Vasudev Phakde was born in the Marathi-speaking Phadke family based in Shirdhon, Maharashtra, British India. His grandfather enlightened him about the struggle for independence from the British. He nevertheless completes his studies and goes to work for this oppressive and tyrannical regime. But when he is refused leave to visit his ailing mother, Vasudev decides to rebel, and it is this decision that will change his live and India's history forever.—rAjOo (gunwanti@hotmail.com)