Asura was a normal child. But he changed after losing his father. He used to lock himself in his room and not speak to anyone. Yesterday, he talked to me after a long time. I was worried to see him get in a fight on the first day but it also made me happy to see that he was finally acting like a teenage boy. He was a bit different from his usual self, but I can tell he is trying to cope with it.

Rushing to the college wore me out. Running is something I shouldn't be doing in my condition. I felt my chest tightening and it became very difficult to breathe. My head felt dizzy the whole time but I somehow made it home. Asura kept mumbling something. I couldn't really make out the words, his voice seemingly more distant every time he opened his mouth. His ashen face and eyes wild with terror were the last thing I saw before the darkness consumed me completely...

I have fainted before. But I hadn’t even realized what happened till I woke up. My vision was still a little hazy. Dr. Virendra in his spotless white apron was sitting at my bedside while Asura stood next to him with a worried look in his eyes. I felt a residual stinging sensation in my right hand, probably an injection.

“Doctor.." I said in a slow breath.

"How are you feeling?" the doctor asked as he checked my pulse.

I slowly sat up on the bed, "I am feeling better now."

"Asura called me, saying that you passed out. I came as soon as I could. What happened?" he asked.

"It was scorching today, wasn't it? The heat was enough to scald a lizard, and all that running took a toll on me. I passed out because of dehydration." I lied, but it wasn't the doctor from whom I was trying to hide about my deteriorating health, he already knew everything.

"Dehydration? I am asking about your.."

I interjected him, "Asura, why don't you go out and buy some soft drinks for the doctor. He came all the way here in this sizzling heat."

Asura looked at me with narrow eyes but he didn't ask anything and quietly left the house.

"You still haven't told Asura, have you?" The doctor asked with a pained expression on his face.

"I don't want to make him worry. I told you, it was just the heat."

The doctor spoke up, "Mam, you can't keep ignoring your condition. You need to eat healthy home-cooked food and at least take a few days off work for complete bed rest. You have been overworking for a long time, it can worsen your condition. And most important of all you need to undergo the treatment."

"Yes, doctor," I replied flatly.

"Are you even taking your meds? Here, I am prescribing some medicines. Make sure you take them." He handed me the prescription.

I didn't say anything. Both he and I knew that I wouldn't undergo the treatment. I acted cold towards him because I knew he wouldn't leave me be.

He continued, " Listen, I know about your financial condition, your debts, and about Asura's college fees. I also know that the therapy and these medicines are costly but if you keep ignoring your condition like this, then you will.."

The main door opened and Asura entered with a bag in his hand. Seeing him the doctor got up, "I should be leaving now. I think you should at least tell Asura. He has the right to know." The doctor said downheartedly.

"Thank you doctor and sorry for the inconvenience." I said, putting on a thin smile.

"Why did the doctor leave so soon? I went all the way to the supermarket." said Asura, letting out an exaggerated sigh.

"He had to go attend another patient. If you pass the exam, one day you can become a great doctor too."

"M..mom, I am sorry about what happened at school today. I didn't know it would cause you so much trouble." He said with a grave look on his face.

"About today, don't stress too much about it. The principal told me why you hit your teacher. I was happy to know that you got angry when he badmouthed me, but you can't keep doing such things. People will always say things and try to hurt you. You can't always resort to violence. I am getting old. I might not be there for you always. You have to learn to take care of yourself." I had to be a little harsh on him to make sure he would be able to face the world alone.

"Mom, is something wrong with you?" His face wore a worried expression.

"I am alright. You don't have to worry about me. Leave that for the adults. You just focus on your studies. Ohh.." I remembered that he still hadn't bought his books. I grabbed my purse and handed him a few bills of 500 rupees, "Here, buy your books with this money. Now go to your room and rest. You must have been tired after everything that happened today."

I was happy to see him care for me. He still has a long way to go. But I believe in him. I wonder if he has made any friends who would look after him before I...