Part 2 of 6 · 1 minThe Midnight Call

They called the hospital at once and had an ambulance sent. On the way she vomited twice. The hotel manager came along behind Pramod — he had seen his panic and understood that the man did not know the language.

The general doctor ran some tests and came out smiling. "She has had an allergic reaction to the fish item she ate. Very few people react like this, but the medicine for it is always on hand here. It happens with foreign tourists, and with people whose immunity is low," said Joseph Minnel, and finished, "She'll stay under observation; we'll discharge her by tomorrow evening." Pramod informed the office and applied for 3 days' leave, under the "privilege of serving one's wife" scheme. Chief guests: Lasya's parents.

The first day went by at the hospital, looking after his wife. By evening they were home; they sent for idli and ate. Under the effect of the tablets, Lasya slipped into sleep. With nothing left to do, Pramod started the film "Oppenheimer". Partway through, the landline rang; Pramod picked it up and spoke. The sound woke Lasya — who could be calling at this hour? Changing his shirt, Pramod switched the TV off. "Who called at this time, andi? This late at night, and for how long?" she said, thick with sleep. "Easy. talk you tonight, all of it. Tidy the house, and smile a little. What will the people who are coming think, seeing you like this?" he said, and stepped out of the door. What dignitaries are there here that the house needs tidying for? And even if there are, what business do they have with me, or my face, or above all with my smile — and thinking that, she slipped back into sleep.