Part Nine:
Dr Kapoor, after examining Pia confirms that things are ok. Pia had actually gone to Dr Kapoor under the pretext of being ill when her motive was to get some info out of Dr Kapoor regarding Bani.
Pia: Dr Kapoor, you had a patient namely Bani na?
Dr Kapoor: Yes Pia.
Pia: I hear that she is no longer a patient. Is she normal now? I mean is she well enough to be out like that?
Dr Kapoor: Well Pia, I really DO NOT feel comfortable discussing my clients with others so if you'll excuse me, I have other important things to attend to. As it is, you are perfectly fine, continue with your daily intake of the prescribed tabs and routine exercises. This should be fine then.
Pia, utterly disgusted now, couldn't hold her nasty retort: Ok doctor, I have other means of finding things out. Thank you so much for being so non-cooperative.
She marched out of the room, holding head high.
Dr Kapoor sat thinking for a long time and then shook her head as if to clear some unpleasant thoughts and went about her daily chores.
Bani on the other hand has nothing much to do at home. She sits around for a while then stands up and walks aimlessly around the house. She then finally decides to prepare dinner early. She sets about working on it.
While getting things together and keeping her mind occupied, Bani very diligently and swiftly went over the task of cooking and cleaning. She was so engrossed that she didn't realize time had really flown and it was time for Dr Kapoor to return.
Dr Kapoor, while driving, is still in deep thought. She reaches home and sees Bani working pleasantly in the kitchen.
Dr Kapoor: Wow Bani, something smells delicious. I am starving here. If it's ready, can we have an early dinner? I skipped lunch but I am dying to eat now.
Bani smiled and said: Sure Dr Kapoor, go and freshen up while I set the table.
Dr Kapoor left and Bani got busy again.
Dr Kapoor, wiping her hands on a tea towel: Thank you Bani. I am sure this will be the best meal I'll have in ages!
Bani: I hope so.
They both sat at the table and helped themselves.
Dr Kapoor: Bani, I had a patient today called Pia!
Bani stiffened visibly. Dr Kapoor noticed that right away and continued: She was asking about you. You know her?
Bani almost whispered: She is my sister.
Just those words made Bani want to puke. All the images of Pia and Jai flashed before her eyes and before she realized, she was crying helplessly. Dr Kapoor rushed to her side and comforted her.
Dr Kapoor: Ssshhhh Bani, it's ok. I figured that out. Please do not cry. I am here for you and for someone as sweet as you, I am sure it all has to be THEIR fault. I am here for you if you want to talk about it.
That did it and Bani poured her heart out in front of her new found friend who at the moment seemed to be the only person on the earth for her.
All comments, good or bad, are welcome. š