Page 33 - English Class 07

Rajkumar : I just want to go on looking into your eyes, Chaambali. Your eyes are so

wonderfully luminous , they seem to be looking into my soul. Can I just sit
here in your kitchen and look at you?

Chaambali : (sounding alarmed) If Amma catches you ....
Rajkumar : Don’t worry, I’ll hide. Amma won’t catch me.

Rajkumar goes and sits on a cane stool in a corner and continues to look soulfully at her.
Chaambali goes on with the work. She looks into the pots on the stove, gives a last stir and
then takes them off the fire. She opens a little flat box and finds that the rotis are ready.

Chaambali : It’s funny, but I can’t even remember making the rotis. How time flies

when you’re working!
She hums a little tune as she prepares three trays for the three mistresses. Then from inside
the house ......

Amma : Chaambali, I’m dying of hunger. Where are my rotis?

Moti : And my rice? luminous : very bright

Lambi : And my soup? replete : full and satisfied
Chaambali : Everything’s ready, Amma. I’m just bringing it in.

Scene 3

Later, in the front room Amma, Moti and Lambi have finished their meal. They look satisfied
and replete .

Amma : Whatever you say, you’ve got to admit that Chaambali is a good cook.
I’m glad we’ve got her.

Moti : Don’t let her hear you say that, Amma. She’ll get a swollen head.
Lambi : It’s always better to keep these people in their place. Don’t go about

praising them unnecessarily. It’s their duty to work hard and well. (raising
her voice) Chaambali, where are you, you lazy girl? Come and clear away
the dishes.

Chaambali comes in.

Chaambali : Yes, Amma. Was everything all right, Amma?
Moti : You had put too much salt in the mushrooms. And the rice was too soft.

Lambi : The soup had too little salt.

Amma : The rotis were okay.
Moti : But, next time don’t put so much of ghee on them. You know Amma is

not supposed to have so much ghee.

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