SHANTI

He was at cross-roads in his life. Being an intern at a large hospital like AIIMS one barely had time to brush his own teeth leave alone any for socialising. ...yet there was Shanti, a 12 year old orphan, with eyes full of sparkle and a cherubic face, she was the live wire of the childrens ward.

Shanti was suffering from AIDS and both of her parents had sacrificed there lives on the same altar, leaving her to fight for her life. In the dreary confines of his life as an intern, Shanti had, with her resounding laughter, sweet nothings and ever present toothy smile, provided him with the reason and justification for his strife to become a doctor.

Two years have gone past but Raghu is very upset today, he will become a paediatrician tomorrow but there is no joy in that. Shanti died at 7 in the evening. She fought bravely till the end. Her last words of "Sweetu Anna bohot dard ho raha hai" again and again, were gnawing at his heart from within. He spent the night turning and tossing in his bed crying and thinking alternately. The pink glow of dawn brought him back to this world, he was serious but his eyes had a purpose he knew what was to be done.....

Twenty years since that fateful night, Raghu is enjoying a serious game of cricket. As Frederick the best bowler on the block comes tearing in, Raghu hits out with dogged determination and goes scampering for the run. They have to score two runs and he is the last batsman. Suddenly he feels small hands tearing at his shirt and weighing him down. The other side is not getting any nearer and he feels his legs giving away till he and the ten fielders around fall down in a heap, laughing and tumbling.

He is at Shanti Sadan, a home for orphans, every sunday he comes here to play and spend time with his freinds. His laughing face close to the ground with dirt on his nose Raghu starts shouting CHEATING! CHEATING! He is home at last, at peace with himself in the beautiful environs dedicated to his best freind Shanti. Among his own,an orphan among orphans.