SCENE 5 — NIGHT GROWS: THE EMPTY CHAIR
(Later. Candles lower. Food untouched. SUBHAS’s suit is still on, but his posture collapses.)
SUBHAS:
Time?
MANTU:
Eight fifteen, Borda.
SUBHAS (too bright):
Good. They’ll arrive together—like a procession.
SUBHAS (to audience):
Every small sound becomes a knock in your head.
Perhaps traffic.
Perhaps rain.
Perhaps age has made them slow.
MANTU:
You said the letters were already sent, Borda.
SUBHAS:
Yes. Of course.
They were sent.
(Clock strikes nine.)
SUBHAS:
Nine?
MANTU:
Nine, Borda.
SUBHAS:
At six I was a host.
At nine I am… a man waiting.
Empty chairs are not neutral.
They accuse.
So this is what I am?
A reminder people postpone.
A duty they delay until it becomes guilt.
Not even my old friends?
Not even—
No. Keep your dignity.
MANTU:
Eat something, Borda.
SUBHAS:
Food is for people who are celebrating.
(He stares at the candles.)
Look at them, Mantu.
They burn bravely. For what?
MANTU:
For you, Borda.
SUBHAS:
No. For nothing.
They burn until they are finished.
That’s all.
(SUBHAS’s eyes go wet, but he refuses the tear.)
SUBHAS (quietly, decision forming):
Enough.