Amor Fati - Our Love, Our Fates [COMPLETE]

Part 51 - Care

Mystic Clouds, Binsar

The fever raged on for more than four days as Nikhil remained inside his room in the homestay, incoherent and frenzied as he mumbled about, completely oblivious about his landlady who sat beside his bed, sponging his forehead and his neck and arms. Mr Sharma, the landlord had called the local Doctor who had prescribed some medicines, suggesting that they may have to move Nikhil to a hospital if the medicines failed to have any effect.

It was on the fifth day that Nikhil was finally able to open his eyes and raise himself slowly on his elbows.

"Please lie down ..." a soft voice greeted him as Mrs Sharma entered the room. "Good Morning, how are you feeling today?"

Nikhil nodded his head as he gingerly pulled himself up, his back now reclining against the cool wall. He was embarrassed beyond words. Mrs and Mr Sharma who ran the homestay were an elderly couple; Nikhil felt awkward for having put them on a spot.

He coughed as he opened his mouth to speak; it seemed full of sand and sawwood as he wiped his lips with the back of his palm.

Mrs Sharma smiled, sensing his predicament - "Don't worry, I have a son your age. Do you think you can step down on your own this morning? Or should I call Sukhu?"

Sukhu, their all round caretaker had been helping Nikhil during these past few days.

Nikhil got down from the bed on unsteady legs and swayed a bit, Mrs Sharma's hands shooting out to steady him. A few steps later, he smiled sheepishly

"I think I can manage if ..."

"... I will wait" Mrs Sharma smiled back.

As Nikhil walked to the washroom, smoothing his hair, Mrs Sharma added

"I will call for a barber. You will feel much better once you have shaved"

...

Mrs Sharma joined Nikhil for tea and breakfast once he was ready and the barber had gone. Nikhil was loathe to eat, he could feel his stomach churning but he couldn't say no to the kind lady.

She touched his forehead briefly - "You need to be careful in this sudden change of weather, Son. You still have fever ..."

Nikhil was overwhelmed with all her kindness.

"I am so sorry to have put you all through this trouble. You are so kind - and here, I have been such a trouble ..."

Mrs Sharma looked at the Nanda Devi ranges far ahead of them, lost in thoughts.

"Akhil, my son, is in the Military - stationed in Siachen. We hardly see him. We have no other kids, and the remaining family is settled in the cities. Hence, we have opened this up as a homestay. We have fewer rooms, unlike the other bigger places. But, we are surely overjoyed when we have guests ... they give us company too"

A small smile crossed Nikhil's place, and Mrs Sharma now looked at him. He was handsome in a reserved sort of way, quiet and introvert. Now that most of the beard and the unruly hair had been trimmed, she could see him clearly - she could see the sadness in his eyes, in his countenance. The scar was now prominent. She dared not ask, there was some inherent sorrow in him that had sapped away at his soul. His inane mumbling during his fever had given her some ideas, at least.

Nikhil brought the cup of tea to his lips and tasted tentatively. It felt good as the tea warmed his throat and mouth. Mrs Sharma pushed the toasts towards him, encouraging him to eat. Nikhil thanked her as he picked up a buttered scone.