How did the past eight years…
of my life transform into eight beautiful springs?
RANI MALINI SANJAY
FALL DOWN SEVEN TIMES, GET UP EIGHT
Position!
You can go to your position.
If anyone in this dojo defeats me,
you can have my iPod.
Karthik, back off. He's just a fresher.
-I know. -Oh!
But that iPod offer is very tempting.
I will fight.
THE EMPEROR IS ON THE BATTLEFIELD
Just a fresher?
Fight with me.
What happened?
I don't fight women.
Your body is weak. I can't take advantage of that.
Leave my hand.
You said anyone in the dojo, right? Come on then.
Go and compete in some cooking or embroidery competitions.
Martial arts is a man's thing.
Tomorrow, someone will come.
Her name is Shuddhi Ayodhya. Fight her, stand your ground, and…
then tell me if martial arts is only for men.
Shuddhi? A girl?
Shuddhi Ayodhya.
Can a girl defeat me?
Bullshit.
That's it?
No one?
You spoke so highly about someone.
Wait…
Shuddhi Ayodhya.
Where is she?
Shuddhi.
Happy Birthday!
I told you about someone yesterday, remember?
It's him.
Oh! So it's you?
Come on, let's fight!
But I heard you don't fight women.
Yeah.
But they say big things about you.
-So, I want to see your strength. -It's not about proving to you on the mat,
but not being provoked by your words.
That's what I think is true strength.
All words?
No action?
Still… no action?
Gear is for amateurs like you!
I am the Texas Under-19 Taekwondo Champion!
-Hello. Please, have a seat. -Hello, sir.
Thank you for coming. Please sit.
Last year,
I stumbled upon your poetry book RAYS.
While reading it randomly, I came across the chapter on death.
You wrote about the loss of a loved one in such a vivid way.
Exactly one month before that, my wife died of a heart attack.
Every time I read that chapter, I felt an unknown relief.
When I searched for the author, they told me…
a 17-year-old girl wrote it.
I was astonished.
I wanted to meet you at any cost and thank you.
Thank you.
At such a young age,
how did you write about such a deep emotion?
My father.
He was an Indian Army sniper.
He lost his life in a frontline ambush at Siachen.
His death pushed me into an ocean of tears.
For days…
Our life felt like a shattered Hiroshima.
To cope, I poured all my feelings onto paper.
And that's how the book happened.
Your words gave me great comfort.
As a token of gratitude, please accept this small gift.
Please.
Thank you very much for coming.
The travel you planned for your next book… don't postpone it for me.
Master, how can I leave you in this condition?
The doctor said a maximum of three years.
You've got to leave then, right?
We all came here just to live, not to stay here forever.
If I leave now, it will take me two years to complete my next book.
But if I stay, I can take care of you and prepare for my black belt.
Until I train you for your black belt, I won't leave this world. Okay?
Please.
I'll leave.
Did you consider B.Tech yet?
I already told you. I love shoe designing.
I won't do anything else.
Did you hear that? He wants to sew shoes!
If your shoes wear out, don't ask me to buy new ones.
Ask him, he'll make them for you.
Not sewing shoes, designing them!
It's a billion-dollar industry.
As long as we believe our shoes only belong under our feet,
we believe that our life too is always under someone's feet.
Hey! Hey, son!
Hi.
I searched all bookstores for Shuddhi's poetry book RAYS.
They say it's out of stock. Do you have a copy?
I got her autograph on this. Be careful with it.
Give it back after reading.
Thank you.
A fellow writer once joked that…
my book RAYS reached so many people only because I was beautiful.
She may have said it playfully, but it made me think deeply.
Because when hardworking women happen to be a little beautiful,
the world often overlooks their dreams, struggles, determination, and tears.
People assume that all success comes just because of their looks.
But what actually is beauty?
It is not appearance, color, or adornment.
It is not someone's judgment or opinion.
It is not a poet's praise or a painter's vision.
Then what is it?
Beauty means "character."
As a woman, I say this, "I don't want people to call me beautiful."
Instead, say…
"You have a hardworking spirit."
"You are compassionate."
"You are courageous."
"You are intelligent."
That will make me happy.
Address us by our qualities.
M.S. Subbulakshmi stands for devotion, not beauty.
Mother Teresa stands for compassion, not beauty.
Ayn Rand stands for philosophy, not beauty.
Saraswati means knowledge.
Durga means courage.
Gauri means penance.
Lakshmi means prosperity.
Every goddess is revered for her qualities, not her beauty.
Your qualities become your signature, not your beauty.
That's why, more than this world and men,
women should look at women beyond beauty.
When you look beyond beauty, you will see an ocean within a woman.
You will see a goddess, full of qualities.
So, seek the Goddess in you.
Goddess in You.
That is the title of my second book.
Can you give me her number?
I want to text her an apology, for being an idiot at the dojo.
She doesn't use a phone.
Just wait till she comes back.
When is she coming?
December.
You have asked enough about us. Now tell me about yourself.
I'm from Texas.
We came here to sell our properties as part of my Dad's business.
I finished my 12th and am on a break right now.
Just trying to figure out what I really like.
As of now, it's music.
Thank you. Thank you, everyone, for coming!
And for supporting me and my band, Nostalgia, every weekend.
I love Indian music.
If I made any mistakes, I'm sorry.
I'm learning.
Anita.
You played the guitar really well.
Everyone clapped for Varun, but you're just as good.
Thanks.
I love you.
You, Shuddhi, and I grew up together.
These feelings aren't new. They've been there for a long time.
This won't work, Karthik.
I'm telling this to you now with a smile,
so that we don't have to part in tears later.
The rest is up to you.
Karthik.
There's a Telugu singing competition called Goldmedal Nightingale Championship
on New Year's Day.
You have to sing from the list of songs they provide.
I picked one, but I don't understand the meaning. Can you help?
I'll try.
"Vidhatha Thalapuna."
From the movie Sirivennela?
Back in tenth grade, we had a contest named "Read Between the Lines".
Students had to interpret the lyrics of great poets
like Aatreya, Veturi, and Sirivennela.
And guess who got the first prize?
Shuddhi Ayodhya. For this song itself.
She'll be here in a month. Good luck.
Dad, where's Mom?
She went to your aunt's place.
Pavan got a seat in America.
He's really talented.
Your uncle is throwing a big celebration for him.
Oh!
They invited me as well.
But how do I show my face there?
They'll ask what your son is doing with his life.
Should I tell them that my son wants to sew and polish boots,
the same ones that they leave outside their house?
-Hi. -Hi.
What happened?
Did you get this run over by a road roller?
Angry with my father, I once slammed it to the floor.
Even when I had to tie my long hair in school,
I didn't use this many rubber bands.
You've got a new fan. You'll be shocked to know who it is.
A fan? Who?
Once more.
-Once more. -Once more.
-Okay, okay, fine. -Once more.
This is dedicated to someone very special in the crowd.
That's it for tonight. Thank you!
Let's go.
Hi, Karthik.
Hi, Shuddhi.
Hi
Karthik, Mom must be waiting. It's already late.
Bye.
Hey, Varun. Your Dad is calling.
Despite a gap of one year, your reflexes are still the same.
Lightning fast!
All credit to my master.
He taught me well.
How's your health?
I'm so healthy and fit that I am ready to challenge the doctor's claim
that I have just a couple of years left.
Don't I look like that?
I hope and wish with all my heart,
that the doctors are wrong in your case
Shuddhi.
I had said that I'd give this iPod to whoever defeats me.
I put it there and left. But you didn't pick it up. So…
That wasn't a competition and this isn't a trophy.
When you were troubling that boy, I had no choice but to step in.
Shuddhi,
I won't sleep until you take this.
Then please die from insomnia.
Good luck!
God!
Her resistance is like gravity.
It keeps pulling me towards her.
So, how are your music classes going?
Berklee isn't as tough as you think, Dad.
Don't worry, I can crack it.
I believe in you.
And for Christmas, Uncle Anand invited us for dinner.
His daughter Mallika is back from Australia.
You know what?
She also loves music.
She's preparing for Berklee as well.
So, don't make any other plans that day. Okay?
Please.
-Good night -Good night, Dad.
Good night.
I may not show it, but…
this whole Berklee thing is very stressful.
Mom, how fair is it to force your dreams on me?
You're driving a Mercedes at 19.
Why?
Because he couldn't.
You're spending lakhs on your favorite things.
He never questioned you about anything.
Why?
Because he couldn't.
He tried a lot to get into Berklee.
He failed.
That's why he wants to see you there.
Not just comforts Varun.
Dreams should be shared too.
Good night.
I love you.
Oh, you say that now.
But one day, someone else will come into your life with love and marriage.
And then you'll forget your mother.
I'll forget them for you,
but I won't forget you for them.
Let's see.
Thank you, man.
The moment I asked, you gave me five crores without a question.
In a couple of years, I'll pay you back with interest.
Cool.
Not a big deal.
I have a cold. It could also be a fever.
You might catch it.
Hey, phone.
What's up, brother-in-law?
You only remember me during Christmas?
My brother.
He works in the Massachusetts Senate.
If Mallika gets into Berklee tomorrow, she'll be staying with him.
Mallika, come and eat.
Dinner is ready.
Coming, Mom.
That's my number.
I'd love to be in touch with you.
-Thank you. Thanks for coming. -Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Bye.
Varun, where are you going at this hour?
Just a small errand with my music band.
No, Varun. You're not well. Stay back.
I'll be back in 20 minutes.
Dad, please.
Okay.
Turn on the heater and come back soon.
-Thanks, Dad. I love you. -Okay?
Love you too. Take care.
Hey.
It's very cold. Can I drop you off at home?
I'm not going home.
My friend's Christmas party is in Coonoor.
Karthik's bike has a flat tire.
He asked me to wait here because of this dress.
He'll be here soon.
It's already 11:00 p.m.
An auto left the moment I arrived.
It's not safe, I guess.
I know you can protect yourself. I've personally seen it.
But is it necessary to do that in this dress?
Do you know how beautiful it looks?
I don't just mean the dress.
You also look really beautiful.
Did you just smile?
Please.
Let's call Karthik midway and inform him.
Please, stop offering jackets or sweaters.
It's done to death.
And only if you don't force me to take that iPod,
I'll get in.
I read your poetry book.
Beautiful stuff.
Thank you.
How's your next book coming up?
Great.
It's coming out next year.
-Hey, Varun, tell me. -It's me.
I was alone, and Varun offered me a ride,
so I got into the car.
I'm telling you, I'll kill you!
It's been an hour since you left.
I was freezing to death. That's why I got in.
I'm almost there.
You just shut up and come too.
I heard you don't use a mobile phone or social media.
How can one contact you then?
They have to struggle!
Yeah.
Who would know it better than me?
It took me a whole year to get an appointment with you.
Take a right from here.
We have a singing competition on New Year's Day,
I chose the first song from the movie Sirivennela.
Karthik told me… about your school prize.
Can you help me with that?
Give me one reason why I should help you?
With all your ego and arrogance to others?
What ego?
You already took away whatever I had.
After that day at the dojo,
I haven't been the same Varun again.
This is the house.
Thank you.
Shuddhi.
Karthik told me that you're leaving on the 31st.
I want to meet you once more…
face to face, maybe in a coffee shop?
I don't know if that's a good idea.
But as of now, you can join us if you want to.
I have a bit of a fever.
My head is splitting.
So, I can't. I'm sorry.
Are you crazy?
Then why did you even come?
What should I say to you now?
To stay or to leave?
I feel so guilty, Varun.
I feel happy that you care.
Happy birthday and Merry Christmas.
You brought me this far, even when you aren't well.
I want to return the gratitude.
About the Sirivennela song, I'll help you.
I'll come back in a year.
Take care of yourself and get ready for my black belt.
The song's meaning. Give it to Varun.
Do you know how long he waited for this?
It would've been better if you gave it to him yourself!
This is for you.
How long will you use your broken phone with rubber bands?
I wouldn't have won that first prize without you.
That's why I'm dedicating it to you.
Not to me.
Dedicate it to Sir Shastri.
By the way, what are you doing here?
You don't use phones or Facebook.
If I wanted to see you or talk to you, I had no choice but to come.
I chased Karthik to get your address from your mom and give it to me.
He said you'd be back in four months.
But for me, the thought of not seeing you…
I felt like it would explode.
I'll see you for lunch.
Yeah.
-Hi. -Hi!
What's special about Kashmir?
You asked what's so special about Kashmir, right?
This is!
Nowhere else in India is the fall season this beautiful.
Everyone thinks Kashmir is all about snow, mountains, and cold weather.
But you should see it in autumn. It's heaven on earth.
Look at all these yellows and oranges.
We're not in Amsterdam or Canada.
We're in India.
It should be on everyone's bucket list.
The thing is, this season only lasts for two months a year.
I've been traveling for my book for the last one and a half years,
and I happened to witness this beauty.
Were you able to sleep last night?
Did you sleep well last night?
Yes, I did.
What about you?
Yeah, I slept too.
But now,
it feels like I have been burdened with a 50-kilo dumbbell…
hanging from here.
I know. Farewells suck.
Which day of the week will you be free?
-Sunday. -See you on Sunday then.
Beautiful dress.
The first time I saw you, you were in white.
At the dojo that day.
-Yeah. -Yeah.
See, I remember every little thing about you.
But do you remember anything about me?
Black, blue, red, and blue stripes,
white, and navy blue.
The colors of the shirts you've worn so far.
Oh beauty, oh beauty!
Do you belong to me?
Oh life! Please decide for me
Is this a bond or a bondage?
Meeting you
Is a moment of wonder
Your sight
Is a celebration
Your presence is my comfort
Dear love, will you walk along with me?
Is it possible for me? To even exist without you?
Oh beauty, oh beauty!
Do you belong to me?
Oh life! Please decide for me
Is this a bond or a bondage?
In the middle of the night When I wake up with your thoughts
Your smile embraces me like a sunrise
Even in my dreams, my heart paints
Your form so colorfully, like a rainbow
I await you with the doors Of my heart open
My eyes are weighing down with your dreams
When either of us doesn't open up Who will finally speak about the love
That is burning inside me Like an incessant fire
Seeing the beautiful moonlight
In your eyes
I wonder if all this is real
Or surreal or a dream
Your words
They're like music to me
Your visits They're like spring coming to me
I finally get to walk along with my love
Are they for real? All these moments with you?
Oh beauty, oh beauty!
Do you belong to me?
Oh life! Please decide for me
Is this a bond or a bondage?
I'm sorry I didn't see you last week.
I had my Berklee exams.
Did you miss me?
Whether I missed you or not…
Let's just say, that because of you, I missed seeing the Taj Mahal.
How about me…
making up for your loss by booking the next flight tickets for us to Agra?
No, thanks. I'm cool.
Hey…
you look so beautiful with that nose pin.
Thank you.
I love nose piercings.
If a girl with a nose ring proposes to me,
I wouldn't even think twice before saying yes.
-Shall I ask her if she's interested? -Hey, not her.
Can't you get one pierced?
I'm scared of needles.
How are you managing to come here every Sunday for the past three months?
I told them I'm learning classical music in Chennai.
Won't all this running around me affect your real music classes?
I love you.
I love you, Shuddhi.
Hey, did I say something wrong?
No.
I've never been in love, Varun.
After my father's death,
I built so many walls around me, Varun.
To see me, he used to wait…
an entire year to return home from Kashmir.
And now, you're waiting an entire week to come to Kashmir from your home.
Seeing all this makes me feel special and beautiful again.
But also, vulnerable.
What if this love leaves me as well?
That's why…
when you suddenly proposed,
my eyes filled with tears.
I need some time for this.
I'm a very practical person.
I am not expecting you to reply back on this immediately.
And I don't have such an ordinary mindset to think about what might be her response.
The feeling that I have when I'm with you…
It's different.
It's like reading a beautiful poem.
It's like listening to intense lyrics.
For me, it's unique and rare.
That's why I felt like saying it.
And I said it.
I'll be back in a month.
Don't miss me so much.
This time, you're the one who will be missing me.
I spoke what I've been holding.
I feel free now.
You're the one who is holding back.
So I dare you not to miss me.
Berklee isn't as tough as you imagine, Dad.
Don't worry, I can crack it.
Hello.
Hey, Varun. Did you come home?
Yes, Dad.
What about the Berklee results?
Yeah, Dad.
Even I'm waiting for them.
Where are you?
Since we got buyers for our Bengaluru property, we suddenly had to come here.
If we sell this off, we can go back to the US.
Dad…
What if I miss Berklee?
What?
What do you mean?
Nothing, Dad.
I'm just joking.
Oh, my God!
Never do that to me again, Varun.
You take care.
Yeah, Dad. Take care.
I'm sending my designs to a Japanese shoe company.
If they like it, I'll get their internship.
And six months later, I'll land a job.
Sudha, a cash bundle is missing.
Of 10,000 rupees.
When and where?
For two days. I had put it in the bag.
I searched the whole house but couldn't find it anywhere.
Tomorrow, I'll search the entire house.
If it was lost in the house, we will find it.
How will we find it?
Your son got a new phone a day after the money went missing.
Have you lost your mind?
Shuddhi gave it to him a year ago.
He started using it on his birthday.
Dear, it was just a…
He called me useless.
I didn't protest.
He called me a cobbler, and I tolerated it.
How can he call me a thief, Mom?
Listen to me, son…
What did I do, Mom?
Why does he look down on me?
I just dreamed something for myself. Is that wrong?
He said it because of a misunderstanding.
He must have lost it somewhere, drunk.
Or must have lost it at some poker table.
Your Mom called me ten times
since last night to find out if you are here.
I wasn't feeling good so I was out all night
Your Mom told me what happened last night.
I dreamed of being a shoe designer.
What is so humiliating about it?
He mocks me calling me a cobbler.
Are only doctors and engineers respectable?
Who is making our clothes? Who's harvesting our food?
Who's cutting our hair? Who's cleaning our streets?
Everywhere else in this world, there's dignity in working itself.
Only in our country, is dignity based on what work you do.
They say your fate is written by the Almighty, but in our country,
it's written by the parents.
Our fates are written by ourselves, not by anyone else.
Do whatever you want to do by staying right here.
Do it proudly.
Why aren't all parents like you, Auntie?
Then people like you won't have struggle stories to tell the world.
Come, freshen up.
Finish your breakfast, then we'll go and pick up Shuddhi.
She'll be arriving soon.
So, I heard you're leaving for the US this month?
Yeah, Uncle.
-All the properties are sold. -Good.
Dad's work is almost finished.
Then you need to be happy.
Why are you so dull?
Is it because you'll miss India?
Or is it because you missed Berklee?
Two days ago, Rahul told me that
the only thing he is looking forward to is your Berklee results.
But last week itself, Mallika called me and said that she had cracked it.
I felt something was fishy.
But don't worry.
I didn't tell him anything about Mallika.
I lost it, Uncle.
I don't know how to face my dad now.
I don't understand what to do.
Let me get straight to the point.
Do you remember my brother-in-law…
the man who works in the Massachusetts Senate?
I can get you admitted… where you failed.
Without anyone finding it out, not even my daughter.
I can send you there.
Mallika likes you.
My family also likes you.
So, let's call it an alliance.
After your studies, let's talk about marriage.
But remember, I'm not forcing this idea on you.
Think about it,
if you are okay with it, just text me.
I'll take care of the rest. Okay?
Shit!
Ramulu, come here.
There is a girl outside our gate.
Don't let her come in.
If she asks about me, lie to her that I went outside. Go!
Is Varun there?
Varun sir went out.
Oh. How long will it take for him to come back?
Evening maybe.
Okay. Once he comes back, let him know that Shuddhi came for him.
Okay.
Why did we come here?
Get in and I'll tell you.
Are you the one who called?
Yeah.
Oh!
What is happening here?
-I am getting a nose piercing -Nose piercing?
Why did you want to get the piercing all of a sudden?
Why don't you get pierced?
Just shoot it!
Ramulu, don't let her know that we're leaving for the US tomorrow.
Go.
Why did she get her nose pierced?
She's had a fever since last night, and she's shivering with chills.
Because of the export work, I have to go to the estate.
Drop me off and come back home quickly.
Happy birthday!
Thank you.
Where's the party?
Let's meet for dinner.
I have to invite Varun as well.
Varun? But they're leaving for the US today.
What do you mean?
I saw them loading luggage into the car when I was heading to the market.
When I asked, his father said the same.
Varun, stop the car.
Dad, she's a desperate girl.
She's been after me for two years.
I don't care what happened between you both.
She is standing in the rain.
It's not right.
We still have time.
Go, talk to her, and get back.
Shuddhi, I can't believe you got so serious about me.
Whatever happened between us, it's just a youthful attraction.
Hormonal overdose.
Actually, it is a stupid crush, which is a complete waste of time.
Did I ever take advantage of you or ask you for anything?
No, not that I remember.
If anything, I lost a lot!
Like my chance at Berklee.
All because I kept following you around.
That's why I avoided you,
didn't reply to your messages, and ignored your calls.
I thought you were smart enough to understand.
But you showed up at my house yesterday.
And again today.
And I'm only worried about tomorrow.
That's why I came here. To give you closure and leave.
It would be better if you didn't cross my path ever again.
Varun.
Do you think I'm a fool?
Or do you think all women are like this?
A woman knows when she's being bluffed.
It's her instinct.
I never asked you to follow me.
I never asked you to come to Kashmir every Sunday for me.
I never asked you to neglect your passion for me.
And still today, you're saying you lost everything because of me?
The truth is, no one loses anything because of anyone, Varun.
People just hide something, too afraid to tell the truth.
They close doors, shut out people, and leave them behind.
I…
I feel like puking, man!
My head is spinning.
I feel like cursing you.
Grabbing your collar and screaming at you!
But I won't.
Because my mother raised me like a queen.
And a queen…
even at a funeral, mourns with dignity.
Even in tears, she doesn't lose her grace.
I don't know what happened in your house or in your head,
but the way you're treating me is unacceptable, Varun.
It's not about doing things right when you're loving someone.
But even when you're parting ways,
you should be able to maintain your dignity.
And that is truly having character.
That's why, no matter how much my heart wants to curse you…
I am telling my mind not to.
And what did you say?
Yesterday, I was at your house. Today, I'm here
and tomorrow, where will I come?
Who chased whom, Varun?
If I decide I don't want you.
Not me,
even the clothes I wrap around me…
won't move in your direction.
I won't let it.
Goodbye.
Sir, a girl has been waiting outside for the past two hours.
We told her several times that she won't be allowed in but she wouldn't listen.
She has even offered us her gold chain to let her in.
Listen, girl. Women shouldn't light the pyre.
They are not allowed to conduct any funeral rites.
Not allowed?
When we can give birth to them,
can't we liberate them by conducting the funeral?
You must get your head shaved to conduct a funeral.
Can you do that?
Dear, wait! Get up.
Is he your dad?
Your uncle?
Or any relative of yours?
My teacher.
Teacher?
Why did you let her in, sir?
Isn't it a bad omen for her and us, both?
These days, when jokes are hurled at teachers,
she is ready to get her head shaved for her teacher.
I told you three years ago that this day would come.
Sorry to say this, but you have just six months left.
I may die without preparing you for the black belt.
I am sorry.
I should have trained you when you asked for it.
Now I regret it so much.
Do you really want to train me?
Then I won't let you leave this world in regret.
Now I wish to live.
Punches.
One, two, three, four.
Chest.
Five. Six.
Now, upper blocks.
One, two, three, four.
If you won't block, you'll get hit on the head.
Block it!
What's wrong with you?
Why is your focus so wavering?
No, I am alright, Master.
You are someone who channels all your spirit into your movements
and now, it's stuck somewhere.
There is something that's troubling you inside.
No, Master. I am alright.
Draw a circle with that brush.
This is called "Enso".
It's a circle in Japanese calligraphy.
This is the reflection of your mind.
Look how wavering it is.
Are you withholding any emotion forcefully within you?
That might be the reason for your lack of focus and this wobbling.
Never suppress sadness or anger, Shuddhi.
They are very destructive emotions.
We should only let them out gracefully and never suppress them inside.
So whatever it is you are trying to deny, accept it first, and free yourself.
Don't you know that I don't have much time left?
So get back my old Shuddhi to me ASAP.
Better. What did you do?
Instead of installments, I cried it out, all at once.
Come on, Shuddhi. Faster!
You are training your body and mind, but what about your soul?
This is the solution to that.
Come on, Shuddhi. Get up.
As body, after I die, I'm just a memory to you.
But as knowledge, I will always remain with you, Shuddhi. Always.
I don't have anyone as valuable as you.
So you alone are enough for my funeral.
Only you should light my funeral pyre.
If possible, you should immerse my ashes in the Ganges at Kashi.
Now you're ready for the black belt. It's not just a belt, Shuddhi.
It's the beginning of a long responsible journey.
I am so excited to see you in the black belt tomorrow.
Master!
Master.
Master…
Madam.
Sir took care of all this from his expenses.
Take your teacher's remains.
And your gold chain.
This, to me, is the gold and that, the dust.
Sell that off…
and feed as many people as possible in his name.
Raghunandan.
What happened?
My dad brought a match for me.
The day after tomorrow is my engagement.
Anita, I just got an internship in Tokyo.
I wanted to tell you personally.
I will get a job in six months and I will earn well.
I still value you, Karthik.
That's why, even though it's difficult, I made an excuse at home
and came here to tell you all this, by myself.
You don't need to know all this later from Snapchat or a Facebook post.
I told you this won't work but you never listened to me.
So, you think about who is responsible for the pain you are feeling right now.
I'll leave.
I know both of you very well I also know your families very well.
I believe your decision will do good for both of you eventually.
No matter what happens, I'll never leave either of you
It's okay.
You have to move on.
It's inevitable.
Do you think it's that easy?
Do you even know how it feels when love is going away from you?
I don't know. Will you teach me?
Everyone has their own hidden storms.
Some show it and some… never!
That's the only difference.
Unlike many, she told you the truth before leaving.
She must be respected for that.
Love is only a phase in life. It's not the purpose of life.
What do you want to do about that Tokyo opportunity?
They offered me the accommodation for six months.
But I'll have to cover the airfare and food expenses.
I don't have a penny.
Even if I kill my self-respect and ask my dad, he won't give me a dime.
I feel I'm just an inch away from giving up my dream…
and accepting that I'm a loser.
Pawn it for how much ever money you need.
I'll tell Mom and get it back later.
Isn't this the diamond ring that Arjun sir gave you?
People share the load of the corpse itself while carrying it to the grave.
And when a person whom we believe in, who has so many hopes and dreams for life…
Do you think we'll abandon that person just like that?
Don't think much about this.
Start preparing to leave for Tokyo from tomorrow.
Don't feel bad about your father not coming.
I would've felt bad if he came. Good that he didn't.
SHIV SHANKAR SHASTRI RAM CHANDRA PATHAK BHAVAN K4/76, GAI GHAT THEATER
The Pandit's family has shifted to another house.
Four lanes away.
Give me a minute, I'll take you there.
The aarti is about to start soon. Where are you going now?
There are still 20 minutes for that.
I'll be back by then.
You carry on with the rituals.
It's late.
It's not safe for you to go alone, I'll come with you.
Don't be too late.
We'll have dinner together.
Okay.
Baba!
What is this place?
How long will it take?
Just a while more. Just around that corner.
Come.
You are trapped.
Don't try to run or cry for help.
Look around, they are terrible people.
So, if you cooperate, you can go back soon after I'm done.
Otherwise, we'll hold you up for one week and crush you like a sugarcane,
extract all we want from you, cut you into pieces, and bury you.
So, leave your bag there and come and stand in front of me.
If I don't get out of here…
to mix your ashes in the Ganges…
Please forgive me, Master.
What is it that you're saying to yourself?
Come soon.
I trusted that not all men are the same and accompanied you.
Now, I'll leave only after showing you that not all women are the same.
Come on.
What happened, you idiot?
Why did you ring the bell?
She's a stubborn one.
She isn't listening to me.
She choked me.
Can't you handle a girl?
Go. Drag her to me by her hair.
Get up, Arjuna!
Pick up your bow and start fighting.
If you live, you're a victor.
If you die, you're free from all worldly sufferings and attachments.
Either way, it's a win-win for you.
Get up. Stand on your feet.
Where are you?
My aarti is done.
Forget that, I witnessed Goddess Durga live here.
Madam, do you need a guide?
A man's love has proofs like
monuments in marble and cities named after his lover.
What proofs are there for a woman's love?
Except for those memories that are buried within her heart.
Hi, Sanjay.
Hi.
She's my friend.
Shuddhi.
You thought Telugu writers don't read English books?
I read your books. Brilliant stuff.
Glad to meet you.
What's happening?
The back door swung open, spilling out all the coal.
The poor old man was struggling alone, so I'm helping him.
Can we also help in any way?
No, it's okay. We're almost done. Thank you!
Okay. Nice to see you.
Who is that guy, Anita?
Sanjay, a Telugu writer who recently came to Ooty.
If he writes words with love,
they feel like wet roses.
If he writes them with rage,
they go off like grenades.
Young Telugu readers are crazy about his writings,
and I'm the best example of that.
Don't you think you're boasting about him too much?
Read his book Rani Malini once and then tell me if I'm boasting.
I'll take your word for it.
That's Writer Sanjay.
-Right. -That's Sanjay.
-That's him. -Come on.
-Hello, sir. -Hi, sir.
-I really like your books. -Thank you.
-I like… -Thank you very much.
-Your stories are very interesting. -Thanks.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Sir. Autograph?
RANI MALINI
SANJAY
Back in our times, Chalam had such a fan following among women.
And now, I'm seeing it for this man, Sanjay.
Of course, he deserves all of it.
He writes remarkably about love.
His writings make a dry heart feel like, it's being dipped into glycerin.
He surely must have had many love stories.
Otherwise…
one doesn't get such a grip on love.
Has everyone received the autograph, as asked?
RANI MALINI
Her name is Malini.
One night, a young man approached her for pleasure.
For him, it was an addiction. For her, it was a profession.
He came again.
He wanted to start a conversation, so he asked if she had eaten.
She was moved by that.
No one had ever asked her that question.
That night, along with her body, she gave him her heart as well.
She began to await his arrival with eagerness.
No matter who she was with, her heart always thought of him.
He came again, but this time, he seemed very disturbed.
She asked him what was wrong.
He said he had lost all his money in some betting.
She couldn't bear to see him like that.
With her money, he got out of trouble and also made some good money.
One day, she decided to leave her profession
and expressed her love for him.
Have you gone mad?
Love?
How could you even imagine such a thing?
You are a prostitute.
A man would crave your company only on his bed, not in his house.
Society has given a name to those who sell their body, that's why
you could call me a prostitute.
But those who sell their character have no specific names
that's why, I am unable to call you anything.
Didn't you know who I was when you took money from me?
Take it.
It's not about money. It's about character.
Despite being in a place like this, I truly loved someone.
I gave away everything that I had.
My body might be a swamp, but my heart is a pristine lake.
So not you, even God himself can't question my character.
He can't take away my dignity from me.
Go!
He walked away with shame.
But Malini stood there with her head held high.
At that moment, Malini seemed like Queen Malini.
Hi.
I read your book Rani Malini.
When Anita told me about it, I thought she was boasting.
But after I'd read it, I felt she was right.
Incredible stuff!
If this were in English, the whole world would've read this, right?
I am not proficient in English to write it with the same depth.
While keeping Malini in a profession that could make people question her character,
in the end, you glorified her character with just four lines.
Did you start the story with a climax in mind
or did you get the climax after starting the story?
On a train journey, when I told a girl that I was a writer
she told her sister's story and asked me if I could write about it?
That sister was Malini.
In that story, he humiliates her love and leaves.
She couldn't take it and committed suicide.
I was moved.
And angered too, at the thought of her ending her life.
Just because someone rejected her.
But then, I felt sorry for her.
I told her…
that I will write this story but I will change the climax.
Fact or fiction, if we cannot ignite hope…
in the hearts of our readers,
what's the point of us being writers?
RANI MALINI SANJAY
I am dreaming things that Even my eyes don't know
I am seeing the morning That I never saw before
This snow cloud
Is turning into a storm
That touches my heart And creates magic in it
The memory of our meeting lingers
Inside my heart like a scent That never leaves
How can I hold these thoughts
That are rising high in my heart?
Each path I cross
Is asking me the details about you
Have you heard your heart Saying not to leave him, ever?
The confusion in my footsteps Is it because of him?
Every place that I go Is it his memory?
Will he be my companion?
The memory of our meeting lingers
Inside my heart like a scent That never leaves
How can I hold these thoughts
That are rising high in my heart?
The girl who'll end up in your life, whoever it is, is a lucky woman!
You are pulling my leg.
Girls prefer empathetic men.
Those who wipe your tears rather than those who wage wars.
That's why I said, she's lucky.
Hi, Anita.
I wanted to invite you for food donation but Shuddhi said you're out of town.
How smart are you!
I introduced him to you, and you asked me about him.
But instead of telling me about your feelings, you spoke all of it to Karthik.
Finally, you proved that he is your best friend.
I asked you not to praise him too much.
How could I then praise him in front of you?
That's why, I didn't tell you anything and told all of it to Karthik.
There's something deeply magnetic about Sanjay.
Definitely not in a physical way.
It feels like, we have had a deep connection for years.
It's a wonderful feeling.
What do you want to do then?
Propose.
But before saying anything to Sanjay, I want to tell my mom about Sanjay.
But doesn't she want to marry you off to a huge joint family?
I remember reading in an article that Sanjay is an orphan.
Will Auntie agree to this?
I am worried about the same.
But only if I tell her, I'll know the result.
Mom!
She is out of danger but, she is still very weak.
BP and hormone levels are too high.
So, you must be careful with her…
for at least a year, make sure she won't be stressed.
I thought I'd die without marrying you off.
I want to get you married to a big family as soon as possible.
Are you eating well or not?
-Don't neglect your health, okay? -Mom!
Mom, I kept the flowers in the basket.
I also kept the curry on the table.
Okay. Karthik called to wish you on your birthday.
Happy Birthday!
Thank you.
What's that mask?
It's some virus called "Covid."
It has spread across China, so it's mandatory here to put on a mask.
Okay, I'll call you later.
I got a call from the estate, Mom.
Buyers came from Bengaluru for the tea leaves.
They are waiting. I have to go.
-Bye. -Bye.
Bye, Mom.
That's the matter.
For the past year, she hasn't let me do any work.
I feel very guilty.
She should've been happily married by now,
but she's stuck here looking after me.
How is your mother?
She's fine.
If you tell me where you're going, can I drop you there?
Sanjay asked me many times about you and your mother.
Then, you wanted him. But now, you are pushing him away.
Why? Can't you meet him?
If I meet him, I'll develop new feelings for him.
Right now, there should be no other thoughts in my mind
except my mother and her health.
Okay, you don't want new feelings but what about the old ones?
I'll suppress them.
Thanks, but no thanks. I'll walk.
You used to be very happy and comfortable with me
but now, something is bothering you.
If I did anything wrong, I am sorry.
And… happy birthday.
Bye.
Sir! You?
My grandson, Vikram.
He is a neurosurgeon at Chennai Apollo Hospital.
We came here to ask for your Shuddhi for him.
He saw her somewhere already.
Since then, he has made up his mind to marry only her.
I told him that she's a strong woman.
And it doesn't matter to her if you're a doctor or an actor.
So I asked him to keep his hopes low.
Let's first go and ask them.
She's lucky to have received a proposal from a huge family like yours.
I don't have any objection.
It's not you or us, but she should like this.
If she likes the proposal, let us know.
You'll find all the details in that envelope.
This envelope came as an answer to all my prayers.
Even while leaving, he said it's not you or us but
let us know only if Shuddhi likes this proposal.
I knew how rich they were, but today, I know how good they are.
You must be so lucky to get into a family like that.
What do you say?
If this makes you so happy…
I don't have any objections.
Take this.
No need.
You have seen him, right?
Are you mad?
Why are you even accepting their proposal?
I'm talking to you!
Nothing is more important to me than the smile on my mother's face.
So, you're sacrificing your love for your mother?
Compared to my mother's long dream of getting me married into a huge family,
my months-old love feels very little.
So I don't feel I'm making a sacrifice.
In return for a mother's selfless love, I want to be a selfless daughter.
However, my love is one-sided.
Unintentionally, it happened.
If I try intentionally, it will go away.
Bye.
Hey…
Compared to my mother's long dream of getting me married into a huge family,
my months-old love feels very little.
You all seem to have grown up a lot.
Should we stay silent to all your sacrifices?
She came to inform you that night, Auntie.
But she left everything after your heart attack.
And chose your health as her only priority in life.
Whatever! My daughter will marry only the one she loves.
Sorry.
It's okay.
Maybe God chose him for her.
Sanjay? I'm Shuddhi's mother.
Please come inside.
She put aside her love for my health.
Now for my happiness, she chose to sacrifice that love forever.
Crazy girl! She likes you a lot.
So much so that,
she spent the last six months translating your book into English.
I came here myself to ask if you like her as well.
You should know about the next book I'm writing.
Because your daughter is the main character in it.
The story I've heard inside has neither unicorns nor monsters in it,
but still, it is no less than a fairy tale.
It's a tale that makes you respect love and humanity.
Mom, did you take your tablets?
Shuddhi, I'm thinking of saying yes to them today.
Should I?
Yeah.
Read this first and tell me your opinion again.
What's that?
First, go and read it.
Dear Shuddhi, when do you think you first saw me?
That day, when I was helping that old man in the rain?
No.
We met eight years ago,
in 2013. At the dojo.
You held my hand and stood up for me.
But before going into that moment, let me brief you about my life a little.
I don't know if my parents abandoned me or sold me.
By the time I grew up, I had nobody in my life.
I didn't even know my name.
I must be ten years old, I was part of a petty gang.
They used to make us pick pockets and smuggle weed.
We had to do something useful for them.
Only then would we have…
food and bed for that day. Otherwise…
Get that knife and cut his finger.
Please, brother.
Let me go.
It was a mistake.
That fallen blade had given me a moment
to decide whether to be a fighter or a victim.
Hey!
Later, I roamed like a dog because of hunger.
That's why today I try my best to relieve others' hunger.
I did all sorts of things just to survive.
Like rallies,
protests…
and I don't know how five years passed.
That's when I named myself.
When hundreds of people used to hail someone,
I used to like that sound, that vibration!
So I named myself, "Jay."
One day, someone asked me to go to a neighboring state for a task.
Later, we found out that it was a child trafficking group.
The police mistook us for victims and distributed us to orphanages and NGOs.
That's how I came to Ooty.
They would write a lot on the blackboard.
No matter my efforts, I couldn't understand anything.
But, it took a lot of patience to teach a 15-year-old everything from scratch
I was going crazy unable to understand what's in those books and then,
an angel walked into my life.
Ms. Sandhya. A volunteer in my orphanage.
I noticed the teacher beating you because you were bad at your studies.
Should I teach you?
She would dedicate an hour every day to help me.
She diligently and patiently taught me how to write.
I found an insatiable hunger for books.
I would read any book that I see,
like a hungry elephant that enters a sugarcane field.
In four years, I learned to read and write.
In that process…
"You are the nine-holed bag that'll die when the time comes.
You are the wheat colored sari,
your soul keeps changing every hundred years.
You are born on Shiva's order. And you'll die on Yama's call."
Did you write this?
Jay, it seems writing itself chose you.
Don't leave it, ever.
Along with writing, I had an interest in one more thing. Action films.
Especially, martial arts films.
Ms. Sandhya told me that there was a Karate center nearby.
And that's how I landed at your dojo.
Imagine, a 19-year-old teenager witnessing action not on the screen,
but in real life, that too, from a girl who saved him.
How will it be for him?
It was very deep.
You are stuck here.
But I never had the courage to approach you.
Because I know what my life was.
I used to admire you, from afar.
But, God planned something else for me.
Lack of funds forced our orphanage to move to Kanyakumari immediately.
I was about to travel on your birthday.
So, the night before, I wanted to see you even from afar,
and was coming to your home and you appeared at the bus stop.
A year later, I came from Kanyakumari to see you on your birthday again.
Even though I didn't have the courage to give it to you personally,
I thought I'd place a rose bouquet at your gate.
I know that I don't deserve to call you my own but still…
that visual hurt me a little too much.
While walking away, I saw something in the nearby dustbin.
That gave me a direction, in my life.
Until then, I used to feel very inferior looking at you.
What do I even have in me to stand next to her?
But, that moment when I found that you're a writer,
I knew there was something in me too that could bring us together. My writing.
I then decided, if I ever see you again,
it'll be only after I become a writer. And walked away.
It was 2016, the year that turned my life upside down.
Ms. Sandhya had a major accident.
After three months of coma, she died.
Though I was a lonely guy, I never actually felt it.
But that day, when I saw the flat line on the EEG monitor, I felt it.
Loneliness crashed into my heart, like a bullet train.
The orphanage without Ms. Sandhya felt like a graveyard to me.
Without thinking anything further, I just left that place.
Ms. Sandhya is a goddess who turned a scrap of paper like me into a painting.
How can I ever repay her in gratitude?
She is dead to the world, but she'll be alive in my heart.
And she should!
I wanted everyone to remember her name before calling my name
So, I changed "Jay" to "Sanjay."
Ms. Sandhya said, "It's not the lack of parents
but the lack of purpose that'll make you a true orphan."
Bringing out the writer in me became the sole purpose of my life.
I decided to see more and more of this world, life, and books
I did any job that came my way.
Once I got used to that job, I would leave that and move elsewhere,
find something else to do.
I never stayed in one place, both mentally and physically.
I was always on the go.
From Kanyakumari to Kashmir,
I lived many lives and completed many books
But no matter where I was, and how I was,
I used to write, every single day.
And 18 months later, in 2017…
Look at the destiny!
I saw you at the Taj Mahal!
Madam, do you need a guide?
I worked there as a guide for three months
but that day I realized, Shah Jahan's love for Mumtaz.
I wanted you to look at me the way I look at you.
I was bloody sure I was going to meet you again. Because,
I had already started writing Malini's story as a book.
Day and night, I worked for it.
And a year later, one day, it finally happened.
Even though in our first meeting I had a soiled face,
our second meeting was…
exactly like I had envisioned, in all my glory!
You know it all from there.
Instead of thinking about owning you, I focused on
enjoying the moments you were there in front of me.
I don't know if you'll be mine or not.
And the ending of this story certainly need not be that.
Good love stories aren't about lovers getting united in the end or not.
They are about how much love changed those lovers.
That love which inspired a nobody like me, to make a name for myself.
Successful love is not about uniting the lovers
but being inspired by each other, becoming better in each other's company.
Making beautiful memories together.
Being together or being apart, still, moving ahead with great experiences.
This is the essence of true love.
If measured in numbers, 365 days are called a year.
But if those 365 days are measured in experiences,
it can be called a spring.
Not one or two, because of you, I have eight spring seasons.
Eight Spring Seasons.
Love isn't a destination to reach. It's a journey we must keep going.
I'll keep watching you from afar and continue this journey forever.
With love, Your Sanjay.
WITH LOVE, YOUR SANJAY