Pather Panchali Page #3

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A rupee is divided into annas,

gondas, and cowries..."

Apu.

Durga's meal is waiting.

Go get her.

Just then...

a demoness appeared.

"Krik, krak, krud,

I smell human blood.

Who lies awake in my temple?"

The blue prince slept

while the red prince kept watch.

In the second watch of the night,

the demoness appeared again.

"Krik, krak, krud,

I smell human blood.

Who lies awake in my temple?"

- Durga, open the door.

- I'll be right back.

Give this to your mother

and ask her to come here.

Set it down.

- Are you asleep in there?

- What is it?

Come here.

I have a lot to tell you.

Durga, watch the milk.

What?

No matter what people say...

Mr. Ray is a good man.

Here you are.

Three months' wages - 24 rupees.

Count it.

I'll quickly say

my evening prayers.

I have lots more to tell you.

I was collecting rents today

when I met

a distinguished-looking fellow.

He suddenly bowed deeply

and said,

"Sir, you don't know me,

but I knew your father well.

He often officiated

as a priest at my house."

"What's your name?"

"Mahesh Biswas."

"What do you want?"

"I have something to ask of you."

"What?"

"My whole family would like

to be initiated next month.

It would be wonderful

if you could officiate."

Quite wealthy people.

- Did you say you'd do it?

Are you crazy?

Accept right off?

They'd think I was hard up.

Let them.

We are hard up.

There could be a scandal

if people found out his caste.

- Who would tell them?

- You never know.

Maybe you.

I know how you women are.

I'm busy enough without running

around telling your business.

Don't be angry.

The job's not going anywhere.

I told him we'd discuss it

after the festival.

I mustn't seem overeager.

Try to manage till then

on what I gave you.

That should cover clothes for the kids

and a shawl for Auntie.

We must pay

Mrs. Mukherjee tomorrow.

Fine. Our other debts

can wait two months.

And the repairs?

They'll wait too.

The house survived the rains.

I'll get an estimate

from the carpenter this month.

You have to do something

about the kitchen.

Kitchen, cowshed, walls, roof -

it will all be done.

Don't worry.

How many more days

till the puja festival?

Twenty-one.

Didi.

Did you take Tunu's necklace?

Don't be silly.

- Who did?

- I don't know. Go to sleep.

I have an idea for a new play

about Babhruvahana.

I'll write it

when I find some time.

Listen...

you lived in Benares a long time.

Do people know you there?

Some certainly do.

Isn't there a ghat by the river

where priests sing

and recite from the scriptures?

It's called

Dashashamedh Ghat.

- They earn a lot there, right?

- I suppose.

Then let's go.

- We can't do that.

- Why not?

How can we?

I left there to return here

to my ancestral home.

I can't go

the other direction now.

Why not? You were away

eight years before.

You left me at my father's

and never even wrote.

I didn't really know you then.

Think I'd have left if I did?

- A lot of difference it's made!

This is my home now too.

But just look at it.

It's like living in the jungle.

Jackals prowling around

as soon as night falls.

No neighbors to sit and talk to.

When you're not here,

I'm terribly uneasy.

But you wouldn't understand.

You eat and sleep

and go about your work,

unconcerned

whether you're paid or not.

I had lots of dreams too.

All the things I wanted to do...

Those who came before

have passed on

And I'm left behind

A penniless beggar

Not a cowrie to my name

Look, my purse is empty

Lord, the day is done

and evening falls

Ferry me across

to the other shore

Apu, hurry with the wood.

The fire's not taking.

Is that washed?

Set it down.

This blade!

- Granny, are you getting married?

- Where's your mother?

At the pond.

Umi, come join us.

We're having a picnic.

All that? Set it down.

Where's Nera?

- Up there.

Get down here!

Wash the banana leaf plates.

Sitting in the tree!

Where'd you get

that shawl, Auntie?

Raju gave it to me.

It cost him 91/2 annas.

- It's very nice.

Here comes my sister!

How'd you get away?

Isn't your mother home?

- What are you making?

- Khichuri.

Rice, lentils,

potatoes, eggplant,

cumin, chilies,

bay leaves, oil -

Tepi, didn't you bring salt?

You only said oil!

You said you'd bring it!

Wait!

Auntie.

Listen.

Come here.

What's the matter?

Where'd you get that shawl?

Uh...

Raju gave it to me.

Gave it to you?

Listen to me.

You didn't ask him for it?

- Why would I?

I simply said that at my age

I get chilly in the evening -

Fine.

Then they can feed you too!

Come now.

I did ask Harihar for a shawl.

Did he say no?

Did you have to go begging?

You should be ashamed!

What must Raju think?

Can't an old woman

have wishes too?

So you have wishes now -

while you eat our food!

You realize the children

often go hungry?

What about their wishes?

Will you feed and clothe them?

As long as you're

dependent on me,

don't go around begging.

Otherwise

make other arrangements.

Put me up or don't.

Think I have nowhere to go?

- Fine! Then leave at once!

What's wrong?

What's the matter?

There, there.

Go wherever you like.

I can't keep you here any longer.

It's delicious.

Your husband will love your cooking.

- Hush!

- How long until your wedding?

- I don't know.

- I know. Shall I tell you?

- All right.

Two months and ten days, right?

How's it feel?

- Same as for everyone.

Tell me.

You'll find out.

It won't happen to me.

Sure it will.

- I just know it won't.

- It will.

Your mother's looking

for a suitable match.

It's true. Ask her.

Raju...

are you home?

Who's that?

- I've come to see...

- Auntie?

If you could take me in

for a day or two.

- To stay?

- Just a day or two.

I get no peace at home.

Nothing but nagging

day and night.

Listen...

go tell your mother

Auntie has come to stay.

And bring Auntie

water for her feet.

Where else can

this old woman go?

So I thought I'd come see you.

My child...

if you don't look after me,

who will?

Beware, O evil Serpent King!

Utter such words again

and I shall cut your tongue out

and cast it to the jackals and dogs

for the good of the world!

And for the good of the world

I shall destroy you!

No, Father, I beseech you!

Do not make

your own daughter a widow.

Away, dissolute serpent woman!

Sujata!

Why do you forget your place?

No longer are you

the Serpent King's daughter!

You are the wife of one

descended from the mighty sun!

Why, for the sake

of my humble life,

do you prostrate

before a despicable serpent?

No, I would not even

imagine your death.

Father, trample me all you will,

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