INTERCUT SCENE (14) – LIMITS VERIFICATION
The scene intercuts rapidly between three locations:
A) Phuljani & Safa — Harem inner room
B) Ganesh & Safa — Administrative corridor
C) Sultan & Safa — Private audience chamber
Lighting isolates each space; dialogue overlaps at moments of shared meaning.
A) PHULJANI & SAFA – (Warm, enclosed light.)
PHULJANI
I cannot save you repeatedly. Each time I intervene, I am noticed.
SAFA
So am I.
PHULJANI
You move too close to the fire.
SAFA
So do you.
I keep Sultan focused on administrations when needed.
PHULJANI
Are you threatening me?
SAFA
No.
(They hold each other’s gaze.)
PHULJANI
What do you want?
SAFA
Mutual blindness.
PHULJANI
And mutual help.
B) GANESH & SAFA
(Cool corridor light. GANESH walks. SAFA matches his pace.)
GANESH
Do not cross the line again.
SAFA
Which one?
(He stops.)
GANESH
The one I keep moving to protect you.
SAFA
You taught me movement.
GANESH
I taught restraint.
Did you cross with the Shaikh?
SAFA
No.
GANESH
Any other interest?
SAFA
Only survival.
GANESH
Then stay where silence still works.
(She inclines her head.)
C) SULTAN & SAFA – (Soft, private light. The SULTAN sits. SAFA stands.)
SULTAN
You are smart. Sensible.
Why did you not seek permission? This could have been avoided.
SAFA
Because permission arrives after hunger.
And because the first question asked in the palace is never the most honest one.
SULTAN
You speak boldly.
SAFA
I speak carefully.
You need people who act before delay becomes danger.
SULTAN
You did this without protection.
SAFA
— so you would not need to.
(The SULTAN studies her—new warmth, new dependence.)
There are movements you do not see.
SULTAN
Where?
SAFA
Behind reassurance.
Trust slowly.
(He nods—relies on her.)
(She stands alone, steady, indispensable.)
(Blackout.)
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