The Last Mile

By A Global Friend

It is every impending mothers dream that their period of pregnancy runs smoothly and they give birth to a perfectly healthy baby.
But what if your child is born with a life threatening genetic blood disease. How would you cope with the earth shattering news that your newly born daughter has thalassemia?
The majority of parents throughout the world dont even know thalassemia exists let alone what it is. But for the parents of children born with thalassemia it is a rude awakening to a life of despair and desperation for their childs future.
This book is one mothers quest to try and save her daughters life irrespective of what she has to endure. The initial realisation that her daughter had a genetically inherited disease that she had never heard of gave Aisha the drive and determination to not only research the illness but to also find a cure for her daughter.
Her quest for a cure took her from searching the Internet (Google), to paediatricians, doctors, numerous clinics and hospitals to ascertain what this evil thalassemia her daughter inherited was.
It was only Aishas persistence that allowed the family to pursue a cure for their daughter. Her thirst to find out as much information she could about thalassemia with her research and continually asking questions of the doctors gave her the answers she needed.
The outcome of all her endeavours was the realisation that for their daughter to have a successful and healthy life she needed a bone marrow transplant. Finding a suitably Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) matching donor could be a difficult and extremely costly exercise for the family.
Throughout these dark days had come a glimmer of hope for Aisha to save her daughter but the option available to her and Arko, her husband, was fraught with fear and trepidation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing India
• Release date: Sep 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781482835571

A Global Friend

The author is the professional content writer. The author has shared the unique experience of coming in touch with some genetically defective children. It's the emotional, informative and thought-provoking story of a family which fought such a situation and the outcome of such fight.

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Copyright © 2014 by A Global Friend.

ISBN:          Hardcover          978-1-4828-3558-8

                     Softcover           978-1-4828-3559-5

                     eBook                 978-1-4828-3557-1

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Contents

From the Author

About the Book

Prologue

PART A: Detection and Research on the Problem

PART B: An Unknown World

PART C: Pre-Preparations of Bone Marrow Transplantation

PART D: The Last Mile or the Bone Marrow Transplantation

Epilogue

Acknowledgement

The places mentioned in the book are authentic to present a realistic world.

Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thoughts

I have a dream, a song to sing.

To help me cope with anything.

If you see the wonder of a fairy tale.

You can take the future even if you fail.

From the Author

T his book is an inspiration from my SIR who asked me to be a writer in my college days. His and my daughter’s constant encouragement and inspiration who are no more in this mortal world have only helped me to write this book.

Besides encouragement I wish to thank to all those who have helped me in this venture.

Especially my son, my parents, and my husband who allowed me to work and pursue my dreams amidst tough times.

Special thanks and deep regards to my Chotokaku, my youngest uncle, who always encouraged me to read various types of literary books since my childhood days. My sincere regards and gratitude to my Majokaku, my second uncle, whom I told that I would be a writer during my college days when he asked me to be a doctor.

My deep regards to my Didu, my grandmother and my best friend who is no more, supported my dreams and blessed me saying ‘a doctor serves the world in a way while a writer also serves the world in a different way. If you dream to be a writer then give service to people.’

My editors who worked with me are Kirsten Strom, Ann Parchment and Jim Moore. They were very supportive of the book from the beginning. They helped me to find out what would work and what not in this whole work.

At least this book would not have been a grand success unless the publishing consultants Carmel Vasquez, Dia Mercedo and Joe Anderson have not guided me properly. Lastly, my sincere congratulations to the Publisher Patridge, the division of Penguin Group and all people associated with its publication.

Thanks to Mr. Bill Gates for his wonderful and amazing technology Microsoft.

My biggest pleasure would be if you, my readers across the globe love and enjoy reading the book and give me a place in your heart.

I dedicate this book to all the people of earth.

Remember this book is for you.

This book remembers all types of defective children and all their families suffering in different ways.

About the Book

T his book is dedicated to children who are born with genetic disorders in the ignorance of their society. It is a great danger to any family on earth. The book is for the people of the world who love to have good, and healthy children.

It is written out of the social and moral responsibility to spread the word to every corner of the earth so that no one is called ‘foolish’ as the protagonist of the novel is called a foolish woman. Is she foolish?

‘You are a fool,’ says the doctor.

WHY?

Prologue

G OD, Where are you? Do you really exist in this world? Do you really come to us as a saviour when we fall into crisis? If so, you need to answer me. Why did you not answer me when we were desperately crying out to you? What is our crime? Have you punished us by not answering to our call? GOD–– Please answer us.

Is it out of naked fear that people pray to you? Who are you? Where are you? Are you really so merciless? Why did you do such a staggering thing that has so shaken our lives? Really, I don’t know how to accept you. Should I be accepting your existence, or should I challenge it? I don’t know, GOD.

How would any other parent react if such a thing happened to them? NORMALLY? OR LIKE ME? ANSWER ME……..With this she remembers the whole story…

1

I t was May 29, 2006. Aisha thrust her head into her pillow and tossed on the bed. The refracted rays of morning sun penetrated through the glass window sill which fell on the glossy tiled floor. The rays reflected and fell in the eyes of Aisha. Along with it the clock alarm resounded in her ears. Was it 5.30 AM already? The night had flown speedily away . Oh! Today, she remembered, she must take the test.

Yesterday on their return from Calcutta, she and Arko had bought two pregnancy test kits. What would happen? Would it show positive this time? She dreamed that it might be positive this time. She stealthily got out of bed believing that Arko was fast asleep.

As she opened the door, Arko called to her, "Are you going to the toilet?

Yes, she said in her dreamy eyes.

But you need to take the test, dear. The kit is in my trouser pocket. Take it now and let me know what the results are, in semi-slumber.

She slowly dug into the pocket of Arko’s pants, took out the kit, and went to the toilet. She knew how to perform the test, she had done it so many times before. Every other time it had been negative. She was waiting to see what the result would be this time.

Out of full of suppressed excitement Aisha came out, ran to Arko and called him.

Arko, get up.

Arko got up with a start from his slumber. Aisha looked afresh suddenly. Her face presented a bright smile.

Yes, what happened? asked Arko still in semi-slumber.

Look, there are two lines.

Two lines mean… she showed him the instructions of the kit - one line meant negative, two lines indicated positive.

Then this is positive, right? he breathed.

Aisha nodded.

Still there was doubt in Arko’s mind.

Have you kept your urine? he asked her.

Aisha nodded with a smile. He meticulously dropped it into the hole of the other kit and found two lines again for double confirmation.

Yes, Aisha, he pulled her tenderly towards him, After almost two and a half years of marriage, we’re going to have a kid.

Arko broke the happy news to his mother.

Full of exuberance, she demanded they meet with the doctor right away.

Yes, we will in Calcutta, said Arko.

Why? she protested inadvertently. Get her check up done up here.

Already a lady-gynaecologist is looking at her in Calcutta, he pointed out. Why should we change doctor now? he continued.

Where do you want your child to be born? Here, or in Calcutta?

Her happy face became grave.

Of course, in Calcutta, he said firmly.

With an air of protest, she went to the kitchen, leaving Arko and Aisha out on the sofa. Ignoring his mother’s behaviour, Arko asked his wife,

What time is the doctor available for us to call?

Between 9AM and 10AM, answered Aisha.

But you need to give my parents this happy news too, she reminded him.

Yes, I’ll handle it from my office. You make the doctor’s appointment first and let me know what she says. Then I can cover everything when I talk to your parents.

Fine, she said.

About 9 a.m., Aisha called the doctor.

Hello! her sweet infirm voice was heard.

Ma’am, this is Aisha from Durgapur. Do you remember me? – I came in to your home-chamber a week ago because I was suffering excessive vomiting and a distaste for food.

Yes, yes. What happened? she asked inquisitively.

This morning I took the pregnancy test and it was positive, Aisha said in a low tone.

Oh! That’s great! Very good news. Come in straight away, said the enthused voice on the other end.

Arko rushed into the bedroom after brushing, shaving and bathing asking, Did you have a talk with Dr. (Mrs.) Biswas?

Yes.

Putting powder and deodorant all over his body he continued, What did she say?

She asked me to meet her as soon as possible, Aisha replied, taking out his shirt and pants from the almirah.

BUT— unbuttoning the shirt;

No, no, I already told her I can’t meet her today, but I’ll tell her when I’m coming, Aisha reassured him, snatching at his words.

Then, what did she say? putting the shirt on and buttoning it up.

She said, a trifle worriedly, that I mustn’t delay too long, but I’ve asked for five or six days already, Aisha told him as she put his potato parathas in the microwave for his breakfast.

I too feel, tucking his shirt into his trousers, that it would have been better if I hadn’t brought you here.

"Yes, but that’s not what happened. Now we need to decide when to meet the doctor because my problem is waiting here for a number of days," placing Arko’s socks and a clean handkerchief on the bed.

Probably in the next five to six days I’ll take leave. Did you ask her if she’s available to see us on Sunday at her home chamber?

Yes, she is. She mentioned it already, Aisha affirmed, taking the parathas out of the microwave and putting them on a plate.

Then we can probably meet her there on Sunday, Arko said in a low tone, yet uncertain.

Shall I phone her now? Aisha asked, with a glimmer in her eye.

No, first let me manage my office, then I’ll confirm with her, pulling a sock on his right foot.

All right, as you say, spooning pickles onto the plate of parathas and placing this on the table for his breakfast.

Arko came and sat at the table while his mother came in from the toilet.

What are you eating, Arko? she called in a hoarse voice, to which he replied normally, Parathas with pickles, but it failed to reach her ears.

She repeated this so he said a bit louder, Eating parathas with pickles.

Arko finished off quickly. He was a bit late for the office. As a Sales Manager with the Coca-Cola Company, he was responsible for sales and distribution for the South Bengal region in Eastern India and his job required excessive travelling to different districts of Bengal. Today, however, he planned to be in Durgapur at his headquarters and if possible, said that he would be back for lunch.

With this, he took the keys of his bike, brought it out from the garage and started off for his office calling out ‘bye’ and ‘take care’ to Aisha.

That evening, around 6PM.

Aisha’s mobile rang.

Hello! the mellow voice of her mother on the other end.

Oh! Yes, Ma, Aisha said hurriedly.

Yes, we’ve had the good news! Now you need to be very careful.

Aisha took this in. When did Arko call you up this morning?

About ten, he said the result was positive.

Do not go out of the house alone, she cautioned her. Baba went to offer pujas at the temple for the good news for the family. When are you coming to Calcutta? Have you spoken with the doctor? she tossed out volleys of questions.

Most likely we’ll leave on Saturday, the third of June, but we’re not completely sure. It would all depend on Arko’s work and his leave from the office, Aisha carefully informed her mother so that she would not go on repeating the same question.

With more tiny pieces of advice like ‘eat tummy-full’ and ‘should not exercise now’, the conversation progressed until they finally said goodbye.

After some time Arko arrived back from his office.

Any phone calls during my absence, my dear? he asked Aisha on entering his own room beside the kitchen.

Yes, she joyfully shook her head.

And from whom, if I may ask? he queried quizzically while unbuttoning his shirt.

It was my mummy, she said coolly.

Yes, I called her. What did she say? placing his shirt on a chair and putting on a T-shirt that was hanging by a rope.

It was nothing serious – just asking when I am coming, whether I’m eating or not and as mothers say, to eat ‘tummy-full’ and so on, she said as she prepared tea in a saucepan.

Look, here are some puja offerings from Tarapith (the famous holy place for the Bengalis). Have you been to Tarapith before? Aisha nodded her head NO while Arko continued, Take and sprinkle some Prasad between us and pack up the rest for Baba and Ma.

Okay. Aisha was doing as he said when Arko’s mother entered the kitchen.

With an air of protest Arko’s mother called him by his nickname; Sun, you do not believe in God. So why did you bring the offerings from Tarapith?

My colleague went there to pay homage to God, and he took me with him to Tarapith where I did pay homage and I brought the Prasad, he answered to his mom.

In the meantime, Aisha was distributing the offerings between Arko and his mother. She tucked her mouth in a little with short, inconspicuous prayers.

Oh! Then, when are you taking her to Calcutta? - immediately changing the subject and asking as if angry with the decision.

I don’t know, but most likely this Saturday, the third of June. First I need to manage my office and take leave, Arko answered and went to his room.

Aisha knew how to handle Arko’s mother who continually lived as a challenge to the world.

That was why Aisha lived by herself at her father-in-law’s place in Durgapur until Arko returned.

Aisha poured some tea into a cup, placed it on the table for her mother-in-law and took a tray with two cups into her room.

So, we’re going to have a kid, right? Arko said happily.

Can you guess whether it’s a boy or a girl? Aisha asked, pouring some tea into a cup.

Yes, it’s a baby girl, he stated smartly.

A girl? with a stare of astonishment. How do you know? She handed over the cup of tea.

I just know it, replied Arko taking a sip of tea. Why, what do you think? he asked while she sipped her own tea.

Nothing like that, but it could be a boy too, Aisha answered with a visible complacency.

It will be a girl, as I want a baby girl and my wish will be fulfilled, Arko said assertively to her.

Aisha did not proceed any further. Therefore, she ended saying, We see what happens. Whatever has happened has already happened and it’s pointless to argue gender issues standing on the threshold of the twenty-first century.

You’re the one doing it. I didn’t even raise that topic. With this Arko finished his last sip and put the cup on the tray.

Okay, no more discussions on this, Aisha said firmly, realizing as she said it the futility of asking such a thing of Arko. She went out into the kitchen to put away the tray.

Aisha now got mentally prepared to leave her father-in-law’s and be with her parents in a few days. From time to time, she packed her belongings as if going on a long vacation.

Suddenly Arko’s mother called him after two days while he was preparing for work.

You’d better take Aisha to her parents, she urged. Aisha could sense a verbal storm approaching from the bathroom.

Why? What happened? Did she tell you anything? Arko asked searchingly.

No, no, she never says anything, replied his mother bitterly. But she’s not eating at all. Whatever I cook, she doesn’t like it and keeps vomiting, she said angrily.

Arko waited for Aisha. When she came out, he called her.

Don’t you eat anything? he interrogated sternly.

Yes, said Aisha humbly. Why shouldn’t I? She stepped past him.

Arko’s mother interfered. Do not tell lies before my son. You do not like my cooking and so you vomit every time after food. I saw you vomiting in the toilet yesterday after lunch.

Deadly calm, Aisha replied, "Yes Ma, which is the problem I have been facing for the last two months. That is why we decided on the train coming here to take the pregnancy test and bought the test kits before even entering the house. I don’t have any taste for food and if I eat, I vomit straight away," she said defensively.

Don’t go creating a drama in this house. You should be eating properly and you shouldn’t be vomiting all the time, retorted Arko in a harsh, angry voice.

Is this a drama, Arko? I cannot eat. That is the problem, which is what we need to say to the doctor when we meet her, still a trifle cool under the false blame.

Yes, I suppose it sometimes happens during this time, he remarked offhandedly.

Eat properly and everything will be all right, closing in a stiff manner.

Emotional Aisha lost her temper immediately, saying uncontrollably, If that is the problem, how can it be all right without medicine, Arko?

Arko’s mother foolishly intervened; In my days, there were no medicines and yet my two sons were born. Anyway, the baby is most likely one or two months old and this is expected at this stage. Why does she keep saying medicines, medicines all the time? This last question was charged directly at her son. He continued supporting his mother;

Yes, yes, it could be one or two months, but we must visit the doctor soon.

It could have gone on for much longer but with a teardrop in the corner of each eye, Aisha left the hall and went to her room. Arko followed to dress for his office and tour.

Very unhappily, Aisha spent a cautious few days at her father-in-law’s before taking the train from Durgapur to Calcutta.

Next day was the appointment with the doctor.

2

V ery early, Arko and Aisha took a taxi to the gynaecologist’s chamber. Reaching there, the doctor’s assistant conveyed them that the doctor was sick.

One of her students, a junior doctor would check her patients. Those willing could stay and those reluctant could leave.

Oh my God! A junior doctor means knowledge but less experience, while an experienced doctor means knowledge as well as experience, said Arko promptly to Aisha in whispers.

Well let’s see what he says anyway, avoiding Arko’s critical comments.

When their turn came, the doctor called Aisha’s name. He was a middle-aged doctor in casuals. On hearing the case history, Aisha having vomited for a prolonged period and taken the pregnancy test only last Monday, he was a little amused. He asked Aisha to lie down, pressed her abdomen and said that the foetus was about four months old.

Oh my God! Four months old? exclaimed Aisha and Arko out of wonder.

Yes, but why didn’t you take the test earlier? questioned the assistant doctor.

I’ve had problems with irregular menstruation and I was in constant touch with the doctor. She planned to do a DC and never told me to take the pregnancy test earlier, explained Aisha.

Okay.

The doctor did not question further but reassured her, Whatever has happened has happened already, but you need to do a few tests immediately. I am writing them up now, scribbling on the prescription pad of the lady-doctor and mentioned of the ultrasonography from where it was to be done. He explained that it was necessary to know the actual age of the foetus and asked them if they could visit the ultra-sound chamber next evening. Then he would be there and could have a first-hand look at the results.

He prescribed Aisha some medicines to stop the vomiting and discussed problems that could happen at this stage.

On coming out of the chamber, Arko asked Aisha, How did you find the doctor?

Not bad, seems reasonable, was her curt reply.

Why is that?

Because of the way he explained to us why the tests need to be done and why the ultrasound is necessary and everything else. Aisha continued, See, you and your mother constantly argued that the foetus was one or two months, and you heard what he said?

Yes, but that still hasn’t been confirmed yet. We’ll get the confirmation tomorrow, he retorted with a defiant air.

True, but I feel the doctor is right, insisted Aisha, hailing a taxi home.

We’ll see. How will you get there tomorrow for the ultrasound? Arko asked after seating himself in the taxi.

I can go with my parents, she coolly replied.

Sounds about right. Don’t go by yourself, now, he admonished as the taxi took a turn towards her house.

There was no heavy traffic on the way. The taxi transitioned smoothly at every intersection.

What will you do now? Will you be leaving tomorrow? Aisha asked him, breaking the temporary silence.

Yes, that’s what I’m planning - the doctor didn’t say anything serious. Better if I manage my work. Then when I’m needed I can come back at once.

Yes. That would be fine.

Before the taxi took the final turn Arko said, Could you tell me the cost of the ultrasound?

Don’t know exactly, but it could be around INR 600 or INR 700, Aisha guesstimated.

That’s all right then. If I give you INR 1000, I hope you can manage with the taxi fare and everything, replied Arko after some calculation.

Aisha shook her head. She remained silent and got down as the taxi finally reached her home.

During lunch, her parents heard all that had happened at the doctor’s.

Arko told them his plan to leave early next morning and they got mentally prepared to go for the ultrasound.

The next morning Aisha asked her mum, Ma, is it true that one can find out the sex of a foetus from an ultrasound?

Heard so, airily she replied.

Ma, will you ask the doctor what it is? Aisha asked with glittering eyes.

Her mother was stern and made big round eyes, stating clearly, No Muni, it is not right.

Aisha could not understand why it was wrong so she would simply have to quench her desire.

Instead, she asked, Aren’t you the least bit curious to know whether you’ll have a granddaughter or a grandson?

No, her mother stated curtly and went into the kitchen.

When Aisha and her parents reached the diagnostic center, they found the doctor already there.

The receptionist gave them a few papers that needed to be signed. At the entrance, it was written in eye-catching letters that the determination of the sex of a foetus in the pre-natal stage was illegal. Aisha’s mind buzzed. After some time, the doctor called her to check if her bladder was full for the ultrasound.

Yes, it’s all right, confirmed the doctor.

He asked Aisha to lie down for the work. She constantly endeavoured to find out the sex of the baby, but in vain.

The doctor asked gravely, What are you trying to look at?

Nothing like that, Aisha answered quickly.

Oh my God, the foetus is running all over with its thumb in its mouth, he laughed.

Can you see it, doctor? was her instant question.

Yes.

The radiologist whispered something in the doctor’s ear.

After some time the doctor stated, The foetus is twenty weeks old.

Twenty weeks? Oh my God! Aisha fell with a crash from heaven.

What are you so scared of? he asked her with a laugh. Everything is normal.

Won’t there be any problems since it was checked out so late? she fumbled.

Have you had any problems? he questioned Aisha.

Yes, I’ve been vomiting a lot and I have an overwhelming distaste for food which is very unpleasant, she confessed.

That’s normal at this point, especially when you’ve been without medicine the entire time.

The doctor continued in a serious tone, Now as soon as we start medicines, you’ll find yourself in better shape.

So, how do you find the baby, doctor? Aisha asked, charmed.

It’s totally fine, confirmed both the doctor and radiologist.

Can I go back to Durgapur and come back for a monthly check-up? she asked boldly after the ultra-sound.

No, it’s not advisable since the baby is about five months old, cautioned the doctor. You need to be extra careful now.

Aisha assented with her beautiful smile and came out of the sonogram AC room into the lobby where her parents were waiting for her. The doctor followed.

Now, if you’ll come to my chamber, I can prescribe some medicine for you, he told Aisha before her parents.

Aisha simply shook her head and said, Let’s see.

If you do come, then please come tomorrow between 5pm and 7pm at the aforementioned address and we’ll get the report done by tomorrow morning. However, we can give you the plate right now, the doctor declared, asking Aisha and her parents to wait there.

With the plate in hand, Aisha and her parents considered that the lady doctor, retired Head of Department of a Medical College in Calcutta with 35 years of experience, would carry an added advantage in this case. They could sense the junior doctor’s eagerness to take the case but this only made them less inclined to do him justice.

In the midst of their planning to pay the lady doctor a visit, Arko called Aisha.

Hello! Arko on the other end.

Yes? answered Aisha smartly.

Have you taken the ultrasound? A typical Arko query.

Yes. Just finished, and now we’re heading towards the doctor’s chamber from the diagnostic center, she said in one breath.

What did they say? Another typical question.

The baby is five months old, was Aisha’s undaunted reply.

Oh my God! He was astonished at the news. Are there any problems with that?

No. The doctor and the radiologist both confirm that the baby is fine, she returned crisply.

Was the doctor we met yesterday there? One question after another.

Yes. He is eager to take up the case, Aisha continued; but Baba, Ma and I have decided to go to the lady doctor because of her experience.

Yes, I agree with you. Go to the lady doctor, affirmed Arko.

We’re going to meet her now. I’ll call you later tonight.

All right.

Bye, Aisha concluded, catching the echo on the other end. She hung up the phone.

3

T hey soon reached the doctor’s shabby, a 200-square-foot chamber, through a flight of stairs where two benches were placed L-shaped before the entry door. They found three patients talking to one another, discussing how the lady doctor had saved their sister’s life during delivery.

"She didn’t even want to take money for it, and it’s a fact that if she finds her patients in utter financial distress, she won’t take any money," added the other patient. They were all comforted on hearing such good words about the doctor, feeling they’d come to the right place. They were the last ones to be called.

In a white clad sari, the doctor looked quite dignified and said, So, your pregnancy has at last been detected?

Yes, affirmed laughingly by all of them.

Have you taken the ultrasound? she inquired composedly.

Yes Ma’am, said Aisha, producing the plate.

How many months does the report say? she asked with furrowed eyebrows.

20 weeks, Aisha said calmly.

When was your last period? as if trying to recollect why the detection had been so late.

On the eighth of December 2005, Aisha said, checking her details.

And how many times after that did you come to me?

Thrice.

Then why didn’t you take the pregnancy test earlier?

Well, you didn’t suggest it, and I came to you with the complaint of irregular periods so you planned to do a DC, she related intelligently as her parents sat listening.

Yes, I remember now, finally told the doctor.

Aisha was relieved.

Did you take any medicine? she asked her directly.

Yes, as prescribed by you in February ’06, medicines like Evion 500 once daily for a month and then I took a mammography. Came to show you the report. You planned to do a DC then, Aisha replied astutely.

Hmmm…… in deep consideration for a moment. When will you get the report?

Tomorrow morning, her father interrupted.

All right, once you get it, bring it to me on Friday and my chamber will remain open. No need to bring her in, she added looking at her father, but I’d like to check it over.

Aisha’s father assented with a nod.

She asked her assistant to check her height, weight and blood pressure. Aisha lay down on the test bed. The doctor came, pressed her abdomen, checked her eyes and ordered another doctor to write the prescription. Dr. Haldar, as called by this lady gynaecologist, wrote down the medicines, repeated their names aloud and mentioned the frequency with which they were to be taken. Some tests were needed to be done. All were written down in the prescription. With everything done the doctor asked them to visit her in the next month with all the reports. Complaints of nausea, vomiting, morning sickness and breathlessness, she suggested, were normal at this period. Regarding food, she asked Aisha’s mother not to prepare anything oily or spicy but Aisha could have anything homemade. She said that once all the medicines got underway it would reduce all her problems.

Aisha’s mother finally asked a question, if the late detection of pregnancy would cause any problems or not, which the doctor ignored, only nodding in a negative.

However, she did not forget to say before their final departure, If you have any problems, please call my home number.

They nodded their heads in appreciation, bought the medicines immediately and returned home by taxi.

The next morning Aisha’s father brought in the USG report and showed the doctor as agreed, who made no comments except saying that everything was fine and normal.

Aisha’s parents were excited at the thought of being grandparents for the first time. They were still not at all happy with Aisha’s intake of food. Despite all the medicines, her repulsion and vomiting remained a problem. Whatever her mother cooked, Aisha rejected. Her mother too felt that she was refusing to eat voluntarily. Arko suspected that she was creating a drama with her food. As a result, the quarrel with her parents became regular, reaching its peak one day during Arko’s visit.

Are you taking your medicines properly? he asked in a sombre voice.

Yes, was Aisha’s crisp reply.

Have you had any improvement of your health? Aisha felt Arko’s contradictory mood.

No, nothing noticeable as yet, replied Aisha, expecting a verbal storm.

How long have you been taking the medicine? he questioned with an air of defiance.

Just over a week, but I feel it’s too early to say anything.

"Still, can’t you eat anything right now?" Arko was ominously quiet, the calm before the storm.

"No, I can’t eat until I’m full yet. With all of my