Shreya walked out of the hospital. Heavy rain was pouring from the sky. Water was scattered across the road, as if the city itself was exhausted. She took out her phone and booked a cab.
Within a few minutes, the cab arrived. She got in silently. Raindrops slid down the window glass.
As she stared outside, thoughts filled her mind. If only my elder brother was doing some work… Or if Dad had a job.
We wouldn't have to see all this today. Her heart felt heavier with every thought. Lost in these thoughts, she reached home. When she opened the gate, the entire house was dark. An uncomfortable silence filled the space.
Shreya walked straight toward her brother's room. Jun was lying on the bed, fast asleep. She shook him awake.
"Big brother," she said between anger and exhaustion,"how long will you stay useless like this? You're still sleeping."
Jun rubbed his eyes and looked at her.
"Dad has called you to the hospital," Shreya said,"He's going to the uncles to ask for money. Maybe we'll get something from them. You need to come too. Mom is there."
Jun sat up.
"Is Dad really going to the uncles?" he asked.
Shreya nodded.
"Yes. Because neither you have a job… nor does Dad."
She stopped there. Jun went silent. After a while, Jun got ready and left for the hospital. Outside the hospital, Steven was already waiting.
The rain still hadn't stopped. The gate opened, and Jun came out. Steven looked at him and said,"Let's go. We have to get some money from your uncles. Your mother's treatment is necessary."
Jun wanted to say something… But hearing his father's words, he stayed quiet. They left together. After some time, a car stopped in front of a large house.
Steven and Jun stepped out and went inside. Jun called his uncles. Within moments, they arrived. Steven folded his hands and explained everything.
"Please give me some time. I will return your money. My wife is in the hospital."
The uncle started laughing. Laughing, Jun's uncle said,"Money? Do people like you even return money? And anyway, you still haven't returned the money you already owe me."
Then his voice turned cold and cruel.
"Why don't you just let her die? What difference does it make whether she lives or not?"
Jun's body froze. Steven lowered his head. And in that moment, Jun understood this world only respects the rich and humiliates the poor.