A Smoldering Wick

Rajeev grew anxious as the clock kept to its pace in a serene rhythm. The silence wreathed the ICU ward and was doubled by the absence of the attenders, he stood there dumbstruck staring at the closed door. Occasionally deep breath escaped his nostrils attesting the struggle of the inept man to keep his cool steady. The words of the Gynecologist resonated in his ears making his hope dwindle further, “pray to God, probably the last resort.” Intuitions about the possible dangers pushed him to all the possible frontiers of thoughts, nothing promising though. Each moment felt to him like a thousand years spent on a hot oven devoid of even a consoling word from anyone. Leaning on the wall painted blue he began travelling back into his eventful life.

Rajeev’s parents were against his relationship with Meera, for she was not fit for the ideal daughter-in-law they envisioned for their only son. When Rajeev tried to make them understand that the compatibility between them was the best possible, they shunned it away with umpteen excuses. In spite of all the oppositions he dared to tie the knot with Meera. It was a dream come true for the newly wed, for their happiness found no bounds. Shortly Meera conceived, and the couple awaited their little bundle of joy. But the happy days failed to sustain long, for an uninvited lump showed up on Meera’s head brought in nervous days ahead. It was noticed by their Gynecologist in a routine checkup. Rajeev was sure the days to come will not be very promising.  The lewd comments and curses showered on them by their kith and kin on their supposed incompatible marriage were much more bearable than waiting for the results in front of the lab. Rajeev was prepared for any aftermath which may follow the tests, for he foreboded the possible results calmly. His only worry was to find a better means to convince Meera about the futility of worrying  about the lump. The result was positive as his premonition was, but he managed to convince her that she was out of danger.

Initial days of chemo proved very rude as it stole away her blonde hair turning her completely bald. Rajeev stood with her throughout the treatment, even shaving off his tonsured head. Days went by quickly with hospital and medications, while they steadily got used to the treatments. Shortly they realized that their old happy days made its return instilling hope into their life. All their attention now turned to the unborn child in Meera’s womb. She was now in her advanced stage of pregnancy. The date was fixed for her delivery as March 14, coincidentally the day of their marriage. They had no one to approach for any help. Rajeev had already resigned his job to care for his ailing wife.

Today March 10, it has been 4 days since Meera has been fighting for her life. Rajeev stood detached outside the ICU with folded hands trying to bribe all the possible gods he knew, for he was ready to pledge anything for his wife’s and child’s life. He could barely see with his heavy eyes his beloved wife battling out in the ventilator. He wanted to repeat it in her ears that she was a warrior and she would make through it successfully. Occasional entry and exit of medical staff not minding Rajeev proved the looming of hopelessness in them too.

“Rajeev…. Rajeev”, Dr. Nirmala called him imposing a fake smile on her pale face. He immediately came back to his senses and began jabbering, repeating his wife’s name.

“Doc tell me how is Meera, how is my child.”

Patting Rajeev’s back Dr. Nirmala said, “Rajeev we are doing our best to save the mother and the child, but!”

“We want you to be hopeful, keep your calm, she will make through for sure.”

Wiping off the sweat accumulated on his forehead, Rajeev continued his anxious waiting.

After a while he heard the cry of an infant……...he was already drenched in sweat, his little boy was screaming beside him trying to get his father’s attention. Meera shouted from the kitchen, wanting him to wake up and pacify the child. It was a Sunday, and Rajeev wanted to sleep long. He sighed holding his little one close to him and wanting to dream further. He noticed with a smile; his bedroom was also painted blue.  

“Yes, she made through, she was a smoldering wick burning bright now.”

Meera was busy in the kitchen……