SEBIAN

I and my father sat here in front of the operation theatre in the hospital where my grandmother was going through an operation. The doctors said that this was a case of paralysis due to high blood pressure but because she was old, the operation is going to be risky. There were chances that grandma would wake up, there were chances that she would not and she may also go into coma. After marrying off her daughter to my father, my grandma considered him as her own son and my father also loved her dearly because he had no parents of his own. Seeing her in this condition is breaking him. I have never seen him like this, so weak.

Today morning when she collapsed suddenly, I didn’t have any idea of what I should do. With shivering hands I called my dad and he directed me to get her to the city. Once I reached there he took care of getting her into the hospital and making sure she gets the best treatment. My mind was completely blank during all this process. It was already very late when I remembered about the project that I had to submit. My phone’s battery was dead so I couldn’t call Alin either and there was no way I could return now.

The operation was over and she was stable but we’ll not know it for sure till morning. “Dad, go home. I’ll stay here with grandma. She’s in observation anyways; we will be able to meet her in the morning only. You go have some rest.” My dad shook his head, “I am staying here Ian, you take the keys and go home.” He handed me the keys. “But dad...” “Don’t son. I am staying here and that’s final. You go to the apartment and come back in the morning.” His voice sounded hoarse and tired which made me to oblige with him. “Okay dad, take care. I will be back in the morning.” I got up and left the hospital.

In the apartment I looked for a charger for my phone. Once I found it I connected it and turned my phone on. Numerous missed calls and texts from Alin telling me to come fast to college popped up and there was one text from Natalie. I opened the text and when I read it anger rose inside me. I called Natalie. “Hi baby.” “What’s that text about Natalie?” “Oh that one... I told weirdo about everything you told me about ditching her. You should have seen her face when you didn’t come to the college today. Serves her right! Anyways, where are you?” I was too angry to even talk with her so I just cut the call and tried to Alin. The ring kept on going but she never picked up. I should have called her in the morning and told her everything. This should have never happened. God knows what Natalie has told her. Thinking about Alin right now makes me want to hit myself. Why in the world did I get a stupid idea like ruining her in my head? She was right; I was the one who has caused her all the troubles. I will have to make all this right somehow.

The next day when I reached the hospital, my dad was sitting in the same position how I left him. “Did the doctors say anything dad?” “They have not yet come to check on her, I am waiting for them as well.” I sat beside him on the bench. After sometime the doctor entered my grandma’s room. When he came out the expressions on his face were not very good. “I am sorry Mr. White but she has gone to coma. Her condition is stable but we don’t know when she will wake up.” “Will she ever wake up doctor? What are the chances?” My dad’s gasping was clearly audible in his voice. “We are trying our best Mr. White. Sometimes one or two weeks are enough for the patient to wake up but it might even take more time. So all we can do is pray and wait.” The doctor left and we went inside grandma’s ward. She looked so peaceful even when her body was going through so much pain. Seeing her in this condition, dad couldn’t take it and cried like a little kid sitting beside her and I couldn’t stop my tears either.

“Go back to Strastown Ian, there is no use in staying here,” my father told after we came out of grandma’s ward. “I can stay here dad...” “and do what? I can take care of her. Staying here will only hamper your studies and I don’t want that. Go back and continue the college. I will call you if there is any change in her condition.” I can’t argue to that, he was right. “Okay dad, take care of yourself and keep me informed.” He nodded. He stayed in the hospital while I left for Strastown.

While driving I kept on thinking about how to face Alin and tell her about everything. In between all this chaos, I remembered that I have not eaten anything since yesterday. I thought of making a stop at Lessi’s. Alin will most probably be there and I can meet and apologize to her. I also have to talk to Mr. Crauser regarding the project. I am sure he will accept it after knowing my problem otherwise my father can speak with him. Thinking about this I sped up the car towards the diner and hoped that Alin would still listen to me.