One summer night in Indore, Raghav tossed and turned, sleep
eluding him. Frustrated, he decided to fill up his car, hoping this might tire
him out and would save him time the next morning. The streets were quiet as he
cruised through the city, enjoying the rare peace.
After fueling up, he spotted a young woman struggling with
her motor bike.
Vaidehi had just turned off the bike for refueling, at the petrol
pump. When she tried to start it again, it refused to start as her battery had died.
Raghav pulled over, offering assistance.
"Could you give me a lift home?" Vaidehi asked, hoping
for a positive reply.
"Of course," Raghav replied, helping her secure
her bike at the fuel pump.
As they drove, conversation flowed effortlessly. Vaidehi's
intellect impressed Raghav. She spoke passionately about literature, poetry,
and current events. Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, captivating him. He told
her about his work as a Management Lecturer, as Vaidehi listened intently.
Arriving at her women’s hostel, Vaidehi turned to Raghav.
"I've never met anyone like you," she admitted, her cheeks flushing.
"Your kindness, your knowledge... it’s a rare combination."
Raghav's heart raced. "I feel the same," he
confessed. "Your beauty is matched only by your brilliant mind."
As they parted, Raghav asked for her number, which Vaidehi
gladly provided.
After their chance encounter at the petrol pump, Raghav and Vaidehi
exchanged messages and calls for a week. Despite their initial connection,
their conversations felt forced and awkward. Gradually, they lost touch, both
assuming their brief spark had fizzled out.
Six months passed. Raghav, now settled in Bangalore for his
new teaching position, rushed through the bustling airport. As he waited in queue
to enter the airport lounge, he heard a familiar voice.
"Raghav? Is that you?"
He turned to see Vaidehi, looking radiant in a crisp
business suit. His heart skipped a beat.
"Vaidehi! What are you doing here?"
She laughed, "I moved to Bangalore three months ago for
work. Can't believe we haven't run into each other until now!"
"Where are you headed?" Raghav asked.
"Indore, for Diwali," Vaidehi replied.
Raghav's eyes widened. "Me too! What are the
odds?"
As they chatted over coffee, the awkwardness of their phone
conversations was nowhere to be found. They discovered shared interests in
Bangalore's cycling scene and favorite local eateries. Time flew by, and soon
they realized they were about to miss their flights.
They promised to meet in Indore again. This time, both felt genuine
excitement.
A week later, Raghav finally mustered the courage to ask Vaidehi
out. Her response caught him off guard, in the best possible way.
"Let's meet at Pipalia Lake for sunset," Vaidehi
suggested, "I'll bring some snacks, you bring dessert. How does that
sound?"
Raghav was instantly smitten. No hesitation, no coy games –
just a straightforward, thoughtful proposal that spoke volumes about her
character.
On the day of their date, Raghav arrived early, a box of Rabdi-Jalebi
in hand. He found a perfect spot overlooking the lake, spreading out an old
newspaper on the lush grass.
Vaidehi appeared moments later, carrying a small basket.
"Hope you're hungry," she grinned, unpacking an array of delicious
home-cooked dishes.
When Raghav brought out the dessert, Vaidehi's eyes lit up.
" Rabdi-Jalebi! My favorite. "
As they savored the sweet treats, Vaidehi suddenly laughed.
"You know, I almost suggested we meet at a restaurant, but then I thought
– why not make it special?"
Raghav smiled, "I'm glad you did. This is
perfect."
As they watched the Diwali fireworks light up the sky, Raghav
said "I can't believe it took us two cities and six months to get here."
Vaidehi smiled, "Maybe we needed that time apart to appreciate this moment
fully."
In that moment, Raghav knew – this was just the beginning of
something extraordinary.
Returning to Bangalore, Raghav and Vaidehi's relationship
blossomed. They explored the city together, on pedals, finding joy in both
grand adventures and quiet moments. Despite their busy lives – Raghav with his
teaching and Vaidehi with her corporate job – they always made time for each
other.
Their love story, born at a petrol pump in Indore and
rekindled in an airport in Bangalore, proved that when it's meant to be, fate
has a way of offering second chances.
As Raghav and Vaidehi's relationship deepened in Bangalore,
their love grew stronger with each passing day. However, beneath the surface of
their happiness, an unspoken worry began to take root.
Raghav, a Vaishya, came from a business family in Indore, where
caste still played a significant role in social dynamics. His parents,
especially his father, were known for their conservative views and strict
adherence to caste-based traditions. His mother, Kaushalya, had always dreamt
of a particular future for her son. "Beta, you should marry a girl from
one of Indore's prominent business families," she would often say.
"It's not just about tradition, it's about connections and security."
Vaidehi, on the other hand was a Brahmin, a higher caste.
While she was proud of her heritage, she knew it could become a point of
contention.
Raghav often found himself lost in thought during his
lectures, wondering how he could bridge the gap between his love for Vaidehi
and his family's expectations. He recalled tense discussions at family
gatherings where his relatives spoke disapprovingly of inter-caste marriages.
Vaidehi too, grappled with this unspoken concern. During
video calls with her parents, she would carefully steer conversations away from
marriage, never finding the courage to challenge their views. She remembered
her cousin's struggle when he married outside their caste, and the family rifts
it had caused.
Their friends in Bangalore, mostly progressive young IT
professionals, often talked about marriage and settling down. During these
conversations, Raghav and Vaidehi would exchange glances, a mix of love and
apprehension in their eyes. They both wanted a future together, but the path
seemed fraught with potential conflict.
One evening, as they sat on the balcony of Raghav's
apartment, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, Vaidehi's
hand found Raghav's. She squeezed it gently, and he returned the gesture. Raghav
knew the time had come to face the music back home in Indore.
For Holi, Raghav flew back to Indore, his heart heavy with
anticipation. As he sat at the dinner table, facing his parents, he took a deep
breath.
"Maa, Papa, I've met someone," he began. "Her
name is Vaidehi, and I love her."
The silence that followed was deafening. His father's jaw
dropped, while his mother's face frowned.
"But beta," Kaushalya protested, "what about Agarwal’s
daughter? Or Gupta’s? They come from such good families."
Raghav shook his head. "Vaidehi is the one for me, Maa.
She's intelligent, kind, and hardworking. She may not come from a rich business
family, but she has a wealth of love and understanding."
The days that followed were tense. Kaushalya tried to
persuade Raghav, bringing up eligible girls from their community. His father
remained mostly silent, his disapproval evident in his stern gaze. But Raghav
stood firm. He shared stories about Vaidehi, showed them pictures, and spoke of
their shared dreams.
Slowly, he noticed a change. One evening, he overheard his
mother on the phone with her sister. "This Vaidehi," Kaushalya said,
"Raghav speaks of her with such respect. Maybe, we should meet her."
A week later, Vaidehi flew to Indore. As she entered the
house, dressed in a simple yet elegant Maheshwari Silk Saree, Raghav saw his
mother's expression soften.
Over dinner, Vaidehi charmed them with her wit and warmth.
She spoke of her career aspirations, her love for Indian culture, and her deep
respect for family values. By the end of the evening, even Raghav's father had
cracked a smile.
As Vaidehi prepared to leave, Kaushalya took her aside.
"Beta," she said, her voice thick with emotion, "I see now why
Raghav loves you. You may not come from the background I imagined, but you have
a richness of spirit that money can't buy."
Tears filled Vaidehi's eyes as she hugged her future
mother-in-law. Half the battle was won.
With Raghav's family on board, the next challenge was to win
over Vaidehi's family. Unlike Raghav's parents, who lived in Indore, Vaidehi's
family resided in the temple town of Ujjain, rooted deeply in their traditions
and community.
Vaidehi's father, Janak, was a respected school principal
known for his strict adherence to customs. Her mother, Dhara, though gentler,
was equally concerned about societal perceptions. When Vaidehi first mentioned
Raghav during a video call, the silence on the other end was palpable.
"But beta, he's not from our community," Janak
said, his voice heavy with concern. "What will people say?"
Vaidehi took a deep breath. "Papa, Raghav is a good
man. He respects our culture and wants to learn more about it. Can you at least
meet him?"
After much persuasion, Vaidehi's parents agreed to a
meeting. Raghav and Vaidehi traveled to Ujjain, for a long weekend, both
nervous but determined.
As they entered the modest home, Raghav touched the feet of Vaidehi's
parents, a gesture of respect that didn't go unnoticed. During his stay, Raghav
made every effort to connect with Vaidehi's family.
One evening, Raghav asked Janak about the family's history
and traditions. Touched by his genuine interest, Janak opened up, sharing
stories that even Vaidehi hadn't heard before. Their careers as educators
served as a unifying bond between them.
However, the underlying tension remained. It came to a point
when Janak bluntly asked, "How can we be sure our daughter will be happy
in a different community?"
Raghav looked at Vaidehi, then back at her parents. "I
can't promise that we won't face challenges," he said honestly. "But
I can promise that I'll always respect Vaidehi's roots. Our home will be a
place where both our cultures are celebrated."
Vaidehi added, "We want to build a life that honors
both our backgrounds. We're not asking you to forget tradition, but to help us
create new ones."
The final evening, as they all sat together for dinner, Janak
cleared his throat. "We've thought long and hard," he said, looking
at Vaidehi and Raghav. "It won't be easy, but if this is what will make
you happy, you have our blessing."
Tears of joy flowed freely as Vaidehi hugged her parents.
Raghav, overwhelmed, touched their feet again in gratitude.
As they left for Bangalore the next day, Vaidehi and Raghav
knew they had crossed a significant hurdle. Their love had not only brought
them together but had also begun to bridge two families, two cultures.
Months later, Raghav and Vaidehi exchanged vows in a
beautiful ceremony that blended both their traditions. Their journey was a
testament to the power of love, patience, and mutual respect in overcoming
cultural barriers.
After a blissful honeymoon in the hill town of Coorg, famous
for its tea and coffee plantations, Raghav and Vaidehi settled into married
life in Bangalore. Their first year of marriage was filled with joy, laughter,
and occasional challenges as they navigated their new life together. Both
families were delighted to see the couple so happy.
Raghav got promoted at work and was now a senior professor,
while Vaidehi excelled in her corporate job. They balanced their careers with
quality time together, often reminiscing about their cycling dates around
Bangalore. Life seemed perfect.
Then, one night, about a year into their marriage, something
strange happened.
It was around 11 PM, and the couple had just settled into
bed after a long day. Vaidehi was on the verge of drifting off to sleep when
Raghav suddenly sat up, his face filled with confusion.
"Vaidehi," he said, "do you smell that?"
Vaidehi replied, sounding concerned. "Smell what?"
"Coffee aroma" Raghav replied, sniffing the air.
"It's really strong."
Vaidehi sat up, now fully awake. She took a deep breath but
couldn't detect any unusual scent. "I don't smell anything, Raghav. Are
you sure?"
Raghav nodded, "Yes, it's very clear. How can you not
smell it?"
Vaidehi got out of bed and checked their apartment. She
looked in every room but never found the source of the smell Raghav was
describing. When she returned to the bedroom, Raghav was still sitting up,
looking confused and slightly anxious.
"There's no coffee brewing in the house, Raghav," Vaidehi
said gently. "Maybe you were dreaming?"
Raghav shook his head. "No, I'm wide awake. I can still
smell it."
Vaidehi sat beside him, placing a comforting hand on his
arm. "It's late, and we're both tired. Why don't we try to get some sleep?
If you still smell it in the morning, we can investigate further."
Reluctantly, Raghav lay back down. Vaidehi cuddled close to
him, hoping to ease his worry. As they lay in the dark, she could feel the
tension in his body, a stark contrast to their usually peaceful nights.
Eventually, Raghav's breathing steadied, indicating he had
fallen asleep. But Vaidehi remained awake for a while longer, her mind racing.
Was this just Raghav's imagination or could it be something more concerning?
As days turned into weeks, Raghav's mysterious episodes of
smelling coffee aroma became more frequent. What started as a one-off incident
soon became a recurring issue, happening 2-3 times every week. The episodes
would strike at random times, day or night, lasting only a few minutes each
time.
Vaidehi grew increasingly concerned. She had never witnessed
Raghav experiencing anything like this before. What puzzled her most was that there
were no coffee shops near their house. More surprisingly, no one else in the
building had ever smelled anything unusual.
One day, after Raghav had another episode while they were
having dinner, Vaidehi decided to investigate further. She spoke with their building
security guards, to find out if any of them were brewing coffee in the night.
Worried and confused, Vaidehi decided to confide in her
parents during their weekly video call. As she explained the situation, her
mother's eyes widened with a mix of concern and excitement.
"Beta," her mother said, "this could be a
message from the Gods! Perhaps they're trying to tell you something."
Vaidehi's father nodded in agreement. "You should
increase your prayers and devotion. Maybe start fasting on Friday?" as the
first episode of smell was on a Friday.
Vaidehi's family in Ujjain consulted a local faith healer,
known for his ability to solve unexplainable problems. The healer listened
gravely to their account of Raghav's condition and prescribed a solution. A
grand Yagna to be performed at their ancestral home in Ujjain.
Vaidehi's parents spared no expense, hoping this would cure
their son-in-law. The ceremony was elaborate, lasting several hours, with
sacred chants and offerings to the Gods.
However, as the final embers of the yagna died down, the
problem was still not resolved. The failure of the Yagna was a blow to Vaidehi's
family. They had pinned their hopes on this spiritual intervention, and its
ineffectiveness left them feeling helpless and confused.
As Raghav's mysterious episodes persisted, Vaidehi convinced
Raghav that they should involve his family. One evening, they called Raghav's
parents in Indore.
"Maa, Papa," Raghav began hesitantly,
"something strange has been happening..."
As they explained the situation, Raghav's mother, Kaushalya,
listened intently. When they finished, she was silent for a moment. The
initially supportive atmosphere began to sour. Worry turned to frustration, and
frustration to blame. Raghav's family, once so welcoming of Vaidehi, started to
view her through a lens of superstition and fear.
Whispers began in the family WhatsApp group. Raghav's aunt
was the first to voice what others had been thinking: "We thought Vaidehi
was Mahalakshmi, bringing prosperity to our family. But what if she's actually
Alakshmi, the harbinger of misfortune?"
The idea spread like wildfire among the more traditional
family members. They began to see Vaidehi not as the loving, intelligent woman
who had captured Raghav's heart, but as a source of bad luck.
Raghav's condition showed no improvement. The episodes of
smelling coffee aroma continued, and now, alarmingly, he occasionally seemed to
enter a trance-like state. During these moments, he would stare blankly,
unresponsive to Vaidehi's voice or touch.
The situation became so bad that Raghav’s parents flew to
Bangalore along with a couple of his cousins. As family members watched Raghav
slip into one of his trances, murmurs of "Alakshmi" grew louder. Vaidehi,
standing helplessly by her husband's side, could feel the accusing stares piercing
into her.
"She's brought this upon him," she overheard
Raghav's cousin say. "He was fine before the marriage." Hurt and
desperate, Vaidehi suggested they consult a psychiatrist. Raghav agreed, hoping
to find a rational explanation for his experiences.
As they made plans to schedule a doctor's appointment, both
Raghav and Vaidehi felt a wave of emotions. They were worried about what the
doctor might find, but also hopeful that they might finally get some answers.
The visit to the psychiatrist was thorough. After several
sessions and tests, the doctor delivered his conclusion. There was no evidence
of any psychopathology. Raghav was, from a psychiatric standpoint, perfectly
healthy.
This news, rather than bringing relief, seemed to fuel the
family's suspicions. If it wasn't a mental health issue, then surely it must be
something supernatural – and in their minds, Vaidehi was at the center of it.
Vaidehi found herself in an impossible situation. Her own
family, though well-meaning, was pushing for more spiritual solutions. On the
other hand, Raghav's family was growing increasingly hostile, barely concealing
their belief that she was the source of his troubles. And Raghav himself was
caught in the middle, torn between his love for Vaidehi and his unexplainable experiences.
As they lay in bed that night, Vaidehi turned to Raghav,
tears in her eyes. "What are we going to do?" she asked. Raghav
pulled her close, his own eyes reflecting the fear and confusion they both
felt. "I don't know," he admitted. "But whatever happens, we're
in this together. I won't let anyone come between us – not family, not these
strange experiences, nothing."
Their embrace was tight, a physical manifestation of their
determination to face whatever came next as a united front. But as the night
wore on, both Raghav and Vaidehi couldn't help but wonder: what if the worst
was yet to come?
To clear their minds, they had decided to go for a hike to
Savandurga, about an hour's drive from the city. That Saturday morning, they
got in their car and set off, both looking forward to the change of scenery.
However, as they neared the city's exit, Raghav was hurling abuse at other
drivers for their lack of discipline. Vaidehi, frustrated by Raghav's behavious,
said something uncharacteristically disrespectful.
Raghav, amid a manic episode, felt a surge of hurt and
anger. He pulled over abruptly and told Vaidehi to take an Uber back home.
Without waiting for her response, he drove off, leaving her stunned by the
roadside.
Despite the hurt, Vaidehi didn't lash out or think bad of
Raghav. She understood that this was his illness speaking, not the man she
loved. She quietly took an Uber home, her heart heavy but her resolve unshaken.
Raghav continued to Savandurga alone, hiking the trail they
were supposed to explore together. The physical exertion helped clear his head,
and as his anger dissipated, regret set in. By the time he returned home hours
later, he was filled with remorse.
To his surprise, he came home to find the house clean and
warm food on the table. Vaidehi was there, her eyes full of understanding and
love. She had never thought of leaving him or loving anyone else. For her,
Raghav was her whole life - her first love and her last.
This incident had been a turning point for them. It taught
them both about patience, understanding, and the power of unconditional love.
It strengthened their resolve to face Raghav's mysterious illness, and any
other challenges life might throw their way.
At work the next day, Vaidehi stared blankly at her computer
screen, the words blurring before her eyes. Her mind kept thinking about Raghav’s
aggressive outbursts, which although lasted only for a limited time, were very
worrisome.
A gentle knock on her cubicle wall startled her back to
reality. It was Ruma from HR.
"Vaidehi, Mr. Laxmanan wants to see you in his
office," Ruma said, her tone careful.
Vaidehi's heart sank. She had been dreading this moment,
knowing her work had been suffering. With a heavy sigh, she made her way to her
boss's office.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked and entered.
"Come in, Vaidehi." her boss, Laxmanan, asked,
noticing his employee's distress.
Laxmanan gestured for her to sit. "What’s troubling you"
he began, his voice firm but not unkind.
Vaidehi nodded, her eyes looking downwards. " It's
about Raghav, Lax. His condition is getting worse, and I don't know what to do."
Laxmanan leaned forward, looking concerned. "Tell me
more."
As Vaidehi explained Raghav's symptoms—the persistent coffee
aroma to periods of altered consciousness and frequent outbursts—Laxmanan
listened carefully.
When Vaidehi finished, Laxmanan nodded slowly. "I think
I might be able to help," he said. "I have a friend in Mumbai, Dr.
Anjaneya. He's a renowned neurologist. I believe he could provide some insights
into Raghav's condition."
Hope flickered in Vaidehi's eyes. "Really? That would
be great."
He slid a visiting card across the desk. "Call him and
give my reference. You should be able to get the next available appointment."
Vaidehi's fingers trembled as she took the card. "I
appreciate the help, Lax."
Laxmanan's expression softened slightly. "Vaidehi, is
there anything else the company can do to support you during this time? Perhaps
some flexible hours or counseling services?"
Vaidehi thanked the gesture and said, "I will let you know
about it. "
Within days, Raghav and Vaidehi found themselves in Mumbai,
seated across from Dr. Anjaneya. The doctor listened intently as they described
Raghav's symptoms.
"Interesting," Dr. Anjaneya mused. "The
coffee aroma lasting for a few minutes is typical of olfactory hallucinations.
And what you're describing as a trance state sounds like altered
consciousness."
He leaned back in his chair, considering. "We need more
information to make a proper diagnosis. Raghav, I'd like you to undergo an MRI
of your brain and an EEG test. These will give us a clearer picture of what's
happening."
The following day, Vaidehi and Raghav sat nervously in Dr.
Anjaneya's office, clutching the envelope containing their test results. The
doctor carefully examined the reports.
"I have your results here," Dr. Anjaneya began,
his voice calm but serious. "The MRI shows a tumor in the right medial
temporal lobe of your brain, Raghav. It's affecting an area called the
amygdala."
Vaidehi gasped softly. Raghav remained silent, his face pale
but composed.
Dr. Anjaneya continued, "The EEG results show
epileptiform discharges originating from the right temporal region. This aligns
with what we're seeing on the MRI."
He paused, allowing the information to sink in before
delivering the diagnosis. "Based on these findings and your symptoms, we
can now confirm that you're experiencing what we call olfactory seizures. These
are caused by the tumor in your right medial temporal lobe."
Raghav nodded slowly, processing the information. "So
the coffee smell, the trances it's all because of this tumor?"
"Yes," Dr. Anjaneya confirmed. "The olfactory
hallucinations - the coffee smell - and the altered consciousness you've been
experiencing are manifestations of these seizures."
Vaidehi, in her voice shaky, asked, "What do we do
now?"
Dr. Anjaneya leaned forward, his expression serious but not
without hope. "Given the location and nature of the tumor, I'm
recommending surgery. It's the best course of action to remove the tumor and
potentially resolve these seizures."
Raghav and Vaidehi exchanged a look, a mix of fear and
relief washing over them. They finally had answers, but the road ahead seemed
daunting.
"I'll be referring you to our in-house team of neurosurgeons,"
Dr. Anjaneya added. "They're highly skilled and experienced in this type
of procedure."
As they left the office, Vaidehi and Raghav walked in
silence, their minds reeling from the diagnosis. Outside the hospital, they
paused, looking at each other.
"We'll get through this," Vaidehi said softly.
Raghav nodded, a small smile on his face despite the
circumstances. "Together," he replied, drawing strength from
Vaidehi's presence.
As they headed back to the hotel to prepare for the next
steps in Raghav's treatment, they received an unexpected call from Vaidehi's
cousin, Hari. He had generously offered his empty Powai apartment when he
learned of their situation.
"Stay at my place," Hari insisted. "It's
safer than a hotel, especially with this third wave of COVID due to the Omicron
variant."
Grateful for the offer, the couple accepted. The timing was perfect - a secure base as they
prepared for the challenging days ahead. The couple had initially worried about
navigating the bustling city, but discovered that Versova, where the hospital
was located, was now just a metro ride away.
They moved into the apartment after checking out from the
hotel.
The following day, the doorbell rang. Vaidehi opened it to
find their families - parents, siblings, all wearing expressions of concern and
love. They had arrived a day early to be there for the couple.
"The journey wasn't bad at all," Raghav's mother
said, hugging him tightly. "Powai is so close to the airport. We were here
in no time."
As they settled in, another surprise awaited them. Hari's
wife, Saraswati, had sent over home-cooked meals - comfort food that brought a
sense of warmth to the anxious group.
Over dinner, conversation flowed, punctuated by laughter and
words of encouragement. For a while, it felt like any other family gathering,
the looming surgery pushed to the background.
As night fell, Vaidehi noticed Raghav's eyes growing heavy.
"I think it's time we all got some rest," she announced.
"Tomorrow's a big day."
The families nodded in agreement. One by one, they retired
to their sleeping mattresses, the apartment falling into a peaceful quiet.
In the bedroom, Vaidehi was packing Raghav’s bag. "Are
you scared?" she asked.
Raghav was silent for a moment. "A little," he
admitted. "But having you all here, it helps more than you know."
Vaidehi kissed his forehead. "We're all here for you.
Now sleep. Tomorrow, we start a new chapter."
As the couple drifted off, the Mumbai traffic a distant
lullaby outside their window. In this moment of calm before the storm,
surrounded by love and support, they found the strength to face whatever lay
ahead.
Raghav was going to be admitted to the hospital one day
before the surgery. On that day, Vaidehi woke early, with butterflies in the
stomach. She gently woke up Raghav, who seemed oddly calm.
"Ready?" she asked.
Raghav nodded, "As I'll ever be."
Raghav and Vaidehi arrived at the hospital early in the
morning, their hearts racing with a mixture of hope and anxiety. The day was a
flurry of activity and nervous anticipation.
Dr. Anjaneya greeted them with a reassuring smile.
"Today, we'll be conducting final tests to ensure everything is in order
for tomorrow's procedure," he explained.
The day began with a series of blood tests. Nurses
efficiently drew vials of blood from Raghav's arm, each labeled for different
analyses. "These will help us confirm that you're in optimal condition for
surgery," a nurse explained kindly.
Next, Raghav was escorted to the radiology department for
one last MRI. As he lay in the narrow tube, the machine humming and clicking
around him, Raghav closed his eyes and focused on staying still. Vaidehi waited
outside, her fingers absently fidgeting her shirt buttons.
After the MRI, a nurse handed Raghav a bottle of
reddish-brown liquid. "This is a Betadine-based body wash," she
instructed. "You'll need to shower with this tonight and again in the
morning. It helps prevent infections during surgery."
Raghav nodded, clutching the bottle like a lifeline.
As evening approached, Dr. Anjaneya met with them one last
time. "All your tests look good," he assured them. "Get a good
night's sleep, Raghav. We'll see you bright and early tomorrow."
Raghav took a long shower with the Betadine wash, the
medicinal smell filling the bathroom.
As he settled into the bed, Vaidehi asked softly, "How
are you feeling?"
Raghav was quiet for a moment. "Nervous," he
admitted. "But also, ready. Ready to be free of these seizures, outbursts,
ready to start our life again."
"I'll be right there when you wake up," Vaidehi
promised.
Vaidehi tried to relax on the Hospital room sofa. Tomorrow
would bring challenges, but also the promise of a new beginning.
Back in the Powai apartment, Saraswati had sent a light dinner,
though neither of the family members had much appetite. Vaidehi’s father kept
humming Ram Raksha Stotra to calm himself down, while Kaushalya spoke to her sisters
on phone, thanking Hari and his wife for the shelter and hospitality.
Next morning, at the hospital, they were greeted by Dr.
Anjaneya and the team of neurosurgeons. The medical team efficiently prepped
Raghav for surgery, their movements precise and reassuring.
As Raghav was wheeled into the operating room, Vaidehi felt
a surge of emotion. "I love you," she called out, her voice trembling.
Raghav managed to smile. "Love you too. See you
soon."
The hours of waiting seemed endless. Vaidehi paced in the
waiting room, alternating between hope and fear. Finally, Dr. Anjaneya emerged,
his face tired but smiling.
"The surgery was successful," he announced.
"We were able to remove the entire tumor."
Vaidehi heaved a sigh of relief. "Can I see him?"
"Soon," the doctor assured her. "He's in
recovery now."
As Raghav slowly regained consciousness in the recovery
room, Vaidehi felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude wash over her. Tears of
joy filled her eyes.
Once Raghav was settled comfortably in his hospital room,
Vaidehi stepped out to thank the team of neurosurgeons who had performed the
intricate operation. She shook their hands, her voice thick with emotion as she
expressed her deepest appreciation for their skill and dedication.
Returning to Raghav's bedside, Vaidehi found herself
reflecting on the journey that had brought them to this moment. In the quiet of
the room, she silently offered thanks to the pioneers of neurosurgery who had
paved the way for such life-changing procedures. In particular, she thought of
Dr. Wilder Penfield, the renowned neurosurgeon she had read about during her
research into Raghav's condition. His groundbreaking work in cortical mapping
and epilepsy surgery had laid the foundation for the advanced techniques that
had just saved Raghav's life.
The days and weeks that followed were filled with hope and
steady progress. Raghav's recovery exceeded everyone's expectations. At each
follow-up appointment with Dr. Anjaneya, the news only got better.
Three months after surgery, to their immense relief and joy,
Raghav experienced no further episodes of "smelling coffee" or
falling into a "trance state." The seizures that had disrupted their
lives for so long seemed to be a thing of the past.
At their final follow-up appointment, Dr. Anjaneya beamed at
them. "I'm thrilled to report that your recovery has been excellent,
Raghav. The absence of any seizure activity over these past three months is a
very positive sign."
"Does this mean Raghav is free to resume his normal
life?" Vaidehi asked, hardly daring to hope.
Dr. Anjaneya nodded. "Yes, while we'll continue to
monitor Raghav's condition, I believe we can confidently say that the surgery
was a success."
As they left the hospital that day, Vaidehi and Raghav
paused for a moment, looking at each other with a mixture of disbelief and
elation. The long, challenging journey they had endured together had brought
them to this moment of triumph.
"Ready to start our new chapter?" Raghav asked, a
smile spreading across his face.
Vaidehi nodded, her eyes shining. "Together," she
replied, echoing the word that had become their mantra through it all. Hand in
hand, they stepped out into the bustling streets of Mumbai, ready to embrace
the future they had fought so hard to secure.
As the couple’s life limped back to normalcy, the family's
perspective on Vaidehi underwent a profound transformation. The unwavering
support and love she had shown throughout their ordeal made them realize the
error of their earlier judgments.
One evening, as the family gathered in their Indore home, Kaushalya
approached Vaidehi with tears in her eyes. "Beta," she began, her
voice thick with emotion, "I owe you an apology. We were so wrong to call
you Alakshmi. You've been nothing but a blessing to our family."
Vaidehi, touched by the sincerity in her mother-in-law's
voice, embraced her. "It's all in the past now," she said softly.
Kaushalya pulled back, holding Vaidehi at arm's length.
"Your strength through all of this, it's been remarkable. You've taught us
all a lesson in love and devotion."
The rest of the family nodded in agreement, each offering
their own words of appreciation and regret for their earlier behavior. What had
once been a divide in the family now became a source of unity, bringing them
all closer together.
As the family's appreciation for Vaidehi grew, Raghav
learned about the hurtful accusations they had made during his illness. The
revelation that they had called her "Alakshmi" and blamed her for his
condition hit him hard.
One evening, after everyone else had gone to bed, Raghav
found his mother Kaushalya in the kitchen. His face was etched with
disappointment and pain.
"Maa," he began, "I heard about how you and
the family treated Vaidehi while I was sick."
Kaushalya could not see her son in the eyes. Before she
could speak, Raghav continued, “Sita's trial by fire still echoes through
generations, a stark reminder of the unfair scrutiny a woman faces. This unfair
treatment places an undue burden on women to continuously demonstrate their
value, integrity, loyalty, and worth.”
His words hung heavy in the air. Kaushalya's filled up with
tears. "Beta, we were wrong. So terribly wrong. Fear and superstition
clouded our judgment. We've apologized to Vaidehi, but I know it doesn't erase
the pain we caused."
Raghav nodded, his own eyes glistening. "Maa, Vaidehi
stood by me when even I couldn't stand for myself. She faced not just my
illness, but also the unfair judgment from our family. Yet, she never faltered
in her love and support."
Kaushalya reached out to hold her son's arm. "You're
right, beta. Vaidehi has shown us what true love and strength look like. We're
blessed to have her in our family."
Later that night, Raghav found Vaidehi on the balcony,
gazing at the sky. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her
close.
"I'm sorry," he whispered into her hair.
Vaidehi turned in his embrace, confusion in her eyes.
"For what?"
"For what my family put you through. For the
accusations, the mistrust." His voice cracked with emotion. "You
didn't deserve any of that."
Vaidehi cupped his face in her hands. "Raghav, you have
nothing to apologize for. You were fighting your own battle. And your family
was scared and confused. I've forgiven them."
Raghav shook his head in wonder. "How did I get so
lucky to have you in my life? Your strength, your compassion, it amazes me
every day."
"We're both lucky," Vaidehi replied, a soft smile
on her lips. "We found each other, and we stood by each other through the
worst. Everything else is just noise."
As they stood there, holding each other under the starlit
sky, Raghav's respect and love for Vaidehi deepened even further. He silently
vowed to spend the rest of his life showing her just how much she meant to him,
and to ensure that she would never again have to prove her worth or face such
unfair judgment.
Their embrace was a testament to their love - a love that
had been tested by illness, family conflict, and societal prejudices, but had
emerged stronger than ever. In that moment, both Raghav and Vaidehi knew that “Together”,
they could face anything life threw their way.
-chalatmusafir (HD)