1

Our Promise
(Api'ge Porondhuwǎ)

Based on a Sri Lankan folktale

By Ashan Silva

Contact:
Ashan Silva
37230 Sheffield Drive
Palmdale, CA 93550
asilva@avc.edu
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Cast of Characters

KUZON “KUZU” GINDARA, A boy from Nuwara; Kaya's best friend from childhood

KAYANI “KAYA” JALANDHA, A girl from Habarana; Kuzon's best friend from childhood

ASOKA JALANDHA, Kaya's older brother; Kuzon's enemy during childhood and later

friend

NILANTHI “NILA” GINDARA, Kuzon's younger sister

ISURU GINDARA, Kuzon's father; A nobleman

ARANTHA GINDARA, Kuzon's uncle, Isuru's older brother

JEHAN ABEYSEKARA, Kaya's fiancée by arranged marriage; Kuzon's old friend and rival

PAVINI ABEYSEKARA, Jehan's mother

NAVINDHA ABEYSEKARA, Jehan's father

LAKSHMI JALANDHA, Kaya and Asoka's mother

The play takes place over several years around the small village of Nuwara.
 3

ACT I

SCENE 1

A sunny and warm day. A stream on the

outskirts of the village, Kuzon, a 10-year-old
boy, is walking to the stream with a bucket in
hand to get some water for his parents, while
humming a tune. Kaya, an 8-year-old girl is
hiding behind a group of trees and bushes
nearby, watching him.

KAYA
(aside, with a mischievous smirk)
He looks interesting...

Kuzon leans in to grab a pail of water. He

begins to sing to himself.

KUZON
The girls are pretty in the city of Kandy—

Kuzon is getting water from the stream with

pail, Kaya comes from behind him and pushes
him into the stream.

KUZON
Woah!

Kuzon falls in, getting soaking wet, and

notices Kaya standing above, laughing.

KUZON
(irritated)
Hey! Why did you push me in?!

KAYA
(smirking)
Because I wanted to. It was really tempting.

Kuzon gets up from the stream and walks up

to Kaya.
 4

KUZON
(still irritated)
That wasn't very nice!

KAYA
Whoever said I was nice?

KUZON
Ordinary people would not push strangers into streams!

KAYA
Well I'm EXTRAORDINARY.

Kuzon rolls his eyes.

KUZON
Well then, oh extraordinary one, what's your name then?

KAYA
It's Kayani Jala, but everyone calls me “Kaya.” My family just moved here from Habarana—

KUZON
(interrupts)
So your idea of meeting new people is to come up from behind and push them?

KAYA
Hey, it worked. And I see that you have a temper problem.

KUZON
Hmm, I wonder why.

KAYA
Anyways, I never asked you your name.

KUZON
I don't talk to strangers. Especially “extraordinary” ones.

Kuzon turns around and begins to walk away.

KAYA
(sighs)
I'm sorry. I guess I'll leave you alone then.

Kuzon stops, and turns around, revealing a

smile.
 5

KUZON
Don't be...You don't have to.

Kaya grins and runs up to Kuzon. They begin

to walk back to the village. Kuzon turns
around and faces Kaya, still smiling.

KUZON
By the way, my name's Kuzon. Kuzon Gindara.

Kuzon and Kaya exit as the lights dim.

 6

ACT I

SCENE 2

Flashforward ten years later, Kuzon is now

20, with a burn scar on the left side of his
face, and Kaya is now 18. They are sitting
on a bench outside of a Buddhist temple in
Kandy. Smiling, they reminisce about
their childhood.

KUZON
(laughing subtly)
It still feels like just yesterday we met in such an awkward way.

KAYA
It was awkward.

She laughs.

Children do the funniest things.

KUZON
Correction; YOU always did the funniest things.

He laughs.

Like the time you made my sister lick that durian because you said it tasted like candy. She
stank for a week!

KAYA
I wonder why she ignored the smell. That fruit is disgusting.

Kuzon pauses.

KUZON
You know, I'm glad we met. We had a lot of great times growing up, huh?

KAYA
Yes, we did. Oh, Remember that time I forced you to get the rabutang [Ra-boo-TAHNG]
from all the way up in that high tree?

KUZON
How can I forget? I fell off half-way and broke my arm.

They both laugh.

 7

KAYA
Honestly, I didn't know you were actually going to do it.

Both look away from each other. An

awkward silence ensues for a few seconds.
Then Kuzon faces Kaya.

KUZON
Will your brother still hate me? You know, when he finds out that we found each other again?

Kaya turns to him and smiles.

KAYA
Asoka can't keep grudges for that long. Besides, I bet he'll be glad to see you. Everyone
missed you.

KUZON
(smiling)
It would be nice to see them all again. It's been too long.

KAYA
I know. You should come and visit us at Nuwara sometime. I think you're sister and father
will be glad to see you.

Kuzon frowns and looks away.

KUZON
I know Nila nangi would be, but not my father. I haven't spoken to him since the accident.

Kaya gently touches the burn scar on his face

with one hand, fiddling with her blue necklace
with the other. She moves her hand to his red
neckband.

KAYA
Well I'm glad you kept the neckband I gave you before you...went away. Remember the
promise that we made together? Before the accident?

KUZON
I know. I should have stuck with it. I'm so sorry, Kaya.

Lights dim.
 8

ACT I

SCENE 3

Another sunny day. Kuzon is now 15 and Kaya

is now 13. They are sitting on the grass outside
of Kaya's house, eating a bowl of rice. The
sound of two women echo from it.

KUZON
(mumbling)
I wonder what they're talking about in there.

KAYA
I don't know, and personally, I don't care.

She gulps. A few seconds ensue.

KUZON
School is going to start soon.

KAYA
I know. I'm not looking forward to it.

Kuzon smiles.

KUZON
We had a pretty good summer, huh?

KAYA
(unenthusiastic)
Yeah. I don't want it to end.

Kaya takes another big bite.

KUZON
...Is something wrong?

Kaya slams down the bowl.

KAYA
When school starts, we won't be able to play together.

KUZON
Oh...Yeah...Umm...Well you'll still have Nila and the other girls.
 9

KAYA
Girls are dumb. All they talk about is dolls and stuff.

KUZON
Are you saying that you're not a girl?

KAYA
No, I am. I just hate playing with dolls. And I hate helping my mom cook. I want to do what I
want to do.

She pauses. Kuzon gives her a confused look.

KAYA
(smiles)
I want to do what we've been doing this summer; playing cricket, going swimming at the
lake, climbing trees, getting dirty or hurt.

She laughs.

Beating you up.

KUZON
Oh, come on, we can still do that.

KAYA
I guess...but...I want you to make a promise with me. Promise me that no matter what, we'll
always stay best friends. That we'll never stop talking to each other. And that we'll always
have time to spend together.

Kuzon smiles.

KUZON
Okay, I promise. Besides, I'm sure things are going to be just the same. I'm sure Asoka will
keep hating me, Jehan will keep being the same arrogant jerk that he is, Nila will keep being
the instigator that she is—
Kuzon laughs.
—and you're going to stay—

Kaya flings a handful of rice in Kuzon's face.

Kaya starts giggling.

KUZON
(irritated)
—extraordinary.
 10

KAYA
(bursting into laughter)
Hahahahaha! You were wide open! How could I resist?

Lights dim.
 11

ACT II

SCENE 1

Kuzon is 10 and Kaya is 8. Another warm and

sunny day. In a grassyfield, Kaya is tied to a
tree, and Kuzon is standing at a distance.

KAYA
Kuzu, why did you tie me to a tree?

KUZON
(slyly)
Because I wanted to.

KAYA
(angrily)
Kuzu! Let me go now!

KUZON
(slyly)
Not until you tell me where Jehan and Nila are at.

KAYA
(shouting)
I'm not telling!

KUZON
Oh, I know you will...since I have this!

Kuzon approaches Kaya and pulls out Kaya's

blue necklace from his pocket and dangles it in
her face.

KAYA
(infuriated)
My Ammi's necklace! Where did you get that?!

KUZON
I didn't steal it, if that's what you're wondering.

KAYA
Are you IMPLYING something?
Kaya begins mumbling.

I didn't know that rabutang was yours, I told you.

 12

Kaya begins shouting again.

Now let me go and give it back to me!

KUZON
But Kaya, you have to understand...I need to find them in order to restore something I've
lost...
Kuzon begins whispering in Kaya's ear.
My honor.

KAYA
(steamed)
I swear Kuzu, you take hide and seek WAY too seriously.

KUZON
(shouting)
JUST TELL ME ALREADY!!! AND STOP CALLING ME “KUZU”!

KAYA
Kuzon's temper strikes again...
Kaya sighs.

Fine. Will you let go of me and give me back my Ammi's necklace if I tell you where they're
hiding?

KUZON
Sure.

KAYA
They're hiding behind your house. There; happy now?

KUZON
(grinning ear-to-ear)
Yep! Thanks Kaya!

Kuzon runs off, laughing. Kaya sighs,

exasperatedly.

KAYA
Kuzon, get back here and let me go now!

A few seconds pass.

Kuzon, oooh, I'm REALLY beginning to dislike you...

Lights dim.
 13

ACT II

SCENE 2

Another sunny day. Kuzon and Jehan are both

13. They both sit outside of Kuzon's house.
Jehan is playing on a set of tabla drums.
Kuzon watches him.

JEHAN
These sound really good. When'jou get 'em?

KUZON
Arantha Mahpi gave them to me last Vesak.

JEHAN
Wow, I wish I got one like this for Vesak. Just one more year...

KUZON
(laughs)
You seem to THINK that that's yours.
JEHAN
Only a little.

Kaya and Nila, Kuzon's 8-year-old sister

comes up to Kuzon and Jehan.

KAYA
Shah, nice tablas! Whose are they?

NILA
They're Aiya's. Our mahpi gave them to him. He gave me this really nice Mânika doll—

KAYA
Let me try!

KUZON
After I get a turn.

KAYA
Kuzon, it's yours. You get as many turns with it as you like at home—

NILA
Like you were all last night. I could even go to sleep with all that rack—
 14

KUZON
Enough, Nila.
Nila backs off, shrugging with a cynical smile.

Why don't you two go play with dolls, and leave us men with our drums?

KAYA
Oh, I'm sorry; I didn't know you two were men.

Kaya and Nila snickers.

NILA
I didn't even know you two were boys!

Kaya and Nila bust out laughing.

Kuzon and Jehan gives them a dirty look.

Let's go Nila, I see they want to have a Muslim party; women over there—

Kaya points off stage.

—and girls over here!

Kaya points at Kuzon and Jehan. Kaya and

Nila run off stage, giggling.

JEHAN
That was rude...I like it.

KUZON
You like being called a girl?

JEHAN
No. But I do like her.

KUZON
If you're talking about Nila, she's too young for you.

JEHAN
No; I'm talking about Kaya.

Jehan gets up.

I bet you five rabutangs against your tablas that I can get her to kiss me!
 15

KUZON
Umm, that hardly seems fair, don't you think?

JEHAN
Okay, then.
Jehan points at Kuzon.

Five rabutangs against your tablas that I can get Kaya to kiss YOU!

KUZON
Eww. I don't want her to kiss me!

JEHAN
What kind of a 13-year-old are you?

Kuzon starts banging on his tablas.

KUZON
The kind that doesn't want Kaya's kela all over his face.

Jehan gets up.

JEHAN
Alright then, it's a deal.

Jehan walks offstage.

KUZON
What?! We didn't agree on anything!

Kuzon angrily growls and exits with tablas in

hand. Enter Nila from off-stage.

NILA
Hmf. Boys are sooo dumb.

Lights dim.
 16

ACT II

SCENE 3

A day after. Still sunny. Kaya, now 11, is

sitting next to a tree, reading a book. Jehan
enters, standing in front of Kaya.

JEHAN
Kaya, I didn't expect you to be here.

KAYA
(uninterested)
Yeah...Can you move? You're blocking the sunlight.

Jehan moves a step to his right.

KAYA
There, all better.

JEHAN
Anyways, want to play a game?

Kaya ignores him, still reading book.

JEHAN
I lost my parents when I was eight and have now formed a rebel army that lives in the trees.
Wanna join?

KAYA
(still reading)
Nope.

JEHAN
I have minions.

KAYA
Me too.

JEHAN
I can use two sword things while you can—

KAYA
Not interested.
 17

JEHAN
You're no fun.
Jehan walks offstage. Five seconds pass.
Jehan walks back onstage up to Kaya.

JEHAN
My lovely Kayani.
Jehan bows. Kaya stops reading and glares at
him.

KAYA
(cynically)
“Lovely?”

JEHAN
I believe the gods have taken emeralds and have replaced your eyes with them.

KAYA
Wow, that's the best you could come up with?

Jehan takes Kaya's hand and kneels down on

his knees.

JEHAN
I couldn't take another rejection, my love! Please let me meet you here later today, before the
sun goes down...

KAYA
(confused)
Err...Alright?

JEHAN
Goodbye, my love. I shall see you when the sun hides from your beauty...

Jehan exits offstage.

KAYA
Weirdo.

Kaya begins reading again. A ten seconds

pass. As the seconds go by, day turns to dusk.
Enter Nila.

NILA
What were you doing talking to that arrogant jerk?
 18

KAYA
Nila, I think he was trying to impress me...it didn't work.

NILA
(smiling sinisterly)
Well, yesterday, I overheard Jehan and Kuzon talking about the most amusing thing the other
day...

KAYA
Do tell.

Nila whispers to Kaya silently for 5 seconds.

Exit Nila. Enter Kuzon and Jehan.

JEHAN
(whispering to Kuzon)
This is it. I'm definitely going to win that bet!

KUZON
(whispering to Jehan)
I told you; we didn't agree on anything!

JEHAN
(whispering to Kuzon)
Watch and learn, kid; watch and learn...

Jehan turns to Kaya.

Oh! My dear Kayani! I am delighted to see you when the sun cowers in your presence.

KAYA
(enthusiatically)
Wouldn't miss it for the world.

Jehan takes Kaya's hands.

JEHAN
Oh, my love, your silky hair outshines the stars in the heavens and clouds my senses...Kiss
me!

KUZON
(aside)
Outshines the stars? The stars aren't even out yet...

KAYA
Oh, Jehan! I will!
 19

KUZON
(aside)
Something's wrong...Kaya would never act like that...

Jehan leans up to Kaya's lips. Before they kiss,

Kaya punches his face. Jehan falls to
ground. His nose begins to bleed.

KAYA
(exasperatedly)
FIVE RABUTANGS AGAINST KUZON'S TABLAS THAT YOU'D GET TOKISS ME,
HUH?!

Kaya turns to Kuzon.

AND YOU!!!

Kaya walks up to Kuzon. She prepares to

punch him. He flinches. She grabs him by his
shirt. She kisses him in his lips.

KUZON
W-WH-WH-WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!

Jehan gets up. Kaya begins walking off-stage.

She turns around to face Kuzon.

KAYA
(smiling sinisterly)
Because kissing you is more of a punishment than punching you, Kuzu.

Kaya exits off stage, laughing sinisterly.

JEHAN
Ha! I got her to kiss you! I win the bet! Now, you owe me your tablas!

KUZON
(still shocked)
B...bu...but...

JEHAN
Wow, she sucker-punched me...nice form too. Frankly, I'm jealous of you. Really.

Jehan and Kuzon exit. Nila enters.

 20

NILA
Can she be more obvious or what?

Lights fade.
 21

ACT III

SCENE 1

A rainy gloomy day. A couple of weeks after

Kuzon and Kaya makes their promise.
The stage is split in half; separated by a door.
The stage-left half is the inside of a house, the
stage-right half is the outside. Kuzon, now 15,
lies in a cot, sleeping. His face is
half-bandaged along with his arms. Enter
Isuru, 40, Kuzon's father from stage-right. He
walks inside the house. Kuzon wakes up.

KUZON
(groggy and weak)
...Who...is...it?

ISURU
Wake up, Kuzon.

KUZON
(excited yet weak)
...Thatha, finally...where have you been...I've been waiting for you...to visit...anyone to visit.

ISURU
(coldly)
I figured I'd give you the news myself.

KUZON
(puzzled)
...what news...

Isuru turns away from Kuzon.

ISURU
Your mother is dead. She was killed at the fire. The fire you caused. By dropping the oil
lamp.

KUZON
(breaking down)
But...I...I didn't...

Isuru walks back to the door.

 22

ISURU
Also, it'd be in your best interest if you stopped waiting. No one is coming to visit.

Isuru exits the room. Kuzon, still sobbing,

falls back asleep. Enter Kaya from stage right.
She walks up to Isuru.

KAYA
Hi, Isuru Uncle.

Isuru looks down at Kaya.

ISURU
What are you doing here?

KAYA
I wanted to see Kuzon, if it's okay with you.

ISURU
Well, he doesn't want to see you. Or anyone for that matter.

Kaya hesitates.

KAYA
(sadly)
...will he be okay?

ISURU
He'll survive.

Kaya takes a card from her dress pocket and

hands it to Isuru.

KAYA
Can you at least give this to him for me?

Isuru takes the card and smiles.

ISURU
Of course.

KAYA
Thank you, Isuru Uncle.

Exit Kaya stage-right. Isuru reads the card. He

then crumples it and drops it on the ground.
 23

Enter Arantha, 55, Isuru's older brother from

stage-right. He approaches Isuru and they
whisper. Exit Isuru from stage-right. Arantha
goes into the house. Kuzon wakes up.

KUZON
(excited)
...Arantha Mahpi [MAH-pee]...I thought no one would come!

Kuzon tries to get up and winces in pain. He

sits back down. Arantha smiles.

ARANTHA
Well I came. How are you feeling, my boy?

KUZON
...Tired...my face hurts.

He pauses.

...Is Ammi really...

Arantha closes his eyes.

...how long has it been?

ARANTHA
You've been asleep for the past two days.

Kuzon turns away. Arantha sits right next to

him.

Let me take those bandages off.

Arantha proceeds to take them off. Kuzon

winces in pain. Tears flow from his eyes.

ARANTHA
The scar looks really irritated right now...but in a couple of days, the inflammation will go
away and it'll look much better.

Kuzon takes a mirror and looks.

KUZON
(aside)
It may look better with time...but it will never go away.
 24

Arantha gets up.

ARANTHA
Kuzon, your Thatha asked that you live with me down in Kandy [Ko-TEH].

KUZON
Fine.

ARANTHA
I can arrange for some of your friends to come say goodbye, would you like that?

KUZON
(aside)
Kaya, will you care if I leave? Maybe it's better for you not to know.

(to Arantha)
No, mahpi.

ARANTHA
I've got all of your belongings packed up. The chariot is waiting.

Arantha helps Kuzon up. Arantha picks up a

bag right next to Kuzon's cot. The two exit the
house, stage-right. Enter Kaya.

KAYA
Kuzon! You're finally awake! I missed you so much! I...um...brought you something...

Kaya pulls out a red neckband. Kuzon looks

away and proceeds to exit stage-right. Kaya
walks up to Arantha.

KAYA
Kuzon's mahpa, please give him this neckband. And tell him that the neckband is from Kaya,
his best friend. Tell him to never forget me.

Kaya hands the necklace to Arantha.

ARANTHA
You have my word. Take care.

Kaya begins tearing.

KAYA
You too...please, take care of him.
 25

Exit Arantha stage-right. Kaya turns around

and faces stage-right.

KAYA
(sobbing)
Kuzon. You're a liar.

Lights fade.
 26

ACT III

SCENE 2

Three years have passed since the fire.

Kuzon, 18, and Kaya, 16, are sitting in center
stage, back to back. The stage-left half is
Kuzon's room and the stage-right half is
Kaya's room. Kaya is facing stage-right
and Kuzon is facing stage-left. Kaya begins
writing on a piece of paper. Enter Kaya's older
brother Asoka, 18, who is from stage right.

ASOKA
Nangi, what are you doing?

Kaya stops writing and looks up at Asoka.

KAYA
(solemnly)
Writing a letter.

ASOKA
Not again. You know he never answers back.

KAYA
(turning away from Asoka)
I know. This'll be my last one to him.

ASOKA
Good. Well I will be in the other room if you need me.

Asoka exits stage-right. Enter Arantha from

stage-left with a letter in hand.

ARANTHA
Kuzon, you have another letter from Kaya.

Arantha hands it to Kuzon.

My son, you haven't written a single letter back. How long are you going to do this to her?

A beat.

At least answer this letter back. She'd be happy to know that you're doing okay.
 27

KUZON
(aside)
But I'm not okay. I won't be okay.

A beat. Arantha looks down and exits stage-

left. Kuzon opens the letter and begins reading
aloud.

KUZON
Kuzon, this will be my last letter to you. I don't even know how many times I've just wanted
you to be here. Just so that I could see your face. Your smile. But I've realized that holding on
to you is not doing any good...I've waited and waited for at least one letter. To know that
you're okay.

Kaya begins reading the letter that she's

writing.

KAYA
But waiting for you when I know you're going to answer back...it's not fair to me or for
anyone. It hurts. I've got so much to tell you, so much to ask. Maybe one day I will...

KAYA KUZON
Be well Kuzon. Goodbye. Be well Kuzon. Goodbye.
Forever your best friend, Kaya. Forever your best friend, Kaya.

A tear runs down their face. Kaya rolls the

paper and ties it with a string.

KAYA
(depressed)
I am so sorry, Kuzon.

Kaya gets up and exits stage-right. Kuzon

takes a piece of paper and begins writing.

KUZON
(aloud)
My best friend, Kaya. How are you? How am I? I...I...

Kuzon stops writing and crumples the paper.

He takes Kaya's letter and crumples that as
well. He gets up and drops the crumpled
pieces of paper onto the floor. He stares at
them.
 28

KUZON
I'm not doing well. I wish you knew what I've been going through, but I just can't tell you.
Goodbye then.

Exit Kuzon stage-left.

Lights fade.
 29

ACT III

SCENE 3

Inside Kaya's house. Kaya's Mother, Lakshmi,

38, and her brother Asoka are eating rice on a
straw mat. Enter Kaya from stage-right.

ASOKA
(talking with mouth full)
So you done?

LAKSHMI
Asoka, swallow before you talk!

Lakshmi turns to Kaya.

Done with what?

KAYA
The last letter. To him.

LAKSHMI
I'm so sorry, my daughter. It is such a shame he had to leave. Now eat your food—

KAYA
It's a bigger shame for him not to answer back.

Kaya sits down with them and prepares a bowl

of rice.

ASOKA
Well there must be some sort of reason why he wouldn't answer back. Have you talked to
Isuru Uncle? Or Nila for that matter—

LAKSHMI
No more talking, now finish your food—

KAYA
Yes. Isuru Uncle must still be upset because all he told me was “Don't mention his name in
front of me.” And Nila told me that her mahpa doesn't come visit anymore. Not after the
accident, anyways.

LAKSHMI
Enough about him. We're done with that conversation. Now finish eating, you two.
 30

Lakshmi gets up and exits stage-left with her

plate in hand. Kaya turns to Asoka.

KAYA
What is up with Ammi? She was fine until I mentioned Kuzon.

ASOKA
You mean you still don't know?

KAYA
Know what?

ASOKA
Kaya, you were meant to be married to him. Later this year.

KAYA
Wait...what?!

ASOKA
Yeah. I overheard Ammi and Thathi talking about it...I think the week after he left.

KAYA
You're lying.

ASOKA
No, I'm not. I was in the other room. They were talking about what they were going to do
about you since both Kuzon and Kuzon's Amma was gone. A week before, Ammi and
Kuzon's Amma met to talk about it, I think.

Kaya looks at him in shock.

KUZON'S VOICE
I wonder what they're talking about in there.

KAYA
(aside)
So that's what they were talking about...

(mumbling)
The day of our promise...

A beat.

ASOKA
Such a shame...now you might be married to that arrogant jerk.
 31

KAYA
Surely, you don't mean Jehan.

Asoka nods. Kaya sighs.

Lights fade.
 32

ACT IV

SCENE 1

Flashforward to one hour before present day

at the Buddhist temple. Kaya comes out of the
temple from the door at center-stage. Enter
Kuzon from stage-left. He begins to walk
toward the temple door and halts. Kaya's
necklace falls off her neck and onto the floor.

KUZON
(aside)
I can't believe it! She's here! Of all places! What is she doing here?!

Kaya bends down to pick up her necklace.

Kuzon takes a deep breath and approaches
Kaya. He picks up the necklace for her.

KAYA
Thank you, I—

Kaya gets back up and looks at Kuzon.

KUZON
Hi, I don't know if you remember me but I'm—

Kaya recognizes Kuzon in sheer surprise and

slaps him across the face.

KAYA
(angrily)
Of course I remember you, Kuzu.

Kaya takes her necklace from his hands and

proceeds to walk past Kuzon to stage-left.
Disappointed, Kuzon begins walking towards
the door from which Kaya entered from. Kaya
stops and turns around.

(contently)
Where do you think you're going, Kuzon?

Kuzon stops.
 33

KUZON
Inside. To pray.

KAYA
Wait! I am so sorry...that was very immature of me. But what else were you expecting?

Kuzon faces Kaya.

KUZON
I don't know what I was expecting.

Kaya walks up to Kuzon. Kaya notices

Kuzon's neckband.

KAYA
(happily)
After all this time, I didn't expect you to be wearing the necklace I gave your uncle...

KUZON
(smiling)
I wore it to remember you by.

KAYA
I really missed you, Kuzon. So many things have happened back in Nuwara while you were
gone.

KUZON
I know. I read about them in your letters.

KAYA
You read those letters?!

KUZON
...Yeah. Every single one.

KAYA
(upset)
Then why didn't you answer back?!

KUZON
(tearing up)
God knows how many times I've tried to write back...I really missed you, Kaya. I missed you
more than anyone! I didn't know how I felt about you until I left. And the thought of you
being so far away hurt. It hurt so bad.
 34

KAYA
How do you think I felt?! You were there half of my life...and then for the other half of my
life, you decide to close me off when you moved. Why are you telling me this? Now of all
times?!

KUZON
I am so sorry, Kayani...

Kuzon takes Kaya's hand. He kisses her on the

cheek as in Sri Lankan custom, a kiss that two
good friends of the opposite sex share. They
begin to look at each other's eyes, smiling.

I am so sorry for everything—

KAYA
(smiling)
Don't be. I forgave you when you left.

Lights fade.
 35

ACT IV

SCENE 2

Flashforward to present time. Kuzon and Kaya

are sitting at the bench. Kaya gently touches
the burn scar on his face with one hand,
fiddling with her blue necklace with the other.
She moves her hand to his red neckband.

KAYA
Well I'm glad you kept the neckband I gave you before you...went away. Remember the
promise that we made together? Before the accident?

KUZON
I know. I should have stuck with it. I'm so sorry, Kaya.

KAYA
(tenderly)
It's okay, Kuzon.

KUZON
(smiling)
Well this time, I want you to promise me something.

KAYA
What is it?

KUZON
Promise me that no matter what, we'll always stay best friends. That we'll never stop talking
to each other. And that we'll always have time to spend together...

KAYA
That was our old promise.

KUZON
Yes...and maybe we can be more than friends.

KAYA
Wait, what are you getting at?

KUZON
(smiles sheepishly)
I don't know...maybe we could...well...get married.

Kaya turns away.

 36

KAYA
...I can't.

KUZON
...What's wrong?

KAYA
There's something that I never mentioned to you in those letters...

KUZON
(puzzled)
...What is it?

KAYA
(depressed)
...I'm getting married. Next week. To Jehan.

Kuzon stares at her in shock. He smiles

slightly. A disappointed smile.

KUZON
...You are?...Congratulations...

KAYA
But the thing is, Kuzon, I don't love him. My parents are arranging me to marry him.

KUZON
I see.

KAYA
You know who I really love?

KUZON
Who's that?

KAYA
You.
Kuzon and Kaya share a smile.

I found out...on the day that I sent that last letter to you...that well...

KUZON
Yeah?

KAYA
...well we were supposed to be married sometime this year.
 37

KUZON
Wait, how?

KAYA
Doesn't matter. But you know that day that we made the promise?

KUZON
Yes...?

KAYA
When you said “I wonder what they're talking about in there,” about my Ammi and your
Ammi. They were talking about our marriage.

KUZON
Really?!

KAYA
Yes...but then they changed their mind...as soon as you went away.

Lights fade.
 38

ACT IV

SCENE 3

Arantha's home in Kandy. Arantha is sitting on

a straw mat in center stage, drinking a cup of
tea. Enter Kuzon from left with a smile.
Arantha notices and puts the cup down from
his mouth.

ARANTHA
(surprised)
Kuzon, that's the first time that I have seen you smile in a long time!

KUZON
Umm, really?

ARANTHA
Yes! Something happened on your way to the temple, huh?

KUZON
Yep. Something great.

ARANTHA
Was it a girl? I can tell...even your eyes are smiling!

Arantha laughs.

KUZON
(blushing)
Umm, I guess you can say that...

Arantha goes up to Kuzon and gives him a

hug.

ARANTHA
Well, then come sit and drink some tea. Tell me about her.

Arantha and Kuzon walks to the straw mat.

Arantha pours a cup of tea.

KUZON
Lets say she's someone I've known for a long time.

Arantha looks puzzled as he hands Kuzon the

cup of tea.
 39

KUZON
I saw Kayani at the temple today.

Kuzon takes a drink.

ARANTHA
The girl who gave you that neckband that day I came to take you?

KUZON
(smiling)
Yes. She looks so different now...

ARANTHA
She must be very beautiful now. She is your age now, no?

KUZON
Two years younger than me. And yes, she is...she's...extraordinary.

ARANTHA
I see. So what happened when you met?

KUZON
(smiling)
She...slapped me across the face. Because I didn't answer to her letters.

ARANTHA
(chuckling)
Well you did deserve it.

Kuzon laughs.

She invited me to come back to Nuwara and visit.

Kuzon turns away.

But I can't go back. Thatha wouldn't want me to.

Arantha puts his hand on Kuzon's shoulder.

ARANTHA
Kuzon, it has been five years. I do think enough time has passed for your father to have
moved on.

(smiling)
Your father must miss you. As much as Kaya or Nilanthi misses you.
 40

Arantha stands up.

We'll go to Nuwara in the morning. How does that sound?

Kuzon stands up.

KUZON
(excitedly)
Really?!

ARANTHA
Of course. Now go to bed. We have to wake up early if we are to be at Nuwara by noon.

Lights fade.
 41

ACT V

SCENE 1

A sunny day. The day after Kaya and Kuzon

meet again. Back at the village of Nuwara.
The stage is split in half; the stage-left side is
the inside of Kuzon's old home and the stage-
right side is the outside. Enter Kuzon and
Arantha from stage right.

KUZON
Mahpa, are you sure this is a good idea?

ARANTHA
Yes, now stop worrying about it.

Arantha knocks on the door. The door opens,

revealing Isuru. Isuru looks at Arantha and
Kuzon in amazement.

Hi, Malli. It has been a long time, no?

Arantha elbows Kuzon.

KUZON
(smiling sheepishly)
Umm...Hi, Thatha.

Isuru tears up.

ISURU
(smiling)
My son!

Isuru embraces Kuzon with a hug.

What are you both doing here?!

ARANTHA
We decided to visit...It was Kuzon's idea—

KUZON
Mahpi?!
 42

ISURU
Well I'm glad that you did. It has been too long. Won't you come in?

Arantha and Kuzon walks inside to stage-left.

Isuru turns around to face the inside of the
house.

ISURU
Nilanthi! Come outside, quick! Arantha Mahpa and Kuzon Aiya are here!

NILA
(offstage)
They are?! I'll be there, hold on!

Isuru turns back to face Kuzon.

ISURU
My, have you grown...

He chuckles.

You're now a few inches taller than your old man, huh?

Kuzon laughs.

You know, Nila and I missed you, Kuzon.

Enter Nila, now 15, from stage-left. She

screams and runs up to Kuzon. She hugs him.
Arantha and Isuru laugh.

NILA
(smiling)
Aiya [ay-yah]! I missed you so much! Oh my gods, I can't believe you're here!!!

KUZON
(laughing)
I know! Wow...Nangi [nahn-gi], you've grown so much.

NILA
Yeah, I know. And look at you! Aside from the scar, you look great—

ISURU
AHEM.
 43

NILA
...Sorry.

KUZON
It's okay. Actually, I don't think about it much anyways.

NILA
But seriously, Kuzon, you look well. I have to show you around the village...so much has
changed while you were gone!

ISURU
Won't you two sit down? Let me get you both some tea. Nilanthi [Nee-lahn-thee], come and
help me get everything ready.

NILA
Okay.

Isuru and Nila walk up to the kitchen and

prepares a tray with tea cups and some
bananas.

ARANTHA
Isuru, you don't have to—

ISURU
Aiye [ay-eh], it's okay, I insist.

ARANTHA
I'm just going to go around the village. I have a friend who moved here recently and I want to
visit them.

KUZON
(aside)
Wait, why is he leaving?

ISURU
Who is your friend?

ARANTHA
His name is Tissa Vikrama.

ISURU
Oh yes, I know him, albeit not that well. But Nilanthi can show you where his house is.

NILA
Yeah, Mahpi, they don't live that far from here.
 44

Nila and Arantha exit through stage-right.

Kuzon and Isuru look away from each other.
There is a brief awkward silence for five
seconds.

ISURU
So...how have you been?

KUZON
I've been okay, I guess...

ISURU
So...your uncle has a nice way of um...

KUZON
Setting an awkward mood?

ISURU
Umm, yeah. So listen...there is something that I wanted to get off my chest, but I wasn't able
to.

KUZON
...What is it, Thathi?

ISURU
Well I wanted to apologize for the way that I've treated you up until today.

KUZON
Apologize for what?

Isuru faces away from Kuzon and sighs.

ISURU
For disowning you. God, I've been such a fool...I was so angry and confused after your
Ammi died. I lost her...and I thought I almost lost you as well.

Isuru turns to face Kuzon.

But now that I think of it, I did lose you...and that was my fault. I shouldn't have blamed you
for your mother's death and sent you away. It wasn't you who caused it—

KUZON
(puzzled)
It wasn't?
 45

ISURU
No...the lamp was already broken...but we all didn't know that. That's how the fire really
started. And I shouldn't have been so quick to accuse you. I know it's too late so I don't
expect you to forgive me for it—

KUZON
(tenderly)
I do forgive you...and what's done is done. It's all in the past now.

ISURU
(smiling)
Thank you, Kuzon. You've really matured. I wish I could have seen you grow to the young
man that stands before me.

KUZON
You know, Thatha, all I wanted from you was your approval. You see, growing up, I honestly
believed that you favored Nila over me. But it's funny how now you seem to want my
approval instead.

ISURU
Ironic, no?

KUZON
Very.

ISURU
Well Kuzon, I want you to know, that no matter what, you will always be my son. I love you,
my son.

KUZON
Love you too, Thatha.

They both hug.

Lights fade.
 46

ACT V

SCENE 2

A sunny day at a grassy meadow. Kuzon, in a

fine formal white kurta contrasting his red
neckband and Kaya, in her brilliant red
wedding sari contrasting her light blue
necklace, are sitting at center stage, back to
back. Kaya is facing stage-right and Kuzon is
facing stage-left. They both stare off to the
sky. Enter Nila from stage-right. She
approaches Kaya.

NILA
(to Kaya)
I thought I might find you here. How come you're not at the Poruwa [poe-ROO-wah]?

KAYA
(depressed)
I dunno.

Enter Asoka from stage-left. He approaches

Kuzon.

ASOKA
(to Kuzon)
Hey Kuzon. Long time no see, huh?

KUZON
Likewise.

NILA
Come on! It's your big day, Kaya! The one that will change your life forever—

KAYA
Shut up, Nila.

ASOKA
So I'm guessing you're avoiding the wedding, huh?

KUZON
Um, why would you think that?

NILA
...What's wrong?
 47

KAYA
I'm scared. No; I'm more than scared. I'm downright terrified.

ASOKA
It's pretty obvious.

KUZON
...I don't want to go and see Kaya being married off to someone else.

NILA
Oh come on, you've known about this for years. It shouldn't be that bad—

KAYA
But Nila, I feel like such a puppet; not being able to choose for myself. Instead, I'm tied to the
hands of my parents and those of his parents. They control my fate...and I'm scared...so
helpless.

ASOKA
That's completely understandable, knowing that you're supposed to be the person she's
marrying.

KUZON
Wait, why am I telling you this?

NILA
...I'm guessing this has something to do with Kuzon, huh?

KAYA
Yeah.
ASOKA

Because I want what's best for my nangi...and to tell you the truth, I do believe that you two
are meant to be together.

KUZON
Really?

NILA
...So can't you just tell them?

KAYA
I wish I could.

ASOKA
Yup. Do you know the meanings of Kaya's last name and your last name?
 48

KUZON
(puzzled)
Nope?
NILA
I'm so sorry, Kaya, I didn't know you felt this way...I hope I don't feel this way when I get
married.

KAYA
I hope you don't. Anyways, there's nothing I can do...All I can do now is pray that my life
with Jehan would be good...

ASOKA
Gindara means “fire” in Sanskrit. And the root word of our last name is “Jala,” which means
water. You are fire, and Kaya is water. Like the elements, you both are opposites...But you
both complement each other completely.

KUZON
I didn't know that...it was that obvious?

NILA
I'll pray too. I want to see you happy. And I want you to show me the biggest smile that you
could make!

KAYA
(laughs subtly)
Okay, Nila.

ASOKA
Of course it is. Growing up, I didn't like you...because you and Kaya were always together.
But you know how us older brothers are—defensive of our little sisters. When you moved
away, I noticed that Kaya wasn't happy anymore. She missed you. You probably already
know that though.

A beat.

So what are you going to do?

KUZON
I don't know...Are you implying me to do something?

NILA
Now let's go. Don't want to upset the parents further.

KAYA
(sighs)
Okay.
 49

Exit Kaya and Nila stage-right.

ASOKA
Of course. You should win her back. I'd rather see her with you than that arrogant jerk Jehan
anyday.

A beat. A puzzled look from Kuzon.

Forget tradition. Kaya and your happiness trumps that. So what's your final decision?

A beat.

KUZON
(confidently)
I've come too far just to let my flame burn out. I'm going to win her back.

Asoka and Kuzon exit stage-left.

Lights fade.
 50

ACT V

SCENE 3

The Poruwa (Wedding) ceremony at the

hillside next to the stream where Kaya and
Kuzon first met. Kaya and Jehan stand at the
platform at center-stage. They are surrounded
by Kandyan drummers and dancers. Kaya and
Jehan each has a group of betel leaves. is
Isuru, Arantha, and Nila are sitting at down
stage-left. Lakshmi and Jehan's parents sit at
down stage-right.

JEHAN
(smiling)
Kayani, my exchange of these seven betel leaves symbolize my bond, unity and love to you
that will last for seven generations. Until it is renewed by our descendants.

Jehan hands over his seven betel leaves to

Kaya. Kaya looks at them. A beat.

KAYA
Jehan, and my exchange of these seven betel leaves symbolize my commitment to fulfill
our—

Enter Kuzon from stage-left. Enter Asoka

from stage-right. Asoka sits with his mother
and Jehan's parents.

KUZON
Kaya! Please hear me out!

The crowd turns to Kuzon in shock. Kuzon

approaches near the platform. Kaya turns to
look at him.

Kaya, remember the promise that we made? We promised that no matter what, we'll always
stay best friends. That we'll never stop talking to each other. And that we'll always have time
to spend together...Are you truly willing to throw it all away?!

KAYA JEHAN
But Kuzon...I... You two made a promise?!
 51

KUZON
I love you...and I never will stop loving you. You are extraordinary...in every way. You told
me that the day we met, here at the very place in fact! God, I was lost without you when I
went away...and I don't want to lose you again! So please...

Kuzon begins tearing up.

Don't marry him!

There are gasps from the wedding attendees.

Kaya turns to Jehan.

KAYA
Jehan, you're a very sweet and caring man...and I appreciate everything that you have done
for me during the past few years...but I need to follow my heart. I'm sorry, but I don't love
you the way that I love Kuzon.

Kaya turns to Jehan's parents and her mother.

I am so sorry Ammi, and Mr. and Mrs. Abeysekara (uh-BAY-say-car-uh).

She drops her betel leaves onto the floor and

comes down the altar and jumps in Kuzon's
arms. They embrace tearfully, yet with a
smile. Jehan stands frozen with the betel
leaves still in his hand.

KAYA
(to Kuzon, lovingly)
Kuzon. I'm not the extraordinary one—you are.

KUZON
So our promise is sealed...

KAYA
Yes, it is. Our promise will last seven generations.

A beat.

No; it will last an eternity.

They both kiss. Isuru, Nila and Arantha begin

clapping.

Lights fade.