« continued from Part - I
"Sorry, if I woke you up," said Kaivalyaprasad, his voice dripping sarcasm.
In the circumstances, Kush did what he thought best, he kept quiet and waited for more.
"I think, you were supposed to finalise the deal with JK traders today," said the big boss.
"Hmm,well..." Kush stammered.
"You didn't do it." This was a statement, not a question.
"I will do it tomorrow." Kush said meekly.
"Why, is tomorrow the auspicious day when success is guaranteed?"
It took great courage on his part but at last Kush met his father's eyes and replied, "I am told that if I hold the meeting tomorrow success is guaranteed."
"I suppose God called you up personally to say this?"
"Hmm, sort of," said Kush and Kaivalyaprasad half rose from his chair. "What are you talking about?"
Kush held his ground. "Last week I happened to meet a lady who is my friend's friend. According to those who know her she sometimes gets these premonitions..."
"And she told you that the meeting with JK should be delayed by a day?"
"Yes."
"I can't believe some bogus astrologer said something and you fell for it."
"I told you, she is not a professional astrologer. She doesn't charge money to predict the future. She is just one of those rare intuitive persons..."
"She?"
"Yes."
"Good God, a woman who gets these rare flashes of future!"
"Yes."
"All I am getting right now is flashes of headaches. Just get out of here." Kaivalyaprasad thundered. Kush was happy to oblige. The JK deal was already done with great success the evening before, but he had kept quiet about it and told them to not to declare it for two days.
The next day he went to his father and gave the good news. The old man as was his habit didn't utter a word of praise but the satisfaction was evident on his face.
"Papa, can I say something?" Kush asked timidly.
"What?"
"You have been working too hard. Please try to take it easy at least for a while, lest it affect your health."
"Thank you for caring but then who would run the business? You?"
Kush bit his lips. In fact he had been doing more than half the work in the office, but it was just like his father not give him credit.
"I suppose that advice too has come from that lady magician?" the old man sneered.
"Papa, I have already told you that..."
"I know, I know she is just a lady with intuitive powers."
"Yes. And she has told me that my parent's health can be a matter of concern right now."
"I am more concerned with your mental health presently." Kaivalyaprasad spoke in a dismissive tone and then remembered. "That reminds me I had my annual medical check up last week but have not collected the report."
"I will do it today,"said the obedient son.
"Do it. That should convince you I am as healthy as a race-horse."
Kush came out. He had already gone and collected the report the day before when the doctor himself called from the clinic. The report indicated some serious medical problem with Kaivalyaprasad which needed immediate attention."
"Ok. But you don't say anything to my father. I will talk to him," Kush told the doctor.
In the evening, when Kaivalyaprasad saw his report he was more angry than worried. "I will not be admitted to the hospital." He called up his doctor and said firmly.
"Then be at home and in your bed. Minimum fifteen days of medication and rest is required for you," the doctor's voice was equally firm.
"If I don't ?"
"You will die soon. Or worse, be bedridden for the rest of your life."
