Episode 5

Jeeva was little fidgety as she made her way through the long lunch line to get an empty seat. She was alone today as both Ilakiya and Aaran are on their first romantic date and Harish had an emergency onsite call. Jeeva was not comfortable with the other members of her team and chose to eat alone.

Though used to it, she couldn’t completely ignore all the occasional glances at her. Getting nervous, Jeeva chose to browse the phone while eating. As she fished the small phone from her enormous hand bag, it indicated notifications for unread messages. She opened it. It was from Ilakiya. She has sent a picture of herself with Aaran and had remarked it to be the Happiest Day of her Life. “I will come and update you. Lots to be said.” With lots of emojis filled the second message.

“I knew this would happen.” Thought Jeeva happily and controlled a giggle. “Both are great souls. They should be happy together.” So many happy thoughts filled her mind and she was feeling so complete. She finished her lunch quickly and made her way back to the cabin. She suddenly remembered Harish.

“He asked me to get a sandwich. Thank God I didn’t forget.” She thought and went back to the counter to place the new order. As she gave the order and waited to get it done, suddenly she heard a voice from the kitchen window against which she was leaning. “How can they give jobs to these things? They are in this state because of a curse. Why can’t they just lie low and do their stuff? Why do they want to blend?”

Clearly it was about her. Earlier she used to get easy tears. Now she was not the same. She merely smiled when the order was given to her and made her way back. “Everything has a purpose. I know I am here for a purpose. I will fulfill it whatever happens. I am ready to face anything.” She thought with a determination as she reached her cubicle. Harish was still on call. He looked at her with hunger written large on his face. She handed him the sandwich.

“Oh Jeeva , if I were God I would have granted all your wishes today. You are great.” He was so happy to get his food. Jeeva laughed. He finished the sandwich in a bite.

“Jeeva, it was a hectic call and I am stressed. I am going out for a smoke. Will be back in ten minutes. Just hold the fort till then.” He exclaimed and rushed out pleased to enjoy his short break. Jeeva was about to resume work when she heard a soft moan. She thought she must have imagined it and continued. Now a little shriek and a gasp. It was as if someone was panting for breath.

She stood up and saw. Noone was present. Everybody was out for lunch it seemed. She sat back. Now it came again but now loudly.”Ahhhhhhhhh”. She sprang up and rushed to see where it came from. She checked the next cubicle but it was empty when suddenly it striked her. Nisha from their team was pregnant and was expecting in a week. She was supposed to go on her maternity leave from today and she was not sure if Nisha came to work today. She rushed to her cubicle and found what she dreaded.

Nisha was lying in a pool of reddish brown fluid and was moaning in great pain. “My waters broke.” Her words rumbled slowly. Jeeva was stunned. She did not know what to do. She immediately shouted for help but no one came by. She slowly made Nisha sit and continuously murmered in her ears, “Nisha stay brave. You and the baby will be fine. Stay with me.”

She rushed to the Security office and found it to be deserted. It was the shift change time for them and maybe the next person was late. She did not know what to do. She immediately called the emergency number and explained the situation. She was assured help in the next 5 minutes.

She rushed to Nisha to be with her. Nisha was slowly losing consciousness with the pain which was not a good sign for delivery. Jeeva continuously talked to her to make her stay awake. Emergency support personal arrived immediately and rushed to take Nisha. She could not cooperate at all. Jeeva helped her get up and suddenly there was a gush of blood as she got up. It seemed she has started bleeding as well. Jeeva could not bear it anymore.

With a sudden surge of energy she lifted Nisha and made her lie on the stretcher bed. Nisha was almost unconscious now. Jeeva patted her cheeks and shouted in her ears, “Stay awake. Don’t you want to hear your baby’s first cry?” Nisha was immediately taken to the nearby hospital.

Jeeva was asked to fill a few mandatory things and was asked to fetch some emergency medicines. She ran to the pharmacy and gave the prescription. As she waited for the medicine, she saw herself in the mirror nearby. Her yellow kurta had turned brown with Nisha’s blood and her hand got a minor cut banging on the nearby door while rushing Nisha inside. Her hairs had gone astray and she looked a complete mess.

She got the medicines and handed it over at the emergency room. She was wondering what to do next when Harish called. “Hey whats happening here? What happened to Nisha?” Jeeva was relieved to take a little breather and started to narrate. “Oh my God. I will be there now to help you. Is there anything you need from here? “ He asked.

“I don’t need anything now. You just come. I am feeling tensed.” She hung up. She tried to compose and thought what to do next. She took the Identity card of Nisha and called the emergency number listed in it. It was her husband. He was ecstatic to hear the news and was completely tensed.

He thanked her so many times and said he will start immediately to reach them. Jeeva was relieved and was about to sit down when Harish came. He patted her shoulders. She immediately slumped down on the chair. The tension was too much for her to bear. But she cannot relax now, not without seeing the baby. She drank the bottle of water Harish offered and was constantly staring the emergency room.

The sudden silence was broken by a sharp wail, a very loud one. Jeeva suddenly felt tears in the eyes. It continued on and on, proudly announcing its arrival. The baby is born. She rushed to the doors. A nurse came outside with smiling face and said, “It’s a boy. Both the baby and mom is fine. Has the father arrived?”

Jeeva could just mumble a thanks and that the father is on the way. Harish was also all smiles and they were about to retire to the place where they were resting when the nurse said, “Just a minute.”

She went inside and brought back packed in a white cotton cloth, all cuddled a tiny pretty baby. She came near Jeeva and gave the baby in her arms. Jeeva hardly heard anything that followed. The tiny little fingers was playfully fighting the air and the legs were kicking majestically. The baby was shrieking now and then and when Jeeva swayed it stayed silent. It opened the eyes and saw Jeeva or at least what she thought. The tiny lips suckled and pouted to an imaginary kiss.

The magic of life. Jeeva felt the wonderful motherhood she can never have in reality. Maybe this is one of the purpose I am brought here for. She thought and hugged the baby with such warmth that the baby gave a gentle coo and went back to sleep.