Enchanted Sequel

03.04.2007

It was a Monday morning, yet Priya got up with a palpable sense of excitement. Hope in the heart, butterflies in the stomach and lots of ideas popping up in the mind, something in her hinted, it’s going to be a day full of emotions. After the previous evening, this morning was a grumpy morning for Priya’s parents. But Priya was not the girl who digests any nonsense. It was her strong mind that challenged her to prove herself.

Before leaving the house she went to the pooja room, closed her eyes and prayed the god “Hey God, give me the strength to stand for myself”. Priya wore her high heels and just while pulling the main door of the house she saw her mother and father. They were sitting on the sofa and having tea quietly. The emotions were tearing the silence within them. Priya could read their worried faces. She called out her father and said: “don’t worry at all, whatever happens, would be definitely the best for me.” Both of them managed to smile at their brave daughter.

Priya was working as a process leader at a BPO company. Talented and confident. Needless to say an asset to the company.

As soon as she reached her office she approached her boss’s cabin. After 15 minutes of weekly review and official reporting, she politely requested for a 3 hrs off from the office for urgent personal work. She promised her boss to be back in the office by 2.00 pm. Great, she was through.

Priya rushed back to her desk and connected herself to the internet. Google Search…. Citibank Churchgate …. Here it comes the detailed address of Citibank, Churchgate branch. Print. She collected the print outs and picked up her handbag. Rosy sitting far away called out and gestured “hey Priya, where?” Priya replied “personal and urgent, will be back by 2”.

Priya boarded the Churchgate train, managed to get the window seat. Generally, early noons local trains are not that crowded in Mumbai.

A distance to Churchgate is 45minutes by train. The sunlight along with the warm wind touched Priya’s face. She calmly closed her eyes. There was no sleep in her eyes but the thoughts in her mind were lengthier than the rail tracks……

One week back:

Priya received a marriage proposal from a matrimonial service. The groom’s details along with his picture were being seen and discussed at the dinner table. Priya’s mother declared “ Priya, the horoscope matches perfectly. The boy seems to be from a good family. Working in a bank and earning around 50,000 per month. You have a look and decide”.

 

Priya had opted for an arranged marriage. Her parents had taken the responsibility of finding her a perfect groom. Priya had discussed her expectations with her parents. Her dream man has to be a well-educated, settled, sensible and a SMART person.

Priya held her one hand in a dinner plate, she picked up the profile print out by her left hand and started reading dramatically, “Hmmm, sounds good… interesting… Name: Anish… Citibank… MBA (finance)… Residence Andheri… Owns a flat… wow! Stays with mother (housewife), father (retired), younger sister (pursuing MBBS)… hobbies: reading, net surfing, blah blah blah… , and a photograph: hmmm good…. Moustache…”. She looked up from the profile and saw her parents staring at her.

“What?” Priya gestured.

“Priya be serious, it’s high time now, you are going to be 29 this year,” mother said.

“Chill Mom, I am just kidding. Okay, let’s be serious. He is good I would like to meet this guy” Priya said. “This is his mobile number, rite? Fine I will call him tomorrow and fix up a meeting”.

Priya called Anish the next day and fixed up a meeting. Both met each other on Tuesday at Shubham Restaurant. They chatted an hour long. Discussed on many topics such as expectations, career, future, hobbies, family, restaurant, climate, politics, movies, cricket, inflation rate, rising property rates, Wallmart… and the list went on.

Anish and Priya liked each other. But both of them played very cautiously with their emotions. Without expelling their views for each other they fixed up the next meeting for Thursday evening.

Anish met Priya at Café Coffee day this time. This time both of them seem to be pretty serious about their alliance. As in the time went they both felt closer to each other. Their topics of discussion were now self-centric which included words like ‘we’ ‘our family’ ‘our house’ … This was the good sign which transformed two individuals into the word “we’.

Anish and Priya together went to the station. Just before departing, Priya said, “Things are positive from my side. I will speak to my parents. You too speak to your parents and communicate”.

“Me too positive about this Priya. I will speak to my mom and ask her to call at your place. I think further proceedings would be from our parent’s side” Anish replied.

“Yup, see you then, bye Anish”.

“Bye Priya, see you soon”.

Anish waited till Priya boarded the train and then moved on.

Priya was in a happy mood. Finally, she found her life partner. On the dinner table, Priya announced her decision to her parents, “Mom I liked Anish. And I think even he liked me. He said he will ask his mother to call at our place. So you people can decide further”.

Priya’s parents were delighted. Within a minute her father questioned, “Priya, did you speak to Anish about your surgery?”

“No dad. How can I speak to him on such a personal topic until and unless I am sure about his decision? Now since I have understood that he is positive I will share with him in our next meeting,” Priya replied.

“Fine then, let's wait for a positive call from there side and then you can speak to him,” mother said.

“Don’t worry mom everything is going to be fine. Anish is very understanding. And moreover, his sister is doing her final year MBBS. She will definitely help him understand the case,” Priya said in her convincing tone.

Priya’s mother and father looked convinced.

Next day Anish’s mother called up at Priya’s residence. In her excited tone, she confirmed Anish’s positive decision. She wished to see her daughter-in-law and the time had arrived that the families should interact. Both the would-be mothers-in-law agreed for the Saturday evening meeting. Anish along with his parents and sister was supposed to visit Priya’s house.

“Priya, Anish’s parents are coming to our place on Saturday. When are you going to meet Anish?” Priya’s mother inquired.

“Tomorrow I will call him, and maybe we will meet on Thursday or Friday,” Priya replied.

Next day Priya called, “Hi Anish, busy?”

“Actually yes, very busy right now. You know how year ends are nightmares for bankers. Can we speak later?” Anish said.

“Yup. But I won't take much of your time. I was wondering can we meet today or tomorrow? I need to speak to you,” Priya said.

“No Priya, I don’t think I can manage even 15 minutes break from the office. Today and tomorrow are the last two financial days. I am sorry but we can’t meet. Anyways we are coming to your place on Saturday. Let’s speak on that day. Is that fine?” Anish said.

“Eh, it's fine. See you on Saturday then” Priya hanged up.

Priya was expecting this question from her parents on Friday when she reached home. “Did you meet Anish? Did you tell him everything?” her mother asked.

“No mom, he was very busy for the last two days. Anyways I will speak to him tomorrow when they are here” Priya replied.

Anish arrived with his parents and sister at Priya’s place. Priya was wearing a beautiful red Kanjivaram saree with the heavy golden border. Priya wearing a saree was a sweet surprise for Anish. Anish’s parents liked Priya very much. Anish’s sister, Vidya just smiled at Priya but didn’t even say hello to her. She looked one like the studious type of girl. After formal greetings both the parents came to the vital business point.

“So now since Anish and Priya have liked each other we should proceed further. I suggest lets get them engaged at the month end. And the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya would be perfect for the wedding. What do you think?” Anish’s mother asked Priya’s parents.

Priya’s parents looked at each other, then at Priya and then at Anish parents in succession and said “Yes sure, that is fine with us. Is that fine with you Priya?”

“I guess, yes. That would be fine with me too” Priya replied.

She took a seconds pause, looked at Anish and continued, “Yes, but before that, I want to tell you all something. Anish, it is about my medical fact which we want to share with you all. I have undergone surgery for ovarian cyst long back when I was in the second year of my college. One of my ovaries was operated and removed at that time. That’s it. Otherwise, since then I am living a very healthy and normal life.”

Anish didn’t know what to say and kept staring at Priya.

Anish’s mother broke the silence, “we don’t understand this medical terminology but since Vidya is learning medicine maybe she can explain to us.”

Vidya interrupted, “Can you show me your ultrasound report or case file if you have one”. This was the first time Vidya spoke to Priya.

“Yes sure. Come let’s go to my room” Priya took Vidya with her.

Vidya scanned Priya’s ultrasound reports without uttering a word. She came back and sat beside her parents. Parents were discussing the wedding location. Priya’s mother distributed sweets to all. Anish’s parents did not bother to speak about the ovarian cyst topic until they left. While leaving they invited Priya’s family to visit their place next week.

Priya’s parents were very happy for their daughter. They also liked Anish and his family. They believed Priya is going to a well-educated family and Anish was the right man for her.

Next day evening Priya returned from the library to find a serious environment at home. Her parents were sitting quietly in the living room with the gloom on their faces.

“What’s wrong? Anything serious?” Priya enquired.

Priya’s father kept quiet. “Anish’s mother had called. They have refused for the marriage,” mom replied.

“What nonsense. And what is the reason?” Priya questioned.

“Reason is your ovarian cyst surgery. Anish’s mother said that in such cases a woman has fifty percent chances to conceive,” Priya’s mom elaborated.

“Which doctor said this to them?” Priya asked.

“Their would-be-doctor, daughter, Vidya,” her mother was sarcastic.

“But that’s not true. Didn’t you tell her that I still have one healthy ovary functioning well?” Priya asked.

“I tried to convince her but she was adamant. I also suggested a second opinion but she just said we trust our daughter and need not discuss this matter further,” Priya’s mother had tears in her eyes.

“Okay, that’s fine mom. I will speak to Anish about this. Don’t worry.” Priya spoke in the soothing tone, “And mom Anish is not the last eligible guy on the earth. So relax.”

“How can we relax Priya. We are worried about you. Today Anish’s family has refused, tomorrow someone else will refuse for the same reason. What are we going to do?” Priya’s father said with the knot in his throat.

Priya didn’t know what to say. She took her phone and dialed Anish’s mobile number. He didn’t pick up. Redialed but no response.

“Not picking up,” Priya kept silent for second and said “Mom if Anish doesn’t have guts to confront me and give me a valid reason then even I am not interested to get married to such a guy. But I am definitely going to meet him once. You don’t worry. Dad, whatever happens in life is fine, just trust in that”.

The passing train brought Priya back from her a week long thoughts. She opened her eyes to see the approaching station. Train entered the Churchgate station. She got up from her seat and alighted from the train. Right from the station she took a cab for Citibank.

Priya went to the PCO and dialed Anish’s mobile number.

“Hi Anish, this is Priya. Remember me or …” Anish replied before she could complete her statement “Oh yes Priya. Of course, I remember you. So, how you doing?”

“Doing great. Anish I want to meet you, right now. See you at your bank’s reception within 5 minutes” Priya said firmly and dropped the call.

Anish came at the reception with the dazed face. He pulled a chair and sat in front of her.

“Hi Anish, tried calling you yesterday. You didn’t pick up. Anyways, tell me now. What is the matter?” Priya questioned.

Priya at Citibank and her questions came like surprise shots for Anish. He looked away from Priya and opened his mouth to say something. Priya interrupted, “eye contact please.”

For five seconds both stared each other and then Anish tried to compose himself to start again, “Priya the medical history which you shared that day… actually we all got disturbed with it.”

“That’s fine. I can understand. But what is the reason for the refusal?” Priya tried to control her enraged emotions and be normal.

“Vidya said there would be only fifty percent chances for you to conceive and that means fifty percent chances to not conceive” Anish explained.

“Who is Vidya? How can you take her words as final ones?” Priya argued.

“She is an MBBS student, a would-be-doctor. How can she be wrong?” Anish argued back.

“Why can’t she be wrong? Don’t forget Anish she is not a qualified doctor. Anyways, forget her. Did you try to find out what is an ovarian cyst? Is it possible for a woman to conceive with one ovary? Did you consult any other doctor for the second opinion?” Priya bombarded Anish with questions.

“No, I didn’t,” Anish replied softly.

“Then come on let's go and visit a gynecologist. I have my medical records with me.” Priya stood up. Anish fumbled for a second and said “ Priya I am on duty. How can I come now?”

“If you want to understand the fact you should come now. Anish my motive is not to convince you for marrying me. But I just cannot digest this reason for the refusal. You need to give me a valid substantial reason. You tell me that you didn’t like me, I am fine with that. But not with the reason which you gave.”

Priya’s confidence made Anish anxious to know the fact. It was indeed a truth that Anish had fallen for her in their past two meetings.

“Wait for a minute and I will be back,” He went in through the glass door. Anish came back and said, “If you don’t mind can we visit Dr. Dayal. She is my friend’s sister and her clinic is nearby.”

Priya shrugged her shoulder to signify ‘whatever’ and said, “any qualified doctor.” Anish smiled.

“Hello, please be seated,” Dr. Dayal said as Anish and Priya entered her cabin. Dr. Dayal was a smart tall and healthy lady in her late forties.

“Hello doctor, we have come to you for consultation. I have undergone surgery for ovarian cyst in 1998. Here are my ultrasound reports and the case history papers,” Priya handed over the papers to Dr. Dayal.

Dr. Dayal adjusted her spectacles and started going through the case papers. A few minutes went in silent.

Dr. Dayal studied those papers, slid her spectacles above her forehead and spoke, “Okay, so what is the query?”

“Doctor, I want to know, would be there any problem for me in conceiving?” Priya questioned.

“Priya, your reports illustrate your one ovary is removed. But you have a second ovary functioning quite well. I don’t see any problem for you to conceive naturally provided all other factors are normal too,” Dr. Dayal replied.

“Thanks, doctor. This question came to us because someone said that in such cases there is only 50% chances to conceive,” Priya said. Anish was quietly hearing the conversation.

“Who said that? Which doctor?” Dr. Dayal asked.

“No, not a doctor. But she is a would-be-doctor” Priya replied.

“She is wrong. Because this is not mathematics. 2 ovaries 100% chances and 1 ovary means 50% - absolutely wrong. This is human physiology. Moreover, one ovary is efficient to produce millions of ovum in a lifetime. So, you don’t worry at all. You will be living a healthy and complete life,” Dr. Dayal elaborated.

“Thanks, doctor. Thank you very much,” Priya said and stood up to leave. Anish also stood up.

“You are welcome Priya. And all the best for your future,” Dr. Dayal said.

Thanks.

Anish and Priya came out of the clinic. Priya turned to Anish and said, “Fine then, Anish make sure you tell all this to your parents and sister. That’s it. I don’t expect anything else from you.” Priya turned to leave.

Anish stopped her, “wait Priya. I am convinced of all this. I like you Priya. I wish to marry you. But my mother is really being adamant. She won’t trust me. She trusts more on her would-be-doctor daughter. Tell me what I should do? Can you help me in some way?”

Priya was stunned by Anish’s so many statements in one breath. She said thoughtfully, “Hmm, in that case, Anish we need to convince Vidya first. Which college she is studying in?”

“Presently she is doing here interns at Nair Hospital,” Anish said.

“Great. How far is Nair hospital from here?” Priya asked

“Maybe 15 minutes by a cab. Are you planning to go there? I mean why?” Anish asked.

“We are going there to meet her Head of Department or any other senior doctor,” Priya said and signaled the cab. Anish quietly followed her. He was actually amazed by Priya’s fast-thinking brain.

Priya went to the Nair hospital reception and enquired for Head of Gynecology department. Dr. Hegde, HOD was busy in the seminar.

“Any other senior doctor from the same department?” Priya questioned the receptionist.

“Dr. Shirodkar. You can meet her at OPD. She is available now,” receptionist replied and showed the way to OPD.

Dr. Shirodkar again a lady maybe in her mid-fifties was sitting in the OPD room busy speaking to the nurse. As Priya and Anish knocked and entered the room, they first spotted the doctor and then Vidya sitting beside Dr. Shirodkar on a stool. Maybe it was Vidya’s turn to attend OPD today along with Dr. Shirodkar.

Vidya literally screamed in a lower voice when she saw Anish in the room, “Dada .”

“Vidya, we came to meet Dr. Shirodkar,” Anish replied. Vidya sat back in her place.

Priya and Anish took the seat in front of Dr. Shirodkar and then Priya initiated the conversation, “Hello doctor, I am Priya. Here are my case papers,” Priya handed the papers to Dr. Shirodkar.

Priya explained the whole case to the doctor and asked her query about 50% chances. Anish and Vidya were observing the whole conversation.

“Should not be a problem. I don’t see any difficulties for you to conceive provided the other factors are favorable,” the doctor replied and passed on the papers to Vidya. This was the same answer which Anish and Priya got from Dr.Dayal.

Vidya held the papers in hand and in successions looked at Priya and Anish.

Dr. Shirodkar questioned, “Which doctor gave you this 50% chances theory?”

Before Priya could speak, Anish replied, “my sister and our would-be-doctor Vidya.” Anish signaled his palm towards Vidya.

“I… I thought so. I am sorry…” Vidya said immediately when Dr.Shirodkar faced towards her.

“Vidya, how can you make such a mistake? First of all, you are not supposed to give your own medical views to anyone. Why did you not consult your seniors? This is the way you are going to treat your patients?” Dr. Shirodkar’s voice rose.

“I am sorry Doctor. Sorry, Priya. Dada sorry,” Vidya repeated.

“Vidya you need to explain this at home. Exactly the way Dr. Shirodkar said,” Anish said. Vidya nodded.

Anish and Priya thanked Dr. Shirodkar and left Nair hospital.

Priya looked at her watch, “Anish I need to rush back to the office. Speak to you later, bye.”

“Bye Priya, I will call you in the evening,” Anish replied.

Priya took a cab and proceeded for Churchgate station.

Priya was waiting for Anish’s call. Anish didn’t call. Priya reached home late today. It was 9 pm. She was damn tired but at the same time quite excited to recite the whole day events to her parents.

As she entered her house she saw Anish, his mother, his father, Vidya and Priya’s parents having tea.

“Oh, here she comes,” exclaimed Priya’s mother.

Before Priya could understand anything, Anish’s mother got up from the sofa and walked towards Priya. “We are sorry Priya. Actually we got worried about it and reacted foolishly. Anyways, since now all things are sorted, we don’t have any doubts. We want you to be our daughter-in-law.”

Priya was stunned. She looked around. Anish was smiling. Vidya too smiled and gestured ‘sorry’ by holding her ears. Priya’s parents were smiling happily.

Priya smiled and nodded in agreement. She thought, ‘truthfulness may cause trouble to start with but always has a happy ending.’

2 years later….

When Priya opened her eyes she found herself lying on the bed in the maternity clinic. Priya was subjected to general anesthesia for the C-section surgery. Her eyes wandered around in search of something.

Priya saw Anish holding something small draped in a white cloth. Anish came near Priya’s bed and said softly, “Congratulations Priya, it’s a baby girl. She is beautiful, just like you.” Anish placed the baby beside Priya.

Priya had tears in her eyes as she gently touched her baby. Looking back on that day, she thought to herself, you have definitely arrived.