“Oh, now feel it coming back again
Like a rolling thunder chasing the wind
Forces pulling from the center of the Earth again
I can feel it…”
~ Live.
December 1996, March & August 1997.
Two weeks before finals Michael’s Philosophy classmate, Rupa, asks if he’s ready for their exam. After admitting that he is, Michael offers to help her study but she declines. Later, he buys a copy of “Irrational Man” and gift-wraps it for a Christmas present but never gets an opportunity to give it to Rupa. Meanwhile, Samina nears her due date and spends all of her time in bed while waiting for the release of her latest film.
With Spring semester past the halfway point, Michael talks with Rupa in the campus library. She asks about his classes and how lucky he is to study Philosophy, but though her gift is still in his satchel, he can’t bring himself to give it to her. After their talk, Michael leaves campus and admits to himself that he has feelings for Rupa, while Samina gives birth to a baby girl and names her Jiya.
As summer break winds down, Michael’s hospice internship at St. Clare’s Hospital wraps up. During his final visit with Steve, a patient who insists on calling him “halo man,” Michael is given some heart-felt advice. Later, Michael prowls the halls of a retreat center on Long Island during a midnight thunderstorm and prays for Rupa, and is shocked to see her the next day while driving through Astoria.
