Layers Beneath the Surface: a screenplay

Setting: A cozy urban café. The warm glow of string lights gives the place a homely yet modern atmosphere. Four women sit at a round table, each sipping different beverages. They’ve gathered for their monthly “Reality Check” meetup, where they talk about life beyond what people see on the surface.

Characters:

1. Lila: A glamorous social media influencer. Always on her phone, perfectly styled, and radiating confidence. Beneath the surface, she’s a keen observer of human behavior.

2. Margot: An elementary school teacher, outwardly conservative, polite, and impeccably dressed. She’s grappling with a messy affair that challenges her sense of morality.

3. Tina: A no-nonsense corporate executive, seen as unapproachable and cold. But in truth, she struggles with anxiety and a fear of failure.

4. Ellie: A yoga instructor who seems zen and carefree but is battling imposter syndrome and financial stress.

5. Nina: A bubbly waitress and aspiring actress. Often underestimated, she’s the glue that holds their group together.

 

Scene One: The Café

(Lila is taking a photo of her latte, arranging the foam art just right. Margot watches disapprovingly but says nothing. Tina glances at her watch impatiently. Ellie sips her herbal tea, lost in thought. Nina serves them cookies before sitting down to join the group.)

Nina: (cheerfully) Okay, ladies. What’s the topic this month? Who’s spilling the tea first?

Lila: (without looking up from her phone) Life hacks for pretending everything’s perfect while your world is on fire?

Margot: (sighs) Could you maybe not take pictures of your coffee for five seconds?

Lila: (finally putting down her phone) Listen, Margot, not all of us can hide behind chalkboards and parent-teacher conferences. Some of us must sell perfection to pay rent.

Ellie: (quietly) Selling perfection. That’s ironic. Isn’t it exhausting?

Lila: (shrugs) Maybe. But you’d be surprised what you can learn about people when you’re pretending to be what they want to see. Like that guy in the corner—he’s smiling at his laptop, but he’s stressed. Probably answering emails he doesn’t want to send.

Tina: (intrigued) Wait, how do you know that?

Lila: (smirks) Psychology 101. People-watching is my side hustle.

Nina: (laughing) Of course it is. Okay, Margot. Your turn. What’s new in teacher-land? Still molding young minds?

Margot: (hesitant) Sure. Let’s call it that.

Lila: (eyebrows raised) Ooh, what’s that tone? Spill.

Margot: (flustered) Fine. I…might be involved with someone at school.

অনুগল্প: ব্যাধ ও তিন পাখি

এক ডালেতে তিন পাখি থাকে- দোয়েল,কোয়েল, আর ওয়েল ।  তারা  কিচিরমিচির করে গান গায়,  একসঙ্গে চারা খায়। কিন্তু প্রত্যেকেই মনে মনে ভাবে  যে অপর দুজনকে যদি  ধাক্কা মেরে ফেলে দিতে পারতাম, তাহলে সবাই শুধু আমার গানটাই শুনত ! আর আমি আরো আরো প্রশংসা পেতাম  !

সেই ভেবে ওরা পরিকল্পনা করতে থাকে কি করে  অপরকে ডাল থেকে ফেলে দেওয়া যায় ।  

সেই জঙ্গলে এক অত্যন্ত অভিজ্ঞ ব্যাধ থাকে।  সে জানে যে পাখিগুলোর প্রকৃতি এরকম । নিজেদের মধ্যে ঝগড়া বিবাদ করেই দিন কাটায় । তাই সে সুযোগের অপেক্ষায় জাল নিয়ে বসে থাকে । একদিন এমনি ঝগড়াঝাটি মারামারি করতে করতে যখন পাখিগুলো বেসামাল হয়ে  ডাল থেকে পড়ে যায়,  তখন তারা আবার উড়ে যাওয়ার আগেই ব্যাধ তাদের নিজের জালে ধরে ফেলে।

জালে ধরা পড়ে তিন পাখি খুব কিচিরমিচির চেঁচামেচি করে ।  কিন্তু কোন লাভ হয় না । 

ব্যাধ তার বউকে নিয়ে পাখিগুলো দেয় । আর ব্যাধের বউ সেগুলো রান্না করে তার সঙ্গে খুব আনন্দ করে খায়।  পাখিগুলো ব্যাধের পেটে গিয়ে ভাবে – “ইস যদি একটু মিলেমিশে থাকতে পারতাম!”

The Witch Sisters' Tale

Once upon a time, in a mysterious forest hidden far away from the bustling world, there lived two sisters who were witches. The elder sister, Morgana, was as dark as a moonless night. She wore black robes and a pointed hat that cast shadows over her face, making her look fearsome. Children in the village whispered tales of her and called her the Witch of Shadows. But Morgana had a heart as kind as a summer's breeze.

The younger sister, Isabella, was the complete opposite. She wore bright and colorful dresses adorned with rainbows. Her hair was dyed in every color imaginable, and she always carried a basket full of candies that sparkled like gemstones. Children in the village adored her and called her the Candy Witch. But beneath her colorful exterior, Isabella had a wicked secret.

One day, a group of children ventured into the forest. They were drawn by Isabella's colorful appearance and the sweet smell of candies that seemed to float through the trees. They followed the trail of rainbow-colored wrappers that led them to Isabella's cottage, painted in the most vibrant colors.

"Hello, children! Would you like some candies?" Isabella asked, her voice as sweet as honey.

The children couldn't resist the temptation and eagerly took the candies from her basket. They tasted delicious, like nothing they had ever experienced before. But soon, their laughter turned into cries of pain, and they fell to the ground, writhing in agony.

Morgana, the Witch of Shadows, heard their cries and rushed to the scene. She saw her sister Isabella standing there, looking shocked.

"What have you done, Isabella?" Morgana exclaimed.

"I didn't mean to harm them, Morgana," Isabella cried, tears streaming down her colorful cheeks. I only wanted to steal their laughter for my magic. But their screams are too loud!

Morgana knelt beside the suffering children and used her magic to heal them. Slowly, the children's pain subsided, and they began to recover.

As the children regained their strength, they realized that appearances could be deceiving. They had been drawn to Isabella because of her bright and colorful exterior, but Morgana, the Witch of Shadows, had a heart full of kindness.

Isabella, overcome with guilt, vowed to change her ways. She knew she could never fully erase the harm she had caused, but she wanted to make amends. She started by helping her sister Morgana with her acts of kindness, using her colorful magic for good.

Together, the two sisters became known as the Healing Witches of the forest. Using their unique powers, they helped the children and the animals and plants of the woods. The lesson they taught everyone who crossed their path was simple: never judge someone solely by their appearance, for true goodness can often be found where it is least expected