She was breathing heavily. Probably her last few breaths. The doctors around her were in a state of chaos, trying to resurrect her, trying to manage her falling heartbeat, her rising blood pressure and her failing liver. Despite her bodily pains, she was still conscious; ignorant of the state of emergency around her, mesmerized by old memories , she kept chanting just one thing, one name.
"Lokesh.. " She said softly and innocently. "Lokesh, I want you" she said, with her eyes still closed.
Dr. Samir Dewan looked at the sinking patient on his operation table in the regular blue hospital robe - patient no: 80511, room no: 21, sex: female, age: 18 y/o - Shachi Singh. His best friend's daughter.
"Hold my hand Lokesh, its paining a lot baby. I love you" her voice was barely a whisper.
Dr. Dewan gazed at her in awe. In shock. In sadness.
Shachi had been like a daughter to him too. It felt just like last week when she was born. He remembered everything. Of how as a baby, she would sleep in his lap only, and her infatuation for chocolates, which only grew with time. Of how she transformed from a naughty little kid to a beautiful young lady, nobody seemed to notice that.
And then the day they all discovered that she's suffering from cancer.
He felt a heavy lump in his throat and a tear escaped his eyes.
What rubbish! She was his patient. He was her doctor. He just had to try to treat her, and that's all. He knew he won't succeed, it was too late for that. Most of his patients did not survive, and those few who did, lived anything but a depleted life, and that too not for long. Eventually everyone succumbed to it.
Yea. But her 'eventually' should've come long ago already. She should've been dead months ago. She should've been dead this morning, when her liver, lungs and kidneys gave up completely. Still, she was holding on;fighting. Her body just wasn't giving up.
Why? Could love be the reason, the explanation. To love someone so deeply and sincerely at just the age of 18. Really ? Is it even possible ? It was ridiculous..
"Lokesh, baby I love you. Please come to me." Her eyes still closed. Her voice was breaking, still there was tremendous calmness and restrain in her demeanor. Her face was calm and serene, she was still hopeful.
"One last hug baby." She whispered, probably her last words. The desperation in her weak voice was imminent.
Dr. Dewan broke down. His patience gave up. He had made a terrible mistake. He was responsible for bringing her in this condition. He was guilty for making her do the wrong thing. Now Shachi wanted Lokesh and there was no chance he could make him fly thousands of miles and be with her in time. Still, he tried. He wanted to do all that he could,anything to make up for his deeds.
He turned around, tears firmly placed in his eyes, and hissed to his head nurse. " Call up Lokesh Mehra in India, tell him its an emergency." Before his throat choked.
He was crying freely now. He put his hand on her forehead. All the other doctors around him were still working on her frail body. He brought his face closer to hers and whispered in her ear " Don't worry sweetheart, I'm bringing Lokesh. Till then , hang on." And with that, he kissed her forehead
Her face curled up in a very faint smile..
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