"This is a story based in Jhiktiya village of Bihar where I live with my adoptive spastic child Soni. The villagers have often heard the story of Vikram Baital, Akbar Birbal, but what they see these days, is a unique pair - Ranju and Soni.

There was no one to take care of Soni in the town of Patna with its busy lifestyle. So, I volunteered to look after this 47-year-old baby. From changing her diapers to combing her hair, I love to do it all. My husband lives in town, my children also study outside and yet I am not alone at home. I have this God’s special creation with me.

It is like becoming a mother again. Everyday I decide what Soni will wear, with a toothpick I clean the bits of food from her mouth, and sometimes even go for a walk with her. Every now and then, late in the afternoon, I apply nail paint on her long fingernails, style her hair differently and periodically color her hair black. It is important to me that she looks good.

Soni is my entertainment; she is my attachment. Away from all the bondages of blood and matrimonial relationships, this is something that I have chosen. Irrespective of how my day goes, I sit in the evening with a cup of tea and share it with her. Like a baby, every night she tucks herself beside me and sleeps with the assurance that her family is here. I call her Soni didi, because I am five years younger than my favourite daughter.”