Geometry, the Movie

1
 FADE IN

INT. KITCHEN - DAY

The screen opens at a fridge door with a few cute and funny
family photos. We hear a faded voice of a female talking on
the phone. The camera pans and stops at NADIA's wrist holding
her mobile phone.

NADIA – mid/late 30’s. Wife and mother. Works for a consulting firm.
Down to earth, but at the same time a smart and strong woman.

NADIA
Hi, Dave! You want to discuss about
the Senior Associate’s role I applied
for?
Yes, 9:30 is fine. See you then.

Nadia hangs up, puts the phone on the side and looks towards
the inside of the house.

NADIA
Imran, Amani! Breakfast is ready.

IMRAN enters the kitchen humming. He picks up the tray with

2 two cups and a glass of orange juice.

IMRAN – mid/late 30’s. Husband and father. Recently left his job in
the Public Service to start an import export business.

INT. DINING - DAY

Imran, Nadia, and AMANI are sitting at the table. Nadia is

spreading butter on bread.

AMANI – Nadia and Imran’s daughter. A year 4 student. Quiet natured.

IMRAN
Bismillah!

NADIA
Amma sent a message.

IMRAN
What did she say?

NADIA
She has sent a parcel with desi
clothing for us for the Eid! It’s
addressed to your business.
 IMRAN
She never forgets.

NADIA
(Proudly) Yes, you are lucky, got such
a loving in-law!

Imran agrees smiling.

IMRAN
I can’t deny that, Nadia.

NADIA
Unfortunately, I couldn’t say the
same.

IMRAN
Hey, hey, hey, don’t even go in there.
Don’t start saas bahu ki kahaniya.

They both laugh, Amani tries to figure out the conversation.

Nadia puts the bread on Amani’s plate. Amani is eating
quietly.

IMRAN
3
How’s her health?

NADIA
She’s doing ok. Since losing dad last
year, she is no longer the lively
woman she used to be.

AMANI
Mamma, is Nanu sick?

NADIA
She is alright, Beta.

IMRAN
Why don’t you go see her? And take
Amani with you.

NADIA
I have been thinking, not sure how I
will manage everything.

IMRAN
Manage everything?
 NADIA
(Slightly annoyed) You know that I
don’t have enough leave saved. If I
were to take leave now, it will be
unpaid. At this stage, when income
from your new business is not
consistent, we can’t really afford
that.

Imran glides his left hand through his hair.

IMRAN
(In a low voice) We will manage.

NADIA
Also, I feel that there is a good
chance for me to get a promotion. I
have been working hard for it.

IMRAN
I’m sure they can’t say no if you have
to take leave to see your mother
overseas.

Nadia tries to say something when Imran’s phone starts to

4 ring. Imran wipes his hand with a tissue and picks up the
phone. He looks at the screen, mutes it, and puts it back on
the table.

NADIA
Eat quickly, Beta, we are going to get
late!

Amani nods.

AMANI
Maa, remember we have math quiz this
Friday and I am not very good with
geometry.

Nadia bites her tongue.

NADIA
I will help you tonight, promise!

Amani smiles. Imran’s phone rings again. He looks at it and

then puts it on mute.

IMRAN
Are you dropping Amani at school?
 NADIA
(In a teasing tone) Yes, who else? You
rarely have the time to drop her at
school these days.

INT. CAR - DAY

Nadia is driving. We see Amani sitting beside her with her

school bag on the lap.

AMANI
Ma, can I ask something?

Nadia looks at Amani and then towards the road.

NADIA
Sure, honey. What’s up?

AMANI
Can you pick me up right after school
today?

Nadia looks at Amani with a worried face.

5 NADIA
Is there any problem at school, honey?

AMANI
No, I just don’t like going to afters
every day.
Mamma, why do I have to go to afters
every day? My friends don’t.

Nadia sighs. She has a guilty look in her face.

NADIA
Just till you go to high school, Beta.
You know mum and dad are working
really hard so that you can go to a
private school and then to a good
university, don’t you?

Amani is quiet. Nadia takes a turn.

NADIA
I'll speak to Dad to see if he can
pick you up at 3, and then you can go
to his office. Is that Ok?
 Amani nods. The car stops at the school’s drop-off point.
Amani puts her school hat on, gathers her bag and slowly gets
off car.

NADIA
Love you, Amani!

Amani doesn’t respond. We see her slowly walking towards the

school gate, Nadia’s gaze follows.

INT. NADIA'S OFFICE - DAY

Nadia reaches her desk and throws her bag on the desk. She
sits on her chair and opens her laptop. Nadia looks at the
wall clock and her expression changes, she has to rush, it’s
9:25 already!

NADIA
Ohh, jee!

Nadia picks up her notepad and pen, and rushes to the DAVE’s
office. We see him inside the room through the glass panels.

DAVE – Nadia’s Boss, the Principal of the consulting firm she works
6 at. Late 40’s. Caucasian, strong built, calm in appearance.

NADIA
Good Morning, Dave!

DAVE
Hello Nadia, come on in!

Nadia sits on the chair in front of Dave’s desk.

NADIA
You wanted to discuss my application?

DAVE
Yes, good news is, I am happy to offer
the position to you.

Nadia’s face lights up just for a short moment and then she
appears to be thinking.

NADIA
Can I have a day to think?

Dave is surprised.
 DAVE
Think! When I am offering the position
to you? You know there were three
other applicants from within the firm?
Is everything ok?

A moment of quietness.

NADIA
It’s about my daughter, Amani. I was
having a conversation with her on the
way to school today. I realise she’s
seeking more time with her parents.
Imran is busy and working hard in his
business. Now the Senior Associate’s
role will bring more responsibilities
for me. I just need little time think.

DAVE
Hmmm, I get where you are coming from.
Ok, have a think and let me know
tomorrow.
And, Nadia, you know I’m big on work-
life balance. So, I will be supportive
of your decision, whether you take the
7 new role or continue on your current
one.
There will always be other
opportunities in the future.

NADIA
(Says smiling) Thank you, Dave.

INT. NADIA'S OFFICE - DAY

Nadia comes out of Dave’s office. She returns to her desk.

Nadia can’t wait to discuss with Imran. She picks up her
mobile phone and makes a call.

INTERCUT BETWEEN THEM

NADIA
Listen Imran, I wanted to tell you
something.

IMRAN
Is it something urgent, Nadia?
 NADIA
We can talk in the evening if you are
busy.
Just another thing, wanted to ask if
you can pick up Amani at 3, she
doesn’t want to go to afters today.

The scene goes wide, we see JESS sitting on the sofa in

Imran’s office.

JESS – Imran’s Office Executive. A young Caucasian woman in her mid-

20’s.

IMRAN
I am sorry Nadia, I have to go to the
Bank. They haven’t approved the Letter
of Credit facility I applied for. It’s
for the import of building materials
for Shine Builders. I have been
betting big on this contract.

NADIA
Ok, no worries. I will see if I can
leave early today. Let me know how you
go with the Bank.
8
IMRAN
Alright, love you, bye.

Nadia goes through her contacts and makes another call. We

hear a phone ringing.

CHLOE
(Voice Over) Hey Nadia, what's up?

NADIA
Are you busy?

CHLOE
(V.O) Not really, just have this
meeting with a client and then I’m
free after 11:00.

NADIA
Can we meet 11-ish? I wanted to
discuss something with you.

CHLOE
(V.O) Ok. You know Numen Café at the
University, let’s meet there.
 NADIA
See you then.

INT. CAFE - DAY

Chloe is sitting in a cafe having coffee and doing work on a

laptop. Nadia enters the café. Chloe waves at her. Nadia puts
her order through at the counter and then walks towards Chloe
and takes a sit on the chair opposite her.

CHLOE – Nadia’s friend from University. Caucasian woman in her mid-

late 30’s. Lesbian. Straight talker.

NADIA
So, how's your work going?

CHLOE
Hmmm, people don’t take social media
influencers seriously. Can you even
believe my client didn't show up to
our meeting this morning!

NADIA
Really? That’s annoying.
How’s Sally?
9

CHLOE
I’m no longer with that bitch, sorry
excuse my language.

NADIA
What happened?

CHLOE
She’s bit too controlling. Acts more
like a mum than a girlfriend.

Nadia is quiet. Chloe takes notice.

CHLOE
Anyways, enough about me, tell me what
did you want to discuss?

NADIA
My boss Dave called me in today and
offered me the Senior Associate’s
role.

Chloe is stunned. She covers her mouth.

 CHLOE
Oh my God, Nadia, that’s great! You
have been waiting for it since, uh,
when? Two years now?

Nadia nods.

CHLOE
Congratulations!

NADIA
Wait, wait. I haven’t accepted the
offer yet. I asked for a day to think
through.

CHLOE
What’s there to think, gal? You aren’t
happy with the salary they offered?

NADIA
No, no that, salary and conditions are
great. I’m torn and confused with
something else.
See, this promotion is like a dream
come true. On top, the extra income
10 will really help when we only have one
steady income at present.
However, I am feeling guilty that I’m
not giving enough time and care to
Amani. Like today, on the way to
school she asked why does she has to
go to afters every day, her friends
don’t.

CHLOE
Nadia, I’m sure you are a fantastic
mum! Amani will understand as she is
growing up. Plus, she'll never want to
be the one for whom you made such a
big sacrifice.
Imran is chasing his dream of building
his own business. Your career is as
important as his. If I was in your
position, I would never give up on
such an amazing opportunity.

Nadia is lost in her thoughts.

CHLOE
I would say give it a try, things will
find a way.
 Nadia looks at her wrist watch.

NADIA
I have to head back. Thanks for your
time, Chloe. I will talk to you
tomorrow.

Nadia stands up.

INT. BANK - DAY

The scene transitions from Nadia coming out of the Café and
Imran and Jess entering the Bank. Bank Manager, SCOTT,
welcomes them to his office.

SCOTT – Bank Manager. Mid 40’s. Caucasian, small and bulky in

appearance.

SCOTT
What can I do for you today?

IMRAN
I wanted to discuss the Revolving
Letter of Credit facility I applied
for. You haven’t approved it.
11
I really need the LC facility to
import building materials.
I’m expecting to sign a contract with
Shine Builders, they are one of the
top builders in this town. It will be
a big thing for my business.

SCOTT
I understand Mr. (Imran) Khan.
However, I’m sorry that the Credit
Team’s assessment wasn’t favorable.

IMRAN
Is there anything you can do?

SCOTT
Unfortunately, I do not do credit
assessment. It’s all done centrally by
a specialised team.

IMRAN
Can I reapply?

SCOTT
You may, but I don’t see how it is
going to help at this stage.
 Scott pauses for a moment.

SCOTT (CONT’D)
I would suggest you wait for three
months at least. If your financials
improve by then, that will help
support your application.

IMRAN
(With an angry voice) The contract
won’t wait three months for me.

Jess touches Imran lightly with her hand, Imran was about to
say something and he retracts. Imran gets up and walks
towards the door. Scoot is surprised. Jess follows Imran and
on her way out looks back at Scott.

JESS
Thank you for your time, Scott.

INT. IMRAN'S CAR - DAY

Imran slams the car door hard. Jess is sitting next to him.
He hurries with the seat belt and starts the car. He is
angry.
12

IMRAN
That asshole probably doesn’t like my
skin colour.

JESS
Come on Imran. You know it’s not like
that.

Imran's eyes are red. He takes a rough turn. Seeing a man

crossing the road, Imran slams the break. Jess slaps him on
the wrist in a panic. Both of them become awkward.

JESS
(In a panicked voice) What the hell?
Do you want to kill us or what?
I know it’s a tough time for the
business, but it’s not how you deal
with it.

Imran wipes sweat from his forehead.

 INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT

Imran is reading a book titled ‘Be, Where You Want to Be! and
Nadia is applying cream on her hands. Both are on the bed.

NADIA
I'm sure things will work out. Just
know that Amani and I are always here
for you.

Imran closes his book and puts it on the side table.

IMRAN
Yeah, I'm trying my best. How was your
day?
You called me in the morning to say
something.

NADIA
Dave offered me the promotion today.

IMRAN
Wow, that’s great!

NADIA
However, I’m not sure if it’s a good
13
idea to take up a senior role at this
time? I’m afraid Amani is not getting
quality time from us.

IMRAN
Who are we doing all these things for?
It’s for Amani.

NADIA
Imran, are we really doing all these
just for her? Or, it’s an excuse we
make to justify the rat race we have
entered into? Are these important to
Amani?

IMRAN
Come on, I had a full-on day, not in
the mode for a philosophical
discussion now.

NADIA
Excuse me! Now a days it’s impossible
to talk to you. Even a simple
discussion comes across to you as
either an argument or a philosophical
discussion.
 Nadia turns toward the bedside lamp. The light goes off.

INT. NADIA'S OFFICE - DAY

Dave appears at Nadia's desk.

DAVE
Hi Nadia, you got a minute?

Nadia nods and follows Dave to his office. As Nadia closes

the door behind, we hear a faded voice.

DAVE
So, what did you decide?

We see Dave and Nadia having a conversation inside the room.

After a while Nadia walks out of the office. She has
disappointment and worry on her face. Nadia sighs.

INT. IMRAN'S OFFICE - DAY

Imran is standing near a window looking outside. He is

holding a drink. Hearing a knock on the door, he puts the
drink down on the side table. Jess enters his office. Imran
14
looks at her nervously.

IMRAN
Yes, Jess?

JESS
Can I?

Jess looks at the couch.

IMRAN
Sure, please have a sit.

Jess sits on the couch and Imran sits beside her.

JESS
I wanted to apologise for panicking in
the car yesterday. I feel bad now.

Imran smiles.

IMRAN
Don't worry, it’s ok. I was probably
acting like a sook after the meeting
with the bank manager.
 Imran laughs this time.

JESS
My friend Mark has recently joined the
NeoBank as business accounts manager.
If you liked, I could talk to him
about the LC facility.

Imran stops laughing.

IMRAN
Uh! Ummmm....

He appears to be thinking and runs his hand through his hair.

IMRAN
I would really appreciate that.

Jess smiles.

INT. CAFE - DAY

Chloe and Nadia are sitting in the same café.

15 CHLOE
So, you decided not to accept the
promotion? It’s a big sacrifice!

Nadia nods.

CHLOE
Did you discuss with Imran?

NADIA
Hmmm…

CHLOE
What did he say?

NADIA
Not much.

Nadia looks at another direction and talks as if she’s

talking to herself.

NADIA
Chloe, I don’t know if it’s just us or
it happens to all the couples over
time. These days we keep more to
ourselves than what we talk about.
 You know, at the beginning things used
to be very different, we could talk
for hours and we would still have
things to talk about.
Then aspiration for better jobs, more
money, bigger house… hmmm… life
suddenly became very busy.
I feel, the more things we achieved,
the far apart we became in our minds.

Chloe notices tears on Nadia’s eyes. She puts her hands on

Nadia’s.

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT

Amani is playing a game on Nintendo. Imran is standing all

dressed up in front of the mirror. He is putting the final
touches on his hair. Imran turns.

IMRAN
How do I look?

NADIA
Like a bollywood hero.
16
IMRAN
Whaaaat?

Nadia laughs.

NADIA
Handsome as always! My budding
entrepreneur.

IMRAN
You sure you don’t want to come?

NADIA
Amani isn’t looking well. I’m sure as
soon as we reach the restaurant, she
will start asking when we are going
home. Better not disrupt your meeting
with Mr. Singh.

Imran looks worried.

IMRAN
I’m a bit nervous, Nadia. What if I
don’t get this contract at the end?
 NADIA
I’m sure it will all work out,
Inshallah.

IMRAN
I really hope so.

NADIA
By the way, why are you dragging Jess
to this meeting? You could just meet
with the Singhs yourself.

Imran appears to be searching for the right words in his

mind.

IMRAN
Look, she has gone out of her way to
help me with the LC and the supply
contract. I would like her to get more
exposure and experience, so that when
the business grows, she can take on
more responsibilities. She is
proactive and hardworking.
It’s not easy to get employees like
her.
17
Nadia is about to say something but she stops. She takes a
deep breath. Imran smiles. He walks towards Nadia, takes her
face in his hand.

NADIA
Good luck!

Nadia smiles.

INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

The camera zooms on Imran, Jess, MR. AND MRS. SINGH AND THEIR
SON sitting around the table. There are two empty chairs.

MR. and MRS. SINGH and their SON – Couple in their late 40s. Runs a
successful building/development company. Son is in early secondary
school. All immaculately dressed.

IMRAN
I assure you the quality of products
and on-time delivery. Thank you so
much for the opportunity, Mr. Singh.
People in the community look up to you
as an example.
 SINGH
It’s a pleasure, young man. I see my
young self in you, focused and driven.
Don’t lose that focus though.

Jess accidently spills a drink on herself. The camera shifts

and we only see Jess. She appears embarrassed.

JESS
I’m sorry.

Imran is smiling. The scene turns into slow-motion. Imran is

looking closely at Jess, who is trying to wipe the drink of
her dress with a napkin.

INT. NADIA'S CAR - DAY

Nadia is parked outside a grocery store. She is on a phone

call.

INTERCUT BETWEEN THEM

NADIA
Can you pick up Amani from her dance
class?
18

IMRAN
Nadia, I would love to. But I am just
on my way to see the lawyer, he has
been nice enough to give me some time
on the weekend.

NADIA
Ummm... Oh, Alright, sure, don't
worry, I'll take care of that. Love
you. And Imran… I’m so proud of you.

Imran laughs.

IMRAN
Love you too.

Nadia hangs up and starts the car.

EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT

The exterior of Khan’s residence is shown. The lights are on

and a few chili lights can be seen on the entrance. A number
of cars are parked outside the house.
 INT. LIVING - NIGHT

The scene opens on five Desi women talking to each other.

Jess and Chloe are sitting in the corner with glasses of wine
in their hands. We then see five men, two sitting, and three
standing in a group side-eying at Jess and Chloe.

ASHRAF/NEELA, FAISAL/DIBA, RIAZ/NEELA, SHEKHAR/ASHA and another

couple– Imran and Nadia’s friends. All financially well to do, apart
from Shekhar/Asha who are still struggling to get established.

ASHRAF
Let’s go and talk.

FAISAL
Bro, she's out of your league.

ASHRAF
My league? You look at this food baby
of yours.

All the men laugh together. Imran appears in front of them.

He pats Ashraf’s back.

FAISAL
Congrats man on signing the contract
19 with Shine Builders. Good start!

IMRAN
Thank you!
You guys enjoying yourselves?

ASHRAF
Who's that girl, man? She's your
office executive, right?

Imran nods.

ASHRAF
How do you concentrate on work having
such a stunning employee around you
all day?

RIAZ
And the other one?

IMRAN
Calm down guys. Chloe is Nadia’s
friend. Just in case you guys are
interested, Jess is in a relationship
and Chloe is lesbian.
 The three men are stunned. Imran laughs harder this time.

ASHRAF
Ok guys, did you get my email about
the Association’s annual dinner? I
haven’t got any response from any of
you. I’m counting on you to make some
generous contribution this year.

FAISAL
Hang on, Ashraf, you have an interest
and purpose in doing all these. You
like the netagiri, we don’t. So please
don’t count on us.

RIAZ
Look, Ashraf, they may not say it on
your face, but people in the community
talk about these. You have even earned
the name, ‘a free-rider’.
Last week at a dinner, this guy was
saying, Ashraf bhai is everywhere, but
when did he invite anyone to his house
last?

20 Ashraf appears embarrassed. Imran is not sure what to do.

IMRAN
You guys carry on. I'm going to check
up on the kids.

INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT

Nadia is leaving with a tray of nibbles. Imran is about to

run into her.

NADIA
What are you doing? Be careful.

Imran picks up a piece and puts it in his mouth. The camera

follows Nadia taking the tray towards a table.

INT. LIVING - NIGHT

She puts the tray on the table and looks around. Amani has an
iPad in her hand. She is showing something on it to the other
kids. Nadia walks towards the group of ladies.
 DIBA
We were just talking about Chloe and
how a great friend she is.

Nadia smiles and nods and becomes awkward knowing what will
come next.

NEELA
But I don't get this whole lesbian
thingy.

DIBA
How do they do it?

Diba speaks and winks. Nadia ignores them and talks to Asha
who is standing opposite to her.

NADIA
So, how is the job hunt going?

ASHA
Still looking for something related to
my profession.

NEELA
21 Asha, you still struggling to find a
proper job, how long have you been in
Australia, 4 years now?

Nadia feels bad for Asha.

ASHA
(Being annoyed) Yes, 4 years.
Excuse me, ladies, I have to use the
washroom.

Asha leaves. Now the camera follows Asha who goes and sits
with Jess, where Chloe was sitting earlier. Asha is upset.
Jess notices.

JESS
You okay?

ASHA
Yeah.

Asha sighs.

JESS
What's wrong? You can share if you're
comfortable.
 Asha nods.

ASHA
These women. They leave no chance to
bring me down.

JESS
Why?

ASHA
All of them, they are financially
stable and enjoy a well-settled
lifestyle. Shekhar and I, we're still
struggling with everything.

JESS
That doesn’t give them the right to
say things like that. They don't pay
your bills.

Asha nods.

JESS
And don't worry, things will get
better.
22
There is a pause.

JESS
You see, I come from a small town. I
was trying to make ends meet when
Imran called me for an interview.
Then, by chance, Nadia was at the
office too that day and she really
liked me. She convinced Imran to give
me the job, and here I am, doing just
fine by myself.

Asha feels relieved. She wipes her tears. Nadia appears.

NADIA
What are you two gorgeous women
talking about?

ASHA
Nothing, Jess was telling me how she
got the job.

NADIA
(Smiling) Yeah, I think there's a lot
more to people than just earning
money. I really liked Jess then and
 like her even more now. Imran is
always full of praise for Jess, she
gives 110% to her work.

Nadia holds Jess's hand and then pats Asha on the shoulder.

NADIA
Sometimes it’s a matter of time and
timing. Oh and by the way, Imran will
drop you guys at home. He was bit
upset when I told him that you guys
had to get a DiDi as your car is with
the mechanic. He said he could have
picked you up.

Asha nods.

ASHA
You don't have to do this.

NADIA
It’s nothing.
Now, let's go get some food. I've made
Goat Biryani and Chicken Roast using
Amma’s recipe.
23
JESS
Spicy stuff?

NADIA
(Smiling) I have tuned them down a bit
to suit the Aussie palates.

They all laugh. The scene then transitions to the guests

having dinner, chatting with each other and having fun.

INT. LIVING - NIGHT

All the people have left. The room looks messy. Chloe is
gathering the glasses, whereas Nadia is gathering the plates.

Chloe is standing beside a rug, which has a curry stain.

CHLOE
Hey, Nadia.

She looks down.

NADIA
Oh shit.
 Nadia runs towards the rug and looks at Chloe.

CHLOE
One of the guests must have
accidentally spilt it. Don’t panic,
baking soda will fix it.

Amani comes running to Nadia.

AMANI
Maa, someone has left their phone.

NADIA
Let me see.

Nadia takes the phone from Amani’s hand.

NADIA
Do you know whose phone is this?

AMANI
I think it’s Aunty Jess’s.

NADIA
Okay baby, get changed and go to bed.
24
Amani leaves, and Nadia and Chloe sit on the couch.

CHLOE
Do you want me to drop it at her
place? It’s on the way.

NADIA
That’s ok. Tomorrow is Monday, so
Imran can give it to her at work in
the morning.

Nadia is about to put the phone on the side table when it

starts to ring. 'XOXO' is written on the screen. Nadia looks
at Chloe again and shows it to her. Chloe laughs.

CHLOE
Wow, it must be someone special.

Nadia puts it on silent and puts it on the side.

NADIA
I wonder what’s taking Imran so long.

Nadia looks at the watch. The phone starts to ring again.

Nadia waits for a while when Chloe speaks.
 CHLOE
You should answer, say that she has
left her phone.

Nadia looks at the number closely and her facial expression

changes. The phone stops ringing.

Nadia is about to put the phone down again and it starts to

ring. This time, Nadia picks it up and speaks angrily.

NADIA
Hello, is it something urgent, Imran?

Nadia's voice shivers. Chloe is stunned.

INT. ENTRY - NIGHT

Nadia opens the entry door and Imran walks in. We see Nadia
saying something to Imran showing and waving Jess’s mobile
phone. It appears they are having an argument.

Amani walks towards her parents. Nadia and Imran take notice.
We see Amani standing there wide-eyed.

25
FADE OUT
 Some Weeks Later

FADE IN

INT. CAR - DAY

We see Imran in profile in the driver’s seat. As he pulls the

car seat forward, we also see Jess putting her t-shirt back
on.

There is a long pause.

JESS
So, what’s next?

IMRAN
Well… Honesty… I haven’t really
thought this through. There’s lot
going on already.

Imran looks at Jess. He puts his hand on her shoulder which

irritates Jess.

JESS
Imran, I’m not impressed. You
understand that three lives need some
26
certainty and they are waiting for
your decision. Don’t be selfish.

IMRAN
(With a frustrated voice) I’m not
being selfish, I just don’t know how
to come out of this mess.

JESS
(With an angry voice) Mess?

There is a long pause again. Imran starts the car.

INT. BEDROOM - DAY

Nadia is sleeping in a different bedroom. Amani is sleeping

beside her. Nadia wakes up. She looks at the clock.

NADIA
Oh my god, how did I miss the alarm?
It's late.

Nadia gets up and wakes up Amani as well.

 INT. DINING - DAY

Amani, Nadia and Chloe are having breakfast.

NADIA
Thanks for your support, I can't be
more thankful.

CHLOE
You don't have to thank me for
anything. What are friends for?

Chloe pours tea in her cup.

CHLOE
Coffee ?

NADIA
No, I'm good.

Amani is quietly having her breakfast when she speaks in a

disappointed tone.

AMANI
When are we going back, Maa?
27
Nadia looks at Chloe.

CHLOE
Soon, sweetie, soon!

INT. NADIA'S OFFICE - DAY

Nadia is making coffee when Dave appears.

DAVE
How’s everything, Nadia?

NADIA
Good.

DAVE
Home?

NADIA
Ok.

Nadia is adding milk to her coffee.

 DAVE
Please don’t hesitate to ask if you
need any support from work. You can
request for flexible work
arrangements, you also have access to
employee assistance program.

NADIA
I will. Thanks, Dave! I couldn’t have
asked for a better place to work.

Dave smiles.

DAVE
Least we can do.

Dave leaves.

INT. LIVING - NIGHT

Nadia is tired, she is sitting on the couch. She is watching

TV when her phone rings. It's Asha. Nadia picks up.

INTERCUT BETWEEN THEM

28
NADIA
Please don't tell me Imran has talked
to you and asked you to call me?

ASHA
Yes, he did, Nadia.

Now we see the screen splits into two. One the second part,
there's Asha.

NADIA
Tell him to stop calling my friends.

Now the screen splits into four. In the third part is Imran
and in the fourth part is Shekhar. Imran is in his house,
smoking and Shekhar is having a break at his job at the
restaurant. The conversation starts between four of them.
Nadia is talking to Asha and Imran is talking to Shekhar, but
it will appear that all of them are talking to each other at
the same time.

SHEKHAR
Please talk to Nadia.

IMRAN
I've called her a hundred times by now.
 NADIA
I really don't want any suggestions
from Imran. I know what's best for me
and my daughter. I can take care of
her.

ASHA
I'm not saying that you can't. It's
just that....

IMRAN
Amani misses her dad. At least let me
talk to her.

SHEKHAR
I understand.

ASHA
Please, Nadia.

The screen now only has Nadia on call.

NADIA
I don't want to listen to anything. I
know what I am doing and I don't owe
29 Imran anything. He should have thought
twice before wetting his pants at the
sight of a girl half his age.
How’s he going to explain it to Amani
when she grows up?

Nadia hangs up. She throws the phone on the side and starts
crying. Her phone starts to ring again. She looks at it and
it's Neela.

NADIA
Hello!

NEELA
(V.O) Hi Nadia, how are you, sweetie?

NADIA
Fine, how are you and Ashraf bhai?

NEELA
(V.O) Don't worry about us. I called
to ask you about Imran and what
happened. Ashraf told me everything. I
felt so bad I started crying. Such
devils these men are.
 NADIA
Neela, you are always bit too
concerned about others’ business.

NEELA
(V.O) Nadia! I’m just calling you as a
friend. If there is anything we could
do.

NADIA
I'm having a headache right now; I'll
call you later, Neela.

Nadia hangs up. She turns off her phone and lays back calmly.
Chloe comes and sits next to Nadia.

EXT. AMANI'S SCHOOL - DAY

Imran's car is parked outside the road. He is sitting inside

smoking. He sees Amani coming out with Nadia. He puts his
cigarette in the ashtray.

Nadia puts Amani’s bag in the boot and they both get into the
car. Nadia slowly drives out of the school’s car park.
30
Imran becomes disappointed, his gaze follows Nadia’s car and
he lights another cigarette.

INT. PARK - DAY

Jess is sitting with MARK when her phone starts ringing.

MARK – Jess’s friend for a long time. A young Caucasian man in his
late 20’s.

JESS
Hey.

IMRAN
(V.O) Where are you?

JESS
I’m with Mark.

IMRAN
(V.O) Mark? Your friend who works at
the Neo Bank?
 JESS
Yes. Look, can I call you later?
(After a pause) Ok bye.

Jess puts her phone down.

MARK
So, where do you see this relationship
heading?

Jess is thinking. She has tears in her eyes.

MARK
Don't be upset.

JESS
I don't know.

Jess sighs.

JESS
How long have we been friends, Mark?

Mark tries to reply.

31 JESS
You know me well, Mark. My parents
struggled their whole life with their
addiction to drugs. I wanted to be
miles away from that environment. I
worked hard…

MARK
I know.

JESS
I moved to this city to start a new
life- secure a job, work hard and get
settled.
I was over the moon to get a job and a
good boss to work with.
Then from a good working relationship,
…don’t know when I crossed the line…

Mark nods.

MARK
I understand Jess.

Mark leans forward.

 MARK
I know everything and trust me, it's
not your fault, it's him. That Imran.
He tried to exploit…

JESS
No, don't say that. He is not like
that. It is hard to explain, However,
I feel like a home wrecker.

Jess starts crying hard.

MARK
Hey, hey!

EXT. PARKING - DAY

Nadia is heading back to her car in the car park when she
sees Jess at the ticketing machine. After a moment of
hesitation Nadia decides to go and talk to Jess.

NADIA
Jess!

Jess stops. She is confused. Nadia runs towards Jess.

32

NADIA
You, you … what’s wrong with you?
Forget about the favour I have done by
convincing Imran to give you the job.
You could have at least considered
that he has a child. Now because of
you, a 9 years old girl waits every
day to have her family back.

Jess tries to say something but Nadia continues.

NADIA
It’s all fun and games to you, isn’t
it? You little slut!

Nadia turns and quickly walks back to her car. Jess stands
still, shocked.

INT. NADIA'S CAR - DAY

Nadia is driving when a call comes to her phone. Nadia parks

on the side and answers the phone.
 NADIA
(In a low voice) Hello, Amma!

MOTHER
(V.O) Beta, how are you doing?

NADIA
I don't know, Amma, things been really
tough.

MOTHER
(V.O) I can understand, Beta. How is
Amani?

NADIA
She is also holding up fine. But she
mises her dad all the time, and she
wants to go to him.

MOTHER
(V.O) See, this is what I am saying.
For the sake of Amani, please go back.

NADIA
Amma, how can I? You know what he did,
33 how can I forgive him after that?

There is silence.

MOTHER
(V.O) Look, things happen and the best
way to deal with them is forgiveness.
If you can't do that, then at least
live under one roof for the sake of
Amani. Till she has grown up.

NADIA
Amma, no one knows me better than you
and you know I will not do that.

MOTHER
(V.O) Hmmmm.

NADIA
Remember Amma, when our relatives used
to ask if you were happy with a girl,
and wanted a boy? Abba would say,
Inshallah, my little girl will grow up
twice a man.

Nadia wipes her tears.

 MOTHER
(V.O) We will talk again, Beta. Take
care of Amani and yourself.

Mother hangs up.

INT. DINING - NIGHT

Shekhar is having tea with Imran.

IMRAN
Thank you for coming over dost. I’m
lucky to have a friend like you.

Shekhar puts his hand on Imran’s shoulder.

SHEKHAR
Imran, if you really think of me as a
good friend, then I will ask you
something straight- how did you manage
to put yourself in such a mess? You
have a beautiful family, lovely
daughter, wonderful wife.
I don’t understand.
34
Imran sighs.

IMRAN
Indeed.

After a long pause.

IMRAN
Shekhar, I have been dealing with some
personal issues for some time. My last
job, prestigious to the people
outside, was killing me inside. I
couldn’t take the stress anymore.

Then this started suddenly. I would

wake up at the middle of night flooded
with anxiety and fear, fear of death.
They call it panic attack.

As a man, it was hard for me to talk

to others about it. People would think
I was going mad, not a good thing for
the career either.

Moreover, I couldn’t even talk about

 it to the person closest to me. The
spark in our relationship has faded,
seems we are just going through life,
not living it.

Nadia brushed aside, every time I

tried talking about it. Lately, she
was being either critical or
complaining.

SHEKHAR
I’m Sorry, I didn’t realise you were
struggling with mental health.

IMRAN
I found something in Jess that I felt
brought the spark back in my life.

SHEKHAR
Imran, I do not want to be harsh, but
your life is also your wife and your
daughter. What if bhabi did something
like this, would you be able to accept
it?

35 IMRAN
Yes, I know.

Imran appears to be lost in thoughts.

IMRAN
(As if talking to himself)
The mind can be a monkey,
hurling through the jungle gets
seduced by the realm of senses,
swings from one desire to another.
Lao – Ze!

Imran sighs.

INT. LIVING - DAY

Amani is watching TV and Chloe brings her noodles.

CHLOE
Come on, sweetie, eat them. I want
this bowl empty.

AMANI
Did you put more carrots?
 Chloe smiles.

CHLOE
Yeah.

AMANI
Daddy used to give me all his carrots
because he knew I loved them.

Chloe's phone starts to ring. She answers.

INTERCUT BETWEEN THEM

CHLOE
Yes Imran, what do you want?

IMRAN
Please put Amani on the phone.

CHLOE
Nadia doesn't appreciate these random
calls.

IMRAN
For god's sake, Chloe, I beg you.
36 She's my daughter too.

Chloe sighs and gives the phone to Amani.

CHLOE
It's daddy.

Amani takes the phone calmly.

AMANI
Daddy!

Imran is sitting on his chair. His eyes are teary.

IMRAN
Hey, Beta. How have you been?

Chloe sits beside Amani.

AMANI
I miss you so much, Daddy. What did
you do? Ma is so angry at you. Did you
hurt her?

IMRAN
Yes.
 AMANI
Did you hit her?

CHLOE
Hey...

IMRAN
No, it's complicated, sweetie.

AMANI
When can we come back home?

IMRAN
It's really complicated, Beta. I miss
you too and I will come to meet you as
soon as I can. Now, how's your school?

AMANI
It's good. I'm sad most of the time,
but now that we've talked, I think
I'll be better.

Imran becomes more emotional. Chloe takes the phone.

CHLOE
37 Alright, that's enough, Imran.

IMRAN
Thank you, Chloe.

Chloe hangs up. She brushes her hand on Amani’s head and gets
startled.

CHLOE
Are you feeling ok? Feels like you
have a fever.

AMANI
Ummm, my head feels bit funny.

CHLOE
Come on sweetheart, let’s lie down on
the sofa.

Chloe takes the bowl from Amani and helps her lie down.

CHLOE
You stay here. I will go find the
thermometer.

Chloe comes back with a thermometer and checks Amani’s

temperature. She appears worried.
 INT. LIVING - DAY

Chloe finds her mobile phone and calls Nadia.

CHLOE
Hey, how far are you?

NADIA
(V.O) I am on my way back.
The shops were closing, so I just
quickly got milk and bread.

CHLOE
Amani isn’t feeling well. I checked
her temperature, it’s 103.

NADIA
(V.O) I will be quick, I am not very
far. Be there in 10.

INT. ENTRY - DAY

We hear the doorbell. Chole opens the door and Nadia enters
the house. Nadia rushes to Amani and touches her forehead.
38
NADIA
Hey, honey, you ok?

AMANI
I am not feeling well, Maa.

NADIA
You will be alright.

Naida looks towards Chloe.

NADIA
Do you have paracetamol?

CHLOE
Sorry! I am into natural medicines, I
have peppermint and lavender oil. Do
you want to try?

NADIA
That’s ok.
The chemist has already closed, I have
to call Imran.

Naida gets her mobile phone. She moves to the terrace and
calls Imran.
 IMRAN
(V.O) Hello, Nadia. How are you?

NADIA
I haven’t called for a sweettalk.
Amani isn’t feeling well. Could you
bring her medicines over, of course,
if you are not busy with Jess. I
wouldn’t bother you but the chemist is
closed now.

IMRAN
(V.O) I will be there right away.

NADIA
And, listen, unless you have got some
very good explanations for your
daughter about what you have done, I
do not want you to stay around.

Naida ends the call and comes back to Amani.

INT. ENTRY - DAY

We hear the doorbell again. Chole opens the door and it’s Imran.
39

IMRAN
Hi, Chloe.

CHLOE
Hi, Imran.
Thanks for bringing the medicines
over.

Imran awaits. Chloe appears to be holding guard of the door.

CHLOE
I’m sorry.
Look if Amani doesn’t feel better
soon, I will let you know.

We see a time-lapse of the sun setting and then sunrise.

EXT. ENTRY - DAY

We see Nadia coming out of the house and Chloe at the door.

NADIA
I will be right back. Will go check if
I can make a GP appointment today.
 CHLOE
You know where it is? Go past the
roundabout and take the first street
on the left. They are at the end of
the street.

NADIA
I will find it.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Nadia is on her way to the local GP when she notices

something. It appears to be Imran’s car. Nadia returns and it
is Imran’s car. We see Imran sleeping on the driver’s seat.

Nadia knocks on the window. Imran wakes up and puts the

window down.

NADIA
What are you doing?

IMRAN
I was worried, I stayed around, just
in case you needed something urgently.
40
Nadia sighs.

NADIA
I don’t know why you had to do what
you did. All these years of…

IMRAN
I’m sorry Nadia, I really am, please
let me…

NADIA
No. No, Imran, not now. It’s too late.

Nadia leaves abruptly. Imran keeps looking at her path.

INT. CAFE - DAY

Jess is sitting alone when she sees Nadia arriving. Jess

perks up. Nadia sits on the chair opposite to her.

JESS
Hey thanks for .....

Nadia interrupts.
 NADIA
I shouldn’t have sworn at you the
other day.
I have been thinking, night and day,
looking for reasons, to blame, to
hate, or thinking where did I fail?
What could have been different, so we
all needn’t be where we are now.

Nadia is calm this time. Jess's eyes are teary.

JESS
I know it doesn’t mean anything to you
or will not unwind things. But I’m
really sorry.
At a least I can do, I’m leaving,
leaving the job, leaving this city,
I’m just a small-town girl.

There is a long pause between both of them. Jess wipes her

tears. Nadia reaches for Jess's hand and brushes it lightly.
She sighs and then speaks.

NADIA
We all have reasons for doing what we
41 do, or at least we convince ourselves
of the reasons.

Jess looks at her in confusion. Nadia gets up and walks out

of the cafe. Jess's gaze follows her.

INT. CHLOE'S HOUSE - DAY

Chloe and Nadia are having tea. Nadia is quiet.

CHLOE
Your mum wants you to go back?

NADIA
This is how Desi mothers are. To them,
separation is like something to be
ashamed of.

Nadia thinks, and speaks again.

NADIA
I don’t know what to do, Chloe. It
would have been an easier decision for
me if it was just Imran and I. But I
need to consider Amani and her future.
 Chloe puts her cup of tea on the table.

CHLOE
I feel for you, my friend. It’s also
hard for Amani. As a child I have gone
through the shits of a broken family.

Nadia looks at Chloe.

CHLOE
Mum and Dad separated when I was in
year six. I stayed with mum during the
week, and with dad on the weekend. Bit
unsettling for a young girl, lot of
adjustments to be made. They continued
to hate each other and I felt I was
their means of taking revenge on each
other. Mum developed such hatred
towards men that she never remarried.

NADIA
Did that impact the way you see or
relate to men?

CHLOE
42 What do you mean? Whether it turned me
into the lesbian woman I am?
Girl, you just don’t turn a lesbian
one day because something has happened
in your life. It’s who you are.
Trust me on this. I know more about
lesbians, like you know more about
straight people.

NADIA
I didn’t mean that.

CHLOE
Come on, sweetheart, you know I’m not
a petal. Come now, give me a hug, I
guarantee it won’t turn you into a
lesbian or me into a straight person.

Chloe and Nadia both laugh. Nadia hugs Chloe tightly.

NADIA
Let me talk to Imran on the weekend.
As Amma said, see if we can figure out
a way to stay under one roof till
Amani is 18 or so.
 CHLOE
(With a gentle smile) Whatever you do,
I'll always support you.

EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT

Nadia is driving and Amani is sitting beside her.

AMANI
Wow, are we going back?

Nadia smiles.

NADIA
I just want to have a little chat with
Daddy.

Amani becomes emotional.

AMANI
Thank you, mommy. You listened to me.

Nadia smiles again. The car comes to a stop. Jess's car is

parked outside the house. Nadia’s expression changes. She
looks at it and then at Amani. She is angry.
43

AMANI
Isn’t that Aunty Jess’s car?

Nadia is quite for a moment.

AMANI
Are we getting out?

NADIA
No, we're going back.

AMANI
What happened, Ma?

Nadia doesn’t respond. She starts reversing the car. The

camera zooms in to the façade window and we see Imran and
Jess sitting.

Music (soundtrack) starts.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Imran is sitting on one sofa and Jess on the other.

 JESS
I’m sorry, Imran. I didn’t mean to
destroy this beautiful life you had.

IMRAN
It's my fault. Really Jess, I'm
embarrassed.
Everything seems meaningless to me
now. I just want my family back.

JESS
All the best for the future.

Jess gets up. She goes for a hug and becomes awkward, but
then shakes hands with Imran.

JESS
It was nice knowing you.

Music continues.

EXT. HOUSE - DAY

Imran is standing outside the house with Shekhar. A 'FOR

SALE' sign is installed on the nature strip.
44

IMRAN
See Shekhar, how much it takes to
build something and then how little to
destroy it.

Shekhar puts his hand on Imran’s shoulder. Imran’s eyes are

teary.

Music continues.

INT. ROOM - DAY

Jess is standing in a room full of cardboard boxes, she is

moving out.

Music continues.

EXT. PARK - DAY

Imran is sitting on a park bench looking at the kids playing.

Music continues.
 INT. HOUSE - DAY

Nadia and Amani are moving out of Chloe’s house. Chloe hugs
Nadia and then Amani.

CHLOE
I'll miss your company guys.

Music continues.

INT. CAR - DAY

Jess is driving, we see some boxes in the back of her car.

Music continues.

INT. RANDOM ROOM - DAY

It is Amani’s room. Nadia is helping her do geometry homework

on the bed.

Music continues.

45
EXT. ROAD - DAY

We see Jess's car passing by a road sign saying ‘Merimbula’.

Music continues.

INT. NADIA’S CAR - DAY

Nadia is driving and Amani is with her, with her school bag
on the lap.

AMANI
I’m hungry Maa.

Nadia looks towards Amani.

NADIA
Burger or Fried Chicken?

AMANI
Fried Chicken.

Amani's face lights up.

 NADIA
Did you get your term report?

Amani becomes worried.

AMANI
Yes, Ma. I hope you won’t be angry.
I didn’t do well in math. I struggle
with geometry. I got a D.

Nadia smiles.

NADIA
See, I never missed an A, but that
didn’t stop me from failing badly in
my life’s geometry, did it?
I thought I had my life figured out
like a straight line. Now, I feel I
have figured nothing.

AMANI
Maa, I don’t get what you are saying.

NADIA
(Smiling) Don’t worry Sweetie.
46 I just want you to be happy.

Amani looks confused. Nadia brushes her hand through Amani's

hair.

Music continues

EXT. NADIA’S CAR - DAY

We see Nadia’s car from the back, fast moving on the road and
quickly disappearing in the far.

Music continues to the end.

FADE OUT

THE END