Episode 6

And you just simply took yourself off.

Previously on "Indian Summers."

IAN: I said, if she's fit to work.

You start working today.

CYNTHIA: Kindly inform Mr. Sood that under no circumstances will you work under a native.

If you work for me, I will raise you from your ignorance.

My life is not your life!

My life is my own!

DARIUS: Let's meet the child.

ROSHANA: Why give them hope when there is no hope?

"Indian Summers," tonight on Masterpiece.

♪ ♪ (insects chirping) ♪ ♪ (slams loudly) (gasps) I didn't know it was going to be so exotic.

(chuckles) (hisses) (gasps) What?

No, no, no fuss.

(hisses) Key here is to remain perfectly... MADELEINE: Yes.

Calm.

(gunshot) (screams) (panting): Did you... did you see it?

I got him all right, did I?

(breathless): Did you see it?

ALICE: It's all right, Madeleine.

You're quite safe!

Is anyone hurt?

Do forgive us, charging in.

Just caught me by surprise, that's all.

Chin up, little sips.

Thank you.

Damn fine shot.

Lucky I was passing.

What a perfect fool.

What's this?

MADELEINE: Erotic carvings.

It's a ruined temple, apparently.

ALICE: Mr. Keane was leading us on a cultural excursion.

You ever wonder what lies behind all those dull, vacant stares, there's your answer.

RONNIE: The important ones are all round the back.

Yes, aren't they always?

Now I propose we escort you back as far as the tar road.

It's going to bucket down any minute.

Yes, I think I'd like to get back.

Right then.

That's settled.

RONNIE: Your name?

Captain Farquhar, sir.

Royal Irish First Battalion.

(groans) That's the spot, that's it.

Good girl, good girl.

You all right to walk a bit?

Of course I can walk a bit.

Then grab hold of the lead rope, here.

I'll escort the other lady.

Mister...?

Keane.

Royal Irish.

You're a long way from home.

We're going to climb a mountain.

Just as soon as we get the permissions through.

What an interesting day.

RALPH: Thank Dr. Kamble for his visit.

We look forward to the Prime Minister's recommendations.

And as to his particular request, sir?

Spectemur agendo.

Sir?

"Let us be judged by what we do."

(teacup rattles) Ah.

Excuse me.

It's been ten years.

You sure it was her?

Ralph?

If she were to be taken away, put somewhere?

She'd only come back.

I will speak to her.

No, no.

You're going nowhere.

Till we decide what to do.

What did you have in mind?

I don't know, Ralph.

I'll talk to Kaiser.

He tends to know somebody.

She had the child with her.

The child?

♪ ♪ I thought we were going to school.

Not today we're not.

Come on, I'll race you.

(laughing playfully) Oh, he's fast, he's a fast lad, go!

RAMU: Never disregard the monsoon crop.

The taste is bitter, but the Kashmiris will drink almost anything.

Naturally, your uncle left the leaf to rot.

He was doomed to fail.

Even without his wasteful, good-for-nothing life.

IAN: Well, God help the living, sir, if that's how you speak of the dead.

RAMU: I am a businessman, not a hypocrite.

Good for you, sir.

You know, once I was a cheery young fool like you.

And what are you now, sir?

Not so cheery and not so young.

(speaking local language) (thunder) (hushed voices, typewriter keys clacking) Good snack?

Miss Whelan.

Mr. Dalal.

I'm afraid Mr. Whelan is engaged in a business matter.

How busy and important of him.

Yes.

Mukherjee, correspondence for redrafting.

At once, please.

It is for the evening post.

It will require the Viceroy's counter-signature.

Right, sir.

You are... well?

If memsahib would be more comfortable in the lounge, I can arrange for tea to be served?

No.

I'll wait right here.

(clears throat) Alice.

You're late.

Come on.

(speaking sternly) PRAKASH: Bhai-sahib.

Bhai-sahib.

I think we know who is the thief.

The Tamil woman.

There was a beggar woman.

You gave her work in my field, yes?

Yes?!

PRAKASH: I told him she was no good, but on the spot, against my advice, he employs her.

Rubbish-- what woman?

This morning she was here, now gone, nobody has seen.

What does that prove?

Nothing.

Last evening she was glimpsed outside on the path.

Get out.

Get out of my house!

May I at least know what was stolen, so I can replace it?

Because nothing can be replaced, so get out.

Get out!

Find this woman.

Prakash, find this Tamil woman!

(thunder) DOUGIE: "Dear Leena.

I regret that other commitments have kept me from your side."

SARAH: What is that?

Blasted tiles again?

Well, the winter we've had.

I've got a few spares somewhere.

I'll have a go later.

Your hair's all wet.

Is it?

Did you hear there's some sort of talk up at the club?

Quite jolly this time.

Matthew was asking.

"Look what I found.

"I know Adam had been hunting for it.

I hope it cheers him up."

(thunder) FARQUHAR: There will be five of us in all: myself, the Colonel here, and our stout sherpas, of course-- Tom, Dick and Harry.

(laughter) Climbing Shipki La without the aid of oxygen.

We'll make our ascent via this frozen couloir here.

The views promise to be absolutely first class.

(laughter) ♪ ♪ MADELEINE: It stood up, didn't it?

Like a walking stick.

Looked me dead in the eye, as if to say, "Where's my damn money?"

(laughter) SARAH: No touching.

You'll smudge it, won't he?

FARQUHAR: Young man, do you like switches?

Yeah?

Yes?

Try this one here.

That's a nice hat.

Knitted by my mother's fair hand.

Oh.

(clears throat) Captain Farquhar, Mrs. Sarah Raworth.

Married.

What a bore.

Which one is he, is he here?

He's behind you.

FARQUHAR: Oh, that one.

(chuckling): I'm not that old, thank you.

You could be a gold-digger, for all I know.

Or some sweetheart lost to in a game of cards.

(chuckles) What's it like up there?

Like the top of a wedding cake.

Now I vote we take Mr. Raworth along, we shove him in a saddle bag and push him off the summit, who's with me?

Don't be bashful.

Stop it.

(chuckles) Captain, Miss Whelan's late husband was in the Army, wasn't he?

Oh.

Which regiment?

You know, I'd actually rather not talk about it.

Doesn't do to bottle it all up.

Hmm... (sniffs) Ma?

Is the dasturji coming for dinner or... DARIUS: Aafrin!

What is this?

You remember Sooni's old classmate?

Sita?

Correct!

My son's always had a sound head for names, even when he was a child.

No.

Go and sit there.

With your sister.

You can eat with your hands, if you're uncomfortable.

No, there's no need.

Thank you.

Please, start.

Now Sita, did I tell you, my brother here will be taking ICS examinations this coming winter?

Really?

I think you might have said.

SOONI: Look at him, so pink and fat.

Who knows?

Maybe one day he will be Viceroy himself.

Sooni... And there will be heavenly dances.

And when the lights are low, people will say, "Is he Indian at all?

I simply cannot tell!"

Sooni!

My sister amuses no one but herself.

You know, even as we dine here, the Viceroy is drawing up plans for a new elected Indian Assembly.

SOONI: Well!

Gandhiji must be turning cartwheels in his prison cell.

(chuckling): I'd like to see him try.

Aafrin, your brother, believes it is necessary... Come this precious revolution of yours, we cannot have chaos.

We need experienced hands to govern this country and Indian civilians will be well placed to ensure a smooth hand-over.

SOONI: And you call this revolution?

British leave and the Indians go on salaaming to their shadow like nothing has changed.

DARIUS (chuckling): Try the rice.

All these speeches are whetting my appetite.

SOONI: Of course Baapi is a true Indian.

Only this morning I caught him praying for swift recovery of the Prince of Wales from a summer cold.

Poor fellow, he's under the weather.

I pray for him as I would for anyone.

SOONI: O Ahura Mazda.

Spare a handkerchief, o wise and blessed creator.

Mock me if you wish!

(quietly): Stop it!

But remember who it is but the British that gave you the education to sit there scorning your own father.

Shamshad... Forgive us.

Please.

RALPH: No, we only wanted to thank you, Madeleine and I, for taking care of that boy that appeared at the engagement party.

DOUGIE: Oh, it's the least I could do.

Adam is one of ours now.

So I hear.

Anyway, I got to thinking, you are rather cut off over at Lady Camarthen's old place?

Oh, yes.

But we seem to manage.

Good.

Well, that's good.

But now with the rains... Why don't you make me a list?

I'm sorry?

An inventory, if you like.

Any repair work around the school.

I'll put in a word with the Board of Revenue.

For the children.

Well, thank you.

That would be a godsend.

Good.

I'll get onto it right away.

I wonder what she wanted?

It's... hard to tell.

The boy didn't say?

Well, according to him, she was hoping to meet someone.

"Someone"... Well, she's living rough on a lake up near Huttoo Peak.

I wouldn't read too much into it.

No.

As you say.

Don't forget that list.

Forgive me.

My eyes are not what they were.

Sometimes I see what I want to see.

Who is it, please?

Jaya.

Wait.

Please, look away, I am not ready.

I'm sorry, I had a job finding you.

What are you doing here?

"A kiss within a cup."

What?

"And I'll not ask for wine."

Don't you remember?

Of course I remember.

Not two minutes ago, it popped into my head.

And I knew-- I knew, it was a sign, you see.

If I had known that you were in such... difficulty, I...

Difficulty?

(chuckles) Yes, you could call it that.

But didn't I always say?

See, I'm not alone.

I'm only waiting.

In the end, he will come.

Oh, such wicked things he used to say about you.

Who?

Rakshas.

Rakshas.

Demon.

Snake.

And now he is dead.

Your father?

He meant no harm.

He tried to shoot me.

Not him.

No, no, no.

It was put in his mind.

His mind?

By the boy.

Your son?

Ours.

Our child.

Fresh, eh?

Mmm...

It seems your father is not well.

It's too much of your rich food.

Aafrin... Huh?

Newton's Third Law.

Uh, yeah.... For every action... ...there's an opposite and equal reaction.

Yes, I knew that.

I knew that.

Bye.

Jaanu.

Just a little soup, please, only if you don't mind.

There.

Soup.

You will need to be strict with him.

He is a good, kind boy, but he has the evil eye.

What?

I have seen.

Ever since the minute he was born.

Cows give no milk, earth dries up.

Shh... shh...

I do my duty.

I try to bleed it out, but... (man shouting) Who is that goonda?

I don't know.

(shouting continues) Look.

We must find you somewhere to stay, hmm?

Where you can be provided for?

And the boy.

Now, I've heard of a fine place by the sea, down near Puri.

Do you know it?

The things they have done to me.

Over and over again.

Who?

Men.

Men?

What were their names?

Too many names.

And there was a woman.

English.

What woman?

She was the worst.

Do I know her?

You can't stay here.

You must see that.

Look at you.

(sniffs) So cold.

Sit, huh?

Forgive me.

See?

I kept it.

MADELEINE: So have you climbed the Himalayas before?

No, this is my first time East of the Suez.

ALICE: And?

How do you find us?

Horribly quaint?

People generally do.

Well, I rather fancy it.

Jolly old house, pandering servants, empire at your feet, perfect.

Now you'll have to forgive us.

You just got here.

Astronomer's waiting.

Didn't I say?

I promised the chuprassy we'd get our horoscopes done.

Absolute hell if we don't choose an auspicious day, you see.

For the wedding.

Astronomer?

Wait, wait, wait, wait.

(moaning) So, what's your story?

I mean, what are you actually doing here?

Me?

Oh.

I'm running away.

Can't you tell?

I say, what from?

Disappointment.

You on the lookout?

For a husband, you must be.

God, no.

Oh.

Spoken for.

No one speaks for me, Captain Farquhar.

What?

This is jolly good.

Oh.

Some clerk did it.

What, a local chap?

"Local"?

I see.

Yes.

Could've almost been done by one of our lot.

"Almost"?

Yes, but not quite, something smells off.

Well, I blame the subject.

Look, I have to get back.

That was quick.

We'll just have to muddle through without him.

Yes, I expect we can manage.

See you at the Club.

Splendid.

Now tell me, where's yours?

"Your" what?

Portrait.

There wasn't time in the end.

Well, I'm in digs here another week.

Your... your man can do me a miniature.

So I can take you with me, up the mountain.

You can keep me warm at nights.

What do you say to that?

RALPH: No chance.

She's a fidget, she won't sit still.

No, why not?

I'm extremely flattered.

Good.

You see?

Mind of her own after all.

What's his name, this sable Leonardo?

Sweetie?

To whom are you writing?

Nobody.

Soup was very nice.

Did I ever tell you about a fellow from the old days named Captain Hart?

Hart?

From the war?

He was my commander.

(chuckling): In the celebrated Mule Corps.

Was he a good man?

No.

He shot my mules.

It was the order.

Better kill them than give to the enemy.

41 brute beasts, as loyal as any soldier.

There was no time to bury them, so we burned them.

And I wondered: why did they not run?

Why stand there, waiting to be shot?

Why?

Because of me.

No.

Well, I watered and fed them.

I taught them to love me.

And when Captain Hart raised his revolver, not one beast moved.

I was there, you see, standing beside him.

Poor creatures.

All I ask is that our son should live the life that is for him.

And when the world says to him, "Stop, we know what's best," I want to shout, "Run.

Run for your life."

That's not fair.

I know.

I know.

I didn't raise him to marry that girl.

I keep thinking, "What'll our family say?

What'll all my cousins in Rustom Baug say?"

Oh, I dare say we'll be cast out of the fire-temple for a month or two.

Are you sure he is fond of that girl?

Quite sure.

She's not even especially pretty.

Oh?

Such a long nose.

And thin lips.

(sniffs) Well, we'll just have to look at her feet.

(laughing) AAFRIN: Miss Whelan is expecting me.

(knock at door) Yes?

Mr. Dalal is here to see you.

Yes.

Tell him I'll be down in a minute.

You remember my sister.

Shamshad.

How nice.

Can I play your piano?

Yes, of course.

Do you like music?

They force me to have lessons.

With a Mrs. Gool.

She hits me with a stick.

Look!

Ow.

Perhaps it's time you found a new teacher.

I know, but Ma says I must have Mrs. Gool because... Because Mrs. Gool is a friend of the family.

Shall we begin?

(playing) Where shall I sit?

As you wish.

(piano playing continues in other room) Very well.

I'll sit here.

No, not there.

There's too much light.

I won't be able to see.

And Captain Farquhar will have wasted a shilling.

(door opens) Ah.

Thank you.

Just put it down.

Do you have a photograph, Miss Whelan?

What?

A photograph.

I can draw just as well from that, and there's no need for you to be sitting indoors.

No.

I'm afraid I've no photograph.

(door closes) I thought you'd be pleased.

I thought you'd be pleased to see me.

But I am not here for me.

I am here for your friend, Captain Farquhar.

Well, if you'd rather be somewhere else.

My father is sick.

I would rather be with him.

Shall we start?

Wait.

I didn't know he was unwell.

Why would anyone bother you if my father was ill?

It's nothing.

No, it's not nothing.

Please, pack up your things, I'll arrange for... Really, there's no need.

(baby crying in other room) Percy.

My son.

And his father?

You mean my husband.

Your husband.

Where is he now?

Home.

"Home."

He'll just be waking up.

Slept through his alarm clock.

Running late for his train.

I realized I didn't love him.

I tried accepting it.

I tried being unhappy.

Other people seem to manage, don't they?

So?

I took my child, and I got on a boat.

And did you find what you were looking for?

Yes.

For a moment.

Miss Whelan... Oh.

I have heard of British men who take Indian wives or mistresses.

But never the other way round.

I have a family, as you know.

My father was invalided during the war.

He's not strong enough to work.

They depend on me.

You see, without my salary...

It's all right.

You don't have to explain.

I must be out of my mind.

No.

It can be our secret.

Another one.

Would you like to meet him?

My son?

Yes.

I'll fetch him now.

(footsteps retreating) (whispers) Come, let's go.

SUMITRA: Memsahib?

Baby is ready.

Memsahib?

Please.

Call me Alice.

(baby coos) Pull, pull, pull!

(cheering) (cheers and applause) Where's the golden boy?

On his way from work.

Well, that's what he told us.

Who let that man through the gate?

(whispering): Mr. Ian was invited to perform in the tug-of-war.

The only thing he'll be invited to perform in is a hasty exit.

Mr. McLeod!

Afternoon.

Out!

CYNTHIA: Get him out.

Tell him he's not welcome!

Not welcome!

Understand, Mr. McLeod?

Please, let me have a word with her.

No.

Thank you, Alice, but this is my fight.

Not yours.

Good day.

Captain Farquhar's climbing party.

I gather they're still waiting on permission.

Hang on.

Mrs. Tarporwala always does a nice firm crumb.

Now, where is it?

Ah, yes.

Fairfax queried it, over in Mountain and Fisheries.

On what grounds?

Tribal sensitivities, mudslide.

Remember that German chap who vanished last year?

Let's not hold things up.

They seem to know what they're doing.

I didn't take to him either.

(giggling) (speaking Hindi) (crying) What are you doing?

What is he doing up there?

A two-man job, this.

He's helping, aren't you?

Is it safe?

Crowbar.

Um... Where's the crowbar?

Well, I'm not bringing it up.

(speaking Hindi) You all right, love?

Mommy?

Isn't it silly?

I used to be able to climb anything.

Here.

What's that?

Nimbu pani.

Lemonade.

Anyway, I'm not thirsty!

I'm stuck!

AYAH: Memsahib?

Yes, what is it, Ayah?

Rickshaw is waiting.

For the club?

We're missing it, we're missing the tug-of-war.

Just have a sip.

I... AYAH: Shall I cancel rickshaw, Memsahib?

Uh, tell them...

Wait.

Better?

(laughs) Yes, yes.

(laughs) (music playing on phonograph) Off first thing?

Yes.

We got the all-clear from the Viceroy's office a week early.

Anyone would think someone wanted to get rid of me.

I'm sorry about the portrait.

There was no time.

You don't remember, do you?

What?

I came to your wedding.

Left rather early, under a bit of a cloud, I'm afraid.

Anyway, Charlie-- my old pal, your husband, who is very much alive despite rumors to the contrary-- heard I was coming out this way.

He asked me to look in on you.

How is he?

Is he all right?

(sighs) He wants to know when you're coming home.

Though that's bound to change, I suppose, once I tell him the sort of life you're leading out here.

What do you want?

Oh, I see.

Shh... keep still.

Anyway, you were all over me yesterday.

So why not grab me while you had the chance?

Where's the fun when it's freely given, hmm?

Charlie spoke to a solicitor.

(knuckles cracking) The child belongs to his daddy, legally speaking, so what you've done is... well, it's... it's sort of kidnap, apparently.

(footsteps approaching) I'm not afraid of you.

RALPH: Drink up, Farquhar.

We're a man short for the tug-of-war.

(sighs) This way.

You don't mind my joshing your little sister?

Who?

Alice?

Who else?

Not at all.

(groans) (spectators cheering) Ralph, you're the captain!

There's a chap taken ill on the back stairs.

Oh, my God.

Best we get him to hospital, memsahib.

Yeah... no, no.

Get hold of the horse chappie.

He's had a few, but I dare say he can stitch.

Any word from himself?

I don't know where he is, memsahib.

No, well, he doesn't think he can be helped.

That's the trouble.

Go, go, go!

(sighs) RONNIE: Oh, there you are!

I'm trying to... (softly): I need to track down your brother.

The Prime Minister published his recommendation for the Indian constitution.

Within the hour, 148 reserved seats for the untouchables.

Bloody nose for Congress, you wait!

I'm sorry, I can't help, excuse me.

Ralphie!

I don't need rescuing, not by you or anyone.

You were leading him on in my house.

Our house.

So you said.

I could've broken his neck.

I chose not to.

I'll break your neck.

(chuckles) Someone should.

You know what we need?

What do we need?

A holiday.

Oh, yes?

Frinton-on-Sea?

Why not?

It had its moments.

The only thing I remember was getting the wire saying Mama was... Don't.

And the next day, we were sent back to school.

Aunt Gertie made us shake hands, do you remember?

What was he saying, your Captain Farquhar?

Nothing to write home about.

Anyway, he's not my captain anything, thank you very much.

RALPH (to Alice): Wait.

♪ ♪ Who could be unhappy in such a place, huh?

You can't stay.

You can't.

No.

I know.

Good.

But tonight, I want you to finally meet your son.

Yes.

About time.

MADELEINE: Ralph?

Hello, darling!

What are you doing out there?

What have you got there?

EUGENE: Creme de Menthe.

MADELEINE: Want one?

Why not?

Hard at work?

Ma says I have to tell you sorry.

Hmm!

A very humble apology.

What are you... God sake, Sooni!

Sorry!

I just don't know why it's you always get what you want.

You think I have what I want?

What, head clerk?

Obviously.

And if by some miracle I manage to stay on a horse for long enough to pass the examination, please, spare a thought while you are off studying the law, following your dream at my expense.

I didn't mean...

I feel as though I am dead, Sooni.

Or gathering dust in one of their damn files, marked green for non-immediate dispatch.

And one day I will wake up and say, "What about me?

When is it my turn to choose?"

And they will say, "No, it's too late for you.

Do your duty."

I was talking about Sita.

So was I. Aafrin?

DOUGIE: "We are to be offered funds.

"I need you to make a thorough list of all the work, all that's needed to make the school safe for the rains."

(bell dings) (cheering and laughing) Damp in the roof.

Write it down.

Water damage from the rains.

Write it down.

Fresh paint for the walls.

Can you write that down?

And floors, floors could do with as well.

LEENA: Adam, no!

What do you want?

Why will you not leave him in peace?

He is my son!

What?

You don't have to go with her.

You understand?

(shouts) (groans) No!

Go home.

Cheers.

Some watch dog you are.

You know in this country it's a grievance, sir, to call a man a dog.

Well, in Scotland it's actually a mark of respect.

You win?

Win?

Your tug-of-war.

Oh, that.

No.

No, not in the end.

Mr. McLeod, I owe you an explanation.

You see, the... the thief took an article that was very dear to me.

It was Kavitha's, my late wife's.

It was her wedding sari.

Your wife.

When did she pass away?

Shall we eat?

I want you to know, that woman will never threaten you again.

Do you understand?

(grunting) Leaving already?

Yes.

Under a cloud?

Another one.

Give my regards to your brother.

With pleasure.

Good-bye.

Oh.

Did you write to Charlie?

Not yet.

What are you going to say to him?

You tell me.

Say I'm not ready.

Not yet.

I have some things that I have to work out.

Please.

Poor bastard.

For you.

I've no use for it.

What is it?

Leonardo.

I'd have shaken him by the hand, but they wouldn't let him through the gate.

(softly): Thank you.

RAMU: Oh, easy!

(chuckles) (speaking Hindi) Good night.

Mr. McLeod, wait.

Let me fetch someone to walk you home.

(slurring): Aye, there's no need!

I am eminently capable.

See?

Good night.

Be safe!

(birds calling) (rustling) You came!

(footsteps approaching) (screaming) (gasping) (muffled screams) (Jaya screaming) Hello?

Next time on Masterpiece... RALPH: Gandhi goes on hunger strike.

He starves himself while we drink and dine and laugh.

We keep our heads down and we carry on.

You know, I could hang for this.

You're either very stupid, Mr. McLeod, or very, very clever.

CYNTHIA: You have to get a handle on this, and quick.

"Indian Summers," next time on Masterpiece.

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