How can you tell that death was approaching?Was it when the lights blur or you feel that this it?I had often wondered.What I had not guessed is as death approached we realise our lives,the ones we make such a paramount fuss about,is actually nothing.Mortality made sure we could only be a blink in the galaxy of lights blinking in the universe.
As the car frantically driven by beloved sister Anjali reached Sanjeevani,I realised the essence of what I was-nothing but a mortal being who had a limit as to the time she could stay here.
That was last thing I could think before the pain in my stomach sharpened to one unbearable agony.I screamed out unable to hold the pain in.
"Quickly Atul please."pleaded my sister.Atul disappeared from her side.
The next thing I remember was the feeling on being on skates.The feeling that the world was moving underneath.Inspite of the ball of pain unleashing its fury inside me I sort of smiled.
I remembered the look on my father's face when he first saw me try to rollerskate.I had fallen and bruised my knee and being throughly admonished by him.At that time I had scowled but now I knew it was all about his love.
Love-that was what surrounded me all through my childhood...Love and dreams...
When had I learn to dream?Who had taught me to?I dont remember-All I remember was that I had always dreamt and they had all shattered.
"Its okay Ridzy.."Anjali said squeezing my hand.
Atul appeared quite distraught.
"Anjali Dr Bakshi is not here.He is in Chennai for the weekend."
"What?""was the horrified reply
I curled my fists.This was the second sign that this would be it.
My death....
I was suddenly sure of it.On one hand I was happy that this would be the end of the agony I had suffered for years-the end of a life that was always incomplete.I had been diagonosed with stomach cancer very early on in life and always fought against it.But there was always a limit.
A limit to the strength of fighting and now I had to give up.
It was a relief in a way.
On the other hand I knew I couldnt just leave now.I had so much unfinished business-so many responsiblities.I was responsible for someone's life now.
Without finishing that my peace would be incomplete.I fought hard against the pain but it won over and I screamed again with my hand clutching my stomach.
"This isnt possible.My sister needs treatment now.You need to do something now or else..."I could hear Anjali's voice as she argued with someone.
"Dr.Bakshi is in Chennai and even if he tries to come here now it might be too late." came the calm reply.
The pain threathened again and this time it came with a blackening out.I knew I was losing consciousness.
"It wouldnt be too late.Nothing is happening to Riddhima."
If I could speak I could tell Anjali that this time she was wrong.But I was on the edge of fainting.The last thing I remember was one curious memory-one beautiful voice-one that I had not heard in years calling on to me.
"Riddhima..Riddhima..this is where heavens fall."
And then I was eighteen again.I ran to him as he stood there with his arms open...I was running flying,my heart racing as I reached him.
His blue eyes looked on tenderly at me and I knew that he was right.
This was heaven!
..............................................................................
"I think you should consider my offer Anjali."Dr.Stanley said slowly
"What it is it?"
"We have a great doctor just returning from US.He has famously developed a range of enzymes which can effective in fighting cancer."
Anjali breathed a sigh of relief.Atul nodded quickly.
"I want him to treat Riddhima.Dont worry about the money."
The doctor smiled.
"I am not worrying.It is just lucky that I know him personally and he agreed to come to India at my invitation.He is quite the cynic but then brilliant people always are.Actually he was just awarded by the US Science community for his brilliance.I will assign him to your sister."
Anjali nodded tears trailing her cheeks.
"You think he can do something?"
"I dont know but he cant...nobody can.He is on his way to see your sister actually."
Atul nodded.
"What is his name again.?"
"Malik...Dr.Armaan Malik."
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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