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Our Promise
(Api'ge Porondhuwǎ)
By Ashan Silva
Contact:
Ashan Silva
37230 Sheffield Drive
Palmdale, CA 93550
asilva@avc.edu
2
Cast of Characters
KUZON “KUZU” GINDARA, A boy from Nuwara; Kaya's best friend from childhood
KAYANI “KAYA” JALANDHA, A girl from Habarana; Kuzon's best friend from childhood
ASOKA JALANDHA, Kaya's older brother; Kuzon's enemy during childhood and later
friend
JEHAN ABEYSEKARA, Kaya's fiancée by arranged marriage; Kuzon's old friend and rival
The play takes place over several years around the small village of Nuwara.
3
ACT I
SCENE 1
KAYA
(aside, with a mischievous smirk)
He looks interesting...
KUZON
The girls are pretty in the city of Kandy—
KUZON
Woah!
KUZON
(irritated)
Hey! Why did you push me in?!
KAYA
(smirking)
Because I wanted to. It was really tempting.
KUZON
(still irritated)
That wasn't very nice!
KAYA
Whoever said I was nice?
KUZON
Ordinary people would not push strangers into streams!
KAYA
Well I'm EXTRAORDINARY.
KUZON
Well then, oh extraordinary one, what's your name then?
KAYA
It's Kayani Jala, but everyone calls me “Kaya.” My family just moved here from Habarana—
KUZON
(interrupts)
So your idea of meeting new people is to come up from behind and push them?
KAYA
Hey, it worked. And I see that you have a temper problem.
KUZON
Hmm, I wonder why.
KAYA
Anyways, I never asked you your name.
KUZON
I don't talk to strangers. Especially “extraordinary” ones.
KAYA
(sighs)
I'm sorry. I guess I'll leave you alone then.
KUZON
Don't be...You don't have to.
KUZON
By the way, my name's Kuzon. Kuzon Gindara.
ACT I
SCENE 2
KUZON
(laughing subtly)
It still feels like just yesterday we met in such an awkward way.
KAYA
It was awkward.
She laughs.
KUZON
Correction; YOU always did the funniest things.
He laughs.
Like the time you made my sister lick that durian because you said it tasted like candy. She
stank for a week!
KAYA
I wonder why she ignored the smell. That fruit is disgusting.
Kuzon pauses.
KUZON
You know, I'm glad we met. We had a lot of great times growing up, huh?
KAYA
Yes, we did. Oh, Remember that time I forced you to get the rabutang [Ra-boo-TAHNG]
from all the way up in that high tree?
KUZON
How can I forget? I fell off half-way and broke my arm.
KAYA
Honestly, I didn't know you were actually going to do it.
KUZON
Will your brother still hate me? You know, when he finds out that we found each other again?
KAYA
Asoka can't keep grudges for that long. Besides, I bet he'll be glad to see you. Everyone
missed you.
KUZON
(smiling)
It would be nice to see them all again. It's been too long.
KAYA
I know. You should come and visit us at Nuwara sometime. I think you're sister and father
will be glad to see you.
KUZON
I know Nila nangi would be, but not my father. I haven't spoken to him since the accident.
KAYA
Well I'm glad you kept the neckband I gave you before you...went away. Remember the
promise that we made together? Before the accident?
KUZON
I know. I should have stuck with it. I'm so sorry, Kaya.
Lights dim.
8
ACT I
SCENE 3
KUZON
(mumbling)
I wonder what they're talking about in there.
KAYA
I don't know, and personally, I don't care.
KUZON
School is going to start soon.
KAYA
I know. I'm not looking forward to it.
Kuzon smiles.
KUZON
We had a pretty good summer, huh?
KAYA
(unenthusiastic)
Yeah. I don't want it to end.
KUZON
...Is something wrong?
KAYA
When school starts, we won't be able to play together.
KUZON
Oh...Yeah...Umm...Well you'll still have Nila and the other girls.
9
KAYA
Girls are dumb. All they talk about is dolls and stuff.
KUZON
Are you saying that you're not a girl?
KAYA
No, I am. I just hate playing with dolls. And I hate helping my mom cook. I want to do what I
want to do.
KAYA
(smiles)
I want to do what we've been doing this summer; playing cricket, going swimming at the
lake, climbing trees, getting dirty or hurt.
She laughs.
KUZON
Oh, come on, we can still do that.
KAYA
I guess...but...I want you to make a promise with me. Promise me that no matter what, we'll
always stay best friends. That we'll never stop talking to each other. And that we'll always
have time to spend together.
Kuzon smiles.
KUZON
Okay, I promise. Besides, I'm sure things are going to be just the same. I'm sure Asoka will
keep hating me, Jehan will keep being the same arrogant jerk that he is, Nila will keep being
the instigator that she is—
Kuzon laughs.
—and you're going to stay—
KUZON
(irritated)
—extraordinary.
10
KAYA
(bursting into laughter)
Hahahahaha! You were wide open! How could I resist?
Lights dim.
11
ACT II
SCENE 1
KAYA
Kuzu, why did you tie me to a tree?
KUZON
(slyly)
Because I wanted to.
KAYA
(angrily)
Kuzu! Let me go now!
KUZON
(slyly)
Not until you tell me where Jehan and Nila are at.
KAYA
(shouting)
I'm not telling!
KUZON
Oh, I know you will...since I have this!
KAYA
(infuriated)
My Ammi's necklace! Where did you get that?!
KUZON
I didn't steal it, if that's what you're wondering.
KAYA
Are you IMPLYING something?
Kaya begins mumbling.
KUZON
But Kaya, you have to understand...I need to find them in order to restore something I've
lost...
Kuzon begins whispering in Kaya's ear.
My honor.
KAYA
(steamed)
I swear Kuzu, you take hide and seek WAY too seriously.
KUZON
(shouting)
JUST TELL ME ALREADY!!! AND STOP CALLING ME “KUZU”!
KAYA
Kuzon's temper strikes again...
Kaya sighs.
Fine. Will you let go of me and give me back my Ammi's necklace if I tell you where they're
hiding?
KUZON
Sure.
KAYA
They're hiding behind your house. There; happy now?
KUZON
(grinning ear-to-ear)
Yep! Thanks Kaya!
KAYA
Kuzon, get back here and let me go now!
Lights dim.
13
ACT II
SCENE 2
JEHAN
These sound really good. When'jou get 'em?
KUZON
Arantha Mahpi gave them to me last Vesak.
JEHAN
Wow, I wish I got one like this for Vesak. Just one more year...
KUZON
(laughs)
You seem to THINK that that's yours.
JEHAN
Only a little.
KAYA
Shah, nice tablas! Whose are they?
NILA
They're Aiya's. Our mahpi gave them to him. He gave me this really nice Mânika doll—
KAYA
Let me try!
KUZON
After I get a turn.
KAYA
Kuzon, it's yours. You get as many turns with it as you like at home—
NILA
Like you were all last night. I could even go to sleep with all that rack—
14
KUZON
Enough, Nila.
Nila backs off, shrugging with a cynical smile.
Why don't you two go play with dolls, and leave us men with our drums?
KAYA
Oh, I'm sorry; I didn't know you two were men.
NILA
I didn't even know you two were boys!
Let's go Nila, I see they want to have a Muslim party; women over there—
JEHAN
That was rude...I like it.
KUZON
You like being called a girl?
JEHAN
No. But I do like her.
KUZON
If you're talking about Nila, she's too young for you.
JEHAN
No; I'm talking about Kaya.
I bet you five rabutangs against your tablas that I can get her to kiss me!
15
KUZON
Umm, that hardly seems fair, don't you think?
JEHAN
Okay, then.
Jehan points at Kuzon.
Five rabutangs against your tablas that I can get Kaya to kiss YOU!
KUZON
Eww. I don't want her to kiss me!
JEHAN
What kind of a 13-year-old are you?
KUZON
The kind that doesn't want Kaya's kela all over his face.
JEHAN
Alright then, it's a deal.
KUZON
What?! We didn't agree on anything!
NILA
Hmf. Boys are sooo dumb.
Lights dim.
16
ACT II
SCENE 3
JEHAN
Kaya, I didn't expect you to be here.
KAYA
(uninterested)
Yeah...Can you move? You're blocking the sunlight.
KAYA
There, all better.
JEHAN
Anyways, want to play a game?
JEHAN
I lost my parents when I was eight and have now formed a rebel army that lives in the trees.
Wanna join?
KAYA
(still reading)
Nope.
JEHAN
I have minions.
KAYA
Me too.
JEHAN
I can use two sword things while you can—
KAYA
Not interested.
17
JEHAN
You're no fun.
Jehan walks offstage. Five seconds pass.
Jehan walks back onstage up to Kaya.
JEHAN
My lovely Kayani.
Jehan bows. Kaya stops reading and glares at
him.
KAYA
(cynically)
“Lovely?”
JEHAN
I believe the gods have taken emeralds and have replaced your eyes with them.
KAYA
Wow, that's the best you could come up with?
JEHAN
I couldn't take another rejection, my love! Please let me meet you here later today, before the
sun goes down...
KAYA
(confused)
Err...Alright?
JEHAN
Goodbye, my love. I shall see you when the sun hides from your beauty...
KAYA
Weirdo.
NILA
What were you doing talking to that arrogant jerk?
18
KAYA
Nila, I think he was trying to impress me...it didn't work.
NILA
(smiling sinisterly)
Well, yesterday, I overheard Jehan and Kuzon talking about the most amusing thing the other
day...
KAYA
Do tell.
JEHAN
(whispering to Kuzon)
This is it. I'm definitely going to win that bet!
KUZON
(whispering to Jehan)
I told you; we didn't agree on anything!
JEHAN
(whispering to Kuzon)
Watch and learn, kid; watch and learn...
Oh! My dear Kayani! I am delighted to see you when the sun cowers in your presence.
KAYA
(enthusiatically)
Wouldn't miss it for the world.
JEHAN
Oh, my love, your silky hair outshines the stars in the heavens and clouds my senses...Kiss
me!
KUZON
(aside)
Outshines the stars? The stars aren't even out yet...
KAYA
Oh, Jehan! I will!
19
KUZON
(aside)
Something's wrong...Kaya would never act like that...
KAYA
(exasperatedly)
FIVE RABUTANGS AGAINST KUZON'S TABLAS THAT YOU'D GET TOKISS ME,
HUH?!
AND YOU!!!
KUZON
W-WH-WH-WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!
KAYA
(smiling sinisterly)
Because kissing you is more of a punishment than punching you, Kuzu.
JEHAN
Ha! I got her to kiss you! I win the bet! Now, you owe me your tablas!
KUZON
(still shocked)
B...bu...but...
JEHAN
Wow, she sucker-punched me...nice form too. Frankly, I'm jealous of you. Really.
NILA
Can she be more obvious or what?
Lights fade.
21
ACT III
SCENE 1
KUZON
(groggy and weak)
...Who...is...it?
ISURU
Wake up, Kuzon.
KUZON
(excited yet weak)
...Thatha, finally...where have you been...I've been waiting for you...to visit...anyone to visit.
ISURU
(coldly)
I figured I'd give you the news myself.
KUZON
(puzzled)
...what news...
ISURU
Your mother is dead. She was killed at the fire. The fire you caused. By dropping the oil
lamp.
KUZON
(breaking down)
But...I...I didn't...
ISURU
Also, it'd be in your best interest if you stopped waiting. No one is coming to visit.
KAYA
Hi, Isuru Uncle.
ISURU
What are you doing here?
KAYA
I wanted to see Kuzon, if it's okay with you.
ISURU
Well, he doesn't want to see you. Or anyone for that matter.
Kaya hesitates.
KAYA
(sadly)
...will he be okay?
ISURU
He'll survive.
KAYA
Can you at least give this to him for me?
ISURU
Of course.
KAYA
Thank you, Isuru Uncle.
KUZON
(excited)
...Arantha Mahpi [MAH-pee]...I thought no one would come!
ARANTHA
Well I came. How are you feeling, my boy?
KUZON
...Tired...my face hurts.
He pauses.
ARANTHA
You've been asleep for the past two days.
ARANTHA
The scar looks really irritated right now...but in a couple of days, the inflammation will go
away and it'll look much better.
KUZON
(aside)
It may look better with time...but it will never go away.
24
ARANTHA
Kuzon, your Thatha asked that you live with me down in Kandy [Ko-TEH].
KUZON
Fine.
ARANTHA
I can arrange for some of your friends to come say goodbye, would you like that?
KUZON
(aside)
Kaya, will you care if I leave? Maybe it's better for you not to know.
(to Arantha)
No, mahpi.
ARANTHA
I've got all of your belongings packed up. The chariot is waiting.
KAYA
Kuzon! You're finally awake! I missed you so much! I...um...brought you something...
KAYA
Kuzon's mahpa, please give him this neckband. And tell him that the neckband is from Kaya,
his best friend. Tell him to never forget me.
ARANTHA
You have my word. Take care.
KAYA
You too...please, take care of him.
25
KAYA
(sobbing)
Kuzon. You're a liar.
Lights fade.
26
ACT III
SCENE 2
ASOKA
Nangi, what are you doing?
KAYA
(solemnly)
Writing a letter.
ASOKA
Not again. You know he never answers back.
KAYA
(turning away from Asoka)
I know. This'll be my last one to him.
ASOKA
Good. Well I will be in the other room if you need me.
ARANTHA
Kuzon, you have another letter from Kaya.
My son, you haven't written a single letter back. How long are you going to do this to her?
A beat.
At least answer this letter back. She'd be happy to know that you're doing okay.
27
KUZON
(aside)
But I'm not okay. I won't be okay.
KUZON
Kuzon, this will be my last letter to you. I don't even know how many times I've just wanted
you to be here. Just so that I could see your face. Your smile. But I've realized that holding on
to you is not doing any good...I've waited and waited for at least one letter. To know that
you're okay.
KAYA
But waiting for you when I know you're going to answer back...it's not fair to me or for
anyone. It hurts. I've got so much to tell you, so much to ask. Maybe one day I will...
KAYA KUZON
Be well Kuzon. Goodbye. Be well Kuzon. Goodbye.
Forever your best friend, Kaya. Forever your best friend, Kaya.
KAYA
(depressed)
I am so sorry, Kuzon.
KUZON
(aloud)
My best friend, Kaya. How are you? How am I? I...I...
KUZON
I'm not doing well. I wish you knew what I've been going through, but I just can't tell you.
Goodbye then.
Lights fade.
29
ACT III
SCENE 3
ASOKA
(talking with mouth full)
So you done?
LAKSHMI
Asoka, swallow before you talk!
KAYA
The last letter. To him.
LAKSHMI
I'm so sorry, my daughter. It is such a shame he had to leave. Now eat your food—
KAYA
It's a bigger shame for him not to answer back.
ASOKA
Well there must be some sort of reason why he wouldn't answer back. Have you talked to
Isuru Uncle? Or Nila for that matter—
LAKSHMI
No more talking, now finish your food—
KAYA
Yes. Isuru Uncle must still be upset because all he told me was “Don't mention his name in
front of me.” And Nila told me that her mahpa doesn't come visit anymore. Not after the
accident, anyways.
LAKSHMI
Enough about him. We're done with that conversation. Now finish eating, you two.
30
KAYA
What is up with Ammi? She was fine until I mentioned Kuzon.
ASOKA
You mean you still don't know?
KAYA
Know what?
ASOKA
Kaya, you were meant to be married to him. Later this year.
KAYA
Wait...what?!
ASOKA
Yeah. I overheard Ammi and Thathi talking about it...I think the week after he left.
KAYA
You're lying.
ASOKA
No, I'm not. I was in the other room. They were talking about what they were going to do
about you since both Kuzon and Kuzon's Amma was gone. A week before, Ammi and
Kuzon's Amma met to talk about it, I think.
KUZON'S VOICE
I wonder what they're talking about in there.
KAYA
(aside)
So that's what they were talking about...
(mumbling)
The day of our promise...
A beat.
ASOKA
Such a shame...now you might be married to that arrogant jerk.
31
KAYA
Surely, you don't mean Jehan.
Lights fade.
32
ACT IV
SCENE 1
KUZON
(aside)
I can't believe it! She's here! Of all places! What is she doing here?!
KAYA
Thank you, I—
KUZON
Hi, I don't know if you remember me but I'm—
KAYA
(angrily)
Of course I remember you, Kuzu.
(contently)
Where do you think you're going, Kuzon?
Kuzon stops.
33
KUZON
Inside. To pray.
KAYA
Wait! I am so sorry...that was very immature of me. But what else were you expecting?
KUZON
I don't know what I was expecting.
KAYA
(happily)
After all this time, I didn't expect you to be wearing the necklace I gave your uncle...
KUZON
(smiling)
I wore it to remember you by.
KAYA
I really missed you, Kuzon. So many things have happened back in Nuwara while you were
gone.
KUZON
I know. I read about them in your letters.
KAYA
You read those letters?!
KUZON
...Yeah. Every single one.
KAYA
(upset)
Then why didn't you answer back?!
KUZON
(tearing up)
God knows how many times I've tried to write back...I really missed you, Kaya. I missed you
more than anyone! I didn't know how I felt about you until I left. And the thought of you
being so far away hurt. It hurt so bad.
34
KAYA
How do you think I felt?! You were there half of my life...and then for the other half of my
life, you decide to close me off when you moved. Why are you telling me this? Now of all
times?!
KUZON
I am so sorry, Kayani...
KAYA
(smiling)
Don't be. I forgave you when you left.
Lights fade.
35
ACT IV
SCENE 2
KAYA
Well I'm glad you kept the neckband I gave you before you...went away. Remember the
promise that we made together? Before the accident?
KUZON
I know. I should have stuck with it. I'm so sorry, Kaya.
KAYA
(tenderly)
It's okay, Kuzon.
KUZON
(smiling)
Well this time, I want you to promise me something.
KAYA
What is it?
KUZON
Promise me that no matter what, we'll always stay best friends. That we'll never stop talking
to each other. And that we'll always have time to spend together...
KAYA
That was our old promise.
KUZON
Yes...and maybe we can be more than friends.
KAYA
Wait, what are you getting at?
KUZON
(smiles sheepishly)
I don't know...maybe we could...well...get married.
KAYA
...I can't.
KUZON
...What's wrong?
KAYA
There's something that I never mentioned to you in those letters...
KUZON
(puzzled)
...What is it?
KAYA
(depressed)
...I'm getting married. Next week. To Jehan.
KUZON
...You are?...Congratulations...
KAYA
But the thing is, Kuzon, I don't love him. My parents are arranging me to marry him.
KUZON
I see.
KAYA
You know who I really love?
KUZON
Who's that?
KAYA
You.
Kuzon and Kaya share a smile.
I found out...on the day that I sent that last letter to you...that well...
KUZON
Yeah?
KAYA
...well we were supposed to be married sometime this year.
37
KUZON
Wait, how?
KAYA
Doesn't matter. But you know that day that we made the promise?
KUZON
Yes...?
KAYA
When you said “I wonder what they're talking about in there,” about my Ammi and your
Ammi. They were talking about our marriage.
KUZON
Really?!
KAYA
Yes...but then they changed their mind...as soon as you went away.
Lights fade.
38
ACT IV
SCENE 3
ARANTHA
(surprised)
Kuzon, that's the first time that I have seen you smile in a long time!
KUZON
Umm, really?
ARANTHA
Yes! Something happened on your way to the temple, huh?
KUZON
Yep. Something great.
ARANTHA
Was it a girl? I can tell...even your eyes are smiling!
Arantha laughs.
KUZON
(blushing)
Umm, I guess you can say that...
ARANTHA
Well, then come sit and drink some tea. Tell me about her.
KUZON
Lets say she's someone I've known for a long time.
KUZON
I saw Kayani at the temple today.
ARANTHA
The girl who gave you that neckband that day I came to take you?
KUZON
(smiling)
Yes. She looks so different now...
ARANTHA
She must be very beautiful now. She is your age now, no?
KUZON
Two years younger than me. And yes, she is...she's...extraordinary.
ARANTHA
I see. So what happened when you met?
KUZON
(smiling)
She...slapped me across the face. Because I didn't answer to her letters.
ARANTHA
(chuckling)
Well you did deserve it.
Kuzon laughs.
ARANTHA
Kuzon, it has been five years. I do think enough time has passed for your father to have
moved on.
(smiling)
Your father must miss you. As much as Kaya or Nilanthi misses you.
40
KUZON
(excitedly)
Really?!
ARANTHA
Of course. Now go to bed. We have to wake up early if we are to be at Nuwara by noon.
Lights fade.
41
ACT V
SCENE 1
KUZON
Mahpa, are you sure this is a good idea?
ARANTHA
Yes, now stop worrying about it.
KUZON
(smiling sheepishly)
Umm...Hi, Thatha.
ISURU
(smiling)
My son!
ARANTHA
We decided to visit...It was Kuzon's idea—
KUZON
Mahpi?!
42
ISURU
Well I'm glad that you did. It has been too long. Won't you come in?
ISURU
Nilanthi! Come outside, quick! Arantha Mahpa and Kuzon Aiya are here!
NILA
(offstage)
They are?! I'll be there, hold on!
ISURU
My, have you grown...
He chuckles.
You're now a few inches taller than your old man, huh?
Kuzon laughs.
NILA
(smiling)
Aiya [ay-yah]! I missed you so much! Oh my gods, I can't believe you're here!!!
KUZON
(laughing)
I know! Wow...Nangi [nahn-gi], you've grown so much.
NILA
Yeah, I know. And look at you! Aside from the scar, you look great—
ISURU
AHEM.
43
NILA
...Sorry.
KUZON
It's okay. Actually, I don't think about it much anyways.
NILA
But seriously, Kuzon, you look well. I have to show you around the village...so much has
changed while you were gone!
ISURU
Won't you two sit down? Let me get you both some tea. Nilanthi [Nee-lahn-thee], come and
help me get everything ready.
NILA
Okay.
ARANTHA
Isuru, you don't have to—
ISURU
Aiye [ay-eh], it's okay, I insist.
ARANTHA
I'm just going to go around the village. I have a friend who moved here recently and I want to
visit them.
KUZON
(aside)
Wait, why is he leaving?
ISURU
Who is your friend?
ARANTHA
His name is Tissa Vikrama.
ISURU
Oh yes, I know him, albeit not that well. But Nilanthi can show you where his house is.
NILA
Yeah, Mahpi, they don't live that far from here.
44
ISURU
So...how have you been?
KUZON
I've been okay, I guess...
ISURU
So...your uncle has a nice way of um...
KUZON
Setting an awkward mood?
ISURU
Umm, yeah. So listen...there is something that I wanted to get off my chest, but I wasn't able
to.
KUZON
...What is it, Thathi?
ISURU
Well I wanted to apologize for the way that I've treated you up until today.
KUZON
Apologize for what?
ISURU
For disowning you. God, I've been such a fool...I was so angry and confused after your
Ammi died. I lost her...and I thought I almost lost you as well.
But now that I think of it, I did lose you...and that was my fault. I shouldn't have blamed you
for your mother's death and sent you away. It wasn't you who caused it—
KUZON
(puzzled)
It wasn't?
45
ISURU
No...the lamp was already broken...but we all didn't know that. That's how the fire really
started. And I shouldn't have been so quick to accuse you. I know it's too late so I don't
expect you to forgive me for it—
KUZON
(tenderly)
I do forgive you...and what's done is done. It's all in the past now.
ISURU
(smiling)
Thank you, Kuzon. You've really matured. I wish I could have seen you grow to the young
man that stands before me.
KUZON
You know, Thatha, all I wanted from you was your approval. You see, growing up, I honestly
believed that you favored Nila over me. But it's funny how now you seem to want my
approval instead.
ISURU
Ironic, no?
KUZON
Very.
ISURU
Well Kuzon, I want you to know, that no matter what, you will always be my son. I love you,
my son.
KUZON
Love you too, Thatha.
Lights fade.
46
ACT V
SCENE 2
NILA
(to Kaya)
I thought I might find you here. How come you're not at the Poruwa [poe-ROO-wah]?
KAYA
(depressed)
I dunno.
ASOKA
(to Kuzon)
Hey Kuzon. Long time no see, huh?
KUZON
Likewise.
NILA
Come on! It's your big day, Kaya! The one that will change your life forever—
KAYA
Shut up, Nila.
ASOKA
So I'm guessing you're avoiding the wedding, huh?
KUZON
Um, why would you think that?
NILA
...What's wrong?
47
KAYA
I'm scared. No; I'm more than scared. I'm downright terrified.
ASOKA
It's pretty obvious.
KUZON
...I don't want to go and see Kaya being married off to someone else.
NILA
Oh come on, you've known about this for years. It shouldn't be that bad—
KAYA
But Nila, I feel like such a puppet; not being able to choose for myself. Instead, I'm tied to the
hands of my parents and those of his parents. They control my fate...and I'm scared...so
helpless.
ASOKA
That's completely understandable, knowing that you're supposed to be the person she's
marrying.
KUZON
Wait, why am I telling you this?
NILA
...I'm guessing this has something to do with Kuzon, huh?
KAYA
Yeah.
ASOKA
Because I want what's best for my nangi...and to tell you the truth, I do believe that you two
are meant to be together.
KUZON
Really?
NILA
...So can't you just tell them?
KAYA
I wish I could.
ASOKA
Yup. Do you know the meanings of Kaya's last name and your last name?
48
KUZON
(puzzled)
Nope?
NILA
I'm so sorry, Kaya, I didn't know you felt this way...I hope I don't feel this way when I get
married.
KAYA
I hope you don't. Anyways, there's nothing I can do...All I can do now is pray that my life
with Jehan would be good...
ASOKA
Gindara means “fire” in Sanskrit. And the root word of our last name is “Jala,” which means
water. You are fire, and Kaya is water. Like the elements, you both are opposites...But you
both complement each other completely.
KUZON
I didn't know that...it was that obvious?
NILA
I'll pray too. I want to see you happy. And I want you to show me the biggest smile that you
could make!
KAYA
(laughs subtly)
Okay, Nila.
ASOKA
Of course it is. Growing up, I didn't like you...because you and Kaya were always together.
But you know how us older brothers are—defensive of our little sisters. When you moved
away, I noticed that Kaya wasn't happy anymore. She missed you. You probably already
know that though.
A beat.
KUZON
I don't know...Are you implying me to do something?
NILA
Now let's go. Don't want to upset the parents further.
KAYA
(sighs)
Okay.
49
ASOKA
Of course. You should win her back. I'd rather see her with you than that arrogant jerk Jehan
anyday.
Forget tradition. Kaya and your happiness trumps that. So what's your final decision?
A beat.
KUZON
(confidently)
I've come too far just to let my flame burn out. I'm going to win her back.
Lights fade.
50
ACT V
SCENE 3
JEHAN
(smiling)
Kayani, my exchange of these seven betel leaves symbolize my bond, unity and love to you
that will last for seven generations. Until it is renewed by our descendants.
KAYA
Jehan, and my exchange of these seven betel leaves symbolize my commitment to fulfill
our—
KUZON
Kaya! Please hear me out!
Kaya, remember the promise that we made? We promised that no matter what, we'll always
stay best friends. That we'll never stop talking to each other. And that we'll always have time
to spend together...Are you truly willing to throw it all away?!
KAYA JEHAN
But Kuzon...I... You two made a promise?!
51
KUZON
I love you...and I never will stop loving you. You are extraordinary...in every way. You told
me that the day we met, here at the very place in fact! God, I was lost without you when I
went away...and I don't want to lose you again! So please...
KAYA
Jehan, you're a very sweet and caring man...and I appreciate everything that you have done
for me during the past few years...but I need to follow my heart. I'm sorry, but I don't love
you the way that I love Kuzon.
KAYA
(to Kuzon, lovingly)
Kuzon. I'm not the extraordinary one—you are.
KUZON
So our promise is sealed...
KAYA
Yes, it is. Our promise will last seven generations.
A beat.
Lights fade.