Pune:
The next couple of days went bad for both Dipesh and Dipika. Neither Dipesh could concentrate on his work in his office nor Dipika was properly able to do all her household tasks.
In addition to this, this thing slowly spread into both of their families and some insensitive comments made by some of the relatives worried them more, even though there was no confirmation of cerebral palsy yet. But who cares about what is the name of it?
Merely the mention of some mental illness was enough for people to start petty talks. No one was to blame but only the way people looked at mental illness over the years.
Neither were able to sleep properly. One was under the impression that the other was sleeping only to find out that the other was just pretending to sleep. The only thought which was keeping both awake was what lies ahead in their future.
Dipika used to hug him tight crying and sobbing throughout the night however, Dipesh would say, "Don't worry, Dippy. Everything will be all right. Medical science has made a lot of progress in all types of diseases. Be it physical or mental. Like there is a solution to every problem, there is a cure for every disease. We are lucky to be born in this era of advanced medical science where a heart can also be replaced. A time will come when Doctors would be able to install happy thoughts in our brains or correct the way of thinking of a person. Who knows?"
Dipika would feel slightly relieved by these positive words from Dipesh however, still would keep sobbing uncontrollably while looking at their sleeping baby who was completely unaware of what her parents were going through and what she is suffering from.
"Dippy, I know you are worrying that what people would say. We cannot hold people's tongues. Let them say what they want. Because still in India, we don't have awareness and acceptance of any mental diseases. Anyone of any age who might be facing any type of issue related to mental health is labelled straightaway as a mad or insane person. But listen! As long as we both stay strong and teach our child also the same, we should not care about what people say."
One night both slept very late, at 4 am. Dipika didn't wake up before 11 am.
But Dipesh had to get up for the office. So, there was no breakfast and no tiffin ready at home. He got ready for his second shift at 12:30 pm. He ordered food for Dipika though she said she wasn't hungry.
As he was getting late for the office, he thought of eating something outside, though he was also not very hungry.
He had to eat something otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to work.
As instructed by Doctor Shruti, Dipesh told Dipika to continue doing the muscle exercise for Mittu and left for the office.
