PERANBU
I am writing this story based on a few select incidents from my life.
And I write this just so you realise how blessed your lives are.
Compassionately yours, Amudhavan.
Sir, look at your daughter.
Didn’t I tell you everything will be fine once you move here?
Paapa, Paapa!
Look over there.
Look that way!
That’s the house your daddy has bought for you!
Do you see it?
Arianna, I’ve told all your stories.
I'll be staying here for another 3 days. Is it okay?
Okay.
Just be careful. Real-estate guys are really keen on this property.
I gave this to you, just for your daughter.
She'll be better here.
Thanks.
Chapter One.
Nature is hateful.
What's this?
Mom.
Good night.
Paapa.
What happened?
I don’t know. She’s been like this for a while now.
Paapa.
Generally people who come across children like my Paapa empathise...
...and shower affection upon them.
But this children never know the reality that such affectionate people will be gone soon.
Like the last born kitten never knows it will soon be a meal of its mother.
Paapa.
I started writing this letter after the fifth minute you called me from the airport.
I will not be at home by the time you reach there.
You left on the pretext of work to Dubai and...
...in these 11 years you hardly came home for 100 days.
After you came to know that our child is spastic...
...you came less frequently and eventually stopped coming.
All these days, as a mother...
...I took good care of our child and trained her my best.
But your mother, your sister-in-law, this town and my mind...
...have tormented me and made me a bad mother as well.
All these years I have taken care of her. Now, it's your turn!
I am leaving.
I am leaving with a man who loves and respects me.
To put it loud and clear, "I am eloping with another man!".
Hello.
Thangam!
Reached home? - Yes!
Dear... I am your dad.
Don't scream dear, I am your dad.
Don't scream dear...
Don't scream dear! Daddy... - Hey Amudhavan, open the door.
Hey Amudhavan, open the door.
Shut her mouth, do it now.
Don't scream. Neighbor Aunty will loosen her dogs.
What happened Paapa? -Shut her mouth.
He's your daddy.
It's ok. Don't cry dear.
Listen to me dear.
Mom? -Mom... She will come soon.
Mom! That eloped one should have dragged this thing along with her.
Mother, stop the rubbish!
I have been asking you to banish this kid since her birth.
At least listen to your mother now.
Okay. You eat on your own.
I will get some water.
Paapa.
Paapa... - Uncle.
Do you know what you should do, to be friends with Paapa?
What should I do? -One second
You should keep this hand like this; other hand like this.
Keep the mouth like this.
Keep the legs apart like this.
Then if you walk she will like you.
Hey, what are you doing? Go inside. -Mom!
You better bring your wife back and move to a separate house.
Your mom and your wife can never be in good terms.
My daughter keeps imitating your daughter. I fear, that one day she will turn like her.
Isn't it troublesome enough for me to be married to your brother?
All these years I was worried why Paapa is not like other children.
But when I tried walking like her, I realised...
...comparing one person with another is brutal.
What happend Paapa? Why are you crying?
Shall daddy take this to doctor and make it fly?
Would you like to come with me?
Shall I leave, then?
Please wait, my son will come now.
The residents' association members have come. Talk to them.
Hello. Welcome. Please sit.
Mom, get coffee for everybody.
Sir, we are not here to drink your coffee. Take a seat. We need to talk.
Tell me sir.
Mr.Krishnan, you tell him.
We have already spoken about this to your wife and mother many times.
Please vacate this house.
Don't mistake us.
We understand your situation. You should think about ours too, right?
We built homes with our lifetime savings to spend our retirement life peacefully.
We are sick as well.
Each time your daughter screams, we almost get killed.
We are house owners. You are a tenant. You're obliged to listen to us.
Where do we go? Wherever we go, the issue is the same.
How does that matter to us?
It's the fruit of your sins! You should bear it yourself.
Give us a solution! - Yes, I will!
Get lost!
This man doesn't seem to comply. Let's go to the police. Come, let's go.
Why do you need a house in an isolated place?
He is a nature lover.
He wishes to live his life in the green pastures.
That is not true, sir.
Every Tom, Dick and Harry in this town knows that my wife eloped.
It's embarrassing to walk on these streets.
My daughter is unwell.
Even my kith and kin don’t like my daughter.
What happened to your daughter?
In English language, it is called as 'spastic'.
What medicines do you give?
I am not giving any medicines.
Alopathy, Homeopathy, Ayurveda or Siddha.
None of them has a cure for it.
And this is not even a disease, that needs to be cured with medications.
This is how she was born. This is how she will be forever.
Sorry sir.
That house is owned by a foreigner.
She wants to sell it to someone who's genuine and good.
They are very eco-friendly people.
You should not get an electricity connection or commercialize it.
They have few conditions like that.
Any condition is fine with me.
I need a place where humans never intrude and sparrows never die.
Paapa.
Daddy is going out.
I’ll come back only in the evening.
Chapter two.
Nature is wondrous.
After that, I stayed outside when she was inside.
And she stayed outside when I was inside the home.
We started to live our life like the sun and the mist.
Dear, see what daddy has got for you!!
Horse...
I named it Nail Polish. Come out, Paapa.
In the days that followed, lights of harmony began to shine.
One, two, three...
Paapa.
After one, two, three, it’s four.
One, two, three...
Four.
One, two, three, four, five, six.
One, two, three...
Whether we know to count till three or three million, we can't count the stars!
What's the point in knowing the numbers that can't be counted!
My regrets that, Paapa didn't know many things...
...became tinier than the star that shone at the farthest horizon.
Paapa, won't you ever talk to daddy?
Tell me.
Am I too serious?
Shall I become more cheerful?
You like music, right?
Shall I sing? Shall I? Wait, wait.
♪ old Malayalam song ♪
You didn't like it, right?
I will sing another song.
♪ old Tamil folk song ♪
Alright, you didn't like this one too, right?
I will sing a Hindi song.
♫ One two three four five six seven eight nine♫
No no...
♫ One two three ♫ ♫ One two three ♫
Daddy knows only this much of Hindi.
Alright, Daddy will sing one special song!
♪ Singing gibberish ♪
Paapa.. Why are you being like this?
The foreigner danced that day, right?
Shall I dance like that?
Do you like it?
You like puppies a lot, right?
Shall I become your puppy?
See...
See, it is wagging it's tail. See, tail....
I don't know what should I do beyond this?
What do you want daddy to do, Paapa?
Don't you like this house?
Don't you like daddy?
Should we move to some other place? Don't you like this place?
You tell me what do you want?
Daddy will get it for you.
Promise. Promise.
Tell me Paapa, tell me.
Mom.
Mom?
Close the door.
It flew away.
Everything, my six months wait didn't conspire,
Everything, my efforts didn't conspire,
A tiny bird from a faraway land with its tiny flaps,
Conspired, shying away the past.
O dear, you are the sky of love. I am the earth, waiting for you.
To bind the sky and earth...
A tiny bird's tiny flaps for a millisecond is enough.
O dear, you are the sky of love. I am the earth, waiting for you.
Beneath the sea, inside the coral reef a castle where the fishes sing
You're the queen of that dream.
In a chariot of sea,comes the angels With your heart made of diamonds.
I lost the directions. And floated over the waves.
Then, you came, you stood like an island.
You're the shore never conquered by the ocean.
O dear, you are the ocean of love I am the drifting shore, waiting for you.
Sir...
Mannavanoor Govindraj asked me to bring you immediately.
How long will we stare at each others’ face?
Make your decision, fast.
Ask me any number of times, but my answer won't change.
The house is not mine. That foreigner owns it.
If you want it, ask her.
Oh, the foreigner owns it!
You tricked her with your sob story and got a 10 million rupee house...
...for just 1 million rupees. Trying to fool us now, smart-ass?
It’s okay. Let it go.
You got it for one million rupees. He’s offering one and a half million rupees.
Why don’t you sell it off and leave for good? He’s come all the way from Chennai.
I’m not selling it.
But he will buy it.
Sir, ask them not to hit.
Hey! Stop it.
Reporter from Manorama newspaper. Oh! You are back with your mafia again?
You're mining illegally. You know what will happen if I publish this?
Fine, you take him now. -Don't bother him hereafter.
Sir, let’s go. We’ll handle it.
Govindraj phoned me. But by the time I came it was late.
These people kept bothering that foreigner lady, too.
Don't worry. We are all here to help.
Unknown to others, you came in my sleep, like a dream.
The moment your hand touched me, my soul touched the Eternal.
Thunder and lightning broke in, But the lonely tree survived its plight.
You spoke in the language of the earth, I spoke in the language of the soil,
As we went on, the words bloomed into flowers.
O my blooming flower...
O my sweetheart...
O my dear daughter...
One, two, three. One...
Four?
One, two, three, four...
Sleep.
Chapter three.
Nature is cruel.
Paapa.
Wait. -Okay, Sir.
Paapa!
Paapa...
What are you doing here, Paapa?
Get up. It’s nothing.
Come, get up. It's nothing.
What... What happened?
Listen, Paapa. Daddy is home, right?
It's nothing, it's nothing... Nothing to worry.
Daddy's home. Don’t be afraid.
Daddy is here, alright?
Okay? Don’t cry.
Daddy's got a nice lady to help you. Okay?
Don’t cry. Come here.
I will ask her to come. Just wait, okay?
Sir...
Please hold her tight, sir.
Get moving, woman!
Wait. I'm going, I'm going.
You said you’ll come in the morning. And you walk in now!
I’ve not come to work, sir. Just pay me yesterday’s wage. I’ll get going.
But Paapa hasn’t changed anything.
Sir, you pay my money.
Please wait.
I told you everything yesterday. What’s your problem now?
This is a desolate house in the forest.
And you are incredibly fair and handsome. Plus you’re tall!
See, that’s my husband. He suspects me.
Sir, please just pay me. Let me go.
Shall I try talking to him once?
Please don’t make it worse. Just let me go. Please give my money.
Hey... -Wait.
Sir, don’t hand it to me. That man will abuse me for that, too.
Leave it on the floor.
Only nature treat humans based on their genders as man and woman.
Thus, I was fathomed that love and affection is beyond such differences.
After that I started to take care of all the needs of Paapa.
Chapter four.
Nature is miraculous.
Mannavanoor Govindraj said, you were looking for a maid?
But I was looking for a housemaid.
Hey, what are you--?
Who are you? Where are you from?
You just barged into the house…?
Vijayalakshmi, Sir.
Not from here.
Got nowhere to go.
I’ve got problems I can’t even describe.
If you give me food and shelter. I’ll do all the chores.
Not just chores, you’ll have to look after my daughter, too.
I can do that, sir.
No, she’s a bit different.
She’s the new housemaid.
I will take care, sir.
The clouds may downpour anytime, on this summer alleys.
In the pitch darkness, the fireflies may shine over the eyes!
Even if you plant a seed upside down, the sapling will rise towards the sky.
With the eternal love, pupas will wove a fine silk thread.
Even if the season passes away the grasses never wither.
It takes only a downpour to bring back the green pastures.
The clouds may downpour anytime, on this summer alleys.
In the pitch darkness, the fireflies may shine over the eyes!
Paapa.
What are you doing?
Sir!
You must never ask her such questions.
Just pretend like you didn’t see it and walk away.
A father must never speak such things to his daughter.
She’s just a child.
She’s a child only to us.
She needs to meet and hang out with girls her age...
...to handle these teenage issues.
You just dragged her to the middle of the forest.
Who will she talk to?
Poor thing!
Oh, come on. As if other kids would talk to her!
My own brother’s wife asked her kids not to mingle with Paapa.
You won’t get it… - Vijayalakshmi.
Like a saying said forever changes by itself, the sorrows vanishes by sharing.
Those with a desire to live, any bitterness will taste sweet.
The souls who suffer the most, will never die of hunger.
Even an ant that comes across, will share tiny grains of rice.
The sky is never cloudless. A soul is never homeless.
Beyond all the desires, Lies an island of love.
The clouds may downpour anytime, on this summer alleys.
In the pitch darkness, the fireflies may shine over the eyes
Look over there, that’s the house.
Let that be. Is it done or not?
How can I do it so fast?
I need to speak to them, earn their trust and then convince them.
Alright. What happened to your mobile?
There’s no network in that house. It’s a forest!
How can I tell them that?
They barge into the house and ask me why my wife hasn’t called yet.
Tell them I’ll get it done somehow in another 10 days.
Govindaraj,
Isn’t that Vijayalakshmi?
Yes sir.
Is it him?
Vijayalakshmi...
If you’re planning to quit, please let me know.
He’s my maternal uncle, sir.
Where you go, whom you meet...
...I don’t have the rights to question all that.
I won’t leave, sir.
I don’t even have the right to ask you this.
My wife… just left without even a word.
I was okay. After all I’m just the husband, right?
But Paapa, poor child…
...she suffered a lot.
I really won’t leave, sir.
My wife is not a bad person.
She’s a good mother.
It was me. I was barely a husband.
Are you laughing at me?
Sir.
What?
Drink some water.
Shall I bring you something to drink? -No, it’s okay.
Tea? -No. Go to sleep, Vijayalakshmi.
No, I’ll bring you tea.
Was I too loud?
What did I say?
I wasn’t listening.
I hardly talk to anyone, right?
So I end up muttering things in my sleep.
That’s what I was thinking, too.
Why do you live all alone in this forest?
If you live in the city, there'll be someone to talk to.
And Paapa will learn a few things, too. She will be happy.
Sir.
Drink your tea.
Nobody has ever soaked my feet in warm water, Viji.
Nobody has ever rubbed holy-ash on my forehead, Viji.
Why are you being so nice to us, Viji?
Please drink the tea.
In my dream, my wife was sleeping with another man.
She was laughing at me.
I couldn't take it.
I am also a normal man, right?
I can’t handle this.
I can’t.
No Viji, you should go and sleep.
Viji...
What Viji?
Yesterday night...
Yesterday night?
What's with that smile!
Viji... - Yes?
Viji...
Tell me! Yesterday night...?
Here, eat the potatoes your daddy sliced up.
I brought the water.
Viji... - Yes, yesterday night...?
Will you marry me?
Eat the chappati.
Chapter five.
Nature is mysterious.
Sir?
You are Vijayalakshmi’s maternal uncle, right?
Yes.
I’ve been trying to find you for a week.
Viji and I got married.
I’ve been meaning to tell you. And here you are!
Come on, sir. Let’s go home.
What’s the matter with your motorcycle?
Tyre is punctured. -Oh, puncture?
Alright, we’ll leave it at the workshop and take it tomorrow morning.
No. I’ll handle it, sir. -Come on, come home.
Viji will be happy to see you. -Leave it sir. I will take care of it.
Come, sir.
Sir, I’ll manage. -That's okay. I’ll help you.
Viji, Viji...
Your uncle!
Why do you look so shocked? Make him feel at home.
Welcome.
Come in, sir.
Viji, serve him food.
Please sit.
What happened?
Both of you start eating.
Paapa may wake up. I'll be with her. -Okay.
It’s my wedding waist-cloth.
I lived in Dubai, so I wear track pants at night.
I only have this one waist-cloth. Hope it’s fine.
Please eat your food.
How’s the food?
It’s nice, sir.
Look at me, I’m asking you about your niece’s cooking.
Viji cooks really well. Please eat, sir.
Please try that curry. It is awesome!
You haven’t changed?
No, it’s very cold. So pants are better.
You don’t have to lie on the mat.
It’ll be too cold. I can sleep there.
All this time, it was just three of us, right?
After Paapa falls asleep, Viji and I sleep on this cot.
Now that you’ve come, I’ll buy another bed before your next visit.
You lie down there.
Please lie down.
Cover yourself with the blanket.
It’ll be too cold. At nights, you will start shivering!
Okay, sir.
See, I didn’t even ask your name.
Babu.
Can I call you Babu?
Okay, sir.
Babu...
Viji has turned this place into a home.
I haven’t seen Paapa this happy before.
Viji is the only person to cut my nails for me.
I didn’t ask her about her hometown or anything.
What’s the point in asking?
Babu, one should be blessed to have a wife like Viji.
I have suffered a lot.
Now life’s peaceful.
All because of Viji.
Open the window.
Viji...
I won't ask you anything. Please come out.
I know you did all of this for us, Viji.
Viji.
We should somehow get this done in a week's time.
There's no other way around, Viji.
Chapter six.
Nature is dangerous.
Babu, your tyre wasn’t punctured. It just needs some air.
I’ve pumped air and left it there. - Okay sir.
Thanks sir.
Next time you’re around here, you must definitely drop by.
Sure.
See you later, then. -Bye.
VIJAYALAKSHMI !
What the hell you doing?
Get lost!
How stupid of me to trust you and let you in my home!
Come anywhere near my house again, I’ll kill you.
Good that you’ve saved me. -Get lost, woman.
Stop.
Where are you going?
Go inside.
Listen to me. You go inside.
It's nothing. You go inside.
Come.
She says she can't live with you anymore. She has broken the marriage.
As compensation, she’s demanding this house.
If you don’t give, she'll go to the police.
You know what will happen if a woman files a police complaint.
Or, If you're planning to go to court, go ahead.
But remember, your daughter is all alone at home.
We’ll send her to beg in the streets. Hear me?
You could have just taken the 1.5 million and left.
You played too cool that day. Now you lost everything.
Sign the papers.
Sign them now.
Sign now.
Stop staring. Sign now.
I shouldn’t have sent her before checking her background. It’s my fault.
Sorry, sir.
It's okay, Govindaraj.
That man isn't her maternal uncle.
He's her husband.
Those mobsters who threatened us at the quarry...?
They used them as bait to snatch the property from us.
That woman and her husband have cheated us.
Your marriage to her is not even valid.
Just say the word, we'll go to the police. I'll come with you.
No, Govindaraj. It's okay.
He’s my son, sir.
I've left Paapa’s clothes here.
I have packed everything.
We are also leaving.
Paapa isn’t a child anymore.
She has all the feelings of a grown woman. Take care of her.
Sir, at least ask us why we did this.
Sir...
Just hear us out, once.
Sorry, Babu. I didn’t know you were her husband.
Or I wouldn’t have brought you home and spoken such things.
Forgive me, Babu.
Why are you asking forgiveness? Sorry, sir.
Please ask us once, why we did this, sir.
Please sir.
You have such a normal, beautiful baby...
...and you still thought to cheat someone like me.
Then how awful your problem must be!
It’s okay. Let it go.
Sir?
He’s such a good person.
Then what are we!
This nature taught me that the anger, regret, revenge...
...and all such emotions within me is so meaningless.
I don't know what more nature has in its kitty for me.
Floor is wet. Please mop it.
I won’t do all that. Cleaning guy will come tomorrow morning.
The child may slip!
Wait, I will bring a sack-cloth.
Sir.
Shall I mop it?
No, it’s okay.
Sir, is this your daughter?
Yes.
There’s this Goddess Amman temple nearby.
Take your daughter there. If you go there, everything will be okay.
Hey Guru, what are you talking over there? -Sir?
Go and attend room number 8. -I'm coming, sir.
Stay here for a while. -Hey, let go of me.
Oh, you’ll only go with the customers? Not the bell-boy?
You’re a trouble-monger.
Paapa.
Go.
Can't refund the money.
Sir, I came looking for you.
There’s the MN Lodge nearby.
Take your daughter there.
It's a safe place.
My boss will be looking for me.
I must go.
Goddess Amman temple. Don't forget, sir.
Take your daughter there. She will be alright.
Did you like this place?
Daddy has kept biscuits, apple, rice and water.
Eat on time. Okay?
I will lock it outside.
Nobody will get in.
Don’t be scared. Shall I leave?
Give me your hand.
I will be back soon.
Bye.
Chapter seven.
Nature is unbridled.
How many years of experience?
10 years in Dubai.
You got police verification certificate?
No.
Then you have to pay extra 1000 rupees for that. - Yes.
Come for a test drive tomorrow.
Ok sir.
Place your thumb impression here.
What do you want?
Chocolate.
What?
Chocolate.
Do you want lollypop?
Say thank you.
Thank you.
Enough?
Daddy will get a good job in another 4 days.
Then we can move into a nice house. Alright?
Have it.
I will do the dishes and get back.
Paapa, look here.
Look at the TV. Watch how this uncle is dancing!
Like daddy did the other day.
Oh, you have put on some make-up!
Wait.
Look now.
Nice?
How about a sticker?
Who's this beauty!
What are you doing? Were you day dreaming?
See what I got for you dear!
Barbie doll!
Is it nice?
What?
Huh?
Sanitary pad?
We don't have any.
I'll go buy one?
But will you stay without fear?
Don't worry. I'll be back soon.
Do you have any vehicle? Need to go urgently.
Take my cycle. Be careful, sir.
Oh, you are watching TV?
Come.
Come, daddy will do it.
What?
What are you going to do?
What are you upto?
Will you do it yourself?
Careful. Watch your step.
For children like Paapa, activities of a normal child are like Everest climbing.
I felt I have nothing more to achieve if she does this one thing by herself.
What?
Paapa.
What happened? Didn’t I tell you?
Come on. Get up.
Didn't I tell you I'll do it?
Sit, sit here.
Hurt your leg?
Hands?
Okay, I will do it for you.
What’s wrong Paapa?
Daddy will do it for you.
Sir.
They’re taking care of her.
Who’s your gynecologist?
No one.
Duty doctor will be here around 7. You better consult her and go.
Any problem?
That... doctor will explain. Please wait.
Sir.
The doctor’s calling you.
Paapa? -I’ll take care.
Who was handling these things till now?
I was. But this time she wouldn’t allow me.
She’s becoming a woman.
She’s beginning to see that her father is a male.
She’s not a child anymore.
What's the problem, doctor?
There is no problem.
Since she didn’t clean properly, there’s a fungal infection.
I have asked the nurse to clean up.
Just to be safe, I’ll prescribe an antibiotic.
Which special school is she attending?
She doesn’t go to any school.
Rehab, therapy, something of that sort?
Nothing.
She’s in her teens. She will have a lot of confusion.
Her immediate need is counselling.
There is Dr. Dhanapal in Spastic Society of Tamil Nadu.
I’ll share his contact with you. You must definitely consult him.
Paapa, you're watching too much TV.
Enough.
Sleep now.
Paapa.
Don't worry. The school campus is safe.
Let her walk as she pleases. Sit please.
I’m a driver in a call-taxi company.
It’s only been two days since I started. I’m looking for a house.
Even if I find one...
...I’ll be forced to lock her up when I go to work.
Can you admit her in some special school?
From 9 to 4...?
It’s very difficult doctor.
Only if I work for 12-13 hours,
I’ll be able to scrape through.
There’s only one option then.
Admit her in some residential home where they provide such training.
Normally, I wouldn’t recommend this.
But at this point...
...if you don’t provide her counselling and therapy, it will lead to other problems.
The residential home is a short term solution.
You should create a comfort zone...
... and a female support and bring her out at the earliest.
That’s the best for her.
Is there no other way, doctor?
You always think about what's easy for you.
Fearing the society and the judgement, you hid her in a forest.
You have no money, so you brought her back to the city.
She's confused.
At least this time, be practical and do what's right for her.
I’ll recommend few homes.
Let me...
Paapa.
Did my daughter come down?
You keep her locked, right? Did you check in the toilet?
Paapa.
Sir, it’s nothing.
There was a power cut. Paapa got scared and screamed.
To pacify her, I used the duplicate key and brought her up.
Go.
Chapter eight.
Nature is ruthless.
I wish to run this home without taking donations.
But I can't afford to run it on my own.
Most of the parents doesn't pay the fees regularly.
But, we can't send these kids off.
We have a conscience, right?
I am managing somehow.
Okay, sir. Let me tell and pacify Paapa, before leaving.
It's not a good idea to meet her before you leave.
Anyways, come along.
Do you like actor Surya’s movies?
A lot?
Sir, sir, don’t.
It’s difficult to handle.
Whom did you watch with?
Dad?
Come after some three days.
But you must come for sure.
Because most of the parents say so, but never turn up.
Alright? Leave peacefully.
Uncle, come here.
Don’t leave little sister here.
They’ll hit.
They keep hitting me.
My dad. David. Phone.
9-0-4-2-4-5-6-3-6-3
Ask him to take me out. Take me home…
Oh, he started again?
Hey Hitler, take him inside.
Take him in.
Sir, wait for a second.
Hello, sir.
What, sir? My son spoke to a parent again?
Same thing! The usual.
Okay, give it.
One minute, I'll pass the phone.
Sir, his father.
You should leave without any doubt.
Please talk to him.
Hello.
Don’t worry about anything.
My son keeps lying to everyone like that.
It’s a good place, sir. They’ll take good care.
Everything else is out of our hands.
Praise the Lord.
Okay.
Leave her alone. She will cope with it after crying for a while.
A forest on fire...
A nest on the brink... Surrounded by scorching heat...
O dear tiny bird, Let out your cries, in solitude.
Did the breeze carry away, your tiny wings?
A forest on fire...
The flowers are on fire... A chaff fire burns within...
O dear tiny bird Let your cries out, in solitude.
Dear smoggy night, this is the only blanket for you.
A forest on fire...
Without even a word, Your mother bird left you wingless.
Your father bird who's wingless now, has no space on this earth to nest in.
A burning jungle...
Let her go.
What happened?
It's nothing, sir.
Here, drink some water.
Oh no, you're bleeding? Who's that guy?
More than half our customers treat us like this, like beasts.
Shall we go to the doctor? -No, sir
I'll take you.
It's okay sir. My people will be standing there. I'll go.
Thanks, sir.
Sir...
...those things are neither male nor female.
If you get into their problems, you'll be screwed.
As it is we're homeless, living out of the car. Why to make it worse? Go, get in.
The temples where baby crows, waited and cawed.
The sprigs where those tears fell And the embers die away.
As the butterfly flew around and the flowers bloomed and blossoms.
Why are you the sole one who's destined to suffer forever?
In nature's judgement, you became the accused.
Is nobody there, To rectify and amend it?
Burning wild forest...
Sister, eat, eat.
Sir, come inside.
I have shown you nearly 15 houses since morning.
This is the last house I know. 2000 rupees rent. Look around.
Some students are living here now.
If you're okay with this, I'll fix the deal. Is this fine?
Such a bad day!
Sir. Sir.
What're you doing here?
Don't you recognise me?
Alright, wait there. I'll come down.
The type of house you're looking for will be around 5000 rupees.
Give me two days' time. Now show me some money.
Thanks, sir.
That's our house. Come home, sir.
Some other time.
Please come home.
Won't you come to our house?
I'll come..
Don't take off your shoes. It's okay. Just come in.
Mom, sir has come. - Please sit.
Welcome, sir.
My mother, sisters the elder one, the younger one.
And this is our Blacky.
I'll make some tea for you.
No, I'm fine.
Please sir, I insist.
Speaks in transgender's language.
Hey, shut your mouth. -What's she saying?
It's nothing sir. -No problem, tell me
It's just... You look very handsome. No wonder Meera likes you so much.
Stop that crap.
Don't mistake us, sir.
Uncle, give it to me.
Daddy will find a home soon and take you.
Eat. Eat it, Paapa.
Sister. Eat. Eat.
Sir....When he likes someone a lot, he does this.
Come on, eat it.
What's up? Haven't seen you around for two days!
All the rides were around the beach. So, parked there and slept.
No luck with customers here today.
Will you please drop me in the ECR area? -Get in.
Why are you rolling down the window? The A/C is on.
It's always closed windows with the customers.
At least today let me have some fresh air on my face.
You're not my customer, right?
We the flies flew towards fire, thinking it is snow.
Though we fell halfway, burnt and bruised, We healed each other like the breeze.
O dear breeze, swinging around the earth...
The breeze swinging around the earth, will heal all your sorrows...
It will nest within the hearts, and heal all your curses.
Rains never stay up the skies, Seeing the umbrellas beneath.
Life never ends halfway, Seeing the omens ahead.
A heart that blooms...
I've let it to a Bihari.
He's gone to his hometown for six months.
Till then you can live like a king here. Okay?
The rent is thousand rupees. Come inside.
What's this Meera? Is he going to live in the loo?
My daughter's used only to the water toilet. That's why I checked.
Oh, you've a daughter, sir? -Yes.
Where's she? -In my hometown.
Then your wife?
Is that even a question? Wife will be where the daughter is, right?
Sir, do you like the house or not?
Take a good look around, sir.
Sir, sir.
Yes, sir.
I need to see my daughter.
Which one? - Paapa.
Paapa? She's gone for a picnic to Pondicherry.
Pondicherry? Nobody informed me.
They'll be back by tomorrow evening.
Warden? -He's gone along with them.
You can meet him tomorrow. Okay sir?
Gone? Yes, he has.
Uncle, uncle. Come here.
Sister. Up there. Beaten.
Should I come, sir?
You keep quiet. I'll handle it myself.
Okay, sir. -Just make sure no one comes upstairs.
Okay, sir.
Paapa!
Sir...
Don't panic, sir. Nothing to worry.
I will open the door now.
Relax, sir.
Sir, sir... -Paapa, what happened?
What's all this, sir? -She fell down
Does it look like she got hurt in a fall?
She became violent, so...
You should understand our situation too.
I should understand your situation!
Should I understand your situation?
The girl doesn't care who is around, or where she is!
She starts fingering herself. -How dare you!
Only by hitting can we correct her.
She is just a child.
Chapter nine.
Nature is thirsty.
Hello.
-Hello.
Welcome The church is under renovation.
We don't have chairs here.
Please sit here. I'll get some water.
Please drink.
That home is not as good as you think.
Your son is right. They beat the children over there.
They have beaten my daughter too.
I brought her back.
Mine is a girl-child. I brought her back even being a single father.
You have a boy, right?
Please bring him back.
Poor thing!
You're working in a church.
You don't need my words to understand this.
Does it matter!
Church is not in the heaven, right?
Suddenly he will take off his clothes and run naked to the streets.
He'll jerk off mindless of the place.
The rogues and the dogs of the road pelt stones at him like he's a stray dog.
At least they're hitting him now behind closed doors.
Let them.
Mother Mary will take care.
Take a seat.
Maybe, children like Paapa don't know that it's a private thing.
You're not alone. Lot many share the same.
Watch this video.
You'll see that your plight is much better then their's. Sit.
Not just spastic kids, even normal children face this issue.
Most teenagers today are depressed due to lack of company of girlfriends/boyfriends.
21 is not the age where you learn sex on your own!
Kids should learn about sex by discussing with parents from the ages of 10-12.
So parents should be made aware of this.
My brother is forty, attack-6 cerebral palsy. I am twenty-five.
Parents are not alive. I'm taking care of my brother.
As my brother lives with me nobody is ready to marry me.
And for my brother there's no question of marriage..
But we both do have sexual feelings, what to do?
Sex workers are the only solution.
Nobody from our family cares about us..
I struggled a lot to bring her up.
All I pray to God these days is to take her before me.
My daughter's hands and legs are paralysed. She's mentally retarded.
I make her bath.
I clean her shit.
Then who else will do 'that' for her?
For the society, sex may be a taboo. For parents like us, it is a normal thing.
Are you ok sir?
Should we inform someone?
No, It's Okay.
Paapa!
What happened?
Leave it. Leave it.
I'll take it out. Don't worry.
It's nothing. Don't worry.
Wait...
Everything is fine now, see?
It's alright.
Daddy will never leave you and go anywhere, alright?
Chapter ten.
Nature is lawless.
Who are you?
I came to the house upstairs.
Go up, then.
Sir, please sit down.
He has come.
Who?
Your ex.
Why's he here now?
I don't know.
We made things clear last time itself, right?
You come and talk to him.
Tell me Sir.
We came back to Chennai. -Oh okay.
Stella..
Make a tea for sir.
We changed Thangam's name as Stella.
Drink your tea, sir.
Was born last month. Girl child.
She's all good, normal child.
Drink your tea.
Okay, I am leaving.
Drink your tea and go, sir.
If they had asked a word about Paapa's well being,
I would have asked them to take care of Paapa.
If I had stayed a bit longer, maybe, they would have asked.
But I was not able to stay any longer.
HELLO!
I told Meera that your daughter has come.
She has come to see her.
You left the door locked as always.
I've got her in with my spare keys.
Meera's cooking is unbelievable sir.
Even a woman won't cook this good.
Sir, your daughter likes Meera a lot.
She ate well and is sleeping peacefully.
Sir, join me for a drink later?
GO!
Good, sir.
Meera, come out.
Take your bag.
Sir...?
Will you accept if I barge in to your house like this?
No, sir.
So you guys were doing your dirty job when I am not here.
Nothing of that sort sir.
What the hell you both were doing in front of my daughter?
We did nothing sir.
I just talked to her, gave some food and then she slept.
My daughter doesn't need any of these.
Please don't come here anymore.
Slippers!
Paapa.
You like daddy a lot?
Will you listen to whatever daddy says?
Then will you stop watching TV?
Okay okay. You watch TV.
Will you come with me wherever I go?
Will you jump after me, If I do?
Daddy was just kidding.
You're my darling.
What?
School?
Bag?
I'll get it.
Welcome sir.
What's this mom?
Sir has come. Did you give him anything to drink?
I asked him. -Wait sir.
Sir, I thought you'll hate me forever.
I am really happy that you've come to my home.
Thank you sir.
That's okay.
I need to talk to you.
What's it about sir?
It's...
Sir has got something personal to tell you, isn't it sir?
I'll wait in the auto-rickshaw.
You said you wanted to talk something?
Back home in Kerala, we wear this saree only for...
...special occasions or during festivals or when we go to temples.
I'm wearing this for the first time after coming to Chennai.
Do you like it, sir?
Yes. Nice.
Don't feel shy. Tell me what it is?
You still haven’t said what you wanted to say.
Do you know any brothels nearby?
What?
No... You know these kind of... any brothels around here?
I maybe someone who does roadside business for cheap money.
But I don't know these kind of places.
I'll go wash my hands.
Sir...
I've told to madam. Ask whatever you want.
You please wait outside.
This isn't a place that provide those kind of services.
We're an NGO for the welfare of sex workers.
I am meeting you because Meera said.
What do you want?
Male prostitute..!
What?
No, men who do these kind of jobs ?
There are separate groups for gays.
I will share their contact.
It's not for me.
To whom then?
For my daughter.
I have been doing it for ten years before coming here.
Never have I seen a dirty scum like you, pimping his own daughter.
Get out first.
Why do all fathers seek grooms for their daughters?
Why do they get them married?
It's for this too, right?
My daughter's hands and legs are paralysed.
I can never get her married.
She is just fourteen.
But she has feelings.
I am the only one for her.
Death comes to anyone at anytime, right?
I wish to do everything I can for her before I die.
We will go for the needs of oldies and bedridden males.
But men won't do so.
I'll let you know if I come across someone.
Sorry, sir.
Meera... the one who came with me?
She just left.
Chapter eleven.
Nature is endless.
Let all the Gods bless us with the best of words.
What's her name and age?
Paapa, age, 14.
Food will be there. Wealth will be there. Will live long.
The lines of fortune are at their best.
She's her dad's darling.
Education will prosper.
Seems her marriage will happen somewhere between 18 and 20.
Her prince charming will be a good man.
She maybe lucky to have 5 kids, but chances are better for 3.
She'll be a role model for women and will prosper in the field of medicine.
No other issues. The angels are with her.
Do you want to know anything else?
Nothing else.
Pay me then.
Paapa...
What are you doing here?
How are you?
Meera, what are you doing here?
Don't you know?
See you, Paapa.
Paapa, look here.
Will you come with me wherever I go?
Shall we go to some place where nobody can see us?
Shall we get under the sea?
Shall we?
Come.
Shall we?
Come.
Come on. Don't be scared.
Come!
Daddy's with you. Come.
Come.
Don't scream!
Leave her sir. Leave her.
Chapter twelve.
Nature is compassionate.
What is it?
Paapa, wait.
Let her go, Meera.
Come on, she's going all alone.
I had to plunge into an ocean and emerge out of it...
...to discover something there is called compassion.
And the person who made me discover this, is my wife, Meera.