Twilight Zone
I am posting here my first attempt in writing a story!! I dedicate it to my friend who I lost to the cruel disease called cancer.
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“Will I even live to see my grandchildren”, moaned Deb’s mother.
'I don’t think so, mother, not if it is not written in my fate to be married and to have children!! I am not complaining, so why are you?' grumbled Deb in exasperation, trying to finish her book.
'I don’t think so, mother, not if it is not written in my fate to be married and to have children!! I am not complaining, so why are you?' grumbled Deb in exasperation, trying to finish her book.
She had to go to work next day, she worked for a travel company and was very content with her work and the work atmosphere. Her best friend Simon worked with her, they have been friends for quite some time, but their relationship was purely platonic. Every now and then, they took a break and went on a trek or river cruises picturing the wildlife. Both were nature lovers and had plenty in common.
Deb a Bengali, was in her late 20’s and had managed to avoid marriage. All proposals and horoscopes her mother presented her were shrugged off, as not suitable. She was happy with her way of life, work and hobbies. She also wanted to be her mother’s companion in her old age. The thought of her mother being on her own did not appeal to her.
Simon, on the other hand came from a big family and they all lived in England. Simon moved to India, after he fell in love with the country and the people. Simon loved travelling, his work suited him perfectly, and he was a good manager. His sense of humour got him many a client, and his knowledge of places gave him good sales. He spent most of his spare time with Deb, their friendship suited him perfectly. No demands, no strings attached, no explanations needed for his actions.
Early to office, on Monday morning, Deb eagerly awaited Simon’s appearance. He was rarely late, and she had an important thing to discuss with him. She had an invitation to go on a safari to Tanzania for a week, later in the year and she wanted Simon to accompany her. It was once in a lifetime opportunity and she was very excited about it. An all paid expenses for two to Tanzania was a dream come true.
Half past ten and Simon were still not in. Deb was getting anxious, and after trying his mobile a couple of times, she gave up in exasperation. Not like him, not to show up, or call at least. It was almost lunchtime when Simon walked in. He had a dazed expression on his face and walked past her straight to his cubicle and shut the door. Deb was shocked!! What was happening with him? She decided to let him be and lunchtime she timidly knocked on his door and went in. What she saw shocked her to core. Simon was sitting red eyed, signs of tears on all the crumpled up tissues.
‘Simon, what’s wrong with you?’ Deb asked. ‘Are you in trouble, any family problem, are you not well, or is someone not well please tell me quickly’, she said all in one breath. Simon looked up, shrugged his shoulders and tears started welling his eyes again. Taking a deep breath and trying to control himself, he said, “Sorry Deb, for behaving like a jerk, I just came back from the doctor, and they have confirmed I have cancer, stage 1B’
Deb was shell-shocked. She did not open her mouth for a few seconds, and just said, ‘Just say you are joking, you can’t be serious. You have never been unwell, since I knew you, how can you suddenly say, you have Cancer’? Her voice was steadily increasing; tears had started streaming from her eyes. She could not believe she had heard him right and it all seemed like a nightmare to her.
Taking a deep breath, she said, ‘Come with me, let’s go out for lunch and talk about this”. Simon, looked at her, then just picked up his jacket and went out of the cabin. They took her car, and went to their favourite restaurant, where they got a quiet corner, every time. Ordering for both of them and a mug of beer for Simon, Deb waited for Simon to start the conversation. Simon though was busy looking out of the window, at the people walking in the bright sunshine, taking a break from their office work. His drink came quickly, and Simon took a huge gulp and looked at Deb. ‘Sorry Deb, I have not been open with you these past days, he said. ‘I have not been honest with you, I have been going to the doctors this last six months and today I got my second opinion confirmed. I have stomach cancer, stage 1B, which means it, is not just the stomach, but the cancer has spread to a couple of lymph nodes too. Well, that is the bad news, the good news is it is only grade 1, which means cells are not multiplying fast, and are less likely to spread. With regular treatments, everything will be under control soon’ he said.
Deb was amazed. “You actually consider that good news, you tell me you have cancer, and you are able to see something positive in that?” She was confused and feeling totally bewildered. “Deb, if you have been in my shoes for the last six months, you will be able to appreciate what I am trying to say. I am not happy about it either, but this grade means, my days are not counted yet. I will just need a surgery and few treatments to make sure the cells don’t grow. I will have to take medicines coz I am sure to have some side-effects, all I need now is self-confidence, your support and blessings from our friend above” he concluded. ‘You are the first person, I am talking to, about my Cancer, I am yet to call my family, and I was just waiting for the 2nd opinion, before I could share this nasty news to all. Deb, please understand, it has not been easy for me either, I have even consulted my doctor in England, he is okay for me to continue treatment here’.
'But, why did you not even hint about this to me, all this while, I thought I was your best friend, you never complained about stomach pains or any illness for that matter'. Deb was angry now. Her food, remained untouched and his half eaten. ‘Sorry Deb, I did not think it was this serious until recently, I just thought it was because of the change of food style that my stomach was acting up and I was getting frequent headaches, but when the doctors prescribed some tests and they started shaking their heads, my world started tilting, I am sorry, I have been selfish, I just did not have the guts (no pun intended, he added with a grin) to handle this”.
'But, why did you not even hint about this to me, all this while, I thought I was your best friend, you never complained about stomach pains or any illness for that matter'. Deb was angry now. Her food, remained untouched and his half eaten. ‘Sorry Deb, I did not think it was this serious until recently, I just thought it was because of the change of food style that my stomach was acting up and I was getting frequent headaches, but when the doctors prescribed some tests and they started shaking their heads, my world started tilting, I am sorry, I have been selfish, I just did not have the guts (no pun intended, he added with a grin) to handle this”.
‘You selfish monster’, she shouted at him and stood up. ‘How can you joke, when my world has turned upside down’ and walked out in a huff feeling very hurt. Simon quickly paid the bill and followed her to the car park, where he found her sobbing quietly. ‘I am very sorry Simon’, she said, ‘it is the shock that is making me behave so badly’ she apologised quietly. ‘You can be assured I will give you all the support you need during your treatment and after. I am very sorry you are going through this, cancer is something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy and now my best friend has it. I can’t believe this is happening to you’, she started sobbing again.
Simon started driving the car and instead of driving to office, he just drove along the shore to give them time to calm themselves. Both were very quiet and the fresh breeze from the beach soothed them like a calming balm. Slowly, she turned to him, and with a very sweet smile said, “Sorry again, for behaving like a spoilt child, I can’t accept my best friend being ill, but I know for sure you will be perfectly fine soon, and we will have a laugh thinking of our emotional outbursts today’.’Guess what’, she continued, 'I have a treat stored for us, and we will use it in lieu of a celebration once your surgery is over. We have an invitation to go to Tanzania on a safari for a week, all expenses paid of course”, she gushed. He couldn’t believe his eyes. One minute she was sobbing all over him, the next minute she had stars in her eyes. “Woman” he thought to himself and mentally gave a shrug. With a happy smile, he just held her hands and said “thank you, I will like that”. Their moods lightened, they talked about his treatments, telling his family and friends and the rest he needed as they headed back to office.
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To be continued
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To be continued
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