They rushed to the book store. They looked around the place to try to find the doctor who he hoped would recognize somehow. Now he wished he paid more attention to the picture instead of her resume.
“Daddy, can you recognize the doctor?” asked Nitin.
“It is getting late for school, Daddy,” reminded Nithya.
“We will find the doctor, kids,” assured Prashanth.
Then he saw her step off the compartment with one large suitcase and two bags. She tossed the two bags on to the platform and carefully placed the suitcase. She got down, adjusted her red, white and black printed tunic, then her black scarf. She swung her backpack over one shoulder and pulled her belongings to the bench. She looked around for the person who was supposed to pick her up.
“There she is,” announced Prashanth, as he pulled the kids behind him towards the doctor.
“Are you sure, Daddy,” asked Nithya.
“Now I remember from the picture,” smiled Prashanth, very glad that his memory had not failed him.
As they approached the doctor, Prashanth suddenly felt butterflies in his stomach. His hands were suddenly sweaty. There stood an elegant lady, with such poise. Her posture relayed confidence yet a tad bit of vulnerability. Her light brown eyes looked warily around her yet didn’t show apprehension. Her hair was braided and hung over her left shoulder. She checked her watch before she looked up straight into the eyes of Prashanth.
They stared at each other for just a few seconds, he with amazement at the beauty in front of his eyes and she with suspicion.
When Nitin tugged at his hand, he awakened from his reverie.
“Dr. Mittur?” asked Prashanth.
“Yes. Are you from Mr. Kumar’s residence?” she asked.
“Yes, Dr. Mittur. I am Prashanth Kumar here to pick you up,” announced Prashanth. He saw a sparkle of surprise in her eyes when he told her his name. She smiled and looked towards the children.
“Namaste. I am Dr. Vandana Mittur. I am a bit surprised as I was expecting an elderly gentleman with dhoti and all instead of a denim clad er… younger man,” she said, coyly.
“Sorry to have disappointed you, doctor,” said Prashanth, annoyed that he sounded old on the telephone. “Are these all your belongings? Are there any more?”
“These are the only ones I could carry. More bags will arrive in a week,” she said, picking one of the bags.
“Doctor, if you don’t mind, can we hurry as I have to drop off the kids at school before we head home,” said Prashanth, picking the heavy suitcase and the second duffel bag.
“Most certainly. I hope I am not the cause of delay,” said Dr. Mittur, hurrying after the man and his kids who kept turning back to steal a glance of her. “Is the school far off from the station?” she shouted after him over the sound of the train whistle and hollering vendors. Her question went unanswered which made her realize that indeed the kids would be late for school. Without further inquiries, she picked up the pace in her stride after them.
Practical Christian Living 