“Are they OK now?” enquired Zivah, a shocked expression on her face.
“My legs are fine. Sore from the physio making me do squats this morning.” Keya grinned before continuing, “And I have more movement in my right arm. It’s only my left which is still refusing to work, but the physio is hopeful the paralysis won’t be permanent.”
Amma gasped. Then she turned to Appa and said, “We must find Keya a good Indian doctor.”
“There are good doctors here, and some of them are even Indian,” replied Appa levelly. “I’m sure they’re doing their best for Keya.”
“They are,” agreed Keya.
“These things take time,” added Appa wisely.
Amma bowed her head in acceptance.
“So you’ll be needing someone to help out at the cafe until you’re back on your feet,” Zivah said, brightly.
“I’m not sure. Millie is doing a great job …” Keya regarded her sister. She could see that Zivah wanted to come back to work. “But I’m sure she’d welcome your help. Especially now the weather is better, and then there’s the school holidays, which will attract more customers.”
“But what about Kaami?” Amma demanded.
“He can go to nursery.”
“Nursery! Let me look after him.”
Zivah glanced at Appa, who inclined his head in agreement. “Well, if you’re sure he won’t be too much trouble.”
“Trouble. You’ve no idea what you girls were like. And Maitri!” exclaimed their mother.
Keya settled back on her pillows as they all listened to Amma recalling stories from their childhood.
Keya wasn’t sure her mother would ever leave, but Laura returned and said, “I hope you don’t mind, but I need to do some work with Keya to make sure she’s fighting fit as soon as possible.”
“Of course. And I’m glad you’re doing so well, Keya. You gave us quite a scare,” Amma said.
Appa gave her a look full of warmth and love and Zivah squeezed her arm before leaving and said, “Maitri will visit later. She couldn’t get away this afternoon as the deli, and her ice cream stall in particular, are busy today.”
Keya completed her work with Laura and then, feeling weary, she slept until tea was served. She looked down at her plate of egg sandwiches in limp white bread, wondering how they would sustain her until the morning, but as she bit into one, she discovered it was an improvement on lunch.
Maitri appeared as her plate was being cleared away, and she gave her a huge hug.
“I was so worried about you. And I thought it was my fault for making you try those chutneys and piccalilli, but Sujin assures me they aren’t to blame. But what is, do you think?”
“I don’t know. I just hope it isn’t anything from the cafe.”
Maitri’s eyes widened. “Or we could be closed down.”
“Don’t say that. I’m sure it’s nothing to do with our food.” Keya crossed the fingers of her right hand, hoping she was right.
Maitri reached into her bag and removed a tablet, a packet of biscuits, and several varieties of crisps together with some chocolate brownies. “These should keep you going.”
“Thanks. They’re a great improvement on the food in here. But you better hide them in my cupboard in case they’re not allowed.”
As Maitri hid the goodies she’d brought, Keya added, “And that’s not my tablet.”
“No, it’s mine and I’ve uploaded some programmes for you to watch. If you can connect to the Wi-Fi in here, then you’ll be able to watch others too.”
“Thank you. And for the magazines. That was a brilliant idea, as I can’t hold a book.”
Maitri smiled and admitted, “It was Gilly’s idea. She was desperate to visit earlier, but Aunt Beanie told her to wait and let you have time with Amma and Appa. But she said she’ll come tomorrow.” Maitri paused before enquiring, “How long do you think they’ll keep you in?”
“I’m not sure. They said they wanted to make sure there aren’t any additional complications.”
Maitri regarded her sympathetically and said, “I suppose you’re in the right place. Even if the food isn’t great.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Keya and Maitri continued to chat until Sujin arrived carrying a brown paper bag with the aroma of coconut, cardamom, and other Indian spices.
“I’ve heard the food isn’t great in here, so I brought you a very mild coconut curry. The nurse said it would be OK, but you can’t eat it in the ward.”
“Time to get up,” Keya said cheerfully.
“And I should head home. Amma and Appa will want an update.” Maitri gave Keya a quick hug before she left.
Sujin moved the portable table out of the way and pulled back the sheets, so Keya could swing her legs out of the bed and stand up. He led her to a breakout area along the corridor which looked out over the car park and beyond it the lido, Cheltenham’s open air swimming pool.
Sujin had also brought food for himself, so Keya didn’t feel guilty as she tucked into her tasty curry. This would keep her going until the morning.
