RED OLEANDERS(play)
Rabindranath Tagore
The curtain rises on a window covered by a network
of intricate pattern in front of the Palace.
(NANDINI and KISHOR, a digger boy, come in.)
KISHOR।
Have you enough flowers, Nandini? Here, I have brought some more.
NANDINI।
Run away, Kishor, do,back to your work, quick! You'll be late again.
KISHOR।
I must steal some time from my digging and digging of nuggets to bring out flowers to you.
NANDINI।
But they'll punish you, my boy, if they know.
KISHOR।
You said you must have red oleanders. I am glad they're hard to find in this place, Only one tree I discovered after days of search, nearly hidden away behind a rubbish heap.
NANDINI।
Show it me. I'll go and gather the flowers myself.
KISHOR।
Don't be cruel, Nandini. This tree is my one secret which none shall know. I've always envied Bishu, he can sing to you songs that are his own. From now I shall have flowers which you'll have to take only from my hands.
NANDINI।
But it breaks my heart to know that those brutes punish you.
KISHOR।
It makes these flowers all the more preciously mine. They come from my pain.
NANDINI।
It pains me to accept anything which brings you hurt.
KISHOR।
I dream of dying one day for your sake, Nandini.
NANDINI।
Is there nothing I can give you in return?
KISHOR।
Promise that you will accept flowers only from me every morning.
NANDINI।
I will. But do be careful.
KISHOR।
No, no, I shall be rash and defy their blows. My homage shall be my daily triumph.
[ Goes.]
[PROFESSOR comes in.]
PROFESSOR।
Nandini!
NANDINI।
Yes, Professor!
PROFESSOR।
Why do you come and startle one, now and again, and then pass by? Since you awaken a cry in our hearts, what harm if you stop a moment in answer to it? Let us talk a little.
NANDINI।
What need have you of me?
PROFESSOR।
YOU ARE READING
Tagore
Short StoryI'm notifying it beforehand that my intentions are not to steal anyone's work. All credit for the stories goes to their original author, editors and rest. I'm just uploading here so everyone can read and enjoy. Hope you'll like it. P.S.- Give it a t...
