SCENE 1:
EXT. GROUND-DAY
(V.O)
My heart is a desert and I crave for my oasis.
(Mahi runs up the hill and falls on her knees to the ground. She cries her heart out)
CUT TO:
SCENE 2:
INT.CLASSROOM-DAY
(The whole classroom is noisy. Mahi enters the classroom looking exhausted and distressed. She walks towards her desk).
ZAHRA
Hey Mahi! Did you go to Ayesha’s birthday party?
MAHI
I have a lot of better stuff to do than attending parties
(Mahi scoffs at Zahra. She sits at her desk. Confused Zahra looks at her other friends and shrugs).
(Suddenly a student comes running in).
SHALVEEN
Guys! Guys! Mrs. Prasad is coming. Quiet everyone!!
(Mrs. Prasad enters the classroom and silence spreads out in the room. Mrs. Prasad hold her spectacles and stares at the students with weary eyes. Her glare stops at Mahi and warmly smiles at her).
MRS. PRASAD
Mahi my dear come here.
(Mahi gets up and walks up to the teacher wearily)
MRS. PRASAD
Here is your paper. You did well! (Sarcastically) but your mark seemed to have dropped.
(Mahi takes the paper).

MRS. PRASAD
(Concerned)
Are you ok? You seem tired.
(Mahi looks at her irritated).
MAHI
Why do you care?
(Feeling irritated Mahi stomps away leaving the teacher puzzled).
(She walks past Zahra and intentionally knocks her book to the floor and sits at her desk.)
(The recess bell rings).
CUT TO:
SCENE 3:
EXT.SCHOOL-DAY
(The students descend the stairs and go to the canteen. Mahi walks toward the hockey field with the two girls talking and laughing away. Suddenly Mahi holds her head with both hands as she feels dizzy and then collapses to the ground. Everything starts getting blurry and then the darkness takes over her vision).
CUT TO:
SCENE 4:
INT.STAFFROOM-DAY
(The phone beeps as the number is dialed on the phone. Mrs. Prasad is seen seated at her desk with the phone in her hand).
MRS. PRASAD
Hello Mr. Dewan. Can we meet tomorrow? Uhh.. this is regarding Mahi. Yes, sure.
CUT TO:
SCENE 5:
INT.OFFICE-DAY
(The Principal enters the office followed by Mrs. Prasad. MR and Mrs. Dewan are seen seated on the couch).
PRINCIPAL
Good morning.
MRS. PRASAD
Hello
MR. DEWAN
Good morning sir.
PRINCIPAL
Please take a seat.
MR. DEWAN
After you sir.

PRINCIPAL
Sorry for calling you at such a short notice.
MRS.DEWAN
Uhh… Did Mahi do anything sir?
PRINCIPAL
As you know, Mahi is one of the most brightest students at our school but lately the teachers have been noticing some strange behavior in her.
MRS. PRASAD
She looks tired all the time.
When I ask her about something, she speaks so rudely.
She no longer talks to her friends.
PRINCIPAL
Is her health ok? We would like to know the reason why she fainted.
(Both the parents look at each other)
MR. DEWAN
(Mr. Dewans eyes swell up with tears)
Mahi…. Has cancer. She did not want anyone to know about her condition.
MRS. DEWAN
(sobbing)
We found out about this 3 weeks ago.
And she was so heartbroken when she saw her medical report.

FLASH BACK
Mrs. Dewan hand the reports to mahi with tears in her eyes. Mahi opens her medical report and stares blankly at the piece of paper in her hand. She gets up and suddenly runs out of the house up the hill. She falls on her knees and cries her heart out.
PRESENT
MR. DEWAN
We have been collecting money for her treatment.
(The principal walks up to the father and gently taps his shoulder).
PRINCIPAL
(with much sorrow the principal expresses his hope and condolences)
Don’t worry Mr. Dewan the school will provide their full support. She’s a fighter!
CUT TO:
SCENE 6:
EXT.SCHOOL HALL-DAY
(The principal stands on the stage behind the podium.)
PRINCIPAL
A very good morning to you my fellow colleagues and my dear students. As we look around in today’s society, we see that people are striving hard to finish their studies for a better future... but that cannot be done without support....  my dear students today amongst you is a dear friend, a student who is fighting a battle of life and death. With an optimistic mind, I pledge that we as a family must give financial backing to Mahi, for treatment overseas. For this fundraising, we have planned a jazz band concert and I am touched by the raised spirits of five of our male staff who have step up to shave their head in support of this course and to bring optimism in her fight. Thank you very much gentlemen. The Student Council on the other hand, will arrange their own fundraising committee and reach their target amount. And we will reach our goal with hope, faith, courage and strength.

CUT TO:
SCENE 7:
EXT.NETBALL COURT-AFTERNOON
(Mahi is seen sitting on a bench as her friends approach her. A team is playing netball in the field).
ZAHRA
Mahi! Why didn’t you tell me about this?
MAHI
(Crying)
I was embarrassed and I hated having people’s sympathy.
MERE
From now on, don’t hide anything from us please.
(Mahi looks up at Mere with eyes filled with tears. She gets up and hugs her friends).
MAHI
I’m sorry.
(Just then a group of girls are heard talking about Mahi).
STUDENT 1
Shhhh….Qori…qori..qori o koya
(There..there..there she is)
STUDENT 2
Oye that’s the cancer girl! I bet she’s enjoying all the attention and sympathy she’s getting right now.
(The girls laugh at each other’s joke).
MERE
(Furiously)
Watch your mouth!
Koya gona sega ni tauvimate tu nona mona vakai kemudou!
(Well at least she doesn’t have a sick mind like you all do!)
(Mahi runs away from them. She leans on the tree and cries).
Soliloquy
Am I going to die…? God please. I want to live my life. I have wishes for myself and my parents. Ohh Lord please give me another chance to live…What did I do to deserve this….students are teasing me of my condition. I am already failing; I cannot bear this anymore.
(Just then a hand grabs her by the shoulder).
MRS. PRASAD
Hey, you shouldn’t let their words get to you. They are the ones who are sick not you.
This is where you need to be brave.
CUT TO:
SCENE 8:
INT.SCHOOL-DAY
(Background-song playing)
A school prefect goes around in the classes with a money box asking for students support and donations.
NICOLE
Please do a noble course.
The five male teachers get their heads shaved voluntarily by a student.
The concert ensues as both students and teachers participate in singing.
Mahi and her parents are handed over a cheque by the school Principal.
The flight takes off as Mahi flies out for her treatment.
CUT TO:
SCENE 9:
INT. SCHOOL-DAY
3 Months Later
(A figure ascends the stairs as Mahi’s face is revealed. She walks the corridors of the school as the Principal welcome her back).
PRINCIPAL
Welcome back Mahi. I Hope your treatment in Australia was good. Now don’t worry about anything my dear as I have assigned you subject teachers to help you complete your work and prepare for your finals.
MAHI
Thank you, sir. Thank you very much.
CUT TO:
SCENE 10:
INT. SCHOOL/HOME-DAY
(Background-song playing)
The teachers help Mahi in her studies. Mahi works hard day and night.
At the end she holds a certificate in her hand which reveals her exam marks.
She walks up to the stage and receives her medal and trophy.
MAHI
I couldn’t have done it without your support. I sincerely thank the school and our Principal who have supported me and has given me a second life.
I have realized that no matter what challenges we face we must “FIGHT TO THE FINISH”.
(A sweet smile appears on Mahi’s face.)

...THE END…

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