The Guy with the Handkerchief

XIX: The Sacrifice

21:00 Hrs, Nearby Hospital

The hallway of the outdoor wing of the hospital on such a stormy night was considerably low. Arindam was standing by the glass window watching the rain pour down like anything, I was sitting on the waiting chairs and we could only hear the noise of the falling raindrops on the glass window and the ticking of what seemed like a century old gigantic wall clock.

It was nearly thirty minutes since Shreya had gone inside and Arindam was going crazy. Checking his clock every couple of minutes, giving me a worried look hoping that I don't see the worry on his face and then returning back to staring out at the street. The screeching of a door made Arindam jump to his feet and run towards the corridor. Shreya came and joined us.

"What did the doctors say?", Arindam worriedly asked.

"She said to wait outside for the reports.", Shreya replied.

"How did she examine you? Did she ask you anything? Is there something really serious to worry about?", Arindam shot his questions at her like bullets.

"Nothing much. Although she could guess the situation I think.", Shreya seemed worried herself.

As we waited for the reports to be ready, Arindam retraced back to the window, Shreya came and sat by my side.

"How well do you think he took this news?", Shreya whispered in my ears.

"I don't exactly know, he has not uttered a single word extra other than what has been required at the reception and while asking you about the reports. Trust me as I say this, I have known him from childhood and have never seen him so silent. I don't even know what he has been thinking.", I told her.

"I don't know, I think he is really mad at Manav.", Shreya guessed.

"I think he is more concerned about your health than anything else.", I suspected.

"Shreya Paul?", a nurse called out from the other room.

"Yes, that would be me!", Shreya replied immediately.

Arindam turned around and came forward.

"You are being called inside",the nurse replied.

Shreya gave Arindam a stare and walked towards the corridor. Arindam could not stop himself from following her. He stood outside the door as Shreya went inside.

"So, Shreya!", spoke up the lady doctor, "Was this your first time?"

Shreya remained silent.

"Don't worry! This is a safe space. You can open up to me.", the doctor held her hand and calmed her down.

She nodded in confirmation, still remaining silent.

"Okay, and were you aware of the consequences this might carry?", the doctor continued.

"Umm hmm.", Shreya was still not comfortable talking.

"So, did you recommend him using protection?", the doctor kept asking her.

Shreya didn't speak a single word. There was a long silence.

"So, its true then?", Shreya finally spoke up.

"Yes", the doctor replied and started scribbling some medicines on the prescriptions, "So, did you inform your husband or is it going to be a surprise to him tonight?"

Shreya was starting to break down. What if her parents came to know about this? What if this news got known to any of the neighbours? She might get kicked out of the house?