Pune:

The day of the appointment with Doctor Maya arrived.

Dipesh didn't get leave, however the appointment timing was adjusted with his shift time. He had the night shift on that day. He entered Doctor Maya's cabin with his mother-in-law and Mittu in the stroller as Dipika preferred to stay outside. Dipesh was surprised and shocked when he looked at Doctor Maya. His heart skipped a bit because she was none other than Mohini Gore, his first love. She also looked at him with a surprised expression. However, as both quickly got aware of the situation, they preferred to overcome the expressions quickly, still, the eyes of both met for a longer time.

Then Dipesh looked away and started talking, "Hello Doctor. What do the reports say?"

While looking at the reports of the scans on a monitor, she confirmed that Mittu had cerebral palsy.

Doctor Maya said, "Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain. This usually happens before a child is born, but it can occur at birth or in early infancy. In many cases, the cause isn't known. Many factors can lead to problems with brain development. These reports confirm that."

Dipesh's mind was filled with thoughts of mixed emotions. The sudden unexpected encounter with his past love and the diagnosis of the disease his child was suffering from.

Doctor Maya continued, "Treatment of this disease depends on severity. In this case, I am sorry to say but it is on the verge of becoming severe. We will need long-term treatment for this. I cannot guarantee that this can be completely cured but yes, our incessant attempts can do miracles. Have faith in the almighty God. Long-term treatment includes physical and other therapies, drugs, and sometimes surgery. So we will go step by step."

Dipika's mother suddenly cut the Doctor and asked a question that surprised Dipesh and the Doctor.

She asked, "Is this a hereditary disease?"

The doctor said, "While Cerebral Palsy is not a hereditary condition, researchers have discovered that hereditary factors can predispose an individual to Cerebral Palsy. Although a specific genetic disorder does not directly cause Cerebral Palsy, genetic influences can cause small effects on many genes!"

"Can you explain in simple words doctor, please?"

"In 14% cases, yes! Genes are responsible for incomplete or improper development of the wires in the brain. Here just imagine the brain is like an electronic circuit. Like the one we see when we see inside a radio or a computer motherboard residing inside CPU when we open them by unscrewing."

"In our family, there is no such history. Maybe in my son-in-law's?"

Dipesh was surprised and had mixed feelings of being angry, awkward, and disappointed at the same time by such an insensitive and blunt statement from his mother-in-law and that too in front of the Doctor. Maya also felt embarrassed and awkward. There was quick eye contact between Maya and Dipesh.

Dipesh quickly said, "Sasubai, we can discuss this later in private. If you want, I will allow you to do your investigation but please don’t do it now and not in front of the doctor, please!"

Maya continued, "So as I said that abnormal brain development or injury can cause CP. The damage affects the part of the brain that controls body movement, coordination, and posture! By the way, may I ask you a question?"

"Yes, please!"

"In the past, any chances that baby got hit on the head or fallen down from cradle or something?"

"No!", Dipesh said. "We are sure it's not."

"Okay then. I will suggest some initial treatments..."

The doctor stopped talking as she saw a nurse opening the cabin door and informed, "Madam, send someone outside as Mittu's mother is feeling uneasy and feeling like she will lose consciousness. Probably, she couldn't bear watching other kids being treated."

Dipika's mother said, "Okay, I will go outside. Jawaibapu, please get all the treatment instructions properly from the doctor. We will wait outside."

She then took Mittu with her. Dipesh continued to discuss with Maya in their cabin for longer time.