A Desire to Renounce
It had been a tiring night. The old man’s cough wouldn't stop despite all his efforts. Jivak tried the medicine given by the vaidya and when it was finished, he boiled some water in the dead of the night. On a good day, he could have added some cloves to it but today, there was none to be found. But the fits wouldn't stop. He sat by his bedside trying to soothe him by putting a wet towel on his head or by rubbing his chest. It was only when the dawn broke up that his father could catch some sleep. Jivak wrapped the rug around him tightly and despite his best efforts to remain awake, slept with his hand still on his forehead. Soon, his father was wheezing again. The medicinal syrup was over and there was not enough money to buy another one. The last time when Jivak went, the vaidya was kind enough to render a week’s medicine with only half the payment. Jivak thought of heating up some water again but the coughing was growing severe with time. It w...