“What are you here for? Give me something stronger than Dolo and I’ll be ok,” she argued, but knew that there was no way she could function today. Second day of period plus illness that could be malaria was a no-go for work. And there wasn’t anything urgent going on at the moment.
“Until your results come, no medicine for you except Dolo.” He plucked the empty kullad out of her hand. Then got out of the car to throw away all the waste and pay. Amaal observed the tight street. The morning hadn’t completely claimed Jammu yet but the warm air was flaring with the sun’s rays, people piercing them to fill the street. Taking milk home, having tea, hands behind their backs on morning walks… such a simple, easy slow life. Life that she hadn’t seen in Srinagar before Atharva’s time. Even now, it wasn’t like some magic wand had been waved and everything was back to normal.
Police and military posts were still common, just reduced drastically in number. Atharva was a hands-on CM who kept a tight hold on the security of the state. He was also unapologetic about being unpopular if he went after famous militants. Case in point, Usama Aziz, the young adult militant who had suddenly risen on Twitter to become popular among misguided boys and smitten girls.
Charm and wrong intentions were the worst combination in public personalities. They rose to power like a rocket, then came crashing down, burning a whole lot more than just themselves.
Amaal startled as Samar opened her side of the door.
“What happ…”
His hand came to her nape and he leaned over her, pushing her seat to horizontal. That’s when she realised that she was half-asleep. Amaal squinted up at him as he reached into the backseat and tucked a shawl around her.
“When did you get this?”
“Sleep.” He closed the door.
She turned to the driver’s side and folded her legs up. Her view would be good until she fell asleep.
————————————————————
“It’s positive, Amaal.” Came his voice from behind her as they entered the house.
“How did you get it so quickly?”
Samar locked his mobile and closed the door. “Doctor perks.”
“Meaning?”
“The official report is not typed but he tested it and informed me. Go sit on the sofa.”
“This is my house.”
“So go sit on your sofa.”
She ground her teeth. But went tohersofa and lay down in rebellion. She heard his footsteps around the house. And then he was walking to her.
“Take these.” He handed her three tablets. She popped them into her mouth and drank the water he offered.
“Always ask before swallowing.”
She coughed, shocked. “Excuse me?”
His eyes squeezed shut — “Can’t you think straight when ill?”
Amaal burst out laughing.
“Ask what medicines someone gave you before swallowing.” He shook his head, moving away. And then she felt him settle on the cushion beside her head. He raised her head to his thigh and a cold cloth touched her forehead.
“Pffft, I am not a baby,” she began to sit up but he pressed down on her chest.
“Samar, I know you are a doctor but I am not playing doctor-doctor.”
“Your fever is high, keep lying down.”
He held her head steady with one hand and pressed another icy cloth. She hissed. Amaal glared at him upside down — “You are enjoying this way too much.”
He smiled.
