Norman deliberately kept the conversation friendly and cheerful
throughout the drive to the psychiatrist’s clinic. He was uneasy about her
aloofness at times but knew that she needed help, professional help, to get her
act together. He was also preoccupied with Nancy’s health. He had received
unsettling reports from her physician that her days were numbered and it was
just a matter of time before she would be no more. As he flinched at the
thought, he felt Martha’s arm on his arm and glanced at her anxious face. She
must’ve sensed his discomfort and angst. She was a very perceptive woman. After
all, she was a fine writer. He looked at her and smiled, much to her relief.
His eyes were so gentle, like a calm sea. She felt relaxed in his company.
But Norman winced when she inquired about his ex-wife. “It’s Nancy,
isn’t it? Has her condition deteriorated? I pray that she gets well soon and
becomes strong and healthy, though I know that it’s easier said than done.
Norman, isn’t it too taxing for you, managing all things at the same time,
besides being saddled with my responsibility? I wish that I too become well
soon and stop bothering you.” She said it in a very matter-of-fact tone and
Norman was relieved that she hadn’t broken into tears. He hated wimpy women. In
fact, Martha’s fierce independence had drawn him to her and he had hated to see
her disintegrating into an emotional wreck. She had to pull herself together
and he’d see to it!
Both of them had a light brunch at a
Café, the same where Arnold had brought her the first time. She couldn’t help
comparing Arnold and Norman just then. Well, both were sensitive, caring,
dependable and handsome. But Norman was a little brusque and practical and
Arnold appeared to be the die-hard romantic who wore his heart on his sleeve.
Probably both of them loved her. But did she love any one of them? Now that was
food for thought!
She chuckled as she realized that these days she was eyeing all the
males who came into her contact as potential lovers and life-mates if not
soul-mates! That was what happened after living a long and lonely life as a
spinster. She was however glad that she hadn’t become hardened and cynical like
some other spinsters whom she knew, who couldn’t appreciate the beauty of a
wild rose nor enjoy the chirping of the song-birds.
“A penny for your
thoughts?” Norman’s deep voice broke her reverie. “May I share the joke with you?”
he asked with a warm smile on his tanned face. “I’m just feeling very
light-hearted and carefree. I’m even wondering why on earth are we visiting the
kind doctor! Can’t we go to the movies instead?” she fibbed. Now it was
Norman’s turn to grin. We will, after the appointment is done with. Will it be
O.K. if we reach home late tonight?”“Of course, Norman! It isn’t as if any
one’s awaiting my arrival anxiously at home.” Then she remembered her story’s
characters and kept mum. They’d have to bide their time, she thought as they
walked, hand in hand into the clinic.
******************************************************************************
Dr. Benedict Hussey greeted them warmly and soon got to the point.
“Well, kindly brief me about your progress, Madam. Sir, kindly be seated outside.
Thank you.” Norman smarted under his curt dismissal. He’d have liked to stay on
in the Doctor’s chamber to know what was going on and see whether Martha
responded to his queries faithfully. He doubted whether she even remembered
what she had to brief the Doctor about! He knew that he was over-anxious but
couldn’t help himself. He was genuinely worried about Martha and hoped that she
recovered fully and soon.
He was hoping to get married before Christmas, if all went well. He
couldn’t wait to have her by his side, living with him in his house. He had
grown much attached to her. But he really wondered whether he’d have the
patience to keep tending to her continually, if her fragile mental state
continued for long. After tending to Nancy, day in and day out, he was tired,
mentally and physically. He wanted a strong and healthy woman, not a weak and
feeble one. He knew that he was over-reacting but he wondered about how long it
would be before he lost his patience with Martha fully. He wanted things to be
totally sorted out before the marriage. Otherwise, he was content to remain
single and at peace. He was being selfish and mean but he knew that it was for
the best, for both of them.
“…….. And now I am drawing parallels between the people whom I meet
daily and my novel’s protagonists. I also think that I am the heroine of my
novel! Doctor, please help me urgently. I think I’ll soon go insane,” Martha
completed her tale of woe, even as Dr. Hussey breathed heavily, visibly
affected by her impassioned plea. Obviously, things were going downhill for his
beautiful client. She looked like a leaf tossed about in a storm. She even
acted as one, clinging to any lifeline for succor. Now it appeared as if she
had fully reposed her faith in him. If he went wrong or didn’t provide what she
needed, she’d perish!
“I hope that you don’t smoke, drink or consume drugs, Madam. I’d appreciate
it if you informed me about it, if you do!” Hearing her strangled cry, he knew
that she was terribly offended. “No Doctor. I have never resorted to any of
this stuff in my entire life and never will. But why did you ask?”
"You see,
some intoxicating substances have hallucinogenic effects on the mind. As do
some strong medicines. Hence I wanted to be doubly sure that you weren’t
addicted to any of them. I also presume that you are not taking medication for
any of your illnesses.”
”No Doctor. In fact, I’ve visited a
Doctor, that’s you, after say, 20 years! I’m proud to say that I look after
myself very well.” “Yes, you certainly appear hale and hearty,” said the Doctor
with a sudden chuckle. Martha was surprised to see that he looked so boyish
when he laughed. Maybe he should do that more often she mused, laugh that is!
Maybe his high-strung profession and the problems of his clients weighed down
on him and made him brooding and morose. Now it was her turn to chuckle as she
realized that she had been
psycho-analyzing her Doctor, for a change.
To be continued....
The copyright of this novel is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.
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