About the Book

This story is about an 11-year-old boy named Shiva. He was born with a large hole in his palate, causing his voice to come entirely through his nose when he speaks. As a result, his speech sounds different from others, making it difficult for him to pronounce many words correctly. Many people either fail to understand him or mock him. Not just children, but even adults spare no effort in ridiculing him.

When laughter turns into sarcasm, it becomes entertainment for some, but it deeply wounds the person at whom it is directed. The pain intensifies when the mockery is based on a physical condition given by nature—something beyond Shiva’s control. These cruel words pierce his tender heart, mind, and soul, leaving him in silent agony. His tears, too, long to hide, fearing they may be seen.

His father, a teacher with limited means, strives tirelessly to improve his son’s life. However, he is forced to watch helplessly as society wounds Shiva with its cruel words. Despite wanting to shield his son, he knows it is impossible to keep him away from the world.

Society plays a role in shaping a person’s identity. But in Shiva’s case, it unfairly imposes a negative one upon him—something it has no right to do. After all, every creation of nature is unique and remarkable. Humans lack the authority to question nature’s design.

But isn’t mocking someone’s physical defect equivalent to mocking nature itself? Both the mocker and the mocked are creations of nature. Can those who ridicule answer why nature created the person they belittle in such a way?
I cannot.

This story explores these profound questions.