Reflections in Settings of Contrast

        There is nothing like pleasure emanating from basking in Sun. Sun which is glorious and all pervading. Specially after days of Mist and Fog and imminent battle with visibility. Resumption of overnight downpour over three days was not irritating per se, but was not called for, either. Alex was in a mood to enjoy this richest source of all energies and direct 'giver' of Vitamin 'D' after three back to back meetings cum conferences and emerging, if not, perpetual Retina complication.

Time permitting, he would have a 360 degree angle of the beauties of nature in the cool hilly settings till six months ago. With the passage of time, he was almost devoid of sight on the one side. But as they say, no point in giving up, keep facing and waiting. A day may come when, with medication, coupled with HIS blessings, there is likely to be light at the end of the tunnel.

At this juncture, when his body seemed to have received some semblance of heat, and he was tempted to take off his jacket, a sort of restoration of positivism in his thought process and urge to maintain patience if not display indomitable will power, all of a sudden, emerged. Densy, his spouse was fond of saying - life is beautiful, to be lived meaningfully, with a purpose, sense and enthusiasm even when chips may appear to be down. Her long cultivated habit of having a new dress once a month and getting ready early even on a holiday, subsequent to a focused puja, was a reflection of positivism and enthusiasm factor.

 

On a similar day in Delhi on 24th Sept., Alex’s 'B' day, they had faced mild Sun but same was not accompanied by cool wind that he was experiencing today. A pre-arranged visit to the Surgeon in a reputed Eye Centre was on the expected lines. Physical condition of eye looked better, bereft of pain, swelling and less of red-ness. But the lurking fear of another operation for getting rid of reaction or infection dominated his half an hour passage to the hospital. Almost two hours of wait with dilated eyes by Lalji, at last, brought momentary relief from the Surgeon, who opined - him-“Let us have photography to assess the improvement over the last 12 days”. As if that was not enough, Ultra sound too was desired. When former had positive hints as per the technician, latter showed traces of Silicon oil (supposedly removed in Surgery) and some apprehensions regarding attachment of the Retina itself.

Another analysis of the two tests after good one and a half hours brought them back to square one - Vitreotomy Surgery which may still be needed, but medicines were working, though some impact of infection remained. They decide to wait with the present dose of Medicines, in view of acute pain and discomfort between second operation and administration of more than one injection within a span of just six days. Scene before and after and misery undergone, were best to be erased from memory as soon as possible, Alex confided in Densy.

Another appointment with the busy Surgeon after three days did not materialize. Instead, the former Surgeon friend volunteered, saw, photographed, analyzed and assured, Roughly 20% improvement over a 9 day period was indicated. Photo of infected eye by a normal phone camera sent through Whatsapp medium had looked really scary.

Alex was left with no option but to take-off sooner than expected, land in a place within two hours, wherein temperature was on lower side. Heat was coming and going, not due to atmospheric reasons but owing to increased biotic interference along the highway.The evergreen and soothing Mahananda Sanctuary and Teesta in spate at this time of the year, provided needed relief in between. A break after 2 hours for drops and grub at Melli GREF Mess was something, badly required. Alex resumed his ‘business’ same night between 9 and 11:00 PM with the supports and presence of active Benu and a fresh bout of determination, grit and imagination which suddenly could be sensed. Sound sleep after 5 days helped, relaxed his ruffled feathers, subsequent to a tasty Dinner cooked by old faithful, Mahesh. 

Upon mega meetings and clearing up of heap of files and papers over a week, he shifted to a new 'independent Unit’ in the downtown. Very few of such abodes were left behind in this cleanest hill station of the country .He was lucky to enjoy and cherish this facility after a gap of exactly 8 years.

Sun was now in a sliding mode. Descent had started before he noticed it but his spirit was still upbeat. He, therefore,  shifts his chair on sensing fall in temperature from the shadow area to the Gate side, wherein one could still avail of free gift of Vitamin 'D', And scores of fresh Marigold flowers of 6 varieties, Calendulas, Corotons, thin Pine, Peepul, Utish and Banana trees, too manage to have a eye contact with him. Upon concentration, rapport proved instant.

          As opposed to 24th Sept., on 2nd October, there was no pain and agony. Blankness on the left side, however, was becoming a matter of habit. Previous day consultation with the Residents Ophthalmologists had led to stoppage of two drops but addition of a tube at bed time.

He feels drowsy by the time it is 4 pm. Good sign, he supposes. Sun was still there looking at his new dwelling unit from a different but far-off angle. He, however, had to hit the pillow to retain energy to finish off some urgent commitments in the evening and be fresh with a renewed vigour and vitality to face and live through yet another hectic week.

A nice ear pleasing tune on a Gelling is something he had not aspired for but same came out of blue from the neighbourhood to facilitate and comfort.