chapter 6 - The Ripple (2)

Only Nara and Saki knew of her having probable cancer and urgent need of surgery. But Saachi's scribbled and crumpled note from his high school era showed that he knew this might happen. It showed he was worried about any delay in surgery.

As per the sheet he had scribbled, he had sent money, more money and repeatedly urge the family to get check-ups done. The he wrote turned out to be true. So would other things he wrote also become true later on? After all he had written - VR game 'Escape', I shall rule!!!!

Looking at the turn of events, it may actually turn into truth.

Nara was still thinking, but Saki turned decisive. She gave up her part time job citing health issues. She talked to Aleck regarding harvesting and sale of crops in the farms. She called her parents to look after the kids. This time both husband and wife met doctor face to face. Doctor was pleasantly surprised. Whenever he gave news that surgery was required, patient would come only after few months, after exhausting other options. Unfortunately, ideal time for surgery would have passed and success rate would have reduced by then.

He processed the file, arrangements were made for surgery and surgery and recovery period fees receipt were generated. The couple had to borrow money inspite of using savings money and money sent by Saachi.

When Saki's mother heard that they didn't even save a bit of money for emergency, she turned ballistic. She started cursed her own daughter. Had her daughter turned into coward and selfish? Was she so afraid of pain and death? If not, what was the need to spend so much money on herself?

Nara pacified his mother-in-law in name of kids at home. They didn't know their mother would undergo a serious surgery and he wanted it to stay that way. As they were packing clothes and stuff for hospital stay, Nara started talking.

"If it was normal circumstance, even I would have balked, hesitated. Such a big step. Mom was right. I am indeed trading my kids' safe future with this surgery." Her voice became thick with emotions. "But this is not normal situation. My son....my precious boy....he had spent so many years under burden of this threat. Which boy would not have wishes, plans to show off, ideas to spend money? But Saachi is scrimping for money for so many years. He is worried about us for so long. After he woke up from fever in his middle school, he changed so much, matured so fast. It literally killed me to see him in that state. So how can I stop now? If my surgery brings him peace of mind, why shouldn't I have it?" She broke down completely, crying and sobbing, telling that she was a bad mother incoherently in between the sobs.

It was Nara's turn to be rock for his wife. He took over the job of looking after family, making arrangements and travel to the city for surgery and other miscellaneous things. Nara was man of few words. He could only show his love and care through deeds.

--*---

On the way to hospital, Nara showed the Billboard of VR game 'Escape', "Look, isn't it the game our boy mentioned?" Saachi's scribblings did indeed have something called escape and game in it. Looking at the way the couple showed interest, few helpful passerby explained about the game and promotions the game was running.

There was a new shine in the couple's eyes as they kept listening to the details. If Saachi's scribblings were true, wouldn't it mean that they could earn money through this game? This would also solve the ever present money problem. Every extra coin was worth while at this stage.

Nara decided to buy the game and enter the game. Saki would have to wait till the doctor said okay. But that would take some time. Doctors had lots of worries and they never okayed patient's request easily.

Just like that, a new power couple with in the game would come in to existence. A small forgotten scribblings of a boy who had returned to his past had altered future so much. Even Saach could not have envisioned it and taken into consideration.