"Oh, I'm getting late to the library," said Melina, packing her scattered notebooks on the desk. She rushed to the library after completing her open elective classes. It is the oldest library located in the heart of the cosmopolitan city.
"Hi, James," Melina greeted the library assistant who sat at the front desk. "Good afternoon to our book club member," James replied. Melina went to the literature section, picked her book, and returned to her regular seat, which is in the left corner near the window.
Being immersed in the book, she heard a sharp thud of a water bottle crashing on the floor. She looked at the front desk, from where the sound came. She noticed the water bottle rolling on the floor; it’s a custom-made Harry Potter edition water bottle. Even I have a similar one, she thought and continued her reading. After she was done with her reading session, she went to the front desk. Here is my ID. James I’m taking this book home. She handed her ID. Took the ID, So did you start writing your book? How does this budding author feel? James asked her with a smile. Budding Writer is still looking for inspiration and scared of the submission date. Becoming an author is not for the weak, it seems, Melina said worriedly. Don’t worry, Melina, that’s just an everyday life of literature students. I have seen plenty of them here. Trust me, everything will work out here. Take your card. James returned her ID with a book. Melina thanked him and went home.
Next day after her regular classes she went to library as usual picked new book went to her regular seat but the seat was occupied by a guy already. So she forced to sit in a different seat. Completing her book she went to front desk called for James. While waiting for James she realized the guy who took her regular seat standing besides the desk also waiting for James. James who was busy in taking the stock list arrived front desk asked Are you guys waiting long for me? I got some stuff to do. No James I’m okay, Melina Replied. I just came here the guy replied James with Smile. Hey Sid you are here too, James greeted him. Yes Melina How may I help you? James asked her. The Kite Runner book that I took last time I like to extend the returning date for the book Melina gave her answer. If I extend the date, you have to return that on Tuesday. Since Tuesday and Wednesday are public holidays, return the book on Thursday. Is it okay, Melina? James elaborated. Sure, I’m going to finish the book by Monday. Melina gave her answer to James. Sorry to interrupt, Melina looked at the guy who spoke, standing beside her. Even though I wanted The Kite Runner, I could not find the book. Can I get one for myself, James? Sid spoke. Let me check, said James, and continued, Sorry, Sid. All other copies were lent by people. This is the last copy we have of Pointing Melina’s book. You can lend it on Thursday if you want. Oh, is it? Sid sadly replied. You sound sad. What happened, Sid? James curiously asked.
My niece is visiting me this holiday. I promised her to get the book Sid Explained. James thought for a minute and said, I have a solution. Melina, this is my friend Siddharth. He is also one of my regulars here. Would you mind sharing your book after you're done reading? Melina thought for a moment. Well, I don't mind, James; I can share. Then I’ll introduce both to each other. Melina, as you know, this is Sid. He is a bookworm studying medicine. And Sid, this is Melina, an aspiring writer but now a literature student , James concluded. They both greeted each other. Thank you for the help, Sid said to her. Melina nodded at him with a smile. I extended the return date. About sharing the book, discuss it among yourselves. Happy reading, James handed the book to Melina. Both Melina and Sid thanked James and headed out of the library.
They've exchanged numbers. I’ll text the venue to come and get the book, said Melina. Thanks a lot, Sid said. No mention Have a good day, said Melina. Melina and Sid said goodbye and walked on their ways.
Melina slowly walked, enjoying the night breeze with the smell of petrichor, and reached her bus stop. “Black canvas got a big, white, beautiful stain? How pretty!” Romanticizing thoughts accompanied her while looking at the sky. Waiting for her bus, she took a look at the sky with a moon but no stars. It’s going to rain soon, she said to herself. Her bus arrived as soon as she got into the bus; it started raining. She enjoyed the drizzle on her window seat. The drizzle turned out to be a downpour when she got down at her stop, drenched fully on her way back to her house, where she stays with her housemates. The living room got a pink wall with neat, cute little stickers that made an aesthetic vibe, but the messy dressing table flooded with cosmetics explained otherwise. She refreshed and relaxingly went to bed.
On the weekend Melina woke up leisurely, refreshed, and slowly started her project work. Being a final-year student, she was assigned a project of publishing a book in her final semester. During weekdays she attends classes; on weekends, she works on her project. Last month was very hectic as she learned the basics, explored different genre books, and gained knowledge of writing styles and also understanding of critical topics before getting into the project. Though she spent days and days in the library, she was bombarded by information, so the project headed nowhere. She was perturbed by her submission. So Melina decided to select a genre and plotline for her work. When she started her work, an interruption occurred: “Achoo…Achoo…Achoo.” Her sneezing echoed in her room. What a great start, she said ironically. Did I catch a cold? Ah, I feel dizzy after all the sneezing. At this rate, when am I going to complete my first draft? Achoo…Achoo... Achoo, she was defeated by constant sneezing and left with no energy to talk. Her monologue ended with gulping a tablet. She headed to nap.
Melina's Saturday got disrupted by a cold and a sneeze. On Sunday she got better prepared to work; she tried to fetch a book on her upper bookshelf. Achoo… Achoo… Achoo! Books started falling on her, yet she can’t stop her sneezing. Before realizing the little accident was over. Her annoyance resulted in a monologue session. Ugh... My head, it hurts. OMG, my books got damaged. Why are things happening to me? I just want to work on my book peacefully. Am I jinxed? No... This is not happening. I’m done. She halted working and went to the hospital. The next day after classes, Melina was sitting on her balcony sipping coffee, concentrated only on her The Kite Runner book, as she wanted to pass the book. While the birds were flying back and forth to their nest, even as the sun was calling it a day. After completing her book, she texted nearby café addresses to Sid, and she called it a day. In the morning she went to the café, where Sid was already waiting for her. She met Sid and greeted him. Are you waiting long? Melina made her presence known. Sid was focused on the wrapper of his pink daisy bouquet. Hearing Melina’s voice, he placed his bouquet on the table and greeted Melina. Just now I arrived. Do you want some coffee? Sid asked. Yes, please, Melina replied. Two coffees were ordered. Melina handed the book to Sid, and Sid thanked her. Nice flowers. What’s the occasion? Melina asked curiously. Today is my sister’s birthday. My niece, whom I talked about—remember her? That's her mom. After this meeting, I’m going to pick them up from the airport. So I bought them at the nearby, Sid answered. Convey my wishes to her. Can I take a picture of these flowers? Melina requested. Sure, if you wish, Sid replied. Melina took her phone and set a perfect angle while the waiter came near the table with their ordered coffee, and when she clicked, instead of a shutter sound, she heard a loud Sound of Achoo…Achoo...Achoo. Startled by the sneezing sound The waiter spilled their coffee from the tray. Things got bizarre. Melina said sorry to the waiter for startling him. The waiter apologized for spilling their coffee, and Sid also felt bad for both. After the waiter left, Sid asked Melina Are you okay? I think it must be pollen from the flower. No, I’m sure I’m not allergic to pollen. I’m suffering from a jinx, maybe? Melina said in a sad tone. Jinx? I know what a jinx is, but I don’t understand what you’re saying. Sid gave Melina a puzzled look. You’re a medical student, right? You tell me, have you ever heard of sneezing without a cold? Friday got drenched in a rain and then got rid of the cold, but sneezing still occurs.
I even visited the hospital and got checked myself, but I’m perfectly fine, says the report. What to do? Melina questioned. Allergies may be the reason, definitely not Jinx. Did you take the allergy test? Even now you sneezed near the flower. It’s possible for adults to acquire allergies; many people develop full-blown allergies as adults. Sid gave a clear answer. Is it? Then I’ll take an allergy test too, Melina assured herself and thanked Sid. No mention, Melina. I have to go to the airport now. I’ll see you in the library then. Take care. Sid Said goodbye to Melina. Melina said goodbye to Sid, headed to the hospital, and took an allergy test without a delay, as he suggested.
She returned to her room and thought a lot about how her sneezing startled the waiter. So she wanted to do something to control her sneeze. In the morning, as soon as she woke up, she started to deep clean her room, dusting her house to every nook and corner. Later, she went shopping and bought herself an air purifier for her room. The next day, Melina got ready for her classes with her checklist. Packed tissues and wore masks to avoid sneezing. Doing his daily task, James noticed a mysterious yet familiar figure wearing a mask and sunglasses. The moment that figure entered a library, it started a long episode of sneezing, grabbing everyone’s attention in the library. After the sneezing episodes, James took a closer look and found out that it was Melina. Hearing the sound of sneezing, Sid came to the front desk. Both James and Sid are baffled by Melina’s actions. James handed tissues to Melina while Sid explained her situation to James. On the other hand, Melina noticed how people looked at her weirdly. Sid called Melina, who, lost in her thoughts, asked, Are you okay now? Yes, Melina replied with a put-on smile. Sid took Melina to the lobby and asked Melina about the allergy test. Melina said that she tested negative in her allergy test. After hearing your sneeze today, I expected this, Sid continued. Melina, your sneezing episodes are getting longer. Did you notice? Yes, Sid. I did notice. Sid what should I do now? It’s getting out of my hands. Melina said sadly. Don’t worry; I know the well-known ENT consultant. He once visited my college as a guest lecturer. Shall I book the appointment? Sid asked Melina. Yes, please, Sid, book the appointment. I don’t want to sneeze. Thanks a lot, Sid. Melina thanked him.
Melina went back to her home. The thought of how people looked at her in the library made her sad; she searched, How to Sneeze Elegantly? And laughed at her own misery. The next day at her college, her sneezing episodes happened during the viva voce presentation; it was hard to control herself. Some people started laughing hearing her sneeze, some were annoyed, and some looked down on her for interrupting the presentation. She excused herself, came out of the conference hall, and decided to take a few days off considering her situation.
She went to the library to get a few books, and James asked about her health while registering the book under her name to lend. Melina thanked him and went back home. While being lost in her thoughts, she was intruded upon by a text. It’s a text from Sid about consultation appointment timing and other details.
A day later, Melina went to the hospital with Sid. Got a physical examination and consulted a doctor. He recommended giving neurology consultation and psychiatry consultation. After consultation, it is concluded that Melina is diagnosed with psychogenic intractable sneezing. It is a condition characterized by frequent and persistent sneezing caused by psychological factors, not by a physical or organic condition. Melina was devastated and at a loss for words. Sid noticed Melina, and he asked Doctor Is this serious? Is this curable? Since Melina’s report says it’s an early stage, it is totally curable, even possible within 3 months, the doctor gave the answer. Melina sighed in relief. The doctor revealed that her cause of psychological intractable sneezing reports the evidence related to psychological stress. It may happen due to not being able to cope with academic pressure and expectations. As a result of the above situation, she was using intractable sneezing as a defense to cope with the stress. He suggested psychotherapy to treat her. After setting a date for treatment, Melina came out of the room and sat at a bench near the children's play area at the hospital. Sid came late after talking to the doctor and joined Melina. Both were sitting on a bench looking at the children playing in the play area. After a few minutes, Melina broke the silence, saying, Sid, do you know? You’re a great friend; thank you for helping me today. Sid nodded with a smile. Asked Melina, So when are you going to talk to your parents? I have to, but not now; I’m a single-parent kid, so parent for me. My dad passed away in an accident when I was a kid. Sorry to hear about your dad. Sid said sympathetically. I’m alright, Sid. Said Melina while looking at the kids playing. What about your father? Melina redirected the conversation. Ahh! My dad and Mom both are professors working at Nearby Engineering College, said Sid. My mom is a teacher too, working in my hometown, said Melina. Sid nodded at her. But working at the same college? Melina asked hesitatingly. Yes, same college but different departments. Yes, your guess is right; it’s a love marriage, and I’m a son of lovebirds, my friend. Sid cleared her curiosity. Melina nodded with a smile, and both giggled at each other. Everything will be alright. Cheer up, Melina. Sid said. Yes, let’s face this! Melina said to herself in a cheerful tone. Suddenly stood up from the bench. Sid gave a puzzled look. Let’s go home, Sid said. Melina started walking, and Sid followed her, saying, Wait for me; I came by car, so let me drop you.
Reached her home and got refreshed. Melina called her mom. She inquired about her health as she was worried about her mom being alone without revealing her health condition. In the morning, she woke up early, planned to go jogging, and went to the ground. Looking at the beautiful sunrise with the chirping of birds, Melina felt the rays of sunshine on herself and enjoyed it, and it was therapeutic for her. While jogging, sneezing episodes started. Achew! Achew! Achew! Hearing the sneezing sound, every head turned toward her. She rushed herself to the home. Hurriedly entered home and drank water, calmed, and asked herself, Why am I running? As she decided to take a few days off to recover, she thought of cooking for herself. She searched for a menu on her phone and went to the supermarket to buy ingredients. Again, sneezing episodes started with the strong sneezes, and she lost all her energy by sneezing. Bought groceries and reached her home tiredly. Changed her plan, skipped cooking, and ate simple bread, egg, and milk as breakfast. Recharging herself, she started reading the books she got from the library. She spent a whole day reading books. Later, she cooked a special dinner for herself and ended the day on a good note. Two days went by, and she arrived at the hospital with Sid for her treatment. Are you sure? You’re going to spend your weekend in the hospital. Melina asked Sid. I’m good. Melina Did you forget I’m studying medicine? I’m curious about the treatment too, said Sid. At least act like a good friend, Melina glared at Sid. I’m just being honest, buddy, said Sid. You’re way too honest, buddy. Melina corrected him. When they were talking, Melina was called for her counseling session. Aid said, All the best to Melina, and Melina rushed to the counseling room.
After counseling, both went to eat lunch. Sid handed her chamomile tea and some books that James gave her for her speedy recovery. I’m about to ask for a book from James, as I’m bored at home, but James is pretty fast. I’ll text him later. Melina Talked to herself. You completed those books already? Sid asked . Yes, I’m completed. I still have to finish my projects, right? Melina said. Melina, you’re worried about your project but not yourself. Take it slow. Use time for rejuvenation. Sid said while eating his food. Melina nodded while thinking.
After reaching home, Melina wrote her to-do list to work on herself. The next day, evening geared up and went to the park for exercise. So when she started sneezing, children in the park looked and laughed at her. But looking at children’s laughter made her feel better. Following her list, she started painting at the canvas, and while painting, sneezing started, and paint shattered on the wall. She began to paint on the wall, and it turned out pretty well. It made her happy. She tried hiking and spends her time admiring nature. Calligraphy, Cycling, Cooking, Pottery Melina became busy with her to-do list. She started journaling and enjoyed writing about everyday joys.
When she got immersed in the activities, her sneezing episodes reduced drastically. On the other hand, she got therapy sessions that resulted in a resolution of symptoms in a period of four weeks and were completely resolved within two weeks.
After a month, Melina visited the library. Greeted James. Melinaaaah! You’re back!” James screamed with joy. Yes, your book club member is back with a bang. Melina laughed at James. James Your chamomile tea really helped with sneezing, so this is my small gift for you, said Melina Handed a gift and went to pick a book. James opened the gift wrapper. It’s a book called Achew! What a great life! By Melina. Melina sat at her regular seat. Reading a book, she noticed a hand placed a water bottle near her, and it’s a custom-made Harry Potter edition. Followed by a male voice Excuse me, ma’am, this is my seat. Hearing a Familiar Voice Melina smiled and said, I’m not moving, you Potterhead! Said Melina handed him a book. It’s a Harry Potter with J.K. Rowling’s autograph in it. Sid was amazed. Is it for me? Can I have it? Sid asked. Yes, of course! You can. It’s my small gift for this useful medical student who helped me. Melina Smiled. Sid took the water bottle used as a magic wand, pointed it at Melina, and said, Sternius. Achooo…Achooo…Achooo…. Ahewww Melina sneezed. Both started laughing at the other.
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