Monday was Out-Patients’ Day, and everyone in the hospital was busy. As in all government hospitals, it was proving to be very difficult to control the OPD
crowd.
Vasant was intent on going to his department when suddenly he heard
someone call out to him, ‘Hi, Vasant!’
He turned to see Seema waving to him. He was surprised; Seema was supposed to be in America.
‘Hello, Seema,’ he waved back.
‘How are you, Vasant?’
‘I am fine, how are you?’
‘How do I look?’ Seema asked, smiling.
Vasant looked at her. She had become fairer and had put on some weight.
Glamorous Seema was looking even more fashionable now! Her stylishly
trimmed hair, perfectly manicured nails, and transparent chiffon sari enhanced
her sophistication.
‘I am surprised to see you here,’ Vasant commented.
‘My sister is getting married and papa insisted that I must be here at least for a
month. So here I am.’ She opened her bag and pulled out a wedding invitation.
‘What about your family?’ Vasant asked as he took the invitation from her.
‘Oh! My baby is not well—he’s six months old, and in spite of all our efforts, he’s been bitten by mosquitoes. My husband is looking after him. Vasant, don’t miss the wedding. You must come.’
‘If I am not on duty that day, I’ll definitely come. Where is the wedding?’
‘At the Taj. My sister’s in-laws are very rich and they insisted that the wedding had to be very grand. Even if you are on duty, please get out of it and come.’
‘I’ll try.’
‘Vasant, you haven’t changed a bit.You’re meeting a friend after three years. Won’t you even invite me home for tea?’
‘Sorry, Seema, I don’t have a home. If you want, I can take you to Lakshmi Bhavan, our favourite college-time haunt.’
Seema was horrified. ‘Come on Vasant, how can I eat there now? It is so dirty, and there are all sorts of infections floating around in Bombay!’
‘But you used to love eating there.’
‘It was different then.’
‘All right. I’ll take you to a good restaurant then.’
‘I am very busy with shopping and wedding preparations now. I’ll tell you
when I’m free and you can take me then.’
‘Do you like living and working in the US?’
‘Oh Vasant, I make so much money there. Together, my husband and I are
minting money. If a bright person like you were there, you could have earned so much. You are wasting your time in India.’
‘I don’t think so, Seema. You have not seen the real world here; it needs
people like us. As in so many other matters, let’s agree to disagree.’
Seema laughed as they made their way to Vasant’s department. ‘By the way,
when are you getting married?’
‘I have not found the right girl yet.’
Seema and Vasant had been classmates in college. Seema was an ambitious
girl who had always had a soft corner for Vasant. Once, she had even expressed
her desire to marry Vasant, but on condition that he settle in America.
YOU ARE READING
Destiny
FanfictionAnupama, shivered with shock, seeing her reflection in the mirror A white patch had now appeared on her arms. All her hopes were shattered! A mind opener for all those who think women with skin diseases are a stigma to the society. ~A Sumellika Fa...
