Sweven

I drived as fast as I could from my office to home, all the while muttering ‘waheguru’ under my breath and checking my phone for Deekshu or Riya’s call whenever there was no traffic or I was stuck in a traffic jam. I could not even control my tears when the thought that the dreams that we had decorated for the past seven months may not become true came to my mind. Nearing the Friends Club in Lonavala, I found a huge traffic jam. Frustrated, I called up Riya. I blurted when i heard the line connect,”How is Deekshu?” Riya said,”I have admitted Di to the nearby hospital. Doctors said her bleeding is severe for seven months but they will try their level best not to hurt the child she is carrying or her. Come fast as you can, Jiju.” As soon as the call disconnected, I broke down. Still I drived and reached the hospital where Deekshu was admitted according to the location Riya had sent me. I rushed to Riya. Riya just pointed toward the operation theatre and said,”She needs you.” I ran and entered the O.T. wearing the dress the attendant provided me. Seeing her inside like that I felt half of me died that instant. Still, being strong, I told the doctors to start the operation while I held her hand and sang to her, a lullaby, which she loved.

One year later…….

I bought two cakes from the flower vendor’s shop on my way home from office. I went home and cut the cakes. While eating them I thought,”The irony of my life is that on this today when I would have celebrated my wife’s and my daughter’s birthday, I mourn two deaths.”