One of Millions Continued Part 5

“All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction”
― Dalai Lama XIV

While “the one she trusted”(TOST) was enjoying her vacation, Pushpa was in an old age  residential care home. This home was a NHS provided facility, it was not the nicest place but Pushpa’s basic care needs were met. This care home certainly did not cater to Pushpa’s asian meal requirements. Pushpa would only eat food she recognized.

Coincidentally, the young bride and groom whose wedding Pushpa could not attend, were in London for a few days. Whilst on their European honeymoon, this young bride, lovingly cooked, not only for Pushpa, but also for TOST’s family. Apparently, according to one of TOST’s family members, it was the tastiest home cooked meal, they had eaten in recent memory. Other, well wishing relatives, would go out of their way and take meals to Pushpa, so that Pushpa would not go hungry.  

Soon after TOST’s return from TOST’s vacation, TOST insisted on quitting work. TOST’s explanation was that Pushpa needed TOST, to take care of her full time.Interestingly, during this period of time, Pushpa was mostly either in a hospital or left in care homes.  Pushpa had asked TOST not to quit working on Pushpa’s account. Pushpa suggested and would have prefered to hire a carer for herself, for the short period of time that she was at home. This was not agreeable to TOST, and TOST always had the last say.

Once TOST stopped working, TOST’s full time care consisted of one quick visit on most days, infrequent home cooked meals and “take outs”. The time TOST spent on or with Pushpa was minimal at best. So what was TOST doing for most of the day? Who was TOST taking care of full time?