Mira - VIII Krodha

KRODHA

In the dark, we hear the dying refrain of Mira's song in the distance, and as it fades, a sharp spot comes on to reveal the Rana Vikramaditya. Standing next to him is a middle-aged courtier who has just finished mumbling something into the Rana's ear. He glares at the offending messenger, who quickly lowers his eyes and withdraws. By himself, the Rana fumes. Enter Udabhai and her ladies. She waves her companions out, and approaches the Rana who has his back to the audience. She stands close to him in the spotlight, glares into the wings as the song fades, and looks up at him.

Udabhai: I really don't know how long more we can take this. She is utterly shameless! It is not enough that she is showing off and prancing about with the dirty beggars who come because she is given out free food - our food - but she has to invite this dirty, smelling cobbler to sit with her. She even smelled his feet! [She shudders.] She really has no shame, displaying herself like that in public. [The Rana listens to this in resolute silent burning anger.] Really, whatever shreds of honour we have left after Bhojraj died more than ten years ago must now be trampled into the dust!

Rana, quietly: Honour!

Udabhai: I just cannot understand why after so many years she just won't fit in.

Rana: She is not of our blood. [Udabhai looks at him.] We've given her too much face. My father spoilt her, giving in to her whims and fancies the moment she arrived. And Bhojraj, my stupid brother, made it worse - blinded by his love for this woman.

Udabhai: Yes. I remember how he allowed her to prepare the Devi Puja prasad the wrong way... [Tears are in her eyes.] And he lost his life in that battle...

Rana: I was too young to do anything then but now, I have tolerated enough... our family honour went to the dogs because of her...

Udabhai: And at his funeral, she refused to join him in the fire, to give him that lasting honour...

Rana: Her madness is sure to bring ruin to our kingdom...

Udabhai: Enough is enough. She will never fit in because she doesn't want to fit in.

Rana, in a harsh whisper: It has been rumoured that our enemy, Akbar, stole into our palace in disguise just to hear her sing... and she spoke to him... [Udabhai looks at him in surprise.] We will now become laughing matter in his court. Soon, we'll be the laughing stock of the whole of Rajasthan.

Udabhai: What can we do? She has never listened to any of our requests, pleas or commands.

Rana, after a pause: She won't have to listen any more. [Udabhai looks at him questioningly. He looks at her intensely.] She must not live. [Udabhai's eyes open wide.] She has only brought misfortune to us. I never did like her but now I know that she is actually the enemy within. For all our sakes, she must not live.

Udabhai: How?

Rana: We will make use of her madness. Her so called devotion to Krishna.