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“Okay, thank you, Deepak, for everything.”
Deepak smiled, Roshni smiled back at him, and they retired for the night.
~ ~ ~
Every day, there was some improvement in Roshni’s energy levels and psychologically too. She was not ready to accept him yet, but having Deepak around her was very helpful.
The next step, Deepak encouraged her to attempt using the toilet. She certainly felt energized and nodded her head, but he saw her hesitation. Deepak was very careful to give her the space she needed. They agreed that Deepak would help her to the toilet seat and then leave; she would call him if necessary. She was very appreciative of Deepak and thanked him for his patience and understanding. She began to see these qualities in Deepak.
He slowly pushed the chair closer to the toilet seat, and Roshni held on to the handle of the chair and a railing and got up herself without much help from Deepak. Deepak was delighted to see this. He smiled. “Good job, Roshni, excellent! I am so proud of you.”
Of course, Roshni felt all her energy drain just standing up. Slowly she moved around and maneuvered to use the toilet. She pulled herself up using the railing and chair handle and slowly seated herself back in the chair. She was exhausted by these little acts. She asked Deepak to help her wheel out.
Deepak was glad Roshni could maneuver herself. He hugged her. “I am so proud of you, Roshni, good job!”
He slowly wheeled her out and brought her to the small dining table. Aunty arrived with chai and breakfast. Deepak proudly explained everything to Aunty. Roshni saw the happiness and excitement in his eyes and tone.
Looking at her and then at Aunty, he said, “I am so proud of her, Aunty. If she shows the same courage, I’m sure she will be back on her feet very soon.”
“But, bete, how about her fractures?”
“They will take time to heal, but she should be able to walk on crutches.” He remembered that the crutches hadn’t been delivered yet. He decided to check on them after breakfast.
Aunty had brought parathas for breakfast. The moment Deepak heard parathas, he asked, “Aunty, did you bring aloo parathas?”
Aunty nodded her head and served the parathas with spiced yogurt and chai.
He could not resist his temptation to taste them and took the first bite. “Oooh! Aunty, they are so good. I haven’t eaten such delicious parathas in a long time.” He tried to identify some of the herbs and spices. “Fresh grated ginger, garam masala, chopped cilantro and green chilies, cumin seeds… Oh! Aunty, great combination.”
He ate and wanted to feed Roshni, but she turned her head, indicating she would eat herself. She tasted Aunty’s parathas, and she agreed with Deepak – they were delicious.
Deepak went to check on the crutches. Due to a miscommunication, the crutches were not delivered on time. Within ten minutes, the ward boy was in the room and helped Roshni stand up on her own with the crutches! Roshni had tears of joy. She couldn’t believe she was able to stand with the help of crutches. She was too tired to take any steps. The ward boy left after giving Roshni more instructions on the use of crutches.
After breakfast, Roshni wanted to have a bath, and Aunty helped her. Deepak decided to go to the accounting department to sort out the bill while Roshni was in the bathroom. Aunty helped wash Roshni’s long, dark hair. Roshni felt very refreshed after the bath.
As Roshni was wheeled out of the bathroom, Deepak entered. The aroma of the soap and shampoo Roshni used spread in the air, and Deepak was captivated by her beauty. She had worn one of the new aqua gowns and had her wet hair draped down. She looked stunningly beautiful.
Deepak watched as Aunty pushed Roshni to the table. Roshni gently brushed her wet hair, completely lost in thought, the aroma of the soap and shampoo lingering around her. Deepak could not resist and walked towards Roshni. Roshni did not see him until he was very close to her. He could smell the beautiful fragrance around her and stooped down and kissed her cheek. “Roshni, you look so beautiful” he whispered.
Roshni looked at him in disbelief. She tried to move her head away from him as he stared at her. Aunty walked away to the bed, giving them their privacy.
After a few minutes, Roshni broke the silence. “Ah, it feels so refreshing to have a nice hot bath, and my hair too smells so good,” she said and brushed her hair. “Thank you, Aunty, I feel so fresh and refreshed.”
Deepak put his hand on her shoulder. “Roshni, can you stand up and walk?” Then he turned towards Aunty. “Can you please bring the crutches for her? Let her make an attempt.” Deepak motivated her, “Try walking to the bed, Roshni. I will help you.”
In order to reach the bed, Roshni would have to walk at least eight to ten steps. She was very nervous and tense that she may not be able to do this, but she wanted to try. Deepak helped her stand up with the help of the crutches and stood close to her. He guided her to step her left foot forward, then guided her to step her right foot forward. She managed with great difficulty; all her strength disappeared after the first step. She was excited about this accomplishment and became teary, and Deepak urged her to take the second step. She continued and took four steps. This was a great achievement for her, but she felt very exhausted, her energy drained with these four steps; she wanted to sit in the wheelchair.
She looked at Deepak, who stood next to her. “Deepak, I want to sit down, please. I feel very weak and will collapse soon,” she said, trembling.
“Don’t worry, Roshni. I’m right here. Can you take one more step?” he coaxed her.
“No, I have no strength in my legs.”
“Please try.”
Roshni looked at his face. He was encouraging her, and she could see it. With moist eyes, she nodded her head and tried taking one more step, and she did. Deepak was so delighted, and he could not push her anymore. She literally trembled, leaning against him. He held her tightly and rubbed her shoulder in encouragement. She asked him to bring the wheelchair, but instead, he lifted her in his arms. She felt embarrassed since Aunty was right there, but he did not care. She tried to resist, but he held her tightly and laid her on the bed. She felt relieved to be lying down. The few steps she’d taken had drained all her energy.
He sat next to her, and with his arm around her shoulders, he held her. “Roshni, I am so proud of you. Very well done. If you continue to show this improvement, you’ll be able to walk in a few weeks’ time. Great work, my dear.” He kissed her forehead and pulled her closer to him.
