Brain

[Scene 1]

(In Singapore - During Summer Holidays)

MUM - Hey! Hey! where are you going?

JAI - I'm going out to get some fresh air. I'll be back.

MUM - Sure, have fun! be back by evening 7:30.

(Jai leaves)

MUM - (On the phone) Hello? when are you coming home today?

DAD - Late, sorry.

MUM - Again? a-any luck?

DAD - Sadly no. I'm still trying.

MUM - Well...tomorrow's a weekend, we'll go to the temple.

DAD - Okay, bye.

MUM - Bye (drops the call).

(the mother watches Jai playing outside and makes tea)

[Scene 2]

(Jai comes home)

JAI - Hey ma!

MUM - Hi! how was it outside?

JAI - Played some outdoor badminton with my friends.

MUM - O-Okay then....

JAI - What happened?

MUM - N-No nothing, j-just thinking about what to cook for breakfast tomorrow.

JAI - Okay, I'll freshen up.

MUM - Sure.

[Scene 3]

(At the dinner table - only Mum and Jai eating)

MUM - You like the Dal?

JAI - It's good, why did you put tomatoes in it?

MUM - Jai, they're small pieces, just swallow them.

JAI - Next time, make egg curry.

MUM - How many times, Jai? you know how expensive it is to buy egg around here.

JAI - But still, so are the other vegetables. You're the type who heads down to Cold Storage and buys grocery worth $100.

MUM - Hey, if we need the veggies, we need them.

JAI - Same with egg. High in Protein and essential fat.

MUM - Well that yolk's no good to us anyway.

JAI - Just buy it tomorrow.

MUM - Nowadays you seem to be poking your nose into my cooking.

JAI - Summer, ma. School's out.

MUM - Oh well, just two weeks left anyways. Then freedom for me.

JAI - You're so eager to see me go back to school, now.

MUM - Hey, every mother needs a break.

JAI - But I'm like your only trouble around here.

MUM - Wow, Jai, just eat up. You make such a fuss over food you don't like.

JAI - When is dad coming?

MUM - Hmm....he's coming late today.

JAI - Today also?

MUM - Listen, your father is busy with work. At times he has heavy workload, and sometimes there is less. We'll just have to deal with it.

JAI - But he's been doing the same for like four months already. What's gotten into him?

MUM - He's busy, alright?

JAI - But, we could never see him on the weekdays, only on weekends when he sleeps in.

MUM - Why don't you ask your father, I'm sure he'll tell you.

JAI - Maybe I will (eats and leaves the table).

MUM - No TV today?

JAI - Reading a book.

MUM - Sure, why not.

[Scene 4]

(While Jai is sleeping - Dad comes home)

MUM - Come, come, I have dinner ready for you.

DAD - Yes, please.

MUM - Oh god, this same old routine, and for how long?

DAD - I don't know. I have to keep trying.

MUM - Did your-

DAD - Is Jai asleep?

MUM - Yes.

DAD - Okay good. Tomorrow is a weekend, after going to the temple, I'll break it to Jai.

MUM - Why now? he'll be upset.

DAD - Jai is mature enough, he's 15. I'm sure he can handle this if I just tell him.

MUM - He has good memories here in Singapore.

DAD - We all do, don't talk rubbish.

MUM - Well....

DAD - I have an appointment with someone in Mumbai.

MUM - Is it regarding-

DAD - Yes, yes.

MUM - Company said you can go to Vietnam, China, or Delhi.

DAD - I have asthma. I don't want to tackle pollution there.

MUM - No luck here?

DAD - Nope.

MUM - Well, if it's for the best....

DAD - Book a ticket for monday morning. I'll be back next day itself.

MUM - Sure.

[Scene 5]

(Singapore - Outram Park Hindu Temple. The family did their prayers and are now eating food there)

DAD - How is the sweet?

JAI - It's good.

MUM - You had the pongal?

JAI - Only little, I'm not that hungry.

DAD - Eat well. You need the strength.

JAI - Sure.

[Scene 6]

(Back home - Jai is on his laptop)

DAD - Jai?

JAI - Yes, dad?

DAD - I need to talk to you.

JAI - What's it about?

DAD - Listen um....you know that, for a while, I've been coming late, right?

JAI - Yes.

DAD - It can mean anything, a man has to work hard to earn. In this case, if a man has good job security, he may as well work half day or less than 12 hours each weekday.

JAI - (Disturbed) W-What?

DAD - I-I'm getting transferred.

(Jai is speechless)

DAD - This happened months ago. Boss is transferring me to either Vietnam, China, or Delhi.

JAI - Well? d-does that mean I have to start from scratch there?

DAD - Jai, listen, you know I won't do that. Considering my health conditions, places like China and Delhi won't suit me.

JAI - Okay, Vietnam?

DAD - I'm not taking anymore risks in an alien country. You're getting into your 10th Grade. This is an important lap for you, and I don't want you to mess this up.

JAI - You tried?

DAD - I tried for....many other jobs here. I couldn't get them.

JAI - (Sad) Well....

DAD - Don't feel down. Just understand this, alright. The world today is full of mysteries. You won't be comfortable in your own basket each day, in this century. Back in my days, when I lived in Chennai. My father remained in the same job, in the same company, from first day to last day. That was our situation there.

JAI - Okay.

DAD - You just have to accept this. You have to have a flexible mind, and most importantly, you need to be mobile. In today's world you get pushed around everywhere. You just have to be prepared, to face the unexpected. Last day of school, you thought you were staying here, didn't you?

JAI - Yes.

DAD - See what fate did to us. It's all a huge mystery, life's riddles as they always say. Don't worry, I don't want to take the chance at an alien planet, which is why I'm planning on finding one back home.

JAI - Living back in India again?

DAD - Why not? it'll be a comfortable environment, as soon as we adjust. We've paid visits back home in Chennai and Bangalore, haven't we? we know the people, we know the functioning of the country. We'll just have to adapt to the new environment.

JAI - Well....

DAD - I have an interview, in Mumbai. There's a high chance that I get the job, according to what the officials there, spoke. If you're looking for a percentage, there's a 75% chance we move back to India.

JAI - Fine.

DAD - Be prepared. I'm telling you this now so that you are mentally prepared to move out. Otherwise this will seem like rocket science to you on moving day. Understood?

JAI - Okay.

DAD - There's something else to this also. We all are green card holders here.

JAI - True.

DAD - Dependent pass, more like. Meaning you all are dependent on me, where ever your move.

JAI - Sure.

DAD - Suppose I get the job, I want you to think about this: either way, I will have to move to Mumbai by coming November, which is in 3 months. However, if you choose to, you can stay back here, comfortably finish your 10th Grade studies and come join me there.

(Jai is silent)

DAD - Choice is yours. I did my part, my fate is being tossed upon in India. Your decision will tell if we all move together, or just me.

(Mum interferes)

MUM - Jai, listen. My father always told me one thing, that is we jump into a well, we jump together.

DAD - Hey! stop influencing him! he's old enough, he can make these decisions. Jai, listen, think carefully, school is going to start soon, make use of these difficult times to come up with a convincing decision.

JAI - Okay.

[Scene 7]

(Time flies - Dad returns home from Mumbai)

MUM - Well?

DAD - (Smiling) I got the job.

MUM - That's so good.

JAI - (Emotionless) Okay.

DAD - You thought hard about it?

JAI - No, I thought smart.

DAD - Sounds good. What do you insist? together? or just me?

JAI - Together.

MUM - You sure, Jai? 10th Grade is a crucial lap in your life.

DAD - Be quiet. Tell me why?

JAI - I'm quite comfortable with my academics record. I don't see why I should face trouble there in India.

DAD - Sure. Social status? your friends here?

JAI - We live in a century where we can keep in touch through social media. It won't be a problem for me.

MUM - Environment wise? you've never lived in India. You've been entirely brought up in foreign. Only for summer holidays you've gone there.

DAD - That's a point. Apart from adjusting with school there, the people and environment is entirely different. Expect hard times there, it's not like here and Hong Kong.

MUM - But they do say Mumbai is like Hong Kong.

DAD - Still, it's not the same. You're strong with your decision?

JAI - Damn sure.

DAD - 100 percent? affirmative?

JAI - 101% sure.

DAD - (Smiles) Namaste India.

(the family are in a cheerful mood upon moving back to India)

[Scene 8]

(Moving day - Jai is on skype conference call)

JAI - So yes, I'm moving back home.

RICHARD - And you never even told us?!

JUSTINE - You never said this on the last day!

JAI - Calm down you guys.

ANGELA - School's opening soon, and you're not there. What?

JAI - Angela please.

YUVAL - Listen, we need to have a get together, one last time. When are you leaving?

JAI - In two days.

ALL - Two days?! are you kidding me?!

JAI - I was busy having skype interviews with my new school whole of last week.

SIWON - Wow, Jai.

DANIEL - And you never even told us this shit.

JAI - Calm down, we'll go to Siloso Beach tomorrow. Fine?

ALL - Yes!

(Jai drops the skype call)

MUM - Siloso Beach?!

JAI - Ma, just a last get together.

MUM - Come on, you didn't think about this last week?

JAI - I was busy with the school interviews.

MUM - When is it?

JAI - Tomorrow, maybe evening.

MUM - Okay. Have it from 4:30 to 8pm or something. Don't be late, though.

(Jai is typing up invites for tomorrow)

JAI - Got it.

MUM - And please, watch out for the clock. Don't come back to Vivo City at 11:30, MRT trains don't run properly in some places after 12 midnight.

JAI - Sure, sure, I get it.

MUM - Just making sure. How much money?

JAI - Some $100.

MUM - What?

JAI - Everyone is bring $100. Wood fire Pizza is expensive there. We're having them.

MUM - Okay then. Last day anyways, what could go wrong?

JAI - Just look at the positives, we're moving back home!

MUM - Sure, we are.

[Scene 9]

(Tomorrow - At Siloso Beach. Everyone is having a great time)

RICHARD - Yes, bro! great party!

JAI - Thanks, man.

JUSTINE - Where in India are you going?

JAI - Mumbai?

JUSTINE - Your hometown?

JAI - No, hometown is Chennai.

JUSTINE - I see, but you know how to speak Indian.

YUVAL - Hindi, the language is Hindi.

JUSTINE - Oh, sorry. Hindi, you know how to speak Hindi.

YUVAL - There are many languages in India.

JAI - I don't speak Hindi.

JUSTINE - What do you speak then?

JAI - Tamil.

JUSTINE - And that's a different Indian language.

JAI - Yes.

JUSTINE - Complicated (moves off).

YUVAL - It's weird if you think about it. Every other country has just one or three languages maximum. You have like 20 or something.

JAI - More, including the dialects.

YUVAL - Oh that too, right. Well, (pats him on the back) I'm going to miss you. Class is different without you.

JAI - They have you.

YUVAL - Yes, but there's only me and a couple of other smart and realist people.

JAI - We've just got to accept diversity as it is.

YUVAL - Still, it's amazing how animals to kill others of their own species. Apart from the fact they protect their own children.

JAI - That's us.

YUVAL - (Smiles) Going to miss you, bro.

(At the beach pizza bar - ordering wood fire pizzas)

ANGELA - Oh yes! pizza and fruit juice!

SIWON - Get me a fanta.

(they're all eating)

DANIEL - (Gets up) To Jai, guys.

ALL - To Jai! (they drink).

JAI - Thanks guys. I'm going to miss you all.

DANIEL - You better pay us a visit one day.

JAI - Sure, I will.

ANGELA - Give me your skype and number, we'll keep in touch together.

JAI - Yes, um...check my facebook profile.

JUSTINE - Got it.

[Scene 10]

(next day morning - Jai sleeps in)

MUM - Well?

JAI - (Wakes up) Too tired I guess. Sort of partied hard last night.

MUM - (Smiles) You keep in touch with these guys.

JAI - I got them all sorted.

MUM - Here, your dad's at work. When he comes back we head to the airport together.

JAI - Okay.

MUM - Have your breakfast and pack your hand luggage and suitcase.

JAI - The packers are done with their work?

MUM - They finished right before you came back last night. I told to leave a few clothes and stuff behind, for us to pack.

JAI - I see.

MUM - I'm ordering breakfast from McDonald's what do you want?

JAI - Anything.

MUM - Okay (leaves the room).

(the whole day Jai is seen packing his suitcase and hand luggage, eating outside food, and also talking over the phone to some friends)

[Scene 11]

(Evening - Dad comes home)

DAD - Well then, everything packed?

MUM - Yes.

DAD - Here, lock them. I'll call the cab.

MUM - Jai, check if all the windows and lights are off.

JAI - Got it.

(after which they all head to the airport and check in - now waiting for the flight)

DAD - Well, we made it (smiles).

ALL - Yes indeed.

DAD - Flight is in an hours time. If you guys want to eat or....

MUM - I'm fine, Jai?

JAI - I'll be at the internet cafe.

DAD - Yes. Be back before the hour. Flight is going to board by then.

JAI - Be right back.

(Jai uses the internet cafe to go check Facebook to speak with his friends)

JAI - (Types the following status on Facebook) Flight is in another hour. Thank you all for being there for me, supporting me throughout my endeavors. I'll really miss you all. Let's keep in touch. This is Jai signing off.

[Scene 12]

(Flight takes off - Jai's parents are sleeping, while Jai is listening to music and watching the view outside)

AIR HOSTESS 1 - Welcome on board Singapore Airlines, have you ordered any in-flight meals?

DAD - Yes, 3 vegetarian meals.

AIR HOSTESS 1 - Ah yes, I've got them checked. Enjoy your flight.

(Jai uses the flight TV service to watch films throughout the journey. Towards landing)

CAPTAIN - Passengers on board Singapore Airlines flight SQ 255, this is your captain speaking. We will arriving Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport shortly, please ensure your seat belts are fasten, tray tables are closed, and any hand luggage is tucked in below. Thank you for flying Singapore Airlines, and we hope to see you again.

(Jai looks out the window to see Mumbai)

MUM - Well?

JAI - I'm coming back home (smiles).

MUM - You'll love it here.

(flight lands in Mumbai)

DRIVER - Mr Balaji?

DAD - Yes, that's me.

DRIVER - (Shakes hands) Welcome to Mumbai, sir. Come (assists with the luggage).

(they head over to a service apartment)

[Scene 13]

(At the Service Apartment - Oakwood, Juhu)

DAD - Well, we're here!

(Jai peaks out of the window)

JAI - Wow! look at that celebration outside!

MUM - It's a happening place, Jai. What did I tell you? it must be a wedding of some sort.

JAI - This big?!

(they all look out the window)

ALL - Hehehehe.