our promise (final)

8/14/2019 Our Promise (Final)

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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

NILANTHI NILA GINDARA, Kuzon's younger sister

ISURU GINDARA, Kuzon's father; A nobleman

ARANTHA GINDARA, Kuzon's uncle, Isuru's older brother

JEHAN ABEYSEKARA, Kaya's fiance by arranged marriage; Kuzon's old friend and rival

PAVINI ABEYSEKARA, Jehan's mother

NAVINDHA ABEYSEKARA, Jehan's father

LAKSHMI JALANDHA, Kaya and Asoka's mother

The play takes place over several years around the small village of Nuwara.


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ACT I

SCENE 1

A sunny and warm day. A stream on the

outskirts of the village, Kuzon, a 10-year-old

boy, is walking to the stream with a bucket in

hand to get some water for his parents, whilehumming a tune. Kaya, an 8-year-old girl is

hiding behind a group of trees and bushesnearby, watching him.

KAYA

(aside, with a mischievous smirk)

He looks interesting...

Kuzon leans in to grab a pail of water. Hebegins to sing to himself.

KUZON

The girls are pretty in the city of Kandy

Kuzon is getting water from the stream withpail, Kaya comes from behind him and pushes

him into the stream.

KUZON

Woah!

Kuzon falls in, getting soaking wet, and

notices Kaya standing above, laughing.

KUZON

(irritated)

Hey! Why did you push me in?!

KAYA

(smirking)Because I wanted to. It was really tempting.

Kuzon gets up from the stream and walks up

to Kaya.


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KUZON

(still irritated)That wasn't very nice!

KAYA

Whoever said I was nice?

KUZONOrdinary people would not push strangers into streams!

KAYA

Well I'm EXTRAORDINARY.

Kuzon rolls his eyes.

KUZONWell 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?

KAYAHey, it worked. And I see that you have a temper problem.

KUZON

Hmm, I wonder why.

KAYAAnyways, I never asked you your name.

KUZON

I don't talk to strangers. Especially extraordinary ones.

Kuzon turns around and begins to walk away.

KAYA(sighs)

I'm sorry. I guess I'll leave you alone then.

Kuzon stops, and turns around, revealing asmile.


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KUZON

Don't be...You don't have to.

Kaya grins and runs up to Kuzon. They beginto walk back to the village. Kuzon turns

around and faces Kaya, still smiling.

KUZONBy the way, my name's Kuzon. Kuzon Gindara.

Kuzon and Kaya exit as the lights dim.


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ACT I

SCENE 2

Flashforward ten years later, Kuzon is now

20, with a burn scar on the left side of his

face, and Kaya is now 18. They are sitting

on a bench outside of a Buddhist temple inKandy. Smiling, they reminisce about

their childhood.

KUZON(laughing subtly)

It still feels like just yesterday we met in such an awkward way.

KAYAIt was awkward.

She laughs.

Children do the funniest things.

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.

KUZONYou know, I'm glad we met. We had a lot of great times growing up, huh?

KAYAYes, 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.

They both laugh.


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KAYAHonestly, I didn't know you were actually going to do it.

Both look away from each other. An

awkward silence ensues for a few seconds.

Then Kuzon faces Kaya.

KUZON

Will your brother still hate me? You know, when he finds out that we found each other again?

Kaya turns to him and smiles.

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.

KAYAI know. You should come and visit us at Nuwara sometime. I think you're sister and father

will be glad to see you.

Kuzon frowns and looks away.

KUZON

I know Nila nangi would be, but not my father. I haven't spoken to him since the accident.

Kaya gently touches the burn scar on his face

with one hand, fiddling with her blue necklacewith the other. She moves her hand to his red

neckband.

KAYAWell I'm glad you kept the neckband I gave you before you...went away. Remember the

promise that we made together? Before the accident?

KUZONI know. I should have stuck with it. I'm so sorry, Kaya.

Lights dim.


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ACT I

SCENE 3

Another sunny day. Kuzon is now 15 and Kaya

is now 13. They are sitting on the grass outside

of Kaya's house, eating a bowl of rice. The

sound of two women echo from it.

KUZON(mumbling)

I wonder what they're talking about in there.

KAYA

I don't know, and personally, I don't care.

She gulps. A few seconds ensue.

KUZON

School is going to start soon.

KAYAI 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.

Kaya takes another big bite.

KUZON...Is something wrong?

Kaya slams down the bowl.

KAYA

When school starts, we won't be able to play together.

KUZONOh...Yeah...Umm...Well you'll still have Nila and the other girls.


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KAYA

Girls are dumb. All they talk about is dolls and stuff.

KUZONAre 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 Iwant to do.

She pauses. Kuzon gives her a confused look.

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.

Beating you up.

KUZONOh, 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'llalways stay best friends. That we'll never stop talking to each other. And that we'll always

have time to spend together.

Kuzon smiles.

KUZONOkay, 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

Kaya flings a handful of rice in Kuzon's face.Kaya starts giggling.

KUZON

(irritated)

extraordinary.


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KAYA

(bursting into laughter)Hahahahaha! You were wide open! How could I resist?

Lights dim.


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ACT II

SCENE 1

Kuzon is 10 and Kaya is 8. Another warm and

sunny day. In a grassyfield, Kaya is tied to a

tree, and Kuzon is standing at a distance.

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!

Kuzon approaches Kaya and pulls out Kaya's

blue necklace from his pocket and dangles it inher face.

KAYA

(infuriated)My Ammi's necklace! Where did you get that?!

KUZONI didn't steal it, if that's what you're wondering.

KAYA

Are you IMPLYING something?

Kaya begins mumbling.

I didn't know that rabutang was yours, I told you.


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Kaya begins shouting again.

Now let me go and give it back to me!

KUZONBut 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!

KAYAKuzon'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'rehiding?

KUZON

Sure.

KAYA

They're hiding behind your house. There; happy now?

KUZON

(grinning ear-to-ear)Yep! Thanks Kaya!

Kuzon runs off, laughing. Kaya sighs,

exasperatedly.

KAYA

Kuzon, get back here and let me go now!

A few seconds pass.

Kuzon, oooh, I'm REALLY beginning to dislike you...

Lights dim.


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ACT II

SCENE 2

Another sunny day. Kuzon and Jehan are both

13. They both sit outside of Kuzon's house.

Jehan is playing on a set of tabla drums.

Kuzon watches him.

JEHANThese sound really good. When'jou get 'em?

KUZON

Arantha Mahpi gave them to me last Vesak.

JEHANWow, I wish I got one like this for Vesak. Just one more year...

KUZON

(laughs)

You seem to THINK that that's yours.

JEHANOnly a little.

Kaya and Nila, Kuzon's 8-year-old sister

comes up to Kuzon and Jehan.

KAYA

Shah, nice tablas! Whose are they?

NILA

They're Aiya's. Our mahpi gave them to him. He gave me this really nice Mnika doll

KAYA

Let me try!

KUZON

After I get a turn.

KAYAKuzon, 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


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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.

Kaya and Nila snickers.

NILAI didn't even know you two were boys!

Kaya and Nila bust out laughing.

Kuzon and Jehan gives them a dirty look.

Let's go Nila, I see they want to have a Muslim party; women over there

Kaya points off stage.

and girls over here!

Kaya points at Kuzon and Jehan. Kaya andNila run off stage, giggling.

JEHAN

That was rude...I like it.

KUZONYou like being called a girl?

JEHAN

No. But I do like her.

KUZONIf you're talking about Nila, she's too young for you.

JEHANNo; I'm talking about Kaya.

Jehan gets up.

I bet you five rabutangs against your tablas that I can get her to kiss me!


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KUZON

Umm, that hardly seems fair, don't you think?

JEHANOkay, then.

Jehan points at Kuzon.

Five rabutangs against your tablas that I can get Kaya to kiss YOU!

KUZONEww. I don't want her to kiss me!

JEHAN

What kind of a 13-year-old are you?

Kuzon starts banging on his tablas.

KUZONThe kind that doesn't want Kaya's kela all over his face.

Jehan gets up.

JEHAN

Alright then, it's a deal.

Jehan walks offstage.

KUZON

What?! We didn't agree on anything!

Kuzon angrily growls and exits with tablas in

hand. Enter Nila from off-stage.

NILA

Hmf. Boys are sooo dumb.

Lights dim.


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ACT II

SCENE 3

A day after. Still sunny. Kaya, now 11, is

sitting next to a tree, reading a book. Jehan

enters, standing in front of Kaya.

JEHAN

Kaya, I didn't expect you to be here.

KAYA(uninterested)

Yeah...Can you move? You're blocking the sunlight.

Jehan moves a step to his right.

KAYAThere, all better.

JEHAN

Anyways, want to play a game?

Kaya ignores him, still reading book.

JEHANI 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.

JEHANI can use two sword things while you can

KAYA

Not interested.


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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 athim.

KAYA

(cynically)Lovely?

JEHAN

I believe the gods have taken emeralds and have replaced your eyes with them.

KAYAWow, that's the best you could come up with?

Jehan takes Kaya's hand and kneels down on

his knees.

JEHANI couldn't take another rejection, my love! Please let me meet you here later today, before the

sun goes down...

KAYA

(confused)

Err...Alright?

JEHANGoodbye, my love. I shall see you when the sun hides from your beauty...

Jehan exits offstage.

KAYA

Weirdo.

Kaya begins reading again. A ten secondspass. As the seconds go by, day turns to dusk.

Enter Nila.

NILAWhat were you doing talking to that arrogant jerk?


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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.

Nila whispers to Kaya silently for 5 seconds.Exit Nila. Enter Kuzon and Jehan.

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...

Jehan turns to Kaya.

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 takes Kaya's hands.

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!


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KUZON

(aside)Something's wrong...Kaya would never act like that...

Jehan leans up to Kaya's lips. Before they kiss,

Kaya punches his face. Jehan falls to

ground. His nose begins to bleed.

KAYA

(exasperatedly)FIVE RABUTANGS AGAINST KUZON'S TABLAS THAT YOU'D GET TOKISS ME,

HUH?!

Kaya turns to Kuzon.

AND YOU!!!

Kaya walks up to Kuzon. She prepares topunch him. He flinches. She grabs him by his

shirt. She kisses him in his lips.

KUZONW-WH-WH-WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!

Jehan gets up. Kaya begins walking off-stage.

She turns around to face Kuzon.

KAYA

(smiling sinisterly)

Because kissing you is more of a punishment than punching you, Kuzu.

Kaya exits off stage, laughing sinisterly.

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.

Jehan and Kuzon exit. Nila enters.


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NILA

Can she be more obvious or what?

Lights fade.


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ACT III

SCENE 1

A rainy gloomy day. A couple of weeks after

Kuzon and Kaya makes their promise.

The stage is split in half; separated by a door.

The stage-left half is the inside of a house, thestage-right half is the outside. Kuzon, now 15,

lies in a cot, sleeping. His face ishalf-bandaged along with his arms. Enter

Isuru, 40, Kuzon's father from stage-right. Hewalks inside the house. Kuzon wakes up.

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 turns away from Kuzon.

ISURUYour 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 walks back to the door.


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ISURU

Also, it'd be in your best interest if you stopped waiting. No one is coming to visit.

Isuru exits the room. Kuzon, still sobbing,falls back asleep. Enter Kaya from stage right.

She walks up to Isuru.

KAYAHi, Isuru Uncle.

Isuru looks down at Kaya.

ISURU

What are you doing here?

KAYAI 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 takes a card from her dress pocket and

hands it to Isuru.

KAYA

Can you at least give this to him for me?

Isuru takes the card and smiles.

ISURUOf course.

KAYA

Thank you, Isuru Uncle.

Exit Kaya stage-right. Isuru reads the card. He

then crumples it and drops it on the ground.


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Enter Arantha, 55, Isuru's older brother from

stage-right. He approaches Isuru and theywhisper. Exit Isuru from stage-right. Arantha

goes into the house. Kuzon wakes up.

KUZON

(excited)

...Arantha Mahpi [MAH-pee]...I thought no one would come!

Kuzon tries to get up and winces in pain. Hesits back down. Arantha smiles.

ARANTHA

Well I came. How are you feeling, my boy?

KUZON...Tired...my face hurts.

He pauses.

...Is Ammi really...

Arantha closes his eyes.

...how long has it been?

ARANTHA

You've been asleep for the past two days.

Kuzon turns away. Arantha sits right next tohim.

Let me take those bandages off.

Arantha proceeds to take them off. Kuzon

winces in pain. Tears flow from his eyes.

ARANTHA

The scar looks really irritated right now...but in a couple of days, the inflammation will goaway and it'll look much better.

Kuzon takes a mirror and looks.

KUZON(aside)

It may look better with time...but it will never go away.


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Arantha gets up.

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.

Arantha helps Kuzon up. Arantha picks up abag right next to Kuzon's cot. The two exit the

house, stage-right. Enter Kaya.

KAYAKuzon! You're finally awake! I missed you so much! I...um...brought you something...

Kaya pulls out a red neckband. Kuzon looks

away and proceeds to exit stage-right. Kayawalks up to Arantha.

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.

Kaya hands the necklace to Arantha.

ARANTHAYou have my word. Take care.

Kaya begins tearing.

KAYAYou too...please, take care of him.


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ACT III

SCENE 2

Three years have passed since the fire.

Kuzon, 18, and Kaya, 16, are sitting in center

stage, back to back. The stage-left half is

Kuzon's room and the stage-right half isKaya's room. Kaya is facing stage-right

and Kuzon is facing stage-left. Kaya beginswriting on a piece of paper. Enter Kaya's older

brother Asoka, 18, who is from stage right.

ASOKA

Nangi, what are you doing?

Kaya stops writing and looks up at Asoka.

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.

ASOKAGood. Well I will be in the other room if you need me.

Asoka exits stage-right. Enter Arantha from

stage-left with a letter in hand.

ARANTHAKuzon, you have another letter from Kaya.

Arantha hands it to Kuzon.

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.


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KUZON

(aside)But I'm not okay. I won't be okay.

A beat. Arantha looks down and exits stage-

left. Kuzon opens the letter and begins reading

aloud.

KUZON

Kuzon, this will be my last letter to you. I don't even know how many times I've just wantedyou 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 thatyou're okay.

Kaya begins reading the letter that she's

writing.

KAYABut 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.Forever your best friend, Kaya.

Be well Kuzon. Goodbye.Forever your best friend, Kaya.

A tear runs down their face. Kaya rolls the

paper and ties it with a string.

KAYA

(depressed)

I am so sorry, Kuzon.

Kaya gets up and exits stage-right. Kuzontakes a piece of paper and begins writing.

KUZON

(aloud)

My best friend, Kaya. How are you? How am I? I...I...

Kuzon stops writing and crumples the paper.

He takes Kaya's letter and crumples that aswell. He gets up and drops the crumpled

pieces of paper onto the floor. He stares at

them.


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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.

Exit Kuzon stage-left.

Lights fade.


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ACT III

SCENE 3

Inside Kaya's house. Kaya's Mother, Lakshmi,

38, and her brother Asoka are eating rice on a

straw mat. Enter Kaya from stage-right.

ASOKA

(talking with mouth full)So you done?

LAKSHMI

Asoka, swallow before you talk!

Lakshmi turns to Kaya.

Done with what?

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

KAYAIt's a bigger shame for him not to answer back.

Kaya sits down with them and prepares a bowl

of rice.

ASOKAWell there must be some sort of reason why he wouldn't answer back. Have you talked to

Isuru Uncle? Or Nila for that matter

LAKSHMINo more talking, now finish your food

KAYAYes. 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.


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Lakshmi gets up and exits stage-left with her

plate in hand. Kaya turns to Asoka.

KAYAWhat is up with Ammi? She was fine until I mentioned Kuzon.

ASOKA

You mean you still don't know?

KAYAKnow what?

ASOKA

Kaya, you were meant to be married to him. Later this year.

KAYAWait...what?!

ASOKA

Yeah. I overheard Ammi and Thathi talking about it...I think the week after he left.

KAYAYou're lying.

ASOKA

No, I'm not. I was in the other room. They were talking about what they were going to doabout 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.

Kaya looks at him in shock.

KUZON'S VOICEI 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.

ASOKASuch a shame...now you might be married to that arrogant jerk.


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KAYA

Surely, you don't mean Jehan.

Asoka nods. Kaya sighs.

Lights fade.


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ACT IV

SCENE 1

Flashforward to one hour before present day

at the Buddhist temple. Kaya comes out of the

temple from the door at center-stage. Enter

Kuzon from stage-left. He begins to walktoward the temple door and halts. Kaya's

necklace falls off her neck and onto the floor.

KUZON(aside)

I can't believe it! She's here! Of all places! What is she doing here?!

Kaya bends down to pick up her necklace.Kuzon takes a deep breath and approaches

Kaya. He picks up the necklace for her.

KAYA

Thank you, I

Kaya gets back up and looks at Kuzon.

KUZON

Hi, I don't know if you remember me but I'm

Kaya recognizes Kuzon in sheer surprise and

slaps him across the face.

KAYA

(angrily)Of course I remember you, Kuzu.

Kaya takes her necklace from his hands and

proceeds to walk past Kuzon to stage-left.Disappointed, Kuzon begins walking towards

the door from which Kaya entered from. Kaya

stops and turns around.

(contently)

Where do you think you're going, Kuzon?

Kuzon stops.


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KUZON

Inside. To pray.

KAYAWait! I am so sorry...that was very immature of me. But what else were you expecting?

Kuzon faces Kaya.

KUZON

I don't know what I was expecting.

Kaya walks up to Kuzon. Kaya noticesKuzon's neckband.

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 weregone.

KUZON

I know. I read about them in your letters.

KAYAYou 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.


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KAYA

How do you think I felt?! You were there half of my life...and then for the other half of mylife, 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...

Kuzon takes Kaya's hand. He kisses her on the

cheek as in Sri Lankan custom, a kiss that twogood friends of the opposite sex share. They

begin to look at each other's eyes, smiling.

I am so sorry for everything

KAYA(smiling)

Don't be. I forgave you when you left.

Lights fade.


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ACT IV

SCENE 2

Flashforward to present time. Kuzon and Kaya

are sitting at the bench. Kaya gently touches

the burn scar on his face with one hand,

fiddling with her blue necklace with the other.She moves her hand to his red neckband.

KAYA

Well I'm glad you kept the neckband I gave you before you...went away. Remember thepromise 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.

KAYAWhat is it?

KUZON

Promise me that no matter what, we'll always stay best friends. That we'll never stop talkingto each other. And that we'll always have time to spend together...

KAYA

That was our old promise.

KUZONYes...and maybe we can be more than friends.

KAYAWait, what are you getting at?

KUZON

(smiles sheepishly)

I don't know...maybe we could...well...get married.

Kaya turns away.


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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 stares at her in shock. He smilesslightly. A disappointed smile.

KUZON

...You are?...Congratulations...

KAYABut the thing is, Kuzon, I don't love him. My parents are arranging me to marry him.

KUZON

I see.

KAYAYou know who I really love?

KUZON

Who's that?

KAYAYou.

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.


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KUZON

Wait, how?

KAYADoesn't matter. But you know that day that we made the promise?

KUZON

Yes...?

KAYAWhen 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.


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ACT IV

SCENE 3

Arantha's home in Kandy. Arantha is sitting on

a straw mat in center stage, drinking a cup of

tea. Enter Kuzon from left with a smile.

Arantha notices and puts the cup down fromhis mouth.

ARANTHA

(surprised)Kuzon, that's the first time that I have seen you smile in a long time!

KUZON

Umm, really?

ARANTHAYes! Something happened on your way to the temple, huh?

KUZON

Yep. Something great.

ARANTHAWas it a girl? I can tell...even your eyes are smiling!

Arantha laughs.

KUZON

(blushing)Umm, I guess you can say that...

Arantha goes up to Kuzon and gives him a

hug.

ARANTHAWell, then come sit and drink some tea. Tell me about her.

Arantha and Kuzon walks to the straw mat.Arantha pours a cup of tea.

KUZON

Lets say she's someone I've known for a long time.

Arantha looks puzzled as he hands Kuzon the

cup of tea.


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KUZON

I saw Kayani at the temple today.

Kuzon takes a drink.

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?

KUZONTwo 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.

She invited me to come back to Nuwara and visit.

Kuzon turns away.

But I can't go back. Thatha wouldn't want me to.

Arantha puts his hand on Kuzon's shoulder.

ARANTHAKuzon, 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.


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Arantha stands up.

We'll go to Nuwara in the morning. How does that sound?

Kuzon stands up.

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.


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ACT V

SCENE 1

A sunny day. The day after Kaya and Kuzon

meet again. Back at the village of Nuwara.

The stage is split in half; the stage-left side is

the inside of Kuzon's old home and the stage-right side is the outside. Enter Kuzon and

Arantha from stage right.

KUZONMahpa, are you sure this is a good idea?

ARANTHA

Yes, now stop worrying about it.

Arantha knocks on the door. The door opens,revealing Isuru. Isuru looks at Arantha and

Kuzon in amazement.

Hi, Malli. It has been a long time, no?

Arantha elbows Kuzon.

KUZON(smiling sheepishly)

Umm...Hi, Thatha.

Isuru tears up.

ISURU(smiling)

My son!

Isuru embraces Kuzon with a hug.

What are you both doing here?!

ARANTHAWe decided to visit...It was Kuzon's idea

KUZON

Mahpi?!


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ISURU

Well I'm glad that you did. It has been too long. Won't you come in?

Arantha and Kuzon walks inside to stage-left.Isuru turns around to face the inside of the

house.

ISURUNilanthi! Come outside, quick! Arantha Mahpa and Kuzon Aiya are here!

NILA

(offstage)They are?! I'll be there, hold on!

Isuru turns back to face Kuzon.

ISURU

My, have you grown...

He chuckles.

You're now a few inches taller than your old man, huh?

Kuzon laughs.

You know, Nila and I missed you, Kuzon.

Enter Nila, now 15, from stage-left. She

screams and runs up to Kuzon. She hugs him.

Arantha and Isuru laugh.

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.

NILAYeah, I know. And look at you! Aside from the scar, you look great

ISURU

AHEM.


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NILA

...Sorry.

KUZONIt'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 haschanged while you were gone!

ISURU

Won't you two sit down? Let me get you both some tea. Nilanthi [Nee-lahn-thee], come andhelp me get everything ready.

NILA

Okay.

Isuru and Nila walk up to the kitchen andprepares a tray with tea cups and some

bananas.

ARANTHAIsuru, 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?

ISURUWho is your friend?

ARANTHAHis 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.


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Nila and Arantha exit through stage-right.

Kuzon and Isuru look away from each other.There is a brief awkward silence for five

seconds.

ISURU

So...how have you been?

KUZON

I've been okay, I guess...

ISURUSo...your uncle has a nice way of um...

KUZON

Setting an awkward mood?

ISURUUmm, 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 faces away from Kuzon and sighs.

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.

Isuru turns to face Kuzon.

But now that I think of it, I did lose you...and that was my fault. I shouldn't have blamed youfor your mother's death and sent you away. It wasn't you who caused it

KUZON

(puzzled)

It wasn't?


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ISURU

No...the lamp was already broken...but we all didn't know that. That's how the fire reallystarted. 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 youngman that stands before me.

KUZON

You know, Thatha, all I wanted from you was your approval. You see, growing up, I honestlybelieved that you favored Nila over me. But it's funny how now you seem to want my

approval instead.

ISURU

Ironic, no?

KUZON

Very.

ISURUWell Kuzon, I want you to know, that no matter what, you will always be my son. I love you,

my son.

KUZONLove you too, Thatha.

They both hug.

Lights fade.


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ACT V

SCENE 2

A sunny day at a grassy meadow. Kuzon, in a

fine formal white kurta contrasting his red

neckband and Kaya, in her brilliant red

wedding sari contrasting her light bluenecklace, are sitting at center stage, back to

back. Kaya is facing stage-right and Kuzon isfacing stage-left. They both stare off to the

sky. Enter Nila from stage-right. Sheapproaches Kaya.

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.

Enter Asoka from stage-left. He approaches

Kuzon.

ASOKA(to Kuzon)

Hey Kuzon. Long time no see, huh?

KUZONLikewise.

NILA

Come on! It's your big day, Kaya! The one that will change your life forever

KAYAShut up, Nila.

ASOKASo I'm guessing you're avoiding the wedding, huh?

KUZON

Um, why would you think that?

NILA

...What's wrong?


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KAYA

I'm scared. No; I'm more than scared. I'm downright terrified.

ASOKAIt's pretty obvious.

KUZON

...I don't want to go and see Kaya being married off to someone else.

NILAOh 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.

ASOKAThat's completely understandable, knowing that you're supposed to be the person she's

marrying.

KUZONWait, 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 twoare meant to be together.

KUZON

Really?

NILA

...So can't you just tell them?

KAYA

I wish I could.

ASOKAYup. Do you know the meanings of Kaya's last name and your last name?


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KUZON

(puzzled)Nope?

NILAI'm so sorry, Kaya, I didn't know you felt this way...I hope I don't feel this way when I get

married.

KAYAI 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...

ASOKAGindara 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 aredefensive of our little sisters. When you movedaway, I noticed that Kaya wasn't happy anymore. She missed you. You probably already

know that though.

A beat.

So what are you going to do?

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.


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Exit Kaya and Nila stage-right.

ASOKA

Of course. You should win her back. I'd rather see her with you than that arrogant jerk Jehananyday.

A beat. A puzzled look from Kuzon.

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.

Asoka and Kuzon exit stage-left.

Lights fade.


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ACT V

SCENE 3

The Poruwa (Wedding) ceremony at the

hillside next to the stream where Kaya and

Kuzon first met. Kaya and Jehan stand at the

platform at center-stage. They are surroundedby Kandyan drummers and dancers. Kaya and

Jehan each has a group of betel leaves. isIsuru, Arantha, and Nila are sitting at down

stage-left. Lakshmi and Jehan's parents sit atdown stage-right.

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.

Jehan hands over his seven betel leaves to

Kaya. Kaya looks at them. A beat.

KAYA

Jehan, and my exchange of these seven betel leaves symbolize my commitment to fulfillour

Enter Kuzon from stage-left. Enter Asoka

from stage-right. Asoka sits with his mother

and Jehan's parents.

KUZON

Kaya! Please hear me out!

The crowd turns to Kuzon in shock. Kuzon

approaches near the platform. Kaya turns to

look at him.

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 timeto spend together...Are you truly willing to throw it all away?!

KAYA JEHAN

But Kuzon...I... You two made a promise?!


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KUZON

I love you...and I never will stop loving you. You are extraordinary...in every way. You toldme 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...

Kuzon begins tearing up.

Don't marry him!

There are gasps from the wedding attendees.Kaya turns to Jehan.

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 turns to Jehan's parents and her mother.

I am so sorry Ammi, and Mr. and Mrs. Abeysekara (uh-BAY-say-car-uh).

She drops her betel leaves onto the floor andcomes down the altar and jumps in Kuzon's

arms. They embrace tearfully, yet with asmile. Jehan stands frozen with the betel

leaves still in his hand.

KAYA

(to Kuzon, lovingly)

Kuzon. I'm not the extraordinary oneyou are.

KUZONSo our promise is sealed...

KAYA

Yes, it is. Our promise will last seven generations.

A beat.

No; it will last an eternity.

They both kiss. Isuru, Nila and Arantha begin

clapping.

our promise (final)

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