Let me admit, I am a man with humble knowledge in English. I hope that readers would prop me up in the days to come with their words of wisdom.
*
It was a dream- come-true for me when I joined one of the largest chemical industries, that too just a six hour journey away from home. I still remember the enthusiasm with which I used to visit home every weekend and narrate my factory experiences to my parents as well as my friends. Just as I was beginning to gain confidence that my career has taken the right path, things crumbled within a matter of few days. On a very fateful day, as I was walking from the plant to the administrative office, I swooned on the way and was immediately rushed to the medical center. That was the beginning of my misery as I was recommended by our Chief Medical Officer to get a variety of investigations done for ruling out epilepsy. Although the EEG did not reveal anything substantial, the CT brain clearly indicated some abnormality in the temporal lobe which had triggered my collapse the other day and more dangerously had the potential to cause much more damages in the days to come. I was asked to proceed on medical leave with the assurance that I would be reinstated if found medically fit. I knew that it was the end of my road in the company and had to return home a very frustrated man.
I was advised by the doctors not to do things which normally a guy of my age would love to do. I had to remain at home taking complete rest for at least 6 months before my health could be reviewed. From being an active excitable guy that I used to be, I became a sort of a vegetable at home with nothing to do and nothing to be pleased about. The strong dosages of Ephtoin and Gardenal tablets only kept me sleeping most of the time and while awake I was wondering what went wrong. I could realize that my entire personality was undergoing a drastic change as my temperament started getting worse, making me vulnerable to even the slightest of the provocations.
Now, Eighteen years later, I can shout from the roof top about my sound health. I have discarded taking medicines 12 years ago and I own a 1000 cc bike which I use to reach my factory almost 40 miles away. Miraculous it may sound, but actually it was my mother who made me recoup from my ailment as well as from the inferiority complex I had when I was crestfallen due to epilepsy. I can still fondly remember that wonderful day which was gifted to me by my beloved mother.
It happened one day during the period while my ailment was tormenting me like a merciless ghost.
It was another worthless day sitting at home, while I knew that a very important cricket match was taking place in the nearby stadium. I was convinced that most of my friends would have already occupied their reserved seats hours before the match actually started. I had to shelve my passion for the game as at best I can watch the game on the TV. The game as expected was a cracker and just when it was nearing a turning point, my mother entered my room from nowhere to switch off the TV.
"You have seen enough." My mother told me resolutely. "Now, better come down to finish your lunch. I don't want you to skip your pills."
I was furious about the way in which my mother switched off the TV as I could sense an element of rude authority in her voice, as if I wasn't supposed to do what I liked most.
"Get the hell out of here," I screamed at my mother. "Damn your bloody lunch and pills. Just leave me alone and let me die in peace!"
Before my mother could react to what I said, the remote control flew away from my hands through the window. Even now, I am startled to recollect what I exactly did within a matter of few minutes as after regaining my senses, my room looked like a battle field and my TV had been already smashed. My mother was resting her back against the wall watching with shock all the damage I had done in my rage. I immediately felt immense pain on my forehead and ran towards the shelf which was housing my drugs. It took a few more minutes for me to settle down even after taking my pill as I kept gasping for breath after the sudden outburst of anger. I returned to my bed and without looking at my mother got into the cover of sleep. I can't remember for how long I had been sleeping as when I woke up, the room looked clean and tidy as ever before but for the broken TV which was missing.
As I turned on my bed, I saw my mother sitting besides me. She smiled after seeing me awake, gently stroked my hair and caressed my forehead.
"You must be feeling better," She spoke softly as her cold fingers continued to massage my forehead. I felt like closing my eyes and sleep again, this time around on my mother's lap.