Bus victim home to simple pleasures

Sheetal Chand, 15, is perky but still faces a long period of recovery. Photo / Richard Robinson

Sheetal Chand cannot wait to go home for a visit this weekend.

First she will dive on to her bed. Then she will tuck into a pile of sushi, some Chinese food or a burger - most likely brought to her by younger sisters Sharleen and Shweta.

It is the simple pleasures in life the 15-year-old has missed.

Nearly a month has passed since the Auckland Girls' Grammar School student was struck by a bus near her family's home in Mt Wellington.

She does not remember the accident, but has been told vague details.

The driver - a 46-year-old Weymouth man - is due to appear in Auckland District Court this month on a charge of dangerous driving causing injury.

Meanwhile, Sheetal is walking and talking and eating most normal food, eager to get back to family and friends.

"My food has to be soft right now because of the operation and because of the braces I have right now. They are like these clips in my mouth," she said, pointing under her lips.

Sheetal had an operation on her fractured chin but required no other surgery.

Her sisters can't wait to have her home.

"My little sister, she says she's going to be my nurse," Sheetal said, smiling.

Sheetal's parents Rakesh and Sobhna are thanking God their "prayers have been answered".

"We haven't stopped [praying]," said Mrs Chand. "We have had a lot of support from family and friends ... They are still praying for me."

While Sheetal's speech is slower, doctors are happy with her progress.

"We just think it's a miracle," said Mrs Chand. "We are just so grateful to our family and friends, and her school, for being so supportive."

Since moving to the Wilson Centre for Children in Takapuna last Monday, Sheetal has had physiotherapy and speech sessions and been going for long walks with her father.

Sitting ramrod straight, shoulders back, pretty brown eyes alert and decked out in a grey marl tracksuit, silver shoes and black silver fern beanie, she looks like any other teenage girl. You'd never guess she was in an induced coma a fortnight ago.

But Sheetal is sad doctors had to cut her long, black locks to just below her shoulders.

This weekend, she will return home for the first time. All things going well this will become a weekly occurrence.

The Chand family have been warned that Sheetal faces a long period of recovery but say they are thrilled to have her back.