I woke up and found myself at the hospital. I did not remember on time, what brought me there. When I opened my eyes, at first, my eyes were blurry. After five minutes, my eyes became clearer. I looked around and I saw my mum in tears. Then I remembered what happened in school.I didn't know the reason why she was crying; I thought she thinks I would die that is why she was crying. But now am awake. She did not react happily when I woke up. Instead, she cried the more. I became afraid. I did not need anyone to tell me what has happened. It was written all over the tears my mother shed. I couldn't hold it. I started to cry, uncontrollably. My mom moved closer to me and placed her head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arms around her and patted her.
"Mother, I can sense what you are feeling deep down. Please save your tears for another time, when I will be living in this world.If you cry when I am still alive, what will you do when I am dead? I know my fate and I have accepted it. " "My father..." I said, trying to continue expressing my feelings, then my mom shut me up:
"Stop right there. Don't talk. Just keep quiet. You don't know how I am feeling inside. You can't sense it. There are two special days in my life; my wedding anniversary and your birthday. You and your father are the reasons for my happiness. You both are like the left and right sides of my heart. The right side left me alone in the middle of despair. It handed over all its responsibilities to the left side, which is you. Now, look at my poor daughter. You are getting closer to your grave day after day. Is this how I'm going to watch you die slowly? Your father died a slow and painful death. I watched him die in pain and couldn't save him. I can't allow that to happen to you. If you go, how will I live? My heart will stop beating.My daughter, fight to live for me. " She said, crying aloud.
My hands were still around her. I didn't know what to say to her. We just kept crying. The doctor walked in.
"Tara, you are awake? After three good days,
On hearing what he said, I was shocked.
"Three days!" I exclaimed.
You have been warned not to engage in activities that will make you gasp for breath. Though it is not your fault, you should have remembered your condition and practiced your therapy. That is why you were taught. In case of an emergency, like what happened in your school, you would have walked-run like you were taught. If there is a need for you to run, do that intervally, not consistently—run, stop, walk—run, run, stop. I am sorry to say this, but your condition has worsened. This time, you have to be extremely careful. It took you three days to regain consciousness. You still have years to live. You may not die today, tomorrow, or next year. Just follow the protocols. You might be spared an early death. I felt somehow uplifted by his words. That's how he comforts me, just as he did during the time my father was alive. He told me my father would live a long time if I didn't stress him and take care of him. But now, those words are dust. I now know that he speaks those comforting words to keep you going and make you feel better than before. I cleaned up the tears of my mother. I told her: "Mother, no matter what, I will always be with you till the end." I will keep all the promises I have made to you. "
"Tara" I don't remember any promises you made except for one. You promised to fulfill it. "I am asking you again: 'Will you keep to your words?' she said, trying to calm herself."
"Name it, mother, and I will fulfill it." I said with eagerness.
"You promised never to leave me and that you would do your utmost best to live." Do you still remember? She said warmly.
I was speechless. I couldn't reply to her. Tears dropped from one of my eyes.
"Hmmm..." She sighed heavily.
"If you can't fulfill that promise, don't fulfill any other promises," she said concludingly.
She went down to my feet and kissed them; this is a way she says "I love you".
I fell asleep due to the sweet nightingale songs she sang. I was still asleep when Asher and his mother came to the hospital to see me. I was disturbed from sleep by the way Asher shouted 'Thank God' because he heard I was awake. He sat close to me on the bed and placed his hand on my cheek and said, "I miss you." During that period, my heart started to beat fast. The way my heart was beating was a strange one. I could feel it beat happily. For the first time, I could hear my heart beat. Could it be the beat of that feeling you have when you are close to someone you love? My heart is racing.This time, I was scared that I was in love. I did not want it to lead to an attack, so I woke up. His charming face melted my heart. I was so obsessed with his beauty that I did not know when my heart beat became normal. We stirred at each other for a long time. His phone rang, and he had to look away. I got up to sit down when I noticed my mom and Asher's mom were not in the ward. He hung up the call and asked when they both left, and I said I had no idea.
He then sat closer to me and placed his hand around my waist.
" Tara. I am really sorry about your condition. I was shocked the day I saw you gasp for breath and fell to the ground. I thought you were asthmatic, but I found out that you are a CAD patient. I may not be able to feel your pains but I want you to know that I am with you and would love to bear your pains with you. That's what friends are."
I felt encouraged and loved. I placed my head on his shoulder and whispered 'thank you'. He held my hands and pecked me on my forehead. The feelings I felt that day, I never felt it before.