21 Days - Day 6

I ambled in to the ward about ten minutes later than my shift timings. It had been late when i had gone to bed last night. I had come to the hospital after my dinner, not really knowing why I had come back. I had spent some time roaming the wards, checking in on everyone before I entered Smita's room. I found her sleeping and not wanting to disturb, slowly tiptoed out. Not that I had anything specific to talk to her or to counter her earlier statements.

I stifled a yawn and went about my job. Couple of crisis, three new patients, one discharge later, I was tired and had missed lunch already. Not bad for a day in my life. I walked past the duty doc's room and internally debated whether to rest my tired feet or not before I caught sight of Dr. Arul come out of Smita's room. Dr. Arul was head of Oncology and was one of the most senior people in the hospital, possibly the country.

I rushed towards him and was still in motion as i sided by him.
" Ah Cathy, Just the person i wanted to see. I just saw the reports for bed number 6..."

"Smita", I interjected

"..uhh..what...ya ya Smita Smita...the reports look good..the BC count is picking up...We can start the chemo soon."

"Oh okay...we can prep her then for the treatment?"

"Oh yes..i think mostly tomorrow or day after we can", he paused,"hmmm Cathy, have they made the payment for the treatment?"

" I will have to check with the nurse and see, Doctor. "

"Good good...anything else? nothing? ok then... once you check them up, send a word to the lab intimating about the Chemo schedule"

" Yes doctor"

I watched him walk off, suppressing a reflex action to throw up. I dont know what irritated me more; His callousness or his obvious sellout to the corporate hospital we worked in.

I pushed the door open and entered. Smita was sitting up, staring into nothing

"Hi, how are you feeling today? had anything to eat or still fasting?"

"Hi,yeah had food." came a weak voice.

I turned to look at her. I have never heard her sound so low on energy.

"What's wrong, Smita?"

"Nothing...nothing at all"

"Tell me, ...What's wrong"

"It's just..just that its paining...Whenever I breathe in, there is a sharp pain. When I cough also it hurts."

"did you cough up blood? is it a dull local pain or is it a poking pain in one specific place"

"No..not now...not yet anywa.."

She couldnt talk anymore. There was a coughing fit. It threw up some blood. I rushed to her side with a kidney tray. It wasnt the first time she was getting this. It certainly wont be the last.

I wiped her face and got her some water to drink. She looked tired and weary. I lowered the bed for her to lie down.

"Dont worry. It's fine now...sleep now. I will come and check up on you later."

I couldnt move away from her side and sat in the chair next to her bed, watching her try to sleep.

"Dont worry. It will all be fine...soon..one way or another", I said to myself.

Day 7