Sweet Kaaram Coffee (2023–…): Season 1, Episode 5 - Just a mother - full transcript

You have no idea how hard I've looked
for a gift to bring you.

Nothing seemed right.

What's the point
of bringing gold to the gold mine?

Like a sudden breeze...

-New paths shall unfold and surprise us
-Or water to the ocean?

New paths

-Unlike the days gone by
-Everything I came up with

-was like taking spices to the Orient.
-Trepidations shall rise no more

As the rain drizzles
The seasons will change

Though clouds sometimes may conceal
The light will always pierce through

I wish to live my life
As gorgeously as the rainbow does



Every path I tread
New stories and adventures arise

We are the limitless sky

Let's live this ephemeral life...

It's no good giving you my heart
and my soul.

We are the limitless sky

-Even when going afar
-Because you already have these.

Let's live with the passion of fire

-Time shall change
-So I've brought you a mirror.

Indeed, it shall

Look at yourself...

and remember me.

Aththai.

Aththai.

They say there's a river nearby.



Three dips in it
and all our sins will be washed away.

If we climb ashore,
we will find the rat temple there.

We have visited five temples
in three days.

When did this become a pilgrimage trip
for my salvation?

Excuse you, Aththai.

Didn't you say Lord Murugan
came to you in a dream...

and asked to fulfill his wishes?

And Tara, the astrologer?

You had tears.

Why else would we have come here?

As Nivi wished, we could've toured Goa
and headed back home.

I don't feel guilty now.

After all,
we're here taking God's blessings.

Stay here.
I'll find out where she is.

Will you ever overact again?

Sundari, you imbecile!

Oh, Vatsala!

You've sent me on a wild temple chase
without even giving me the address.

Please take the offerings.

The offering.

Thank you.

What is it, Amma?

What are you doing?

-Amma.
-It's an offering. Why are you taking it?

Kaveri!

Kaveri!

Put everything aside and come here!

How long do I wait?

I'm here. Now what?

What's the sweet for?

Did you do something wrong?

I won't forgive you.

Mrs. Rajaratnam,
this is your husband's first salary.

It's for you along with the responsibility
to run the house.

That's why these sweets!

This...
How can I take this...

I'm sorry?

This is 23/4 Sullivan Garden, right?

Am I at the wrong address?

Can I give it to next door Radha instead?

Very well then.
I'll give it to Radha instead.

Do you have anything to say?

Or will you remain in two minds
over wanting to cry?

This is your amma's department, right?

Just the two of us,
for the very first time. By ourselves.

Nobody has trusted me like this.

With money, to run their home, you know...

Hey.

This is your home.

Our home.

Why are you worked up now?

As it is,
you have to put up with my face!

Now, one more responsibility
to put up with!

Wonder why the odd 20 rupee note?

That's the change from buying the sweets.

This is for me!

This is for you!

This is mine.

It must remain with me.

Okay...

Amma!

This is beautiful!

Thank you so much!

You're very welcome, ma'am.

Call me Sundari.

-Sundari?
-Yes.

I'm Robert.

Nivi.

I'm Julia. Nice to meet you ladies.

-Hello.
-Hi.

So... looks like you're
on a family vacation.

Where are you headed?

Wherever... road... God... takes us.

-Kindred spirits!
-Yeah! Looks like it...

-So, is this your first time in India?
-No.

It's his fourth.

My first, though I always wanted to come.

So... what do you do?

Meaning in life...

Oh!

We do this!

We just think of a place
we want to see and we go.

All we really need are our backpacks.

-And our thumbs!
-And our thumbs!

No, I mean work.

W... work.

What work?
And then leave?

I mean holidays, vacations...

We just work at the places that we go to.

Bartending, waitressing, the works.

We know how to get by.

Must be great to just take off like that.

-It is.
-It's pretty great!

Yeah, we're lucky we're
both passionate about it...

and we don't mind
roughing it out occasionally.

But trust me,
we've seen it go south too!

Yes, we have!

So... where are you headed next?
Do you know?

Up north.
Manali.

Oh, no!

Manali is in the South in Chennai.
Near Ennore.

No no, Sundari.

Ma-naa-li.

Up north. Definitely up north.

-Himachal Pradesh.
-Right!

Yeah.

Stop!

Lovely!

We ladies shall have
such a great time together!

Hey, maybe we can get Robert to drive.

Yeah! I can drive if you want.

No. Nivi will drive very well!

-Yeah, sure.
-Okay.

Wow, Amma.
Thanks.

You're afraid they'll steal the car,
so I'm a "good driver" all of a sudden!

This trip has become A-rated.

Hey, why is it bothering you?

Take it easy and sit back!

Can you stay on your left, Nivi?

-I think we're almost there.
-Yeah.

Where are we going?

B... Ba... Ba...

Bateshwar!

Oh, right!
Bateshwar!

Robert says it's an ancient heritage site.

-Wow!
-Yeah!

Apparently it's also
a super famous temple.

-Temple?
-Another temple? Get lost!

Yeah. Trust me, guys.
You are going to love this place!

It's amazing.

Aththai.

Actually, Julia and Robert are quite
a nice couple, right?

Very cultured!
Not like we expected.

What did we expect?

They are visiting temples and praying.

So if they visit temples,
they are cultured, is it?

-You know they're not married, right?
-Come on.

Within birds who can't fly
Lies a desire to touch the sky

-Lovely couple.
-Aren't they?

So free and happy.
Not a care.

With love on one side
And time on the other

An eternal state of elation

Yeah right.

Only until they have a child.

You usually tend to be wrong.

But on this matter alone,
I agree with you.

Let us soar high and above

Let us soar beyond this world

They'll definitely not get married.

That won't work for them.

No nuptial thread.
No getting yoked.

Let us soar away together

Their culture is different.

Only romance!

Fish!

Let us soar high and above

Let us soar beyond this world

Collecting new memories
along this journey...

Let us soar away together

If only I could speak
so easily with my mum.

Tell me about it.

Or if I could've bonded with Nana
before she passed...

My family could barely make it
through Christmas and Easter.

But these ladies?

They're so... connected.

So... close knit.

Genuinely enjoying each other's company.

I guess it's in their culture.

I guess so.

Hey. I'm going to grab something to eat.

Sure. I'll check us in.

Namaste!

How are you?

We have bookings.
I'm Robert Ellis.

Kaveri Rajaratnam.

You two are lovely together.

Thank you.

Why don't you get married?

Don't let Jules hear
you say something like that!

A free spirit like her?

You... you mention marriage and she's...

She's bound to fly away.

And I... honestly couldn't bear that.

How do you know that?

Did you ask her?

"Ketu paathiya"?

Did you ask her?

Thank you.

Aththai, Nivi, let's go.

Take grandma to the room, Amma.

I'm going for a walk.

I need some me time.

Take care.

-Forgot me already?
-Vikram!

Not bad...

What was your name again?

Kavi? Vini?

-Nivi!
-What are you doing here?

What are you doing here?

-I thought you'd be drinking Feni in Goa!
-Well... we're here.

I won't say where we're going next.

You'll follow us there too!

I was just taking a walk.

Was just going to grab a bite.

I'm pretty hungry too!

Follow me.

Okay.

Vikram...

I don't even know your full name.

Tell me the truth.

What are you doing here?

Following you.

This is a regular pitstop
on the bikers' trail.

It's good to see you.

It's very good to see you.

Singh Rathore.

Vikram Singh Rathore.

Since you passive aggressively
asked for it.

How's your trip going?

I've come with my amma
and paati.

There's a limit
to how much fun it can be.

Well... you signed up for it.

Then why complain?

Correct.

If I wanted to have fun...

I will also put on my shades and jacket
and ride to Ladakh with my biker friends!

In that case,
maybe you should follow me.

Cheers.

Cheers!

Oh man...

What's your problem, man?

Why are you cribbing?

Are none of your friends free today?

Would I sit around like this if they were?

You don't enjoy being around me
anymore, do you?

Hey, Bala...

When you wanted to go have a popsicle
at the beach on Sunday evening as a kid...

you'd be tailing me from Friday morning!

Remember?

Cheers!

Cheers, Appa.

Beach.

Breeze.

Ice cream.

Song.

Something's missing, isn't it?

Appa...

how many times have I seen you?

You will stealthily smoke
as if it's a drug!

Mouth full of mints!

You'd spray four liters
of air freshener too!

I have it occasionally and that too
when I am stressed.

Don't rat me out to your amma.
Or to mine.

You won't rat me out, will you?

Just give me that!

Light.

Bala...

You and I are not buddies.

Just once.
Only once.

Forget whatever happens today right away.

You are sounding like amma.

Poor thing, your mom.
She's got it tougher.

Don't compare us.

I'm nothing like her.

Do you have a girlfriend?

Are you trying to bait me just because
I had one smoke with you, Appa?

What about you know...

Sex and all...

No! No, no, no...

I want no part of this.

Let's try some permitted father-son
conversation.

Did you watch the match yesterday...

Hey! Don't change the subject.

Just making sure
you don't get into trouble.

Why else would I care?

But how is it you give Nivi
so much grief about boys?

That's different.

She is my daughter.

How can it be different?
The same rules apply to everyone.

No, son.

She's my baby girl.

My dearest Chandu.

She doesn't even like that name, Appa.

In fact, nobody does.

It's my appa's name.

Even your amma does not like it.

Once they get back...

we should come here often.

It'll be fun. Together.

But...

-except the smokes.
-Except the smokes.

Grandma wanted to see
the Taj Mahal, didn't she?

It's along their route.

So?

We're supposed to follow strangers?

I told you that I know him already, Amma!

We met at the music festival!

I saw him again last night
at the market during my walk!

He's a decent guy.

His name is Vikram.

Dr. Vikram.

Thanks, kutty!

This trip is all thanks to you!

Yes!

Someone seems very happy!

Rarely...

Sometimes, things conspire to bring you
to the right place at the right time.

Like now...

it is pre-ordained that we should be here
today, at this moment.

It may be pre-ordained,

but one needs to take
that first step forward.

Correct.

To the prettiest lady on tour!

Oh! Thank you!

Can you please sit and eat?

Chapatis?

You eat.

-Hi!
-Hi, guys!

Hello.

Wow!

The toe ring is beautiful!

Could I get something like that
around here?

Yes, you could!

But only if you decide to get married.

Amma!

Sorry?

In India, only married women wear this.

Like how you wear this in your hand?

Us ladies wear on toes.

Okay...

Do you want to get married?

Amma!

Me?
Married?

No... I think not.

For someone like me,
I don't want to be grounded or rooted.

I'd rather be like this. Flying.

What if there's someone...

who enjoys... like you... flying?

Companionship is good,
isn't it, dear?

I mean...

look at you three ladies.
You're here without any men.

You seem to be having
a perfectly good time.

So...

companionship is good.

Correct. But...

Amma!

Sorry...
Did you guys get the tent?

Yeah.

Stop with the free advice.

It may be nothing to you,
but they might not like it.

Can't believe I'm saying this,
but stick to advising just me.

Amma!

Sleep inside, Amma.
I'll be outside in the sleeping bag.

Cricket in the morning!

We have a break day tomorrow, guys.

-Bye!
-Get some sleep!

Keep the volume low.

-Hello!
-Hi!

Joining us for cricket tomorrow?

Cricket's not my scene.

Disappointed?

Nice, right?

You're not regretting this, are you?

-Okay, then. Good night!
-Good night!

Nivi...

No walking tonight?

Yuck, Mom!
Good night.

Hello.
Good night.

Wow!
You sing really well!

I didn't notice.
Sorry!

Nivi never told me
you were a singer.

No, no.
I'm just a music fan.

Lovely voice!
Really!

Whatever else has come and gone,
music's been a constant.

It's like...

I'm a music fanatic!

Catch it!

What the hell?
What are you doing?

She's a cricket fanatic!

So what's the plan today?
You are alone?

In that case,
can I take you to a place I'm going to?

Trust me.
You'll love it.

No, no...don't let them take two!
Come on, what is this?

We'll be back before the match ends.

Yeah?

Yes!
Let's go!

Kaveri?

Kaveri?

What's this?

"Nivi is playing a match. If you need
anything, ask Shalini next door.

I'm going to a place with Vikram."

Okay.

"See you in the evening.

If there's any emergency,
call Vikram's phone."

The bird has sprouted wings!
It has flown away!

Penny for your thoughts?

Back in the day,
it was something I loved.

Never thought I'd spend
the rest of my life without it.

Why don't you sing anymore?

Why? I do sing.

To the grinder, mixer,
frying pan, stove...

They don't know I'm
out of touch, do they?

True that.

You speak Tamil so fluently.

We speak only Tamil at home, Auntie.

-My amma is Tamil.
-Oh!

So Singh...
your father is Punjabi, is it?

Are all Singhs Punjabi?

Are they not?

Where are you from?

Bangalore!

Nivi told me you're a doctor.

Your parents must be
very proud of you, right?

Yeah.

At one time,
I never even imagined...

that I'd end up doing the
one thing in life I won't like.

"At one time?"

Oh, Auntie!
I'm old now.

You know that, right?

Then why call me "auntie?

O breeze
That knocks open this concealed world

O sky
Tat stretches generously and limitlessly

Thank you.

I just need a minute.

I need to check for some directions
and stretch my legs.

Cigarettes, right?

Bad boy.

Carry on.
I also have a son, okay?

I know how all this works.

O stream that perpetually flows
Yet never dries out

O horizon that glows with beauty
Like birth and fire

O earth, O life that coalesces as one

In this moment with you

That's my uncle.

Let them finish first!

But like everyone else,
I refer to him as "Panditji" too.

His voice was the soundratck
to my teenage years.

Get going.
Be aware.

Greetings, Panditji.

Bless you.

Namaste.

Panditji, this is my friend,
Kaveri Rajaratnam.

She's a music lover.

Namaste!

Any lover of music is welcome here!

And I'm glad you could be here
on this special day.

You must listen to the
"Sangeet Samrat" sing.

What's this?

Ten minutes, Panditji.

Please come.
Take a seat.

On this joyous occasion...

With the blessings
of Pandit Surudev Rathod...

Joining us today,
is the "Sangeet Samrat", Radhe Rathod!

Welcome!
Let's start today's program.

Wake up, my beloved

Wake up, my beloved

I always cherish thy comforting visage

I always cherish thy comforting visage

O beautiful soul

Wake up, my beloved

Wake up, my beloved

It is the crack of dawn
And the sun's first rays shine bright

It is the crack of dawn
And the sun's first rays shine bright

The cowherds go about
Their daily routine

Everyone await
With bated breath to see thee

Arise, O son of Nanda Maharaja

Wake up, my beloved

Wake up, my beloved

Wake up, my beloved

Wake up, my beloved

I haven't heard something like this
in a very long time.

Not here, at least.

I'm Radhe.

And you are, ma'am?

-Kaveri.
-Greetings.

But please don't call me "ma'am".

You're the "Sangeet Samrat."

And you're a lady.

Do you learn here?

No.

-I'm visiting.
-Okay.

Vikram?

You're Vicky's guest?

Lovely.

Please.

So... did you learn back home?

No.

Back home, I'm just a mother.

"Just a mother."

You know I made the same mistake
for a very long time...

thinking that my mother is "just that."

She was always better than us.

Greater than us.

How does it feel to be great?

It's...

exhausting.

But you're doing what you love.

I know it makes a big difference
when you love what you do.

But...

it's not like you can escape
the discipline... the struggles...

the heartbreak...

Sacrifices that come with it.

It's a life choice.

And you commit to it every single day.

And there is a little bit of a difference
between making music your life...

and having an interest in it.

Though having interest in music
also has its own joys.

It's a part of you.

It's part of your life
when you need it to be.

At the same time, you have enough space
to do everything that is important to you.

Like Vikram.

He always preferred it that way.

When did you start learning?

Ever since I can remember.

There's the thing that I say.

"I probably said "Saa...",
before I said "Maa"."

Vicky!

-Greetings!
-How are you?

All good!

He's the "Sangeet Samrat"!

He's my Radhe!

-Lovely, man.
-Thanks.

Can I ask you a favor, please?

Yes, ma'am.

Can I hear greatness
just once before we leave?

Ma'am.

Sure. What would you like to hear?

A song about...

missing a loved one.

Without the love of my life
I cannot sleep

My eyes are filled with tears
On these sleepless nights

I look everywhere...

But the love of my life
Is nowhere to be found

My eyes cannot accept that
And continue looking

Without the love of my life
I cannot sleep

Niveditha!
I'm trying to reach you!

Where the hell have you disappeared,
Niveditha?

This is not the time to be doing this.

The team selection is in two weeks.

You're the first choice
for wicket keeper-batsman.

The coach is asking about you every day.

Call me back as soon as you get this.

And come back.

Could you pull over?

-Vikram!
-Yes?

-I want to make a call.
-Yeah, sure.

Hello?

Hello?

Amma?

Amma, is it you?

Amma!

How are you?

You're the best, Amma.

I miss you.

You never said all these things
to me before, kanna.

You never left us before either.

Amma... I love you.

Amma, listen.

Don't cry.

It's all going to be okay.

We are all okay.

You also be okay.

And have fun, Amma.

You deserve it.

I love you too, da.

-You had a good day?
-Yeah!

I was so scared on that bike ride!

No, you did good.

The Gharana was really amazing!

-I can't thank you enough.
-Glad you enjoyed yourself.

Hello! Excuse me!

I told you she'd be upset, didn't I?

Please.

Listen... I compelled her
and took her there.

What is she supposed to do alone
while you were at your match?

I even left a note.

I went with Vikram only no?

And you know what?

Kaveri might just be
a little cooler than you, Nivi.

Wow!

Is that you, Aththai?

Like?

-Cool! Too good!
-Like!

Thank you.

A real stunner, is SP.

I don't believe this!
Can you?

So went roaming with that boy?

I'll whack you.

He's a good boy.
Let's invite him home for lunch sometime.

What's wrong with you?
You seem off.

The selection is in two weeks, Amma.

What do you think I should do?

Why are you smiling?

Tell me.

Passion or love?

You look like you know the answer
but you're not saying it.

My daughter's asking me for advice!

I feel so proud.

My daughter believes I have the answers.

I don't know if I have the answers.

But it feels great to be asked.

Today is Mother's Day for me!

Amma!

Look...

I'll tell you what I know.

Music was never for me
what cricket is to you.

You can think of making a career
out of your passion.

We didn't have those choices.

There was no option
of making a life out of music.

It wasn't practical.

I could've continued singing
for my own happiness.

But I didn't.

There is no point in asking why now.

It is what it is.

That's all.

But...

in all these years...

I've never had any regrets.

"Why didn't I sing?
What a life I could have had!"

I have no such questions.

This is me.

This is my life.

No matter what, I am a mother.

That's the truth.

But you know what?

That's enough for me, Nivi.

In the same way, only you will know
what is enough for you.

Go.

Go!

Dharamshala!

We are coming!

I want to play cricket, Amma.

That's who I am.

I want to go back for the selection.

I think I'm good.

I want to go home, Nivi.