Battling the Storm

As the semester break commenced, Maya found herself in a role far removed from that of a student. She became a caretaker, advocate, and pillar of strength for her mother, Meera, as they embarked on the arduous journey of cancer treatment. The treatment was set to take place at one of Coimbatore's leading medical centers, known for its comprehensive care in oncology.

Every morning, Maya and her mother would travel to the hospital, a routine that became their new normal. The sessions were long, often leaving Meera exhausted and drained. Maya watched her mother battle through each day, her spirit fighting against the relentless tide of chemotherapy's side effects. It was during these quiet, vulnerable moments that Maya felt the shadow of her father's loss looming larger, wishing for his guidance more than ever.

Avin, true to his word, was there every step of the way. He took leaves from his studies to be with Maya during this critical time, managing appointments and providing emotional support. His presence was a comforting constant in the whirlwind of medical terms, treatment cycles, and the pervasive fear of the unknown.

"Maya, don't worry. We'll handle this together. Just like your father would have wanted," Avin would often say, his words a soothing balm to Maya's fraying nerves. He learned to make small meals for Meera, attempting dishes that were gentle for her to consume during chemotherapy.

The relentless schedule began to take its toll on Maya. Sleepless nights were spent researching treatments, managing medication schedules, and comforting her mother during bouts of nausea and pain. Her own emotions—a mix of fear, anger, and sorrow—often caught up with her in the quiet hours of the night.

One evening, after a particularly tough day at the hospital, Maya broke down in the hospital's chapel. Avin found her there, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Without a word, he sat beside her, sharing the weight of her grief.

"Sometimes, I just want to scream at the unfairness of it all," Maya whispered, her voice hoarse with emotion. "Why her? Why us?"

Avin held her hand, his presence steady and unwavering.