Saptapadi Doctors

OW! Ah.

-What's the matter?

-Argh! I thought you said you got rid of them!

I did. You're just being paranoid.

Don't you think if we had fleas, they'd bite both of us?

-Ow!

-Ooh, stop being paranoid!

This is you hiring cowboys!

I didn't. They had the biggest advert in the yellow pages!

Oh, look, see.

We're going to have to burn all the bedding and the bed.

I give you one job...

It's not my fault that you let in a flea-ridden cat!

Oh, just get somebody to sort it.

As if I haven't got enough to cope with, with all the lads at work still cracking jokes

-about the other night!

-Are you still banging on about that?

-You don't have to work with them.

-What about Emma?

Oh, is this what we've become?

-Sex pests with fleas.

-Just make sure that you get our money back

from them half-a-job Bobs!

I can't because they said that no insect eradication programme

can guarantee complete success!

So, they're covered.

Everyone ready?

The bridal party will proceed into the main room in two minutes.

Let's get this wedding on the road!

Acha, Beti. You look beautiful, Anita!

-Thanks, Dad.

-It's going very well, don't you think?

I was a bit worried about the flowers but they're perfect.

Everything is perfect!

I think I want some air.

I only wish your mother were here to see it.

How proud she'd be to see you finally...

Anita?

Morning, Mrs Tembe.

Good morning, Dr Carter.

You seem out of sorts.

-I did not sleep very much last night.

-Why's that?

-I ran into Reverend Clement at the supermarket.

-Ooh.

Bound to happen sooner or later.

Yes, well, I was hoping it would be later.

Was it awkward?

No, it was...

..it was very polite.

It's just when I got home, I felt a little agitated.

An ex can have that effect.

Well, it is nothing that a hard day's work cannot cure.

Or a bit of R and R?

Why don't you stay at my place? Take your mind off things.

Oh, oh, no. I could not impose.

Think of it as a hotel stay,

the service at Chateau Carter is impeccable.

Well, it is very tempting but I could not.

Didn't you say you wanted your kitchen painted?

It would be the perfect opportunity.

No. I really appreciate the generous offer

but...I will not be the figure of pity.

I-I think I would just prefer to be alone, thank you.

Excuse me, guys. I'm looking for a Mr Achari.

-He's over there.

-Oh, OK. Sure.

Thank you.

Mr Achari? Hi, I'm Dr Clay.

Doctor, thank goodness! Where have you been?

-Sorry, I just got the call.

-My daughter's been taken ill.

I'm no doctor but I think it's very serious.

Calm down, Papa, unless you want everyone to know there's a problem.

Hi, I'm Amit, I'm the groom.

Hi. Where's the patient?

Just this way. Follow me.

Sweetheart. The doctor is here.

I've thrown up before, Dad.

I'm sorry you were called out. I'm fine. I'm just feeling a bit woozy.

-It's probably nerves.

-Better to be safe than sorry.

-I'm Dr Clay, from The Campus Surgery.

-Anita.

So you've been sick. Any other symptoms?

I've had stomach cramps since this morning

and been sick a couple of times.

Look at her skin. She's feverish.

Have you eaten anything unusual that might've upset you?

-You mean food poisoning?

-Yeah.

-Perhaps we should leave them to it?

I brought in the very best caterers!

-You do look a little flushed.

-You see? She's burning up!

See what these crash diets do to you?

-Sap your strength and all for fitting into a dress!

-Dad!

Maybe we could have some privacy.

Of course, Doctor. Come on.

-Right, how long have you had the symptoms?

-A few days.

Can I just check your pulse?

Your pulse does seem a little fast, might be nerves.

Have you been fatigued recently? Feeling more tired than normal?

Yeah, but I figured it was all cos of the wedding stuff.

When was your last period?

Erm, three weeks ago?

-I'm sorry, I can't remember.

-OK.

Erm...from the symptoms you're describing

it sounds as if you could be pregnant

-but I'd like you to do a pregnancy test, just to be sure.

-What?

We'll have to do a scan to be certain but, erm...

-Anita?

-No.

Well, I might be wrong but I'd just like to rule out the possibility.

I can't be pregnant. I'm sorry, I just can't.

It's food poisoning.

Yeah, why don't you do the test, and then we'll go from there.

It can come as a bit of a shock.

Do you want me to fetch the groom?

It's not his.

OK.

We haven't slept together yet. It's an arranged marriage.

-My father's going to kill me.

-Could you postpone the wedding?

Then everyone will know why. It'll crush Amit!

How could I be so stupid?

I can't have a baby. I'm getting married.

Maybe you should take some time, think this through?

I'll be fine. Thanks for coming.

Erm, look, I know it's none of my business but what about the fiance?

-What about him?

-Are you going to tell him?

-He'll be devastated.

-He's no idea what's going on?

I can't deal with this now. Excuse me.

Do you really think it's a good idea to start your marriage with a lie?

Who the hell are you to judge?! You don't know me, or my situation!

I know it's harder to hide a baby than an affair.

Just get out!

When I want a stranger's opinion, I'll ask for one!

-KNOCKING ON DOOR

-Come in.

-Hiya.

-What're you doing here?

I've found us new fumigators.

Ooh! Where'd you get these, this time?

My gaffer. He's got dogs and he swears by 'em.

But you have no idea how many jokes about liking it dirty

I had to go through to get the number.

-Well done.

-The only problem is, they can't come till tomorrow

and it's going to take them a few days to completely clear the house.

A few days?! The last lot took half the time.

Well, we could always both stay at Angie's?

No chance. Why don't we book into a hotel?

Make it like a holiday.

-Order room service, bit of pampering.

-Mm.

You might change your mind when you see the quote.

How much?!

-How are you feeling?

-Great! Excited.

I mean, if you want to push it back an hour or two, just to be sure?

I don't want to wait.

You've put so much into today. I won't be the one to spoil it.

Are you ready?

Erm, I just need to nip to the loo.

-You're pregnant.

-What?

-You're pregnant.

-I'm so sorry.

-We never, I mean, we've been waiting for each other.

-Amit, please...

-Whose is it?

-It doesn't matter.

-It matters to me!

Just someone from work. You don't know him. It's OVER!

-I said we couldn't be together, that I'm spoken for...

-That's not how it seems to me.

I can't believe it.

We've been betrothed to each other for years. Only a year, really...

Our families had this in mind since we were kids and you knew it, and you wanted it too!

-If it wasn't for uni, we'd be married already.

-We still can be!

Look, it was a mistake, right, and it's horrible,

but, please, let's just do it.

-Seriously?

-Yeah. Let's just go down and do this.

I don't think you understand what's happening.

Do you want to disgrace our families?

My father will never live this down.

-You're with someone else! How can I trust you now?

-Because it's over!

How? How is it over?!

What?

"Roasted quail and potato pancetta terrine.

"Balmoral venison..."

All washed down with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.

-What is this?

-Tonight's menu at Chateau Carter.

And may I also recommend some musical treats on BBC Four?

Verdi's Rigoletto.

Dr Carter, I do not want your pity.

I am not pitying you.

I want you to rescue me

from rattling around in my home, on my own.

Hmm.

It does look very tempting.

Well, maybe I could provide a creme brulee cheesecake?

Heavens, that's settled.

Well, do you not think it is a little unseemly that both of us...

Oh, who cares? We're not teenagers.

If we can survive the night with a mad farmer, we can survive anything!

Even a little gossip.

What's his name?

Don't do this.

-I want to know!

-David.

How long?

A few months, maybe more.

It just happened. We talked. There were sparks.

"Sparks." Something we don't have, right?

Do you think we do?

Well, yeah.

-What can I say?

-The truth!

I love you. You've been my best friend since we were kids.

-Isn't that enough?

-Obviously not, when you go whoring it up.

Hey! I can't help thinking of you as a brother, OK?

And then I meet this guy,

and he's romantic, and passionate, and exciting.

-I could've given you all of that.

-Really?

I can't remember the last time you even kissed me!

-You made a commitment to me.

-And I'm prepared to honour that.

What do you want from me? To fall into your arms?

To tell you I've been dreaming about this moment since I was 11?

My parents wanted this wedding before I even knew what the word meant!

All right! I get it.

I just want you to stop lying to me.

I will, I promise.

Tell me then...

..are you in love with him?

I'm sure the ceremony will start soon.

Please, help yourself to refreshments while we wait.

Don't worry, food poisoning has definitely been ruled out!

Amit? Amit?!

What's wrong?

Ask your daughter.

So, we're homeless. We're going to end up on Immie's sofa at this rate.

Oh, that's ever so kind of you to offer but we couldn't...

Well, do you think he'd mind?

Oh, you're a lifesaver!

Oh, I've got a patient. Erm...I've got to go.

Bye-bye, bye-bye, bye! Come in.

Shut the door.

David...the wedding's off...

..and I have some news. so call me back when you get this, please.

KNOCKING ON THE DOOR

-Please, Dad, just give me a minute.

-It's Amit.

-I'll leave quietly. I won't make a scene.

-Wait...

about earlier...

..I'm sorry. It was just a lot to take in.

-You had every right to be upset.

-Look...

I'm not exactly great at expressing my feelings.

It's just...

I'm not crazy about what happened...

but I made a promise to stand by you and I want to.

-I want to make a go of it.

-I'm packed to leave.

Now you don't have to.

If you don't want to, that is.

You still want me after everything I've done?

Well, yeah. I do.

What about the baby?

It's already one half of someone I care deeply about.

That's more than enough to let me love them...

..and I mean I'm not exactly the best looking guy in the world

so maybe it's a good thing he doesn't inherit my nose!

-He?

-Or she.

Have you thought this through?

The truth will come out that it's not yours.

I think you're worth it.

But you have to decide what you want.

Are you going to tell David about the child?

(I don't know.)

You wanted a big romantic gesture...

..here it is.

The rest is up to you.

This all looks lovely.

I'm glad you accepted the invitation.

We have lovely hors d'oeuvres, good wine...

..and Bach.

Well, if the food is as good as your music, we are in for a treat.

To a quiet night in.

DOORBELL RINGING

-Karen?

-We made it!

-Is something wrong?

-No.

Ooh, that smells lovely.

But you shouldn't have bothered cos we...

-we've bought fish and chips.

-Well, I didn't bother.

-Why are your bags outside?

-Hello?

-We're not interrupting anything, are we?

-No. Well, yes!

No! No.

It's just that Julia said we could stay a couple of nights

while our house is being de-flead.

Fleas?!

It's all right. We've been decontaminated.

Julia said that she would call.

PHONE RINGING

Oh! Well, that's, that's maybe her. Will I go? Yes?

Are you sure this is OK? Cos I don't mind paying for a hotel.

No, it's fine. I won't turn my friends away from the hearth.

Great. I'll get the other bags.

Are you moving in?

Dr Carter, as the good Lord says,

"You must always be a port in the storm."

I just think it's a bit off, Julia inviting people over

-without discussing it with me first.

-We'll be fine.

I'm sure we'll have a lovely time.

Anita?

Dr Clay! I need your help.

-What's happened?!

-I need to speak to you.

You couldn't go through with it then?

Oh, I could, but he found out

and then he didn't want to, and then he did,

-and then I thought I shouldn't. I don't know.

-So why are you here?

If I say anything to my family and friends they'll know what I've done.

Please, you've got to help me.

Mrs Tembe?

Oh, oh, no, thank you.

Another cold one, Karen?

Twisted my arm.

Fish and chips is a very surprising choice for the winner of Super Chef.

I've given my apron the night off.

We don't do snooty food every night.

Dr Carter's food is not snooty.

There is nothing wrong with having standards.

That's right. Got any ketchup?

-Afraid not.

-Ooh, er, is this gravy?

It's jus. It's a thinned sauce made from the meat's juices.

-Yeah. Gravy. Lovely.

-It's very delicate.

So, what's the plan for tonight?

Are we just going to curl up in front of the telly?

Dr Carter has a fine evening planned

and we would be happy to share it with you.

Great - as long as it's not too snooty.

No, after supper, you're in luck.

We're watching a fine rendition of Rigoletto.

You don't have to go through with it.

People have a right to choose who they want to be with -

to hell with anyone who says different.

Arranged marriage isn't the problem. It's a part of who I am.

It actually took the pressure off trying to find the perfect guy,

-being able to pick from vetted partners.

-Really?

How is it any different to dating sites? Or being set-up?

So what's the problem?

I can't back out the wedding now without destroying Amit

but then I lose David.

-Do you love him?

-Which one?

Well, if you don't know, you should cancel the wedding,

give yourself time to think.

-But I could lose them both!

-Maybe that's a good thing?

Try being alone for a while.

I was alone for too long, waiting for Amit.

The problem now is I've one too many guys.

Why did you come and see me about this?

The way you spoke to me earlier. I thought you'd help me be decisive.

Yeah, you want me to decide for you.

-That's not what I meant.

-Isn't it?

Cos you were happy for your parents to sort you out with a husband.

You even stuck to it when David came along.

Cancelling would hurt Amit and my dad. I'm thinking of them.

And then when Amit found out and told you he was done,

-you rolled over again.

-I fought for him to stay!

So why are you here?

I'm starting to wonder. I came for some advice, not a lecture!

OK, advice.

Well, my advice would be that you have to make a choice -

-maybe the biggest one you've ever made.

-I can't, OK?

Whatever happens, I'm a home-wrecking harlot!

What're you doing here?!

-What am

-I

-doing? You're having an affair!

-How did you find me?

-You took the limo.

Who do you think is paying for the driver?

I think we should all just calm down.

-Is this him? With his piercing eyes and boy band looks?

-It's not him!

Why didn't you tell me?

I don't want you hiding things from your own father.

-I want you to be happy.

-I was. I am!

I used to love the fact my wedding was sorted

but now it's smothering me.

I know it's tough.

Your mother and I were wed by arrangement -

it was hard at first but we grew together and love came.

Dad, there's something else...

..I'm pregnant and it's not Amit's.

Dad?

You mean to tell me...

..I'm going to be a grandfather?

Erm, I was thinking, your show's been on a while

and I wondered if we could change channels cos my soap starts soon?

-Soap?

-Yeah. It's what I'd watch at home, you know, to relax.

If I had a home.

-Well, I suppose it's only fair. Share and share alike.

-Ooh!

Can I just flick onto the football for one minute?

I've seen nothing of the first half.

They're not going to stop scoring in the second,

-just cos you're not watching 'em.

-You don't know that.

Excuse me, did anyone else in this room do the washing up? No?

Fine. Right, Heston. Can I listen to the radio, please, for the football?

-Yes, it's in the...

-Kitchen. Thank you.

I want you to rest...

-don't exert yourself.

-Dad, I'm only, like, six weeks along.

-That's 34 to go. I know my trimesters.

-PHONE BEEPING

-It's David. He says he can't talk but he loves me.

-Hm!

He does, Dad.

If he loves you so much, where is he?

Surely your white knight would ride in to stop this?

I told him not to come.

Ha! Nothing would've stopped me from being with your mother.

I would've fought through hell to be with her.

Even when she was sick, going back and forth to hospital,

I never left her side.

I know.

You don't.

This "perfect" man is about to lose you for ever

and, trust me, when that one person you love

is about to leave you for the last time...you are not late.

Amit's here.

Ready to stand by you - even take care of another man's child.

It may not be true love but it's a start.

Excuse me.

It's not that I don't like the game,

it's just become all about the money.

Go on, skin him! Go on, go on, skin him!

-Overpaid, preening pretty boys.

-Well, have a go then, go on!

Sometimes I like to swim naked, like I'm a giant fish.

-OH! Oh! We're getting there. Nearly, nearly.

-Nearly.

You're rubbish!

When did your mum pass away?

When I was still at school. Then it was just me and my dad.

-I bet he was over protective.

-You don't know the half of it.

He would've kept me wrapped in cotton wool, if he could.

But I always knew he meant well.

Yeah. The...

..the problem with other people deciding what's best for you

is you never really learn to decide for yourself.

You should try it alone for a while.

-What do you think I should do?

-Seriously?!

-You know what I mean.

Do you want to keep the baby?

Yeah.

Right then, only two people are important.

Not Amit, or David, or your dad - just you and your baby.

-And whatever you decide is best for you, then that's what happens.

-PHONE RINGING

-Hi.

-You came back!

And I won't be leaving again

but I'm having this baby, and I'm going to tell David too,

so if you're not ready for that, then I...

-Does that answer your question?

-Where did that come from?!

That's enough standing around - this venue is hired by the hour!

Where do you think you're going? You're part of this wedding now too.

All these people live immoral and scandalous lives. It is not proper.

Just give it a chance. You might like it.

-Well, who is that?

-That's Christine. She's a right piece of work.

Well, why has she come out half-dressed?

She's the village bicycle, if you know what I mean.

Well, it does not look very sturdy and reliable to me.

There's been a car crash, a murder,

and two affairs in the first 20 minutes.

Maybe they should consider moving away from this street?

Some of us are trying to watch.

I cannot believe they have actually paid someone to write this rubbish.

Right! That's it!

See, I don't mind your fancy food

and your music no-one under 60 would listen to

but, please, don't talk during my soap!

I am sorry

but the only reason I can see anyone watching this terrible programme

-is so that they can feel better about their own lives.

-Well, I like it!

And if you would stop being rude for five seconds,

and just watch it, you might see why.

And there's nothing wrong with my life, thank you very much.

-It's sensationalist tat!

-What about your blooming opera?

I mean, there's a deformed clown who murders his cross-dressing daughter

cos she's having an affair with a duke.

If that's not, "sensational tat," I don't know what is!

That, madam, is art.

My Jack's finger painting is art

but I don't make you watch it all night, do I?

Did you let your children watch this?

Surely it would scar their young minds?

Are you questioning my parenting skills?

I was only offering some constructive criticism.

I'm not taking advice on bringing up kids

from somebody who hasn't had any!

I, er... It is getting late. I think I had better go. Excuse me.

Please, don't leave me with these philistines.

Dr Carter, I do not want to cause an argument.

-No, it is getting very late...

-Fine, I will ask them to leave.

No! No, they are your guests and you should treat them as such.

Well, you're my guest too and I want you to stay.

Why don't we watch something that we'd all enjoy?

Like a live music extravaganza?

ROB! You're missing OMG! You Can Dance!

OMG!

-Am I a member of the

-Royal Family? No!

I'm fed up with her coming round.

When we bought this, they didn't tell us we had a sitting tenant.

What's the matter?

It's that awful man who bought my house.

Am I one of our Olympic heroes?

No!

Colin?

Charlie Chaplin?

No, you daft bat! You're Hitler!

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd