Stories by Rabindranath Tagore (2015): Season 1, Episode 8 - Punishment - full transcript

Two brothers loose a family tea estate leading to marital squabbles and a death. Proving blood is thicker than water, a brother frames his wife for murder but when guilt overcomes him, is it too late?

I see. So, this is
what is going on here.

You are shirking your work
to play with the catapult!

What is this? You have still
not hung out the clothes to dry!

Listen Mini, if I wash
your and Upendra's clothes..

..that doesn't mean it's my
responsibility to dry them too.

What? Am I your servant?

No. That was a mistake,
sister.

Mini, how many more mistakes
do I have to witness?

Now, I feel like I am a liar and
I am making all the mistakes.

I wonder why you want
to punish me!

She looks so innocent.



If I had known that she
is so lazy, I would have..

..never got him married to her.

She always makes excuses
to dodge the housework.

She lives like a queen
in the house.

And look at me!

Since the time I have come
to this house, I've been working.

I have been
slaving for everybody.

-Sister, you..
-I am absolutely right.

I thought, she will
come and I will get..

..a helping hand
and some respite.

But, no way!
It's the opposite.

He has pampered her with
studies and books.

She's always
reading those books!

Did sister-in-law
say something?



I hope, you didn't retort
to her, right?

Listen, Mini.

Sometimes, sister-in-law
speaks bitterly in a fit of anger.

But, she doesn't mean it.

Give her some time
to get to know you.

Wait and watch.
Everything will be fine.

Can I tell you something?

The one who scolds you
the most, loves you the most.

Do you understand?

-Upendra.
-Yes, brother.

I am leaving.
Don't mind her. Okay?

O Goddess!

Mr. Devendra,
look at this one.

It's nice, Gopal.

-Did you record it?
-Yes.

-Did you pass it?
-Yes.

Great! Great!

Upendra.

Congratulations. This deal
has come through, as well.

God willing, this deal will
take us to the heights..

..which father always
wanted us to achieve.

Which heights?

In the queen's teacup.

-Mr. Gopal.
-I will be right back.

Congratulations, brother.

Congratulations to you.

Somebody has come to meet
Mr. Devendra.

Okay. Wait.

Will you have some tea?

Mr. Devendra.
Somebody has come to meet you.

He's in the office.

I've been meaning to meet you.
William Montgomery.

I'm from Smith and
Rusco Associates.

-Please take your seat.
-Thank you so much.

Tell me.

As you may know,
we and our associates look after legalities..

..for some of the tea
estates, in Darjeeling.

Yes. Yes. I am aware
of that. Yes.

I should like you
to have a look at this.

How is it?

It's nice.

What do you think?
What is going on inside?

The Queen's teacup?

The Queen's teapot.

I don't understand this.

Allow me to help you. It's
one of the reasons I am here.

You see, if you look here,
Mr. Banerjee..

..the tea estates named
towards Banerjee tea company..

..released to Mr. Kishore
Chandra Banerjee..

..your father, right?

Yes.

For a period of 50 years.

Leased out?

I was afraid of something
like this.

Yes. Leased, Mr. Banerjee.

You see, the estates
are owned by Her Majesty.

And I don't mean
to sound harsh..

..but, your term
is up for expiration.

But, my father
never told me. Never.

It happens, Mr. Banerjee.

Hiding from one's
family is nothing new.

I am somewhat surprised,
you were not more aware..

..given all the years
of operation.

But then, being dark-skinned,
how can one really expect..

..to own tea estates,
as vast as these?

I am pleased however,
to announce..

..there is some compensation
during the transition.

This is a thumb impression.

My father used signatures.

Yes.

I really thought you
were better than this, sir.

The thing is, when
we resolve to acquire..

..something for Her Majesty,
we get it.

Upendra, will you listen to me?

Yes, brother?

Whatever happened
in the company today..

..don't tell Mini about it.

She is young.

She has come to our
house, just recently.

It's just a temporary problem,
Upendra.

Just like after father's death,
both of us together..

..converted this sinking ship,
into the Banerjee tea company..

..and the Banerjee plant.

We will do something
this time, too.

Don't worry.

Mukul, finish your dinner.

Finish your food.

Mukul, you are a good boy,
aren't you?

Come on.
Eat it quickly.

What happened?
Why don't you want to eat?

I have cooked your favorite food,
haven't I?

Come on.

Eat, as long as you
are getting the food.

Who knows, for how long
you will get food to eat?

Come on. Open up.
Mukul, eat.

You shouldn't have
said that, Radha.

What did I say?

I told you. Mini doesn't know
anything about the company.

I told Upendra not
to tell her anything.

Yes. So?

What has happened
to you, Radha?

Look, I said whatever I thought
was right at that time.

And Mini is a member
of this family.

She should know, what is
going on outside and at home..

..and what condition you
and your brother are in.

-It's futile talking to you.
-Yes. Don't talk to me.

Nobody is thinking about Mukul.

But, keep trying your best
to hide the truth from Mini.

Oh God! Stop it.
Keep quiet.

She should also
understand that..

..what is going on
at home, isn't right.

And you better stop
treating her like a queen.

It's all about Mini,
all the time!

What are you doing?
I was washing it.

The way you wash the vessels,
clearly reveals..

..that you have
not done this, before.

-I never had to do all this.
-Why?

Because, mother says that
girls don't have to learn all this.

They automatically learn
it, when the time comes.

All mothers are like that.

Hey!

What happened?

Nothing.

Father sent a letter.
Mother is not well.

I want to meet her.

Why didn't you tell me
about this, before?

Come on. I will talk to brother
and take you tomorrow.

Okay?

Fine. Look at this.
Wash it like this.

Why are you crying?

Everybody has to die, someday.

What are you saying, mother?

That won't happen.
You will get well soon.

Forget about me.
You tell me. How are you?

I am absolutely fine, mother.
I have everything I need.

Sister-in-law never lets
me do any work.

And Mukul,
always thinks about me.

Don't worry about me, mother.
I am extremely happy.

Just get well soon.

I will fetch the horse carriage
at once.

Mini.

You can hide it
from your mother.

But, not from me.

I can understand that,
it's very difficult..

..to go to a new place
and form new bonds.

But, Mini..

..now, your in-law's
house is your home.

And they are your family.

How long will we stay with you?

Mini, you are very lucky..

..that you got married
into a very good family.

And Upendra is very sensible.

He takes good care of you.

And he always thinks
about your well-being.

Dear, I am sure..

..he will stand by you
in the good and bad times.

Similarly, Mini, you will also
have to support him.

You will have to
stand by him, always.

Okay, Mini?

My dear, Upendra
should be the..

..most important person
in your life.

Mini, you used to
close your eyes..

..and hold my hand
trustingly and walk.

With the same trust,
you will have to..

..hold Upendra's hand
and walk.

Under all circumstances.

You will have to listen
to whatever he says, Mini.

Tell me, Mini.
You will do it, won't you?

I had lost my mind, when
I got him married to her.

Didn't you notice? They were
pleading for everything.

Not even did I feel,
that this is a well-to-do family.

And the girl is so headstrong,
nothing affects her.

While you are borrowing
money to run the household..

..there's that queen..

..who has gone for an
outing with her husband.

Mukul, why don't you sleep?
Close your eyes.

Listen, Radha.
I don't want to discuss this.

You know that,
Mini's mother is unwell.

It's not wrong to
go to see her.

Don't start off on this topic.

She only has a fever.
She isn't dead.

I also have a mother.
I have my own family, too.

I never go running back there.

These are merely excuses
to dodge work. Nothing else.

She will do the housework.
Just give her some time.

When will she do it?

For all these cunning
and crafty women..

..their family is family
and others are strangers.

God knows, what goes
on in that girl's mind?

She is engrossed in books,
all day long!

Wait and watch. I will burn
all her books, some day.

Is she going to be
a writer in the future?

Ultimately, she has to look
after the household.

Mukul, close your eyes.

Tell me. How much
for all this?

Rs.60.

Radha. Radha.

Yes.

Did you sell Mini's books?

Yes. So?

So, what?
I just sold her books.

Why are you so concerned
about her books?

Mukul's toys were sold.
Doesn't that matter?

Ever since she has come into the
house, you have lost your mind.

Why are you talking
such nonsense?

We don't have a penny in the house.

And both the husband and
wife don't do any work.

Don't talk like that.

Sister-in-law,
we will talk later.

Don't tell me, when
I may talk or not!

Mini doesn't have any sense.

We have not told her,
what is going on in the house.

But, you know.

Despite that, you went to your
in-law's house to waste money.

What about Mukul's future?
Who will think about him?

-Don't blame them for it!
-Who else should I blame?

You and your brother
have lost your company.

I am thinking, that I should
go and find a job. Should I?

-Sister-in-law, you don't..
-You better keep quiet.

Ever since this girl
has come into this family..

..she has snatched the
family's peace and joy.

Don't test my patience.

I see. So, you're feeling bad!

What are you saying?

What am I saying?

What clandestine relationship
do you and Mini share?

You get furious on
hearing about her.

-Keep quiet.
-Why should I keep quiet?

-I am telling you to keep quiet.
-Who are you to tell me that?

What will you do?
Yes. I will speak.

-Quiet. Quiet. You..
-What will you do?

Sister-in-law!

Sister!

Mini..

..don't be afraid.
Keep quiet.

I will handle everything.

What happened here?

Tell me, what happened here?

Mini and sister-in-law
had a fight.

Mini picked up the vase
and attacked sister-in-law.

Sister-in-law lost
her balance and fell down.

Is your husband
telling the truth?

Did you attack the elder
daughter-in-law of this family?

Take her away.

This..

What are you doing?

Mini. Mini. Mini,
don't be afraid.

Brother.

I can get another wife.

But, if I lose my brother..

..I can't find another brother.

How are you, Mini?

They are not mistreating you,
are they?

Mini, I will handle everything.

Don't be afraid.

Mini, look at me.

I will get you out
of here, very soon.

You'll see. You will go
back home with us.

Mini..

..they will take you to the
district magistrate, tomorrow.

Just tell him that, you
and sister-in-law had a fight.

Yes, Mrs. Mrinalini.

Did you kill the late
Mrs. Radha?

The fight escalated
to such an extent..

..that sister-in-law
came running towards you.

I have been told
that the deceased..

..and you fought
the whole day.

Did she try to harm you?

Sir, she is not saying
anything..

-I asked her, not you, Mr. Banerjee.
-I..

Yes. Tell me,
Mrs. Mrinalini.

And everything
happened so quickly..

..that, you couldn't
understand anything.

Whatever you did,
was in self-defense.

Okay?

Given the seriousness
of the crime, I believe..

..this case should
be taken to the court.

Are you the husband
of the accused?

Yes.

Can you tell the court
what happened that day?

That day, my elder brother
and I..

..returned home
from the office.

And we..

..I..

..I..

Mini didn't do anything.

I killed sister-in-law.

What are you saying?

It was a very bad day for us.

I was already angry.

I told sister-in-law to
serve me dinner. She refused.

I pushed her in a fit of
anger and she fell down.

I should be punished.

-Don't tell lies, Upendra.
-No, brother. You..

Stop it.

-Brother, don't speak.
-I can't take it anymore.

I committed the murder.

No. I committed
the murder.

I am responsible
for my wife's murder.

Brother..

Mini is very young.

-Brother.
-She didn't do anything.

-I am the culprit.
-No, brother.

Punish me.

Punish me.

Order. Order. Order.

Mrs. Mrinalini, tell me.
Did you murder Mrs. Radha?

You understand, don't you?

If you don't say anything,
your silence..

..will be considered
as your consent.

It will be assumed
that you accept..

..all the allegations
against you.

Mini, what has happened?

Mini, I am certain that..

..you can't do
what they are saying.

Mini, I know you very well.

Tell me the truth.

Tell me the truth.

Mini..

..what are you trying to hide?

Father, I am doing
what you told me to do.

Mrs. Mrinalini..

..would you like to tell the
court, what happened that day?

The punishment for this
crime is the death penalty.

You understand what I am
saying, don't you?

Tell me.

It's time, ma'am.

I promise you.
I will never leave you.

Our life will flow
smoothly with time.

And like the banks
of the river..

..we will never
leave each other.

Mini..

..don't be afraid.

Keep quiet.

I will handle everything.

Your husband has come
to meet you.

She was standing unnerved
in that witness box..

..like a wounded bird
surrounded by wolves.

Helpless, broken and hapless.

The tears streamed down
her face.

When our eyes locked
for a few moments..

..it shook the soul
of this editor to the core.

Is it that by giving the death
penalty to an innocent woman..

..in the name of justice,
we are going to..

..commit another
serious crime?

This editor has tried
to understand in depth..

..the crime of murdering
a woman in her house..

..and the subsequent
legal proceedings.

-Charu.
-Yes?

What's the matter,
sister-in-law?

Should we play cards?

Fine. Come on.

-Did you hear?
-What?

Do you know, sister-in-law?

Seven different sparrows
come to our house.

And all of them make
different chirping sounds.

Charu, you are too much. I wonder
what you keep thinking about?

I am bound to think.

They sound so melodious.

How can one not hear them?

I know only one sparrow. It spoils
my sleep by chirping, ceaselessly.

Honestly speaking, Charu..

..I get so angry, that
I want to break its nest.

What are you saying,
sister-in-law?

-Here. I have lost.
-Hey!

Listen. Give me the tea.

Charu.

You carry on with your work.
I just came in, casually.

No. Tell me.

I haven't seen you for two days.
So..

..I thought on the pretext
of giving the tea, I would..

I am sorry, Charu. There is
lot of work and very less time.

The newspaper's first publication
will be out, the next week.

My whole life is at stake.

There are so many small things,
which take up so much time.

Don't worry.

Once everything is fixed,
it won't take so much time.

You have become very lonely.

What can I do?
There is nothing to do.

I count the time.
The time doesn't pass.

So, I start counting
something else.

Do you know, how many
stairs are there are in our house?

No.

115.

There are 25 stairs inside.

Charu, I understand.

That's why, I have called
your brother and sister-in-law.

What can I talk to my
sister-in-law about?

She is not interested in
music or literature.

She can't speak
about anything..

..besides decking
up and playing cards.

Listen.

I am thinking of
learning music, again.

Please, find me a teacher.

Mr. Bhupati.

Okay. I will see.