by Candy Laine
Shweta’s heart skipped a beat. Aunt? That would be Arun’s mother. Arun’s parents were visiting Gagan’s parents this week. Rahat had mentioned having dinner with her in-laws and Arun’s parents a couple of days ago. Could something have happened to Arun? Why would they want Gagan to head back home? It had to be someone in town who was not well, she reasoned.
Shweta turned back to find the rest of her team and quickly told Rahat and Ashima why they needed to head back to the parking. They walked fast and could see Gagan pacing the distance between his car and Vishal’s in the parking lot. Vishal saw them first and said, “Calm down Gagan. The girls are here.”
“I’m sorry you guys,” Gagan was upset. “I didn’t mean to cut short the picnic, but I really need to know what happened. My mother was really upset and refused to tell me anything but the fact that she wanted me there right away. I don’t know what the emergency is, but we need to get going.” Rahat walked over to him and gave him a hug. He took Rahat’s hand and started moving towards his car.
“We can all go to your parent’s house and find out what’s wrong.” Vishal offered. Gagan shook his head. “You guys carry on. I’ll call you if there is anything I need.”
“Gagan, Shweta is a doctor. Maybe she should come with us.” Rahat offered hesitantly.
“I don’t know guys.” Gagan put both his hands to his eyes and pushed them upwards towards his hairline. “I don’t want to bother anyone.”
“It’s okay, Gagan. It’s not a bother. I’ll come along.” Shweta patted his shoulder.
“I’ll drive her over.” Vishal took out his car keys. “If there is nothing we can do, I’ll take her back home.”
“Call me and let me know what happens.” Ashish gestured to Ashima to get in the car.
“Thanks, man.” Gagan sounded more relaxed now that there was an action plan. Everyone got into their cars and drove off.
o0o
14
Survival of the Fittest
o0o
I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain — and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.
Robert Frost
It was a nightmare he couldn’t wake up from. He looked at his open suitcase and back to his closet. What else did he needed to pack? Arun was wondering how the day which had seemed to start so well could have got so fucked up. Yesterday the column had successfully managed to kill three of the five terrorists. One had managed to escape in the gun battle and one was wounded fatally, not expected to survive.
The weapons that had been recovered were substantial and the seniors had all been very happy. Roy had received a flesh wound. Luckily the bullet had exited the body and he was likely to make a complete recovery. The unit medical officer had patched him up and sent him off to bed early.
Arun had been trying to sleep off the exhaustion after the adrenalin high the next morning when his buddy woke him up at 0630 hours. There was a message from his mother to call back immediately. She had never called Arun before. It was always Arun who called her once a week whenever he was free. He pulled on his coat and rushed to the service phone in the Officer’s Mess.
As he gave the operator the land line of his aunt in Pune, he hoped they were all fine. He remembered his mother mentioning that they were planning a trip to the city. She was hoping to convince his father to invest in a house in the city and shift. Maybe they found a home and she was excited to share the news?
Arun hoped that was why she had called. He really couldn’t think of any other reason. The land line kept ringing till the answering machine picked up. He left a short message asking his aunt if everything was fine. How he wished the older generation would accept and use mobile phones. He then thumbed through his diary and got out Gagan and Vishal’s mobile numbers.
After half an hour the exchange was finally able to connect him to Vishal. Gagan’s mobile was out of reach. The connection was not the clearest considering the three exchanges that the call was being routed through, but something was better than nothing. Arun willed Vishal to pick up the phone quickly. He would have just two minutes to talk once the call connected.
“Hello.” There was a light echo.
“Vishal?” Arun was fairly certain it was his friend.
“Yes, who is this?” There was crackling to be heard along with his voice.
“It’s me, Arun. I’m calling from the valley.”
“Arun! Did you hear about your father?” Vishal sounded agitated and anxious as he rushed through his words.
“No. What happened?” He strained to hear his friend though the crackling static sounds.
“He’s admitted to the hospital. He had a stroke….massive one…. Lucky Shweta was there. You need to come to Pune….may not survive... ” The crackling was getting worse. Arun could barely hear Vishal speak.
“Slow down. The line’s not clear. I can’t hear everything. How is he doing now?”
“He’s not doing too well. The doctors are not giving him more than a couple of days. Come to Pune immediately.”
Arun swore then asked, “How’s my Mom doing? Where is she?”
“She’s at the hospital. Gagan’s mother is with her.”
“Okay.” Arun’s heart sank. That’s why there was no response at the land line. A sense of panic began to set in. Arun wanted to see his father alive. He may not get along with the authoritarian old crab, but he was still his father.
“I’ll make plans to leave and call you back.” Arun headed to the office block to speak with the adjutant. He couldn’t believe how quickly things had gone from the celebrations last night to the bad news this morning. His brain was already planning the entire journey to Pune.
Here he was one hour later packing to leave. His unit adjutant and commanding officer had cleared his leave and asked him to take as long as necessary. Arun was being dropped by a jeep to the Air Force Station at Avantipur. That drive would take at least three hours. As long as there were no hold ups or terrorist attacks in any of the tiny hamlets and towns that lay en-route.
He needed to make it in time to catch the “Sabji Courier”. This was a special Air Force flight that came up with fresh groceries from Chandigarh each week. It was cheaper and easier to get the vegetables from Chandigarh rather than risk procuring them from the local city. It was a regular and very popular flight. On the way back they would oblige soldiers going on leave with a quick ride back to Chandigarh rather than taking the long route via road convoy from Srinagar.
His commanding officer had spoken with the station commandant and apprised him of the situation. There was no doubt that the flight would take him. They would try to hold back the flight till he made it, but he had been asked to make haste. If the weather began to pack up the pilot would pull out sooner rather than risking staying the night.
Roy came into the room and snapped Arun out of the daze he was in. “You need to hurry, Sir. I checked with a course mate in Chandigarh and the flight is on time. Weather permitting it will land by 1100 hours. It will take them about an hour to unload and refuel. It’s 0800 hours right now. You need to leave right away so that you can make the flight.”
“Thanks, Roy.” Arun pushed the top of his suitcase down. He had the basics. Anything missing could always be picked up in Pune. He checked his wallet, saw he had barely any cash. Looked at his credit cards and hoped that he could be in Chandigarh by that evening to make the night flight to New Delhi.
There were no direct flights from Chandigarh to Pune. He would have to take a late night flight out of Delhi. Arriving in Pune in the wee hours of the morning. His mind was racing with all the things he needed to do, as he closed his suitcase and carried it out to the jeep. All the unit officers were waiting to show their support.
Arun shook hands with everyone and finally Roy shut his door. He could see them standing and watching as the jeep moved away. They grew smaller and smaller in the side mirror till he could barely distinguish be
tween them. The driver exited the gate and turned. Arun exhaled deeply as he sent up a prayer, please let me be in time.
o0o
15
The Long Haul
o0o
You did not come,
And marching Time drew on, and wore me numb.
Yet less for loss of your dear presence there
Than that I thus found lacking in your make
That high compassion which can overbear
Reluctance for pure lovingkindness' sake
Grieved I, when, as the hope-hour stroked its sum,
You did not come.
Thomas Hardy
There was little time to think when Arun finally landed in Pune. It was a quarter to two in the morning. Luckily he had been able to speak with Vishal and confirm his arrival before boarding the plane in Delhi. As he stepped out of the air conditioned airport into the crisp night breeze, he felt numb. He saw Vishal waving to him and headed in his direction. The two friends hugged and Vishal led him out towards the parking lot.
“How is he?” Arun asked.
“About as stable as the doctors can keep him.” Vishal sounded resigned.
“And my mother?” There was a hint of trepidation in Arun's voice.
“That’s one strong woman. She’s been at the hospital by his side for as long as he has been there. Refuses to take a break. Won’t even go to the cafeteria to eat. We’re taking turns to bring her food and tea.”
Arun smiled despite the situation. That sounded just like his mother. She was the rock in their lives. There was nothing she could not handle. He would get her to take a break once he got there. Vishal took Arun’s suitcase and swung it none too gently into his car’s boot.
“Can we go straight to the hospital?”
“That’s where we are headed.”
“Thanks man, I owe you.”
“No, you don’t. It’s the least I can do.”
“What hospital is he at? There are two military hospitals in Pune, right?”
“He’s not at the military hospital Arun. I thought you knew.”
“Where is he?”
“Shweta was with us when Gagan got the call about your father. We all went to his parent’s house and Shweta organised his admission to the hospital she works at.”
“Shweta?” Arun’s tired, sleep deprived brain did not make the connection right away. “Wait a minute, Dr. Shweta Karkare?”
“Yes. We were out Geocaching and...”
“Hold on a minute, you are hanging out with her?” His stomach sank just a bit lower than it should be. Was that jealousy he was suppressing? And what the hell was Geocaching? Did he want to know?
“Sure. She’s a really cool chick. Not afraid to get her hands dirty and loads of fun to be with.” Vishal knew it was probably wrong to goad his friend when he was going through an emotionally difficult time, but it couldn’t hurt him to go after his girl. Specially if he thought Vishal was interested in her. He hid a smile.
Arun digested that piece of information in silence as he stared at the empty road before them. He really didn’t have much chance to think about it before Vishal was parking the car in the hospital’s lot. They left his bag in the car. Arun’s thoughts shifted to his mother and what state he would find his father.
“He’s suffered a stroke. There was extensive damage and partial paralysis. There’s not going to be much improvement in his condition. All we can do is manage his pain and make him as comfortable as possible.”
Arun was listening to the words while not really paying attention. He could see his father’s still form on the bed. Eyes closed, like he was sleeping. The smell of antiseptic cleansers wafted through his nose. His mother’s sister was explaining the condition and the consequences. He had understood enough to know that it was just a matter of time before all the organs packed up and his father died.
“Why don’t you go home, Arun. Change and get some rest. I am here with your Ma.”
“I’d like to have a word with her before I go.” Arun nodded his head.
“Ma, would you come outside the room with me for a while?” She gave him a tired smile and got up from the chair by his father’s hospital bed where she kept vigil. He put his arm around her shoulder and led her out of the room, away from the beeping machines his father was plugged into. The sterile white walls of the corridor depressed him.
“How are you holding up?” He released her and she turned to face him.
“I’ve been better.” She gave him a dry look. She had dark circles under her eyes, but her smile was warm and genuine.
“Do you want to shift him to a military hospital?”
“The doctors say he will not last beyond the week. I hardly think it is worth the effort to shift him at this stage.”
“A week?” Arun was not sure how he felt about that. It was a very short time. His strong, invincible father was vulnerable after all. His mortality proved his humanity.
“Yes. I know it isn’t much time. I am glad you managed to make it here in time. You need to make your peace with him before he goes.” She held out her arms.
“There’s nothing to say, Ma.” Arun gave her a hug. He held on tight. Suddenly he was exhausted. The travelling had caught up with him. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath as his mother stroked his back. Soothing away his tensions as she always did.
“Go with Vishal. Gagan and Rahat are manning the fort at my sister’s home. Get some rest. Come back in the morning.” She released him and took a step back and placed a palm on his cheek. “I’m glad you are here.”
Arun was sitting in the chair next to his father’s bed the following afternoon. Between Gagan, his aunt and Arun, they had managed to convince Ma to go and rest before she spent the night again. His father had not gained consciousness in the time that Arun had been watching over him.
The nurses came in periodically and took down notes. Then a doctor in the quintessential white coat entered and picked up the clipboard. Arun got up to address the doctor and lost his ability to speak. It was her. In her white coat and stethoscope dangling around her neck she looked the embodiment of her profession. Dr. Shweta Karkare.
“Hello Major Arun Rastogi, how are you?” Her tone was calm, soothing, professional. It broke the trance he was in.
“Dr. Shweta Karkare, I’m good.”He was as formal as she had been. She had quickly turned back to the reports when he made eye contact.
“He’s stable. Not much change since yesterday.” She continued to ponder over the page. “Has he been awake? Spoken anything?” She looked up at Arun.
“I’m afraid not. He doesn’t seem to open his eyes at all. There has been no sign of consciousness.” Arun wasn’t sure if that was good or bad.
“I am sorry to hear that. It has to be difficult for you, and your mother.” Shweta hung the clipboard back on the base of the bed.
“She’s the wife of a soldier. She’s a tough lady.” Arun shrugged as if it was no big deal.
“The nurse will come and sponge him down now. Would you like to step outside the room for a while?” Shweta looked at him with sympathy in her eyes. It was never easy to be in this situation. Waiting for a loved one to die.
Arun didn’t want to witness the ultimate humiliation for his father’s prone form. He nodded his head and they walked out of the room.
“How long do you think he will last?” Arun asked her when they stood in the corridor.
“There’s really no sure way to tell. He could be gone within the next half hour, or he may survive another week.” Arun nodded his head slowly. “How are you doing, Arun?”
“As well as I can, I suppose.”
“I’m sorry I can’t do or say anything more to help.” Shweta looked at him as he turned to stare at the door of his father’s hospital room.
“It helps. Your being here helps.” His eyes were tired, defeated. She patted his arm, “Let me know if there’s anything I can do. I have to continue my rounds now.”
“Than
k you, Shweta.” Arun could not help but be glad that she was there. Even if she could not be in his life as he wanted her to be, he was glad that she was still around.
A couple of hours later Arun was almost dozing as he sat besides his father when a rasping sound brought him out of his haze. Arun’s eyes flew open as he saw his father awake and disoriented. He was trying to speak but his throat must have been too dry.
Arun quickly brought the glass of water from the bedside table to his lips. He took a couple of shaky sips. The water spilling down his chin. Arun brought out his handkerchief to wipe the water away. His father’s hand caught his wrist in a weak grip. It seemed that he wanted to say something, as he tugged Arun down to him.
“I’m glad you came.” The raspy voice was weak and halting, but Arun’s heart was thumping madly as he realized he may not have had this chance to speak with his father at all.
“I had to come, Dad.”
“You are… a good boy... I pushed... too hard...sorry...love you.” A mix of conflicting emotions ran through Arun as he began to process what his father had just said.
“It’s okay dad.” Arun eased him back to the bed as he seemed to lose strength now that he had said his bit. He closed his eyes and lay back on the pillow. The few words seeming to zap his energy out. Arun looked at this feeble, old man lying on the bed and wondered where his terror inducing father had disappeared. The scourge of his childhood was actually a mortal man.
“Arun,” The hand on his shoulder pressed down, “I’m here now. Go back with Gagan and get some rest.”
Arun came out of his stupor and looked at his mother. He nodded his head as he got up. Vacating the only chair in the hospital room for his mother to sit on. She patted his back as he gave her a hug. Then she settled down in the chair and smiled at him.
“Come on, Bro. Let’s get you home.” Gagan gestured with his head towards the door as he swung his keychain in one hand.
“I’ll be back after lunch, Ma.” Arun waved to his mother and the two cousins walked out into the long corridor smelling of disinfectants and cleaning fluids.
