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“Yeah, can you help me, please?”
“Yes, certainly, you may have a long day tomorrow with all the tests and the doctor removing your bandages. Better get some rest now.”
“Can you ask Aunty to come here tomorrow morning, please?” she requested.
“Why? I mean, I’ll be here. What do you need, Roshni? I can help you.”
“Deepak, can you ask her to bring a change of clothes for me, please? A gown would do. I am stinking in these hospital clothes, and if possible, I would like to take a shower tomorrow.”
“Roshni, you know if Aunty is not able to, I can help you,” Deepak said, looking at her.
He was being thoughtful when he said this, but Roshni, of course, could not believe he’d suggested it. “No, I would rather not change,” was her immediate reaction.
Deepak did not pay any heed. He’d anticipated this response. Roshni still wasn’t comfortable with him around her. Roshni’s phone rang, and Deepak handed her the phone. It was Sheetal. Sheetal enquired how she felt and spent a few minutes talking to her. Roshni asked Sheetal to bring her some gowns, something comfortable and easy to get on and off so she wouldn’t have to depend on someone to button and unbutton it. Sheetal agreed and asked to talk to Deepak.
Roshni handed over the phone to Deepak. He made sure Roshni was comfortable and then took the phone. After preliminary enquiries, they talked about their plan for Tuesday. Deepak asked Sheetal to help him get a phone and check if his computer was all set.
Deepak expressed interest in going with Sheetal to buy the gowns for Roshni, and she agreed to pick him up at the hospital. He also asked her to check if Aunty was available the next day to come over because Roshni wanted to have a shower. Sheetal agreed, and they hung up.
He entered the room and noticed that Roshni was dozing off. Deepak woke her to take her medicines and later tucked the blanket under her and let her sleep. He went to his bed and relaxed.
~ ~ ~
The next morning Roshni was up, and with Deepak’s help, she was all ready, waiting for the doctor. Sheetal came over with Aunty and gave them a few more details regarding securing a cell phone; Roshni’s plan allowed adding Deepak so they agreed to do this. They decided that Sheetal would take Deepak that evening to buy a new phone and also buy some gowns for Roshni.
It was mid-morning, and the nurse informed Roshni and Deepak that Dr. Swaminathan was attending an emergency case, and he would come to see Roshni soon after.
It was about 2 p.m. before Roshni was rolled into the operation theatre. Dr. Swaminathan asked if Deepak would like to be with Roshni at this time, especially since they were going to remove her bandages and if possible make her stand and walk. Roshni, although reluctant initially, agreed for Deepak to be with her while Aunty waited in the room.
In the operation theatre as the doctor removed the bandages, Roshni screamed a few times, unable to bear the pain. Deepak could not believe the injuries Roshni had received…he could only imagine the impact and suffering Roshni was going through. He held her hand and gently ran his fingers through her hair, giving her all the support he could. Roshni certainly appreciated his support and was glad he was with her.
Most of her minor injuries were healing well, and Roshni and Deepak were very relieved to hear this; however, the two major ones on her forehead and thigh needed more time. The stitches were removed, and those areas were bandaged. The doctor gently examined Roshni’s right foot and left arm where she had multiple fractures. The swelling had not subsided completely, and certainly, Roshni felt more pain in these two areas. The doctor and his assistants replaced the cast on her foot and arm.
After the cast, the doctor asked Roshni to try to stand up. Roshni had not walked for over a week, and she had some difficulty in balancing herself, especially with the heavy cast on her right foot and only one arm to hold for balance. With the doctor holding her on one side and Deepak on the other with one of his arms around her waist for more support, she could barely stand up for a few minutes, she felt excruciating pain and was unable to lift her foot.
A wheelchair was brought for her. At least she did not have to go back on the stretcher. Deepak was relieved to see this improvement in her condition. Roshni was wheeled back to her room, and the doctor said that he would meet them there.
After a few minutes, Dr. Swaminathan arrived in the room. Roshni was still in the wheelchair. He turned towards Deepak. “Deepak, it hasn’t been long since the accident, and the good news is her minor injuries have healed well. However, the injuries where she received some stitches and her fractures have not healed completely. Fractures certainly need time to heal…maybe five to six weeks more. Until then, she should not put any stress on her foot or use the arm for heavy work. She can try walking with the help of a walker or crutches; her legs are too weak at this time.”
Then he looked towards Roshni and asked her to be patient. He suggested that she could walk or wheel herself to the bathroom, have showers, and she didn’t have to be bedridden all the time. He asked her if she preferred crutches or a walker.
Roshni had no idea which was better, and she gave a quick glance towards Deepak to see if he had any clue.
“Roshni, you may be comfortable with crutches, but it is up to you,” Deepak responded to her query.
She thought for a minute and requested crutches.
“Doctor, when can she go home?” Deepak asked.
“Let’s watch her for a day or two. I can discharge her either tomorrow or the day after. She will have to come back for routine medical examinations, though.”
Deepak nodded. He was happy to be taking Roshni home soon. Dr. Swaminathan prescribed some medications to her and left.
“Roshni, do you want to try standing or even walking a little? I will hold you,” he assured her.
Roshni was worried because the crutches had not arrived yet. She was hesitant, but Deepak boosted her confidence.
Her foot and arm were sore after the examination. She tried to stand up but was unable to put pressure on her foot. Deepak came behind her, placed his hand under her shoulders, and lifted her. Roshni stood up; then he placed his left hand around her waist and held her right hand, supporting her. He asked her to make an attempt to walk. Roshni was nervous she would lose her balance and fall. She clung to his shirt tight, crumpling it. They were so close to each other. They felt their hot breaths on their faces, and they stared at each other…the love evident in his eyes for her and hesitation in her eyes.
