJAZ

We will not vacate.

ZULFI

But how?

OLDMAN

We have no legal right. We are helpless.

BI

You Bengali, you have not picked the garbage yet. You lazy bum.

BENGALI

I did Amman. But some one has thrown it back on the floor.

EJAZ

Why people don't care about cleanliness. After all this is our own home.

ZULFI

Home! (laughs) Is this really our home. What right we have over this place?

BI

(to Bengali} What are you looking at, start cleaning. There should be no smell.

You will have to work for staying in this building. This is no charity home where

you can come to sleep after wandering in the city. I will throw you out if you

don't work hard enough.

OLDMAN

Who are you to throw him out. You are yourself being thrown out old woman.

BI

I know this lazy bum. He is a mere parasite. He has been arrested twice for theft I

can swear that he stole my necklace. But he is such a hardened thief that police

could not make him admit in spite of being beaten blue.

MANSOOR

Bi Hajjan, don't start that same story again. Can't you see we are in big trouble.

BI

What did 1 say, why are you mad at me. It is because of you that we are in this

Trouble.

MANSOOR

What do you mean?

BI

Why ask me. Ask your sister. If Haji has become your enemy, why should we get

punished?

MANSOOR

Don't talk in riddles.

OLDMAN

Wife, will you shut up. Can't you think before you open your mouth. Mansoor,

talk about the problem.

EJAZ

A friend of mine is a lawyer. I will talk to him today and we will file a writ in the

High Court tomorrow.

ZULFI

And from where will we get the lawyers fees and court costs.

EJAZ

He will not charge any fee, I am sure of it.

ZULFI

But we will have pay for the court costs.

OLDMAN

These courts will be of no use. We don't have any legal protection. He is the legal

owner of the building and he has obtained signatures from us on many documents.

ZULFI

You have a better idea ?

OLDMAN

Yes. I think we should plead with him, most humbly. I am sure he will have pity

on us.

BI

He doesn't have a heart He is a beast.

ZULFI

But he should be here any moment now. (thinks) He is a greedy man, right. Let us

offer him more rent.

OLDMAN

And from where will we get this extra rent, if I may ask.

EJAZ

We can’t afford the present rent and you are talking about an increase,

ZULFI

I will drive my rickshaw overtime. We can work harder and earn more Can't we

give this sacrifice to keep our home?

Mansoor suddenly gets up. His eyes are full of hatred and anger.

MANSOOR

I ask you how long will you accept being the sacrificial lambs/ Isn't it our blood

which is in the foundations of this building? You can make several such

buildings with the amount of rent we have paid him over these 30 years. This is

our home. How can we vacate our home?

OLDMAN

But...

MANSOOR

You keep on “iffing” and “butting”, and they will eat you alive. You keep thinking of

an uncertain tomorrow and they are coming to destroy your today. You say we

should plead with him, that we should beg for mercy. You are mistaken. He is

not going to be appeased by begging and pleading, he wants money, more and

more money. You think we can get some relief from the Law? Wrong again. They

know the law much better than us, it is their law. And you think, if we raise the

rent, we can stay on? You are very wrong. An increase in the rent is not going to

satisfy his greed. Whatever increase we manage, it will be nothing compared to

the profit he will earn from the hotel.

OLDMAN

Then what?

EJAZ

Yes, do you have a solution?

MANSOOR

Yes I have. There is only one solution. A permanent solution. If we go for a

temporary solution, the problem will keep coming back. If we compromise, they

will keep pushing and pushing. (Pause} Remove the problem from the root, A

solution for all times.

ZULF1

What do you mean?

MANSOOR

(in a mysterious manner) Yes.Haji is haunting our lives like a ghost. Today he is

evicting us from this building. Tomorrow he will throw us out from the next

building we make our home. Even if we are able to stay on for the time being, we

will never be safe here. Violence cannot be eliminated without violence. There is

only one way of getting rid of this evil. Get rid of him.

OLDMAN

What? You mean we ...

MANSOOR

(In a dramatic manner) Yes, that is what I mean. Get rid of Haji once and for all.

He will come here today to get signatures on the documents of our eviction and

we will sign his death warrants.

EJAZ

(Stammering) D.-D.-Death!

ZULFI

What are you saying Mansoor?

MANSOOR

We can only survive if Haji dies. Only then we will have a roof over our heads.

We have been living in this building for so many years, we have a right to take

over the property. Along with Haji, we will get rid of the property ownership

papers as well. No one will be able to give us an eviction notice again. No papers,

no notices. You see.

All are silent with shock and look at Mansoor with fear.

ZULFI

You are proposing that we kill Haji!

EJAZ

I can't even think about it. No, in fact I have thought about it, but it

was mere fantasy.

OLDMAN

Asghar Ali had just hit Haji in the face. And he is in prison for the last six months.

And he got a severe beating in the police station too. You want to destroy us all.,

MANSOOR

Not destroy you, but to save you all. There is no other way. Is there?

OLDMAN

You think we can escape from the grip of the Law? The least we will get will be

14 years.

ZULFl

Yes. This is no way of solving a problem- Instead of solving one, we will end up

With a much bigger problems. And we will never get ownership of the building any

way. Haji has a big family. They will replace him. Don't even think about such a

drastic action.

MANSOOR

There are only two options: Haji lives or we do. Decision is yours. But we don't

have much time.

ZULFI

We will offer him more money.

EJAZ

We will plead with him.

OLDMAN

We will beg for mercy.

MANSOOR

Futile. It will all be futile. You will see.

THE FIRST KNOCK

All are startled and become quiet. Zulfi opens the door.

HAJI

Peace be upon you brothers in faith. Are you all okay? Good. You are all here

today by the grace of God. Why was the door locked from inside? You were not

conspiring or something? Just kidding.

ZULFI

No Haji sahib. May be it was locked at night and we never unlocked.

Haji

Really! Never mind. My Munshi must have discussed this matter. I sent him in

advance, so that you get some time. (softly) So are we moving out tonight?

(silence) Right! Let us sign these papers. Just formalities. You know these legal

matters. Lots of papers and lots of signatures. These bureaucrats, they want

everything properly done. (Takes the papers to every one, they all step back. He

laughs in an embarrassed manner). Oh yes. I forgot to give you the good news. I

have written off the rent you owe me, all of it. This is my gift, farewell gift

Mansoor spits contemptuously.

OLDMAN

Haji, we are poor people. We have nowhere to go. If you throw us out, we will be

left with no shelter. Please let us stay. I beg you. I touch your feet. (kneels before

him) For Allah's sake. In the name of Mohammad, the Prophet. We will do as you

please. We will be your servants forever.

HAJI

Stay away from my feet. Don't embarrass me. Why appeal to religious

sentiments. This is purely a business matter. Why bring Allah and His Prophet in

these earthly matters? Look, I am planning to build a hotel here. So I have to

demolish this wretched old structure. This is going to crumble in any case. It is

dangerous to live here. Your lives are endangered. It is even against the Law.

EJAZ

Don't worry about us, Haji. These roofs will not fall on us, they have sheltered us

for so long.

HAJI

I will make them fall. I have the court's permission to do just that. You get ready

to vacate the premises. My Munshi will come tomorrow with the contractors.

You understand?

EJAZ

Mr. Haji sir, We have been your tenants for such along time. My father was your

tenant too- Now you are pushing us out on the dangerous roads, full of trucks and

cars. Think of the old relationship, at least

HAJI

What none sense. This is business. Relationships don't count here. If I cared for

relationships and niceties, I might have been here with you, getting evicted.

My old man, Senior Haji sahib, used to insist to go for Haj pilgrimage

every year, and that too by air. First he used to do some business while

on Haj, but then he became too Godly, only performing Haj. I remained patient for one

year, two years, three years. Then I told the Doctor to tell the old man that if he

flies, he will have a heart attack. That was the end of the pilgrimages. The moral

of the story is: Don't spare even your own father in business matters. Get it?

OLDMAN

Haji, we are poor and suffering.

HAJI

Go suffer outside.

OLDMAN

Haji, have pity on us.

HAJI

I have written off the outstanding rent. What more do you want? (changing tone)

I don't have much time I have to go to other buildings too, to collect the rent. Just sign.

You know if I get angry, I get mad. You know that, don't you?

ZULFI

Please let us say. We will pay you more rent.

HAJI

(Laughs) More. You can't even pay the existing rent, how will you more.

ZULFI

We will manage. We will work overtime.

HAJI

How much?

ZULFI

(after a pause) Double.!

HAJI

Double? That is very sweet of you, young man. But double means (calculates)

1000 Rupees per month? But you see, this hotel 1 am building, it will give me at

least 30 000 per month from Day One. Get it. I am a clever businessman, you see.

That is why I have 15 such buildings. Now no more discussions. Just get out.

EJAZ

That will be the death of us Haji.

HAJI

Good riddance.

OLDMAN

We will become shelterless.

HAJI

That is fine with me.

EJAZ

Haji, 1 am the only one who has dared to dream in this slum. These people have

never even dreamed of fresh air, whitewashed walls, and light. They know the

consequences of dreaming. And now you want to deprive them of these dark,

rotting walls too. (gets emotional, can’t go on)

BABA

We will die for Pakistan We will live for Pakistan.

JAMIL

Haji, don't be so cruel, so heartless.

HAJI

Oh no, I have a heart, you know that, don't you?

JAMILA

(upset) I mean, we have been living here for so many years.. I have served at

your clinic for 4 years and..

HAJI

(in a lecherous tone) You were paid for your services Miss. I pay in cash. If I hadn't, you and your

unemployed brother would have been thrown out much sooner.

EJAZ

That was no favour. You paid for her work.

HAJI

(meaningful laughter) Work. Yes for her work indeed. But now she is unable to

work, she has this illness. Why should I pay now. There is a limit to charity too.

JAMILA

That is enough Haji. I did everything you ask me to do, to keep my job. I was

humiliated, abused day and night. Only me or my God know what a torture it

was. My whole body, my every limb ached. I spit blood, with every breath. But at

least I had a brother to depend on and these four walls, and now you want to take

them away too. (cries. Baba circles around her)

BABA

Sparrows, fly away. No tea any more. Fly away sparrows.

Ejaz gives Jamila a glass of water.

EJAZ

Jamila, no one can take away your brother or your home from you. We will find

a way out.

HAJI

Oh, really. Will you share the roof with her and may be the bed too!

EJAZ

Mind your tongue.Haji.

HAJI

My God, you have turned my property into a whorehouse.

OLDMAN

Please Haji. Don't say anything like that. We poor people have nothing but our

honour.

HAJI

Honour, my foot! You think you are honourable people. And this woman is not a

slut?

EJAZ

What do you know Haji. This is an honorable self-respecting woman who has

been running her household by working so hard.

HAJI

And you are flirting with her so openly, you are doing something very

honourable, I suppose!

ZULFI

Shut up Haji.

HAJJ

If she was so honourable, she could have said No. I did not force her into this.

Now she claims to have honour.

EJAZ

Stop it Haji. Not a word more!

JAMILA

Let him speak- Let this gutter be opened.

OLDMAN

Jamila,, What are you saying? Go inside, will you.

HAJI

Not inside but outside. All of you.

JAMILA

(Hysterically) And you think you are God Almighty. You can reward whoever

you please and punish whoever displeases you. You are beyond reach or

accountability? You can insult whoever you want to? But your day will come.

You will have to pay for each and every sin you have committed, every dirty deed

you have done with me. You have exploited my weaknesses, you bastard,

EJAZ

Jamila! Say no more.

HAJI

Haji pays for whatever services he commissions. Here is your payment till last

night. And now don't bother to come to work. I have found another much younger

and healthier woman, (throws the money) Take it. Are you embarrassed in front

of your brother and that lover of yours. You used to snatch it from my hands and

give me a big kiss in return, you creature of the gutter..

JAMILA

I spit on you and your money. Yes. I am from the gutter. I have lived all my life in

this gutter. But what about you. You wear these spotless white clothes and pretend

to be a pious man, a Haji. I will tear away this mask of piety from your ugly face.

I spit on your piety.

Spits on his face. Gets wild. Haji stops her and slaps her.

HAJI

You bitch, you whore. You can be fucked for ten Rupee.

ZULFI

Leave her Haji. Don't touch her.

OLDMAN

Will someone stop this horrible man? Haji, let go other.

Ejaz and Zulfi separate the two. Jamila runs inside crying. Haji composes

himself.

HAJI

You are all behaving as if you did not know, you bastards. You looked the other

way because it suited you. Now your honour has suddenly been aroused. You are

all dishonourable people. You are the pimps of your mothers and sisters. Leave

my building this minute. I cannot have such wicked people in my property. The

contractor will come in the morning to demolish the building and whoever is here

will be buried alive. And if anyone tries to resist, my gunmen will spray him with

bullets.

In the meanwhile, Mansoor gets up and starts moving in Haji's direction. Haji

doesn 't notice him at first. Ejaz hides his face.

MANSOOR

The building will not be vacated, Haji.

HAJI

How dare you say that? You will vacate it.

MANSOOR

(loudly) No, we will not.

HAJI

(surprised) Keep your voice down.

MANSOOR

No, I will not keep my voice down any more. We have been silent for too long.

We will shout now. So loudly that your eardrums will burst.

HAJI

Don't scare me with your volume. I can also shout.

MANSOOR

You will not be able to, soon.

HAJI

What bullshit are you talking. Old Man! Tell him to shut up. Now, you just leave,

all of you, and don't make any trouble. My people have klashinkov guns. I will

send them tomorrow. If they see anyone here, they will be very angry. You will

be lucky if the police lock you up alive. You know Haji never lies and gets mad

when he is angry. You know that, don't you? (to Mansoor) Keep away from me.

What are you looking at, why are staring at me like this?

Mansoor gets close to Haji

OLDMAN

Give us a few more days Haji.

HAJI

No more time. Get the hell out of here by the morning. I will check myself after

the morning prayers.

Mansoor holds him from collar.

HAJI

Leave me. Are you mad. You want to hang upside down in the lock-up.

MANSOOR

We have been hanging upside down for years. Now it is your turn,

Zulfi fries to stop Mansoor. Mansoor pushes him away. Ejaz looks in surprise.

Old Man is frightened. Ejaz gets up and Mansoor signals him to come and help.

Haji is frightened now.

HAJI

Mansoor, let me go. Listen to me. You can stay on. You can all stay on. I will

give you a job in my hotel, right here. What do you think. (Mansoor holds him

from the neck) I will give money for your sister's treatment. Please let go. I am a

heart patient. For God's sake. Have pity. I have small children- Help me

someone.. Save me in the name of the Prophet Mohammad. I won't charge rent

from you. You all live here as long as you...

Mansoor strangles Haji. Ejaz helps and puts his hand on Haji 's mouth. Zulfi

holds Haji's feet. Old Man is stunned. Old Woman shuts the window. Haji's body

stops writhing. They leave him. The dead body falls to the ground. Silence.

Everyone is in a state of shock, panting. Jamila enters.

JAMILA

(enters, not knowing what has happened) Why it is so quiet. Brother, has the rascal

gone?

She notices the dead body and is about to scream in horror. Mansoor jumps up

and put a hand on her mouth.

MANSOOR

Control yourself. Not a sound, okay ?

Jamila nods and Mansoor takes his hand away.

JAMILA

(Controlling herself, in a frightened voice) Is he dead? (Mansoor nods. Jamila

goes closer and examines the dead body) What an ugly and repulsive dead body!

Others are still stunned. Mansoor put her hand on Jamila's head. to comfort her.

Jamila starts sobbing and the coughing. Ejaz, who is sitting with his face covered

by his hands, gets up and sits by Jamila. Zulfi also comes on Jamila's other side.

ZULFI

What have we done? (Silence) What will happen now?

Silence. Mansoor looks at Zulfi and Ejaz

MANSOOR

Now we are free!

Ejaz and Zulfi look at him with amazement

JAMILA

Free?

MANSOOR

Yes, free. Haji is dead, Jamila. I have killed him. We have. His evil shadow is no

longer hovering over us.

ZULFI

We have committed murder. And the punishment of murder is....

MANSOOR

We have acted in self-defence. If we had not killed him, we would have been

dead. We have exercised our right to live, which he was denying us. Now we

have gained the right to live in our homes with dignity and security. No one will

be able to evict us. No one will humiliate us for rent payments. No one will be

able to dishonour our mothers and sisters. Now we are all free. (everyone looks at

him in utter shock. Mansoor gets more and more excited He goes to Zulfi) You

will not have to drive rickshaw on overtime at night, (to old man) You will not

have to become refugee all over again, (to Jamila) Haji was a nightmare, which is

over now. We have woken up. (to Ejaz) Now this roof will not fall on you Ejaz.

Now you will be able to save the rent money to pay your college dues and get

your degree released. Just think, Haji is no more. This building is liberated- You

are free. Have you forgotten what freedom means? Have you been slaves for so

long that you have forgotten that you were born free? Believe me, this building

will be transformed. I will transform it, I assure you. Are you with me. Come on,

speak up. Are you with me?

EJAZ

(asking himself) Did you say transformed?

MANSOOR

Yes, that is what I said. Where is that plan of yours? Now is the time to implement

it.

EJAZ

My plan? But Baba burnt it. (has an idea) But I can make another plan It is all in

my head.

MANSOOR

Come on people. Zulfi, why do you have such a long face? This is no time to

mourn. This is time to celebrate-

ZULFI

Celebrate? I was just thinking that when they'll find out that we have...

MANSOOR

No one will find out. If you help me, everything will be alright, {goes to Old man

but he turns away) Believe me. The first thing to do is to dispose off the dead

body.

EJAZ

Yes, but how?

ZULFI

We should not delay this. Before any of Haji's men comes this way.

JAMILA

Brother, how did this happen. What will happen now?

MANSOOR

(patting her on the shoulder) You go in Jamila and lie down. Everything will be

okay.

Jamila looks at the body and goes in. Mansoor sees her in and then returns with a

new confident and leader-like look.

MANSOOR

We will throw the body in the sewer, with a weight tied. No one will know.

EJAZ

But how will we take it outside in broad daylight?

ZULFI

This can only be done at night. Let us hide it somewhere till dark.

EJAZ

Make sure Bi Hajjan doesn't see us.

OLDMAN

I bet she is seeing everything right now.

Bi shuts the half-open -window. Suddenly there is knock at the door. Everyone is

startled. Mansoor signals and Ejaz and Zulfi drag the body to one corner and

hide if. Another knock. Mansoor gestures to Zulfi to open the door. Zulfi catches

his breath and opens the door. Munshi barges in and looks around in a suspicious

way.

MUNSHI

Why was the door shut? What was going on here?

ZULFI

Door? Was it shut? May be it was closed since last night.

MUNSHI

Since last night? You moron, I was here a few hours ago. I have an eagle's eye,

you know. (looks around) Did Haji sahib come?

EJAZ

No, he hasn't come yet. We have been waiting for him as a matter of fact.

MUNSHI

Waiting for him? Really! (sarcastically, mimicking) We are very keen to see Haji

sahib, are we? If you are here tomorrow morning, you will see some one else, the

police torturer (seriously) Haji sahib will come shortly to get your signatures or

thumb impressions. You better do it quietly, like good boys. Okay? Otherwise

there will even more trouble for you all. He might insist that you pay your arrears

before you are allowed to leave the prison, (comes closer to Ejaz and Zulfi, who

are standing in front of the place where the body is hidden) Strange, he should

have been here by now. He left the house quiet a while ago.

EJAZ

He didn't come here, honest.

Mansoor stares at Ejaz. Ejaz stops. Munshi looks at him suspiciously.

MUNSHI

What are you signaling each other. Are you up to something?

EJAZ

Nothing- It is something private.

MUNSHI

You cannot have private things here any more. I know what is going on. I always

know. I have an eagle's eye.

MANSOOR

Now will you get out of here. Your Haji is not here.

MUNSHI

(somewhat intimidated) I am going. I will sort every one out, (to himself) Hasn't

come yet. Where could he be? (looks at others suspiciously) What happened to

him?

Munshi goes out. Ejaz quickly bolts the door and every one relaxes.

EJAZ

He almost got suspicious.

ZULFI

That was close.

MANSOOR

Now no one can evict us. (sits down confidently This building is ours now.

EJAZ

(with a fearful laughter) Yes, it is ours now. We own it.

ZULFI

(with mixed emotions of happiness and concern) Haji is gone but that doesn't

mean that this property is ours now.

EJAZ

(laughingly) One who lives in, has the ownership rights.

Gradually the atmosphere of fear gives way to the feeling of happiness. Old man

also gets involved. Ejaz laughs. Mansoor and Zulfi join him. Ejaz gets up.

EJAZ

(hums) What do we want?... Freedom

Workers want... Freedom

Students want... Freedom

Zulfi wants... Freedom

Ejaz wants..... Freedom

Others also join in. They all sing in a slogan-like manner. Jamila looks out and

smiles.

Jamila wants.. Freedom

Bare Mian wants ,.. Freedom

Bi Hajjan wants.- Freedom

Bengali wants .... Freedom

Baba wants... Freedom

Speak out loud.... Freedom

Bi Hajjan looks from the window and smiles. They get exhausted and sit down.

OLDMAN

What are you doing: Have you all gone mad. You have just killed somebody and

you are celebrating, (others look at Old man with surprise). Rather than think

about disposing of the dead body (others relax)

EJAZ

Bare Mian, This is a time to celebrate. We are celebrating our freedom. Don't be a

Spoilsport..

OLDMAN

Freedom! Freedom is not easy to get. You have to sacrifice a lot for it. I sacrificed

my baby daughter for it and still did not get freedom.

MANSOOR

You don't get freedom on a platter. You have to snatch it away. We have

snatched away our freedom.

EJAZ

Ladies and gentlemen. Silence please. Quiet! Now that our building has been

liberated, now that we have become masters of our own destiny, it is imperative

that we run this place in an organized manner. First of all we should elect an

administrator for the building, (voices of agreement) Having a leader is important

for the unity and strength of the building. A leader whom we trust.

BENGALI

What is an administrator, brother?

Others: "Keep quiet".

EJAZ

Administrator, our leader, our prime minister. (Bengali nods excitedly) And who

will be more appropriate for this position but Mansoor bhai. (claps of approval)

So Ladies and Gentlemen, I propose the name of Mansor-ul-Haq for the post of

The Administrator.

ZULFI

And I second it. Do you all agree?

ALL

Yes we do..

All raise hands

EJAZ

Mr Mansoor-ul-Haq, I congratulate you on your unopposed election as the

Administrator of the building. I hope you will fulfill your duties with utmost

responsibility and honesty.

MANSOOR

Thank you, thank you all. I assure you that I will do my very best to come up to

your expectations.. The conditions of this building are really bad. But if we all get

united and work hard, we can turn things around. We can bring a revolution and

set an example for other such buildings.

ZULF1

Here here. I agree. We can change things if we get united.

EJAZ

Mansoor bhai, my plan.

MANSOOR

(smiles) Yes, where is it. Bring it.

EJAZ

(patting Baba on shoulder) 1 will draw another plan. I will work day and night.

ZULFI

I will work over time in night shift, and give all extra income for the welfare of

the building.

MANSOOR

And you. Bare Mian.

OLDMAN

I have nothing left to give.

EJAZ

Yes, we will create a Building Welfare Fund and collect donations, (points

towards the lamppost in one comer) Look, there has been no bulb here for the

last 6 months. And we need light here, even in the daytime. And there is no

garbage bin and you see the result. There is garbage everywhere.

OLDMAN

And causes illness as well.

EJAZ

Yes, also illness, (thinks) and we will get Jamila proper medical care-

MANSOOR

Yes, That will be done. Don't worry- Yes. what else we will do?

EJAZ

What else? We will have a water pump in the courtyard. You must know some

one in the Water Department? Or may be Zulfi does-

ZULFI

I do know someone. 1 will ask him. And Gas?

MANSOOR

Yes, we will have to do something about it quickly. We will meet the Minister as

a delegation. That works with these political leaders.

EJAZ

Gas is a long shot. Let us have the water pump first.

ZULFI

Gas is important these days. If we have gas connection, fuel bill wilt be much less

and we will be able to cook on a gas cooker and have heating in the Winter.

EJAZ

Now you have started dreaming. We should prioritize and focus on things which

need urgent attention.

OLDMAN

I think first of all we should have these walls repaired. We always live in the fear

that they might fall down any moment.

BI

And what about the sewerage? They should be covered. Dirty water keeps on

leaking all day and there is stench all around. {Bengali looks at the dead body)

You Bengali, what are you doing there. You keep on snooping here and there.

This building is now free. There is no place for the like of you.

OLDMAN

Leave the poor orphan alone, woman. This building has enough room for all of

us.

JAMILA

I want to start a school in the courtyard, where children from our buildings and

others in the neighbourhood can come and study,

BENGALI

Yes sister, I will also join that school-

ZULFI

You are too old for that. Boy. You should learn some skill. Why don't you learn

tailoring from Bare Mian!

OLDMAN

Yes, why not. He has a knack- He sews shirt buttons very well.

JAMILA

And we will plant roses and other flower plants in the flowerbed. Our courtyard

will be full of flowers, blue, pink, red flowers, flowers of all colours. And I will

water the plants in the morning and in the evening-

EJAZ

With the water pump. Yes, Jamila, there will be plenty of fresh water. Your

flowers will bloom not in months but in weeks. This building will become a..

JAMILA

A flower garden, Ejaz. A colourful and beautiful garden.

MANSOOR

Yes, it will happen. Impossible will become possible.

EJAZ

(raises slogan) We have won ...

ALL

Freedom

EJAZ

Zulfi has won...

ALL

Freedom

EJAZ

Say it loudly

ALL

Freedom.

BABA

(happily) Zindbad, bad.

ALL

Long live Baba Yousaf

Long live the Birds

THE SECOND KNOCK

Every one is startled and suddenly there is a fearful silence. Another knock. They

look at each other. On Mansoor 's gesture, Ejaz gets up and opens the door and

then steps back as if mesmerized and a low shriek comes out of his mouth. Haji

enters, smiling as before. Every one is stunned out of fear. Bi Hajjan shuts the

window. Haji smiles at everyone like the first time. Ejaz hides behind Mansoor.

Old Man is trembling and reciting a prayer. Mansoor is still and is staring at

Haji.

EJAZ

Mansoor Bhai, Haji's ghost.

OLDMAN

(recites) Jal too jalal too. Oh God take away this creature of the other world.

(looking towards Mansoor) I told you not to..

BABA

(in his own thoughts) People become birds after death. They become birds and

fly freely.

MANSOOR

(whispers) No, it is not a ghost. It is real. Haji in flesh.

EJAZ

And the Haji we killed! Who was he?

ZULFI

Yes, If this is Haji, who was he? (suddenly) The body!

Zulfi and Ejaz go and check the place where they hid the body.

EJAZ

( comes to Mansoor and whispers in his ears) The body is not there.

MANSOOR

Not there? Then.. it means .. we did not kill him fully.

ZULFI

May be this is Haji's brother.

EJAZ

May be we killed him in our dream. May be it was all a dream, a collective

dream! A dream made up of our wishes..

MANSOOR

We did not strangle hard enough. He survived.

HAJI

Peace be on you, brothers in faith. Are you all okay? Today everyone is here..

That is good. Why was the door closed?

ZULFI

(hesitantly) May be it was closed from the previous night.

HAJI

{Laughs) Oh, really? Okay, Nur Din must have talked to you about the matter. I

had sent him as advance party, (softly) So you are vacating tonight? Yes? Then

sign these papers. Only legal formalities. These bureaucrats want every thing

done properly, you see.

Takes the papers to all one by one, they all turn away. Mansoor, Ejaz and Zulfi

whisper at the back.

EJAZ

This is the real Haji.

MANSOOR

He is not fully dead.

OLDMAN

(to Haji) Haji, we are very poor. We are barely surviving here in this building.

Please do not evict us from here. I beg of you. For the sake of Allah, Mohammad

the Prophet. You are a Haji, you have been to the pilgrimages.

HAJI

Old man, why bring religion into business Why make me feel bad, as if I am

sinning. But this is business I am building a new building here. This one is too

old. It can collapse any time. It can fall over you.

EJAZ

This building has given us shelter for so many years, it will not fall over us.

HAJI

Oh it will, I will make sure that it does.

EJAZ

Haji, we have been your tenants for generations. My brother was your tenant too.

At least think of the relationship-.

HAJI

Son, if I began thinking of relationships, I might have been with you, getting

evicted. Did I tell you about the senior Haji sahib. He would go for Haj

pilgrimage every year, and would insist on flying to Mecca.. I told the family

doctor to tell him that he had a heart condition and if he flew again, his heart will

fail.

ZULFI

Haji, We will give you more rent, you can double the rent.

HAJI

Oh really. That's very nice of you. But how much will double be, A few hundred,

at the most a thousand per month. But I will earn 30,000 Rupees a day from the

hotel. I am going to build. Now just get out of here quickly.

OLDMAN

We will become shelterless.

HAJI

Who stops you. But be shelterless elsewhere.

EJAZ

(pointing towards Baba) His whole family was cut down in the Partition riots. He

is all alone now. (Pointing towards old man) And he was robbed of everything.

He came to this country with just the clothes he was wearing.. (Jamila coughs)

And her youth has been eaten up by the worms of hunger and (towards Mansoor)

he is an outstanding plumber, but there is no job for him. These people never even

dared to dream of light and fresh air.

BABA

Long live, zinda bad bad. Pakistan or death.

JAMILA

Haji, don't be so cruel. We are already suffering greatly.

HAJI

But you are also cruel Jamila. You take the money but do not give proper service.

I give you cash, you don't do the work for free.

JAMILA

You are a rascal. I have suffered daily humiliation in your employment. And now

this is what I get in return!

HAJI

If you were so honourable, you should have said "no". I did not abduct you or

force you.

EJAZ

Shut up Haji.

HAJI

Why, are you her lover too?

JAMILA

Who do you think you are. God Almighty? You can reward anyone you please

and punish whoever displeases you? But there will be a day of reckoning. You

will have to pay for all your black deeds one day.

HAJI

Shut up, you insolent woman. You dare to speak that way to me. (slaps her) You

all are people with no shame. You are pimps of your mothers and sisters. Just get

the hell out of here. Otherwise I will bury you alive under the debris of this

building.

MANSOOR

(Rises and moves towards Haji, speaking in a determined loud voice) This

building will not be vacated.

HAJI

(surprised) What?

MANSOOR

(shouts) It will not be vacated.

HAJI

Do not try to intimidate me with this screaming. I can scream too.

MANSOOR

We will not leave you in a condition to scream.

Ejaz and Zulfl join Mansoor. Mansoor holds Haji by the neck.

HAJI

Let go of me. I can be very nasty when I get angry. Leave me,, listen to me.. -

Okay, you can stay here, let others go... I will even give you a job at the new

hotel. I beg you.. I have small children.. For the sake of God and the Prophet..

Okay, you all can live here.. I can even write off the rent..

They all join hands in murdering Haji, just like the first time. Bengali also joins

them. Haji is killed. They leave his body, which drops on the floor. They are

panting. Silence for a few moments. They are less shocked this time.

ZULFI

Now the bastard is surely dead. (looks at others). Well done.

EJAZ

Yes, now the real Haji is really dead.

MANSOOR

I strangled him very hard this time, to make sure that he stopped breathing. Now

we have got rid of the body of this evil man.

JAMILA

(peeps from the door, in a low voice) Is he dead?

EJAZ

Yes, he is.

ZULFI

He is definitely dead.

JAMILA

Now what?

ZULFI

Let us hide the body.

They hide the body and return satisfied. There is silence. Then Ejaz leads the

slogans of freedom like the first time. They raise loud slogans, laugh and

congratulate each other.

MANSOOR

Okay, Ejaz, what are the plans now?

EJAZ

We will start work on the reform plan from tomorrow Mansoor bhai. I will give a

copy by tomorrow.

BENGALI

Ejaz Bhai, You just tell me what to do and I will do it. I will make this building

shine like a brand new one.

ZULFI

I will go and earn some money. We will need that for the plan.

There is a knock. They all get frightened. After moments of silence, Mansoor

signals Ejaz and he goes and opens the door. Munshi and two police men barge

in.

POLICE 1

Where is Haji sahib?

MUNSHI

Officer, These are the ones, they have done something to Haji sahib.

MANSOOR

What nonsense.

MUNSHI

You will soon find out who is talking sense and who is not. The cigarette and

Paan (beetle leaves) vendor saw Haji sahib going into the building and they say he never came

here, (mimicking) we are ourselves waiting for him.

POLICE 2

Tell us where Haji sahib is. If you don't tell the truth, terrible torture awaits you..

You will be skinned alive. What did you did with Haji sahib.

ZULFI

Officer sir, Haji never came this way. You must be mistaken.

MUNSHI

He is lying sir. They have done something to him because he was to give them the

eviction orders.

Policemen search the place. They spot Bengali sitting close to the boxes behind

which is the booty hidden They beat him up

POLICE 1

He looks very suspicious. You rascal, tell us about Haji sahib. Where is he, what

did they do to him?

BENGALI

I don't know Sir. Honest.

POLICE 2

(beating him up) You have the looks of a criminal. Who are your associates?

Where are they?

ZULFI

Why would we harm Haji? We knew the consequences. It would have been like

committing suicide.

Policeman I grabs Ejaz,

POLICE MAN 1

Speak up you son of a bitch. You have killed Haji, haven't you?

Police 2 brings Jamila from inside

POLICEMAN 2

She was crying inside. It seems she knows something. Tell us you wretched

woman, where is Haji, where is the dead body?

MANSOOR

Leave her alone. She doesn't anything.

Ejaz struggles with the Policeman to free Jamila. Other policeman pushes him

back.

POLICE 1

I warn you not to resist the police. Otherwise you will be in much deeper

trouble. You know the consequences of police encounters?

EJAZ

(crying) But we haven't done anything, we don't know anything.

POLICE 2

(grabbing the Old Man and roughing him up) Old man, you tell us where is the

dead body. What have you done with it, you old swine.

Old man keeps quiet. Bi hajj an peeps from the window)

BI

Why are you beating up my old man. He did not do a thing. He is totally innocent.

He was sitting on one side when they were...

Policemen draw the inference and look at others in a searching way.

POLICE 2

So you are the ones , (in a loud and threatening voice) Where is the body? No

more games. Out with the truth.

Policeman 1 looks around. When he gets close to the boxes, Jamila is startled and

the policeman gets suspicious. He goes at the back and then calls the other

policeman

POLICE 1

Come here Mohammad Hussain-

Both policemen drag the body out

MUNSHI

My God, they really killed him! You murderers, you looked so weak and

cowardly! Now each of you will be hanged, hanged many times, (goes close to

the body, checks it) He is really dead.

POLICEl

Yes, he is dead alright. Strangled to death, (turns to the people) You admit your

crime (they are silent) Why are you quiet now, you bastards, you terrorists, you

dare to challenge the law. You are under arrest.

BI

But don't arrest my old man. He didn't do anything. They are the ones who killed

Haji (gets hysterical) Mansoor strangled him. Ejaz and Zulfi held him. They

gagged him so that he can not scream. Zulfi held the legs, Ejaz held the head.

Mansoor pressed the throat. I saw it myself. They are the killers, all of them.

(exaggerating) My old man kept on pleading with them not to do it. He was going

to inform the police but these people did not let him. They threatened to strangle

him too.

MANSOOR

This Is true. These people did not participate in the murder. I did it all by myself.

JAMILA

(hugs Mansoor and cries) Brother!

EJAZ

No, I also was a part of it I put a hand on his mouth...

ZULFI

I was with them too. I too killed Haji.

BI

They are telling the truth. But my old man did not do anything. I saw the whole

thing. I swear upon God.

POLICE 2

(to Mansoor) Is she telling the truth?

Mansoor nods. Policemen let old man go and arrest the rest.

POLICE 1

Where did that Bengali go? He ran away, the son of a bitch.

POLICE 2

Where can he go. For him, there is no refuge in this country.

Policemen take Mansoor, Ejaz and Zulfi away. Bi Hajjan keeps on speaking.

BI

They killed him. I saw it with my own eyes. This Mansoor strangled him.. My

man was sitting on the side, not doing a thing. He even pleaded with them not to..

OLDMAN

(Shouts at the top of his voice) Shut up you stupid woman.

Bi Hajjan stops abruptly. Jamila is sobbing in a corner. Old man goes to her and

puts a hand on her head.

OLDMAN

(to Bi Hajjan) You unfortunate woman. You don't even realize what you have

done. You think you have saved me and yourself from trouble by putting the

blame on others. You think we will be not touched if others are charged with

murder. You have not learnt from your mistakes, have you? Have you thought

who will protect us after the arrest of these people. Who will take care of this

building, s. We are defenceless at this age. All young men have been arrested.

BI

Do you mean I should have let them take you to jail as well. They can stand

police torture but you would not have survived for a day. I did it to protect you

and myself.

OLDMAN

But you have never realized that your welfare is linked to the welfare of others.

JAMILA

What will happen now Uncle. What will happen to us. To them? (cries) They

must be torturing them badly.

OLDMAN

There is one thing. At least we have this building. Now Haji is really dead and he

can not come back from the dead to evict us. God willing, our boys will be

released soon and then ...

JAMILA

(change of mood to more hopeful one) Yes, Ejaz has a friend who is a lawyer. We

should go and see him.

OLDMAN

Yes, we need to get a lawyer.

Bengali enters quietly and looks around

BENGALI

Have they gone. Have they taken everyone?

No one answers. Bengali checks behind the boxes. Jamila coughs and goes in.

BI

Hey you, Bengali. You have come back to destroy our building. You have no

shame. It has all happened because of you. You had made this place filthy and

suspicious. That is why Haji gave the notice. Now there is no place for you in this

building. Get out of here this instant. And take all your filthy luggage. What are

you waiting for. Do you want me to throw you out physically.

Bengali looks at Old man who is lost in thoughts. He gathers his belongings and

goes out.

BENGALI

I will come back when they return. Bye.

OLDMAN

(suddenly coming to senses) Where are you going. Listen.. Bengali!

JAMILA

(returns) Where has the Bengali gone?

OLDMAN

He has left.

JAMILA

But for where. He has no place to go to!

OLDMAN

He said he will come back when others will.. What did he mean by that?

JAMILA

And you let him go? Why?

BI

How could we let him stay here. He is professional thief. He could have emptied

the whole place. I know the like of him.

JAMILA

He was not a thief Auntie. He was an orphan, a shelterless boy. That was not a

good thing to do.

Baba drinks tea and starts going round and round.

BABA

My birds, 1 am coming to you. I will also become a bird. Wait for me. We will fly

together. Wait for me.

Suddenly goes out. Jamila calls.

JAMILA

Baba, where are you going. There is a lot of traffic out there. Don't go out.

OLDMAN

I will bring him back.. You close the door-

Old man goes out. Jamila shuts the door.

THE THIRD KNOCK

There, is silence. Knock again. Bi peeps from the -window. Jamila gets up on the

third knock and opens the door and comes back to continue her cleaning.

JAMILA

Come Uncle. Did you find Baba?

After a pause, Haji enters again. He is smiling like before. He looks around

HAJl

Peace be upon you, brothers in faith. Are you all okay? Good, every one is here

today. Why was the door shut?

Jamila turns back and looks at Haji in a mesmerized manner. Silence. Jamila

gets up. There is a new strength in her and hatred like that of her brother. She

moves towards Haji.

HAJI

The door? May be it was locked from last night.

Jamila' s hands move towards Haji's neck. Action is frozen. Bi shuts the window.

Lights go off. Haji’s loud scream in the dark.

Written and translated by Shahid Nadeem
24-A Sarwar Road Lahore Cantt
Pakistan
e-mail: shahidmnadeem@hotmail.com

First performed in 1993 in Urdu in Lahore
First staged reading of English version in September 2001, at Highways Theatre, Santa Moni