In the Crevices of Memory

Chapter 11

Sara's morning was so spoiled thanks to the encounter with that arrogant guy that she was certain her whole day, or maybe even her whole trip in this nation would only keep getting from bad to worse.

Bosses like him are the reason no one keeps on loving their work after a few months in practical life.

Sara had her first round in the OPD today, under the guidance of Dr. Irfan of course. So there was something she was looking forward to, despite what he wanted to believe, she really loved her job.

Even though by now she was somehow feeling certain that most of everyone else she will have a brush with today will be just like him. Come to think of it, Dad liked talking about the mountainous nature of his people. So far, she only felt it was a mountain of pride and she would have to plow through that, to actually finish Dad's unfinished business. After that, she was out of here, that much was finally decided. Although during the early days of her college, she used to dream about working in areas like these. Where the need for healthcare was real. And where the rewards were just the smile and the feeling of satisfaction, that yes, you have indeed brought a positive change in someone's life.

She had been told to be at the door of the OPD at eleven a.m sharp. And the whole session with that guy had taken most of her time, she was planning to grab a bite beforehand so she wouldn't have to worry about how long the session rolls. But now, well she had to just grunt through it.

The giant glass door to the OPD led her to this huge hall. With plush waiting seats and the reception desk on one side, small cabins of counseling on the other. There doors and walls made of shining glass, senior doctors, along with Dr. Irfan, were sitting in each and attending to the patients. The beddings were out of sight on the far end, along with the lab. The wall behind the reception, they entryway where patients flowed in, were made of floor-to-ceiling glass and had automatic doors installed in them. The way the OPD was designed, it made these simple village dwellers want to stay in here. Become patients of this hospital.

Sara would still get surprised each time she turned a corner, the whole hospital was cutting edge and totally made with international standards in mind. To see such a place in a such a remote area of a country known for being behind the times. Regardless of her qualms with that guy, she had to admit that he was indeed passionate.

She walked to the cabin she found Dr. Irfan sitting in. He was currently busy. A small and fragile woman, with wrinkles as deep as these mountains themselves, were sitting in front of him. Getting some check-up done. A teenage boy stood behind her, wearing baggy pants and blue checkered sweater. Unlike the local dress most of the people she found here wearing, the kid looked more educated and wore western attire. The woman sitting in front of Dr. Irfan though looked just like a regular local. Long shirts with cuts on the sides that reached the waist, called kameez, with loose trousers. And a big shawl covering her head.

Sara kept standing there for the moment until the patients got up and started to leave the cabin. Dr. Irfan stood, smiling and shaking hands with the kid. As they came outside, Dr. Irfan's trailing eyes caught her standing on the other side. His smile deepened as he invited her in through a nudge of his head.

She obliged.

So far, Dr. Irfan had been really different to her than Dr. Haider. Or as she had nicknamed him, the arrogant boss.

But after her most recent encounter, she had kind of started expecting the same behavior from almost everyone. It was silly, but when she walked in, she was feeling a dread.

"So child looks like you already have had your first encounter with the boss." Dr. Irfan chuckled softly.

The tension in her dissipated. Despite herself, she joined in Dr. Irfan's laugh. "He is a little, dare I say... eccentric?"