His heart-wrenching story is strikingly similar to Bollywood film "Anand", about a terminally cancer patient who strives to live every moment of his life and make others smile.

He (name withheld) is just a regular boy born in a tightly-knit family of Bihar, brought up on rich family values that today stand between him and telling his own parents the biggest truth of his life.

Three years ago, he came to tech-hub Bangalore with dreams of becoming an engineer. But just a year into his graduation, he was diagnosed with brain cancer.

But he has not been able to bring himself to share his grief with his parents. Reason: his grandfather had died of cancer in 2009, and his family had raised huge money and gone into debt.

"My grandfather had lung cancer and for his treatment, papa had spent a lot. He even sold our properties," the 21-year-old told IANS.

"Soon after my grandfather's death, I discovered I had tumour. After initial check-ups in Bangalore, I went to AIIMS in Delhi. I went through chemotherapy and was kept there for a month.

"But when I saw there was no improvement, I asked the doctors very clearly about my chances of recovery. They told me I'll live only for a few years. After that, I left the hospital," he said.

All of 19, he left his studies and carried on his life as if nothing happened.

The boy suffers from ependymoma, a glial tumour that arises from ependymal cells within the central nervous system.

"If my family went into debt to save my grandfather, they could go to any extent for me. So I didn't say anything to them, as nothing could have been done," he said.

His father is a small-time contractor, mother a homemaker and a younger brother is studying in school. He has disclosed his medical illness to only a handful of friends even as he somehow manages to keep living in the college hostel.

Six months ago, when his condition deteriorated, he was admitted to the Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) here.

"One of my friends informed my family that I was hospitalised. If my parents had come to the hospital, the doctors might have told them. So I ran away from there and told my parents that everything was okay."

Since then, he's never visited any doctor. He spends the money his parents send for his education on travelling and friends.

He hid his illness even from his girlfriend, from whom he is separated now.

"I am quite happy with my friends and I have no regrets for my short life. But sometimes I feel real bad for my family," he said in a choked voice.

"I just want to live life happily as I have been living before. I really do not know what is in store in the next moment...just want to cherish every moment."

His friends are amazed to say the least.

"We call our parents when we have a slight fever and go home for little aches and pains, but this guy amazes me," Sahab Alam, his roommate, told IANS.

"He is a great friend, ready to help anyone. I just can't believe how anyone who knows his death is so near can smile every moment," he added.

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