25 January 315 pm

We met Dr. Hansa Shahi, his first gastroenterologist (also his endoscopist, colonoscopist and fan), this morning. She's one of those no-nonsense, straight-talking toughies who briskly discussed the possibilities of the colonic mass being either tubercular or having Krohn's disease and laid out some options for the surgeon. Net result of the discussion: she's veering towards Krohn's disease.

And then she looked him in the eye and told him how she felt he would come through this just fine, given how well he's tolerated the endoscopy and colonoscopy. She said it was just her gut-feeling (do gastroenterologists have any other kind?), but she's been right twice before - once (unfortunately) on the outcome of the first endoscopy and again on the outcome of the colonoscopy. So we hope she's right this time too.

And of course, Shanks has a date with her. They're planning a single-malt evening post the surgery. If anything's going to get him through the op, that's probably it.

Or maybe that plus all the goodwill. Chitra, Neela and Chander's daughter, sent him a pythonic hug. She's also called Kaa-la so you know her hug is s-s-s-simply the real deal. Kuki and Da (both in their 80's) gamely trekked 1 1/2 hours in and out to have lunch with him. His younger sister, Ruma, who adores him (and who radiates little waves of good cheer and kindness) will be here tomorrow afternoon. And of course the goodwill from all of you who have asked for unobtrusive updates.

More this evening. I think three updates is overambitious - looks more like twice. Stand by for more.