When happiness knows no bounds

After completing my MBBS two years ago, I was brimming with enthusiasm and excitement of finally achieving my dream. I knew I had made my folks proud. My father, someone whom I look up and secretly admire, wanted that I use my acquired skills to serve rural India. I knew I had to deliver and live up to his expectations. So I decided to apply for the Haryana Civil Medical Service in the hope of making it through the coveted service. The results were announced and I was glad to see my name on the merit list. Alas I was given an urban posting. So what if it isn't a rural area, I must give in my best and make my contribution to bring about a change in society, I told myself.

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And thus began my journey as a Medical Officer and my first posting was at a civil dispensary in Panchkula district. Being located in a posh locality, my patients were mostly elderly, aged couples who came from affluent backgrounds. They were polite, understanding and sophisticated. I knew I had to be caring and tolerant. Listening to their troubles without getting irritated was hard, but I knew I had to bear with them. Every day I dealt with hundreds of such cases, common diseases like improper bowel evacuation, blood pressure and regular check-ups. I saw the same faces very often. Initially, it left me bamboozled and perplexed. They would come and indulge in small talk about random ramblings in their domestic lives, political affairs, the changing weather and other such stuff. 

I realised my job was not confined to their medical woes alone. They found a friend in me. I knew I had to oblige. And thus began my series of rendezvous with retired Army Colonels, their classy better-halves, retired professors, former bureaucrats and others. It was our little 'sunset club’ — 60 plus but full of life, love and energy! I would offer them hot tea and knew another round of silly jokes and anecdotes was on the round, followed by a loud, roaring laughter. I knew my therapy was doing wonders! I saw happier, glowing faces in the coming months.

I realised all our senior citizens need is a little extra love and care. Hear them out, the words of wisdom and experiences they have to offer will last you a lifetime. They do not ask for anything in return. In fact, they bestow you with their choicest blessings. What more could you ask for? 

There are days when I'm on leave. My ‘friends’ come to the dispensary, find my mentors, seniors and co-workers sitting and ask them, “Doctor Sahib nahi aaye aaj?” . When she replies in the negative, they return with despair.  That’s when I realise the impact, albeit tiny, that I have created. I can sleep with a smile on my face only to wake up next morning, get ready and leave for work to meet my patients, errr, friends. And that's precisely what job satisfaction and happiness is all about.