Married to My Ruthless Professor
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[Scene: Rooftop terrace, late afternoon. The scorching summer sun beats down. Ruat sits on a swing, lost in thought. Her elder sister Rajni stands nearby, frowning.]
rajni (fl sis)
Seriously, Ruat? How long are you planning to sit here in this blazing sun? Your skin will turn dark like a burnt pot bottom. Don’t forget—your wedding is coming up. You’ll look awful on your big day if you keep baking yourself like this.
ruat(fl)
Narrowing eyes) If it bothers you so much, you can go back inside, Apu. I’m… thinking.
rajni (fl sis)
Sighs, sits beside her) Thinking what? Tell me. Maybe I can help.
ruat(fl)
Sarcastic smile) Can you help me break my marriage?
rajni (fl sis)
WHAT? Are you insane?
ruat(fl)
No. My mind is perfectly fine. It’s everyone else who has lost theirs. How could you all fix my marriage with him?
rajni (fl sis)
Him? Who are you talking about?
ruat(fl)
Told you about Professor Shafayat Imtiaz from my university’s accounting department, didn’t I
rajni (fl sis)
Oh… the one who always loaded you with assignments?
ruat(fl)
Exactly. Do you know who he really is?
rajni (fl sis)
Just that he’s Baba’s friend’s son. Some… Noyas, right?
ruat(fl)
Bitter laugh) Shafayat Imtiaz Noyas. Yes, the same man.
rajni (fl sis)
(gasps) Wait… WHAT?! Shafayat Imtiaz… is Noyas?
ruat(fl)
Nods, frustrated) Now do you get why I want this marriage broken?
rajni (fl sis)
(serious) And what exactly do you plan to do?
ruat(fl)
Stands up from swing, determined) Go to Baba. Tell him I can’t marry my own professor.
rajni (fl sis)
(skeptical) And what do you think he’ll say? Baba already likes Noyas. Do you even have a solid reason that will convince him?
ruat(fl)
Of course I do! The fact that he’s my TEACHER is reason enough! Isn’t that enough to cancel this whole thing?
rajni (fl sis)
True… that’s more than enough. Fine then—go. Tell Baba yourself.
ruat(fl)
I will. Right now
[Scene: Kabir Shikdar’s bedroom. He is getting dressed when he hears a knock.]
ruat(fl)
Abbu? Can I come in
fl dad kabir
Yes, come in.
Ruat enters, sits nervously on the edge of the bed, her lips trembling. Kabir studies her carefully.]
fl dad kabir
You have something to say?
ruat(fl)
Nodding, voice shaky) Abbu… I… I don’t want—
Door opens suddenly. Samira Shikdar, Ruat’s mother, walks in with a tray of tea.]
mom of fl
Here’s your tea. (glances at Ruat) What are you doing here?
ruat(fl)
Ma, please! I was talking to Abbu…
mom of fl
Then talk. What’s the matter?
ruat(fl)
(blurts out) The man you fixed my marriage with—he’s my professor! Shafayat Imtiaz Noyas!
fl dad kabir
Noyas… is your teacher?
fl dad kabir
Smiling, amused) He takes your classes?
fl dad kabir
From the accounting department?
fl dad kabir
(pleased) Then that’s even better. He can help you in your studies. You won’t need extra tutors.
ruat(fl)
: (horrified) Abbu, I’m saying I can’t marry him… I’m his student!
fl dad kabir
Which is all the more helpful. (stands, picking up phone) I have some work outside. I’ll be back late tonight.
He leaves before Ruat can argue further. Ruat sits frozen, betrayed. Samira sits comfortably on the bed, sipping tea.]
mom of fl
(flatly) Don’t forget to take this cup back when you leave
ruat(fl)
Ma… I don’t want to marry him.
ruat(fl)
Because he’s my professor!
ruat(fl)
So what?! That’s reason enough
mom of fl
Hah. When I married your father, I wasn’t willing either. But look—we’ve lived 28 years together. A girl never truly feels “ready” before marriage. You’ll adjust.
ruat(fl)
So… this marriage will happen no matter what?
Ruat’s face hardens. She storms out of the room, slamming the door. Her mother calls out about the tea cup, but Ruat ignores it.]
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