Just Like Work

Chapter 7. “Where is SHE?”

The car’s interior was steeped in a contemplative hush , the soft hum of the engine was a steady backdrop to the quiet thoughts swirling in Anthony’s mind . He cast a sidelong glance at Maria , his eyes lingering on the tense lines of her shoulders . The unusually fiery woman seemed caught in a labyrinth of her own thoughts , her gaze barely turned to him , but was fixed on the road ahead . He admired the resilience she had displayed , her resolve unwavering even in the face of distress .

As the cityscape passed by in a blur , Maria’s grip on the strap of her purse tightened , her fingers white-knuckled as if seeking an anchor in the storm of emotions that threatened to engulf her . He watched her from the corner of his eyes ; it wasn’t the day for his intimidation games , his fingers tapping a rhythm against the armrest . Her vulnerability , stark and raw , was a contrast to the façade she usually presented to him .

As the hospital came into view , Anthony’s gaze still remained locked on Maria . But her focus intensified on the building , her determination unwavering , even as the nerves danced in her eyes like trapped butterflies .

A few metres before the hospital , Maria tapped the seat . “Here . Stop here ,” her voice held urgency .

He frowned but didn’t object , as he understood her unspoken desire to keep his encounters with her a secret from her family . It was same for the most people . No one would openly accept even their business connection with the Mafia . Then Maria was just a simple woman who had no choice .

The SUV stopped , Maria got off hastily , but her feet hesitated to run off towards the hospital . Like battling something , she turned around and nodded . Her throat was tight as she forced the words from her mouth , “Thank you for the ride .” Her gaze held a mix of gratitude and suspicion .

Something shifted in Anthony’s eyes , he met her gaze revealing a depth she hadn’t seen before . “Call when in need .” He stated and gestured for her to leave . His eyes held a lingering look , an unspoken message .

Maria squeezed her brows in confusion but let it be and rushed to the hospital .

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At hospital :

“WHERE IS SHE ?”

Maria had just entered the room when she heard a loud noise and screaming .

“You must be happy to see me sick . You were supposed to be here long ago .” Her mother snapped at Maria . She was angry for some reason . “She has to study for exams , and you sent her here . You insolent brat …” she added with a shaky finger pointed at Soumya .

“I see you are doing well .” Maria glanced at Soumya , who had just rolled her eyes as she kneeled to pick up the scattered medicines .

“What happened ?” She whispered to Soumya .

“Another seizure . Just 15 minutes since she got out of ICU .” Her sister replied , the tiredness evident in her voice . She had been there since noon .

Maria nodded and said to her Mother , “Save your breath . Didn’t I tell you these oxygen cylinders are expensive !” She placed her bag on the bed and took a seat .

“Too grown up to count my breaths .” Her mother , still wearing a tube inserted into her nostrils . She was sick , but her shrill voice indicated otherwise .

"I am counting hours too ." Maria thought . “What happened ? Why are you angry ?”

“I want food , and they are giving me medicine and water . Have you bribed them to treat me like this ? To starve me to death .”

“Your system won’t be able to handle solid food . You know more than doctors ?” Soumya snapped her head , folding her arms over her chest . “At most , you can have bland porridge . You want that ?”

The old woman gasped , ready to lash out at Maria . “You are teaching her well . Teach her how to talk back and even beat your mother .”

Maria knew what came after that , it was the episode she had been watching for decades . Today wasn’t any different . First , she got scolded for every little thing that her mother disliked - her father lost his business - Maria’s bad luck , he ran away – her fault , the loan sharks threatened her mother to pay back the debts - her fault , they had to sell the house and jewelry – her fault and so on .

She used to believe those accusations were true when she was a child and did everything to please her mother , but ended up getting scolded or even beaten .

It took years for her to realize it wasn’t her fault and there was nothing she could do to make her mother love her like before , but she was glad that it was different with her sister . Soumya has been bright and smart since childhood . Hence , their mother favored Soumya . So it wasn’t that her mother was incapable of love , but that love just wasn’t for her , and this knowledge had brought her some relief .

“I never should have had you . Only if I knew how much bad luck you were born with .” The sick woman was running out of breath .

“Too bad and too late .” Maria sighed . “Take this medicine , or I won’t pay the bill .” She handed over a small dish with 4–5 medicines . “I have heard they sell patients' kidneys to recover the hospital bill . Are yours still functional ?”

“I should have sold you instead of the house .” The old woman spat before she gulped down the medicine while distastefully looking at Maria .

"You really regret it that much , huh ?" Maria had heard it many times , but for some reason , it always made her sad . This was one taunt that she had never gotten used to , even after 20 years . She always thought about what she did so wrong to never be able to convince her mother that she was worth more than their old 2 bedroom house .

"She has gotten crazier ," Soumya whispered and dragged Maria out of the room .

Maria said after a minute , "She looks alright . Kicking and cursing like usual ."

"She only LOOKS like that . Her lungs might fail if her body doesn't start responding to the medication ." Soumya sat on the wooden bench , slumping her shoulders .

"I see ."

"Haven't you ever thought of running away ?" Soumya pulled her legs up on the bench , to rest her chin on her knees . Her voice was calm and collected .

“She was too much of a bother . Wasn’t she ?” Maria smiled , she wasn't expecting that question . "Is that why you applied to Canada ?"

"Your brain works alright , I see ." Soumya sounded irritated . "Then , why didn't you leave as soon as you got the job ? She should have learned your worth then ."

Maria took a long breath and slumped next to her sister , "I had that thought long ago ... but I wasn't capable enough to take care of you . So ..."

Soumya looked at her sister with big round eyes and with a soft expression .

“You should go home . You must be tired . Don’t you have to study ?”

“One day of slacking isn’t going to ruin my exam . Relax …”

“What would I know ? I only studied seriously during the exams .” Maria nudged her sister . “Glad that you are way smarter than me .”

“Because someone made sure that I solely focus on my studies while she worked two jobs ,” Soumya said , nudging back at Maria’s shoulders .

Maria was at a loss for words , her tongue coiled in her mouth as she smiled , her eyes moist . Soumya was the only source of tenderness and affection in her rough life .

"Go home and sleep ," Soumya said , throwing the keys at Maria . “I will eat something from the canteen here . Make sure to eat on your way home .”

"We can eat together and … I can just sleep here instead ." Maria jiggled the keys before placing them in her bag , sat next to her sister , and lay resting her head in Soumya's lap .

"Go Away ..." Soumya whined but did nothing in order to show any resistance .

The sisters shared a long moment of quiet . Sitting close , calmness took over their features as their hearts filled with warmth and gratitude for one another . Their relationship was that one speck of hope and selfless love that helped them maintain their sanity and still keep a positive mindset toward life even after many obstacles. One was grateful that her sister chose to look out for her instead of running away , while the other was grateful for the genuine love , affection , and respect .

They attended to their mother together until she fell asleep , then had dinner at the hospital canteen , but the silence they shared remained the same , like , conversing through their minds and eyes .

“Go home now . Come back tomorrow morning with refreshments .” Maria said , patting her sister’s head . “You can take over when I leave for work tomorrow , Okay ?”

“Okay ,” Soumya answered in the smallest voice . Not protesting this time . “I will bring some notes with me then … So , someone won’t scold me for slacking off .”

Maria chuckled . “Good .”

BUZZ ! BUZZ !

“The cab is here ,” Maria said , showing her phone to Soumya .

They had been waiting at the hospital’s entrance for the cab to arrive . A few seconds , later a car pulled up in front of the building , waiting for the ride .

“You too should take some rest ,” Soumya said before turning away to leave .

“Wait ,”

Soumya turned around at the sound .

“I almost forgot . About that email , reply them . Tell them you are in or whatever .”

Soumya had an expression that was a mix of excitement and concern . “You know it’s expel …”

“I know . I have got it covered .” Maria smiled , planting a kiss on Soumya’s forehead . “I can show you the bank accounts if you don’t believe me .”

“Show me first , then I will respond ,” Soumya said instantly . Her furrowed brows over her squinted eyes made Maria laugh . She knew her baby sister wasn’t going to make a move without any proof .

“Fine , I’ll show you ,” Maria replied as she pushed her sister away . “Keep your location on .”

Puzzled and thrilled at the same time , Soumya left the hospital premises , her face still in disbelief as she sat in the cab . She always thought Maria said ‘I got secret funds’ as a joke and couldn’t wrap her head around the news .

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