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Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: - A Critical State

As soon as Ekaksha Bhat collapses on the ground, Dr.Shah examines him. He tells Shuhul to call for ambulance and starts performing CPR on Ekaksha Bhat.

They admit him to nearby super specialty hospital. Dr.Arvik Shah and other doctors get busy in stabilizing Ekaksha Bhat's vitals. After struggling for an hour, they are successful in stabilizing the vitals.

Shuhul and Sunaina are tensed and are waiting outside the ICU.

Dr.Shah: "Shuhul! Don't worry, your father is out of danger for now. But we cannot tell anything yet, he has sustained an heart attack. We will try our level best."

Shuhul: "Thankfully by God's grace you were present when my father sustained heart attack. If you weren't there, we would have lost him. Thank you sir, how will I ever repay you?"

Dr.Shah: "You and Sunaina go and have dinner, take rest. I'll be here in the ICU to take care of your father. Don't worry."

Shuhul and Sunaina feel relieved, they thank Dr.Shah and go for dinner.

Dr.Shah is continuously monitoring Ekaksha Bhat. There are many questions running in his mind.

Dr.Shah(in his mind): "Why was Bhatji staring at me, as if he recognizes me? Why did he collapse after seeing the pendent? What was he trying to tell me? I hope he recovers soon, his son is very concerned."

Suddenly his phone rings.

Manvi: "Arvik! Where are you? Why are you not replying to my messages? Is everything alright?"

Dr.Shah narrates everything to Manvi.

Manvi: "Don't worry Shah, everything will be fine. Take care of yourself and Ekaksha Bhat. If there is something I can do please let me know."

Dr.Shah cuts the call, he notices that Ekaksha Bhat is murmuring something in semiconscious state.

Ekaksha Bhat: "Me gassi din maafi, Mahbeer! Me gassi din maafi….."

He is speaking in a language that Dr.Shah is not able understand. He calls the duty nurse and asks her the meaning

Duty Nurse: "Sir, he is speaking in koshur language and is asking for forgiveness from a person named Mahbeer."

Dr.Shah thanks the nurse and meets Shuhul.

Dr.Shah : "Shuhul, your father is murmuring Mahbeer in semiconscious state. You better call Mahbeer here."

Shuhul(in a puzzled tone): "I don't know any person by this named, neither has father mentioned about him before. I'll try to enquire sir."

The night passes on, Dr.Shah doesn't sleep the whole night. He is continuously monitoring Ekaksha Bhat.

Next morning around 7.30 am Ekaksha Bhat opens his eyes. Dr.Shah and duty nurse feel happy and relieved.

Dr.Shah goes near Ekaksha Bhat, to check on him. Ekaksha Bhat suddenly holds Dr.Shah's hand and is trying to tell something.

Dr.Shah: "Bhatji, please don't tell anything. You need to rest, talking now might be dangerous, we will talk later."

But still Ekaksha Bhat continues speaking.

Ekaksha Bhat: "It's because of my mistake your parents died, I'm glad that you are alive! Umika will forgive me now, I'm sorry my son, I'm sorry... "

Suddenly there is fluctuation in Ekaksha Bhat vitals. Dr.Shah, Duty doctor and nurse try their level best, but are unable to save Ekaksha Bhat.

Shuhul and Sunaina are in grief, Dr.Shah meets them.

Dr.Shah(in consoling tone): "I'm sorry Shuhul, we were not able to save him, we tried our level best. These are hospital discharge documents, I have finished all the procedures, just a sign is needed. Either wife, son or guardian can sign it. Will you please sign here?"

Shuhul: "Sir, my mother is on her way to hospital. It would be better if she signs it."

Dr.Shah(in confused tone): "Ok! Is she ill too? Because I didn't see her either in your house, neither did she come to hospital even when Ekaksha Bhatji was admitted."

Shuhul: "It's a long story Sir. When I was 6 years old, mother received a letter, after reading which my parents had a big fight. There after mother never spoke to father. He asked for forgiveness everytime in all possible ways, but it was useless. That was one of the reason for his stress and ill health."

Shuhul starts crying, Dr.Shah consoles him.

Suniana supports Umika Bhat to the hospital. Umika Bhat is Ekaksha Bhat's wife, she is 55 years old fair, lean lady. Wearing a cream-colored kurta and dupatta covering her head. She is wearing a dark blue colored pashmina shawl, she is in grief and trying her level best to control her tears.

She sits next to her husband, holds his hands, sobs in grief.

Shuhul consoles his mother.

Dr.Shah is sitting on the waiting couch holding the pendent in his hand. The hospital papers are lying on the table in front. He is completely blank, his mind is only thinking about Ekaksha Bhat's words.

Shuhul accompanies his mother to the waiting couch, introduces her to Dr.Shah and goes to arrange for the funeral. Umika is surprised, her eyes shine differently, they reflect happiness even though her face shows grief.

Dr.Shah: "Namaste, I'm really sorry for your loss. Please sign these papers."

Umika Bhat comes near Dr.Shah keeps her hand on his shoulder

Umika: "I'm happy that you are alive son. I can now forgive my Husband!"

Dr.Shah: "Do you know me Maaji (respectful way of addressing elderly women in hindi)? We have never met before!"

Umika Bhat: "I can never mistake in recognising the family pendent and son of my close friend Zooni Saidha."