Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
DASTAAN (Based on the novel 'Bano' by Razia Butt)
Bibi ji (Madam ji) Bibi Ji! The jeweller has arrived
Well ask him in. Come Come
Are the jewellery sets ready?
All are ready, you can see them now
Thank God you're here, I was about to send someone to your shop to look for you
How can I not have the jewellery ready on time for the daughter of sir Miraj, on her wedding.
I am indebted to him
Well said. Men may die but their deeds remain
Ok, show us.
Mashallah!
Ahh! Exceptionally beautiful
How lovely it is
Where is the one I gave?
It's almost ready. Young Bibi has kept asking for that one
Well ofcourse, she chose that one herself
I will show this to Suriya
Only the string remains on that set.
You're making excuses, I know there's not much to do
(she sings wedding songs)
It's come, show me?
So shameless! I'm going to tell bibi ji
On my life! Show it to me?
I asked the jeweller to change the string on this
No, it's perfect.
How beautiful the jewels look
Even if they were upside down, you'd love them
Why? Don't you like them?
NO, it's lovely. I'll put it on you
No.
It's bad luck
There's no such bad luck!
Look how beautiful it looks
How would I know? I'm not even allowed to look in a mirror
You are as beautiful as the moon, so ofcourse it will sparkle on you
Stop lying. I look like the moon in this yellow suit?
Yes a yellow moon!
You put it on to make fun of me?
No! Only to see, if it looks so good on you in this state, then how good will it look after your wedding?
How good?
So good that the groom will not want to leave the bedroom!
Rachini! Shameless! Stop!
All thanks to God, everything is being arranged so well
Yes many thanks to God
How would you know? You've not been in Ludiana for long, how would you know who has done what?
Bhabi (brother's wife), even in Amritsar we have heard how Rasheeda has done every preparation herself
No, people tend to exaggerate. The whole family comes together to help in a wedding
I didn't have a care for my own daughters wedding, but Suriya's wedding should be spectacular.
Otherwise people will blame me and say I behaved like a stranger. You were relaxing in Amritsar.
Rasheeda is a widow, so who had to bear the responsibility? Us!
Yes, what you did isn't meager. I just wish, I was here to help
Hmm, many here to help. Deewan sahib (sir) has said he himself will greet all guests.
I just don't understand why Rasheeda sent her son Hassan to University at such a time.
My poor Munnu, such a burden on his shoulders. He's put all the bunting up with the boys of the neighbourhood
Our neighbourhood is so united
She's right, don't you worry. Everything will get done
Umm, I'll make some tea, you must be thirsty.
(imitates her)
I would never drink her tea.
Whenever she comes she makes hurtful comments.
I'll make the tea for you
Bhaabi
Why did you come, I'm making the tea
How can the younger sister-in law sit while the older bhabi works?
Are you being sarcastic?
Why would I be so disrespectful. Don't take Sakina Bhabi's comments to heart
You have a bigger heart than me, only you can cope with such a woman for so many years
She's not bad at heart
Everything bad comes out of her mouth so why would her heart remain bad?
I don't know what problem she has with me. Whenever I come she makes such hurtful comments.
I shouldn't bother coming.
What are you saying? You'd stop seeing the family because of her?
Sometimes I suspect she's jealous. She even insulted the earings I brought (as a wedding present).
Lets change the topic
When is hassan arriving?
Thursday Inshallah (God wiling)
His last year at university?
Yes, soon his grandfather's dreams will be fulfilled
Yes, he had a dream for hassan to become a engineer like his father.
You've done it all without the help of your in-laws.
By excluding you from your husbands inheritance, they did a great injustice.
I've forgotten it all bhabi, you forget it too
Saliha, Mashallah! Banu is looking radiant
Yes, Mashallah. I've had 2-3 proposals for her. I'm thinking straight after Saleem's wedding I'll get her engaged too
Eh? She won't study further?
She's passed 10 year groups Kamini, it's enough.
I said the same, but Savitri and her father would not listen. She won't marry until after college (18 years old)
Bano wanted the same but I refused her immediately.She needs to learn housework.She's embroidering things for her dowry now, very well. Mashallah.
Bano is very accomplished. My Savitri can't even put thread into a needle.
Kamini leave her be! she made such tasty potato curry that day
Hmmm, she can feed her husband that every day!
Kamini stop picking on her. Tell me, have you seen the clothes I had made for the bride?
Yes, lovely! I also went to Suriya's and saw all her jewellery. I was speechless at how much jewellery she's been given.
I tried to stop Rasheeda from spending so much, we're not strangers after all
They are highly respectable people. They wouldn't want anyone to say that Suriya's brothers did nothing for her because their parents are dead.
Not to mention Rashida's given her most valuable necklace to her.
Rasheeda is a brave woman. Since being widowed, she's come back to her family home and takes care of everyone. She treats Suriya like a daughter, not sister
Suriya is the same age as Hassan?
Hassan considers Suriya more a sister, than his aunt. Saleem not arrived yet?
Must be on his way
What happened? Where are you going child? She's completely clueless!
My present?
Already?
I want to see what you brought me
No wonder I got such a warm welcome. Greedy!
You're calling me greedy?!
Yes and covetous
It is not greed but my right as your sister
Ok, I'll give you a penny or two
No, I want a complete ring
So half a ring won't do? You can have the other half on Faheem's wedding
I want a complete ring and on your wedding
Hmm, think of how difficult it is for your brother. I've spent all the money on presents for my bride. How will I buy you a ring?
All that for your bride, not even a ring for your sister. Go, I won't talk to you.
"My Mother!" What happened
Bano my child, what's happened?
Nothing
But you went so happily to greet your brother, what happened? he said something?
Salaam Bibi
Wa Alaikum Assalaam.May you live long
Namastey Kaamini aunty
May you be happy always
She went so happily to find you, what did you say to upset her?
No, I said nothing but the truth. Kamini aunty tell me is a penny or two not enough for her?
Why are yoou teasing her?
I'm only asking her
I want a ring not pennies. I will take it off your brides finger if I have to!
Why would anyone dare to do that to my daughter in law?
Exactly. Ok fine take a rupee or two
I'm not a barber that I will take a rupee or two. I want a ring like the one Savitri's brother gave to her on his wedding.
But her father is wealthy, how can my son compete, he's only just got a job.
You're taking his side also?! I'm not speaking to either of you
Then who is left for you to speak to greedy?
I'm going to Bhabi (sister in law) to complain about you
Bano stop! where are you going?
To see bhabi
Now?
She won't even admit you, she's in 'purdah' now until the wedding. You are the grooms sister, you'll have to wait to see her now
We'll see
So mischevious, why do you tease her?
I enjoy it
Here, it's done
Hassan you're unbelievable. It's the last year, you should concentrate on studies & leave the work for the party.
I can neither betray my studies nor Muslim League.
Tell me, are you going to the 'Jalsa' (demonstration)
Yes Inshallah but preparing for an exam now, When will you return from Ludhiana?
In 3 days
3? Then you'll miss the jalsa
Both studies and the jalsa will suffer but there is a wedding at home & I promised mother 15 days.
This is why you should prioritise your studies. You have to pass and fulfil your mother & grandfather's dreams
All dreams can be sacrificed for the dream of Iqbal. My life included, nevermind the studies.
It's pointless to argue with you
Right where are we distributing these?
Here and in the jalsa at Lahore. I'll go now.
Take care of yourself
Now 'sir' Gullu, leave the poetry and concentrate on your studies.
Listen Parveen, why are these things lying here again? Is Hassan's room ready? Now move these things.
What happened? everything well?
I'm angry with your groom
Tell me what he's done.I will punish him
I know you're also in the enemy's camp
Are there others?
Everybody, bibi also.You know, what I'm getting on your wedding?
What?
Penny or two!
When I objected he offered a ruppee. I refused straight.
Didn't you tell him what you wanted
I told him last year on savitri's wedding! Now he says he has no money
Hmm that's not good.You've first rights as his sister
Exactly, but who will convince him
Will you?
What can I do? infact, if someone sees you here then we're in trouble
Well I've decided I'm going to the wedding with your party, not his
Such anger? Well good, then you can welcome everyone when they arrive
I had such dreams to accompany brother's wedding procession. Nevermind
That's fine but what will happen to the bangles (gold) he's bought for you
Bangles? Who told you?
The jeweller, they've made the same pair as mine
Really?
You've been away a long time
I was busy with studies uncle, how are you?
Fine, let's go?
Yes
Off we go my child!
How are the wedding preparations going, have you heard?
All ludhiana is involved. Miraj ud Din's daughter and Naseer sir's son are getting married afterall.
Really?
As hot as it is, Lidhuana's weather is somehow pleasant isn't it?
You've improved it by arriving Hassan sir
What are you saying? Uncle I would have walked, you shouldn't have come to pick me up
Hassan sir your family would be hurt if I had ignored you like that. (it's a close knit community)
It's so nice to be back
Stop here uncle. Faheem?!
You've arrived! How was your journey?
Very good. Tell me how's it going?
Nothing's 'going'. I'm running around for the wedding.
Us men get trapped with chores, whilst women sit down with henna on their hands.
I've tried hiding but have been found and tasked with collecting earings from the jeweller.
Well you are the grooms brother, you'll be put to work
Easy for you to say, you've not been here
(Pastry anyone, come and get it!)
Truly, I've missed many a joy here due to studies
How is everyone else?
All well except for brother Saleem. We have to hold onto his legs to prevent him from flying to the clouds (with happiness)
Hmm, becoming quite the joker. Why, have you been thinking of a certain lady in Patiala?
Let it go, how did you even think of that
So, am I not stating facts?
It's a wedding, it's obvious that guests will come from many places
Hmm, seems as if you're flying higher than brother Saleem
Tell me, how goes your feverish obsession?
By God's grace, flying high
Even here and in all hindustan, everyone is affected passionately. Wherever sir Jinnah has spoken, all Muslims have stood together.
Soon all hindustan will realise that Muslim League is the only true representation for the Muslims here
Well, I had better go and meet mother
Absolutely, visit us in the evening
Allah hafiz (I leave you in the care of God)
(Women playing 'Dhol' at wedding celebrations)
Aunt Rasheeda!Aunt Rasheeda!Hassan has arrived!
Have he arrived? my child! Hassan!
Mother!
Ya Allah! You look weaker. I will have to fatten you up!
Mother, How much can you feed me in 3 days?
3 days?! you told me 15
I know but the elections and exams are nearing, I cannot stay longer.
With your prayers, I can pass well. Then I can relax here with you.
Inshallah (God willing), you will. Now come, everyone is waiting.
"Dastaan" Based on the Novel 'Bano' by Razia Butt
I'm enjoying seeing everyone gathered together again after so many years.
Weddings provide an opportunity, otherwise it's difficult to find the time to get together.
No! Those who want to, MAKE the time. Take Hassan - he's travelled so far to come here.
It's true, I beat impossible odds just to see you Suriya aunty.
Like I said, the wedding provided you a reason to take leave.
Yes ok! now moving on - Hassan do you recognise her?
Wasn't she our maid 'Parvati'?
Oh Allah! Now don't say such things, this is our Rabia!
I know! I've not become such a stranger that I don't recognise your daughter.
Allah! You had me worried
Don't tease Sultana, she'd my oldest friend.
Would I dare?! I was only teasing the young one
Tease tease! as much as you like.We're practically family. She's not SO young, she's 14 now
Mashallah Mashallah (all praise is to Allah!). Where is aunt Suriya?
Have you lost your senses? She's a bride in waiting, she won't sit here with everyone now!
That's my point - where is she?
Upstairs in the 1st room.
Well I can see her can't I?
No no! You especially can't see her!
Fool! Go and see her, she's been waiting to see you.
I'll be right back. Please sit.
Rabia my child, come here.
Bano, if someone sees you here we're both in trouble!
Bhaabi (Sister-in-law), no-one will say anything. You're practically a guest here now.
Really? well atleast worry for yourself.
Um-hum! You know I get bored without you now! we're to become sisters, I'm counting the days! However you must be counting the hours?!
How shameless you've become! Now go otherwise we'll get into trouble.
No-one will trouble us!
You see! someone's come
I'm hiding!
Come in father!
Greetings daughter!
Hassan you?! When did you arrive?
No Salaams or greetings? You're only thinking of marriage now
Nothing like that
God Forbid! Marriage was a tear-jerking thought for girls, nowadays they react with toothy-grins!
Where are you going? I was only talking about your friend here.
But you THINK all girls equally foolish
If my words annoyed you SO much, then I take back what I said. But for Gods sake don't abandon your friend.
I'm outside. When you leave, I will return.
She left you, just like that!
Because of you, shameless! Tell me, how are your studies?
Nevermind that, how fast is your heart racing?
Get lost shameless!
What are you looking for?
I may have insulted the greatness of all women, but there's no excuse for you to behave like a cat.
I was not being a cat, I was looking downstairs.
Why? Can't you go downstairs?
I can go and meet everyone
What's stopping you?
You. Let me pass.
So, if I don't give way, you'll stay there for eternity?
You're wishful thinking. Afterall, nowadays girls have no self-respect, according to you.
"A beautiful light has been released from the heavens"
Come here, I've told you 1000 times how to behave. Now you see? He thought you a maid!
But mother, he was joking
Hmmm, joking? it's only you he thought to joke at?!
Shall I ask him?
Don't get smart with me! How have you done your hair?!
Allah! Like Noor Jahaan!
Noor Jahaan?
The one in 'Zeenat'
'Zeenat?'
You forget everything. You remember that movie we saw 'Zeenat'?
So now we're doing our hair according to movies? 1000 times I've said girls should not watch movies!! Does anyone listen?!
Now don't repeat such nonsense
Why?
People will talk. All our relatives are gathered here.
But everyone compliments me
Yes I'm sure! Not when you turn your back!
How do you know?
Not one person has enquired for you
Everyone knows who I am & that I live in Lahore, there's nothing to ask
You are clueless!
Hassan bhai was only joking but you've pulled off my hair for it
Not yet but I will if I get more cheek!
Ok tell me what to do now
Just stay with aunt Rasheeda, help her, show her affection. Do the same with Suriya.UNDERSTOOD?!
Understood, can I go now?
Take your scarf and go. Listen! wear the blue dress
The blue one...But...
Rabia, you have to wear that dress
Fine I will
When will this girl get some common sense?
Mother?
Are all the wedding preparations done? Anything needed?
No.
by the grace of God, everything is done
Inshallah I have to think about you next
Think what?
The entire community has gathered, if you see a girl you like then tell me.
God Forbid! What are you saying?!
Why?
It's your place to choose a girl. I wouldn't dare! I have exams.
Which inshallah you will pass but don't waste this opportunity
Inshallah with your prayers I will pass but I'm not hopeful
Why? everything ok?
Yes but I don't want to get distracted and become careless.
My Son, your intentions are pure, concience clear, so why would God not help you?
Ameen. Let me get my degree & a job. Only then can we discuss marriage
I can't make any enquiries?
By no means!
Fine, your choice
Mother, don't lose hope. It's only a matter of a year or two. After that you can fulfil all your dreams for me.
Ok whatever you want
What now?
I'm going to meet Faheem
He's been here twice looking for you already. Go
I'll be quick.
Slowly, slowly!
(She recites poetry)
'...Not familiar were the mirrors reflecting action, with the Muslim'
Amazing, today everyone is facing away from me
Assalamualaikum. It's me Bano
Bano? Faheem and Saleem's sister? God, you've changed so much
Last time I came you were away at your aunts house i think?
Yes. Please come in
Amazing, we've met after 2-3 years and yet it feels like we met only a few minutes ago.
Really? must have been someone else
But listen!
Perhaps you came to our house today?
Why would I? I can't meet Suriya until the wedding now
But when did I say you met her?
Well, I thought you said....well I didn't come
You're sure?
I'm sure
Hmmm, Cat
You called me a cat?
Well yes, only a cat can behave as you did today. I'll have to ask bibi if you are a girl or some kind of ghost or demon.
Ghost or demon?!
Haven't you heard? Often they appear in a cat's form
Ok think what you like but please don't mention anything to bibi
That you came to our house as a cat?
That I came to your house
why?
Because the elders have said I cannot come to your house until the wedding
Why? is it you and I that are getting married?
What do you mean?
No I didn't mean that. I mean't.....
Whatever you meant but a person should think before they speak. Kindly don't mention my visit to anyone.
Visiting Cat