9

They were in the hospital in the doctor's cabin.

"I had asked him to take the tests as early as possible. He had some back and abdomen pain coupled with urination problem, last month. I suspected Hernia and gave him the support belt. That reduced his pain considerably. But that's not all. We have to rule out the possibility of prostate gland cancer. The Hernia could be caused by Benign prostatic hypertrophy. We have to rule out. I had recommended PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) and if possible DRE (digital rectal exam).
The doctors took the blood sample and said. "I will expedite the process and get it done in a couple of hours. These two are two different problems. Hernia is confirmed. No need to worry. Surgery will make him fit and fine!" Said the doctor. 

Papaji looked nervous. He hated going to the Doctor. 

"Now go home and don't worry! Take normal food. Avoid rigorous exercise. Go on a long walk!" Doctor repeated the instructions while writing the prescription.

They all came home little relaxed to find Khushi at the door waiting for them.
"What..?" she started off.

"Will soon know!" said Arnav in a whisper and they all went in.
"What was the meeting for? And why didn't you take her with you?" asked mummiji. Everyone looked at each other.

"Because, the meeting was regarding her position in the company!" said Shondeep.
"And you know, Madam, she keeps interrupting, so we decided to go away!" he said smiling. And surprisingly Khushi did not retaliate.

"Ok. Now, Shondeep, stay for lunch!" said mummiji. He nodded.

They all had lunch peacefully. Arnav kept on looking at the time. Two hours... ! he was nervous. Raj and Arnav kept glancing at each other. Shondeep was busy talking to Lavanya. It was three in the afternoon and Arnav grew restless. He went out in the garden and dialed the doctor's number.
He came in. Shondeep looked at him. He nodded. They both went out without anybody's notice. 





They were in the doctor's cabin again. "We have two independent issues. The Hernia is confirmed. and on the other issue, there is an enlargement of the prostate gland. But PSA level is not elevated drastically so right now, no worries! We may have to repeat PSA and DRE or go in for biopsy. At this point of time, we cannot diagnose anything. This looks benign. Let us keep a watch. But surgery is the only option for hernia!" said the doctor to Arnav's relief.
They both came back with the report file. 

"Where were you?" Khushi screamed stopping them outside the door. 

"Shh!" Arnav kept his finger on his lips. She came forward. "What happened?" she asked in a whisper. 

"So far so good! Nothing to worry about right now!" said Arnav smiling at her. 

She looked at Shondeep. Shondeep showed the sweet boxes and earthen pots. "Bengali sweets for everyone!" he smiled at Khushi. Arnav turned to Shondeep .

"Shondeep, we need to take copies of this file, for second opinion!" he said and stopped dead looking at his wife, Khushi!

She had already opened one and was about to stuff the roshogulla in her mouth from the earthen pot. She stopped suddenly, the syrup dripping down and looked at Arnav's face. "No..!" shaking her head slightly she slowly kept it back guiltily. He looked away. "I know, she cannot resist!" he thought turning back to her only to see her puffed out cheeks with sugar syrup smeared on her lips..

Raj had taken the file inside. Shondeep went into the study . "Nothing to worry right now! No trace of cancer. Hernia can be managed. These two are different problems!" said Shondeep in one breath. Raj looked relieved. He hugged Shondeep and said. "Thank God! Some relief! .. This calls for celebration!" 

Shondeep grinned at Raj and said "Khushi has already started!" they came out to find Arnav and Khushi glaring at each other, head locked in full fighting spirit. "Can't you understand?" he was talking to her with gritted teeth under his breath visibly irritated.

"What? You only said he is alright!" she said raising her hand with syrup smeared over her fingers. Arnav looked at it and had to control his urge to lap up her fingers. He looked away in frustration. 

"What? Why are you blaming me? How do I know the seriousness? I thought it was some kind of weakness. The doctor did not warn me! And I had promised him, that I will not tell this to anyone!" she was furious.

"Stop it now!" Arnav said raising his hand. He had nothing to argue. Raj and Shondeep looked at each other. 

"Khushi!" called out Raj from behind. She shuddered and turned around with a jerk.
"What?" she said flaring up. "Now another round of firing, from you?" she asked him in rage.
"What?" Raj asked in surprise. 

"No. Its just nothing. I just asked her why she did not tell me this earlier!" said Arnav in a soft tone.
Raj shook his head smiling and said "Ok! Thank god! She told us now!" 

"See?" Khushi was happy that someone took her side. "Papaji!" she called out from hallway. Papaji came out of his room. He looked nervous. Raj came forward and said "Nothing to worry DAD. Only thing is you will have to repeat the tests until its ruled out!" he said smiling at his father. Papaji looked relieved.

He thumped on Khushi's back sending her off balance. "Papaji..!" she screamed. She took the pot of Roshogulla and went inside. All of them looked relaxed.

"Now don't change your plans!" ordered papaji and Raj and Arnav nodded.
"I am taking you to Delhi for further treatment!" said Arnav with determination. Papaji nodded.
Raj looked at the duo and opened his mouth to speak.. "No, bete! I am not coming to your America for the treatment. But yes I will come there to meet you all soon!" said papaji hugging his son. 

***** ***** *********

Khushi and Arnav reached Raizada House late in the night. Lots of things were pending. Arnav and Aakash went to study room for the Income Tax discussion.

Khushi whiled away time with Nani and Payal and then went to sleep. Sometime after midnight she felt Arnav beside her. She turned in her sleep and curled up in his arms. A long hectic day ahead was waiting for them.

Next day morning Arnav and Aakash left for office early in the morning. Khushi wished them best luck! She went to her room and called up Papaji.

*** ********
Anjali was in the hall with Mummiji and Papaji when Khushi called up in the morning. Papaji spoke to her and said "Puttar, do you want to talk to Anjali? She is here!" he handed over the phone to her. 

"Hello Di!" Khushi called out happily. Smile appeared on Anjali's face. "Hello Khushi, how are you?" she asked.

"Di, I am happy that you stayed with papaji and mummiji. You know they would feel very lonely when Raj bhayya will also leave this evening. I am happy that you are there to take care of them!" Khushi said gratefully.

"I am happy too  Khushi that I am staying over here. I feel much better now!" she said.
"Hello Di, good morning!" Lavanya came in while Anjali was on phone.

"Khushi, Lavanya is also planning to leave tomorrow. Her ticket is yet to confirm" said Anjali smiling at Lavanya.

Lavanya took the phone and said "Hi chamakili. I am leaving tomorrow but next week I am coming to Delhi to join back!" she said with pride.

"Yes, Lavanyaji. I am looking forward to your return!" said Khushi happily. 

"And chamakili.. remember we are competing!" she said loudly. Mummiji and Papaji exchanged looks.

"Yes I know!" said Khushi getting little nervous
.
"Lavanyaji, can I talk to papaji, please?" asked Khushi.

"Hello papaji need to talk to you!" she said. Papaji went into his room to talk to his daughter.
"Papaji.. I am sorry for breaking the promise. But your health is more important.. so I don't regret at it!" she said.

"Its ok!" said papaji. "Papaji... another request!" she said hesitantly.

"Go ahead!" he said "What is your new demand now?"