The Third Stage

Most of those who are addicted to smoking are not happy with their habit. They ponder about ideas to get rid of it. Try to make up their minds to seek salvation from the influence of the evil, but without success. To overcome the immediate worry, they light another cigarette. The function of lips is to express happy feelings; they are partners in smile and add to the beauty of the countenance. Lips are not an exhaust outlet to blow out smoke. Smokers know it well; this smoke game is the root cause of many health-related problems, dangerous and deadly. They discuss and discuss amongst fellow sufferers how to break free of this habit!

Unable to get positive results, they again light a cigarette. The resolution becomes weak, faced with the problem of low-voltage inner power supply for the resistance operation. 'This is the last puff of the last cigarette'- they say thus and inhale deeply for the final satisfaction and liberation and throw the stub. The successful drama is enacted year after year on the New Year Day or on wife's birthday...and yet sorry! No tangible results are achieved. Smoking has become the way of life. The roots of this evil habit have gone very deep. Many of them are compulsive smokers, engulfed by smoke! Our friend Rahul belongs to this category. He deserves a seat in the front row. He is a person who lights up the next cigarette, from the burning stub of the previous one, for economy. He is one among the hard, chain-smoking category. The stub emits sparks, carefully avoids damage to lips though firmly gripped in between them. In this path of fire, Rahul has traversed a long distance; it is impossible for him to turn back.

He is thirty three years young. Married for seven years! With God's grace, children arrived well in time. A girl and a boy! Then stop-thanks to family planning. A special quality of Rahul deserves mention. He doesn't pose-"I wish to give up smoking for ever," etc. No drama-dialogues. No show of revocable, irrevocable resolution. He has accepted the grave and horrific truth. "I can never give up smoking for life," He propounds this truth before his friends, well-wishers and relatives. He feels sorry to say thus. "Don't you ever take to smoking-this is the worst habit," he pleads with them and he says it from the bottom of the heart, with intense feelings.

But his wife, Rose, refuses to accept this. From day one of the marriage, for the last seven years, she has made strong efforts. Tried various ways and means! "One day, I shall see that your son-in-law will quit smoking; she asserts with determination. "Yes, you will see it," she tells her father. On the day of Engagement Ceremony, before the rings were exchanged; he makes the frank commitment with his would-be father-in-law. "I wish to make one point clear. I am a chain-smoker. Let your daughter know this fact please...."

'What an honest soul!' the father-in-law exclaimed! He too lights a cigarette occasionally, not as a habit though. He says, "All will be well, after the marriage-forget it. Men do change after marriage-ask me!" He dismisses the issue with a smile.

Otherwise, the perfect pair! Rahul proves to be an ideal husband. The golden boy before marriage! Pure sovereign after the marriage! In every aspect of life and living, they are model couple. Made for each other! Many are envious to see such a level of amiability. Mutual love and trust! But Rose keeps up the pressure. Never lets an opportunity go, to plead and fight for her cause-to make him smoke-free!

"Can you listen to me? I must not say thus, and yet I have to! No way out for me. The life span of an average smoker is four years lesser than the non-smoker. Specifically, the life span of those persons who smoke two packets of cigarettes per day is less by eight years!"

"Pity them," said Rahul. He looks at the ceiling and dispatches a series of smoke coils. He says, "Only statistics about the two packets category? What the researchers have to say about those who smoke one packet every two hours? As per calculations, I must have died decades ago-yet, I am happily married. I have a loving wife and two children-thank you!"

"It is difficult to talk to you and get a straight reply. You don't even listen to the advice of Dr. Nadig, your childhood pal and intimate fiend!"

"What's new and special about Nadig? The same old platitude! I know it all....Cigarette smoking is injurious to health-that smoke contains three thousand varieties of poisonous chemicals. ..close relation exists between poisonous elements and health of human beings...the deadly substance like nicotine and carbon dioxide are found in abundance in the smoke, resulting in impurities in the blood"...

Rose cut his sermon short, to begin her own! "And listen! According to the latest research findings, the children of the parents addicted to smoking inherit many diseases related to lungs-this is sure."

A bit shocked Rahul is silent for a while! He sits thinking-quite seriously! Then he reverts to his simple innocent smile! "By the grace of God, here the mother doesn't smoke! God will surely protect our children."

"Let me put a bowl of sugar in your mouth. I don't say you stop smoking completely. But to think that it is not possible for you to start the process of giving up smoking is ridiculous!

"I understand your position, but you don't understand mine."

"I do, but you don't want to! Otherwise, why should you behave like this? You squander on cigarette-smoke the money that you earn after hard toil. What you smokers stand to gain by this habit? Pay to get your health damaged!"

"Millions are employed in factories manufacturing cigarettes and tobacco products. What will happen to them, when they are thrown out of employment?"

"More die of cancer in the hospitals! Countless are suffering and their pain is awesome!"

"Again the good old story about cancer! As per your advice, pressure, for your happiness and peace of mind, don't I undergo all those investigations and also get medially examined-- for your tranquility, jut to clear your doubts. -am I clear? Am I audible? Do you understand? You have seen all the reports, yet you don't trust me! "Your lungs are like the grinding stone. Strong and sturdy, as they should be! Don't you be afraid-didn't the specialist say categorically? You didn't believe me or his reports. We then went to Dr. Nadig and all the investigations were done again. And you remember what he said?"

"Yes, I do. Everything is fine. Your blood is pure and is free from any sort of impurities. You are a rare human being etc."

"Indeed, I am! Isn't that so? You say it very well. If I had gone to him alone, you would have immediately accused me of stage-managing the reports!"

"Oh, I forgot something very important! Yesterday, in our "Women Awakening" meeting, a short movie regarding the ill-effects of smoking was shown. Mrs. Nadig initiates this program. Now, no doubt that tobacco is the root cause of all types of cancers. The researchers agree on this point. They repeatedly assert, emphatically! So far, the scientists have tracked and categorized one hundred types of cancer!"

"By smoking?"

"No kidding...Listen...any part of the body may become the victim of cancer! Skin, intestine, lungs, mostly breasts in women! Do you hear? In our country, they say there are millions of cells."

"Not in our country...in our body!" Yes, they are there! They do their allotted duties silently. What's the problem then?"

"Problem is here! The major one! Every minute, millions of cells die and millions are born and they take the place of dead cells...."Rose is speaking with great emotion!

"Control yourself...take care.....calm down!...speak softly....If the Commissioner for recording Births and Deaths is to know , he may think to levy some sort of tax on this activity also...."

"When the number of cells born exceeds the number of cells that die, it results in cancer!"

"So, what shall I do?"

"Mr. Winston Churchill, the ex-Prime Minister of England, that great man, was a chain smoker of cigars, and he died at the age of eight nine-but for that bad habit, he would have lived for one hundred and twenty years!"

"He should not have! The man would have initiated the III World War! What is the use of his living that many years?"

"You delight in crossing me! Your approach is always negative!"

"I think, I expressed myself in a straight forward manner."

She is silent-for less than a minute! (Congratulations for this intermission!) Then she speaks with great enthusiasm as if it is a revelation! "Dr. Nadig, along with two other Specialists is going to introduce a new medical plan from the first of next month!"

"What plan? What's wrong with him now? Is he floating a Chit Fund Company? This guy is a vibrant creature. He can't rest or have peace of mind anywhere! He is up to new ventures always. He stores currency in gunny bags. Why is he so crazy about money...I don't understand!"

"Oh! No Chit Fund! He is introducing a new Scheme, QFMCS. Quarterly Family Medical Check up Scheme. One has to pay a permanent deposit of Rs.5, 000/- per year. All the members of the family are entitled for a quarterly free medical check up along with detailed investigations.

"Check up is free, but he will charge for the medicines I suppose!"

"Yes, how do you know it? Did Dr. Nadig discuss the scheme with you?"

"He need not! I know well, how his brain works! Am I not his close friend for the last twenty five years! I have the measure of this man. When one goes through the medical check up, suspicion about some or the other minor ailments can't be ruled out....related to protein deficiency, need for more vitamins etc. Some tonics will be suggested. That is to say Dr. Nadig's team of doctors will find out some health-related problems with the examinees. Is he not going to open a medical store within the hospital for the convenience of the patients?"

"Yes, indeed! He said so."

"Why not? Dr. Nadig is the type of medical practitioner, who believes in total health care! He trusts in a single window approach! And that window shall bring all profits to him."

"I have filled up the form. 'Don't worry about the payment. I will collect the cheque later. You all should become members....That's great for me. ..Our target for the first quarter is two thousand members', Mr. Nadig said thus, confidently."

"Thank you very much Rose! I count on your support to Dr. Nadig! Many thanks; your dear husband heartily congratulates you for your initiative! Take it that, we pay additional income tax of Rs.5, 000/-to the Government. Don't you think so? After all, Dr. Nadigs are our family friends!"

Rose thinks that she has found a way out of the fear psyche with which she constantly suffers due to ill-boding friendship between cigarette and cancer! Nevertheless, she continues with her pressure tactics to make him curtail smoking; but nothing doing, his smoke coils game is on. But when she reads the remarks on the investigation report that "lungs in very good condition," she heaves a sigh of relief, with breath in short gasps! They also get an opportunity to talk and discuss health related issues with Dr. Nadig personally. ...his residential quarters are in the hostel compound. After the first check up, the Nadig couples say, "Where is the hurry? No question of your going without the dinner..... They enjoy the three-course dinner hospitality, along with some of his other friends and spend two-thee hours at his house. Dr. Nadig speaks a lot about his health project! Future expansion programs! He gives them the details about the achievements so far! He accepts and thanks them for the cheque of Rs.5000/-. After pocketing the cheque Mrs. Nadig says with a smile, "Why are you in a hurry for the payment? What does it matter whether the money is with you or with us?"

Dr. Nadig's medical check up plan is a success. In three months, the scheme gains popularity. When they go for the second check up, Dr. Nadig is busy in an operation. Mrs. Nadig also says in a casual manner. "Why don't you have a cup of tea?" No emphasis or pressure in those words! Superficial cordiality! The business-related hurry is seen in her disposition.

During the third visit, they see a modern canteen in the premises of the hospital. A cup of tea is reasonably priced at Rs.5/- A short menu of sandwiches etc. is also there. Uniformed waiters work in a hurry in the busy canteen. He has appointed two additional Doctors to assist him in the Check-up scheme. The hospital has earned a name. Such is its popularity and the rush of patients that one wonders whether it is a health centre or a shopping mall!

An elegant receptionist greets the patients at the newly laid reception counter. When Rahul enquires about Dr. Nadig, her polite query is, "Do you have an appointment? He is very busy for the next two days. Do you wish to talk to or meet any other Doctor?"

"I am his close friend. Ask him and he will rush out of his cabin to meet me!" I wish to advise her thus, but I do not!

Next day also, when he goes to collect the report, the meeting with Dr. Nadig, does not materialize.

The same receptionist explained," He is busy with reports. In the end, he goes through all the reports and puts his observations. You have to wait for an hour at least!"

Rahul does not wait for one hour....... And he continues without default, his chain-smoking exercise!

...That is the day to receive the report for the fourth and the final quarter. Time to pay rupees 5,000/ to renew the membership...and that day Dr. Nadig himself telephones to his friend. "Do meet me urgently...come today itself....if possible, right now!"

From the Office, Rahul rushes to the Hospital immediately. This time, he does not wait at the reception Counter. The receptionist expects him and accompanies and leads him to Dr. Nadig's cabin, without wasting a minute. Dr. Nadig has cancelled all appointments for that evening. The friends remain engrossed in a long, closed-door discussion for over two hours!

* * * *

The face of in individual is just like a mirror.

Rahul tries his best to look normal, but he can not! A line of sorrow is clearly evident. His expression indicates that he is hurt deeply. Rose does no fail to observe this. Half an hour has elapsed since her husband has arrived. He pretends to be busy; reads the newspaper but he just turns its pages! His mind is elsewhere; he is thinking very deep, she is certain about it...and wonderful! Rahul does not smoke! Very surprising and stunning! Like a factory declaring sudden lockout, without notice! Within those thirty minutes, he should have finished two cigarettes and the cremation of the third one should have been in progress!

...On the other hand, a wave of confusion swept over her!

Her heart begins to beat like a drum!

She experiences a tremor! Feels as if the earth below her feet is caving in! She begins to tremble!

She sees the big envelope with medical reports from Dr. Nadig, lying on the centre table but she is mortally afraid to pick it up or even touch it!

Rahul does not speak and sits absolutely silent, which is un-Rahul-like! He can imagine what might be transpiring in Rose's mind He gives the reports-the envelope to her, and his mechanical emotionless-action does not inspire confidence in her. "Don't you worry? My lungs are still okay. Perfect! Read the reports of your own Dr. Nadig....I have given up smoking with my own volition. For my happiness and for your joy!"

But he has no answer to her question." What have you been discussing with your friend, for two hours? I get it from the receptionist!"

She walks up to the centre table, in slow measured steps and seizes the envelope. She begins to read the reports and then takes a long breath. She says emphatically, "Why are you sitting like a dumb statue? Why this terrible acting? Why have you stopped smoking all at once! What does this mean?"

"What's the objection now? You must be happy and I have a request! Please show the dustbin to this cigarette packet...yes, along with the cigarettes!"

"Alas, why it is so? Give the packet to one of your smoker friends! He will thank you for that!"

"That which is not good for me, how can it benefit others? Rahul sprints from the seat and throws the packet in the dustbin. Then he says "I have brought carrots. Get the juice out. Let's have juice today. My body must be full of carbon dioxide and the poisonous substances. ...let's eat some nourishing vegetables and fruits."

Rose can not believe the sacred words of her husband. She is more than happy to obey his orders. She rushes to the kitchen in post-haste!

It is the day of liberation for her from the foul odor of the cigarette smoke which she has been tolerating for over a decade, but never accepts its authority! A festival atmosphere engulfs the house and her heart!

And her dimple-cheeks! They are extraordinary additions to her beauty, when she smiles. And that small dark brown mole below the dimple of the right cheek! With great feeling and with lots of emotions, Rahul is observing her face-that mole!

And Rose is happy, extremely happy. She laughs without reason repeatedly and Rahul continues to 'enjoy' the beauty of those dimples and the intoxication of that mole....Like a mad man, he observes that mole, times without number from long range and from short range---like a lover...like a caring husband!

Next day, Rahul says, "My accumulated leave will lapse if not availed now. The festival vacation for the schools will start from next Monday. Let us go on a picnic-cum-pilgrimage to Vrindavan, Mathura and Agra. Children will stay with mother. My brother has also telephoned yesterday. Mother has asked him to get the children during the holidays."

Rose can not believe. By giving up smoking does the reformation process start so soon with the men-folk? During the seven years of her married life, she has requested him hundreds of times...let's go to Agra...we haven't seen Tajmahal yet!"

The trip never materializes, and Rahul tenders one excuse or the other and postpones and finally cancels the proposal with acute shrewdness. He has many such aimless arrows in his quiver. He says, "When I have a moving and portable Tajmahal at all times in my house, why should I travel that far....to see another Tajmahal? After all, it is the graveyard of Begum Mumtaz Mahal and Shahjahan. You are my "Aajmahal" he says in good humor. He says it brilliantly and romantically.

The ten days tour program is extended to fifteen days. At Agra, Rahul says, "Let's proceed to Jaipur, Udaipur. From there, we can reach Delhi directly after visiting Balaji Temple en route."

Tears of happiness trickle on her cheeks and they fill, flood and cross the dimples and drown the beauty spot...the mole! She cries in joy! She says with great emotion, "I know...I know...you have always been a good human being. For my sake and for respecting my feelings, you give up smoking...This is the greatest act of gratitude you have done for me....this is my ultimate reward. How can I thank you and repay this debt of goodwill?"

Rahul takes her into his arms affectionately, embraces and gives her long a loving kiss. "I have received the first installment of repayment," he says, his sense of humor scoring over his hard and suppressed feelings!

A few days after returning from Jaipur, Rose observes red spots on her husband's black lips courtesy-decades of smoking habit! His gums swell! One month has elapsed, since he has left smoking. Outwardly, he tries to be happy and jovial but internally she observes, he is thinking deep...something haunts him! The doubting nature of woman's mind begins to confront her with many questions. Two days ago, Rahul says, "Today is Putta's (their little son) birthday. Let's go to the studio and have a family photograph, but a full reel rolls, thanks to different poses and various combinations! After coming out of the studio, he says, "We now go an exhibition of Mysore Silk Sarees in Karol Bagh, Let's move! She buys two saris costing Rs.4, 000/- and 8000/-.Then he buys one more-- of his selection costing Rs.9, 000/-, even when Rose mildly protests. "No...No...why such a costly sari now!" Thereafter, they have Ice Cream at a famous joint!

Rose is wonderstruck! Is it possible to save that much money if one quits smoking? A remarkable change of heart as well! Her vague suspicion turns into a doubt whether her husband and Dr. Nadig has withheld some important information from her? Do the friends have a secret pact? A hidden agenda! She shoots a suspicious glance at her husband.

Next day, when Rahul has been to Office, she talks to Dr. Nadig over the phone. "Be at peace sister. You please do what he says. Why do you worry about his giving up smoking all of a sudden? He must give it up. This is my firm advice to him. He is fit and fine and there is nothing wrong with his health! He is strong like a football player....Don't think unnecessarily and get strained. . Keep your mind cool. Everything goes as per God's will. May His grace be there on your family for ever?"

But Dr. Nadig fails to convince Rose with his clever answer!

"You must get yourself medically examined by some other specialist, in my presence," she says, half-smilingly, through her anxiety. When she persists, Rahul rejects the suggestion outright. "No, not at all possible! Don't you trust Dr. Nadig? If he comes to know about it, what will he think of us?"

But, he has to submit to her loving persuasion and her own methods of convincing him. Next day, they go to another specialist and he has a thorough check up!

Rahul passes the test with distinction!

"Hard smokers, when they give up the habit abruptly,...some minor problems like swelling of gums and other side effects do occur....but let me advice you. Be firm about your decision

...don't succumb to weakness...you quit this habit well in time. You have liberated yourself from the kill, with your strong will power. I wish you luck," says the Doctor.

On returning home from clinic, the first thing that she does is to keep the report in front of the family deity and offer prayers. Then she sits beside her husband and says, "Look here, I have won ultimately. My, 'I-will-never-give-up-efforts 'decision for the last eight years has finally fructified!" A gust of pure happiness sweeps through Rose. Her eyes gleam with pleasure as she says, "I am the victor but you are not defeated...you are simply great!" she says with a joyful titter, which he will perhaps never forget for life. Such is her joy and mirth...and the ever present dimples on her cheeks... the small beauty spot guarding the borders of the dimple! The beauty spot has grown in size, he clearly observes with utter shock!"

The dam that has been controlling, blocking and storing his suppressed feelings for the last six months has suddenly collapsed! Dr. Nadig is absolutely right! Unfortunately!

"Rose has blood cancer! It has reached the third stage, six months ago. She has just four more months, even less! Give her all the happiness that you can ...no medicine can cure this type of cancer! When the spot on her cheek begins to grow and expand, take it that her end is very near. ..May be some hours! She may collapse at any time. ..Never leave her alone from then onwards....this type of cancer is due to indirect smoking.... By inhaling the tobacco smoke...extremely sorry friend, extremely sorry! May God be with you! "Dr. Nadig had said!

Rahul began to cry bitterly like a child. Now, what to do with this 'boy' that cries without reason? How to console him, who for the last few months is behaving strange and weak? Rose is at her wit's end. In an effort to pacify him, she sits very close to him, closer and closer and starts caressing his curly hair that have fallen on his forehead. She then, begins to massage his forehead lovingly! Tears gush down from her eyes as well, and down through her cheeks!

"My friend, please rush at once." Rahul's voice is desperate, as he summons Dr. Nadig over the phone!

"Why Dr.Nadig?....she wishes to ask something more as her fingers slip down seeking abrupt liberation from the soft knots of his curls and drop down on his lap.