Why look at the watch

It has not been more than 5 minutes since he entered the coffee shop. And he has already looked at his watch at least a dozen times. In all these years of being together, he has always been early and she has always been late.

Not wanting to waste another minute, he pulled out his laptop and started working on his presentation. He still has two full days to complete it, but he prefers it out of his way sooner than that.

The friendly coffee shop owner came with the usual order. His hello smile was ignored.

The shop-keeper turned away, showing no signs of disappointment. He has seen this routine umpteen times in last few years. On turning he saw the same old smiling face. They exchanged pleasantries. She asked his opinion about a new flavor which was introduced last week, and ordered the same on his recommendations.

She sat down quietly, knowing best to keep quiet. A few minutes passed in silence. Finally he closed the laptop and looked at his watch again. “Are you done with your coffee?” he asked, without noticing that the glass was still half filled. She nodded her head.

They headed straight to the airport. It was a long drive. And a long flight. And for most time, she was glued to the window and he was glued to the phone.

They checked into the hotel room. She headed for the coffee machine and prepared two cups of coffee. He made himself comfortable on the bed and switched on the television. “Do you mind if I see it for ten minutes? I just want to relax for some time.” He looked at his watch again. She didn’t respond. He knew it too well that she didn’t like it. But silence was taken as acceptance.

They had a light dinner. “We can start exploring the place around tomorrow. Let’s rest today.” He looked at his watch and continued with his dinner. She smiled. Food was good. So was the conversation. She was happy. Tomorrow will be another day.

She woke up next morning to find him sitting on the study table, immersed in his work. She got up. She prepared two cups of coffee and placed one on his table. “I just wanted to finish it before you get up.” He looked at his watch again. “Then I’ll be free for the rest of the day.” She kissed him lightly on head and headed to the balcony with her cup.

At night she retired to bed early. It had been an exciting but tiring day. She left him sitting on the sofa, glued to his phone, his laptop by his side and television in front.

Next day morning she found him still in bed. He turned and told her that he wasn’t feeling too good. He felt slight heaviness in his chest. She insisted on calling the family doctor. “Let me just have some lemon soda. Maybe it was last night’s food.”

She wasn’t convinced but still ordered a glass of lemon-soda. And also called the resort doctor. He seemed little annoyed. He wanted to go for an early morning walk on sea-side. All this meant they’ll miss the morning breeze. He looked at his watch but kept quiet.

They rushed him to the nearby hospital. The resort staff was quick and efficient. Senior doctor at the hospital assured them that things were under control. However he suggested a small surgical procedure.

Inside the room a nurse was helping him get ready. Outside she was coordinating a conversation between their family doctor and the surgeon. They all agreed that this was the correct approach.

When she entered the room he was all set in his surgical clothes. She walked up-to him. Held his hand in hers and patted it lightly. She had a reassuring smile on her face.

The nurse came and announced it was time to go.

She removed the watch from his hand. “You won’t need it for next two weeks at least. You have to be on complete rest.”

She sat down in the waiting area. The watch was still in her hand. She looked at it. And kept it inside her bag.