Heer and Ajabdeh didn’t have the heart to meet their mother and agitate her further, so they both peeked into the chamber for one glimpse of her sleeping peacefully. Ajabdeh didn’t know when she had dozed off on the chair when her phone rang making her jolt
awake. She had sent Heer away to Rukaiya’s place and insisted that she concentrated on her upcoming examinations. Jalal had driven them home and promised to be back during the visiting hours. The phone screen displayed “Mr Pratap Singh”
“Hello?” As soon as Ajabdeh picked up the phone she looked around and spotted Pratap and Mrs Singh at the reception. He waved at her as she disconnected the phone and walked up to them.
“I am so sorry that I had to leave like that.” She apologized as Mrs Singh dismissed her words with a kind “How is she now?”
“She had been injected with sleeping pills. Every time she wakes up she is agitated and wants to go home. I am not even sure which place she means by home. She doesn’t even remember me.” Ajabdeh checked her voice as it was about to choke. Mrs Singh took her by surprise with a hug. She smelled of lavender. For the first time, Ajabdeh was conscious that she probably smelled like the hospital floor.
“She will be fine. Can I see her?” Jaivanta had the kindest smile on her face. Ajabdeh nodded handing her over the visitor’s card. There was one per visitor. Jaivanta walked away towards the alley of rooms leaving Pratap standing with Ajabdeh.
“You are okay?” He asked after a moment of awkward silence.
“Yes thank you.” Ajabdeh’s tone was formal “It was very kind of Mrs Singh to...”
“She is here to see a friend. I am here to be one.” Pratap’s words made her look up at him once. “We can do this much.” He sat down on the bench keeping enough space for her to sit beside him. She did, putting her purse in between them.
“Have you arranged the...” He asked.
“Money?” She shook her head “The medical agent said the claim is not covering this disease. The savings are not enough and...” She stopped, carefully. Nobody wanted to know about her problems. They asked out of courtesy.
“Can I help?” He asked, hoping not to offend her. She shook her head.
“Jalal and Rukaiya have already asked. I can’t take any more debts. I have to work and find a way to...”
“You can do Nandini’s wedding. One of my friends’ firms is having an event, I can recommend you there and to a few more...”
“Thank you.” She nodded. “But that won’t be enough. I need to...”
They stood up as Jaivanta came out of the alley and she wiped away a few tears and smiled.
“She recognised me.” Her tone was happy.
“She... what?” Ajabdeh looked shocked.
“She thinks she is still in school or college I guess. When I walked up to her bed she held my hand and asked Jaivanta what is this place, where are my parents?” Ajabdeh sat down on the bench at her words. “She said it felt soothing to find familiar faces at last. I promised I will be back here every day.” Jaivanta sat down beside Ajabdeh and held her stone-cold hands. “Don’t worry dear, she will be fine.”
READ ALL CHAPTERS
Comments
Post a Comment