Page 243 - Musings 2021

(Shyam begins to lose his grip on the remote as Ram applies more force)

Shyam: NO!

(Ram grabs the remote and makes himself comfortable on the couch)

Ram: (switches on the TV) Only six overs left, goddammit… (Looks accusingly at Shyam)
why did you have to be so pig-headed?

Shyam: (looking up defeated and in a small voice) you...ate...my…sandwich

Ram: (turning red) this again! You know what? Fine, I did it your sandwich. I ate it all by
myself, and savoured each bite! It was the tastiest thing I’ve ever had!

(Shyam’s face begins to turn an ugly purple and his eyes begin to narrow until he looks at
Ram through slits)

Shyam: I knew it! You two-timing cow!

Ram: Shut up, mole-faced twat!

(Shyam stops suddenly and his shoulders sag. He shuts his eyes and turns away. There is an
eerie silence as Ram slowly realises what he’s just said)

Ram: Hey, Shyam, I’m really sorry…I didn’t mean it (Shyam remains silent)

Ram: No, really, I’m extremely sorry, I shouldn’t have called you that…I’m a jerk

Shyam: (angrily) you will never know how it feels to be ridiculed for something out of your
control! Always being belittled and shamed for something that should be insignificant!

Ram: (looking ashamed) I’m really sorry man……

Shyam: No, it’s fine. I will forever be known by the mole on my face. I am worth nothing
more. I don’t care anymore.

(Shyam turns to his side and begins to exhale loudly. A few sniffles are heard)

Ram: Hey man, don’t cry! I’m really sorry, I shouldn’t have said that! I really am! Here, take
the remote, CSK finished batting anyway. I’m really really sorry.

(Ram walks slowly toward Shyam and places the remote next to him. He then walks back and
seats himself at the edge of his couch, looking on anxiously)

(Shyam’s breathing becomes normal. In one fluid motion, he turns around, grabs the remote
and looks at A and begins to laugh)

Ram: Why, you…

Shyam: Did you really think something so small would offend me, you dimwit?

Ram: I was just being a nice brother…but clearly, you don’t deserve one.

Shyam (still laughing): Okay, let’s not get emotional here, I won the remote fair and square.

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