His brow is tempered with anxiety and his body is enervated with fever. His wife Archana Nair understands the urgency of his condition and is scrambling to pack a few items of clothing for his stay at a friend's vacant apartment.
A few hours earlier, Praveen, a jocular operations manager, was at a medical facility. He had been feeling unwell. The usual suspects of a malaise - scratchy throat, body pain and concomitant high temperature.
The first consultation room at a private clinic was thoroughly sanitised as was the demeanour of its aseptic personnel. A doctor with a protective mask asked Praveen about his condition. Her unfeeling eyes were the only visible part of her face. He was uncomfortable. Still he managed to tell her about his itchy throat, body pain and fever - and with each articulated symptom, the doctor reached out for another mask, grabbed a wad of tissues and pulled her chair further from him.
Then, deadpan, she delivered the verdict: "I think you have swine flu."
A paroxysm of fear gripped his already etiolated body. He sat motionless. His mind swirled with thoughts about the outcome of this virus and its impact on his family.
"Only government hospitals are authorised to carry out swine flu tests, and the results will be available only after three days. You should start treatment immediately," she told him.
Praveen, shaken by the news, scuffed his way out of the clinic.
He wanted a second opinion.
The next doctor at another private clinic was far more genial. He welcomed him and gently asked about his condition. Praveen divulged details of his earlier consultation.
The doctor ordered quick swab and blood tests to check for a viral infection. Half an hour later, he said, "You've tested positive. However, I am still not sure if it is swine flu, but it is best that you start taking medication for the disease."
Crestfallen, he went to a nearby pharmacy and armed himself with the necessary medication. And then he called Archana.
She was aghast.
The best course of action was to stay away from his wife and their 1-year-old son Tanav. Plus his parents were visiting.
***
Thus he waits for his wife in front of their residential building.
Archana approaches the car, her visage an emotional potpourri of worry, fear and dismay. A quick tacit handover takes place and Praveen drives to Dubai.
Once at his friend's apartment, he steels himself to face the reality and the alarming possibility. The first night he spends in discomfort and pain. The next day, he calls his office to inform his colleague of his condition. Through the day his body protests as it sears with high fever. By evening though he begins to feel a little better. By day two, he is surprised at how quickly he has recuperated. And by day three, he feels good enough to go home.
He calls Archana to tell her that he is feeling better and that he plans to visit a doctor.
Recalling last month's incident, he says, "I tested negative!"
Should he have been left to his own devices when in good health, he says he would have enjoyed the three-day stay, watched games for extended hours and ordered his favourite meals.
"But being confined due to swine flu isn't my idea of a good time," he laughs.
Now Praveen is back at home enjoying a salutary life. While the family is relieved that he is healthy and safe, the incident, which elicits both laughter and anger, is a poignant reminder to never take one's health for granted.
