Chennai where I spent good part of independent life. The city gave a handful of good memories to cherish for ever. Tastes of Saravana Bhavan and Karaikkudi, shopping experiance at T-Nagar, serenity of St.Thomas mount to mention a few, also my dear friends and roomies. I can write thousands of pages on Chennai life but now intend to write on another memory.
My first visit to Chennai was in 2004 for attending an IT firm's test. I walked out of Chennai central railway station clutching tightly to Appa's arms. Unlike me Appa developed a passion for the city. He who likes to travel, narrated about first visit to Chennai on his way to Pune as a 8 year old boy. I recall observing twinkles in his eyes and sensed the happiness and enthusiasm of an 8 year old in his words.
Two years later I relocated from Mumbai to Chennai to work for the same firm which rejected me in 2004. This was my first independent and first air travel to the city. Flew in and out many times but first trip along with son Noel will remain unforgettable because it was 'highly highly and highly' unexpected. I was either on leave or on bench through out pregnancy period. I was forced to stay confined to bed due to preeclampsia. So I developed a bitter attitude towards everyone and everything around except baby niece Brownie and invited the same back from all except her. She, my only happiness then, thought there is a large drum kept inside 'Valiyamma'(me) on which she can beat on. Due to bitter surroundings, I made secret plans with my unborn baby. Told will fly to Chennai near Pappa as soon as we are ready to travel. I told how we can hang out in same places where Amma did with friends.
My doctor mentioned chances of a premature delivery and it happened within few days. To my amazement, amidst the shock of fluid break at night, felt a strange soothing calmness within. I was ready to face the days ahead. I quickly dialed up doctor to take advise, pacified and instructed Appa Amma who was in complete shock. Somebody dialed Aathy and Senthil. I think they flew. Had to wear a calm mask to keep my loved ones at peace.
The word 'Infosys' triggered a magic wave in the labor ward of 'super specialty' hospital. The looks of contempt suddenly changed to respect and at least 10 staff appeared to attend a proud Infosion. I laughed within when a young nurse threatened me to sleep, thought gal you will realize only when you go through. The next day morning, went through series of discouraging meetings with doctors(They covered as many departments as possible including Cardiology) and checkups. All ensured I almost lost my baby. Rajamma aunty was a staff nurse and stood by as a source of comfort. For the first time in life saw brave Amma cry for me. However I was bold enough to converse with all doctors, clarify doubts and chose c-section. Reached theater by afternoon and I lied staring at the lamps, listening to machines and staff, lost in thoughts. I thought about other lucky mothers who after going through the pain got to see a beautiful little face and I may have none. Vexed of lying flat I turned around to a nurse to inquire if its over but she hesitated eye contact. The surgeon said, "Goodness, its moving in". Later understood my son was very hesitant to leave the comfort of womb. Soon heard a mewl and something lit up inside realizing there is a chance to meet the little human grownup within me. I pondered, "You are alive. What the monsters where lecturing in the morning about?". Doctor called "Sumila, its a boy" which I ignored. She called me again, "Sumila, its a boy". This time I faked a smile. I noticed the doctor's hand moving up in the air with a needle and was relieved the drama is ending. The nurse in post-op ward woke me up "Where are your relatives....blah blah". I gently reminded her on public address system. Neeraj who flew in from Chennai in the afternoon, chose to wear a grey shirt which I often told best suited him. I recall his sweet smiling face and even under the effects of anesthesia felt he looked handsome as always.
In 1.5 months time we had to air-lift Noel to CMC Vellore, the only hospital in entire south India which agreed to take the risk. Asst HOD of ENT Department Dr. Ajoy Mathew and myself succeeded in convincing each other and came to terms over phone. This access was possible because my mother's Sunday school student Rev.Vinod Victor was in hospital Management committee. We preferred Air India, the thought came from nowhere. An unknown force was talking to me and Neeraj throughout the period. I hope all parents have this 'unknown company' and may be that's why medical field highly rely on parent's opinion. Hmm..the few kilometers from 'super speciality' hosipital to Trivandrum airport in their ambulance was far more expensive than 3 hour trip from Chennai to Vellore in another ambulance.
Thanks to Air-India who showed heights of sincerity at both the airports. The staff from ground to flight not only took good care of Noel but us too. Neeraj, the junior doctor who monitored Noel and male nurse who carried Noel entered flight from the road ambulance. A beautiful and bold lady staff found me and Appa at the queue for baggage check. She helped to finish procedures quickly and also encouraged me telling how her sister's child was air lifted in similar manner and was saved. She also ensured a security team and ambulance is waiting in Chennai. The flight crew constantly checked on Noel and medical staff. As we landed in Chennai, the crew ensured all the other passengers including the executive class wait until we got out. A very sincere team was waiting at the flight door. The pilot introduced us as baby's relatives but the anxious team lead shouted "Where is the baby" but got his cool back as he saw me and ensured one of his team members accompany us. Noel had a VIP exit through express way while we 3 took the normal way. From distance I saw my son being carefully attended by group of strange men and could relate to a scene in some movie. They ensured Noel's safety till ambulance and waved us good luck.
My parents always had a ready to help attitude for others. Amma's social service is much talked about by kin and friends. I believe this as one reason why helping hands touched us everywhere on the plight to win Noel. Here I express gratitude to all those worked, helped, comforted, encouraged and prayed for us. I see you all in my son's smile.
