Plot Summary

Jacob Pederson lives in shanty surroundings in Bombay, India and assists in the running of Anand Orphanage and School. He had attempted a number of projects to assist orphans, including child prostitutes--all quite in vain. He has adopted a young male orphan, Pramod, and takes special care of him. With growing pressure on the facilities, which is on the verge of bankruptcy, the orphanage receives an offer of funding from wealthy Danish citizen Jörgen that might put an end to its problems. In order to obtain the money, Jacob must travel to Copenhagen, meet with Jörgen, get financial assistance, and be back to celebrate Pramod's 8th birthday. He sets forth, is received by Christian Refner, an employee and future son-in-law of Jörgen. Jacob is shown all possible courtesy and even housed in a posh apartment. He subsequently meets with Jörgen, shows him video-tapes and submits that a few Kroner could really save several lives which would otherwise succumb to minor illnesses and infections. Jorgen views the videos, but does not display much interest. He invites Jacob to attend his daughter's wedding. Jacob attends the ceremony and meets Jorgen's wife Helene, their daughter Anna (the bride), and their twins Martin and Morten. After the wedding ceremony, Christian makes a speech. Quite unconventionally, Anna also decides to make a speech--this speech that will shatter Jacob's world and make him realize that this invitation to Copenhagen was a ploy to not only ensnare him but also prevent him from returning to India.—rAjOo (gunwanti@hotmail.com)