It was morning and Janhavi was busy preparing lunch while Jaivik was busy packing his bag. He walked towards Jeevan to wake him up and found, the boy suffering from fever once again. Janhavi decided to stay and ordered Jaivik to attend school. Both of them were worried about their brother. However, Jaivik went to school with lots of worries in his mind. Jahnavi knew that Jeevan's fever won't go easily. She was worried. This fever of his would last at least 2-3 days, followed by frightening nightmares and headache. And the worst part was his temperature wouldn't go down 100° F even after taking medicine.
After two hours of sleep finally, Jeevan was awake. His head was burning, it felt like he was carrying 15 suitcases on his head. He looked for Jaivik and Janhavi. To his surprise neither his sister was sitting besides him nor his brother was in sight. He became anxious.
"Sister, where are you! Where are you brother!"
Tears started rolling down his cheeks.
"I am here, my brother. What is the matter?" said Janhavi walking out of the kitchen.
"Where is he? "
"He is in the school, attending his classes. Are you hungry?"
"No, not yet."
"Then when will you eat! It's already eight and only thing you have had is a biscuit."
"No, I am not hungry at all. Please hold my hand. Let me sleep with my head on your lap."
"Jeevan, please understand. You must eat something. I have prepared oats for you. Have them or you will become weak."
"No, I just want to sleep."
"Oh please! I will feed you with my own hands but please, have something or your fever will get worse."
"Okay!"
The boy hardly ate a bowl of oats. The only thing he wanted was to be with his sister, place his head in her lap and hold her hand. He just wanted her love. It was his only desire right now.
Jaivik was back, today the day had seemed harder to pass.
"I am home."
"Shhh! He is asleep."
"What is his status? Is he getting better?"
"Afraid not."
"Hey, had he eaten something?"
"Just a bowl of oats."
"Are you going to teach tuition?"
"Yes, I think you should stay here with him."
Janhavi had to leave for teaching tuition. Jeevan was still asleep with his brother sitting beside him. Suddenly, Jeevan woke up screaming with fear.
"What is the matter? Are you all right?" asked the worried brother.
"Mama, Papa where are you! Come back! Don't leave me! Come back!"
Jaivik grabbed him, touching his head with affection. Tears fell from their eyes.
"Jeevan! I am with you. I am always beside you. I will never leave you. You are not alone."
"Where is sister?"
"She is teaching tuition right now. Don't you worry, she will be back soon."
"No, I want to see her. Right now!"
"You can't!"
Jeevan started crying. Jaivik held his hand trying to comfort him. After a little time, the boy was asleep again. His temperature had increased.
On the other hand Janhavi entered the house to teach tuition classes. As soon as she stepped in, she was greeted by taunts.
"Oh! I see, you are alone again. Where are your brothers? Don't tell me, Jeevan is ill again. We pay for three people not for one, but your brother is always sick. I would not pay for that sick nincompoop. Do you get it?" was a taunt from the student's mother.
"Sorry ma'am! But you see, Jeevan has a very high fever. I am really sorry about our inconvenience."
"Again that dimwit is ill. Come on, don't waste my time, you indolent girl."
That day, one after another mothers spoke those sentences to her. It was not new to her. She was used to it now.
Finally, the tiring day was over. Jeevan's fever was still high. Both Jaivik and Janhavi were crestfallen while Jeevan was frightened.
It was night. They all were in their beds. Everyone was sleeping. Suddenly their was a cry. Jaivik and Janhavi woke up. They both grabbed Jeevan, who was still yelling with fear in his eyes. Jeevan and Jaivik tried to comfort him. They stroked his head with love and that's what comforted him the most. They stayed without a word, only expressed their affection to him by their hands while Jeevan just felt their warmth.
The thermometer was in Jeevan's mouth while Janhavi was watching over it. She noted that his temperature was 105.7° F and was going to rise but suddenly it started falling rapidly. After a second it was 97° F Janhavi was shocked but she kept it a secret from her brothers.
It was the next day. Jeevan was standing out and was staring at the door. Should I press the door bell? Will it be fine? He asked himself. Finally he gathered every ounce of courage he had in his nerves and pressed the door bell. An elder boy opened the door.
"Can I see Lakshmi? It won't take long."
"She is not at home."
"So can you please convey to her that I was here?"
"Okay!"
Their was a sound. "Is someone at the door?" To Jeevan's surprise it was Lakshmi's voice.
"Oh my! Was that Lakshmi's voice?" asked Jeevan.
"I guess she has not left till now. I thought she had left so...." The boy was clearly lying.
"I will come back later."
Jeevan was finally home. Why is Lakshmi's brother always rude to me! That was not needed. If he would have told me that she would not be able to see me, I would have left. I just wanted her notebook.
Jaivik was studying maths when he heard Janhavi's scream. He ran towards her in his top speed and found her on the floor, holding her feet. He dashed towards her. Jeevan was there too.
"What's the matter? Did you slip?" was Jaivik.
"Yes! I don't understand! A moment ago the floor was dry and now, it's all wet."
Jeevan picked up the glass which was on the table, upright. To his surprise it was empty.
"Sister, I... kept the glass here and.... it had water but.. now, it's empty."
"What!" The three of them were almost pale.
This was not the first time this had happened with them.