Anandi was doing her usual work, when she got a call from Shiv. She was asked to come inside along with the Manager and the fabric designer to meet him. She disconnected the call and informed Mr. Verma the manager and the F.D Sugna to meet Shiv. The three of them walked inside Shiv's room.
Shiv was waiting for them with a big pamphlet in his hand. It seemed like an invitation.
He asked them to sit opposite to him and showed the pamphlet to them. It was an invitation for the "Speciality Fabrics Expo 2013 and the Advanced Textiles conference and Trade show". It was in Delhi.
Shiv said " this is a very important conference and trade show" , " it'll be of great benefit to us. It's in Delhi on Wednesday, that is day after tomorrow . The conference is on wednesday, the trade show is on thursday and friday we will be coming back.We need to start by tomorrow. Ms.Anandi, Mr.Verma and Ms.Sugna, you three have to come with me there. Do you understand? " he informed them.
They agreed and when they were about to leave he said " Ms.Anandi, you arrange for the stay there and also flight tickets. Please do it faster ". He told Anandi.
" Mr.Verma and Ms. Sugna arrange for the fabrics and new designs for display in the trade show." He allotted each of them a job.
Anandi called the Air tickets agent to book tickets for them. And she also arranged their regular preferred hotel for staying there. It was a very tiring day for Anandi. She left very late that day. Asha had left early in her vehicle.
Shiv offered her lift in his car, but she refused. She boarded a bus and reached her home.
Anandi rang the bell and Khajan opened the door. As she stepped in she saw her mother lying on the bed in her room. Bhago will always be waiting for her Laado, but today she seemed to be sleeping.
Khajan said " Anandi beta, I called you in the afternoon, your phone was switched off. Your office landline was also busy. Were you busy?"
" yes, papa. I was in an important meeting. But what happened, why were you calling me? Is everything alright?" She asked in tensed voice. Her parents never called her in her working hours, not if it was an emergency.
" Your mother fainted in the morning around 11 o' clock. I took her to the hospital, they said her sugar levels are very high. Doctor said tablets are no more working, she has to be on insulin s for a month." Khajan told her.
" why papa, she was taking tablets, then why this happened?" Anandi asked in a worried voice.
" You see she has skipped her medicines for two weeks by now. I was also not knowing about this. Her carelessness has led her to this state" Khajan informed.
Anandi went near her mother and touched her hand. Her face was covered with sweat, Anandi wiped it with her hand. Bhago woke up with a start and saw her daughter sitting on her bed. Her face was looking pale and weak.
" Laado, when you came?" She asked in a feeble tone.
" just now Ma. How are you feeling now?" She asked.
" Iam fine. Wait I'll bring tea for you." She tried to get up.
Anandi held her arms and forced back on to the bed slowly. " Ma, you lie down, take rest. I'll prepare tea for me and also dinner for all of us." She assured her mother.
Anandi went to freshen up first. Then she entered the kitchen to cook. She prepared dinner and wheat porridge for her mother. She prodded her mother and made her sit leaning on to the bed with the support of a pillow. She fed the porridge to her mother with love and care. Khajan watched his daughter being a responsible mother to Bhago with pride. He kept his hand on her head and blessed her.
Bhago took the porridge bowl in her hands and asked Anandi to have her dinner and go to sleep. Anandi took out the tablets and asked her to take them after the meal.
Both father and daughter had their food seated in the dining table. Anandi was saying. " Papa, tomorrow I have to go to Delhi for a conference. But now I don't think I'll go." " I can't leave Ma like this and go out of station."
" No Laado, Iam here to take care of your mother. You don't worry. Anyway Iam taking her to hospital tomorrow." " I think after treatment she'll be better." " You carry on your job." He consoled Anandi.
Unwillingly Anandi accepted.
The next day, Anandi gave some cash to Khajan and asked him to call Asha if anything needed. She left home with a heavy heart.
She reached office and did the necessary arrangements needed for the conference.
Around afternoon they went to the Airport and boarded a flight at 4.00 o'clock.
They got into a taxi and reached a big five star hotel. They were allotted 3 rooms. One for Shiv, one for the Manager, and one for Anandi and Sugna.
The hotel was very pleasant and rooms decor was beautiful. But Anandi couldn't enjoy all this as her mind was still with her ill mother. After the official dinner they all retired to their rooms.
. Sugna was slleeping peacefully in her bed. Anandi couldnt sleep. She got out of the bed and dialed her father's number. But her phone's network was not active. She came out of her room and tried again, but the problem persisted. Unable to sleep anymore, she thought of taking a stroll in the hotel garden.
In a distressed mood, she went towards the garden and roamed there for a while. The garden was full of plants, flowers like roses, daffodils and a small pond with purple and white colored beautiful lilies. She sat on a bench near the pond.The place was so peaceful, Anandi was immersed in the beauty of the place, when she heard footsteps nearing her.
Anandi turned to see the intruder, it was Shiv. Shiv was surprised to see her there. He smiled at her,
" Anandi, I thought nobody would be here. Why didn't you sleep," he asked.
" No sir, didn't feel like sleeping. Thought I'll stay here for sometime." She stood up thinking of leaving from there.
Shiv noticed her long face and asked, " Are you fine, any problem?"
" No sir, nothing" she said moodily.
" Anandi, something is bothering you, I've been noticing from morning, you seem to be depressed, I think that's why you've come here at this time, am I right?" He asked.
" No sir, the thing is my mother is ill. I was trying to call her but it is not reachable. My battery is also getting low. I badly want to talk to my mother." She explained her problem.
Anandi couldn't believe she was having this conversation with Shiv. He seemed so complex to her before but he is talking to her like a friend now. She was immersed in this thought when Shiv said,
" Anandi, you can call from my phone if you want." He said kindly and handed his phone to her.
" No, no sir, it's ok. I'll try to call later." She said backing away from him.
But Shiv insisted, " If its my mother I'll be worried like you only. Don't hesitate."
Anandi took the phone reluctantly. She dialed her residence landline, hoping that this time she gets the line. As she wished the bell rang and Khajan picked up the phone.
He informed that Bhago is feeling better after her insulin. He said she was sleeping now.
Anandi asked him to take money from Ashe if needed and said that she'll reach by Friday night.
Shiv stood a little away from Anandi all the while, so that she could talk freely.
After disconnecting the phone Anandi gave the phone back to him, " Thank you so much sir." She said gratefully.
Shiv said, " you are welcome, and how is your mother?"
" She is fine. Papa said she is taking rest now'" she said.
They both walked towards their rooms together in silence. Anandi's room was first, she wished him "goodnight " with a smile and entered her room.
" Goodnight Anandi" shiv said and passed across her room.
Anandi was so worried about her mother that she didn't even notice the difference in Shiv's tone and the fact that he was calling her Anandi,, not Ms.Anandi" formally...😊
