deceptive facade

Persuasion (part 2)

Su followed doctor to his cabin. Once inside doctor's cabin, she made herself comfortable. To initiate a conversation doctor asked about her health and business. But Su believed in dealing with the core issue, so she asked him bluntly.

Su: (she keeps a straight face) what is it that you want to sugar coat here. Please cut the chase and come to the point.

(No matter how many times in their career doctors deliver this information to the relatives of patients, it's still never easy)

Doctor: (he take a deep breath and look straight in Su's eyes for sometime thoughtfully, as if trying to make out how far she will be able to handle this information on her own) listen his condition is detoriating faster than we anticipated.

Su: and.............

Doctor: (clears his throat and again take a deep breath, start in a very somber voice) at the max I can give him 6months.

Su: (she hears this information very calmly and after processing it for a while without even taking his eyes away from doctor's face; she asks) and what is the limit on the other side?

Doctor: (he is amazed at the fact that how calm she is, but the experience has taught him that this is calmness before the rise of a tempest; he move in his chair and ponder for sometime before answering this question) see nothing is certain at this stage, you should know, if he is lucky he can live more than 6 months also.

Su :( without blinking her eyes and changing her expressions) but if he is not so lucky then.

Doctor: (after taking a long look of Su to ascertain that she taking it well) maybe little more than 2 months.

Su: (she listen all this with a blank face, the next words from her mouth are) so the countdown begins!............that's it................... . Just 2 months , ahan!...........only 60 days from today.

Doctor: (he is completely clueless about how to answer it. Su appears to be very controlled and composed but she is breaking within and doctor can feel it, if not hear it) don't be so negative........... Its 2 to 6 months.

Su: (her eyes have a haunted look.) but still!............... it's just too little.(she sighs, and look outside the window without looking at anything in particular) I don't know I should celebrate 6 months of togetherness or feel pity for 6 months of suffering for Sam.(she again concentrate on doctor's face and give sad smile) ironic !............isn't it. We wish for our loved ones to live longer without ever realizing that this ' little long' is too painful for them................. I really don't know whether I should be selfish and desire that Sam live for 6 months or I should be selfless and pray that he should be relieved from this pain as soon as possible. No amount of time is enough with someone you love............. 'Letting go' is always difficult.

Doctor just stare at her for long and know he can't tell her anything that she is not aware of. He is well aware of the battles she is fighting. No suggestion or advice can help her. These battles everyone has to fight on their own. He decides against any further conversation.

Doctor: there is never enough time with your loved ones. I will leave you now.

Su: ( pass a sad smile in doctor's direction) thanks for the information.

Doctor: anytime,............ by the way. Take him out of this sterile place........ Let him be with his family and friends.......... It will help him. ......................We cannot do anything for him here. Hire a trained nurse ............................... If you don't know anyone then I can recommend a few.

Su: (again give a sad smile for his help) thanks,....... I will discuss this with you.

Doctor: (look at Su impassively and gets up to leave the cabin but saw that Su is still thoughtful) take your time!........... I am going on around and will not be back soon......................................................... I know even though you think you are prepared but you are never prepared for it to happen.