Follow up

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Chapter summary

A follow-up visit to the PHC, a month later. Birender's glucose levels are still high. Dr. Sood is a bit concerned.

This Chapter

On June 4, Birender went to vist his younger brother, Jaikishan. Jaikishan lived with his wife, Nupur, in Saharanpur, about 15 kilometers away from Tikroul. Soon after he arrived, he received an SMS. It said: "Your appointment at Tikroul PHC is in three days, on June 7, at 10:00 am." Birender realized that he was due for his 30-day follow-up visit with Dr. Sood.

When Nupur heard about this, she asked Birender to go see their doctor instead. "You know, he was busy doctor in Delhi! He gave all that up and moved back to Saharanpur, where he hails from." Birender gently demurred. "A free checkup and free medicines are a lot better than shelling out hard-earned money to get the same advice in the city", he thought, "Besides, what would Dr. Sood say if she found out that I went to see another doctor? In Tikroul, social relationships matter. Not like these town folk!"

Birender boarded a bus back to his town on the morning of June 8. He had received two more SMS reminders — one on June 6, and another on the evening of the 7th. As he dozed off, Birender wondered if getting a phone was a good idea. Now everyone and their uncle sent him messages all the time. And Simran got quite annoyed when he didn't answer his phone. But the phone allows him to talk his grandson, Rajat, everyday. That makes it worth the hassle.

Shortly before he reached Tikroul, Birender's nap was interrupted by his phone ringing loudly. It took him a while to find which pocket it was in. The call was from an unknown number, but he picked up anyway — just in case it was Simran. Instead, it was Gayatri, the Staff Nurse of the PHC. She sounded a bit peeved that he had not come to the clinic on Friday. Luckily, the bus rattled a lot, and Birender was able to quickly conclude the conversation, with the promise that he would be at the clinic on Monday, at 9:00 am sharp. A minute later, his phone beeped. Another message. It said, "Your appointment has been rescheduled for Monday, June 10". Birender scowled at the phone, and put it away. "Infernal device!", he grumbled.

Sunday came and went all too soon. Simran brought Rajat over for a vist, but Birender could barely keep up with his games. At lunch, he looked forward to savoring Simran's choley. Birender thought Simran's cooking was much better than Janaki's. He was wise enough never to make this observation loudly.

The next morning, Birender arrived at the PHC at 8:45 am. He had no intention of irking Gayatri any more than he had. It was a busy morning at the clinic, and it was nearly 9:45 am by the time he goes in for his consultation. Dr. Sood reviews his BP and random blood glucose — both of which were checked by Gayatri before his consultation. She said, "Your blood glucose levels are still high. I am increasing your medicine dosage, but please come back in another two months, or if you feel unwell." Birender felt worried. "It is serious, doctor?" Dr. Sood reassured him, "We have to monitor carefully, that is all."

Birender walked over the Pharmacy. Imtiaz always had a joke to share — that would definitely make him feel better.