Brain

[Scene 14]

(Joining day in Jai's new school)

HOMEROOM - Guys! I want you to meet, Jai. Our new student from Singapore.

ALL - Oho!

JAI - Hi, I'm Jai.

NATHAN - How was Singapore?

JAI - Good, very nice city.

ARMAAN - You like Bombay so far?

JAI - Looks good, so far.

ALL - Hehehe.

LAYLA - What do you miss about Singapore?

JAI - My friends and memories there.

ALL - Aw...

HOMEROOM - So yes, welcome to École Mondiale. Hope you enjoy your time here (smiles).

[Scene 15]

(Jai is having a blast in his new school)

NITISH - Hey! Jai, bro! come here na!

JAI - Yes?

NITISH - We'll do some shots upstairs?

JAI - Yes, why not?

(they play basketball upstairs and have a great time - now end of day)

MUM - Hi!

JAI - What're you doing in school, ma?

MUM - First day, right? came to see you.

JAI - It was fun (notices other students giving all their bags to the maids). You saw that?

MUM - What?

JAI - The students, giving all their load on the maid.

MUM - Yes, I know. It's an international school, Jai. Not like Singapore, because you'll find big shots around here.

JAI - You never told me about this.

MONICA - Bye, Jai! have fun here!

JAI - Bye.

MUM - Who's that?

JAI - Monica.

MUM - Monica? last name?

JAI - I think it's Lulla.

MUM - What did I just tell you? you have direct connection with big shots.

JAI - What?

MUM - That Monica's father owns Eros International, you know, this film company.

JAI - (Eyes wide open) Oh shit!

MUM - Did I really not tell you?

JAI - No, and please tell me more.

MUM - Actress Kajol's daughter studies here, and is two years younger than you.

JAI - We get to meet Kajil during Parents teacher meets?!

MUM - Quiet down, Jai. Things are like that here. Just make sure you don't get influenced by their habits.

JAI - Habits?

MUM - You'll know it.

[Scene 16]

(Next day in school)

MURALI - Umm....new guy?

JAI - Yes, I'm Jai.

MURALI - I'm Murali.

JAI - Tamil?

MURALI - How did you know?

JAI - Your name.

MURALI - Yes, but, I don't speak it. I'm brought up here.

JAI - I see.

MURALI - Come with me.

(they attended classes together and were like good buddies)

MURALI - Stick with me if you want to succeed in life.

JAI - Why?

MURALI - It's not like where you're from. There people like us who want to succeed, then there are those who are ready to take over their parent's company.

JAI - Seriously.

MURALI - Take for example, Monica. Her father owns-

JAI - Eros International.

MURALI - Yes, but look at her. (Whispers) No offense, but I don't think she's ready to take over the family business.

JAI - Why?

MURALI - She's dumb as anything.

JAI - That's mean.

MURALI - Listen, I've had NRI friends before. What you call dumb over there is much less here.

JAI - I don't get it.

MURALI - I'll give you an analogy: there are the lazy ones, and then there are hardworking ones like us.

JAI - So, Monica's not intellect?

MURALI - She wants to become a film director, yet she's not committed to do the stuff. We had film project in IT last year, she slacked off and got a 2.

JAI - 2 on 7?!

MURALI - Calm down, you'll find at least 10 people of that sort here.

JAI - So...10 out of 35 get 2s here?

MURALI - We have intellects in this country, bro. Not so much in rich schools like this. If you go to public schools, or even better, South India, you find them.

JAI - Hmm....

MURALI - You want to know one thing? this same Monica girl, had a crazy 15th birthday party last year. It was during the Easter break, when she called everyone to come to Goa.

JAI - Okay.

MURALI - You don't know what happens in Goa?

JAI - No idea.

MURALI - You go there to get drunk and to go clubbing.

JAI - Woah.

MURALI - I know what you're thinking. This shit doesn't happen in Singapore. Yes, it doesn't. Hey! welcome to India. Being an Indian, and kind of a realist, I admit we have severe loopholes. Which was why these guys all had hangovers in school.

JAI - Hangover?!

MURALI - You have a week's break, and she chose for everyone to drink heavily at her party the day before. You should've seen it. It was like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, meets Walking Dead.

JAI - TMI.

MURALI - Huh?

JAI - Too much information.

MURALI - Just keeping you informed. Beware.

JAI - Well, o-okay. I'll have to mingle with these guys eventually.

MURALI - Mingle with them, that's fine. Don't be like them, that's my advice here. You're getting advice from a guy who's been sincere with hard work from Grade 1. I've seen these dudes from Day one, elementary. It's like-

JAI - I got it (walks off).

MURALI - Meh.

[Scene 17]

(Weekends - Jai and family tour around Mumbai)

DAD - Well? how are you liking school?

JAI - Good.

MUM - What happened? you seem dull.

JAI - It's nothing.

MUM - Tell us.

JAI - Fine. I have this friend called Murali in school.

DAD - Oh, Tamil?

JAI - Yes, but can't speak it.

DAD - Aw.

JAI - So yes, he advised me on this school's happening and all. Now I'm kind of skeptic about this shift.

MUM - Why?

JAI - He told me all about the behaviors of these guys, and events and all.

MUM - Listen, Jai. We knew this from the start. We didn't want you to distract yourself with all this nonsense.

DAD - Right. Your job is to succeed in life and do what's right for yourself. I don't know about rich students in India, but having studied in a Public school myself, I can tell you that all sorts of bullying and loots can happen.

MUM - We're not in the 1960s.

DAD - Okay, so bullying isn't an issue. Abuse and behavior can be the issue. It's those issues around peer pressure. You should be able to tackle it easily.

MUM - If someone offers you something, refuse.

DAD - Yes, please play safe. You don't know if they could be drugging you.

JAI - You never mentioned this disclaimer.

DAD - Jai, it's all a learning experience. It may not be in your school. But I've heard it still happens. In fact, my own father, I'm quite ashamed to admit it. He too was introduced to smoking by peer pressure back then.

MUM - Again, not ancient times.

DAD - Shut up, dear. Point is, be careful. If you think this Murali mouth is disturbing you, then by all means just stay away from him. He'll probably make you panic for everything.

MUM - It's nothing, Jai. India's a great place. Just because we're coming back here after a decade, we're being bombarded by all these safety procedures. Here, the Queen's Necklace.

(they see Queen's Necklace and tour around the area - they tour about South Bombay together)

[Scene 18]

(Next day morning)

DAD - I found a house.

MUM - Great, where?

DAD - A pent house in Oshiwara.

MUM - Andheri West, right?

DAD - Yes.

JAI - (Wakes up) Oh nice.

DAD - Pent house, Jai.

MUM - I guess all other houses are small.

JAI - India is the home to 1.3 billion people. That in mind, so we have smaller space for each person to live in.

DAD - Okay....quite insightful.

MUM - Today, we're going around North Bombay today.

JAI - Oh great.

MUM - I'll buy Bisleri Water, Jai. Don't drink water from the taps like Singapore.

JAI - Thanks for telling me, at late notice.

DAD - You drank from the taps?

JAI - It was an accident, I forgot.

DAD - Oh come on, Jai. Be sensible, alright? this is India, water isn't clean right out of the pipes. We get it from Bisleri or Aquafina.

JAI - Fine.

(they go touring around North Bombay - In places like Juhu, Andheri etc)

[Scene 19]

(Night time - Lokhandwala Market, at High Point restaurant)

DAD - Come, this is a good restaurant I heard.

WAITER - Order?

DAD - Dho plate, Masala Dosa. What do you want, Jai?

JAI - Same as you guys.

DAD - Theen plate, Masala Dosa.

WAITER - Okay (leaves).

MUM - That was a good tour today, right? Juhu and Andheri.

DAD - Highlight was Prithvi Theatre tour and the food court at Infiniti Mall.

JAI - Sure (thinking hard).

MUM - You okay, Jai? tired? you have school tomorrow. We'll have the driver ready to pick us up.

JAI - Sure.

DAD - Jai, tired?

JAI - Not really.

DAD - Then?

JAI - What's the gap?

DAD - Gap?

JAI - Yesterday we went to South Bombay, today North Bombay. Both parts of the city are so different.

DAD - How?

JAI - Look at how developed that part of the city is, and look at the North. Almost abandoned from development.

MUM - Jai, that's ridiculous. You know one thing? Actor Amitabh Bachchan lives in North Bombay. He's not a fool to live here if there's no development.

JAI - I mean, if you look at it. It's only the airport that's all nice and high-fi. The moment You move further into the city, it gets worse.

DAD - Well, it's not Singapore. India is still getting there, my friend.

JAI - Still?

MUM - Jai.

JAI - Look at the roads, infrastructure, quality of living in the south. Then look here, the roads are like bumpy, and full of gravel and construction sand here and there.

MUM - If a city is developing it has to be that way, Singapore didn't jump the entire lap. They had Lee Kuan Yew and all the other great people lead Singapore throughout. One of their phases was this.

JAI - But-

DAD - You mean to say North Bombay isn't proper?

JAI - Well, technically no.

DAD - Then?

JAI - I mean, India as a whole. It's the same everywhere in this country. That day we went to Jaipur, only the first few sections of land were developed - the rest?

DAD - It's a marketing technique, Jai.

JAI - Explain.

DAD - See, people want to feel welcome when they arrive anywhere in this country, for example. For that, they use the power of aesthetics to make the airport area very pleasing for people. Then, there's us, who are still working on developing other parts of the city.

JAI - Why not develop land for those who are already living, then for those who are yet to arrive?

DAD - Well....

WAITER - (Places their food) Dosa (leaves).

(Jai picks up the glass of water on the table)

DAD - No, don't.

(Jai puts down the cup)

DAD - Drink Mineral Water. Don't rely on this.

JAI - Still, there's one thing I can't get straight. If we already many smart people in this country, what's holding us back?

MUM - How does this relate? eat your Dosa, Jai. You're probably hungry.

JAI - (Eating Dosa) I don't understand. If education is the solution to solving problems and putting an end to the bad, what's holding us back?

DAD - No, no. Education can't always be the solution. What you just said is controversial. You can be someone uneducated and still bring about a change.

JAI - Well....did it? I'm hearing all sorts of news in papers about school toppers getting perfect 500/500, or even acheiving top grades and all. Great! it's been happening in my times, even in your times, and dad you're one of them. Still, if news like this is so common, then why haven't we solved problems like these quickly?

(Silence)

JAI - I mean, sure, this country is getting better by the time. India wasn't the same as it was when I was born. At times, I just feel things are pretty slow, and sometimes feel we're lazy.

DAD - Eat up, Jai. You're hungry, and that's making you cranky. We've had a long day today.

JAI - Dad, come on.

DAD - You have school tomorrow. We can pick this up tomorrow.

(Finishes his Dosa)

DAD - Why?

JAI - What?

DAD - You think the nation is quite lazy?

JAI - Sure.

DAD - Why?

JAI - Let me give you an analogy. Everyday you see me, but you can't tell the rate at which I'm growing day by day. Yet, our grandparents, we visit once every year. They are comfortably able to say that we've grown significantly. Why is that? Someone whom I've lived with most of my life, yet someone I visit once a year, can point out the difference. Likewise the same this.

MUM - You're really philosophical.

JAI - Can someone please explain how?

MUM - How what?

JAI - If we have the potential to launch a rocket to Mars, then why can't we develop our country's standard of living?

DAD - That's a good question. Whatever the answer is, I believe it's due to opportunities elsewhere.

JAI - Tell me more.

DAD - Why do you think I left for Hong Kong and Singapore? I could've stayed put in Chennai. I had a better opportunity overseas, standard of living, education, everything. It was pitch perfect for me and the family.

JAI - Makes sense.

DAD - Tell me, if you were a Scientist, would you want to live in the same harsh conditions? or in a place that has the canvas set for you?

(Jai is silent)

DAD - Something you might want to think about. Let's go, it's getting late.

(Jai and the family leave for home)

[Scene 20]

(At School - Before Geography Class Begins)

JAI - And....I just couldn't get my head around this issue. I mean, why didn't you leave for abroad?

MURALI - Me? Why me?

JAI - You're dad has the same status as mine. Why couldn't you guys move elsewhere if choices are better?

MURALI - Well, that was our choice. We have a family here in Mumbai, apart from that, we don't want to lose contact with the rich culture and heritage here. It's something you won't get when you go elsewhere like the US, even Singapore.

JAI - True.

MURALI - I bet you couldn't even celebrate Diwali there.

JAI - We did, but we're restricted to only burst crackers.

MURALI - You see? Though opportunities are better elsewhere, you'll be missing out on culture and family. Our family values work, as well as culture and famil equally. It's why we didn't move.

JAI - I see.

MURALI - Problem is, you just don't know what it's like to be an Indian like me. Sure I'm kind of a realist, but regardless of that I have a strong background of an ideal Indian. I celebrate festivals, watch cricket every now and then, travel to places like Ladakh and Kerala, I even speak the dominant language: Hindi.

JAI - I don't get why Hindi is a dominant language.

MURALI - The capital is Delhi. People speak Hindi there, therefore it's Hindi. Apart from that, majority of the states speak Hindi. That's majority against the languages which have only one state speaking it. Even here, people speak Hindi as well as Marathi.

JAI - It doesn't happen back in Tamil Nadu though.

MURALI - I've read the headlines a couple of times about how our home state had attempts on getting rid of Hindi. Something on the lines of being "Anti-Hindi Speaking" State.

JAI - I see.

(Geography Teacher walks in)

MS. OYNDRILLA - Hello class, how's everyone doing? Jai, new student. You adjusted to our school?

JAI - Yes, miss.

MS. OYNDRILLA - That's good to hear. Today, we'll be continuing with the topic Population and Migration. Where did we last leave off?

ARMAAN - Miss, about push and pull factors about MEDCs and LEDCs.

MS. OYNDRILLA - Yes. So let's review (drawing a table on the whiteboard) Let's do push and pull factors of MEDCs first. Armaan, name one pull factor.

ARMAAN - Miss, better opportunities.

MS. OYNDRILLA - Yes, more and better opportunities. Simran?

SIMRAN - Better Standard of Living.

MS. OYNDRILLA - Yes, so in terms of quality of living, food, and other basic necessities, good. Shyla?

SHYLA - Better income?

MS. OYNDRILLA - Yes, as the economy is great in MEDCs compared to LEDCs. Jai? give it a go?

(Jai remembers all that his father mentioned last night)

JAI - Um....education?

MS. OYNDRILLA - Yes, for schooling and university. That can come under opportunities too.

JAI - Okay.

(Jai realizes that this lesson might solve his questions)

MS. OYNDRILLA - Okay, and now the push factors. What are the problems of moving into MEDCs? Let's look at this in the context of people from LEDCs moving into MEDCs.

MURALI - Language Problems, miss.

MS. OYNDRILLA - Yes, language could be a problem, thus restricting some knowledgable immigrants from getting top-notch jobs. Anyone else?

VATSAN - Miss, Racism?

MS. OYNDRILLA - Yes, Racism is another factor. We can say that this could lead to cultural conflicts too, right?

VATSAN - Yes.

MS. OYNDRILLA - Good, Aarav?

AARAV - Huh?

MS. OYNDRILLA - Give me another push factor.

AARAV - Um....(not paying attention as he was playing games on his MacBook)

MS. OYNDRILLA - Were you paying attention?

(everyone draws attention towards Aarav)

AARAV - I was, miss.

MS. OYNDRILLA - Then? why do you have your laptop open? this is discussion time. Close your laptop.

(Aarav closes his laptop)

MS. OYNDRILLA - Tell me.

AARAV - I don't know.

MS. OYNDRILLA - Pay attention, Aarav. This is the tenth time this semester. I'll call up your parents if you distract yourself with these gadgets. This is a warning to everyone else as well. No distractions while class time. Only do so when instructed.

MURALI - (Whispers) What did I tell you?

JAI - Shush.

MS. OYNDRILLA - Well then, another push factor?

JAI - Miss, could this lead to religious conflict as well?

MS. OYNDRILLA - Yes, definitely. This is a good point. We can connect this with cultural conflicts and Racism as they're all related. Good, any other points?

(Class is silent)

MS. OYNDRILLA - That's good. Now then, I'll move on to the "Brain Drain" Phenomena. This is a phenomena by which there is net movement of educated people moving out of their home country, and off to developed countries.

(Jai is very much interested in this discussion)

MS. OYNDRILLA - What we've just discussed, the push and pull factors, they are all in relation to this phenomena. Can anyone name which type of countries will be greatly affected?

JAI - Miss, LEDCs?

MS. OYNDRILLA - Correct. LEDC countries are mostly affected.

(Jai remembers his dad's example about the scientist - last night)

MS. OYNDRILLA - This phenomena has greatly affected countries like India.

(Jai is even more interested)

MS. OYNDRILLA - Can anyone tell me why?

MURALI - Miss, better opportunities abroad. As in, the pull factors of MEDCs.

MS. OYNDRILLA - That's a good way to summarise it. This is basically to do with everything mentioned about the pull factors of MEDCs. Let's move into the cause and effects of the "Brain Drain" phenomena.

ARMAAN - Loss of educated people could mean reduced productivity.

MS. OYNDRILLA - That is true, as the very educated have moved abroad for better opportunities. Anything else?

SIMRAN - Economic Growth.

MS. OYNDRILLA - Yes, if many people move abroad then there'll be less people working. If not, then this will mean many people with fewer skills being employed.

JAI - But, isn't that raising employment rate of the country? because of the net migration of skilled people, this would open opportunities for the others.

MS. OYNDRILLA - True, but many of those won't fit under the criteria for attaining the job posts. Say we have many software engineers leave India to USA, and this is true as it has happened. Can we have people who are not properly qualified to take up those jobs?

JAI - No.

MS. OYNDRILLA - Yes, so it puts burden on the productivity and economic growth. If more people leave a country, it means the remaining workforce have to work even harded to satisfy the country's growth. Otherwise, many factors such as value of currency, products, and so on, they will become higher. Jai!

JAI - Yes, miss?

MS. OYNDRILLA - You came from Singapore, right? what is the exchange rate of Singapore dollars to Indian rupees?

JAI - Miss, I believe 1 dollar is 50 rupees.

MS. OYNDRILLA - Keeping in mind the exchange rate told by Jai. If suppose we lose even more skilled workers in this country, the existing workforce will have to work even harder to satisfy the country's growth. It's a challenging task, and if they can't, then 1 Singapore Dollar could equal 55 rupees, or 60 rupees, and it can keep going.

VATSAN - Say there's a possible solution to this, what would it be?

MS. OYNDRILLA - Possible solutions would be to open up better opportunities in fields such as education and jobs for people. That way, more people can be given access to education, and by doing so they can comfortably work in their home country.

(Jai understands the concept clear in his head, and leaves the class happy about learning the answer to his queries)

[Scene 21]

(At their new home in Oshiwara - eating dinner)

MUM - Finally, this day took forever. The packers have been unloading the furniture from morning. They just left two hours ago.

DAD - That long?

MUM - Well, our bed and the extendable sofa took long. It didn't fit in the elevator so they had to bring it up the steps.

JAI - They carried them up fourteen floors?!

MUM - Well yes, and you were busy doing homework to even realize this. Not to mention we had to have them remove the covering, and place the furniture in its place.

DAD - I see.

MUM - Although, they did have a small tea break in he afternoon, but that was it.

JAI - I found the answer.

DAD - Answer to what?

JAI - What you told me last night, at the restaurant. It makes perfect sense.

DAD - I told you to think about it, not come up with an answer.

JAI - It was during Geography class, we were learning about Population and Migration. Ms. Oyndrilla talked about this phenomena called "Brain Drain". It's about net migration of skilled people from home country to developed countries.

DAD - I see.

JAI - Now I'm just glad I took up Geography instead of History.

MUM - Yes, because what are you going to do, learning about old stuff?

JAI - Just saying, my initial choice was History.

DAD - You're into thinking about tomorrow, not fixing the path of yesterday.

JAI - Nice reference!

DAD - Get to the point. What's the solution?

JAI - If a country loses skilled people, it puts pressure on existing workforce in the country to work harded. Otherwise, the value of currency can go higher. Existing people can't take up very skilled jobs like software engineering, unless they are qualified. That puts pressure on unemployment.

DAD - I see.

JAI - It all makes perfect sense. You as Actuary, demand more income, and for that you go off to places like Hong Kong and Singapore, where value of currency is good because of great economic growth.

(Dad just sips his water - amused over Jai's conclusions)

JAI - Standard of living though too. Stuff like proper roads, proper food and water, housing. It all makes perfect sense.

DAD - Ehem....solution?

JAI - We just have to make sure education and better opportunities are offered here. That way, more people get access to proepr education, and can consider a job here in this country.

DAD - Well then, (gets up) good lesson that was (leaves).

JAI - What's with, dad?

MUM - I've told you many times to not talk about a man's earnings. They're very personal.

JAI - I was just stating the facts, he was the one who asked for details.

MUM - Jai, there are certain things you don't ask or discuss. Never talk to students about their percentages, never talk to women about their age and weight, and never talk to men about the earnings (leaves the table).

JAI - Mum! Mum!

MUM - Are you going to finish that biriyani?

JAI - Yes, I'm really hungry.

MUM - Just be careful. It's outside food, and looks too orange.

JAI - Mum, these guys would've been sued by now for delivering poison to everyone's doorsteps.

MUM - Well, you never know. You're the guy who drank tap water when you got here.

(Jai continues to eat)

[Scene 22]

(At School - during break)

MURALI - You got your answer didn't you.

JAI - Yes, I'm glad I attended that class.

MURALI - I told you about that Aarav.

JAI - Murali, please. Stuff like this happens at times.

MURALI - Not when you do it for the tenth time this semester. More specifically, this first month of the academic year.

JAI - Oh wow (feels his stomach churning badly).

MURALI - Well?

JAI - I-I'll be back.

(Runs to the bathroom - and has diarrhea)

JAI - (Leaving the bathroom) That was not good.

MURALI - Well?

JAI - You're waiting outside the entire time? that's creepy.

MURALI - Well, I don't play basketball like those gorillas.

JAI - You need to learn to stop exxagerating about everything.

MURALI - Hey, when you're bombared by shit, you just have to tell.

(In English Class)

MS. ELAINE - Now then, moving on to the court scene. This is a debatable argument: was the court scene a fair trial? and was justice served to Shylock?

(Jai feels uneasy and asks to be excused - he vomits outside class)

CLEANER - Hey, hey, bathroom hai na?

JAI - Y-Yes, I'll go.

(He goes to the bathroom and vomits)

JAI - That's not good, either.

[Scene 23]

(At the nurse's room - Jai is lying in bed)

MUM - (Arrives) Where's Jai?

NURSE - Jai's mother?

MUM - Yes, Jai?

(goes to see Jai)

MUM - Now, why did you call me? shouldn't you be in class?

JAI - I told you I don't feel well.

MUM - Stomach ache right?

JAI - Diarrhea too.

MUM - Hmm....I told you not to eat the Biriyani completely.

JAI - You ate the same food too.

MUM - Come on, we didn't drink tap water.

JAI - Please just help me, I want to go home. I can't bear the pain.

MUM - Alright, alright. You finish your last two classes for the day. It's lunch time now, I'll buy you some yoghurt and plain rice from the canteen. Eat up and finish the day off.

JAI - But-

MUM - Jai, listen.

[Scene 24]

(After attending the last two classes he is at home resting with fever)

MUM - Fever, right?

(Doctor has come home to see Jai)

DOCTOR - Yes, that too High Fever. Do you feel any shivering?

JAI - No.

DOCTOR - Body pain?

JAI - Yes.

DOCTOR - Vomiting sensation?

JAI - Yes, w-whenever I eat.

DOCTOR - Hmm....how's your stool?

JAI - I think Diarrhea.

DOCTOR - Give him Paracetamol, along with the indigestion tablets. Don't give him any fizzy drinks. I recommend Minute Maid juice.

MUM - How about his diet?

DOCTOR - For now, no spicy food. His digestive system seems to be malfunctioning of some sort.

MUM - Okay.

DOCTOR - That's all from my side.

MUM - Thank you. How much is the fee?

DOCTOR - 2000 Rupees, consultation fee.

(Mum pays up)

MUM - Thank you, doctor. (Turns to Jai) Headache? Drowsiness?

JAI - (Soft voice) Yes.

MUM - Don't take rest just yet, it's 6pm. I have to light a lamp for Goddess Lakshmi.

JAI - Mum, I think Goddess Lakshmi better understand that my health is not fine.

MUM - Stay awake, and she'll promise speedy recovery. These are just some rules you'll have to follow.

[Scene 25]

(At the Dinner table)

DAD - Feeling good, Jai?

JAI - (Sick) No.

DAD - What happened all of a sudden?

MUM - It's the biriyani, the tap water, all put together.

DAD - You need to careful, Jai.

JAI - Yes, but I don't see why the biriyani. They would've been sued by now if-

DAD - Jai, remember what you told about standard of living last night? it's not that great like Singapore here. You need to be careful. This was our first lesson here. Now onwards, be careful. 10th Grade now, you can't afford to take too many leaves.

JAI - Sure (after finishing his meal he rushes to the bathroom to vomit).

MUM - Oh dear.

JAI - (Returns) That was my dinner, I vomitted everything I just ate.

DAD - I'm not liking where this is going.

JAI - Applying my Biology knowledge, I just lost all the energy I obtained. I'm basically relying on the carbohydrates and fats I consumed from lunch time in school.

MUM - Here, I'll prepare a herbal mix for you to drink. You'll get better.

JAI - Thanks.

MUM - Meanwhile, do some steaming. To help relieve you of your headache and all.

JAI - Sure.

[Scene 26]

(Next day Morning - Jai is found shivering very badly)

MUM - (Crying) Jai, Jai! please stop shivering!! what're you doing?! i-it's 34ºC! please stop.

JAI - (Weak and Shivering) I-I can't ma, it's health.

MUM - Here, here (crying) have this third blanket on you.

(Jai is still shivering)

MUM - Don't shiver, Jai. You're scaring me.

(Jai is still shivering)

MUM - (Crying) Jai! Jai! no!! (picks up the intercom phone and calls neighbour) Hello? Shashi? can you come over? I'm really scared.

(Neighbour Shashi shows up)

SHASHI - What happened, dear?

MUM - It's Jai, look, he won't stop shivering. It's his third layer of blanket.

SHASHI - (Checks his temperature and all) Hmm....I see.

MUM - I don't know where to go now. I-Is it Malaria?

SHASHI - Shouldn't be the problem, they're fogging here once every week.

MUM - (Crying) Well, h-he did eat bad food and water.

SHASHI - Was he vomiting his food out after consuming?

MUM - Yes, yes.

SHASHI - That's the problem, he's quite weak. The food he ate, he immediately vomited it out. He has little or no energy. So he's shivering to preserve body heat.

MUM - (Tears) I see. What should I do now?

SHASHI - Have you seen Dr. Gopalan?

MUM - Yes, yes we have.

SHASHI - It looks quite serious here. Better take him to Ambani hospital.

MUM - S-Sure.