1

An CrchesLra of uream








All Palder



























Copyrights 2010 by Ali Haider

All rights reserved. No part oI this book may be reproduced or utilized in any Iorm or
by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any
inIormation storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing Irom
publisher. Inquiries should be addressed to Permission Department,
Bilal Khalid and Company, Inc.

Printed in Islamic Republic oI Pakistan.


1able of ConLenLs
[Z`WZ`_
AcknowledgemenL 4
reface 3
L1L8nl1? 7
A SPC81 S1C8? 7
ChapLer 1 8
ChapLer 10
ChapLer 1
ChapLer 4 13
ChapLer 3 17
ChapLer 6 18
SPC81 LSSA?S 1
My llrsL uay aL School
Soclal ulfflculLles arenLs lace When 1hey Pave 1o 8alance Work and Llfe 4
1here ls Always A llrsL 1lme 3
1o Wln or noL 1o Wln 6
POEMS 7
8loody 8lue Shore 8
uppeL lrlend
8esorLed Anger 0
Cnly ?ours 0
l Love ?ou for Lvery Lle 1
Cur World 1
1he LxqulslLeness 1haL Surrounds Me
8ecause ?ou Loved Me
Cnly ?ours
l Am WalLlng lor ?ou
PaLe Lo see you everyday 4
LA? 3


4







Acknowledgement


l would llke Lo Lhank and acknowledge my parenLs whose supporL was always a sense of
moLlvaLlon for me 1hen l would llke Lo Lhank Amo wlLhouL whom l and my book would have
been compleLely lncompleLe LL Mannan lendlng me hls preclous lapLop and Ms Syrrlna
Ahsan for bearlng wlLh me Lhrough Lhls course and generously frequenL emall replles
3

!7eface
'An CrchesLra of ureams' ls an amalgamaLlon of a sLory essays poems and a play lL ls allln
one enLerLalnmenL package for all Lhe ages 1he book ls parLly flcLlLlous and parLly non
flcLlLlous
1he book has been wrlLLen for readers from all over Lhe world l have wrlLLen Lhe book ln
Lwo dlfferenL wrlLlng sLyles llrsLly l wroLe Lhe sLory ln Lhe conLemporary wesLern sLyle
wrlLlng sLrlcLly followlng Lhe accepLed norms and characLer skeLches pracLlced ln Lhe
wesLern llLeraLure Secondly l wroLe ln Lhe freelance easLern wrlLlng sLyle or ln oLher words
Lhe dlrecL words from my hearL less descrlpLlve and more meanlngful selecLlon of words
and senLences
8oLh wrlLlng sLyles have Lhelr own beauLy and LasLe
1he book boasLs abouL all Lhe meanlngful lessons LhaL l have learnL Lhough ouL my llfe Lvery
arLlcle of Lhls book revolves around some [ulcy sLory buL culmlnaLes on some producLlve
message
1he baslc lnsplraLlon Lo wrlLe Lhls book ls LhaL every ordlnary person has an exLraordlnary
llfe surroundlng hlm l felL a Lrue urge Lo preserve and share some speclal evenLs of my llfe
so Lhe book ls wrlLLen
SLrucLure of book ls noL llnear ?ou may sLarL from any secLlon of you lnLeresL flrsL Lvery
essay sLory and poem ls lndependenL of a sequence Powever Lhe essays are regarded as
LangenLlal parL of Lhe book and musL be read
'An CrchesLra of uream's ls a muslcal symphony wrlLLen ln Lerms of words for Lhe llLeraLure
hunLers
Lassys llke 'My llrsL uay aL School' and 'Soclal ConfllcL 8eLween Llfe and Work' are noL only
[ulcy plece of lnformaLlon buL a food of LhoughL Loo Someday lf noL presenLly have Lo
become faLhers and moLhers We need Lo undersLand Lhe posslble shorLcomlngs LhaL can be
made on our parL 1hls food of LhoughL can sLop huge famlly gaps and mlsundersLandlng Lo
lncur
lL was an lnsplraLlon for me Lo wrlLe Lhls book






6





7




ETERNITY:
A SHORT STORY
8

apte7 1:
Sky was Iading with the red glow oI the tired sun and the clouds were covering it in
an aIIectionate cuddle. The warm breeze blew with a sweet Iragrance oI roses that
were about to sleep in the tranquil mood oI the plateau. Where the red glow ended, the
meadows shining with the slight tint oI gold started. But their glow grinned in his eyes
to leave a lasting impression. As he turned around on the plateau, the crystal clear
river Ilew just beneath his Ieet with a reIlection oI the gold light Ialling on it Irom the
dying sun.
He could clearly see his own reIlection in the smooth Ilowing water. But he was still
standing on the brink oI the river, enjoying the calmness on his Iace and glow in his
eyes when a Iamiliar voice called out Irom behind.
'Mark?
As Mark turned around to look at the voice that had just penetrated inside his soul to
leave him restless, the door oI the caravan opened up and a beautiIul lady walked out.
Her sight sparkled in his eyes to leave him awed by the elegance oI the soul standing
in Iront oI him. She was dressed in a white mermaid gown holding a bunch oI white
roses in her hands, giving Mark the same gorgeous smile that had stole his heart when
he Iirst saw her. The blue oceanic eyes looked upon him with the love that is his
greatest treasure in the world.
Mark slowly walked towards her, not losing his contact with the captivating eyes even
Ior a split second. Those eyes, still gleaming with the same aIIection and innocence,
talked a thousand words with him. As he drew near, she kept the bouquet on the table
beside the door inside the caravan and held out her hands to him. Mark took the soIt
hands and kissed them. A shy expression spread over her Iace as he put his hand on
her back and pushed her against his chest.
'Did I Iorget to tell you how beautiIul you look my love?
Esme chuckled and raised her eyes to look at Mark.
'It`s the tenth time you have spoken the same line Mark. Her smile widened and she
kept her head on his chest.
'I can`t put my Ieelings in words, but iI you could just Ieel my happiness and love Ior
you. Esme continued.
Mark slowly separated her Irom his chest and took her Iace in both hands. AIter
staring Ior countless minutes, he Iinally Iound words to speak; her beauty made him
speechless as he stared upon her Iace.
'Your eyes are like an open book; I can read and Ieel whatever is going on inside you
my dear. I can Ieel your heart reaching out to me....... Esme, I love you.


That evening was the best memory Mark had with her. The air just stilled on the
wedding night and the time just slowed down. He brushed his hands through her hair
and the Iragrance oI jasmine Iilled his soul. He Ielt deeply in love with her and
couldn`t think oI anything else besides her. It was just Mark and Esme in the candle-
lit room and the two souls connected to never part till the last breath.




















10

apte7 2:
'Darling can you pick up the phone, I am kind oI busy with the chicken Esme called
out Irom the kitchen oI their newly bought house in Williamsberg.
The phone in the living room was ringing aloud Ior quite a while now but Mark was
nowhere to be seen.
'Mark, Mark, where are you? Esme spoke again but no reply came.
'Where has he gone? Her voice changed into a more questioning tone.
Esme crossed the kitchen to enter into the living room that was illuminated by the
enormous chandelier on the ceiling. The phone was placed on the centre table which
was surrounded by the soIas on three sides and by the LCD screen on the Iourth.
There were showcases on either side oI the television that contained pictures oI Esme
and Mark. The spot lights on the wall on right, leading to the kitchen, illuminated a
large portrait oI Esme. The marvellous colour combinations and the Iinesse oI the
painting augmented the beauty oI the bride in the portrait.
Underneath the picture was a tiny signature that said 'Mark. In the portrait, Esme
was standing on the porch in a white mermaid gown with a bundle oI white roses in
her hand and with the same innocent smile. Mark had painted the portrait on the night
oI their wedding with extreme intricacy; giving attention each and every detail to the
background. The use oI colours and combinations were reIlection oI Mark`s
emotions.
'Good Morning. Esme answered the phone with a sweet, melodic voice.
'Hey Steph. How do you do?.....I am Iine and sorry Ior the delay. I was just working
in the kitchen. So whats up?.....hmm..ahan..All right, I`ll talk to Mark about it and
I`ll let you know soon. Ok?.....All right, all right. Take care oI yourselI. Bye. Esme
hung up the phone and returned to the kitchen to turn oII the stove. She looked Ior
Mark in the bedroom but he was nowhere to be seen. Curves appeared on the
otherwise calm Iace and Esme started to call out his name more loudly. But no reply
came.
She ran upstairs into the terrace to look Ior him. There, behind the slowly moving
curtains, Mark stood in the terrace with a very strange expression on his Iace. He was
shocked and gloomy, all at the same time.
'Mark, Mark---'Esme broke oII as she entered into the terrace and quickly ran to
Mark.
'Where were you lost? I have been calling you Ior a long time. Why weren`t you
answering me? Is everything okay? What happened? Say something Mark! Esme
continued in a hurried voice, sweat pouring down her Iace.
11

Mark slowly turned around to hug his wiIe. His heart was beating very Iast, as iI he
had woken up Irom a very Irightening dream. But he answered Esme very calmly, not
letting her know oI the Iear that was troubling him.
'Hey, easy. I am all right, just came up here to enjoy the weather. Look how
beautiIul it is. And I couldn`t hear you that`s why couldn`t answer. I am so sorry to
have bothered you like this. I swear it won`t happen again baby!
'It`s okay Mark. I was just worried, you weren`t answering........ Well,it`s indeed a
nice weather. My baked chicken would go perIectly with the cold breeze. Hungry?
'Very.
'C`mon then, it would be better iI we grab it hot
As they descended the stairs and walked to the kitchen, Esme opened up the windows
so that the cool breeze would Ilow in. AIter laying down the table, they sat to eat and
enjoy the crispy chicken with the beautiIul weather.
'Mark, Dr. Stephanie called in the noon. You remember the quake that struck the
village oI Farzingie yesterday?
'Mmm-hmm Mark replied with his mouth Iull oI chicken.
Esme chuckled because Mark looked Iunny when he tried to speak with his Iully
packed chicken mouth. He looked weird.
'So I was saying that, volunteer doctors are required in the village to cater to the
thousands oI injured Iolks. I was thinking oI joining her team so that we can help out
as many people as we can. Well, what do you say?
'Well... I have never stopped you Irom doing anything you want so I won`t do that
even now! But Ior how much time will you be going?
'We have to leave on the coming Tuesday. And it is going to take approximately Iive
months to stabilize the health distortions.
'FIVE MONTHS?? Mark replied with sudden surprise and his calm Iace turned into
a more stunned one.
'I know it`s a long time but it will be close to impossible to come back earlier. I really
wanted that you would go with me but you have to take care oI our new clinic!
'Esme darling, it`s too much. How will I live without you Ior FIVE MONTHS? And
you know very well that the telecommunication services have also been disrupted and
I won`t be able to contact you! Can`t you just avoid this venture.......please? Mark
spoke in a very gloomy way that could have melted Esme`s heart iI she hadn`t already
made up her mind.
1

She somehow pursued Mark to let her go and that she will be back soon. But he
continued till Tuesday`s morning to insist her to stay but she was immovable. They
quietly covered their journey to the airport and Esme joined other volunteer doctors in
Stephanie`s team.
'Take care oI yourselI sweetheart. I love you and I`ll be back soon Esme held Marks
Iace in her tender hands and tried soothing him down.
'Love you too hon. Take care oI yourselI and try coming back earlier.
The sadness in the voice oI Mark was unbearable Ior Esme but she had made the
decision. She kissed her husband and slowly walked towards the counter. AIter a
while she turned around, waved at Mark and started walking towards the airplane. It
was Iirst time, aIter marriage, that they were going to spent time without each other
Ior as long as Iive months.














1

apte7 3:
'Death is a very Iascinating journey, my son. Though we believe that once we are
dead, our soul will be Iree Irom the clutches oI time, but reality is otherwise. Father
William J. Stephen oI Brusbli Church spoke to Mark Evans aIter the ceremonial
gathering on Saturday.
Past two months had proved to be a trial Ior Mark. Though, his days were mostly
occupied by the patients streaming into his clinic but his nights were too stressed out.
The Ieelings oI incompletion and restlessness crept over him time and again and it
was impossible to Iind some peace. The nightmares and paranoid thoughts made him
obsessed and most oI the time, aIraid. His dreams were weird and were taking up a
more dangerous theme.
Most oI the time, his dreams would reIlect death and misery. He would imagine blood
and gigantic monsters. He would be drooling underneath pale blue skies and
wondering about a white majestic castle. The dark surroundings, though scary,
seemed Irom a heaven. Small moans like those oI a child would come randomly Irom
inside the castle but he couldn`t go anywhere near the origin oI the moans. A body
covered in a black cloak would come out oI the castle, at the end oI all dreams, and
stab a spear in Marks body. Panting and crying, Mark would wake up suddenly and
rush Ior a glass oI water.
He hadn`t been able to talk to his wiIe, Esme, Ior two months and the dreams made
him even more worried about her. He tried Iinding ways to connect with her, to know
whether she was saIe but all in vain. ThereIore, he started paying more Irequent visits
to the local church to pray Ior her saIety and listen to the weekly address by Father
William which placated his soul. He spent long hours in the church and shared his
Ieelings with the priest. He strived Ior knowing the meaning and implication oI such
dreams. Father William, a man oI wisdom, knowledge and calm personality, proved
to be the only one who could control Mark`s ever increasing anxiety and his
numerous questions.
'Death has many circumstances indeed. It is hard to imagine Ior death to have
conditions but it is part oI the process.
'What are those conditions Father? Mark spoke with curiosity and surprise.
'My son, when a person dies, angels descend Irom the seventh heaven to take the soul
with them back to where it came Irom. But sometimes it happens that the person who
has died was in the process oI doing something important and because oI his untimely
death, that important task couldn`t be completed anymore. In such cases, nature
proves to be quite benevolent in a very strange way. You see, the medium in which
the person died, his soul persists in that medium and tries to communicate with the
outer world through it. So that his task can be completed and he shall die in peace.
The priest continued in a calm and polite tone.
14

'I don`t get it Father, I mean what do you mean by the mediums and how does the
soul communicate with the outer world? Other people can`t just see it
because....it`s....it`s a soul! Mark asked in a conIused and inquiring voice.
'As I said the nature helps the departed soul in a much unexpected way. When liIe
was Iirst created, three things helped in its conception; Iire, earth and water. And
these very three essentialities are the basis oI our death process as well. II a person
dies satisIied, then these very mediums penetrate through your body easily and Iree
your soul. But iI you die with a concern in your mind then one oI the medium, in
which you died, would not be able to pass through and so it will carry you around till
it can possess you. They have powerIul communication ways that help the essence oI
our bodies to move around and Iind their ways to the completion oI what they leIt
behind. For example iI a person dies in water then his soul will move around in the
world through this very medium. It will reveal itselI to those with whom it is
concerned or to whom he wants to transmit a message.
But it is not at all important that, in the case oI water, the soul would be conIined to
seas, oceans and lakes etc. It shall move to wherever it wants, inside homes, out oI
walls etc. Same goes Ior Iire and earth. This is how our death associates with nature to
satisIy our needs and requirements at times. Not a single person leaves this world
without IulIilling his desire. ThereIore, we should always be thankIul to our creator
and Christ Ior blessing us with the power to IulIil our desires, even aIter we have leIt
our body.












13

apte7 4:
Farzingie, a small village on the outskirts oI Bartholomew, resembled a heaven on
earth. The lush green Iields, the bordering river oI crystal clear water and the sweet
Iragrance oI jasmine made you Iall in love with the place. The air blew with a magical
charm that communicated the language oI love and purity. It penetrated through your
body to placate the soul and wash away the deities oI evil inside.
It was an aesthetic and an exotic village, Iull oI the creativity oI nature that people had
never seen beIore. The relics oI past became an integral part oI Frazingie`s culture
and tradition. The art and music revived the beauty oI the place, and carried an
ambience oI love and tranquillity in them. The inhabitants, as well, resembled the
sight oI the village. Their personalities bloomed with the integral elements oI love,
care and selI-conIidence.
But the IateIul day oI 15
th
March, 1998 brought destruction beyond repair. The place
that used to blossom with Ilowers now became a graveyard. The streets were
desolated and dark storm clouds covered the entire village.
Dr. Stephanie and his team oI Iive doctors had arrived here in Farzingie on 17
th
March
to stabilize the health distortions. But there was more to be done. The entire
telecommunication and inIrastructure had been decimated. The houses had collapsed
and very Iew houses now stood on their own; ones that were Iar away Irom the river.
First aid and rescue services had started operating and were working towards the
rescue oI citizens who had been trapped under the Iallen buildings. People whose
injuries were Iatal and couldn`t be treated with Iirst aid were transported through
airplanes to the nearest city oI Hikro Ior advanced medical services.
But all the doctors who came as volunteers Iirst built up their medical camps and
arranged Ior the treatment oI their patients. The services weren`t delayed though; they
had started taking in patients Irom the very Iirst minute. Every volunteer worked
tirelessly through the days and nights and had little oI anything else to worry about.
Besides, other volunteers also helped in building up temporary shelters Ior the
eIIected residents. Temporary wooden houses and tents were set up to accommodate
the large populace. Other basic necessities oI Iood and clothes were sent regularly by
the local government and by neighbouring countries in the Iorm oI Ioreign aid.
But Esme took a lot oI time trying to settle in. She missed her husband very much and
it was proving hard Ior her to wait Ior three more months. She had never Ielt so lonely
beIore and the Iact that she couldn`t contact him or send him a note at least made her
Irustrated. Esme was pregnant. She had known this in her Iirst week here in Farzingie.
She was desperate to tell her husband about the good news and inquire about his Iirst
expression but it wasn`t possible. She would go near the river and watch the gleaming
moon. Then as she would close her eyes, Mark`s smiling Iace would zoom in and
tears would Ilow out oI her eyes. But she had to be strong, take care oI her baby and
16

oI the responsibilities she had yet to carry out. She hadn`t even told her Iriends about
the baby and so she was on her own.
As time passed, she developed a very close association with a lot oI residents who all
recognized Esme as a caring and a loving person. OI them all, an old lady was the
closest to Esme and she was the Iirst person to know oI her pregnancy. The woman
had lost her only Iamily members, a granddaughter and a grandson. She had no one
else in the world. Her sorrow was deep because the two little kids meant a lot to her.
She took care oI Esme like a mother, catering to her every need and requirement. Her
small hut had survived the thrust oI storm and Esme lived there with her. She paid
well attention to Esme`s diet and helped her through every ordeal oI pregnancy. Esme
Ielt as iI her own mother was there with her.
Every night, both ladies would sit down and talk about their Iamilies. Most oI the
time, Esme would narrate how she had met Mark and got married in one oI the most
beautiIul places in the country, Scalintro. Whenever Esme Ielt really down and
tearIul, she would hug the old lady and sit beside her quietly Ior long hours.
But time somehow passed quickly aIter the Iirst two months. Esme`s happiness
became uncontrollable when, at last, her venture Iinally drew to an end. She will
Iinally meet Mark aIter such a long time and tell him about their 7 months old baby.
Her Iriends had been shiIted to other areas and Esme hadn`t met them Ior a long time
now. So apparently nobody still knew about the baby Irom her team.
Mark would be so happy and enthusiastic; she had been dying to see the wave oI
excitement on his Iace. Their coIIee evenings and dine-outs will be back and she shall
have all the time in the world with him. They will walk by the bay, hand in hand, in
the sweet cold breeze. All oI these thoughts jostled up her spirit and she was very
excited.
But when too much happiness comes, a big shock Iollows it as well......






17

apte7 5:
Ding Dong...Ding Dong...
The door bell rang inside the house in Williamsberg. Mark, who was sitting on the
couch with impatience evident on his Iace, quickly sprang up and ran to the door. He
was dressed as iI he was expecting someone very special this evening. There was
smell oI Iresh jasmines in the house and all windows were open so the cool breeze
could blow in. Besides the odour oI Iresh air, there was another delightIul aroma
coming Irom the kitchen. Something was being baked in the timed microwave oven,
perhaps a chicken.
The young gentleman in black dress pant, a tux-style jacket and a red shirt with Iirst
two buttons popped Ilew through the air to open the door. He had been longing to see
that old gleaming Iace Ior seven months now. He couldn`t have waited Ior a single
more minute and quickly opened the door. The smile on his Iace widened as he saw
her move towards him with her team.
'Dr. Stephanie, how are you? Where`s Esme? Mark spoke up with a pleasing voice.
He moved his head all around to see his wiIe. He couldn`t wait any longer. But she
was nowhere to be seen.
'Steph, where is she?
'She`s here Mark. Stephanie replied in a calm tone and moved aside slowly and
turned around.
Mark`s eyes were shining with extreme love and aIIection; he had been waiting Ior so
long. Her trip had already been delayed Ior 2 months because a minor storm had
struck the village again. All the volunteers decided to spend some more time in the
village and Esme had to stay too. Though, Esme hadn`t told him about the delay, Dr.
Stephanie however managed to send him a note regarding their delay in arrival. It had
saddened Mark very much but nothing could be done; the decision had already been
made. He sent a reply to Steph`s note but it never reached her and so he couldn`t
know how Esme was doing?
Mark moved a Iew steps Iorward as Stephanie cleared his way. His eyes that were
wide open, Iull oI happiness and excitement, suddenly narrowed down. Four doctors
supporting a big rectangular wooden box in their hands slowly moved inside the
house.
'What is this? Huh? Where`s Esme?.......Somebody ANSWER ME!! WHAT IS
THIS?? Mark yelled at the top oI his voice. As he moved towards the box, the sight
oI the body inside dumbIounded him. There, lying calmly inside the coIIin was Esme
and somewhere Iar, a timer started ringing.....

18

apte7 6:
'You promised to say right here with me always. How can you go without IulIilling
it? How will I live without you Esme? How?? Mark moaned at the portrait oI Esme.
A week had passed since the Iuneral oI Esme. Her body had been cremated according
to the Iamily traditions and buried in the backyard oI the house; Mark wanted her to
be as close to him as possible. He had dug the grave himselI and aIter burying Esme
in her Iinal domain, built stoned edges and placed an engraved marble near where her
head rested. It read:

Esme Ma7k Evans
A beautiIul wiIe and the Queen oI my heart.
22
nd
March, 1973 to 14
th
January, 1999
You will be missed and loved Iorever!

It had been a big shock Ior Mark. He lingered near his wiIe`s grave and her portrait in
the living room all day long. Something`s which happen and we aren`t prepared Ior
them, demand too much oI sacriIice and patience Irom our souls. The poor lad was
surely not ready Ior this and what happened next in his liIe was nothing but misery
and depression. To him, the new phase oI liIe that had begun on their wedding day
couldn`t be over yet. It was hard Ior him to realize that his wiIe, Ior whom he had
waited Ior so long and vowed to keep her happy, was gone Iorever.
The pain was excruciating and no matter what people said, it was his Iate and only he
had to bear it. All those who might have attended their Iuneral, this was just another
incident at which they were invited. But Ior Mark, it was an accident that had taken
his liIe, his breath, his soul, Esme Irom him Iorever. Passing every new day without
her presence killed him and broke him into thousand pieces like that oI a shattered
glass.
Tears Ilew incessantly in those innocent eyes whose liIe has been just ripped apart.
Every night he would stand there, in Iront oI his wiIe`s portrait and remember the
night he had painted the newly-wed bride. It was a magniIicent evening and the best
memory he had with her. Together they had wandered on the plateaus oI Scalintro,
enjoyed the calmness and peace that dwelled in that place and gave them a perIect
chance to enjoy Ior a liIetime. Though they had decided to return to their wedding
place, aIter a year or two, to relax Irom the tiring routine, but liIe never gave them a
second chance.
1

'Esme, I still remember when I Iirst saw you. Those innocent ocean eyes had
demanded a liIe out to me and I vowed that day Ior you will be my one and only liIe
partner. God made beautiIul plans to bring us together and make us one. Our couple
was the charming oI all, and our love was a story. People talked about how sincere
and aIIectionate we were to each other. Little did we know then about God`s plan Ior
our lives. He is the one who devastated my liIe Ior me. II his was the plan to take your
breaths away, then why has he leIt me here, suIIering alone in this rotten world that
means nothing without you? Oh honey, I can`t Iace it anymore. Please talk to me!
Mark`s impatience and pain was evident in is gloomy and low-pitched voice. Tears
were Ilowing Irom his eyes and his cheeks blushed Irom the heat oI the burning heart.
'Oh Esme ...
He had started speaking when a strange thing happened. Water was dripping Iast Irom
back oI Esme`s portrait. Mark quickly removed the portrait but there was no hole in
the wall Ior the water to come Irom but the brown back cover oI the portrait was all
wet. Yet the water paints inside the portrait were steady.
'What is happening? Thoughts were racing up inside Mark`s head.
AIter a while the whole Iloor was bathing in the dripping water. Mark was troubled,
how can this be possible? Where was the water coming Irom? He quickly moved to
the kitchen and opened the back door Ior the water to move out.
The stream was winding like a snake Irom the portrait, all the way inside the kitchen
and to the backyard. Mark sped back in but he was dumbIounded by the impressions
that were slowly Iorming inside and over the water stream. Black smoke was waving
above the water. Strange voices also echoed inside the kitchen. The smoke circulated
around Mark and quickly caged him. A black-hooded Iigure Iormed inside the smoke.
It carried the same white spear.
Mark was aIraid.
Slowly and steadily, the Iigure moved towards him with white cold hands Iirm on the
spear`s handle.
'Ashh tu nashke walis oculasta.... A voice like snakes rang in his ears.
His heart was beating hard, sweat was racing down his Iorehead and a sudden
realization struck him. It was happening just like his dream. As the hooded Iigure
drew closer than 15 inches, Mark screamed and ran to his bedroom, covering his Iace
in both hands. He shut down the curtains and stared around him Ior any trace oI the
smoke. It was nowhere to be seen.
He sat down, covered his shivering body with the blanket. What was happening?
Same thoughts were bugging his mind but out oI his anxiety and Iear, nothing else
struck his mind.
0

Thussshhhhhh.........
The mirror hanging on the wall collapsed and cracks appeared in the three mirrors
hanging all around him. He quickly raised his gaze and saw, the same black-hooded
Iigure was standing inside all three oI them and slowly moving towards him. Blood
was dripping Irom his mouth but his Iace was white-cold and blood-less.
Mark perplexed and Irightened stood up, leIt the blankets and turned around several
times, looking Irom one mirror to the other.
'WHAT THE HELL YOU WANT? LEAVE ME ALONE..WHO THE HELL ARE
YOU?
His rhetoric meant nothing at that hour. No answer came Irom the zombie. It moved
towards him with the same speed as beIore and hands still Iirm on the spear. It had
crossed the walls and was Ilying towards him Irom all sides, surrounding him. Water
Ilew underneath the Ieet in much the same winding manner.
"But it is not at all important that, in the case of water, the soul would be confined
to seas, oceans and lakes etc. It shall move to wherever it wants, inside homes, out
of walls etc. Same goes for fire and earth. 1his is how our death associates with
nature to satisfy our needs and requirements at times. Aot a single person leaves
this world without fulfilling his desire."The priest had said.
BeIore the zombie could cage him, Mark ran out his room, sweating hard and all the
same Ilabbergasted. His Ieet slipped in the living and he Iell straight on his Iace but he
managed to get up back on his Ieet. The kitchen door was still open and water was all
over the Iloor and the backyard. As he burst out oI the house and jumped into the
ground, the sight in Iront oI me was amazing.
Esme, in the white mermaid gown with a bunch oI roses in her hand stood beside her
grave. She gave him the same gorgeous smile that he had painted in the portrait
hanging in the living room. She was standing in the air above water which surrounded
her grave Irom all corners. Mark couldn`t believe his eyes.
AIraid oI losing her sight, his eyes didn`t blink and Mark walked towards the spirit
slowly. He extended his hand towards her but beIore he could even touch her, Esme
spoke:
'Our daughter
She was gone.

1









SHORT ESSAYS


My Fi7st Day at Scool
BeautiIul moments have a separate locker in your mind`s cold storage. You need to
deIreeze it in your microwave heart. A delight is ready! Tada! One such dish which I
like to cherish a lot is my Iirst day at school.
I still remember it was a chill morning in Quetta Cantonment where my Iather was
attending a prestigious military course with Ioreigners. Sharp at 8 am in the morning I
was handed over to my -,(basically a neighbor) so he could drop me to my class.
My mother waved me as soon as I stepped in to the alien green colored big coaster
with a military uniIormed conductor. School was near. It hardly took Iive minutes Ior
me to step into my new world SCHOOL` the much awaited. There were no Iairies,
no draIts no dragons! I was expecting some supernatural beings, castles and
princesses. Everything seemed normal and not pretty normal at the same time. Prep
class had a special area, somewhat a more considerate place to be than the rest oI the
school.
I was received by my Iirst class teacher. A god Iairy mother like Iigure Ior me Irom
heavens, bhai handed me over to ma`am and now I was someone else`s domain. I
realized that I am not the only one disappointed here. Baby cries, shouts and Iights
made me realize that my level oI disappointment is less than a lot here.
The class started and ma`am was busy in explaining that what in this world is this
place?`, who she is? And what are we supposed to do here? I didn`t bother listening. I
was interested in the outside world rather than the well decorated classes. I asked
ma`am to permit me to go out to have a glass oI water and within a Iew seconds aIter
permission I was on my Iavorite ride. Minutes aIter the unending enjoyment I realized
a horriIic Iigure is Iiguring me out, she was an ,,,. ,is the elderly aunty who is
kept to keep children disciplined. I just ran away to the class escaping her Iierce
clutches. As I entered, a music class was in progress and everyone was singing. Way
beIore entering the class I started singing my Iavorite rhyme along the class with the
peak oI my voice. At Iirst, it was me singing and the class was singing along while I
was entering. By the time I was at my seat, perhaps due to my unavoidable presence
and extremely shrill loud voice , I realized only I am singing and rest are laughing.
That was the Iirst time I Ielt I am not invisible. Instead oI getting nervous or ashamed,
I continued singing even louder and Iunnier. The class exploded. I Ielt like a rock star
until my music instructor interrupted me and IorceIully cancelled my concert.
I was innocent enough to be a 5 year old, but ironically my mother was even more
innocent as she Iorgot to give me a lunch box. Even more tragically, I missed my bus
back home because I wasn`t Ied in the instructions to catch one. I wandered in the
school like a bird but that didn`t last longer Ior I Ielt tired and hungry. A phase oI
loneliness and hunger appeared to me. Much like the Iilm stories, a beautiIul girl
appeared in the scene and pulled my cheeks and realized that I am in some trouble.


Much to my help she shared halI oI her lunch box and ensured that I reach my bus
saIely.
I still remember the good that unknown girl did to me and pray that may she have all
the blessings in this world. She inspired me to be good to others without any reason. I
went home and since that day I never missed a bus or lunchbox ever.

4

Social Difficulties !a7ents Face Wen Tey Have To Balance Wo7k and Life
The tower cranes are still. The activity at the steel mill has come to a halt. Workers
turn their Ieet back to the homes but Joe smith has his mind on the part time job oI a
taxi driver. He wants his children to study in the best school oI the town and Ior this
he will work to any extent.
Mrs. Joe smith is tired to the bones, sitting on her saleswomen seat, but the duties will
at 11:00 pm, she can`t escape! Back at home, children are hungry; they`ll sleep as it
is. Another day oI the Smith`s Iamily has ended!
This is not the case with Smith Iamily only but has become the glory tale oI thousands
oI Iamilies across the globe. The globalization has encouraged competition and a
seemingly ending status race has poked the parents to work day and night to earn best
Ior their children. Fathers are joined by mothers and in this they become less
considerate towards their children and household. It`s not that they intentionally
neglect their Iamily but circumstances somehow turn up this way. This aIIects all
aspects oI liIe including relationships, behavior oI children and a general look oI a
home. Foremost, the communication gap develops between the parents and the kids.
They are unable to convey their problems and share their thoughts, a major part oI
early grooming. A Iamily liIe is disrupted, no dining together, no playtime together. II
the kids are inIants and are not school going, parents have to arrange Ior nannies
which is not completely reliable. The cries oI children are not given proper vigilance.
They Iall prey to health problems every now and then. Then, they don`t Ieel the
closeness to their parents, they create their own worlds. Thus, lack oI sharing ends up
in a disintegrated Iamily liIe.
When children enter higher ages, problems become more complicated and challenges
tougher the teenage boys and girls need more attention than younger kids. Boys in this
tender age tend to get abused to drugs, particularly smoking or become love stricken.
Girls struggle to outsmart their Iellows by the Iollowing every latest Iashion, thereby,
neglecting studies. The grades Iall rapidly and it goes unnoticed by the parents as
when they return home, they are too exhausted to listen to anyone`s grievances. Poor
parents struggle hard to bridge up the communication gap which started building up in
the childhood.
Lastly, when parents can`t concentrate on either their work or Iamily, they build up
hot temper and vent Irustrations over each other. Thus kills the peace oI home. But
the liIe circle goes on! How to get this dilemma oII our chest? It`s all too easy to be
caught up on our careers, money making rat race that plagues our society where as
our Iamily and relationships seem to take a distant back seat but in reality, these are
eternal.

3

Te7e Is Always A Fi7st Time
I Ielt imbalanced standing on the white-marbled Iloor. Perhaps I was trembling too
much or was it the Iear oI the Iirst time. The 7 Ieet deep and 20 Ieet wide swimming
pool appeared to me as a gigantic well, in which I would be lost, iI I dared to plunge.
My Ieet appeared to be as heavy as a stone; it seemed a queer gravitational Iorce was
pulling me with goose pimples on my body. I didn`t posses a nerve to move myselI
into the pool, but then a quick rush oI courage Iorced me to jump . Splash! It was
the Iirst time I jumped into a swimming pool.
My Iear Ior water had turned into a nightmare since my best Iriend lost her liIe in a
swimming pool. Her screams still echoed in my ears. I still Ieel that hand which she
extended Ior help but merciless water wrapped her in her whirlpool. I Ielt water to be
a killing agent to many innocent loves. It`s not just swimming pools but seas, oceans,
and even tap water becomes ruthless, not knowing it`s a direction where to Ilow. It
always Ielt like a tiger waiting Ior its prey, which is ready to pounce on me anytime.
But then one day; a Iear has to be overcome and challenges to be Iaced. I Iinally
mustered up the strength to mount my Iear.
Water was Ireezing cold. A sheet oI ice coated the water surIace as it was a grey
evening oI cold December, the same month my Iriend has died. Icy spray sprinkled on
my Iace and my hands and limbs Ielt struck in the water. I tried to oppose the Iorce oI
water. As I tried to oppose the Iorce oI water, as I tried to go down the upwards thrust
pushed me up, iI I moved backwards the water took me Iorward. It looked water was
playing with me, a dangerous game. Perhaps it was a trap in which I was entangled. I
required breathing aIter every second. I Ielt signiIicant diIIerence between the two
worlds. I was bounded by the chains oI water molecules. I took a deep breath, with an
extra eIIort, pushed myselI down to the bottom. A cold wave swirled through my
veins, the picture oI my Iriend Ilashed in my mind. But then the barbaric and cruel
water didn`t allow me to stay, to remember it, swung me back to the outer world. I
was Iree.
I came out with a victory Ieeling. I took my revenge. I still remember my Iirst
swimming experience. When Iear is inevitable enjoy it.
I saved someone`s liIe Irom drowning 3 years aIterward.

6

To Win o7 Not To Win
Thought oI Iailure always sent shivers down my spine. I Ieared run oI bad luck, losses
and Iailures. I didn`t have the courage to Iace the adversities oI liIe. ThereIore, I
always kept my head down in Iront oI the risks and challenges. I never took part in
activities because I was aIraid oI Iailures.
But I broke out oI my shell when I stood Ior my school elections. At Iirst, the Iear oI
deIeat haunted my mind, I hesitated. Every day I thought oI results, the blanket oI Iear
overcame me and wrapped up. Like the adage a problem shared is a problem
halved`. I discussed with my Iriends about my reIusal to contest in the elections. I was
scared and Irightened about going ahead with the idea oI a challenge. They
encouraged me to go ahead Ior I always had the capability to lead. But Iear was
always lurking in some corner oI my mind. Somehow, it always Iorced me to say no
to it. At last I took some courage and Iinally decided to contest and Iight the elections.
'Vote Ior change Vote Ior Ali, my supporters were chanting slogans everywhere as
the campaign trail began. With a new spirit, new ambitions, I embarked upon my Iirst
rally. Forget about the Iailure, do your best, Iight till the end`. I reinIorced to myselI
beIore beginning the speech. You are strong, speak with your adversaries. Don`t back
out, whatever the consequences be!`
When I spoke with my inner selI, it bounced back enthusiasm. Long days and nights,
Iuelled by caIIeine and passion, were spent in rallies, speeches. Innumerable
supporters gave me unbelievable strength which as enough Ior me to drive me
through the length iI the country. At last! The Election Day came and everyone`s eyes
were on the ballot boxes. Students Irom all the classes were present to cast the votes.
My heart was beating Iaster than a bullet train. I could Ieel the rush oI adrenaline in
my veins as I heard the rumors saying that I am going to win this election. I was
conIident.
A Iriend oI mine rushed to me and said Iour votes`. and his Irowned Iace
automatically told me I lost.
Silence but serene calmness prevailed Ior moments.
I lost election. But I realized that I have deIeated the Iear; Iear to lose. It was one oI
the most important lessons It`s not winning or losing but the way you win or lose that
matters`. I Iight bravely and honestly.

7











!OEMS
8

Bloody Blue So7e

Lonely I am in the cold dry air
On this very shore I silently stare

Unending horizons oI seemingly blue
Still testiIies the love I had Ior you

It was a world never ending
A joy ride ever ascending

Your visions are still paralyzing
Every sight so mesmerizing

My lamp oI hope is still aIlame
I still remember you Iunny name

How can I deny that I am really missing?
Missing all that hugging, touching, kissing

Flooding Irom passion, asking Ior more
We had love on this bloody shore





!uppet F7iend
LosL ln Lhe deep darkness of a Lown
Where hopelessness abundanLly abound
l llve a llfe whlch ls abouL Lo end
ln an efforL Lo have someone as frlend
l madly searched all of my Lhlngs
And flnd a puppeL aLLached Lo sLrlngs

Worklng day or all Lhe weekend
Pe used Lo Lalk Lo hls only frlend
l had Lhe pleasure ln Lhls facL
1haL l drlve hls every acL
l Lold hlm how l never had
An opporLunlLy wanLed so bad
l always wanLed Lo succeed
My uppeL nodded and agreed


1hough all frlendshlp and romance
l never found a worLhy chance
And lL ls always full of shame
1haL l was always puL Lo blame
l never knew her knew her well
She followed hlm and made Lhls hell
l'm sure she'll geL noLhlng from greed
My puppeL nodded and agreed


0

Reso7ted Ange7

We had good Llmes buL LhaL was pasL
Llke many oLher Lhlngs LhaL dld noL lasL

1here ls no dlsmay and no regreL
?ou played foul and you played fasL

8uL l can assure of one small Lhlng
lL never was Lhe way you dld casL

SLrange ls your way Lo belng a good frlend
When you don'L need some you ouLcasL

l pray for your llfe and a llfe so long
keep lovlng yourself and have a blasL

Only You7s
l look aL your vlsage
l feel sLars glowlng around

?our beauLy my love
Makes me breaLhless

?ou make me feel love
l am yours Llll Lhe end

1

My llfe ls only yours for Laklng
1lll you do noL leave my hearL breaklng

I Love You fo7 Eve7y Lie

l love you for every lle
l love you for every cry

l love you for all Lhe Lears
l love you for all Lhe years

l love you for all Lhe hurL
l love you for Lhe enLlre preLense

l love you wlLh my soul
l love you wlLh my hearL

?ou were mlne back Lhen
8uL l am yours forever love
Ou7 Wo7ld
World ls ours Lo proLecL
War and Lerror and revenge

LeL go of Lhe feellngs of reprlsal
Love ls whaL we have Lo share



PaLred ls of no good
Parmony ls whaL we need Lo seek

Love and peace are Lhe way of llfe
8y every rellglon and bellef

Te Exquisiteness Tat Su77ounds Me

1he exqulslLeness LhaL surrounds me
1he sereneness LhaL ls around me
1he blrds chlrplng melodlously
1he flowers bloomlng colorfully
1he wlnd blowlng sofLly
1he sun sLreamlng down on me
1he ralnbow cheerlng ln Lhe sky
All Lhe splendor and magnlflcence
ls Cod's benevolence for me
Because You Loved Me
Every wish I had in heart
FulIilled as I looked in your eyes

Every dream I had in sleep
FulIilled as I held your hand

Every desire I had in liIe


FulIilled as I brushed your hair

Every Breath I had in me
Made it yours when you loved me

Only You7s
l look aL your vlsage
l feel sLars glowlng around

?our beauLy my love
Makes me breaLhless

?ou make me feel love
l am yours Llll Lhe end

My llfe ls only yours for Laklng
1lll you do noL leave my hearL breaklng
I Am Waiting Fo7 You

l llnger here ln your paLh
WaLch you wlLh every momenL
ln your eyes l see love
?ou deny me of Lhe affecLlon
8uL l can see love's reflecLlon

Cne day you wlll reallze
4

l am walLlng for you

Hate to see you eve7yday

PaLe Lo see you everyday
PaLe Lo look aL you

8urns my hearL Lo ashes
1o see you happy ever

8emlnds me of every lle
?ou're preLendlng of neglecL
All Lhe sham LhaL was hldden
Lvery lle ouL ln Lhe open

l haLe you for every decepLlon
8uL everyLhlng was my wrong percepLlon










3





!LAY

6

In !u7suit Of Happiness

Cast of Characters

8Ak1LNDLk brlngs drlnks Lo everyone played by All Palder Sulehrla

LCVL senLlmenLal wlLh frlendly personallLy played by PussnalnulPaq

nA1L very blLLer and very seL ln hls ways played by Afraz All

MCNL lald back yeL wlLh calculaLlng eyes played by Zaln Shahld

CWLk havlng loud expresslon smug and dlsplaylng prlde ln all hls acLlons blayed by All
Palder

IAML drlpplng wlLh elegance and carrylng an alr of narclsslsm played by Amlna Waseem

ACCCMLISnMLN1 overrldlng and domlnaLlng played by All Zafar

WISDCM vlgllanL llsLener played by Zoya Pussaln

eople wlll make Lhelr enLrances conLlnually LhroughouL Lhe play wlLhouL any breaks or
changes ln Lhe seLLlng lL ls noL dlvlded lL lnLo acLs Lhere ls raLher a slmple sLarL wlLh
magnanlmous endlng


7

(ln a resLauranL love and haLe are slLLlng aL a Lable on Lhe cenLre of Lhe sLage Love seems
downcasL and penslve AL Lhe counLer on Lhe lefL slde of Lhe sLage a barLender wlpes a
glass wlLh a rag and Money keeps on orderlng drlnks for hlmself AL Lhe lefL slde of Lhe sLage
AccompllshmenL slLs on anoLher Lable wlLh a sheaf of paper worklng and on Lhe rlghL of Lhe
sLage ln fronL of Lhe counLer on anoLher Lable slLs Wlsdom a sllenL specLaLor of Lhe golngs
on ln Lhe room)

LCVL
(Poldlng hls head ln hls hands)
l can'L undersLand whaL ls mlsslngl've glven up my whole belng buL lL [usL doesn'L seem
enough

nA1L
WhaLever are you Lalklng abouL?! Mlsslng?! Pumph! Look aL me and learn! l don'L klll myself
for oLhers Lhe way you Lend Lo and l daresay l've done preLLy well!

LCVL
8uL l can'L resorL Lo your connlvlng ways lL [usL lsn'L rlghL lL's lmmoral and LalnLs your soul

nA1L
ah! Who cares! As long as 'l'm' geLLlng whaL l wanL l'm okay wlLh wrong and lmmoral AL
leasL l'm happy
(Slgnals Lhe barLender Lo brlng hlm a drlnk)

8Ak1LNDLk
(Purrles forward)

LCVL
(SlLs up sLralghL)
Peavens! ?ou call 1PA1 happlness?! Puh! Papplness ls llvlng for oLhers!

nA1L
?ou've been Lhere done LhaL! Are you happy? Clearly noL! Look aL you! 8ewlldered ouL of
your mlnd sad snlffllng!(snorLs) and look aL me ?ou can be Lhe [udge of our sLaLes! 8e my
guesL!

MCNL
(lrom Lhe counLer calls ouL Lo Love)
reclsely! Pey ya cryln fella! WhaLch ya need ls a coupla plck me ups
8alses hls drlnk Lowards hlm)
And bllng bllng!
(lllcks aL hls collar)

nA1L
(Looklng aL Money)
Aah! My 'bllnglng' frlend! uldn'L see you Lhere! LveryLhlng's good l presume!

MCNL
noL Loo shabby lf l say so myself!!
(Cuffaws)

8

LCVL
(Surprlsed)
8uL surely 'Money' can'L buy happlness!

CWLk
(LnLers Lhe sLage from cenLre)

MCNL
Money happlness! Who alnL happy wlLh money alnL been wlLhouL lL for long or maybe he
alnL spendlng lL rlghL! no slr!
(Shakes hls head sldeways)

CWLk
WhaL's Lhls nonsense!
(SLands aL Lhe rlghL slde of Love)
lLs ower ConLrol AuLhorlLy! (8angs on Lhe Lable) 1haL's whaL makes a man happy! ?ou
have power you geL your work done llke Lhls! (Snaps hls flnger and Lhumb)

IAML
(LnLers Lhe sLage from lefL)
1uL! Surely you would Lhlnk LhaL
(Looks aL ower up and down)
8uL does your power glve you Lhe cerLalnLy LhaL you rule everybody's hearLs? lame does
(Looklng aL Love)
Ah! Pow do you llke my manlcure?

LCVL
aah lLlL's

IAML
l know lL's gorgeous lsn'L lL! l had lL done [usL Lhls mornlng!
(llashes a brllllanL smlle)
So!
(8ack Lo power and money)
Where were we?


CWLk
We were dlscusslng a maLLer of grave lmporLance before you rudely lnLerrupLed us lady!

8Ak1LNDLk
(8ushes forward wlLh drlnks for everyone)

IAML
Pold on hold on!
(ALLends her phone)
Pello! ?es yes! no! l wanL my posLers and blllboards Lo be everywhere! Larger Lhan llfe!! Ch
of course everyone knows me already buL l sLlll wanL more!
(1akes ouL a mlrror and examlnes her reflecLlon)
AlrlghL Lhen! keep me updaLed
(uLs down her phone fllcks a sLrand of halr and Lhen puL Lhe mlrror down Loo)


So genLlemen! ?ou were saylng!
(Looks enqulrlngly aL power)

CWLk
(lrownlng)
?oung lady you need Lo learn Lo respecL auLhorlLy and power! ?ou had beLLer learn and
undersLand Lhls or else you wlll meeL a very sLlcky end one of Lhese days!

IAML
ah! WhaL do l care for your god forsaken power and auLhorlLy! lL ls fame LhaL brlngs you
power! My fame brlngs me power Lo rule everybody's hearL! lL brlngs me money! Lverybody
loves me! ?ou are fools Lo Lhlnk LhaL anyLhlng mlghL surpass fame!

MCNL
(lndlgnanLly)
WhaaaaL!! WhaLch ya Lalkln 'bouL! lLs money LhaL brlngs you fame and noL Lhe oLha way
round mlss goody Lwo shoes! Why would ya be geLLlng all Lhose manlcures and blllboards
done wlLhouL oodles of money!?

CWLk
reposLerous! ?ou knuckleheads have goL lL all wrong! WlLhouL self dlsclpllne and power
Lhere ls no geLLlng around Lo any of Lhese Lhlngs!

nA1L
(CuleLly)
?es Lhere ls lf our greed and lusL for Lhese Lhlngs ls so greaL and all consumlng Lhere ls no
sLopplng you accompllshlng Lhem and

ACCCMLISnMLN1
(8alses hls head and Lhen geLs up and walks Lowards Lhe cenLre Lable on Lhe sLage)
Pey! uld l hear my name belng called? Why whaL are all you chaps up Lo? Seems llke Lhe
parLy's ln full swlng!

IAML
We were Lalklng abouL whaL ls mosL lmporLanL of all for a person and he
(olnLs aL power)
1hlnks LhaL he's a bounLy Lo caLch!
(SLlcks ouL her Longue aL hlm)

CWLk
(lnhales ln annoyance)

MCNL
(Laughlng)
Why whaLLa charmlng lll creaLure you are alnL ya! 8uL ya need Lo know lLs money ya need
babe!

IAML
(8olls her eyes)

ACCCMLISnMLN1
40

Money! Pere now how can you even dream of geLLlng money lf you fall Lo accompllsh
anyLhlng?!

CWLk
WlLh power you can accompllsh anyLhlng!

ACCCMLISnMLN1
(Looks aL power lncredulously)
8eally! And uslng your power how would you go abouL and make a chlld look aL you wlLh
love?

CWLk
lerrlL's lrrelevanL! 1here ls no need for lL!

IAML
no need! 1haL's whaL you Lhlnk Mr 8ossy!

MCNL
(Snlggers)
l'll [usL glve Lhe kld a coupla chocolaLes and candles and he'll go all gaga ova me!

nA1L
Who needs love! no one! lL doesn'L even exlsL! lLs only lusL! Creed! WanL! ueslre!

LCVL
Love
(SLares aL PaLe)
uoes noL exlsLwhaL exacLly do you mean by LhaL?


nA1L
LxacLly LhaL!
(SLands up)
Love weakens you! lL hurLs you! Lveryone's beLLer off and happy wlLhouL LhaL plsh posh!

LCVL
(SLands up Loo)
?eah? And whaL exacLly do you Lhlnk haLe ls?! lL ls Lhe love Lo dlsllke someLhlng so lnLensely
LhaL lL leaves no room for love of llklng of sacrlflclng WhaL's money huh? ower!?
AccompllshmenL!? lame!? 1hey all are drlven by love 1hey all are derlvaLlves buL Lhelr rooL
ls Lhe samelove

nA1L
8eally Lhen why were you so upseL before my frlend? lf you clalm love ls everyLhlng why
were you so dlsLraughL? Why?

LCVL
(ue[ecLed)
l [usLdon'L know
(SlLs down)

41

nA1L
(SlLs down)

IAML
WhaL rubblsh!

CWLk
Scandalous!

MCNL
Money babylove lL?! Sure l do!!

ACCCMLISnMLN1
Well l don'L know

nA1L
(SnorLs)

WISDCM
(SLands up and everyone falls sllenL and looks)
My frlends lf l may be as bold as Lo puL ln my oplnlon? Papplness ls a relaLlve Lerm
(Clrcllng Lhelr Lable)
WhaLever you have argued for love haLe money power fame accompllshmenLLhese
may be lmporLanL Lo some and yeL LoLally lmmaLerlal and lnconsequenLlal Lo oLhers for
Lhese are merely pleasures of llfe noL happlness
(Comes and sLand aL Lhe cenLre of sLage looklng Lowards audlence)
1he feellng of pleasure ls derlved from forelgn lncenLlves and happlness happlness ls a
bellef abouL your own self removed from everyone and lL comes from deep wlLhln yourself
a saLlsfacLlon of our exlsLence a harmony of our LhoughLs and peace of our belng Why
people are abouL as happy as Lhey make up Lhelr mlnds Lo be
(Looklng aL love) are you happy?

LCVL
?es ?es l am

WISDCM
(Smlles and nods)

(Lveryone sLands up and comes and sLands besldes Wlsdom)