What's her mistake ? - 16

I did not know what would have been told by Dammu next. I was eager to know too. But there was a sudden noise from my side.

To my horror I found Nammu Aunty fallen on the ground holding her stomach and writhing with pain.

I saw Dammu come out of her flashback in a flash!

She arranged the car and driver to take Nammu Aunty to hospital. Both of us accompanied her. I sat next to the driver and Dammu took Nammu Aunty’s head on to her lap.

The oncologist was not there. Dammu called him and narrated the incident.

She listened to him and said, “He has asked to admit her. Let’s do it!”

We entered the hospital and got Nammu Aunty admitted to the hospital in a special room.

Nammu Aunty had not recovered her consciousness. We sat in front of her bed in the chairs. The room was quiet.

I saw Dammu shedding tears. They rolled down her cheeks and disappeared on her bosom.

I started thinking.... where does this end?

“Young man! You go home. Come in the morning with breakfast. For Nammu I am sure the hospital would provide food”

I left for home. I was thinking all the way... what good deeds have I done to get all these luxuries in this life? Is it just because I was affectionate towards Nammu Aunty? But Nammu Aunty deserves all the love in this world. But the children did not even bother to come.

I came to know the details later through the last son . I could not stop calling him. I wanted to tell him about the health of his mother. But the reply I got was not at all happy. How cruel one can get? That too about their own mother?

When he came on line, I told that she is suffering a lot. I was surprised with his reply. I was wondering whether my ears heard it right.

“Hey, she can’t be that bad. She used the oncologist to pull out money from us, our hard earned money. I hope she is happy now. I have shelled out my savings to send to her. Drat that oncologist! How dare he stoop to such a lowly position to get money from us? Are you saying she is not well? Well, I am not free to come. I am in a small job and I can’t afford to apply leaves”

I knew he was lying. He is saying that he is forced to give money. Had Nammu Aunty not taken care of them all while they were young? Why doesn’t he understand that it is their presence and affection which she is craving for?

“I hope she is getting enough money from all of us as repayment” the words flowed into my ears like hot lead. Is he trying to measure her love and affection which she showed them during their growing years? Is he so immature to judge her like that or all the three brothers are like that?

What about the daughter? I should check with the oncologist whether she is aware of her mother’s condition.

It was getting late when I reached Dammu’s home. I went and slept in my room.

Early in the morning I collected breakfast and coffee for Dammu and left for the hospital.

Once I reached the hospital, I handed over the breakfast to Dammu.

Nammu Aunty was peacefully sleeping.

Dammu said, “She was calling a name in her sleep. Is it her daughter’s name?”

When I heard the name, I said yes.

I came out to call the oncologist to let the daughter know about the serious condition of her mother.

When the oncologist came on the line, I asked about the daughter.

“Oh yes, I did try to contact her. Of course, not for money for her mother’s treatment. I had known that she is not like her brothers. But I got a shock when I called”  he said.

“What happened sir?” I asked with apprehension.

“The daughter has met with an accident in the USA and is very seriously injured ”

Now, it was my turn to get shocked.