Ground Zero

A new baby is like the beginning of all things, hope, a dream of possibilities.

So it was on a wonderful evening on the 28th of May, 2002, that Archana and Aditya Soparkar were blessed with a bonny baby girl. She was named Arya (warrior woman, from the Aryan race).

As it is with a first grandchild, in no time, Arya became a cynosure of her Aaji, Aaba and Nani’s eyes.

Pampered equally by her parents, grandparents and a whole flock of relatives, it seemed the attention of the entire family was riveted on this little bundle of joy.

"mere ghar aayee ek nanhi pari,
chandni ke haseen rath pe savaar ..."

The advent of a baby girl brought new found joy and vigor in the Soparkar household. Life was one big fun-filled ride with every face breaking into wreathing smiles even if the baby would gurgle its delight.

(Arya at 5 months)

A dream of possibilities had definitely opened up, and the father and mother were basking in the sunshine caused by their pretty daughter. What more could you wish for? But destiny, it seems, had other plans.

For it was amidst such a serene evening on the 11th of December, 2002, that ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE…