It is 5 pm in the evening. The smell of freshly made pakodas fills the kitchen and spread to the adjoining rooms. Sathya is so engrossed in dropping the gram flour coated onions into the pan of hot oil that she fails to notice the person stealthily walking from behind her. As a left hand rests on her shoulder, the other hand hugs her simultaneously. Taken aback she drops the ladle into the hot oil which splashes on to her hand. She screams in pain.
"I am so sorry. Sorry sorry Sathya. The timing was so bad." Prakash pulls her to the wash basin and holds her hand under the running water. Sathya closes her eyes and experiences a mixed feeling - burning and cooling. Isn't her life also similar?
"It is ok", she tries to move back to the stove.
"No, don't go", he refuses to let her remove the hand from under the falling water.
"I have to switch off the stove. Pakoda is going to burn."
Prakash switches off the stove. Takes her out to the hall and makes her comfortable on the sofa, stacking cushions behind her back. He runs to the room, brings back a soothing cream and applies gently on her skin which has already begun to redden.
As she continues to study his face, he asks in a worried tone, "Is it burning too much?"
"No. It is much better now." She retracts her hand shyly. Outside the sky has become suddenly dark with rain clouds and they hear distant rumbling of thunder.
Sathya closes her tired eyes and leans back. She senses him walking away. It could have been seconds or minutes for her to realize, because she had dozed off. The aroma of fresh ginger tea near her face wakes her up. Prakash holds out a plate of pakodas and a steaming hot cup of tea to her. She begins to get up with a happy look.
"Guess I have to fall sick often to be pampered by my husband like this", she grins.
"Yeah, but don't try to stretch it too far", he playfully retorts.
He replaces himself in the place of the cushions. It starts to rain outside and the weather is chill. She snuggles closer to him and they both eat enjoying every moment of their togetherness.
"Where is everyone? The house is so calm", Prakash comments.
"Atlast you noticed. They have all gone out", Sathya replies.
"Amma appa"?
"Athai and mama have gone for a wedding reception. They invited Moorthy anna. He went for a free feast. Vinodhini tagged along to keep a check on him." They both laugh.
"Kumar?"
"Kumar mama has gone to Moni's school for parent teacher's meeting."
"Gayathri anniyar?"
"She has a late meeting at the office."
"Ragini?"Prakash refuses to let go off his inquiry and Sathya sighs.
"She has special class and will come home only after 8pm. By the way, our neighbour aunty is walking the dog and our opposite house tenant is out of station", Sathya laughs.
"mmm... looks like we are alone in the entire locality", Prakash winks mischievously.
"ooohhh... its burning", Sathya blows on her hand.
"Madam, I know you are faking. You are a poor actress and let me tell you, there is no escape for you now."
He turns her towards him and as his face inches closer to her, she blushes and her eyes shut automatically.
"Look at me"
"mmm", she refuses to open her eyes.
"Sathu... my Sathukutti", he whispers.
"mmm.."
"Sathya", she opens her eyes realizing someone shaking her shoulders.
It is Janaki.
"Drink this Sathya. You have to be healthy to take care of him." Sathya becomes aware of her surroundings. Prakash is lying in the ICU bed unconscious with tube running from his nose and wires from his chest. She realizes it has all been her dream. Tears run down her cheeks. Janaki pats her head and leaves the room. She holds her husband's hand, closes her eyes and prays. This is all she can do now.
She opens her eyes and as she stares at the ECG monitor displaying the heart beat patterns, Sathya senses a slight movement from the corner of her eye. Barest of movement, nevertheless a slight movement from Prakash. She presses her ear close to his lips and hear him whisper,
"Sathu...my Sathukutti."
A big smile of hope spreads across her beautiful face.
Cricket
Health and Fitness
Mahadev And Sons
