The Community, Issue 3: Part 2.3

Page 62

Panel 1: Same setting/layout as the last panel of the previous page. The difference is she's firmly sat down on the nearest chair to her; her eyes now properly focused on the MP off-panel as she speaks.

JESMINDER

(Cont., to MP Rai; translated from Hindu)

I wore your campaign button to school when I was 12 the day after you were elected. Got into a fight at recess with two older boys.

JESMINDER

(Bubble 2; reacting to Panel 2, Bubble 1)

...For about two minutes. Then the principal came, and I got detention.

Panel 2: The MP smirks at the story, walking back over to her leather chair while glancing back at the young girl.

MP RAI

(impressed, to Jesminder; translated from Hindu)

Damn! Please tell me you won the fight.

MP RAI

(Bubble 2; reacting to Panel 1, Bubble 2)

Ah, got overruled by an old man. I can empathize with that.

Panel 3: A few moments later, Taravinder pulls out the chair and formally begins the interview; her left hand dusting off a section of her suit.

MP RAI

(Cont.)

Anyway, let's get started. Tell me a little bit about yourself

Panel 4: Back to Ms. Borah in the same setting/layout as Panel 1. She nods slightly while showing some trepidation that's noticeable in her answer.

JESMINDER

Well, I'm about to enter my final year of school. I was the vice president in my class this past term. Um...I love cricket, sweets, knitting...Bon Jovi.

MP RAI

(Off-Panel)

Really?

JESMINDER

(Bubble 2)

...I like the lead singer's hair. Also, the songs are genuinely good.

MP RAI

(Off-Panel, Bubble 2)

No shame, or disagreement really.

Panel 5: We move back to Taravinder; the setting and layout similar to Panel 3. In the first part, she pulls the chair in a few millimeters closer to the front of the desk.

MP RAI

(Cont.)

Now- where do you see yourself when you grow up?

MP RAI

(Bubble 2; reacting to Panel 6, Bubble 1)

All admirable goals. What about public service though?

Panel 6: Back to young Jesminder a beat later, reacting with a little bit of confusion at the question.

JESMINDER

Ummm...college, obviously. Maybe a consultancy or something with an NGO after that.

Page 63

Panel 1: Back to the MP; the setting and layout similar to Panel 5 of the previous page. Carrying on the train of thought she was on at that aforementioned panel, Taravinder leans forward to make her point.

MP RAI

(Cont., to Jesminder; translated from Hindu)

I mean, do you see yourself in my job one day?​

Panel 2: Jesminder chuckles nervously at the statement, flashing a nervous smile and blushing as she pictures herself in the position.

JESMINDER

(to MP Rai, translated from Hindu)

Not sure. I'd love to go into public office. To be possibly the 2nd female Prime Minister- that'd be amazing! But I..​

Panel 3: Taravinder chuckles lightly, leaning back slightly from her previous position in Panel 1. There's a glint of prior knowledge in her eyes, recognizing the apprehension from the young girl sitting in front of her.

MP RAI

(interjecting)

The Patriarchy's got you down. I know the feeling well; spent years dealing with the inner BS it pushes down on women.

MP RAI

(Bubble 2; reacting to Panel 4, Bubble 1)

Creativity and hope- no stronger tools to buffer yourself against the powerful. That and pot...

Panel 4: Back to Jes in the same setting/layout as Panel 2. The development intrigues the young girl at that point; the top half of her body leaning forward in anticipation for the answer.

JESMINDER

How do you do it?

Panel 5: We move back to Jes in the present days later, stepping out of a taxi with a pair of sunglasses on and regular, comfortable clothes on. You can see a little bit of a dilapidated housing complex in the background of the shot.

Caption

(Cont., MP Rai)

"Harness either of those tools, no matter what's in front of you...there isn't much you can't accomplish!"