Page 235 - Musings 2020

Renu: What’s stopping you? Not your father obviously.

Saket: Mother! When did you start making such distasteful jokes?

Renu: An old woman has to pass her time somehow.

Saket: Mom you know you ought to go out and talk to the neighbours or something, there are
book clubs and-

Renu: (interrupting him) I get it; my own son doesn’t talk to me so I should talk to the
neighbours. And what’s the point of books, my eyes get wearied if I read too much or watch
television.

Saket: I’m just trying to help. I don’t like seeing you like this.

(Saket gets up and goes to the kitchen, sound of water being poured into a glass)

Renu: Don’t like seeing me managing perfectly fine on my own?

(Saket walks back in and hands Renu a glass of water)

Saket: You might be able to live on your own, but it’s not good for you. Why don’t you come
live with me?

(Renu takes the glass and keeps it on the table, Saket sits on the other chair)
Renu: I would give you my reasons, but we both know you don’t mean that.

Saket: I’m your son. Why would I ask you to live with me if I didn’t want you to?

Renu: Are you done pretending to care about your old lady?

Saket: You are making this difficult mother, I only want you to be comfortable and safe.

Renu: I daresay this house has been very comfortable for the past thirty years, and the
neighbourhood is perfectly safe.

Saket: But you’re alone now.

Renu: So?

(looking frustrated, Saket gets up)

Saket: What if something happens? What if you get hurt using a knife, or-?
(Saket is pacing up and down the room)

Renu: Or I get a heart attack like your father? If my time comes, I’ll have to go.

(he turns away and murmurs to himself)

Saket: That’s why!

Renu: What was that?

(he turns toward Renu and comes and sits next to her)

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