Chapter 35
The next morning, Dr. Rocky’s office called to schedule Manisha’s follow-up appointment for later that same day. Dr. Rocky had made it his top priority to see her, and she was grateful that he had made room in his schedule for her so quickly.
As she sat in his office, she couldn’t help but wish it were a confessional, where she could spill all her Sunil sins. She still hadn’t answered his last email, and it was eating her up inside. Sober or not, she had no idea how to respond.
“Manisha, good to see you again,” Dr. Rocky greeted warmly as he sat down, looking effortlessly stylish in a fitted green shirt. Dolce & Gabbana, Manisha noticed, but she quickly pushed the thought aside. She was on a “designer diet” these days.
“I believe your main concern is timing, correct?” he asked, his voice soothingly professional.
“When…” Manisha faltered. “How much time do I actually have?”
Dr. Rocky leaned back slightly, exhaling thoughtfully before answering.
“Well, biologically speaking, women’s fertility begins to decline around age thirty-five, and egg quality and quantity can decrease more rapidly in your late thirties.
But that doesn’t mean you’re out of time.
You do have a window, but your results are suggesting the sooner you make a decision, the better it is for the viability of the eggs when it comes time to use them.
In other words, freezing them while your ovarian reserve is still strong will give you the best chance for success. ”
Manisha nodded, her mind racing. She had always planned everything down to the smallest detail—career, life, even her future wedding—but now, for the first time, she was facing something well beyond her usual control.
Dr. Rocky continued, “You came to me initially to freeze your eggs, right? And we’re talking about egg cryopreservation—the process where we retrieve and freeze your eggs for future use.
It’s a good option for women who aren’t quite ready to have children but want to preserve fertility for later.
The sooner we can do this, the higher the quality of the eggs. ”
Manisha took a deep breath. “It’s just that having children is a priority for me,” she said, trying to stay calm.
Dr. Rocky met her eyes with a reassuring look.
“And I understand that. That’s why I’m suggesting we don’t wait too long.
You’ve got a solid career, and you’re very focused on your future.
I have no doubt that your Prince Charming will show up when the time is right.
But in the meantime, we can preserve your fertility so you’re fully prepared when you do decide to start a family. ”
She felt a lump in her throat as the gravity of it all hit her. She had always been the polished, put-together one. But now, with her finances a mess, how could she admit she wasn’t the person everyone thought she was?
Tears burned at the back of her eyes, but she rubbed at them quickly, pretending she was just fatigued.
“Dr. Rocky,” Manisha began carefully, trying to keep her tone casual, “could you remind me of the cost again?” She tried to sound as though money wasn’t a concern.
Dr. Rocky glanced over his notes, flipping through the pages with a practiced motion. “From our initial consultation, the estimated cost would be around 50 K.”
Manisha absorbed the number. That was what she’d remembered. She gave a nod, mentally trying to calculate how she could make this work. Even though she knew she couldn’t.
“Is there anything else I can help with today?” Dr. Rocky asked.
“No, I think you’ve covered everything,” Manisha said, taking a deep breath. “You’re right—it’s about timing. The sooner we do this…”
“The better the outcome,” he finished. “Manisha, I truly believe this is the right step for you. You’re in great hands.”
She smiled faintly, trying to keep her composure. “Thank you, Dr. Rocky.”
“Fantastic! Let’s get started with the paperwork,” he said, standing up to walk her out. “My receptionist will take care of the details, including payment. This is a big step, and it’s a sign of how committed you are to your future and to motherhood.”
He cleared his throat. “How’s your mother? I didn’t get a chance to talk to her much at the wedding, but she looked fantastic. Really, she hasn’t changed a bit,” Dr. Rocky said, a hint of nostalgia entering his voice.
“Umm, I’ll tell her you said hi. Thanks again, Dr. Rocky,” she replied evenly, though her thoughts were a whirlwind of bewilderment and anxiety, though mostly the latter.
“It’s my pleasure,” Dr. Rocky replied, opening the door for her.
As she stepped into the corridor, her nerves began to bubble up. The thought of her credit cards being declined at reception, the reality that Dr. Rocky would know she was struggling financially—it all made her stomach tighten. Would she really be able to move forward with this?
“I can’t do this,” she muttered to herself.
It was a slap in the face to her future that she couldn’t afford what she needed in the present because of her past. With a shuddering breath, she whizzed past reception and out of the clinic, trying to avoid the embarrassment of her situation.