Scene I – The conversation takes place between a Goan Nationalist and a Portuguese Administrator on a patio.The Goan Nationalist believes that change is coming and that the Administrator is underestimating the danger. The Administrator believes that it wouldn’t be logical to change after fourteen years and that a cause must be developed to achieve liberty. The Goan Nationalist believes that there is a breaking point to patience and that freedom must be won, even through invasion if necessary. The Administrator questions whether self-determination or satyagraha (passive resistance) could be alternatives, but the Goan Nationalist states that they have already been tried and failed. The Administrator expresses his dislike for the word “liberation” and wonders if the Goan Nationalist will still feel the same if he is not present one day. The Goan Nationalist acknowledges that violence may occur but believes it is necessary for the larger good of the people. The conversation shifts to a discussion between a Vicar and a Goan Hindu about religious differences and caste distinctions. An old woman warns of impending catastrophe, and a smuggler talks about his role as a necessary evil in the nation. The scene transitions to Senhora Maria’s house, where Krishna and Senhora Miranda have an intimate conversation. Senhora Miranda expresses her pride in Krishna and his potential for greatness. Krishna reveals that he has a present for Senhora Miranda, a diamond ring. Senhora Miranda measures people’s worth based on their volume, density, and the stuff they are made of. Senhora Miranda questions Krishna’s true identity and asks if he would ever take her away from there. Krishna expresses his attachment to the place and his desire to possess it.
Krishna expresses his desire for Maria and claims that he never felt guilty about his feelings for Rose. Krishna warns Maria not to test his patience and not to take sides. Senhora Miranda questions Krishna’s true nature and accuses him of being hard, hateful, and violent. Krishna insists that he is soft and loving towards Rose. Senhora Miranda warns Krishna to be careful and not to let his opposing qualities consume him. Krishna reveals his sole desire in life is to have Rose, no matter the cost. Senhora Miranda expresses her fear of Krishna and his potential. Senhora Miranda admits her vulnerability and her need to be loved. Senhora Miranda shares the story of Rose’s deafness and her own superstitions about it. Krishna questions Senhora Miranda’s responsibility for Rose’s condition. Senhora Miranda denies responsibility and expresses concern for Rose’s future. Alphonso arrives and questions Krishna’s presence. Krishna asserts that he has taken Alphonso’s place. Senhora Miranda finds amusement in the situation and teases Alphonso. Senhora Miranda recalls Alphonso’s drunken behavior the previous night. Krishna acted as a nursemaid to Alphonso. Senhora Miranda goads the tension between Krishna and Alphonso.
Alphonso accuses Krishna of playing nursemaid and mocks him for drinking milk while he drinks whisky. Senhora Miranda supports Alphonso’s accusations and praises his instincts for being able to knock someone out. Krishna denies needing to drink anything and blames Alphonso for his own drunkenness. Senhora Miranda defends Krishna, stating that he doesn’t believe in violence and will resist Alphonso passively. Alphonso expresses his dislike for Krishna and his intentions to fight him. Senhora Miranda tries to convince Alphonso that Krishna is sweet and innocent, standing for principles and wanting what he believes is rightfully his. Krishna reveals that he manipulated Alphonso into getting drunk and accuses Senhora Miranda of using both of them. Alphonso and Krishna exchange heated words, with Alphonso challenging Krishna to a fight. Senhora Miranda expresses her fear and uncertainty about the situation. Krishna goes upstairs to Rose’s room, and Senhora Miranda pleads for him to stop. Krishna convinces Rose to come downstairs and meet her mother and an old friend. Senhora Miranda tries to stop Rose from going to Krishna, revealing that he has stained his love and whored it. Rose screams and rejects Krishna’s advances, running to her mother and then to the other side of the room. Alphonso attacks Krishna, and Rose pleads for him to stop. Krishna refuses to fight back and eventually leaves, promising to meet them later.
Scene II- The scene depicts a dramatic scene of violence and revenge. It begins with a stormy night and two men, Krishna and Alphonso, meeting at a tavern. Alphonso is fatally stabbed, and Krishna, consumed by hatred, stabs him again. Krishna then walks to Senhora Miranda’s house, where she is startled by his sudden appearance. Senhora Miranda tries to calm Krishna, but he reveals that he has killed Alphonso and claims that Senhora Miranda is now his. Senhora Miranda is in disbelief and pleads with Krishna, but he remains resolute. He accuses Senhora Miranda of ruining his innocence and reveals that Rose, who is mentioned throughout the text, is a reminder of her past. Krishna insists that Senhora Miranda must take revenge on Rose, and they proceed to Rose’s room. Rose screams in horror, and Senhora Miranda collapses while Krishna commands her to hold Rose. The scene ends with Rose’s screams fading into faint sobs.
Scene III- The scene is set in Goa after the Indian troops liberated it from Portuguese rule in 1961. The Goan Nationalist reflects on the invasion and its impact on India’s image. He acknowledges the occasional cases of rape but overall praises the behavior of the Indian troops. The Goan Nationalist mentions the current state of civil administration and the freedom of choice in Goa. He expresses nostalgia for his old friend and the fun they had together. The text shifts to a conversation between the Smuggler and Krishna, who is interested in a particular girl. The Smuggler offers to take Krishna to the girl’s house, emphasizing his ability to provide various services. Krishna hesitates but eventually agrees to go with the Smuggler. The Smuggler plays a macabre tune on a mouth-organ as they make their way to the girl’s house.
The smuggler informs Senhora Miranda about a shy customer who wants to visit her house but prefers dim lights and anonymity. Senhora Miranda expresses her concern about her daughter’s safety and insists on meeting the customer first. The smuggler reveals that the customer actually wants Senhora Miranda’s daughter, Rose. Senhora Miranda emphasizes her role in protecting her daughter and claims that Rose is not a whore but rather a virgin. Krishna questions Senhora Miranda’s actions and accuses her of turning Rose into a whore. Senhora Miranda defends herself, stating that Rose is clean and does everything the customer wants. Krishna becomes angry and demands that Rose speaks for herself. It is revealed that Rose is deaf and blind, and Senhora Miranda communicates with her through touch and lip-reading. Krishna becomes intrigued by Rose’s condition and decides to engage with her on her own terms. Rose goes upstairs to await Krishna, and the scene ends with her voice expressing her fear of darkness and longing for intimacy. The final scene reveals that Krishna has been killed, and Rose removes her blindfold to see his dead body.
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