DENGUE

 

So I wait outside the lab

With him and her; to find out whether I have dengue.

As always S.G Palaya is crowded;

Sreenivasa theatre just vented out a bunch of people from its bosom.

 

V wants to start a conversation but T does not relent

I see him cross his fingers, close his eyes and pray

I see his inability to stop darting his eyes

Evident tension has muzzled him; he leaves the place.

 

Hours later, I hear his lurching voice over my Samsung

When I tell him I have dengue.

I realise he is groping for words

Removing the lump and voicing them.

 

Next day before leaving for home

I read his message to A

“Hug her and tell it is alright

Make her drink lot of water

And make sure she is happy”