Sunita : The 61 Years Old Marathon Runner.

Part 4:- Hospital Part 2

Standing in front of Sarabhai General Hospital, Sunita felt as if time had suddenly stopped. The traffic halted, people vanished, and it was just her and the hospital standing still. Sarabhai General Hospital was a four-story building with state-of-the-art facilities-air-conditioned rooms, expert doctors, and 24/7 services. To Sunita, it felt like something out of an unfulfilled dream, a world far removed from her reality.

As she stood there, lost in thought, her heart began to race. The hospital seemed to inch closer with each passing second, making her feel smaller and more overwhelmed. She could almost imagine it swallowing her whole, when suddenly, Ramesh's voice broke through her cloud of thoughts.

Worried by Sunita's stillness, Ramesh gently tried to shake her with his frail hands.
RAMESH: "Sunita, my love, are you okay? What's happening?"

Jolted back to reality, Sunita found herself in a state of shock, whispering:
Sunita: "Ramesh... the hospital... it's..."

But before she could finish her sentence, Ramesh gently held her hand. They began moving toward the hospital entrance together, her hand still trembling in his. Upon reaching the ground floor, they were greeted by the chaotic energy of the hospital-nurses rushing around, patients crowding the waiting area, children running, and the sound of chatter everywhere. Two busy women were working behind the front desk, handling the never-ending stream of patients. Sunita helped Ramesh sit on one of the few available chairs.

Feeling lost in the hustle and bustle, Sunita decided to ask for help. She stood up and approached one of the nurses who was walking past.
Sunita (softly): "Beta, could you help us? My husband... he's not well, and we'd like to see a doctor."

The nurse, surprised by the warmth in Sunita's voice, smiled kindly.
Nurse: "Maji (mother), please check in at the front desk."

With the nurse's guidance, Sunita returned to Ramesh, explaining the next steps. Then, she stood in line at the front desk, nervously glancing back at Ramesh to make sure he was okay. As the sixth person in line, it didn't take too long for her to reach the front.

Front Desk Lady: "Patient's name?"

Sunita: "Ramesh Pawar."

Front Desk Lady: "Age?"

Sunita: "Sixty-nine years."

Front Desk Lady: "Which doctor do you need to see?"

Sunita hesitated, unsure of what to say. She handed over a letter given to them by a family friend. The front desk lady scanned it quickly, nodded in understanding, and typed something into her computer.

Front Desk Lady: "Ah, you need to see Dr. Parekh, the cardiologist."

Sunita stood there, feeling out of place as the lady efficiently handled the situation. After a few moments, the lady handed Sunita a hospital file.
Front Desk Lady: "Room 802, second floor."

Sunita took the file, still feeling confused but determined. She went back to Ramesh and informed him of the next steps. Together, they slowly made their way to the elevator, heading towards Room 802-where they hoped to get the answers they needed.

Dr. Ramesh Parekh was a well-known cardiologist with over ten years of experience. He was respected not only in the hospital but throughout the region for his expertise. As they sat outside his office, waiting for their turn, Sunita and Ramesh felt nervous and out of place. Words like cardiologist, second floor, and even the mention of tests were foreign to them, making the whole experience feel daunting.

Sunita, as always, began to drift back into her world of imagination, while Ramesh, despite his illness, focused on staying present. He could sense the weight of the situation but tried to remain calm for Sunita's sake.

Suddenly, the door to Dr. Parekh's office opened, and a nurse stepped out.
Nurse: "Number 9?"

Sunita and Ramesh, holding their file, stood up. This was it-their moment to step into the unknown, hoping for answers and perhaps, some relief.