Part I
It was near 7:00 PM at FMS Hospital and junior resident Dr. Abhay Sathe was wrapping up his shift. This competition to see who will be the proxy head of the emergency department was draining. He didn’t like pulling dodgy moves like stealing patients. Childish stunts seemed silly when there were patient lives on the line. But it was important to him to win this competition, at the very least to show Dr. Vikrant Saxena, the head of the department, that Abhay Sathe wasn’t to be trifled with. He knew Dr. Saxena didn’t like him, which was fine by Abhay who made no efforts to hide his contempt for the man. He found Dr. Saxena to be an egoistic, manipulative creep. However, Abhay had to admit he was a great doctor and highly qualified. So far he had been impartial in judging by capability and didn’t care about any small tricks pulled to create advantageous situations, as long as the patient was correctly diagnosed and treated.
Abhay needed to focus on his ambition if he wanted to reach a position like Dr. Saxena’s someday, and eventually surpass that. He had been giving too much attention lately to his personal life and his tangled emotions. It was high time he shape up and concentrate on what was important.
He was in the middle of grabbing his things from the locker room when his phone rang.
“Jigna Kaki,” Abhay read on the screen with a tense expression. His next-door neighbor and close family friend never called him at the hospital unless there was an issue with his mother.
“Yes Kaki, what happened?” Abhay asked apprehensively.
“Abhay come quick! A fire has broken out in your home!” Kaki’s frantic voice answered.
“What?! A fire? How? Is Aai ok?”
“Yes, she is fine, but she has gotten a little burned. Come quickly…”
“Yes, Kaki. I am coming immediately.” Abhay quickly grabbed his bag and started heading towards the exit, nearly colliding into his senior and boss, Dr. Deepika Sinha, who was also leaving for home.
“Whoa, Dr. Sathe, where’s the fire?” she joked.
“In my house,” Abhay answered miserably, “Aai has gotten burns.”
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” Deepika exclaimed, “I didn’t know there was really a fire. I’ll come with you. Is she very hurt?”
“Kaki said she is okay, but I don’t know… You don’t have to come, I will handle it,” Abhay said, looking away awkwardly. Ever since he had accidentally spied on Deepika and Dr. Saxena locked in an embrace and overheard Dr. Saxena’s love confession, he felt unease around Deepika when it came to personal things. This was his personal matter, and Deepika’s presence wasn’t strictly needed. The last time Deepika had accompanied him to his house to assist with his mother, he had made a monumental realization about his feelings towards her.
Abhay had never been in love before. When he first met Dr. Sinha, he had despised her. He thought she was like his father’s second wife, the type of woman who used her charm on men to advance her career. But when he got to know Deepika better, got to know her dedication, courage, and drive, he realized how wrong he was. Deepika had the capability to fulfill her own ambitions, despite the many obstacles thrown her way. Her dreams weren’t just her goals, they were her life. And she put her patients and their wellbeing above all. Even when the management committee unfairly passed her over for Head of Emergency to appoint Dr. Saxena, she didn’t lose her zeal for helping emergency patients. Deepika had not only corrected Abhay’s thinking about her, but was also changing his attitude in other ways. She made him want to be a better doctor and a better human being. He felt a kinship with her that he never felt with anyone else. Over the short time he had known her, Abhay felt his admiration for her soar. Slowly, the admiration turned into enjoying spending time with her, and then into something else. Though he had felt the stirrings of real love for the first time, it was for someone that he could never confess to and who would never reciprocate.
Furthermore, now that he was engaged to his long-time girlfriend Dr. Sia Advani, he had resolved to keep distance from his superior other than what was professionally necessary. It was what was best in order to move past his confusing feelings for Deepika.
“It’s no problem. Your mother is my former patient. I’m always happy to be of help to her. Let’s go.” Abhay was unable to protest further before Deepika was already on the move. He had no choice but to follow her. Right now he was more concerned for his mother and Dr. Sinha had been of great service to her before, saving her life and helping her calm down from her violent fit.
The pair zoomed down the streets of Mumbai in Deepika’s jeep as fast as traffic would allow and soon they reached Abhay’s colony. As they rushed down the hallway Abhay could see some residual smoke coming from the window of his small unit. A few people were gathered outside, holding buckets. Jigna Kaki’s husband came up to them with a relieved look. “Abhay beta, we have managed to put out the fire. The damage is mostly limited to the kitchen.”
“Kaka, where’s Aai?” Abhay asked worriedly.
“She’s in our house with your Kaki. She has minor burns on her hands. Thankfully, Jigna spotted the fire early and got her out. Go see her.”
“Thank you Kaka.” Abhay hurried inside the house with Deepika following. His mother, Girija Sathe, was sitting on the bed staring at her hands and mumbling to herself while his aunt sat next to her, holding up a glass of water to her mouth trying to coax her to drink. A first-aid kit and a big bowl of water lay on the table nearby.
“Thank goodness you’ve come. She isn’t listening or speaking to me. I put her hands in water, but we ran out of ice,” Jigna fretted anxiously, “I wish I could’ve done more. I didn’t want to put any ointment or bandages until you looked at it.”
“No, you did well Ms. Jigna. You shouldn’t put ice or even overly cold water on burns, it can cause further tissue damage,” Deepika explained, “I’ll examine her.” She fished out a small flashlight from her bag. She gently opened Girija’s mouth and peered down her throat with the flashlight. “No signs of smoke inhalation. Burns on the hands are second degree. Nasty blisters but the skin hasn’t broken. Antibiotic ointment and clean gauze are all that’s needed. I’ll do the dressing. Dr. Sathe, talk to her, she seems distressed.”
“Aai, what happened?” Abhay asked, “How did the fire start?”
“I was just trying to make dinner for Vinayak,” Girija answered sullenly, “He works so much. He will be coming home soon, hungry and tired. How will he feel if dinner isn’t cooked?”
“Aai!” Abhay exclaimed angrily, “Who told you to touch the stove? Why do you keep doing these things? How am I supposed to take care of you like this?”
“Abhay, calm down,” Deepika admonished, “Don’t upset Aunty. If she becomes hyper again she’ll become difficult to handle.”
Girija hissed in pain.
“Oops, sorry Aunty. Anyways, what were you trying to cook? I bet it was something tasty,” Deepika said casually, continuing to bandage the burns.
The distraction worked and Girija brightened instantly.
“Bharleli Vangdi (stuffed brinjal), Vinayak loves it,” Girija chatted happily, “He says no one else can make it like I do, not even restaurants.”
“Really? Even I like Bharleli Vangdi.”
“You’ve had Maharashtrian food? You like it?”
“Yes, I’ve been in Mumbai for ten years, I’ve had lots of Maharashtrian food. But I’ll tell you one thing, everybody raves about Vada Pav (sandwiched potato dumpling), but Thalipeeth (savory pancake) is my favorite.”
“Thalipeeth is Abhay’s favorite too.” Girija suddenly frowned. “Abhay…” her eyes lit up in recognition, “Abhay, you’re back from school? You must be hungry. Shall I make you something? Do you want Thalipeeth?” Girija attempted to stand.
“Aunty!”
“Aai!”
“Girija Bahen!”
The three other occupants in the room jumped at once to stop Girija, but Deepika took firm hold of her first.
“Aunty, please sit, you’re hurt,” Deepika coaxed Girija to sit back down.
“But Abhay’s food…”
“I’ll make sure Abhay eats something,” Deepika convinced her, “But you must promise me something, from now on whenever you’re in the mood to make food you must ask someone to assist you.”
“Why? I don’t need help. I’m an expert, Vinayak said so,” Girija said proudly, “He said I could’ve been a chef.”
“Ok, so you assume you are a chef. Did you know, a chef is like a surgeon? No surgeries are conducted alone. There is a lead surgeon, but there are also assistant surgeons, nurses, etcetera. The lead surgeon decides how to conduct the surgery, they decide the equipment and the techniques, but they have people to help them actually perform the procedure. Similarly, the head chef decides the best ingredients, equipment and techniques for the dish, but they don’t cook alone. And Aunty, you are an expert, so that makes you head chef. You must have at least one assistant. Think of your status.”
Girija pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Actually, you’re right. The maid can help. I’ve been telling Vinayak to get a good bai for some time now. The last one was so lazy! I will complain to Vinayak when he gets home. He must get me a new bai by tomorrow, no more excuses.”
“Absolutely, you must complain. And if you find a good bai send her to my place as well, mine is also very lazy.” Deepika finished dressing Girija’s wounds. “See, all done. Now you take this painkiller and drink some water. Ms. Jigna has been trying for so long to get you to drink, don’t trouble her anymore.”
Jigna helped Girija take the medicine and lay down while Deepika stood and went over to Abhay who was now standing in the corner rubbing his forehead trying to prevent a tension headache. She lay a soothing hand on his shoulder and he looked up.
“I just don’t understand what to do,” Abhay said with a despondent sigh. “She is degrading day by day. She is becoming a danger to herself and others.”
“If you don’t mind, can I make a suggestion? Seeing Aunty’s condition I think she needs a proper caretaker. One that can be with her at all times,” Deepika advised.
“A caretaker…” Abhay mused uncertainly, “Aai has never been looked after by strangers before. I don’t know how she’ll react.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll look into getting a professional, one with experience with dealing with dementia patients. Your Aai will be fully taken care of,” Deepika said reassuringly.
“Thank you, Deepika.” Abhay caught her gaze, and for a few seconds he allowed himself to be lost in the warmth of her eyes.
“Beta, I was on the phone with the repairman,” Kaka said as he entered the house interrupting the moment, “I have sent him pictures. The whole kitchen section is burnt. He estimates that it’ll take a week to repair.”
“A week?” Abhay groaned, “Now where am I supposed to keep Aai for so long?”
“What are you saying? You both will stay here,” declared Jigna.
“No Kaki,” Abhay stated firmly, “You and Kaka have been so kind. But your arm has recently healed. I can’t risk Aai hurting anyone again, even unintentionally. Deepika is right, Aai needs full-time care and you and Kaka have your own work to do.”
“But Abhay– ”
Abhay held a palm up to stop her mid-protest. “Please Kaki. You are like family. I know you aren’t doing me any favors, but I can’t be worried for you all while I’m at the hospital. Even a caretaker needs their own space, and there just isn’t enough here. I will have to think of some other accommodations.”
Kaka’s phone beeped. “My apologies, but I have to leave. Urgent work issue. Let me know what you decide Abhay. I will keep an eye on all the repair work here, so don’t worry about that.”
“Sure Kaka, you go take care of work.”
Kaka said his goodbyes and left.
Abhay began pacing, muttering to himself, “It wouldn’t be appropriate to stay at Sia’s, especially with her dad still recovering from surgery. Peroz has a housemate. I guess I can put Aai up at a hotel or lodge…”
“Um Abhay… if you think it’s alright, you and Aunty can stay at my place,” Deepika suggested tentatively.
“With you?” Abhay was shocked. He wouldn’t have ever even thought of asking Deepika.
“Yeah, I live alone and have a spare bedroom. I mean, it’s better than a hotel. Aunty will feel uncomfortable there. The environment might be strange for her. I have the space and I’ll call the hospital to appoint a nurse aide to look after her until we find a permanent caretaker.”
“Dr. Sinha, I– I really appreciate it, but I don’t think that would be wise. You are my boss and–”
“I know I’m your boss,” Deepika interrupted, “I also know that I’m not your good friend like Dr. Advani and Dr. Murgiwala, but I thought we had some sort of camaraderie beyond professional respect Dr. Sathe. I guess I was wrong.”
Abhay was surprised. Deepika sounded almost hurt. He thought he was being sensible in establishing boundaries. But he supposed the limits of his and Deepika’s professional relationship had long been broken. Their level of comfort and intimacy of their talks was much beyond the scope of a mentor-mentee. Not once had Dr. Sinha rebuked him for calling her ‘Deepika’ in private, despite the impropriety considering their positions.
They had shown vulnerable sides of themselves to each other that Abhay didn’t think they had shown to anyone else. At least, he had never shown anyone those sides of him. Yet, there was a strange distance between them that prevented them from openly accepting that intimacy, even in private, while the decorum of the workplace prevented them from appearing too informal in public.
That’s why Abhay had said to Sia that they weren’t friends. It was technically true. Sia had teased him about being a ‘teacher’s pet’ instead. He knew in his heart it was much more than that, but he couldn’t let the other residents know that. He knew that none of them would understand. He had already been accused by his best friend Peroz of using Dr. Sinha for his professional gain. The truth was worse. Peroz had moved past the voicemail Abhay accidentally sent him confessing having feelings for another woman. Somehow, Peroz had been convinced that it was simply a passing thought, and ignored it for Sia’s sake. But if he ever found out that it was Dr. Sinha the recording was referring to, Abhay wasn’t sure if Peroz would forgive him. And Sia… Sia wouldn’t even be able to look at him. It would break her heart. Dr. Ansari would definitely use the opportunity to mock him. Even if no one told him, he’d know. The man was like a hound when it came to gossip. He would sniff it out. Ansari especially loved it when Abhay got caught in a misfire as it gave him an opportunity to knock him off the ‘Golden Child’ pedestal. Staying at Deepika’s house seemed like a huge potential misfire. It was definitely gossip fuel at least. The more Abhay tried to distance himself from his feelings for Deepika, the more he felt drawn to her.
“It’s not like that. We… are friends too,” Abhay said hesitantly.
“Look, I’m not trying to pressure you into something you’re not comfortable with. You’re right, I'm your boss. I’m not meant to be your friend, I’m meant to be your guide. The patient needs a stable, quiet home environment for recovery. I thought my place might be a convenient option as it’s close to the hospital, so I suggested it. Sorry, if I was out of line.” Deepika turned abruptly and grabbed her bag. “My job is done, so I’ll get going.”
She was nearly out the door when Abhay made up his mind.
“Deepika, wait!” Abhay blurted. Deepika paused, turning and waiting for Abhay to speak.
“I can’t take any risks with Aai. Right now, your idea is best. I took you wrongly, you were speaking as a doctor,” Abhay said apologetically. “We will go with you.” He then addressed Jigna, “Kaki, can you help me pack some of Aai’s stuff?”
“Sure, let’s go dikra. Doctor, can you keep watch over Girija Bahen for a little while?” Jigna asked Deepika.
“Of course Ms. Jigna.”
Abhay headed for the doorway as Deepika returned to the bed. As their paths crossed, they exchanged an indecipherable look.
Jigna glanced curiously between the two as she followed Abhay out.
She quietly pondered what had just occurred as she folded some of Girija’s clothing and necessities into a small suitcase as Abhay gathered his own belongings. She had known Abhay since he was a child. She had never seen him interact with anyone before in the way that he interacted with Dr. Sinha. There was something between him and Dr. Sinha that was more than what meets the eye. Jigna didn’t know much about doctor hierarchies, but she was very sure Abhay and Dr. Sinha didn’t behave like a typical junior and senior doctor. Certainly no junior normally called their senior by their first name.
She got the feeling that Dr. Sinha hadn’t offered her place merely as a doctor concerned for her patient. Of course, Dr. Sinha was a very caring and excellent doctor. Jigna had ascertained that much when Dr. Sinha had treated her arm and just now when she treated Girija. She had also heard from Abhay how Dr. Sinha had saved Girija’s life when the senior surgeon had refused to do the surgery, putting her own career and reputation at stake. Furthermore, she understood how to handle Girija in her most difficult bouts of dementia when even Abhay got frustrated. She seemed to know how to handle Abhay as well. Jigna was very glad there was someone in Abhay’s life that understood his priorities and concerns.
Of course, he had his fiancee Sia as well. She was a sweet girl from what Jigna had seen of her at the engagement. She had heard many positive things about her from Abhay as well. But she couldn’t help but remember what Girija had said during one of her lucid periods, regarding her doubts about her son’s girlfriend. Although she couldn’t remember her name, Girija recalled meeting Sia at the hospital.
“She doesn’t share Abhay’s passion, how can she support him?” Girija had wondered.
Jigna also noticed that Abhay didn’t seem quite thrilled with his engagement, despite what he said verbally, while Sia was beaming with excitement and joy. Yes, they were holding hands, Jigna had even commented on it teasingly, but something felt off. Jigna knew Abhay quite well. She knew when he smiled genuinely it lit up his whole face. It was a smile so infectious, one couldn’t help smiling too. But she didn’t see that smile at the engagement, neither before it nor after it. It was almost like Abhay was wearing a mask. The fixed smile never reached his eyes.
How could Sia fail to see that something was disturbing Abhay when she was meant to be his life partner? Jigna hoped that it was just marriage jitters and nothing major that was bothering Abhay. She knew he had great career aspirations, and as such he hadn’t put much thought into marriage yet. With the health complications of Sia’s father, things were moving faster than Abhay probably anticipated. It was natural to feel nervous.
Girija had told Abhay that love was very important in a marriage, and Jigna hoped that Sia’s love would reassure Abhay about his commitment and their future, while Abhay’s love would lead Sia to fully understand and support Abhay by the time they were ready to be married.
But for now he appeared to have a kindred spirit in Dr. Sinha, despite their unwillingness to give their bond a name.
“This much should be enough for a week,” Jigna said, closing the suitcase.
Abhay nodded. “I’ve finished packing too.”
They returned to her place and Jigna was about to open the door when they heard a burst of laughter from inside. “Your mother and Dr. Sinha struck up a friendship quite quickly,” she remarked amusedly.
“Dr. Sinha is very good with patients,” Abhay said with a fond expression.
Jigna wanted to reply that Abhay seemed to be thinking of more than just Dr. Sinha’s bedside manner, but decided to keep quiet.
“Sorry to interrupt your conversation,” Jigna announced as she entered, “It sounded like you were having fun.”
“Yes,” Deepika said with a grin, “Aunty is a wise lady. She had to be to raise a naughty little brat like Abhay into the capable doctor he is today.”
“Wait, a minute. You two weren’t talking about me were you?” Abhay questioned.
Deepika and Girija glanced at each other and giggled at some inside joke as Abhay looked perplexed.
“Whatever,” Abhay grumbled, “Aai, are you ready to go?”
“Yes… where are we going?” asked Girija, “We don’t have to go to a party do we? I haven’t worn my good sari!”
“No Aunty, we are going to my place. You and Abhay are going to stay with me for a few days,” said Deepika as she helped Girija up.
“Oh. Like a vacation?”
“Yeah, like a vacation. Won’t that be fun? We can talk every day.”
“Great, you two can gossip about me every day,” Abhay said sarcastically.
“Of course, we have lots in common when it comes to you,” Deepika teased.
Abhay blushed, not being able to hide a small smile.
It occurred to Jigna that it was the first real smile of Abhay’s she had seen in a while.
They picked up their things and bid goodbye to Jigna.
Jigna watched them leave. Deepika and Abhay were on either side of Girija, both supporting her with one hand with bags and luggage clutched in the other. Jigna found the sight oddly comforting.
Somehow, it felt right.
Bade Achche Lagte Hain Naya Season
Cricket
