Phone call

It was on February 1st 2022, the phone started ringing while I am in the middle of the morning meeting with my team members, discussing to implement some new features to monitor the Team work status. I looked at the caller number and it was my brother calling from India. I could sense something ominous with the call. Thirty minutes earlier to this phone call, I was in a lengthy phone call with my brother discussing about the health of my father who was admitted in the ICU due to COVID complications to his existing underlying health issues. I wrapped up the call with my brother, Kittanna, mentioning to keep my phone next to me. That was something odd asking me to do and I could sense something is wrong.

The phone kept ringing and I didn't pick the phone hoping it is non-emergency call - this has been my way of pacifying myself on receiving phone call at odd times from India to ensure it is not an emergency call. The phone started ringing second time and this time I started to get worried but still didn't pick up the phone call and instead was trying to divert my attention my focusing on my work meeting. And then the phone started ringing third time and this time I zoned out of my work meeting and my body started getting cold. Next ring was to my wife Santhoshi phone and she came running upstairs to me saying that Kittanna wants to talk to me. The fear that I was carrying daily within me since last 17 years, since I last got the phone call about my Dad's heart-attack, has come true. Kittanna was crying over the other side and I understood the worse news that I imagined. I told him I will reach as soon as possible and hung up the call.

Tears weren't rolling on my face right away as I was in shock and kept staring at Santhu, who was in shock by herself. I didn't understood what was happening, so first thought of calling Gopi to let him know that I would be making emergency travel. I called him and he was full supportive as usual and gave a good suggestion to get the COVID PCR test that is mandatory for air travel. By then, Santhu had called Anu and Anand, and as I was still figuring out the COVID test centers, they provided me some pointers to get the tests done. I reached the Folsom test center and adding to my worry the test center mentioned that I had to travel to Roseville for urgent test result. Then I drove to Roseville, which I don't know how I managed to make it with so many thoughts running through my mind. I called Mallikarjun, my Mama and family member, to let him know about Dad and asking him to reach out to Kittanna. I completed the test and reached home in an hour, Anu and Anand were at home by then waiting for me. I don't know as how to react seeing them, I was still in shock and disbelief and going through thousand emotions. This is the kind of day I was dreading not to see from many years.

I will be forever grateful to the help Anand and Anu did on that day - they literally took care of everything that is needed for me to board the evening flight. Anand dropped me at the airport, where I met Suresh and he helped with the check-in process. Santhu and kids stayed back with the plan to board the flight next day as I had decided after talking to Kittanna to board the flight as early as possible - I don't know if this is the right decision or not of not taking the family with me as this was the last chance for Anika and Akshath to see their Grand father, but at this moment it felt the right decision as the funeral was getting late and due to COVID related restrictions getting every one ready by evening wouldn't have been possible.

I boarded the flight and only thing I remember in next 18 hours flight to Delhi is me some times staring blankly at random people and tears rolling from my eyes. Memories of my childhood playing with my Dad was rolling in my mind all along.