Salaam Venky

Be careful.

Don't worry Sujata, he's going to be alright.

Dr. Shekhar is on his way.

He left in the middle of dinner...

You know Venky.

Always in a hurry.

Is it painful?

Men don't feel pain, ma'am.

Thanks, huh.

You just ruined another date of mine.

Or... I saved a girl from spending her life being bored by you.

Excuse me...

I'm a very well-respected doctor.

I've a good reputation in the medical world.

Not that anyone would believe... Looking at me.

Well...

It's barely been two weeks at home...

and now he's back.

Don't worry.

Like Venky would say...

Now I am here!

- Continue the antibiotics. - Okay.

And send his ABG reports...

My husband?

Why do you want to meet with my husband?

In cases like these...

It's important to have both parents.

It's easier to explain medical reports to both parents.

He doesn't have the time.

Why don't both of you come tomorrow?

I'm sure he has some questions of his own.

He has only one question. All day, every day.

Why can't your son stand on his own?

Or walk? Why is he not normal?

The reason for this is DMD.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

It's a degenerative disease.

Degenerative meaning a condition where

your muscles slowly get weaker over time.

We have a protein called 'Dystrophin' in our bodies.

That makes our muscles strong.

DMD is a genetic abnormality.

A condition where this protein is not produced.

Because of which, the cells of the muscles stop growing.

And the muscles slowly begin to degenerate.

The legs are affected first.

And then, gradually, the rest of the body is affected.

As the child grows older

Walking, running, standing,

Venkatesh!

Anything that requires muscles becomes an impossible task.

And then one day...

the entire body shuts down.

Genetic disorders like this have no cure.

In cases like this...

The possibility that the child survives beyond the age of 16/17yrs is

extremely unlikely, Mrs. Prasad.

You?!

What have you come here?

Leave now.

21 years Sujata...

You've been asking me to leave for 21 years.

Have I?

Do you have no self-respect?

How many times will you leave empty handed...

I've a right on him,

And I don't know...

why you refuse to accept this.

You have no right on him.

You never did and never will.

Why won't you understand...

I'm only trying to help...

I want you to leave.

He's, my son! Only mine!

Collapsed consolidation and raised dome of the diaphragm on the left

Traces of Pneumonia.

It's a good thing you came

I've been asking...

to the doctors, the nurses.

What medicines do I need to buy.

Have the X ray results come...

But no one's answering.

Mrs. Sujata.

I'm moving Venky to the larger room upstairs.

He'll be more comfortable up there.

And after that...

You can go home if you'd like.

How long have you known me, Shekhar?

I am not going anywhere leaving my son.

And as I've been telling you for years...

I'm going to tell you again today.

Your son is brave.

He can withstand a lot of pain.

But I'm not brave like him.

I can't wait around while he suffers.

You won't have to, for much longer.

I don't understand why they don't make me, fill all the forms at one time.

I've to check the files every time.

I'm going to complain to Doctor Murthy.

Where were you?

You make it sound like I eloped with someone.

Just wait a little longer...

It's only a matter of a few days. Then you can elope.

What will people think if they hear you?

The boy doesn't even know how to talk respectfully to his mother.

I'm going to get the sympathy vote.

People will blame you.

They'll say, 'What kind of mother forgets to teach her son manners?'

Your chessboard, your diary...

Your pillow, I'll carry everything.

If you want something else, let me know.

Nandini and Sharada will reach anytime.

Mom.

You know what I want.

Alright.

This way. A little closer.

Slowly.

Unlock it.

- Easy... - Careful.

This way, slightly.

- A little to this side. - Yes. Okay.

The book you were reading...

Will bring it...

Let me know if you want a different one.

So you plan on keeping me here?

One week.

Two, at the most.

I feel claustrophobic here, Mom.

Venky... I was thinking you like spending time with us.

If you stay here, my Chess training will also be done.

What was it?

Sicilian Defense or Indian Defense?

I still don't know all of it.

Clara Aunty. You've got to learn all the defense moves quickly.

After all, we never know. What if tomorrow never comes.

Yes I'm very aware I'm not Shah Rukh Khan.

But I say such a hit film dialogue, and you don't react.

Shucks.

Do some better acting guys.

Mom.

Mom!

MOM.

Not facing up to it won't change what's true.

Everyone knows my count down has begun.

Mom.

Will you deny me my last wish?

That's the only goal left of my life.

And you're MY goal.

Ever since you've come into my life...

I've done everything within my power to make sure you live a long life.

And now you ask me...

You're my mother! Can't you do this one thing for me!

I can't do it BECAUSE I'm your mother.

I used to think my mother was unlike any other.

No. Your mother is like every other mother.

Selfish.

Then you can't be MY mother, go!

Mom...

MOM!

Venky's room is always on this floor.

Ah okay.

Just a sec.

Mom...

What is the doctor saying?

What happened?

- What happened? - Sit here, I'll be back in 2 minutes.

I'm just going to check.

- Excuse me. - Yes, ma'am.

Which is Venkatesh Krishnan's room? It's that one.

Nandu?

Straight...

Straight.

My hand's right there.

Yeah...

There's a seat here. Sit.

Sit.

Venky...

Hmm?

Is everything okay?

Everything's fine.

Then why so many machines?

You know Dr. Shekhar

He's just showing off.

I seemed to have challenged his profession.

That's why all this...

decoration.

You're lying, Venky.

I'm sorry, Nandu.

I...

don't think I'll be able to keep my promise.

What promise?

Of coming to the Ashram.

And that we'll see the sunset together.

Because now...

I will never...

be able to climb up the lighthouse.

Shall we?

Yes, let's.

Nandu!

That's it.