Boxing Days

"Does it hurt?", he had a smile on his face as he tapped on my knuckles. I smiled back, wincing in pain. There was no need to reply.

"It's called boxer's fracture. But boxers don't get it coz they wear gloves. Just like tennis players never get 'tennis elbow'". He stopped tapping and started writing out directions for the X-ray.

"No need to switch off your mobile phone. It won't affect my process. Just shove it in your pocket if your are comfortable", the X-ray guy spoke in chaste Marathi. He was glad when I responded likewise. Language does overcome barriers.

"It looks like something straight out of a horror movie", said my sister, glancing at the X-rays of my right hand. The hairline fracture was clear even to an amateur like me. But then, I was already a veteran of two fractures prior to this.

"Are your bones weak? Or are you accident prone?", the doctor continued smiling as he examined the X-ray. "Maybe both", I replied. He laughed and outlined the next course of action and a prescription.

"No need to wear the bandage when you are trying to impress - like when you are meeting clients or giving interviews", he said with a twinkle in his eye. "Actually, it works for me", I said. "They usually get sympathetic and my chances get better". He laughed again and waved me off. Cheerful doc this, I thougt to myself.

The visit was fairly redundant, but the purpose was served.