The Women's Coach

Scene 2: Thursday, 7.15 AM

INT: STATION SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, KMS

SFX: TICKING CLOCK

(SUP. VENKATESH is seated in his chair, while SG MURTHY is standing before the desk. Both were watching CCTV footage from the desktop computer.)

SUP. VENKATESH: Ms. Murthy, I don't see what the problem is. How couldn't you resolve this with your supervisor?  

HE TAKES A SIP OF COFFEE FROM HIS MUG.

SG MURTHY: See sir.  

MOUSE CLICK. 

You can clearly see that boy standing there, in the space reserved for female commuters. He-

SUP. VENKATESH: I know, this is the tenth time you've explained this. The boy has been there at that place, for five nights in a row, from 8 to 9 PM. (beat) But I don't understand... he doesn't board the reserved coach.

SG MURTHY: Sir, he-

DOOR SQUEAKS OPEN

ASST. THAPPAR: (panting) Sir! Y-

SUP. VENKATESH: You're supposed to knock before coming in, Rajesh!

SG MURTHY: (whispers) -he did board the coach last night.

ASST. THAPPAR: But sir-

SUP. VENKATESH: And can't you see we're having a discussion here?

SG MURTHY: (close, but kind of audible) Well, not exactly.

CHAIR SQUEAKS AS SUP. VENKATESH ADJUSTS IN HIS SEAT.

SUP. VENKATESH: Did you say anything, Ms. Murthy?

SG MURTHY: Not at all, sir.

ASST. THAPPAR: Sir, your-

SUP. VENKATESH: I won't hear another word! Close the door and knock for permission.

ASST. THAPPAR: (softly sighs) Yes sir.

HE SLAMS THE DOOR CLOSE.

SUP. VENKATESH: Aiyyo, these millennials and their exaggerated reactions. I bet it won't be important.

SG MURTHY: (mumbles) Sir, it's not millennials.

SUP. VENKATESH: Sorry?

SG MURTHY: Nothing, sir. We were discussing about the boy-

A 3-BEAT KNOCK ON THE DOOR.

(close) -who violated the rules last night.

SUP. VENKATESH: One moment, Ms. Murthy.(harsh) Come in.

THE DOOR SQUEAKS OPEN.

Yes, Rajesh. What is it?

HE BEGINS TO TAKE ANOTHER SIP FROM HIS MUG.

ASST. THAPPAR: Sir, (beat), your wife's here.

SUP. VENKATESH: (chokes) WHAT! I- W-a- Water!

SG MURTHY: Oh! Um.(close) Why aren't the bottles kept here?

ASST. THAPPAR HEADS TO THE CABINET AND OPENS IT. HE UNCAPS A SEALED WATER BOTTLE.

ASST. THAPPAR: Sir, here.

SUP. VENKATESH: Thank- (coughs)

HE GULPS DOWN A LARGE SIP OF WATER.

SG MURTHY: Are you alright sir?

SUP. VENKATESH: Yes, Ms. Murthy. (clears throat)

THE CHAIR SQUEAKS AS HE GETS UP.

As for the boy, let it be. He hasn't violated any of the rules so far.

SG MURTHY: But sir-

SUP. VENKATESH: And, if you still have a problem, discuss it with your supervisor.

A LOUD RINGTONE PLAYS ("Portals" - Alan Silvestri - 02.00 - 02.05)

ASST. THAPPAR: Sorry.

HE PICKS UP THE CALL.

Okay, okay. (beat) Sir, your wife wants to talk to you.

SUP. VENKATESH: Okay. Tell security to bring her here. And Ms. Murthy, what are you still doing here? Doesn't your shift start soon?

SG MURTHY: Sir, my shift ended an hour ago.

ASST. THAPPAR: Sir, she's almost here!

SUP. VENKATESH: Okay, Rajesh! I got it.(beat) Where did Ms. Murthy go?

ASST. THAPPAR: She left just now, sir.