When everyone left and the night fell, festivities subsided and it was just a family gathering. In the dim light of lantern, Bhagwati laid down on the cot with my father by his side. It was then Bhagwati told everyone in the house – “I am suffering from tuberculosis. I was in army sanatorium for almost six months after I came back from war and have been able to recover a lot but I decided to come back to my family and get well in your care”. Tuberculosis – the notorious killer which was known more as “TB” in the village was considered as a deadly disease. The worst part was that, there was a popular belief that all those who lived near the patient would also contract the disease and die soon.

This disclosure was like a thunderbolt for everyone in the house. All who were showering their affection suddenly started looking for moving out from the house. Hari and his family were first to move. He did not leave anything for imagination either. His wife was quick to comment “It would have been better for you to remain in Army sanatorium and die there instead of coming here and risking our lives too.”

My grandfather sat by the door and cried to himself slowly looking at the suffering of Bhagwati. He was however helpless and could not say anything to Hari. Chandra was pulled out by my grandfather with a warning to never return to this room. When everyone moved out, only my father and Bhagwati remained in the room and did not show any signs of moving out either. Suddenly Bhagwati caught hold of my father and in loud voice shouted at him “ Get out and get away from me. I am suffering from TB. Did you not see everyone running away from me? You also run away. I am better alone”. My father did not move and suddenly they both broke down and wept in each other’s arm. Bhagwati cried “My brother, I came back only to see you. If you will also go away, I will have no one to live for”. My father had only one reply “I will see that you get back healthy soon. I will not run away, do whatever you want.”