It pains me to say it, but if you cannot afford one or provide it, my answer will simply be “NO.” What do you mean I would like it? I am Chinhua San. China's most eligible bachelorette and one of the 30 richest business owners in this region. The company I work for actually made the International Forbes List. I am so desirable and rare--thanks to our wise and kind president who decided to kill all the second born girls to control China’s population. Because of that, I can get whatever I want, honey. Do whatever. Go wherever. And about that house? I want my home—
(Light out quickly on Chinhua and up on Adna)
Adna
--to be a safe haven for everyone in the house. A place that shelters you from the cruel and blistering rays of world. But my safe haven has become my own personal hell. My Baba chose his honor and respect above me and my mother tries her best to not look me in the eyes because she knows she is doing nothing. But when you are alone in such a situation, what--who--is honor? Let me tell you about Honor. It's my father’s fake pride and reputation in front of the society. Who is this society? Men. Men living in my community. He is afraid that the truth of my situation will hang his head in shame, taking his pride and honor away. What is honor? My mother has chosen my father’s side to protect our so-called respect and honor? Her not looking me in the eyes because she is guilty that it is my father’s best friend to blame? Her taking my dad’s side while knowing it’s wrong. Her knowing she failed me as a mother and she can’t do anything about it? What is honor? Blaming myself, that it was somehow my fault of being assaulted and now forced to appear that nothing happened when I see that man? Feeling guilty and hating myself for being a source of shame for my— (lights quickly out)
Zia
--Father, Pitta--doesn’t understand what music is to me. Singing is not a hobby to me, Pitta! There is nothing wrong with singing. It is not against our religion. Even the Vedas, ancient prayers, instructed our pundits to convey them in song. And do you think that I never tried to leave it when you forbade me, Pitta? (she pauses emotionally) I tell you, Pitta…I tried my hardest--for you. But when I don't sing I feel suffocated. It's in my blood. I see music in everything. And I really tried to forget it. I really did. I returned my guitar back to the school as instructed, but I felt like someone was closing my throat. I felt dead inside. When I sing with my guitar, we become one. I became the guitar and music coming from the strings. I will die if I can’t do it, Pitta. This is so wrong—
(Lights quickly out on Zia and up on Noor)
Noor
--on soooo many levels!! What a woman’s gotta do just to have a peaceful, country drive here, people? I Just wanna drive! Do a little shopping? Have a little round of going to the mall to get the latest trends in peace without my dad grumbling that he might have to drive me? I mean what hasn’t the government taken these poor male guardians, who have to accompany us everywhere, into consideration? It would be so nice if I could go to the mall with my gal pals, while my father just stays home watching whatever he watches on TV or attend his oh-so- important meetings. It would be nice if I could race against my brother in the park and defeat him in a breeze. I want to see that loser soreness on his face and get that sweet rush of victory...even to run—not even drive--in a park. NOOOO… (cont.)