Dating : The Right Choice

Int. Living Room — Day

Mr. Reddy knew this day would come. He sat on his wooden chair frozen, as he contemplated his next move. A rubber ball had just broken through a glass window in his balcony, falling right on the pot of plants that he had nurtured for months. The pieces of glass bothered him as much as the shattered clay pot did.

Ext. Parking Lot — Day

The entitled kids of Godavari apartment were not new to this. Their antics with the Cricket bat had forever left the colony’s elderly residents frustrated. At times, they hit the ball so hard as to leave dents on cars. Most times, they would hit the ball into houses, hoping for the ball to be returned right back in time for their next over.

The fielders stood looking up at Mr. Reddy’s balcony as they waited for the ball to be thrown back out. The batsman and the most notorious of the gang, Sushil, was worried for his own reasons.

Sushil : “That’s not Out right? Don’t tell me it is”

Vivek : “Pray that the Old man returns the ball. If not, you’ll be walking”

Sushil’ s fleeting attention to his friend’s words turned into anger at Mr. Reddy

Sushil : “Old Man! How long are you planning to take? We haven’t got all day”

Int. Living Room — Day

Mr. Reddy was caught in a fix. He was tempted to yell back at the boys. More so for their lack of respect.

The days building up to this occurrence were extremely stressful for him. For months, he had watched the Kids playing recklessly as he stood in his balcony watering plans. He observed how the kids would deliberately hit the ball into houses, leaving residents annoyed. They were proud of the reactions that they evoked and would laugh as they discussed their escapades post match. Mr. Reddy was waiting for an opportunity to teach them a lesson. At times, he would even rehearse his lines for the confrontation.

It was show day. He felt as restless and aggravated as he had hoped to. Staying away from the balcony, he paced his hallway, considering different actions and their possible outcomes.

“How dare you hit the ball into my house! Bring your Parents along if you want it back”, he mumbled under his breath. He feared that this would trigger the angry teenagers to cause further nuisance to the residents. After all, a new ball was just seconds away.

Mr. Reddy rushed into his Kitchen.

Int. Kitchen — Day

He grabbed a sharp knife to tear the ball apart, before stopping abruptly.

“What if my message comes across as too violent. I mean, it would definitely make them respect me out of fear, but what if they are left traumatized?”, he thought to himself.

He wondered if he could just hide the ball in his cupboard and never mention a word of the incident to anyone. “But how would that ever stop them. What if they knocked my door looking for it” , he murmured.

Ext. Parking Lot— Day (Later)

The kids sat down tired, wondering if they had to wait longer or just go asking for the ball.

Vivek : “I think it’s safe to say you are Out, Sushil. Why don’t you go and request Mr. Reddy for the ball while we resume the game with the spare”

Sushil : “Fuck you, Vivek. You have been keen on getting me out forever. Don’t look for excuses to fulfil that dream of yours. It’s a six irrespective of whether the man returns the ball and that’s final”

Vivek : “You don’t always make the rules here. Now go get the ball”

Sushil : “Are you mad? Have you seen how he stares angrily at us as we play everyday? There is a murderer up there for all you know. What if I don’t return?”

Int. Living Room — Day (Later)

As time passed by, Mr. Reddy’s anger subsided. There was a choice that he had to make. A choice that would cement his reputation on either extremes as a person — Kind or Scary.

He thought of returning the ball without saying anything. “Maybe that would make them guilty, and they would reform”, he optimistically wondered.

“What if they didn’t have what it takes to be apologetic”, he thought as he reminded himself of the stubborn and rebellious youngster he once was. He was reminded of all the times his late wife had warned him to keep his temper in check.

“Maybe this is all a test. I’m sure she’s watching me”, he concluded.

On that note, Mr. Reddy took one last glance at the broken pot. The broken pieces of clay did not anger him this time. Instead, the sight reminded him of the fragility of his reputation. He did not need to carry the burden of guilt from an impulsive move, especially at his age. He realized the lack of a need to prove a point.

“I guess a smile and kindness could bring a lot more change than anger can”, he muttered as he stepped into the balcony.

Int. Balcony — Day

Picking up the ball and dusting the wet sand off it, Mr. Reddy looked down through the broken window. The plain look on his face turned into a quick smile as he threw the ball through it.

He was proud. Proud of making a saner choice. Proud of making his wife’s soul proud. Proud of choosing peace over anger.

Ext. Parking Lot — Day

The kids stood frozen with their mouths wide opened, as the ball rolled across . They couldn’t believe their sight. Angry Mr. Reddy had just returned their ball, without saying a word.

Vivek (whispering as he remained staring up): “You sure it’s him?”

Sushil : “It sure does look like him. Weirdly enough, he looks peaceful. How did hat happen?”

Int. Balcony — Day

Mr. Reddy was all smiles as he bent down to pick up the broken pieces in his balcony. The ball was in his court, and he had just served happiness.

THE END