Maladies of an Old Woman

As they stepped out of the hospital and walked towards the jeep, an old woman, with a slight bend and a walking stick, walked up to Prashanth.

“Babu, can you please tell your staff to treat me with some respect? They make me run around the whole hospital from room to room, nurse to nurse. I am old and tired. I’ve been waiting for a bed since last night. They say none of the beds are available when I myself saw many empty ones. Liars!” complained the old lady.

Prashanth winked at Vandana and smiled as she looked questioningly at him.

“Latamma, come here. Sit down first,” urged Prashanth, leading her to one of the garden benches.

“I want to introduce you to our new doctor. I am sure she will be able to treat you well so you don’t have to come to the hospital every other week,” suggested Prashanth, helping her down to sit on the bench. He sat next to her.

“Namaste, Doctor. I hope you are a good one and give me some good medicine to treat me,” said Latamma, folding her hands.

“Namaste, Latamma. I sure do hope to help you. Why don’t you come back on Monday so I can see you properly, diagnose and give you the right medicine,” asked Vandana, quickly checking her pulse.

“What if I die before Monday?”

“Now Latamma, I am sure you won’t die so soon. You are still so young. Last time you mentioned that your oldest grandson is expecting a baby soon. How could you even think of dying before holding your great grandchild in your arms?” asked Prashanth, holding her by her shoulders.

Vandana was looking on amused by the fondness between the two. She understood by the look in Prashanth’s eyes that he knows her story.

“Latamma, why don’t you come with me and I will help you find a good bed,” said Prashanth and turning to Vandana requested, “Dr. Mittur, can you please come and see what is wrong with Latamma.”

“Sure, Mr. Kumar,” said Vandana, following them.

Prashanth found a bed for Latamma after the receptionist agreed not to say anything until Monday morning when Dr. Mittur will do a complete check-up.

Dr. Mittur spoke to Latamma and enquired about her ailment. She gave the old lady a minor dosage of sleeping pill and pain killer. She noticed that all her vitals were normal. She heard her heart beat and found it to be normal as well. Without further tests and her previous records, Vandana didn’t want to prescribe any stronger medications.

By the time Prashanth returned, Latamma seemed to be happily chatting with the new doctor. He led her to her assigned bed.

“Now Latamma, rest here. Dr. Mittur will come back on Monday morning, and I assure you, you are the first patient she will see. No waiting in line for your turn.  Meanwhile, you be a good girl and don’t pick up any fights with the staff or other patients.

“Thank you, Babu. I will be good to others as long as they don’t bother me,” said Latamma, lying down on the bed. “Thank you, Doctor. I think I will feel much better by Monday.” They bid good bye to Latamma and hurried to the jeep as it was almost time for lunch.