Siblings yearn for their parents

Anusha and Avinash are still to be told about the death of their parents

Anusha and her brother Avinash recuperating at a private hospital in ECIL Crossroads PHOTO: CH. SURESH KUMAR

Undergoing treatment in the critical care intensive care unit at Tulasi Hospital at ECIL crossroads here, Anusha (5) is puzzled when visitors come calling enquiring about her condition.

She wonders as to why so many people, including government officials, are visiting the hospital to console her and her brother Avinash (7).

The siblings had a miraculous escape when a wall caved in on their hut at Moula Ali in the early hours of Tuesday, but their parents - Venkataiah and Padmamma - perished in the mishap. Another couple - Mahadev and Padmamma - and their children Anil Kumar and Shivudu, too, died in the incident.

Struggling to cope with an injury in the right leg, the girl can hardly speak and simply nods to any question from visitors. Her elder brother Avinash, with an injury on the left jaw, picks up papers and engages himself in drawing birds, computer and fruit. Both still believe that their parents are alive and will be visiting them any time.

Stable condition

Whenever Anusha asks about her mother, the staff nurses try to pacify her, saying she will come at night and divert her attention by offering toys. “Their health condition is stable and will be discharged shortly,” said Tulasi Hospital chairman A. Jairam Reddy.

“We have received a communication, stating that the children’s medical expenses would be borne under the Arogyasri scheme,” he explained. Assistant Medical Officer (Malkajgiri) Y. Maitreyi said a decision would be taken on the custody of the children after they were discharged.

She added that a decision on whether to hand over the children to their relatives or sent them to the State Home would be taken only after discussing the issue with officials concerned.