Written in the Star

WRITTEN IN...

WRITTEN IN THE Star

SCENE 1

In a room. The 3-year-old daughter, Vaishnavi is sleeping. Parents enter the room to just check on her and realize her body is burning on touching her. On checking they notice she has high fever.

PREETI: [sighs] Oh no! Her temperature shows 101F. Why is she constantly getting such high fever these days?

AKASH: It is pretty surprising. Without the fever, she is very active and seems fine but don't know why this sudden aberration. Let's show her to the doctor once.

PREETI: Okay. I'll take the appointment for tomorrow morning.

Next Morning, the parents get ready to take Vaishnavi to the hospital. They leave home.

Now, in the hospital.

RECEPTIONIST: Vaishnavi. [To the parents] Please come. The doctor is ready to see her.

PARENTS: Good Morning, Doctor!

DOCTOR: Good Morning, please sit down. Tell me, what's the concern.

AKASH: [To the doctor] Doctor, from the past month, Vaishnavi has been having high temperature on and off. We're not able to understand the reason behind it.

DOCTOR: Hmm. [The doctor startled]. Let's do one thing, we'll run some tests and see. [calling to the nurse] Take her to the lab and do these tests.

SISTER KAMALA: Okay sir.

DOCTOR: [To the parents]. Don't worry, everything will be fine. It could be some sort of minor infection in the body.

After a few minutes, the sister brings back Vaishnavi to the doctor's room and the doctor tells the parents that the results will come in a day. He asks them to go home and assures them that Vaishnavi will be fine.

Next Morning, a call from the doctor to the parents.

DOCTOR: [To the parents] Good Morning to both of you. Please come and meet me at 9.30am in the hospital.

PARENTS: Sure doctor, we'll be there.

The parents reach the hospital and are now in the doctor's cabin.

DOCTOR: [To the parents] The reports have come and the reason for Vaishnavi's constant fever has come to light. I am sorry to say this but Vaishnavi has been diagnosed with Acute Leukemia*.

PARENTS: Flabbergasted. What!? Are You Sure, Doctor?

DOCTOR: Yes, it is Cancer. But, don't get too worried, we have detected it early, it is treatable. So, among all the tests the blood reports came which detected this. The other test reports are yet to come, after which we shall discuss the full plan of treatment.

PARENTS: Still in shock after hearing what they just did. Okay doctor, Thank You.

The parents exit to go home.

End of Scene 1.

*a form of blood cancer.

SCENE 2

The Parents and Vaishnavi are back home from the hospital. With heavy hearts, worried about what the future holds for them and their little one, they set foot in the house. Akash, all shattered, just goes into his room. Preeti sees him and follows him into the room. She sees him sobbing.

PREETI: Please calm down. I understand it's not going to be easy to go through this. But for Vaishnavi, we have to be strong.

AKASH: Crying inconsolably. Why is this happening to us? Vaishnavi is a three-year old child. Why should she be going through this!? How is her body going to take so much of pain? I am really scared.

PREETI: No, don't worry. I am sure she will be completely fine. Have faith in God.

AKASH: Yes, of course I do have faith in God but… why us?

PREETI: Medicine has progressed so much. We will tide over this. Let's be positive and move ahead. Someone calling to Akash and Preeti. Looks like mom and dad are calling us, let's go. (Vaishnavi's grandparents being referred to here).

In the process of consoling Akash, Preeti absorbs all her anguish she is having after the correspondence with the doctor at the hospital. So, after a few minutes Akash gets up and both of them go to inform the grandparents.

The Grandparents are in their bed room, eagerly awaiting to know what happened at the hospital. The parents enter the room. The grandparents, at once start asking a number of questions.

GRANDPARENTS: [To the parents] What happened? Why did it take you people so long? What did the doctor say? Is Vaishnavi okay?

AKASH: Mom, Dad, the doctor told us the reason for Vaishnavi's constant fever. He s-said (stammering due to the tension) she has Acute Leukemia, Blood Cancer.

GRANDPARENTS: Dumbstruck. Is he sure? Did they check properly?

PREETI: [To the grandparents] Yes mom and dad.

GRANDMOTHER: I can't believe this! I think there is some mistake from their side. Nobody in our family ever had anything like this. We are all very healthy people.

PREETI: Mom…. They are professionals. They won't make a mistake in such cases. Even we asked them the same thing when we heard the news for the first time. But the doctor said they double-checked the reports and it is Cancer. Saying so, Preeti breaks down.

Her mother-in-law embraces her and tries to console her.

GRANDFATHER: [To Akash] Did the doctor mention the further plan of action for the treatment?

AKASH: Not yet, dad. Once the remaining reports come in, he'll call us to discuss about the treatment.

GRANDFATHER: Hmm.

Pin-drop silence in the room for a few minutes. Everyone is distraught and is trying to figure out what will happen next, how is all this going to turn out and what plan the doctor will give.

On the other hand, unaware are the parents and grandparents that Vaishnavi is outside and is hearing everything. She doesn't understand what they're talking but knows there is some commotion.

End of Scene 2.

SCENE 3

Next day morning. Vaishnavi wakes up and goes to Preeti. She starts asking her some questions about what she heard the previous day.

VAISHNAVI: Good Morning Mummy! Can I ask you something?

PREETI: Good Morning dear! Yes, tell me.

VAISHNAVI: What were all of you talking about yesterday? You all were so upset and worried. What happened?

PREETI: Nothing important Dear, we were just having a casual conversation. Why don't you go get ready now.

VAISHNAVI: Then why were you crying mummy?

PREETI: Vaishnavi, it's nothing important… go and…

The phone ring interrupts the conversation and Preeti sends Vaishnavi to freshen up after which she goes to answer the phone. It was the Doctor calling. She immediately calls out to Akash.

PREETI: Akash. It's the doctor's phone. Come quickly, please.

In the meanwhile, Preeti answers the phone.

PREETI: Hello Doctor.

DOCTOR: Hello! The remaining reports have come. I want you and Akash to come and meet me at 10 am today to discuss the further plan of treatment.

PREETI: Sure Doctor, we will be there. Thank You.

Both of them get ready and leave for the hospital. They are a little apprehensive as to what the future course would be.

They arrive at the hospital and go towards the doctor's room.

PREETI: May we come in, Doctor?

DOCTOR: Yes, please. I was waiting for you both.

AKASH: (Sitting down) Doctor, you called us to discuss the further plan of treatment. Please tell us. We are very anxious to know about it.

DOCTOR: It is natural, I totally understand. Let's take it one at a time. According to the protocol, the treatment will be spread over approximately two years. The first year would be three cycles of Chemotherapy*. For the first cycle, Vaishnavi will have to be admitted in the hospital for at least a month. As we go forward, I'll update you on the next step.

PREETI: Stunned hearing all that the doctor is saying. Doctor, admission? For a month?

DOCTOR: Yes Preeti, continuous monitoring and tests will be required to assess how she will respond in the initial stages of therapy. Without admission at least for the first cycle, it is going to be hard. Also, let me tell you that there will be side-effects of Chemotherapy which Vaishnavi will start experiencing.

AKASH: Startled. What are they Doctor?

DOCTOR: She will experience Hair-loss, Fatigue, Appetite Changes and other such things. But, don't worry, we are here.

PREETI: In a dull tone. When should we admit her, Doctor? Is she going to be alright?

DOCTOR: It's better we start as soon as possible, probably tomorrow or day-after. Let's hope for the best and be positive.

AKASH AND PREETI: (Together) Okay, Thank You Doctor. We'll do the needful preparations.

Akash and Preeti exit.

End of Scene 3.

*it is the infusion of anti-biotics into the body used specially for the treatment of cancer.

SCENE 4

Two days later, Preeti and Akash, along with Vaishnavi go to the hospital with the required items. They are ready to admit her as the doctor had told them. They go to the receptionist and ask about their meeting with the doctor. Then they go sit, waiting for her confirmation.

Five minutes later.

RECEPTIONIST: Mr. Akash, the doctor is ready to meet you.

AKASH: [To the Receptionist] Okay, Thank You!

Akash, Preeti and Vaishnavi enter the doctor's cabin.

DOCTOR: [To parents] Good Morning, guys. I presume you are ready to admit Vaishnavi as we had discussed in the last visit.

PREETI: Yes doctor. We are prepared with everything as you had told us to do.

DOCTOR: Great! Then, [To Vaishnavi] Hello dear, are you ready to spend a few days with me here in the hospital?

VAISHNAVI: Yes uncle, but why do I have to stay here?

DOCTOR: Vaishnavi, you are having fever right, on and off. We will just treat that so it will go away forever. Okay?

VAISHNAVI: Okay uncle.

Doctor calling to the nurse.

She enters.

DOCTOR: [To the parents] This is Sister Kamala, who will help you with the remaining formalities you have to complete before admitting Vaishnavi. She is also going to be there throughout the course of the treatment with you all. [To the sister] This is Vaishnavi and these are her parents. Please help them with the admission process.

SISTER KAMALA: Sure doctor. [To the parents] Please come.

She helps them complete the remaining formalities regarding Vaishnavi's admission, like filling up the necessary forms, allotting the room according to the treatment the patient is going to undergo and others. Then, they go to the room.

SISTER KAMALA: Continuing. This is room. Every night only one person can stay with Vaishnavi. The doctor will come soon and explain the process of when the treatment will begin and how it shall happen.

AKASH: Okay, thank you sister.

The doctor arrives.

DOCTOR: [To the parents] The first dose of Chemotherapy shall be given to Vaishnavi tomorrow morning. So in a while, a Canula will be injected into her vein through which the saline will be sent into her body. But, before that some tests will be performed and her blood pressure will be checked which will help us determine the amount of dosage of the chemo drug to be inserted into her body.

AKASH AND PREETI: (Together) Okay doctor.

DOCTOR: [To Sister Kamala] Please do the needful and update me as soon as possible.

Sister Kamala does the required tests. Then puts the Canula. She then calls the doctor to tell him about it.

The doctor arrives. He checks all the reports and says everything is fine and they will proceed with the Chemo tomorrow morning.

DOCTOR: [To the parents] So tomorrow morning, the first dose of chemo therapy will be injected through the saline bottle into her body. So one of you will stay with her tonight and the other shall come tomorrow morning.

AKASH: Okay doctor. I will be staying with Vaishnavi tonight and tomorrow morning Preeti will come.

DOCTOR: Okay, as it works for you people.

The next day morning. Akash gets up and wakes up Vaishnavi. Preeti arrives and just freshens up Vaishnavi. The doctor and sister Kamala enter. Everyone greet each other and they are about to start the first chemotherapy. They finally inject the chemo drug into the saline.

PREETI: Doctor, after this, what will be the next step?

DOCTOR: This will take about a few hours after which she will be given plain saline with which today's session will end and you may see some side-effects tomorrow.

PREETI: Okay doctor.

That session ends. Like that one month passes with Vaishnavi having to take an injection (the Chemo drug) every third day. Eventually, the first cycle of Chemotherapy ends without any side-effects except hair-loss. The doctor says Vaishnavi can go home and from now will be required to come only for Chemo sessions, finish it and go back. In all this, Vaishnavi is missing school, playing in parks and doing things normal people her age would do.

 Continuing further, after about a month's break, the second cycle starts.

DOCTOR: [To Akash and Preeti] As you both know, the first cycle of chemotherapy for Vaishnavi was an uneventful one. Now, the second cycle starts. Let's hope, this one too passes off smoothly.

AKASH AND PREETI: (Together) Yes Doctor, we hope so too.

During the second cycle, Vaishnavi starts experiencing some severe side-effects. The parents are really scared seeing such sudden side-effects and approach the doctor for more details regarding that.

AKASH: Doctor, Vaishnavi has started looking so much tired than before, she has not been eating properly and we have also seen blood in her stools. We are really worried.

DOCTOR: Yes, I understand your concern. I was thinking of talking to you both today. Good that you came. First of all, fatigue and loss of appetite are common side-effects as I had mentioned to you last time. So not much to worry about on that front. Coming to blood in her stools, we got some tests done which show that she has been diagnosed with Urinary Tract Infection. We have to be more careful now and her urine output will be monitored on a regular basis. So she has to be admitted in the hospital again for a few days. But, you also have to make sure she drinks minimum two litres of water everyday.

PREETI: Shocked. Okay doctor, we will do the needful. But I hope her infection is not too serious.

DOCTOR: No no. She will be fine soon.

At last, with all the horrific events the second session of Chemo ends too and after a year the Chemotherapy is done.

The doctor then tells them that with Chemotherapy all the cancer cells have gone and now they would have to give her some Lumbar Punctures*.

PREETI: Doctor, how long will we have to give her the Lumbar Punctures?

DOCTOR: Since all the Cancer cells have gone, it will be needed only for a year. When the LP is scheduled, you will have to come in the morning, she will be given the puncture, which will take about 2-3 hours and then you can take her home.

PREETI: Okay doctor.

This one year too passes off smoothly without any problems and it has come down to the last part of the treatment. 

The doctor calls the parents to discuss with them the final stage of the treatment. The parents go to the hospital and meet the doctor.

DOCTOR: Good Morning. As you know, I have called you to talk about what shall be done in the last part of the treatment.

AKASH: In a tensed state. Yes doctor. We are quite anxious as well as eager to know about it.

DOCTOR: Vaishnavi will have to take oral medication. It is a medicine called Septrin. She will have to take it two times a day, everyday, for a year. This drug will help in just getting the body back to normal after the rigorous treatment her body has undergone.

AKASH AND PREETI: (Together) Okay Doctor.

They start the medication and within a year, that dosage is completed as well.

They go to the doctor for a visit.

DOCTOR: Come guys. Congratulations! Vaishnavi is completely cured and is back to normal.

AKASH AND PREETI: (Together) It's God grace and your help Doctor that she has come back to normal. Thank You So Much!

DOCTOR: Please don't thank me. It's my duty to do everything to the best of my ability to treat my patients. I wish Vaishnavi all the best for a bright future ahead.

The parents exit the doctor's cabin. They also thank the nurses who were part of Vaishnavi's treatment. They exit the hospital, very happy.

End of Scene 4.

End of Act 1.

*It is the procedure of taking fluid from the spine in the lower back through a hollow needle, usually done for diagnostic purposes.

ACT 2

SCENE 1

10 years later. Vaishnavi is in 11th grade. Overcoming the obstacles in her childhood, she is now in high-school, studying and enjoying her life with friends and classmates.

One day, in school. Vaishnavi and her friends are having a general conversation about their future plans.

VAISHNAVI: Hey guys! Listen to me. Today let's talk about what we plan to become in future. We'll start with…. Mitali.

MITALI: I am not very sure about it. I am a little confused. Sometimes I feel I want to do MBA and start my own business. But again I think that since I love cooking I want to do a degree in Hotel Management and become a chef. It's all confusing right now with so many thoughts in my mind.

VAISHNAVI: Okay, fair enough. Now, moving on to Shannon. What are your plans dude?

SHANNON: I am most probably clear that I will do MBBS* and then MD. I want to specialize in Neurology.

VAISHNAVI AND MITALI: (Together) Oh wow, girl! That's wonderful.

SHANNON: Thank you guys.

MITALI: Next up, it is Aaishitha. Where does your interest lie? In what?

AAISHITHA: Well, I plan to do management studies next. Then I want to do MBA and start my own business.

SHANNON: [To Aaishitha] Isn't your father a doctor? Don't you also want to pursue medicine like him and become a doctor? You're also so good at studies, so you don't even need to take too much pressure. You will do it with a lot more ease than the students who are mediocre at studies and still do medicine.

AAISHITHA: Not really. I don't really like medicine and just because my father is a doctor, there is no rule that I have to follow him. In fact, my parents already told me in the beginning itself not to take medicine. The next point is that the way a person studies doesn't define specific careers for them. Also, as you know I am into the sport of shooting and I have been to the Indian Team Trials for Olympics too. So other than studying I want to concentrate on my game too.

SHANNON: Yes, you're right and that's a good future plan you have.

AAISHITHA: Thank You.

MITALI: [To Vaishnavi] Bro, you asked all of us about our plans and we told them too. But, you didn't tell us anything about your future plans. What do you want to do?

VAISHNAVI: Okay, I will tell you. So, as you all are aware, occasionally I write poetry and I have a liking for Literature. So I want to do my Under-graduation in Literature and become a writer. There is another option as well. I love Cricket and I want to become a cricket commentator. For that, according to my knowledge and based on the research I have done, it will require me to do Sports Journalism. Basically, I am also a little confused.

ALL THE FRIENDS: (Together) That's nice. They are interesting options Vaish. You will do great in whatever you choose. We're sure of that.

VAISHNAVI: Thank you so much guys.

They further move onto a different topic of conversation when the school bell rings indicating the end of their break and time for their next class. So all of them move get up to go towards their classes.

End of Scene 1.

*it's an under-graduate medical degree in the course to become a doctor.

SCENE 2

2 years later. Vaishnavi is done with her intermediate and has decided as to what stream to take in her under-graduation. Her friends also are clear on what to take for the next three academic years of their life. They all meet up a week before the start of their respective colleges as few of them are leaving Hyderabad to pursue their under-graduation.

In Vaishnavi's house. All the friends are again having a conversation on what each one has finally chosen since quite a few of them including Vaishnavi were confused as to what they would be doing after their intermediate.

VAISHNAVI: Girls, isn't it so surprising that we all are already going to start under-graduation? People don't say it without reason that time flies!

ALL THE FRIENDS: (Together) So true, Vaish.

SHANNON: When we were younger, we used to think when will school get over, when will we grow older, when will we go to college and enjoy, without the strict rules of school, without uniforms and all. But now, when we passed all those stages and have actually come to college we aren't able to come to terms with that.

ALL THE FRIENDS: (Together) Totally agree.

MITALI: Girls, let's move on to the main topic now. Each of us will talk about the stream we have chosen after which we can do something fun. First up is our host, Vaish.

VAISHNAVI: Well, I have gone with my first option of Literature. I will be doing BA Mass Communication with English Literature and Political Science.

MITALI: That's wonderful! Aaishitha, what about you?

AAISHITHA: I have taken up Management. I will be doing Bachelor of Management Studies, also called BMS, in short.

VAISHNAVI: Wow bro, great to know! Mitali, your turn.

MITALI: I figured out that my interest lies in Cooking itself. I have a passion for it and I totally enjoy doing it. I will be doing Bachelor of Hotel Management, also known as BMH in short. Now, finally coming to Shannon.

SHANNON: I am going ahead with the plan of Medicine as before. I am soon going to give my Medical Entrance Exam and then will start my MBBS.

VAISHNAVI, MITALI AND AAISHITHA: (Together) That's awesome!

AAISHITHA: Guys, I forgot to mention one more thing that though we have come to under-grad now, my shooting will still continue. I know you guys know it but said it again just for confirmation.

VAISHNAVI: chuckling a little. Yes, Ms. Shooter, we all know that. We will never forget that, don't worry.

AAISHITHA: Thank You, Ms. Singer.

MITALI: Come on guys. Done with the career topic now. Let's move on to the fun part.

We… are going to go to SSV Bowling Alley and Gaming Center.

AAISHITHA: Thrilled. What? Really?

MITALI: Exciting, isn't it? Get up, let's go.

All the friends go to the Bowling Alley and Gaming Center. They enjoy themselves, spend the whole day together and at the end of the day, disperse to go to their respective homes.

3 years pass by. Everyone is done with their under-graduation and are back in Hyderabad. They meet up this time at Mitali's house and spend the whole day together because during the past 3 years, their schedules didn't match due to different schedules of their respective colleges so they only get to meet after their graduation. Till then, they used to be in touch only through phones and video calls.

Few months later. Everyone has started their respective post-graduation courses except Shannon since she is doing MBBS and that's a five-year course. Aaishitha and Vaishnavi are in London, studying Masters of Business Administration, known as MBA in short together, Mitali is in Switzerland, doing her Masters in Hotel Management. Shannon is continuing her MBBS.

One day, all the friends decide to have a video call to discuss their current experiences in post-graduation.

MITALI: Hello, Namaste, Morning girls! How are you all doing?

AAISHITHA: All good! Almost coming to the end of post-graduation as well. It all feels too soon. But, I think this is life and it moves on with which we have to move as well. Anyway, how are you doing?

MITALI: Yes agreed that this is life and all this is part of the life cycle and we have to go with the flow. I am doing good too.

SHANNON: Doing good, Mitali. But, as you know, I am doing MBBS and have two more years to go before I start post-graduation. I feel like a kid in front of you guys now yaar.

AAISHITHA: [To Shannon] No dude, don't worry. It's nothing like that.

VAISHNAVI: All good with me as well, Mitali. Can't wait to finish this course and get back to India bro.

MITALI: Excellent guys! I am glad to know all of you are doing well. [To Shannon] Bro, don't say that. Your course requires you to study your subject in detail that's it. Other than that, everything else is the same, so don't think like that.

SHANNON: [To the other three friends] So my buddies, what next?

VAISHNAVI: Well, I have told you guys I want to start my own business so I have started working on that. During these two years of study, while studying I also worked in two companies which gave me experience as to how to go about in starting my business. Also, my dad is in the business field only so he is helping me as well in this process.

SHANNON: Good to know that yaar.

MITALI: I have applied in a number of restaurants in hotels like Taj and Marriott. So I will work there for a few years while on the side, will be in the process of working to open my own restaurant.

SHANNON: Excellent, Mitali!

AAISHITHA: I am also in the process of opening my own business, and my shooting is anyway going to go on whenever I get the chance.

SHANNON: Wonderful, Shooter!

VAISHNAVI: [To Shannon] Bro, you have two more years of MBBS left and then you will be doing MD in Neurology. After that, what?

SHANNON: After my MD, I will be working under the top neurologist in Hyderabad. Then I will open my own hospital.

VAISHNAVI: Guys, did you all notice one thing?

ALL THE FRIENDS: (Together) What is that?

VAISHNAVI: That we all have the same aim of setting up something of our own. Isn't that so wonderful?

ALL THE FRIENDS: (Together) Of course, it is!

VAISHNAVI: Girls, time to go. We'll catch-up later. See you.

Call ends. 

After a few months, everyone is done with their post-graduation, while Shannon is in her fourth year of Medicine. 

Vaishnavi is successful in setting up her own business in Public Relations and Marketing. She has her industries in all the metropolitan cities.

 On the other side, Aaishitha is in the process of setting up her business while Vaishnavi is helping her in the same. Mitali has got a job in Taj and while working is also taking care of the process of opening her restaurant.

In this time, Shannon also has completed her MBBS, MD as well and is working as a Neurologist.

All the characters exit.

End of scene 2.

End of Act 2.

End of the Play.

Message of the Play: So Vaishnavi growing up, studying and setting up a successful business shows that life is not always a smooth ride and everyone will have some or the other problems. But, how we face the problems and overcome them to with our strong will power to succeed in life is what matters.