Strange Lives
A couple of youngsters start realising their abstract understanding of life is inadequate in the face of reality when they put their idolised teenage plans to execution. Realising their amateur thought-processes have to be re-evaluated and their decision-making capabilities have to become more robust, each character either grows beyond or surrenders to their circumstances.
“Strange Lives” by R. S. Chintalapati is a drama that deals with the themes of love, life, legacy & compromise. It shows how one should either grow beyond their problem to solve it or succumb and live within the framework dictated by it.
Scene I
[This scene takes place in Mind’s Quill office located on the top floor of Rohan’s home. On a sunny morning, Rohan and Neelkanth sat facing each other reading the drafts submitted to their publishing house.]
Rohan:
Stories are just like living beings Neelkanth. Just like we possess a soul within us, they should too. Honestly, how many of our recent releases do have a soul?
Scene II
[This scene takes place in the common room of the girls’ apartment. Chandini, Pratyusha sat on the sofa watching television while Maina just returned back from Bhadra’s home and Nivedita sat on the floor leaning on the sofa cutting vegetables as it was her turn to cook.]
Nivedita:
I wish Madhuri stayed back after dropping you Maina. Why do her parents insist that their children be back home before 9 pm?
Scene III
[This scene takes place in Keshav’s bedroom in the evening after Keshav returned from work. The neatly organised bedroom with nothing more than a shelf, table and bed had fresh air gushing through the open window.]
Pallav:
Brother, I need your help... I’m so stuck in my life that nothing seems interesting. My one-sided relationship is so disheartening.
Scene IV
[This scene takes place in Mind’s Quill’s office. A few hours before the working hours for the day ended. Rohan and Neelkanth heard a knock. While turning to check who it was, Neelkanth saw Nivedita. Walking to the door to welcome her.]
Neelkanth:
Hello Nivedita, my name is Neelkanth. Nice to meet you in person.
Scene V
[This scene takes place in Mahesh’s apartment. While the sun is bidding goodbye, Madhuri sat on the bed caressing Mahesh’s hair as he lay in her lap.]
Mahesh:
You seem to be lost in your thoughts. What are you wondering about?
Scene VI
[This scene takes place at the Casting cafe where Mukund and Pratyusha usually met. Since it is Wednesday at 3 PM, there weren’t many customers in the cafe.]
Mukund:
I’m still surprised that you called me. What is the matter? Were you missing me?
Scene VII
[This scene takes place in the Casting cafe. Rohan arrives as Nivedita waits for him. The darkness and cold breeze embraced them as they sat in the open lawn before the cafe.]
Rohan:
Sorry about the delay Nivedita. Let me begin by saying that we are willing to pay you forty percent of what we will earn through your book.
The rest of the scenes are book exclusive!
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