Part 11 – Her Heart Therapist

There was a knock on the door at around 1 p.m. Madhu opened it to find Dr. Karan at the doorstep. He smiled at her but at the same time asked,
“Why did you open the door? You are not keeping well. Isn’t there anyone else with you?”
Correspondingly, Madhu smiled and took him inside by hand.
“First, get inside. I am really pleased to see you here.”
Even though Madhu was surprised to see a doctor who was treating her daughter personally coming to visit her. Not to mention, the bond Karan had developed in a few meetings definitely touched her.

She made him sit

on the sofa with care and affection. But Dr Karan immediately kept his palm on her forehead to check her temperature.
“Let me check you properly,” he said. He made her sit comfortably and as he was about to open his briefcase, Madhu said,
“I am much better now, Doctor. I had taken paracetamol, and it helped a lot.”
“Just for my satisfaction,” he said with courtesy.
He checked her temperature and pulse rate to find them regular and steady.

“I am sure Samiksha nagged you to come here amidst your busy schedule.”
“Not at all. I have come on my own. And why? Can’t I come to meet you?”
“Of course you can. I am happy, in fact. Tell me, would you have lunch now or a bit later?”
“Lunch? Actually, I have taken a small break from coming here. Will have to go back to the hospital.”
Undoubtedly, she was a bit astounded to see his concern.
“That is not possible. You have to have eaten a little, maybe, for me.”

Karan agreed

Seeing the selfless care Madhu bestowed upon him.
Over the quick lunch, they chatted and talked carefreely.
“The food is super tasty.”
“Samiksha likes this dish a lot, so I have sent it in her tiffin. Karan, may I ask you something?”
“Call me Karan. It sounds warm”, he said with his charming smile.
“Of course. Will keep that in mind.”
“Furthermore, you can directly ask me whatever you want. No formality with me at all.”

“Surely, I will

keep even that in mind.”
“Tell me.”
“When will Samiksha get discharged?”
“Soon. In fact, her walking sessions will start tomorrow. And within four to five days, she will be in front of your eyes. You miss her a lot, right?”
“Indeed. This house eats me up when she is not around. She is the heart of my home and the soul of my being.”
“I know that. I hope she feels the same about you.”
“Why do you doubt it?”
“No doubt Samiksha is sweet and caring. But she is not yet mature enough to understand life’s struggles, harsh realities and facts. She is very naive, I will say.”

“Certainly true. But don’t doubt the depth of her affection for me. She loves me more than I do.”
“I hope so. As she completes her college and faces the outside world, she will learn about the truths of life.”
“Yes, of course. She aspires to become a footballer, alongside whatever she chooses as her full-time career.”

Karan was not surprised

as he had witnessed her passion for the same.
“I will leave now, and certainly I will return to relish your handmade food.”
Madhu was more than happy to hear it.
“Of course, after Samiksha is discharged, whenever you wish.”
“Take care of yourself too. You spend yourself so much for others that nothing is left for you.”
“Caring for family is a natural feeling.”
“Yes, but not at the cost of your health.”
Madhu smiled.

“And, I am there.”
Karan left.
These four words of Karan won Madhu forever. She blessed him from the bottom of her heart, knowing he was not a man who made false promises.

Walking sessions

of Samiksha began, and the nurse aided her throughout the same. Being concerned with sports, her body was already resilient. She was willing to do the exercises heartily.
A warm pair of eyes were present often to witness the sessions.
No need to mention that she felt cosy and safe under the gaze of those eyes.

They were walking in the lobby just outside the hospital. It was covered with green synthetic grass.
“May I take over? I hope my patient is cooperating,” Karan asked the nurse, slowly taking Samiksha’s hand from hers.
The nurse left, and Samiksha pulled her hand from his.
“I refuse to cooperate. There are some demands, and only then will you receive my wholehearted cooperation.”

“Let’s hear those.”

“Hmm. Then I have not received any token of care since the last time in my ward,” Samiksha raised her eyebrows and said.
“You have been extremely busy to notice my new friend these days.”
Karan’s mind wandered over the possibilities of this newly discovered friend. He looked around and spoke,
“Is he or she visible?”
“But of course, my new friend.”
“I think you have forgotten the repercussions of fooling around with me. Should I remind you again?”
Samiksha’s cheeks turned red with a blush at the mention of their brief moment in the ward.

They were strolling around the path when Karan took her hand and slipped her carefully to a corner, which was somewhat in the inner side of the lobby. The area was free from monitoring cameras.
He kept his hands on either side of hers and gave her a romantic look. It was enough to melt Samiksha.

He cupped her face

with his palms and kissed her forehead. The lovers kissed each other in the sweet moment.
“Let’s get you in. Or you will catch a cold, my delicate princess.”
“I am not delicate. Rather rough and aggressive,” Samiksha replied with a tease in her voice.
“I would like to see that side of yours,” Karan winked. “But for now, let us get you in.”

Karan carefully guided her

through the lobby. As they neared the entrance door of her ward, he asked,
“Now that your first demand is satisfied, may I see your new friend?”
A puppy-faced Samiksha pointed at the newly erupted pimple on her face and grinned.
Karan laughed out loud. Samiksha winked at him, closing the door behind her.
Karan was in love with this free-spirited, lovely angel, his child-woman.

Days passed, and the moment of Samiksha’s discharge from the hospital arrived. Her foot was still in plaster, though. Madhu and Jolly were present to take Samiksha back home. Karan duly helped them to complete all the formalities. Before departure, Madhu kept her hand on Karan’s.
“God bless you always for what you are doing. The staff here was so helpful and kind. And what should I say about you? Thank you for everything. What I am taking from here is an additional member to my family, that is you.”
The words overwhelmed Karan, and he stole a glance at Samiksha, who was quiet.

The two hadn’t got a chance to talk much as they were surrounded by someone or the other.

“Take care, Samiksha.

Do not let your emotions overpower you and do something you will regret. Please be careful with your foot.”
Samiksha’s eyes were filled with water, making her too vulnerable to say anything.
Jolly noticed her friend’s condition and spoke,
“She is going to miss this place, Dr. Karan, and everything about it. Don’t worry, Sami. This hospital is here, and so is your doctor. We can meet anytime.”

The words ‘your doctor‘ brought a smile to Samiksha’s lips. Karan, too, smiled at the mention. Madhu was unaware of the beautiful transformation Karan and Samiksha’s relationship had undergone. Jolly winked at him, and they left.

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