Welcome Amruta

[Guest guest]

It seemed a routine day at my hospital, routine as in hectic and harried.

And while I was in the midst of juggling a few ANCs and a Sonography,

suddenly my nurse came panting to the Sonography room and said, " Sir, some

Doctor Amruta has come to inspect the Sonography machine! "

Ever since the Amended PC-PNDT law has come in force, every Sonologist

trembles in fear of this draconian law, where the doctor is held guilty

until proven innocent. Where even a small mistake like failing to affix your

signature at one of the many places attracts equal punishment as performing

sex determination itself.

I quickly turned around and told the staff that I would be there shortly.

With a palpitating heart I quickly wound up the patient in hand and rushed

to the reception room. A stern looking Madam was fuming there in the waiting

room. She entered my consulting room and gave me a piece of mind.

" Your staff is not civil at all. I asked to see the registration certificate

and she just refused to show me the paper! "

I was now sweating. An offended PC-PNDT officer is a very dangerous

proposition. Who knew what mistakes I may have committed while filling the

forms. I blustered and blabbered and tried to explain that it was I who had

instructed the staff to avoid all matters concerning PC-PNDT and refer the

matter directly to me because of the very delicate nature of this volatile

act.

With a loudly beating heart I put on my most humble expression and

blabbered, " M-M-Madam, I am so extremely sorry. " I had once seen puppy dogs

put on that face. I copied that face with large soulful teary eyes and

drooping lips. I thought she would be charmed by that show I put on.

Instead, she turned to me and said, " Kishore Shah! You used to act in

dramas! "

She had seen through my natak! My heart gave a lurch and my stent rattled in

my coronary. Now I was in deep 'semi-solid substance'! I fumbled, " No! No! I

mean yes. But this was genuine.... "

Then she smiled and said, " I mean literally. I know you used to act in

dramas. I am from MGIMS. "

For a moment my jaw dropped open. My heart paused and then started beating

with joy. " You... You are from MGIMS? " I said, blabbing like an idiot.

" Yeah! From the 1981 batch! "

" From the 1981 batch? "

" I saw you act in dramas. "

" Saw me act in dramas. " I said, giving my best impression of an echo.

Then she explained, " I am now Dr. Amruta Ingale. But in MGIMS, I was Dr.

Sushila Wankhede. "

A distant flicker of recognition dawned in my memory. Yes! She had gained a

little weight and a lot in confidence.

After that my PC-PNDT inspection was a breeze. Not that it was any less

thorough. But now I knew that I would not be penalized for some silly

clerical mistake. However, no mistake was found.

And now Dr. Amruta Ingale alias Dr. Sushila Wankhede from the 1981 batch has

joined our MGIMS group. So welcome Amruta. You are now back home!

Kishore Shah 1974