"Moderate simple endometrial hyperplasia- a condition in which the lining of the uterus becomes abnormally thick due to overgrowth of cells. While it is not cancerous per se, there is a possibility that it could develop into endometrial cancer." The doctor explained. Sanyukta did not know what to make of this information. "While estrogen causes the uterine lining to thicken every month for a possible conception, in the absence of a pregnancy this lining is shed off during a menstrual period. But in hyperplasia due to unopposed estrogen the endometrium lining continues to grow."

"Your mother was a likely candidate for this condition because she is both diabetic and approaching menopause, leading to a hormonal imbalance. A progestin based hormonal intrauterine device has been placed in her womb and would hopefully solve the problem, although an annual gynecological checkup would be vital. In a worst case scenario in future a hysterectomy- surgical removal of the uterus- would be needed to keep cancer at bay." The doctor elucidated the medical facts for Sanyukta.

While Sanyukta and Anju were being briefed by the doctor Randhir looked up the information about  Anju's problem on his phone. He also emailed his father the biopsy report, adding a link to a page that explained endometrial hyperplasia. Randhir knew that while Anju's problem had been dealt with for the time being chances of complications arising in a few years were high. He also knew that his father would worry about her, even though it was obvious that he would not share anything with Renuka.

After completing formalities the two women stepped out of the hospital. Randhir drove them home and even offered to bring them dinner as Anju had been asked to rest, which meant Sanyukta would have to cook. "No Randhir, Sanyukta has to learn to manage a home some day, she can rustle up a simple meal. You have done so much already. I really appreciate the support that Harsh and you have offered. Sanyu, make some coffee for Randhir." Anju looked relieved to be back home after her surgery. "No Aunty, I better head home now. You should rest, and Sanyukta can take the day off tomorrow to be with you." Randhir replied.

As Sanyukta saw him off to the door she hugged him unexpectedly. "Don't worry Mowgli, your mother will be just fine, don't forget you look better with  a smile on your face!" He grinned as she stared back at him. "I know I am not pretty, you don't need to remind me!" She was unsure what made her say that. "I am friends with many girls who are beauties with brains, and still I am here standing before a girl who ought to have a better opinion of herself." He said to her softly. "I know you mean well Randhir, I am sorry, I am just edgy and insecure since my mother's illness was diagnosed." She sounded apologetic. "I know, I am off now, you take care!" He told her as he got into his car and drove off.

Don't fall for him Mowgli, he is not for you, you can never have him. He is just being supportive because he is a good guy at heart, plus he has inherited his father's values, her mind warned Sanyukta but her heart would not listen. Just don't make it obvious to the world, enjoy your feelings for him from a reasonable distance, or you will end up being hurt like Mom, her mind added. How could she forget that after she was forced to give up Harsh and to marry against her will to a man who treated her badly Anju had never dared to look at another man again. Her life revolved around her daughter and her job, nothing else mattered. 

Sanyukta went into the kitchen to make a simple meal while Anju offered to slice the vegetables as she rested in bed. Sanyukta knew Anju could not sit still without feeling guilty. She occupied herself with the cooking, returning for the sliced vegetables when they were done. Anju's phone buzzed and her heart sank to see Harsh's number flash on the screen. She was uncertain about what to say to him, he definitely knew about her surgery, why would he call her at this hour otherwise, she thought. She took a deep breath as she braced herself to speak to the man who had been her true love.

"Hello Harsh, how are you? All well I suppose!"

"I should be asking you that instead Anju, I heard about your surgery. No, it was not Randhir but Basil who mentioned it. I know there is no point asking how you are doing because if you had not neglected your health so much this would not have occurred. Why Anju, why can't you be more careful? How will Sanyukta focus on her studies if you are unwell?"

"I will be fine Harsh, thank you for asking. And I know Sanyukta is my responsibility. Besides, both Randhir and you have done me a huge favour by helping to make her independent."

"She just needs a little guidance, and she is sure to grow up into a responsible adult."

"Harsh, I need another favour, should anything happen to me please look after my child until she settles down and is able to fend for herself."

"Silly woman, do I need to be told that? I will always watch over her. But why are you indulging such morbid thoughts? You need to focus on your recovery. You will be fine, I am certain!"

"Don't romanticise life for me Harsh, Sanyu is my only reason to live, you know that!"

"I know that, but that is not enough. Sanyukta will marry and start a family in a few years, you need to plan for later."

" No Harsh, I don't want to think ahead that far, once Sanyu has a husband and kids my worries will be over."

"You must be tired and groggy, take some rest. I'll call you back soon."

"No Harsh, don't call back, you know Renuka won't like it if she finds out. We made a promise to bury the past, it is best if we continue to keep things the same."

"I've aced at a number of skills Anju, except how to stop caring about you. Even I remember the deal we made, but life gave you only lemons while I got more than I ever asked for."

"We cannot fight fate Harsh, I have to go now, thank you for calling."

"Please be careful, don't exert yourself. Anju, if there is any deviation from your current condition you will let me know, promise me that!"

"You know I cannot do that Harsh. It is enough that you care, but I am better off surviving the way I have done all these years. Don't worry about me, I will not go before my daughter settles down. Beyond that, I have neither the will nor the need to pull on."

"You are not alone Anju, it is just your perception. You don't have to be an island."

"I really have to go Harsh. Thank you once more for reaching out!"

Anju put her phone aside and closed her eyes trying to shut out her emotional turmoil. No, she was never going to fall for his charm again. Her world was different now, only Sanyukta mattered. She could never let Harsh get involved, it would be wrong. She made up her mind to take meticulous care of her health. Sanyukta announced dinner and both mother and daughter sat down to eat. After Sanyukta wrapped up her work in the kitchen Anju asked her to sleep next to her, giving her a warm hug and chatting with her until she fell asleep.

Sanyukta closed her eyes and tried to sleep. She knew Anju was trying to shut out Harsh, having been self-reliant for so long had given her the strength to survive so far, she could not afford to be emotionally turbulent. Her own thoughts drifted to Randhir. Be careful Mowgli, your mother has warned you enough, it is not easy to nurse a heartbreak. Many girls are infatuated with Randhir, she was just one of them- she told herself before drifting off to sleep.

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