What is the critical illness that afflicts Hari?

Hari's critical illness in the narrative is tuberculosis, a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. In "Homeless Bird," tuberculosis serves as a pivotal plot point, highlighting the struggles and suffering faced by characters in a challenging socio-economic context. The depiction of Hari's illness underscores themes of vulnerability, hardship, and the harsh realities of life for those living in poverty, as they often lack access to adequate healthcare.

Moreover, tuberculosis is a significant health issue in India, where the story is set, and its inclusion in the narrative reflects realistic challenges faced by society. The other illnesses mentioned, such as malaria, typhoid, and pneumonia, while also prevalent in certain contexts, do not have the same impact on the storyline as tuberculosis does in illustrating the struggles of the characters and the social issues surrounding them.