Breakfast was a feast for the hungry doctor. Prashanth didn’t eat much as it was his second breakfast. He nibbled on some guava and watched in delight as Dr. Mittur ate her food. Besides watching his kids eat, he hadn’t been so happy watching a stranger eat. He smiled to himself.

“Babu, are you going to torture her on her first day and especially after a long trip,” asked Satyamma, refilling his glass of water.

Prashanth looked up to her and knew that she is not going to be happy about their trip to the hospital later. As he was fumbling for words, Dr. Mittur said, “Oh no, Satyamma. We are just going to visit the hospital for a quick tour and be back soon. I too want to relax a bit and get energized for Monday.”

Prashanth just shrugged smiling at Satyamma.

“Well, then I shall expect you both for lunch sharp at 1 PM,” said Satyamma, refilling Vandana’s glass of water.

As Satyamma left, Prashanth leaned forward and whispered, “She is the actual boss of this house. As much as I try, I usually end up offending her in some way or the other and she doesn’t hesitate to give me an earful. Growing up, I didn’t fear my parents as much as I feared her. Now, I love her and despite her nagging, I accommodate her demands.”

Vandana mouthed an ‘o’ and smiled. “I shall keep that in mind, Mr. Kumar. Now shall we go to the hospital?”

“Absolutely. Let’s go before Satyamma gives me a long list of to do’s and not to do’s with a lady,” smiled Prashanth, leading the way. Vandana let out a hearty laugh at that remark.

Prashanth opened the jeep door for her. She must inform him that she doesn’t like to be treated like that all the time.

As they made their way through town to the hospital, people stopped by to look at her. Many waved, some smiled and some wondered who she was. Mr. Kumar made small talk describing the town.

They passed a stretch of vegetable farms on both sides of the road, over a small bridge and made a right turn through a large gate. On the side of the road a large board carried the name of the hospital, ‘Ashraya Town Hospital’.

They passed through a beautiful garden with plenty of flowering plants, benches, flower vines hiding bamboo arches, trellises along the edges, two men and a woman working on the garden. They entered a large archway where a young boy promptly jumped from behind a pillar just as the jeep came to a complete stop. Prashanth tossed the keys to the boy and asked him to park in the shade. As Vandana was about to exit, Prashanth ran to open the door for her.

“Mr. Kumar, if you don’t mind my saying, can you please stop opening and closing the car door for me? I feel awkward. I am not used to such formal treatment. I am used to taking care of myself,” said Vandana, as she got out. “Forgive me, if I have offended you,” said Vandana feeling a bit guilty.

“Sorry Dr. Mittur, not at all my intention to make you feel uncomfortable. I guess I am just used to treating any young or old lady that way. I don’t want to be the reason for your discomfort. However, you must allow me to treat you like a lady in the presence of Satyamma or she will skin me alive,” said Prashanth, grinning like a school boy.

Vandana let out a small laugh as she walked past him and nodded in approval.

“Welcome to our hospital, Dr. Mittur,” said Prashanth leading through the large doors up a few stairs. There was a wide ramp for wheel chairs and gurneys next to the stairs.

Prashanth introduced Dr. Mittur to the hospital staff in the reception. Prashanth gave a grand tour leading her through the rooms, surgery, labor rooms, and pharmacy, laboratory and staff rooms. Vandana was very impressed to see that the hospital had some old charm to it with some modern feel. She can get used to it. She was also introduced to two doctors who were hired on temporary basis and worked in shifts.

“Dr. Mittur, welcome to your office,” said Prashanth, opening a door to a medium sized room with a large desk, a computer, a television perched in one corner and a door to exit to the garden. The room was brightly lit, thanks to the windows on two walls of the room. She had a small private patio with chairs and a breathtaking view of the garden they passed by.

“Mr. Kumar, I don’t know what to say. I don’t feel like a doctor working but like a tourist on vacation. If you treat me this way, then I might never leave,” said Vandana, stepping back into the room.

“That is the whole idea, Dr. Mittur. We desperately need a good doctor. The last year or two with construction still underway, I tried to find a permanent doctor. Most of them were fresh out of medical school and were not willing to stay in a rural place like this. They wanted to make more money, quickly. They preferred the comforts and benefits of a corporate hospital. Others that were willing to come couldn’t commit to long term,” said Prashanth, flopping down on a medium sized couch next to her desk.

“Mr. Kumar, to be honest, my future is a bit uncertain at the moment. However, I wish to be upfront. If tomorrow something arises that requires my departure, I will give you a notice period and I will find a replacement, albeit a temporary one until you find another permanent one,” assured Vandana, sitting on the other end of the couch.

“That is fair enough, Dr. Mittur. Life is full of surprises, isn’t it?” said Prashanth, extending his hand.

Vandana smiled, shaking his hand. Again, that touch sent shivers down her spine. Prashanth held a few seconds longer, warmed by her honesty and that smile.

“Now if you have any questions, apprehensions or doubts, Dr. Mittur, you can feel free to approach me any time,” said Prashanth, gesturing with his hands.

“For now, I don’t have any. Thanks, and I will keep in mind. Shall we go back home,” asked Vandana, standing up.

“Yes, of course. I am sure you want to rest after the long journey,” said Prashanth, leading the way.