Chapter 6 #2
“Okay, how soon are we talking?”
“Your results indicate that your body might be aging more rapidly than expected. To be candid, freezing your eggs should take priority for you,” Dr. Rocky stated.
“What do you mean?” Manisha asked, her brow furrowing in confusion. “I’m only thirty-four.”
“While thirty-four is still considered relatively young for starting a family, some women in their early thirties encounter fertility challenges that might not be immediately obvious,” Dr. Rocky explained.
“Your blood work and ultrasound results suggest that you may need to take a more cautious approach in your fertility journey.”
“Cautious?” Manisha parroted, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over her.
“Manisha, if you’re considering starting a family, I recommend we act quickly to facilitate the egg-freezing process. This includes medications, regular appointments with me, and some lifestyle changes, like cutting back on alcohol.”
“Alright…” Manisha said, trying to wrap her head around his words.
“Timing and age are crucial factors in your fertility journey. While it’s common for women your age to consider egg freezing, your specific findings suggest that delaying this decision may hinder your chances of successful pregnancies in the future.
Your ovarian reserve, which refers to the number and quality of eggs left in your ovaries, appears to be aging faster than what’s typical for someone your age, ultimately impacting the quality of your eggs,” Dr. Rocky continued.
His expression shifted to convey earnest concern as he clasped his hands on the desk. “I want to stress the importance of making decisions now. Considering your results, I recommend starting the next steps for freezing your eggs as soon as possible.”
“As soon as possible?” Manisha repeated in disbelief.
“We’re merely taking a few extra steps to ensure you have the family of your dreams.”
Slowly, her shock made way for coherent thought. “So, what you’re saying is that thirty-four isn’t the new twenty-four but rather more like forty-four for someone in my situation—and that I haven’t exactly reversed the aging process?”
Dr. Rocky raised an eyebrow. “Not exactly. I meant that choosing to freeze your eggs could ultimately provide you with peace of mind. As a busy lawyer, you no doubt understand the importance of having a safety net.”
“Yes, I do want that safety net. That’s exactly why I’m here—my mother…well, she emphasized the need for future planning.”
“Good! Modern technology offers many pathways,” Dr. Rocky continued. “And since there’s no guarantee on the number of viable eggs we collect and freeze, have you given any thought to embryo freezing?”
Cue the shock again. “But don’t I need, well…sperm for that?”
“Yes,” he confirmed, his tone gentle but firm. “It’s an option worth exploring, Manisha. We can provide you with a list of reputable sperm banks, allowing you to select a donor. Either option should be made a priority.”
“I can’t believe I’m even considering all of this,” Manisha admitted, feeling lost amid a whirlwind of new information. “That was never even on my radar.”
He glanced down at her patient chart. “How long do you plan to stay in Baskin?”
“Until I find a new job,” Manisha muttered.
Dr. Rocky looked up, slightly puzzled. “Sorry?”
“I mean, I’m looking into a new job here in Baskin,” she clarified.
He nodded slowly. “I recommend that you go home, think everything over and weigh the costs.” His eyes fell on the brand-new Chanel bag in her lap.
“These procedures can be quite expensive. But Ruby—your mother—mentioned that you’ve had great success as a lawyer and that you’ve recently become senior partner. ”
“Yes. That’s right,” she replied, her voice taking on a mouselike quality.
Just then, Dr. Rocky’s office phone rang.
“Excuse me for a moment,” he said, picking up the line.
Manisha didn’t know where to focus, so she kept her gaze on him.
“Of course! I’ll see her next week. And just one second…” Dr. Rocky began typing on his computer. “And she’s all paid up! Fifty thousand dollars, correct. Can you ensure she receives a receipt for the full amount?”
Manisha’s eyes widened at the mention of fifty thousand dollars.
Dr. Rocky hung up the phone and turned his attention back to her.
“Another patient of mine, someone you might relate to. She’s freezing her eggs, too.
Now, where was I…Oh, look at the time! We need to get you on your way; you’ve been at the clinic all morning.
You’ve got a lot on your plate, young lady.
” With that, Dr. Rocky stood up, signalling the end of her appointment.
“I know that all this information can be overwhelming, but I assure you, my team and I are devoted to providing you with unwavering support no matter which option you choose.” He rounded the desk and walked toward the door. Manisha stood, following in a daze.
“And don’t worry; this conversation remains confidential, as it does with all my clients,” he continued. “Your mom won’t receive any updates from me.”
She managed a polite nod.
He paused, hand on the doorknob, his expression sombre.
“It’s ultimately up to you to make an informed decision once you’ve reflected on what we discussed today.
And keep in mind”—he flung the door open and stepped aside—“there are plenty of eligible bachelors in Baskin. You could find yourself a husband in just a few weeks. Who knows, maybe you’ll bump into Prince Charming on your walk home. ” He flashed her a toothy smile.
Dr. Rocky was starting to sound like Uncle Parm.
“In just a few weeks?” Manisha shot back incredulously. “It takes longer for my couture to arrive from India, Dr. Rocky.”
“Well, we aren’t ordering a man from India, Manisha.” He chuckled.
“Is that an option?” Manisha asked, half joking, as she dragged her feet out of his office.
“Stop by reception on your way out and they’ll have some informational pamphlets on what we discussed today. Take care now, Ms. Patel.”
Manisha stood at the top of the clinic steps, her heart racing and palms damp.
She tried to calm the whirlwind of thoughts in her head.
Dr. Rocky had delivered something completely unexpected.
Instead of the straightforward “bang, bang, shoot, shoot” she was anticipating, he had dropped a string of bombshells on her: rapidly aging eggs, fifty thousand dollars, embryo freezing, sperm selection, couture husbands.
The words reverberated in her mind, leaving her with little time to absorb the weight of them all.
Everything was shifting at lightning speed, mirroring the transformations happening within her own body.
She glanced at her phone, struck by how much the appointment had taken out of her.
All she wanted was to retreat to the comfort of her bed, but she had promised Rohit that she would meet him at Chai Time in less than an hour.
Deena had made it clear that not helping him would mean disappointing many people.
It wasn’t just about Rohit; it was about his father, Mr. Khanna, who had always been there for her family when they needed it.
She owed it to him to prioritize helping his family, even if that included Rohit.
But first, she had to speak with Deena. She quickly texted her, insisting they meet at Chai Time for what she called an “emergency.”
And indeed, it was an Egg-Freezing Emergency.