Living a life

"Hey. Hi."

"Hi."

"Sorry I got late."

"No, that's ok... It's not that I was busy." [nervous laugh]

"Oh come on, sweetheart. I got stuck in an urgent meeting. The stupid client called at the last moment and I had to mail him that document."

"No, it's ok. I mean... I am sorry."

[Sigh] "No, I am sorry. It's just that it's a bit tough these days with the project."

"I am sure. Must be really stressful."

"Yeah quite a lot. Anyway, I don't want to talk about it. Let's talk about something else."

"Why not? I would love to know more about your work. Tell me na. How is the project going?"

"Sheena, please! No!"

"Arey, you are the one who says I don't want to know about your work. And today, when I am asking you, you don't want to talk!"

"Sheena, please try to understand. You are already so weak. It's been 6 months that you are in this same hospital room. And this new treatment is demanding too. I don't want to burden you with my office work stress. Why don't you take some rest?"

"No. I don't want to rest any more. That's what I do all day anyway. Why can't you understand? I need some change of routine... I am bored of my friends' gossip too. I need something new."

"Gossip!?!?"

"Sweet hea..."

"You want me to talk about my work so that you get more gossip!? That's what my work means to you!? I work all day, and then, come here and spend time with you so that I feel like I am home, and this is what you tell me? Great! What a life!"

...

...

Tears roll down her eyes. "Akash, yours is the only life I get to live."