Chapter 12a-The Pharmacy Story

The Prednisadole

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When Pain Took Over

The frozen shoulder pain had been manageable—or so Shehnaz had convinced herself. But by the time they reached Istanbul airport during their layover, it had gotten worse. Much worse.

The dull ache that had been her constant companion sharpened into something unbearable. Every movement of her arm sent jolts through her shoulder. Sitting still didn't help. Shifting positions didn't help. The pain seemed determined to remind her of its presence with every breath.

That's when Saji reached into her bag and pulled out the Prednisolone she had picked up in Madinah. "Take this," she said simply, handing over the small pill.

Shehnaz didn't hesitate. She popped the pill into her mouth—no water, just urgency. The bitter, sour taste spread across her tongue immediately, making her wince. But she swallowed it anyway, hoping and praying it would work.

Slowly, mercifully, it did.

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At The Pharmacy

The medication itself had its own story—one that had unfolded on their final night in Madinah during their last-minute shopping expedition.

They had found a pharmacy tucked among the shops, and the group walked in with a mission. Saji asked for Prednisolone 25mg. The pharmacist was helpful, retrieving it without hesitation.

Then Soni chimed in. She wanted to buy fish oil and vitamins—halal medications were easier to find in Saudi Arabia, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to stock up. The pharmacist nodded and began pulling items off the shelf, mentioning casually that he had a buy-one-get-one-free offer on certain supplements.

It seemed very expensive.The women exchanged glances, silently calculating, weighing options. After a brief huddle, they decided to buy the fish oil but skip the vitamins.

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The Salesman Emerges

As the pharmacist packed their purchase, he suddenly brightened. "Oh, and ladies—there's a serum you might be interested in. Very good for marks on the face. Very popular."

Ah. There it was. The salesman had emerged.

The women knew exactly what was happening. They'd seen this script before—back home, in malls, in beauty stores, everywhere.

Saji, never one to miss a beat, smiled and said, "We come from the land of the father of all these products—the land of Sephora."

The pharmacist paused. Then he burst into laughter, shaking his head. "You are very clever," he said, grinning wide.

They paid for the medications and walked out, smiling at the exchange. It was a small moment, but it lightened the weight of the evening.

Relief in a Bitter Pill

That same Prednisolone—the one they had debated over, the one Saji had thought to buy—became a lifeline at Istanbul airport. Shehnaz felt the pain begin to ease, the sharp edges softening into something tolerable. She could move her arm again without wincing. She could breathe without bracing herself.

It was a small mercy. But in that moment, it felt like everything.

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