Love At Last Sight ✔

Chapter Seventeen

I've got an exciting idea for a new book! Anyone in for teacher x student?

•••••

Nandini Murthy

Seven days passed by slowly, in the anticipation of the further word from the doctors. And finally today, we got the most waited call. My races a mile a minute as I sit in front of Dr. McCalls. I refuse to let go of Manik's hand, because it's the only thing that's keeping me sane. Please god, let everything go well. Let there be a treatment.

He gives my hand a gentle squeeze, telling me that he's there, no matter what. I hold onto the tiny hope his warmth leaves behind. I'd always thought, getting cozy and kissing and all is intimate but a simple hold of his hand makes me feel much more than those things would right now.

The door creaks open and I know the doctor couple is here. I hear as the chairs slide. My heartbeat goes erratic. Here, my future will unfold.

What can I say? I've never been more anxious. I'm on a dark path, being pushed further and I've no idea what will uncover next. There's a part in me that's screaming, 'damn! Just say it already! Whatever the fuck it is!' But there's another that's praying, 'don't open your mouth until it's a good news.'

Manik's grip on my hand increases and I know, he has concluded something from their faces, which I can't ask for now. My throat is so tight that I seldom think, I'll be produce even a word.

Manik speaks for me, his voice strained. "What conclusion did you reach?"

I gulp. I will cry any moment.

"You may stop worrying. The results are positive,"

And I do. Tears roll down my face. When I should be dancing out of happiness, I sit still, paralyzed, and let the tears carelessly fall off. When my tears are wiped off, I know, it's Manik. Is he happy too? Maybe, I'll just see that look on his face again. That happiness, that serene smile. The smile when he admires the stars.

I grab his clothing and cry in his chest. It's uncomfortable and I'm aware, we're being watched but I can't care any less. He hushes me and caresses my hair, leaving a kiss behind. "Stop crying, Baby. I don't think you misheard. Last I remember, your ears were working fine,"

I slap his arm and a smile begins to form on my lips. "Stop joking. It was lame,"

His chest rumbles beneath my ear when he chuckles. I pull back. Enough of PDA. He holds my hand again. When I'd lost my eyesight, I had never thought this day would ever come. But then, here I am, hand-in-hand with the guy I love.

"On a private note, you two are an admirable couple," Mrs. McCall gushes out. My cheeks heat up.

Dr. McCall picks up the important topic again. "We've conducted the lab tests using her genes and the computer models for the gene therapy are super successful. If all goes well, her surgery will happen by the mid of the next month."

"Why so late?" My question comes out as a total reflex. But, if they have everything, then why not sooner? I do realize, I'm behaving greedily but living blind for weeks has left me craving for light. Now when I know, I can be treated, I want it to happen as soon as possible.

 "I understand you, Miss Murthy, but we'll be genetically modifying your photo receptor cells in the lab and it'll take time." I nod in understanding.

"Is there anything more which we need to know?" Manik inquires.

"Nothing considerate," Dr. McCall terminates the meet. "You may leave now,"

"We're grateful. Thank you," with Manik's words, he leads us out. I feel the outside air. It smells of hospital, that typical smell. There's an inexplicable feeling that twirls within me. A part of me is still not able to believe any of it. It almost feels like a dream. I'm afraid if I pinch myself, I'll wake up and the possibilities of the treatment will be gone.