18. FIRST ROUNDS TOGETHER
1386 Words
Chapter 18: First Rounds Together
We finally reached the ward late and got scolded by the female paediatric senior registrar for being late.
Soon enough we started our rounds with Dr.Ammar and Dr.Naseer whom I recognized as one of Ammar's friend during our wedding, he was very nice. And the female doctor who I couldn't careless what her name was.
They both acted like they didn't know me so I acted the same. We are keeping it professional here.
Everything was going fine until I was asked to set a line (cannula) on a kid and give intravenous Normal Saline drip. I did as I was ordered and asked a colleague to pass me the normal saline which I just attached without checking.
5 minutes later...
"Who is responsible for this patient?" Dr. Ammar shouted from the spot I left 5 minutes ago.
He quickly removed the drip and turned to us.
Did he go back to check on the patients we've already seen?
"I said who attached the IV Fluid on this patient?" He bellowed.
"I ...I did" I stammered an answer.
"I said Normal Saline (N/S) not Ringers Lactate. Are you trying to kill the patient? What were you thinking? " he started yelling at me. I was so confused and shocked that I couldn't even move or say a word in my defence.
"Do you call yourself a doctor. What school did you attend?" He added angrily.
"I..I'm sorry, someone pas ...passed it to me and I thought - " I found my shaking voice but was cut off by Dr.Ammar.
"As a doctor you are supposed to double check. You can't make silly mistakes like this" he said a little more calmly. I nodded not meeting his eyes.
"Now change this to N/S" he sighed and walked to the next cot.
I did as I was ordered, feeling embarrassed and miserable.
I was very angry too. Admitted I made a risky mistake, but that doesn't mean he can yell at me in front of the patients.
A doctor shouldn't be yelled at for their mistakes in front of patient cause the patients might never trust them again. That's one.
Second, my colleagues were watching. I bet some were having fun.
Third.....I'M HIS WIFE. he shouldn't just shout at me like that in public. If they people come to find out our relationship ..weird rumours might start spreading after this incidence.
-
"I think Dr. Ammar was too harsh"
My colleagues started commenting after the rounds was over and we were headed back to our room to get our things and leave.
"He was probably pissed off already. Don't take it to heart" one of the guys attempted to comfort me and I nodded.
"Maybe his wife pissed him off and he took it out on you" Dr. Zakiya said trying to comfort me too.
These people are funny.
I can't remember pissing him off this morning though.
"He is married? " Dr. Anisa asked surprised.
"If his wife isn't doing a good job, he should just marry me" A girl named Hanan said.
I never really liked her.
"From what I heard about his wife, I don't think you stand a chance" another girl said.
"Unless his wife is up to uuhmmm......" Hanan scanned all of us before pointing at me "Hafsat's standard, I think I have a chance" she smiled at me.
OMG! this is kinda fun.
I smiled back.
"What's his wife like" I asked.
Anticipating her answer.
"They said she's pretty like an Arab and she's also a doctor. You should see her, she's a goddess." She exclaimed and I chuckled, mentally flipping my hair.
I should check myself in the mirror more often. I'm practically a goddess. Hahahaha
-
I left the hospital happy but my mood changed immediately I got home, remembering what happened between Ammar and I earlier. I was still angry at him but he wasn't home yet to see how mad at him I was, which made me even more mad.
I'm glad that my colleagues don't know I'm his wife, otherwise it would have been so much more embarrassing and facing them would be kinda awkward.
I felt my phone vibrate in my bag. Seeing who it was I quickly picked the call.
"Hello, Rabia"
"Salam Hafsa, how are you"
"Wa'aliki salam sis. I'm fine. You?"
"Alhamdulillah. Amina and I are going to the orphanage today since she's going to move soon. We decided to go today. You should come with us."
"Uhmm.." I hesitate. I want to go. I rarely ever go to the orphanage ...it brings back memories I don't want to remember, I prefer the old peoples' home. But it's a chance to spend time with my soul sisters and if I want to go I have to ask Ammar for permission. And I really don't want to talk to him right now.
"We are going together with 'Aid for Children foundation', since you were a member in their Saudi branch......I thought you would like to visit the orphanage with them and maybe continue your ambassadorship here?" Rabia explained when I didn't give her a reply.
I made up my mind.
"Okay. Come pick me up later. Let me get ready now."
"Yay" she squealed. "Okay. See you later" and she hanged up the phone.
I took a quick shower and dressed in a blue and maroon prints ankara skirt and blouse but covered with a long sky blue hijab. I went down to inform mummy I was going out. She asked if I informed Ammar and I just told her he was too busy to pick his calls. I told her I left a massage for him though but didn't tell her that the massage was on a piece of post-it paper that i stuck on the TV screen........ if he cares to notice.
I made myself comfortably in Rabi'a car and we drove away.
_
Ammar's POV
"Ammar, you were too harsh. And she's your wife. Shouldn't you be a little bit more lenient?" Naseer said while eating the chocolate bar he bought. I sighed and took a sip of my cold drink.
"She must have been really embarrassed" he added.
"She needs to learn that mistakes are not welcome here" I said sternly.
"Do you get along well now?" Naseer asked after a while.
"We are starting to ....I guess" I replied.
"Well I think you just destroyed that......take care of her, women are fragile." He stood up and tapped my shoulder. "I'm going to mine now...bye" with that he left.
I drove home immediately after work but the person that collects my things and gives me water every time I get home was no where to be found. I took a bath and went down to ask mum but I found Zainab instead, who informed me that the person I was looking for had gone to the orphanage even though I didn't ask her.
Why didn't she call to inform me? I thought to myself but my inner voice had to interfere and answer
Because she is mad at you mister Doctor Ammar.
She came back just in time for magrib salat. I went straight to the masjid without a word to her after answering her salam.
I found her sitting quietly in our parlor when I returned.
"Why didn't you tell me you were going out?" I inquired after sitting on a different couch.
"You were busy...but I did"
"When?"
She pointed at the TV with her index finger and I noticed a note on the screen.
I stood up and got the paper then read what she wrote.
"Can I go to the orphanage with my cousins?
Since is a good deed..I will take it as you said 'yes'
Thank you.
Will be back soon. Insha Allah."
What the?
How am I suppose to respond to this?
She stood up to enter the room looking all moody.
"Why didn't you call me instead" I asked.
"I will remember to do that next time Dr Ammar." she answered dryly.
What's wrong with her.?
I was expecting her to be angry but why does she look moody?
Is she that mad at me or is something else wrong?
She's not even flashing her infamous smile.
*
- Writer
