Hello everyone,

This is a piece of gratitude and appreciation from our side, the civilians of India, on this 74th Independence day!

Wishing you all a very very Happy Independence day.

Independence Day is or never was a day to show your patriotism because that doesn't need a specific day, but a day to show your gratitude to the heroes who fought for our freedom, the heroes who are fighting for us to get the freedom from Covid-19 and this year the pandemic has shown us that not only army, police, and BSF people are our real heroes but the sweepers, doctors, nurse, the NGO workers are our real heroes too. Not to forget the people working for us, cooking for us, cleaning for us. 

And today let's thank all of them in any way we can.

And this Role Play is a heartfelt thank you them from the entire family of FMC.

Once again,

🇮🇳 Happy Independence Day 🎇 🇮🇳 

***

~LIGHTS OFF 

CURTAINS DOWN

SPOTLIGHT ON THE NARRATOR~

Narrator (amaya_kashaf): Let's being with the show!!

This act is based on the heroes fighting for us!  

Act 1 Written by anu_champ

Act 2 Written by amaya_kashaf

Have you seen the doctors who hardly get to sleep?
From sad weary eyes, silent tears they weep.
They're battling to save hundreds of lives,
Yet see so many dying right before their eyes.

Have you seen the nurses, tired and worn,
Just come from doing many hours on the wards?
Have you seen them out, walking on lonely streets
Searching empty shelves, for nourishing food to eat?

Have you seen domestics, putting safety first
Keeping hospitals clean, fighting off the germs?
Bravely they go into infectious wards,
Never thinking of themselves, no not at all 

Source: Google 

Who is a HERO? A hero is a person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

Do we all acknowledge our real heroes? We FMCians have taken the initiative to speak about real heroes in our daily lives.

To the doctors, nurses, sanitisation department, policemen/women, helping us leaving their family, you all deserve a bow from every citizen! 

This is for you!

Roles played by: 

Richa Nagre by  lovelylittlefairy

The Doctor by SamairaRajput

Abhay Shinde by  anu_champ

Kishan by: KaynatK01

Ramesh by: AGSR2016

Samaira's husband by jasmine_r22

Shinde's wife by _love_is_you_

•••

ACT: 1

We can see ambulance leaving Aazadnagar police station and many news reporters buzzing around the station.

News reporter: This is Richa Nagre reporting from Aazadnagar police station. Just half an hour back three officials of this station are declared with corona positive. They were shifted to the hospital and now another staff is sent to the quarantine centre. We hope the police officers; the real heroes fighting for us, with us may recover very soon. India is in need of them. We pray that the infected police officers, the heroes fighting for us to be safe and healthy. This is Richa Nagre with Camera Man Vishal FMC news Mumbai.

At Quarantine centre

All the staff has settled themselves. They were given 2 people in each room. Quarantine centre was clean and the facilities were comfortable. Police staff, doctors and nurses from one hospital, sanitation people from the nearby area were in this quarantine centre. They were given precautionary medicine and they will be tested every morning.

It is evening now and few people settled themselves in the garden with required social distance with masks and gloves on. All were in their own thoughts and worries when one of the doctors who spoke seeing all the gloomy faces.

"Hello, dear ones. I know you all are really scared now, this pandemic was never expected by anyone in their worst nightmare, but the sad reality is, it's true and we aren't dreaming, but if the god has given us problems he'll surely provide us with the solution, till then I would request you to please have faith on our doctors, nurses and helping staff of the hospital, please have faith in them and more than that have faith in yourself, believe in yourself that you'll survive this too! You have to live for your family, for your dreams, for your friends waiting back to roast you for not take care of yourself and landing in the quarantine centre (everyone chuckles) just know you need to have the will to survive and rest our doctors will handle.

It is not good for your health if you keep thinking and worrying about things. It is a hard time in our lives let us all face it together. So why not we start sharing your thoughts with us will relieve your stress and perhaps we may help each other with some suggestions!?

Good right!?

Let me start with my worry.

My name is Samaira. I am one of the frontline doctors helping and cure people. I have a 2-year-old kid to take care of. But my husband supported me and asked me to serve the country first and he will take care of my kid. I know it will be hard and challenging for him but we all are doing this for our nation. Be positive and proud about yourself, But *gulping down the tears* I miss them, I miss seeing my baby's face early which brightens my day or night for that matter *chuckles sadly*, I miss hearing Mumma from his mouth, I miss ordering my husband to cook after coming home from the hospital, his complaining face that I love my job more than him, But he took a promise from me that I'll come home safe. I'm just waiting to hug them."

As soon as Samaira finished her speech a round of applause echoed in the closed room.

A man started talking "My name is Abhay Shinde. I am head constable at Azaadnagr police station. It's been 2 months I have seen my family. I have two kids. Abhinaya and Arnav. They are 7years old and 3years old respectively. From the time this Corona started, I feared my kids' safety and stopped visiting home. My kids love me so much that they can't sleep without seeing me at least once a day. I am just passing time watching them on video calls or see them from afar while they are sleeping when I go to give the house groceries. This is the most painful feeling a parent could face. Watching their kid but cannot touch them." He had moist eyes remembering his family, especially his kids, he carved to hug them, give a protective kiss on their forehead.

Seeing this another sanitization worker spoke up,

"I am Kishan from the sanitation department. I belong to a small village of Dehradun. I got married 2 months back to a girl from my village. She is new to the city and doesn't know anything about the area around or city culture. The next day of our return from the village or you can say the first day of my wife in this city was declared a lockdown. My residence being away from my workplace and not getting time to shift I had to leave my wife there alone. I don't know how she is dealing with all these. I am afraid how she would react to this news of me being in quarantine." Everyone looked at him with empathy, nobody deserves this but this pandemic has shown many phases to us!

"I am Ramesh, a sweeper in the hospital. I didn't have to worry about my family as my kids would take care of everything. But they would always be tense for me. They would call me at least once an hour to check on me. The relief on their faces when they hear from me that I'm fine. They live in a different city and I have sent my wife to live with them. They will worry a lot. Though I said to them that I take each and every precaution but the fear in their voice is unforgettable." Ramesh remembered the last conversation he had with the children.

While on the other side let's see how their families are coping and living from past months.

At Samaira's Home

A husband was having a really tough time handling the kid. The kid is habitual to his mom's warmth. His parents were trapped in their village. He took some days leave watched his child routine and now he is handling him perfectly.

At Abhay Shinde's home

Well, Shinde's wife was having a tough time handling her kids. Noted that kids are too attached to their father it was hard to handle them. To overcome the problem she started dressing like her husband and acting like him. Diverting mind of kids with various antics in the name of games.

Well about his wife. She had to struggle a lot. With the money she had from her husband and parents and help of the neighbours, she could purchase a few groceries and spend time. But being alone affected her to a great extent but she was trying to cope up it for her husband who is working for everyone's welfare.

***

Roles played by: 

Vikram: ihsra_rihaj

Seema: Aarlin_fernando

Arush: nidz_055

•••

ACT 2

"आहो! ऐकताऐ काऐ" (Hey, Did you hear?) A lady in her mid-twenties yelled from the other room.

"अता काऐ झाल?" (Now what happened?) A man of the same age was combing, his hair looking at the mirror, when he heard his wife shouting, groaned. 

He then looked at his four-year-old son, who was colouring the Indian Flag, sitting on his parents' bed.

"Did you do something again?" The man asked.

"Tch, I didn't do anything baba!" He answered making faces, due to the disturbance.

"Then why is your Mumma shouting like she has seen some ghost?"

"How would I know baba? I'm here with you na!"

That's when his wife came into their bedroom.

"Vikram, See this!" She said, handing over a newspaper to him.

*Two policemen, including a sub-inspector, got injured in Morna village of Muzaffarnagar on Wednesday evening, when they went to enforce the lockdown imposed to battle COVID-19. "The injured have been admitted to a Meerut hospital", police said. Five people, including two women and a former pradhan, have been arrested.*

Reading the article in the newspaper, Vikram boiled in anger and agonized over the happenings. He threw the paper away and looked at his wife who had a worried look on her face.

"I got to know about this yesterday," His voice was distant and cold.

Listening to this, Seema, his wife, sighed and sat on the couch beside her with her head burying between both the hands. Vikram felt guilty for using this tone to talk to his wife. He didn't intend to give her more stress, she is already stressed about him for he's going out during this pandemic and now this.

Vikram went and knelt down before his wife, wiping her tears, he gave her a gentle smile.

"It's my duty Seema. Just like how you don't leave your students' hand when they are in trouble, even if they are the most notorious ones; even I can't stop protecting my country's people, even if they are cruel and even if it's the hardest to make them understand that whatever we are doing is for their benefit." He made her understand wisely using his words.

Seema caressed her husband's cheeks, "I'm so proud of you!" declaring, she hugged him with all her might and Vikram returned back the hug with the same passion.

"I love you!"

"I love you too, wifey!"

"I love you three!" Arush, their four-year-old son jumped on them.

"Baba, be safe okay? And I'm soooooo proud of you!"

"You know what Miss Jane says, that you are a superhero and a superhero needs to live to save lives okay!"

"Okay champ." Vikram kissed his son's forehead

"You also take care of your Mumma and yourself, you are a hero too, right?" Arush grinned and nodded his head excitedly.

"Come soon, I'll be waiting for you." Arush hugged his father's leg. A lone tear escaped his eyes. He didn't want to stay away from his father when there was no guarantee that he will return back safely.

"I promise Arush, baba will be back home soon. And don't forget to light the candle today as per our Prime Minister's instructions."

~*END*~ 

~LIGHTS OFF 

CURTAINS DOWN 

SPOTLIGHT ON THE NARRATOR~

Narrator (_love_is_you_): Thank you so much for writing such a beautiful act FMC members!

Moving on, the next act is based on the heroes of the border. 

Written by: __ThelazyAatma The Lazy Aatma of FMC! 

Roles Played by: 

Soldier 1: mahaenterprises

Soldier 2: Itskhushi2409

Vikrant: dramaqueen_Nahar

General: __ThelazyAatma

•••

The Call to Duty

By Kelly Roper

Source: Google

A call to duty is sent out
And the strong and the brave reply.
They do it for love of country,
So there's never a need to ask why.

They leave behind all that they love,
Their families, their homes and their lives,
Because to preserve these precious things
Is the goal for which each soldier strives.

So God bless our troops,
The courageous women and men,
Who fight to make sure
The bells of freedom peal again.

To the sacrificers! 

"Hume chaav mein rakh ke, khud jalte rahe dhoop mein.. Hume mile hai farishte, javaanon ke roop mein.."

(Keeping us under the shade, they kept on burning themselves under the sun. We have got angels, in the form of army.)

The story is set at the Line of Control. Some soldiers were practicing while others were packing their bags.

It was a day before Raksha Bandhan. A year since they had met their families.

"9 mahino baad aaj hum apne ghar jaa rahe hain. Aditi se pehli baar milunga main, aur maa toh mujhe dekh kar pagal hi ho jayengi" (I am going back home after 9 months. I'll be meeting Aditi for the first time. And mom, she'll go crazy after seeing me.) His eyes clearly showed the sparkle he has.

"Rakhi pe Seema, itne salon baad mere saath hogi. Itne salon baad hum ek saath rakhi manayenge" (After so many years, on the occasion of Rakhi, Seema would be there with me. We would be celebrating the festival together after so many years.) The excitement of meeting his sister after ages were clearly visible in his voice.

"Aur poore ek saal baad main apne bete ko pehli baar dekhunga, aadha Vikrant, aadha Aarohi. Humare pyaar ki nishaani." (And I would be meeting my son for the first time, after a year. He would be having half traits of me, and half of Arohi) A lone tear escaped from his eyes.

The General comes in and asks them to assemble near the bonfire. A huge announcement was to be made. No one knew what, everyone was just excited about the festivities. "I'm sorry to say, but aap logon ki chuttiyaan cancel kar di gayi hai. Because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, iss samay desh ki halaat theek nhi hai aur dushman iss mauke ka faayda utha sakta hai." (I am sorry to say, but your vacations have been cancelled. Because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the situation of our country is not good, and the enemy can take the advantage of this situation.)

Everyone was shocked and dejected. On the outside, they were as tough as iron, but inside, they were having an emotional breakdown.
They went to their specific tents and started unpacking their bags.

They weren't scared of sacrificing their lives, but the thought of their family being upset, made them depressed.

"Ek maa mere aane ke intezaar mein khush hai, aur doosri maa sankat mein hai. Meri dono maao ki raksha karna bhagwaan, meri dono maao ko iss sankat se bachana" (One mother, would be waiting for me happily, and the other one is in danger. Please take care of both my mothers oh lord! Protect both of my mothers from this situation.)

*~END*~ 

~LIGHTS OFF 

CURTAINS DOWN

SPOTLIGHT ON THE NARRATOR~

Narrator ( scribble_tales): A mere thank you cannot suffice what the soldiers do for us! the really deserve much more respect, love and gratitude then we give to them.

Thank you so much for writing such a beautiful act twine. 

Moving on, the next act is based on the people who should be respected amidst their gender.

Act 1 Written by amaya_kashaf

Roles played by: 

Tai: Suk-24

Reshma: pahul_gpk

Rajini: PriyankaRai222

•••

ACT 1

"Arey Rajni! Jaldi chal na, nahi toh khana khatam hojayega aur firse bhooka rehna padega!" (Hey Rajni! Come soon, else the food will get finished, and we would have to stay hungry again.) Reshma yelled at her best friend.

"Tai, hum aate hai khana leke, aap log ghar se bahar mat nikal na, thik hai?" (Tai, we'll be back with the food soon. Till then, don't go out of the house, okay?) Rajni said, her voice was muffled due to the mask she was wearing.

"Haa tum dono bhi thik se jaana, aur idhar-udhar haath mat lagana, aur wo kya kaha tha Modiji ne, so... so... cee..." (Yes, you both also be careful. Don't touch anything here or there unnecessarily, and what did Modiji said, so... so... cee...)

"Social distancing Tai! Aur aap chinta mat kijiye, hum thik se jayenge aur thik se aayenge." (Social Distancing Tai! And you don't worry, we'll be careful and will return safely.) Reshma chuckled and both the friends moved out of their colony to the place where some people were serving food.

When they reached there, people were gawking at them as if they are aliens who have just descended from their spaceship in front of them.

As they walked inside, some made faces, some were still gawking at them and some were warning their children not to go near them.

Seeing this Reshma and Rajni both rolled their eyes, but Rajni lost her control and shouted at the nearest person who was still gawking at them.

"Kya hai, kabhi kisi kinnar ko nahi dekha kya?" (What? Haven't you seen any transgender before?)

The person didn't said anything, but made a bad face while looking at them up and down.

Both Rajni and Reshma sighed, as this was not new to them.

Taking their food, along with some for their fellow friends back at their home, they moved out only to see a child crying in front of her mother for more food but she was helpless as the people here won't allow her to take food for the second time.

Rajni and Reshma looked at each other, Reshma nodded her head, "Dede Rajni hum bhooke rehlenge, chal jayega magar wo baccha hai, usse bhook bardash nahi hogi." (Let's give it to him Rajni. We are elders, and can still stay hungry, but that kid won't be able to control his hunger.)

Rajni nodded sympathetically and took out one package which was wrapped in aluminium foil and moved towards the baby and her mother.

"Yeh lo behen, khilalo apne bacche ko." ( Take this sister, make your son eat it.) Rajni said, giving the mother a gentle smile and forwarding the pakage.

"Lakh Lakh shukriya aapka." (Thank you so much.) The mother said, with a thankful smile and tears in her eyes.

"Sukhi raho!" (Stay happy.) They took both the mother and son's blessings and moved towards their destination.

"Do hi package bache hai" Rajni said looking at the carrybag in her hand.

"Mera toh pet dukh raha hai, main toh nahi khaa rahi!" (My stomach is aching, I can't have it.) Reshma declared.

Rajni looked at Reshma with a knowing smile but gave the company in her act, "Main toh thak gyi hoo, main bhi nahi khaa rahi!" (I am tired, even I can't have it.)

Both of them looked at each other and chuckled lightly.

"Sab thik hoga na?" (Everything will get better, right?) Reshma asked.

"Jee lenge!" (We will sustain.) Rajni answered.

~*END*~

~LIGHTS OFF

CURTAINS DOWN

SPOTLIGHT ON THE NARRATOR~

Narrator ( scribble_tales): How ironic right, the people who give blessings to others have no one to bless them! 

Loved the act Amul Dudh.

Next act is based on the people who suffered the most in this pandemic, with the people who supplied you food, risking their lives.

ACT 2 Written by ManNi_lover

Roles played by: 

Raju: ManNi_lover

His wife: Aki_2911

Their daughter: Chocolate_freak_

~~

Shopkeeper Rehan: Richarahejaluthra

His mother: loststoriesoflife 

•••

ACT 2

One of the worst affected people by Corona are poor and daily wage worker. A lot has been said about them but still,l no words are enough to explain their pain.

The migrants who worked in different cities going away from there hometown worst among all. When work stopped their income too. No money was left for them to survive.

Their only solution was to return home but the question became how. All trains, buses were stopped, their only way to walk.

A walk of not few kilometres but mile, for example,e Mumbai to Bihar or Delhi to Bihar. Distance between these places is huge. This led them to suffer.No one words are enough to explain their pain. We can only try to imagine their plight.

During first lockdown, they were told to wait until lockdown ends  .But when in place of ending a new lockdown came mass breakdown happened in many places. 

One of them was Raju and this is his story 

Raju to his wife and daughter when they are tired: don't lose hope you too we are only a few miles away 

Raju's daughter: how many miles more!? We are walking since so many days  without much food or anything. Even my foot is hurt papa.

Raju heart broke hearing his daughter's vulnerable voice, but poor man had no option.

Raju said: Beta, we have to survive in this world.

Having no option left they started their journey to hometown. Walking barefoot for miles ,facing sun having no food nothing. During this walk many migrants died too, unfortunately. Their family already in pain had to face the lost of their love one too.

Finally seeing this government had to aarange special buses for their travel. But unfortunately life didn't went easy for them still according to reports of quint based on migrants themselves they weren't not tested everywhere neither place they were kept lacked proper facilities.
When they returned home many of migrants of UP,  Bihar faced flood now. Having no food no house trapped in water till their waist .

~~~ 

Rehan the shopkeeper whose family is tensed about his life when news to reopen is heard .

Rehan's Mother to Rehan: beta be careful don't go near to any coustemer.

Rehan: Maa i can try rest is in God hand .But one thing is final I had to go to earn money. Rehan's mother looked at his son felt helpless.

~* END*~ 

~LIGHTS OFF

CURTAINS DOWN

SPOT LIGHT ON THE NARRATOR~

Narrator (sumani3456): Few words but great impact! Thank you bestie! 

Next act is relatble to all of us present here! Let's keep it a suspense for you people. 

Written by: neha_satakshi

Roles played by: 

Mr and Mrs Sharma: AamnahWrites and melodious_sunshine 

Nidhi: neha_satakshi

Kriya: nidz_055

Saurav: pahul_gpk

•••

A girl was studying in her room on Sunday, 22nd March, 2020 as she was going to have her 12th board exam on the coming Tuesday.

In the hall, Mr. and Mrs. Sharma were watching television where it was showing how Covid-19 had spread all over and was rapidly entering each and every country. India was no far from getting hit by this deadly virus.

Then came a LIVE session of the honourable PM Narendra Modi who was addressing the people that India was heading for a "Janta Curfew". No one was allowed to step out of their houses.

Mr. Sharma called his daughter,
"Nidhi, Nidhi! Come here beta."

Nidhi came out of her room shutting all her books, only to see the news channel displaying about the Janta Curfew.

"Papa what is this? What will happen to my exams now? We had our exam on Tuesday!" Nidhi said.

"It has been postponed child. Let's see what happens. The cases are increasing world wide and it won't take much time for Covid-19 to reach India." Mr. Sharma conveyed.

"But you still keep studying. Maybe they will provide you all with some other date." Mrs. Sharma said.

Nidhi just sat on the sofa sighing. It was her second last paper on Tuesday. This made her a bit sad as she was all happy that finally her boards were ending. But alas! This pandemic made it difficult.

___

It had been 2 months.

One day, Nidhi was having a video call with her cousins.

"Yaar I'm tired now. Like seriously! This lockdown is increasing and so are the dates of exams getting postponed. Imagine I'm just left with two papers and now it's giving me a headache."

"I know Nidhi, but we can't do anything. Every month college and schools are giving new notice for examination. Even I have my last year B.Com., and I'm stuck between whether the last semester will take place or not. As I have to prepare for my CAT exam." Kriya, one of her cousins said.

"I'm completely chilled. According to the recent news, 1st and 2nd year Under Graduates will be promoted. Yayieee! No exams and direct promotion." Saurav was all excited and jolly.

"Shut up Saurav! Stop irritating us." Both the girls shouted in unison.

Suddenly, Nidhi got a message on her Whatsapp group, that a new schedule was announced.

"Hey guys! My new schedule is out. According to it, the remaining papers of 10th and 12th will take place between 1st and 15th July. But the exam will be home centered. In our own schools."

"Atleast your dates came. But wait how will you go? Like, will they be able to maintain proper social distancing? It's so dangerous outside." Kriya said with genuine concern.

"Yes, I have heard that there was a survey done some days ago and 80% of the parents were against the opening of schools and colleges. They would only send their kids once the cases are 0 in their city." Saurav informed.

"Ohhh yes! School teachers are taking online classes, even for small children. Anjanay (her brother) is also having his online classes. But even there is problem as sometimes they lose internet connection, either from the teacher's side or some other student's side." Kriya replied.

"Things are changing yaar. But I just hope that this schedule is final and my exams end. I'm feeling like I'm losing interest." Nidhi said.

"What about me now? And also about all those students who are preparing for competitive exams. Atleast they should be released from one side. If we are not going to, have our college exams then we will concentrate on this side." Kriya said, dejected.

"Looking at this situation, only one dialogue comes in my mind- Tareekh pe tareekh! Tareekh pe tareekh! Tareekh pe tareekh mila my lord, par insaaf nahi mila. Aap logon ke case mein exam date nahi mila." (Dates after dates, dates after dates, dates after dates is what all we got, but we did not get the justice.) Saurav said the iconic Sunny Deol dialogue which made the girls laugh.

___

The seriousness of this situation is increasing day by day. The pandemic which has hit us all is not only destroying the economy of the country and the lives of its citizens, but is also hampering the future of millions of children. The most affected once are the students who are on the threshold of making their career and the once who are appearing for board exams.
We don't know when this will end but all we can do is prepare ourselves for adopting this "NEW NORMAL" Things are changing and the way of teaching is changing as well. It will take time but we need to be calm and not lose hope. Let's hope for the best.

~* END*~ 

~LIGHTS OFF

CURTAINS DOWN

SPOT LIGHT ON THE NARRATOR~

Narrator (__ThelazyAatma): Damn that was definitely relatable! though I'm happy I was promoted to next class, but I really do pity finally year students! 

Moving on, I bet next act will also be relatble to all of us present here! To know what it is, scroll!!

Written by: satchitanandini

Roles played by: 

Malti: satchitanandini

Askash: anu_champ

Cashier: ihsra_rihaj

Rikshaw wala: Aarlin_fernando

•••

24th March, 2020. Morning 10am

Mr. Akash Singhal is sitting in the drawing-room, going through the Times of India. Mrs. Malti Singhal is cooking in the kitchen.

Akash: Malti, nationwide lockdown has been declared for three weeks. Get me the list of groceries. I'll go to the supermarket and get them.

Malti (shouting from kthe itchen): I'll give the list in ten minutes.

Malti turns off the stove, once the curry is completely boiled. She moves to the shelf and opens a few steel containers to check its contents. Making a mental note of the things required, Malti left the kitchen and went to the drawing room to grab a paper and pen. She glanced at the grim face of Akash, whose brows were creasing as he read the contents of the front page.

Malti: Here is the list dear.

As Malti handed over the list to Akash, he looked at it; amusement marring his features.

Akash: Is this a small list for us or for the entire colony?

Malti: This list is for us. I'm just being on the safer side.

Akash (thoughts): What happened to all the offers these supermarkets gave? I see no boards in these aisles. This is not at all fair!

After shopping in the other aisles, he went to the vegetable section.

Akash (thoughts): Almost everything is empty. How much are people buying? If only a handful of them empty these aisles, then what about the rest? How will they manage?

Scrutinizing the availability of vegetables, Akash ended up buying tomatoes and onions only. Pushing his cart after weighing a few items, he went to the billing counter. Two people were standing in front of him. Their carts were filled, just like his.

Akash (looking at his watch): It's already three hours! God save me. This billing will take forever.

Finally, Akash got his things billed, which amounted to Rs. 2,500. He handed over his debit card to the cashier.

Cashier: Do you want our membership card, sir?

Akash: No.

[ Akash puts all the things into the bag he had brought and kept them in the trolley. He had four bags full of things. Keeping them in the cart, he wheeled it towards the exit. The watchman there, took his bill and started inspecting each and every item.

Akash (thoughts): Why does this guy always check the list as if we are going to steal some missile password and run away. Huh!

Taking the list, Akash walked out, wheeling the cart in front of him. He got an auto and placed the bags inside. No sooner, he reached home.

Akash: How much brother?

Rickshaw driver: Sir Rs. 50.

Akash: Why so much for such a short distance?

Rickshaw driver: I've to go empty seated from here till my house.

Sighing at the driver's logic, Akash paid him Rs. 50. Picking up the bags one by one, he got all the things inside. Malti, who had come out listening to the sound, comes to the gate. Both of them carry all the bags inside.

Malti: Did you get everything?

Akash: Almost.

Akash immediately made his way to the bathroom. Before that, he threw the surgical mask in the dry bin. He washed his hands and legs with soap. He changed his clothes and put the ones he wore, for wash. He came out, only to see Malti cross-checking the items with the list.

Malti: A lot of things, especially the vegetables are not there dear!

Akash: What can I do? Many aisles were empty as the stock hadn't come. The vegetables were taken away by people even before I came to that aisle.

Malti: Why are people being so greedy?

Akash: There is panic Malti. People are tensed. We've never faced such a situation.

Malti starts assorting the things.

Malti: Naveen (their son) had called when you were out. The college hostel is taking good care of him.

Akash: Oh that's nice. I'll talk to him later. This time I'll have to send extra money to him. He will need it.

Akash's phone pings and he sees a mail from office.

~*END~*

~LIGHTS OFF

CURTAINS DOWN

SPOT LIGHT ON THE NARRATOR~

Narrator (Pournu): That was so true! Thank you Satchita 

Let's get to know what is the next act is about. 

We know the most sufferers in this pandemic after tye daily wage wokere, poor people are the farmers! And one of the example is this, 

In the western Maharashtra state, Asia's largest onion trading market in Lasalgaon is struggling to transport the freshly harvested crop across the country or ship it to countries like Malaysia and in the Middle East. The reason: tens of thousands of daily wagers who came from neighboring states fled to their villages in panic in the wake of the unprecedented lockdown.

Written by: amaya_kashaf

Roles played by: 

Rao: _love_is_you_

Rao's wife: manan__hamesha

•••

The farmer Rao was sitting on the charpoy in the shadow of the huge mango tree looking at his filed with sad eyes. 

Everything, the onions, lemons, fruits he grew with his and his worker's hard work was wasted, he wasn't able to sell the plucked out fruits and vegetables to the city market due to the unannounced lockdown. 

He sensed someone sitting near him, he looked towards his side to see his wife sitting and looking at the field with sad eyes. 

"Kya kya socha that aaho, is saal apna Raj engineering mei admission lene wala that, uske pese kaha se ayenge! Yeh sab bhi nahi bika ab tak, aur loan ka kya!? Uske pese kaha se aayenge!?" She was panicking thiking what will she and her family will survive this situation. 

"Ganpati bappa sab think kardenge, tu tention naku gehus (You dont take tension). Yeh lock down khatam hone ke baad mei kuch na kuch kaam dhund lunga!"   

"Yeh sab hua hi kyu!?" Saying alone tear esaped from her eyes when she felt her husband embracing her causing more tears to stream out. 

~*END*~ 

~LIGHTS OFF

CURTAINS DOWN

SPOT LIGHT ON THE NARRATOR~

Narrator (jasmine_r22): That is absolutely true Maya (Amaya) the one who works to feed us is the one who is has no money to buy food! Hope everything ends soon and we get back to the normal and not this "New Normal" 

Let's move ahead and get to know what is the next act is about. 

The broadcasting Media, the reporters are the one who risked their life and went out just to get the right news to the citizens. 

Act 1 and 2 written by: manan__hamesha, jasmine_r22, SamairaRajput

Act 1 Roles played by: 

The Anchor: PriyankaRai222

Co-worker: neha_satakshi

~~

Jaya: Charmedone22

Shridhar: Angelangela08

Madhura: hamesha_and_forever

Nitya: sumani3456

Javed: concordia_intenebris

Owner: Queen_Multifandom

~~ 

Suresh: Meera_Oberoi

Ravi: Mysteriouzz8

•••

ACT 1 

"Maharashtra State records over 600 new cases of Covid-19 while the number of new cases in India rose over 8,000 in last 24 hours."

A reporter, who was walking towards the exit of news studio, heard his co-worker reading out the news as she was going through the daily news reports to be telecasted.

Being irritated, the reporter said, "Corona, Corona and Corona! No matter where you go, you will hear people talking about corona and only corona now-a-days."

Sighing, the co-worker replied, "You are right. And the number of cases worldwide is just increasing day by day."

"I guess we have to get used to this 'new normal' soon. Anyways, I will leave now as I have to go for a ground report at the market," said the reporter, setting his mask properly.

"Be safe" the co-worker said as the reporter walked out of the studio.

"You all are watching the FMC news where we are now presenting some of the biggest news of the day." the news anchor said as the recording began.

"Maharashtra State records over 600 new cases of Covid-19 while the number of new cases in India rose over 8,000 in last 24 hours. The number of Covid-19 cases is increasing rapidly now." the anchor read out the news.

"The outbreak of the Corona Virus has affected people worldwide and has hampered the lifestyle. Honourable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modiji, taking in account the rapid growth in the number of the Covid-19 positive patients, announced a complete lockdown throughout the nation yesterday. We shall now connect to our reporter who is present at the Dadar market which is usually one of the most crowded places in Mumbai for the updates regarding the current scenario there.", she continued.

"Last night Prime Minister Modi ji announced a complete lockdown. Except for the people working under the urgent services, all the citizens are asked to stay in their respective houses unless it's an emergency. The policemen are continuously warning people to avoid coming out .However, still some people are coming out on roads, mostly for buying the household necessities. We would like to inform people through our media that there's no need for panicking as it has been clearly stated that there is enough availability of the food stock and other necessities. Reporting live with the camera person, FMC news, Mumbai." the reporter stated.

The anchor continued, "This pandemic is adversely affecting the people's lives. The municipal workers along with a number of NGO's and volunteers have come ahead and extended a helping hand for the needy people. On the other hand, the scientists all over the world are working hard day and night to invent a vaccine against this deadly virus and bringing it in market as soon as possible."

"We will come back after a short break break. Keep watching the FMC news." the anchor sighed and sat back on the chair as it was time for a break.

She got up and looked out through the window to witness the usually busy roads, almost empty, only a few people wearing masks traveling while maintaining the social distance.

"The new normal", she whispered.

~*~*~

"Did you hear what was said just now in FMC news channel?" Said Jaya while looking at the television.

"I too don't know what to do now!?" Jaya's husband, Shridar sighed.

"How shall we manage with our food, we have kids too, we need to feed them. We are daily pay workers, how shall we manage now!" Jaya panicked while thinking about their further life.

"Jaya bhabhi, you are atleast staying here and have a shelter for yourself, but what about us? We belong to different state, came here for working, now if we aren't getting shelter, money, and food how will we survive?" Jaya's co-worker Madhura spoke being scared.

"Now what shall we all do? Our work is gone and no food! No shelter! Rich and middle class will anyhow manage but what about us?" Nitya, co-worker spoke being scared.

"Now all of you go from here, you all got to know that lockdown has put I can't pay you all anymore, so better find a place for yourself." Owner put all his workers out from his place in order to follow the rules given by the government.

"But saab what about our food? We have to meet our family too!" Javed, Madhura's husband spoke up.

"I'm not responsible for this." Owner said harshly and sent them out.

"Now what to do?" Was the only thought running in all their mind?

***

"We all have to do anything and safeguard these daily wage people." One social worker, Suresh, came forward.

"Yes Harish, we can't let them get effected, we will make all preparations for their food, shelter and living." Said another social worker, Ravi not being able to look at the current situation.

***

Next day social workers made list of all the daily wages and low income people and took necessary survey of their areas.

"Aap log?" Asked Jaya when she heard knock on her door.

"We are social workers who came here to give necessary food particles as we can't let you all strive with hunger" said Ravi who had wore mask, hand gloves and maintained distance.

"Thank you so much" said Jaya while tears pricked down her eyes.

"Pray to God to make things clear." Said Ravi with a smile on his face.

"Bhaiya we belong to different state please send me back to my parents." Cried Javed along with his wife.

"We have made things for your transportation; we will inform you by tomorrow." Suresh assured them making satisfied.

***

"Thank you so much bhaiya!" Javed fell on Ravi's leg while standing in front of the bus which was prepared to send all the migrants back to home.

"We are doing this for society's betterment, pray to God to make things better" Suresh assured all the families and made sure the journey was harmless.

After few hours

"Sir everyone reached without any problem." Driver informed Suresh after the journey of 6 hours making the people of an area reach their places without any problem.

"Thank God!" Sighed Suresh being satisfied with his work.

***

Act 2 Roles played by: 

Vivhaan: Pournu

Shalini: SamairaRajput

Ayush and Arya: scribble_tales and __ThelazyAatma respectively 

ACT 2

"Vivhaan, what happened?" Shalini, Vivhaan's wife came in the hall only to see him turning off the television. For some reasons, he looked stressed.

"I don't know Shalini! People think we are Gods! Why can't they understand that we are just scientists who can try our best." He was frustrated by the end.

"Vivhaan, Why are you taking so stress? Don't worry, everything will be better!" She smiled, encouraging him but he nodded in no.

"It is not easy, Shalini. We are getting calls from higher officials to be brisk with our work. The time is less and the cases are increasing day by day!" He let out a frustrated yet helpless sigh at the end.

"Papaa! Papaaa!" Shalini, who opened her mouth to reply him stopped as they heard their little one's shouting and coming to the hall.

"Ayush, Arya, how many times I have told you people not to run like this!" Shalini scolded them softly but Vivhaan blinked his eyes, stopping her. She sighed and walked to the open kitchen to prepare tea for them.

"Papa, Ayu bhai was saying you will treat all the sick persons, is it true papa?" Arya, the five year old girl's child couldn't help but grin at her super hero.

"Arey Arya, I told you na, he will. Right, Papa?" Their elder son, ten years old spoke.

"And how are you both so sure?" Shalini asked as she prepared the cups for tea.

"We know, Mumma. Papa is a superhero! He will make everything right!" Arya praised her father. Shalini smiled at her words.

She poured the tea in the cups and walked to the hall.

"But your papa is thinking he cannot do this!" Vivhaan sighed at her, gesturing her not to say all this in front of them. But Shalini ignored it and handed him the cup.

"But why papa?" Ayush asked sadly.

"Papa is trying, Ayu." He carreseed his hairs softly.

"Papa can do this!" Arya annouced with such a confidence that Vivhaan found himself smiling at her.

"But Ayu, Papa can't do this alone! To win this, Papa needs your help!" Shalini said.

"We will help papa, Mumma?"

"Good, So you have to do as Papa say," Shalini said. Vivhaan asked her what through eyes and she smiled.

"We can do this Vivhaan! Let's start from our home." She smiles beautifully at him.

"Yes," he said with unknown confidence.

____

"Vivhaan, new patients have been found!" Vivhaan's teammate informed him.

"What!? Oh God! This is not at all a good sign! We need to be quick!" He said, his fingers busy in researching between some pages.

"Kartik, instruct all the hospitals to give proper guidance to all the patients. Ask them to take hot water, keep sanitizing their hands and maintain distance." Vivhaan instructed him making him nod.

"Vivhaan, Kartik, our medicine worked on one patient!" Their another teammate came there running with a bright smile.

Vivhaan looked at Kartik and the trio shared a confident smile.

~*END*~

~LIGHTS OFF

CURTAINS DOWN

SPOTLIGHT ON THE NARRATOR~

Narrator (shrrijuuu): Oh how we wish that vaccine news comes quickly in the market and cure many lifes. 

Let's move ahead and get to know what is the next act is about.

The sweepers, milkman, the vegetable sellers etc, ever though if they would also have taken leave in this lockdown, how you would have made your "#quaratinedishes" and you would have been the one who would dump the kitchen waste in the dumping area everyday!

Hence they also deserved to be honurned and to be there in this role play. 

Act written by: Suk-24, 000_aamira and mahaenterprises

Roles played by: 

Amrinder Singh: 000_aamira 

Mr. Sehgal: Suk-24

Mahesh: amaya_kashaf

Shanta: mahaenterprises

•••

Amrinder Singh's day starts at morning 5 collecting the trash from the doorsteps

of different societies in Mumbai. It is a similar day when he is completing his duty

in Blue star society collecting the trash and cleaning the building premises under the

supervision of the society secretary Mr. Sehgal.As Amrinder singh has completed his

work and is waiting for the BMC's garbage collecting truck, Mr. Sehgal comes to him and ask,

Mr. Sehgal – "Amrinder, are you not afraid working in this pandemic?"

Amrinder Singh (Perspiring and replies through the mask) -"Yes of course there is a lot of

risk. We collect garbage of so many household without knowing who is infected

and who is healthy"

Mr. Sehgal- "But still you are working knowing that you may also be infected with Corona?"

Amrinder(Smiles in self pity)- "Sir, I need to pay my son's fees and get medicine for my

mother. We may survive from Corona but not from hunger.

Only then Milkman Mahesh enters the premises. He has a small shop of regular food items. However, because of this pandemic; he now has to deliver the milk packets to his regular customers. His masked face is worried. Mr. Sehgal asks him keeping a safe distance,

Mr Sehgal – (In an amused tone) "What happened Mahesh? You are so late today. Don't you know, nobody's day can start without the tea? All may be cursing you for that."

Mahesh: (Sighs in despair) "Today all are cursing me only, Sir! In the way I collided with a parked car because I couldn't balance my cycle due to the heavy load. But the car owner abused me so badly. If there hadn't been the fear of Corona he would have beaten me black and blue."

Mr. Sehgal – "But Mahesh, Corona can beat you too."

Mahesh: "Sir, I may survive its beating but I won't be able to survive the beating of poverty and hunger."

Mr Sehgal: (Looking at them with gratitude) - Thank you so much. We often take your works and devotion for granted. But in reality we can't even pass a day without your services. Take care of yourself and be safe.

***

In the both situations we see they are at least able to work and earn money for their

family but in some other cases the problem is worse. As we all know Domestic helps

are an indelible part of Mumbai households. Covid -19 pandemic caused several to

leave their jobs which they have been working from decades. Shatna Bai is one of those

who was working in Blue star society for the past 10 years but this pandemic snatched

her only earning source. Today she goes to a nearby shop to collect the ration

when the shopkeeper asked her,

Shopkeeper- "kya hua shanta badi udaas lag rhi ho?" Terko toh khush hona chaiye ab

aram hi aram. Koi chik chik nhi memshabo ke sath."

Shanta- "Kya Ramesh! kya aram, balki aur jyada pareshaniya ho gyi hai."

Shopkeeper- "Kyu esa kya ho gya?"

Shanta- "Yeh lockdown ki vajay se kaam par nhi ja parahi. Tankha bhi nehi mil raha.

Teen bache hain. Ghar ka khracha kese chlaungi? Agar jaldi kuch intezaam na ho to

sab bhookhe marenge."

Her eyes become moist.

This pandemic brought a lot of hardship and challenges to everybody's life. However, these root level people perhaps the worst affected. Covid-19 not only shut down the entire world but put a lock down in their fate.

So that's all! 

We hope that you guys have enjoyed this independence especial gratitude out our helpers, heores and unseen helping hands. 

But we aren't ending our role play with this only! 

We also have prepared a VM as another sign of gratitude to the heores. 

This beautiful Vm is made by: Angelangela08

The deserving credits for the VM: satchitanandini, PriyankaRai222, Aarlin_fernando, neha_satakshi

All the beautuful banners are designed by anu_champ 😘😘

Also a heartfelt thank you to each and every person of FMC who made today's even possible, from the idea of role-playing to the things that should be included to the writing of role play and making the banners in last moment!

You guys made it possible!

Special thanks to the writers who wrote the play. I'm really really proud of my family and the jewels this FMC family has.

Thank you yo the viewers/readers, thank you for hiving us your precious time.

Once again a very Happy Independence Day 🇮🇳

Edit by Meera_Oberoi
Isn't it beautiful!! 😍😍😍

Thank you, Meera. 😘😘

See you all very soon,
Take Care,
Sanitize, and
Stay Safe

#Musicophilias
FMC 💙🎶