(An excerpt -My short story from an anthology I have co-authored -Lockdown Emotions, Unvoiced Heart Publications, Available on Amazon )
He knew there was more to come. The day had just begun and his patients were streaming in. The city’s leading neurosurgeon, Dr Amit Sharma started his day before dawn. This was his routine for the past 17 years. So then why was he feeling uneasy today? He somehow dreaded the day that was unfolding before him. Something told him that he shouldn’t be at work today. Where else was he supposed to go? The home he built was no longer familiar to him. His life was at the hospital. On days filled with surgeries, he didn’t even bother going home to sleep. On other days, he went after his family was asleep and returned even before anyone could see him. Life was fast-paced.The power, fame, money he enjoyed was addictive. He was the provider, he was the miracle worker, He was the Neuro God!
Shaking off the distressed feeling, Amit walked into a critical patient’s room for a consult. And then he knew. Before seeing her battered face, he recognized her. She was the love of his life. She was the one who taught him to count stars, to play in the rain, to watch the kites fly. As he reached out, her tiny hand slipped into his. Barely being able to speak, she spluttered- ‘’Papa, You came. ‘’
The miracle worker lost his words. He had missed her school drama in which she was the princess. He asked to be left out when the family went to the zoo. He had forgotten the day he was supposed to take her to the park. He was saving lives, but he took for granted that he had a daughter who needed him.
He heard his wife crying and telling him how their little girl had crossed the road to go to the neighborhood park. A careless, drunk driver appeared from nowhere and changed their lives forever. ‘’You have to save her, Amit. You have to bring our child back, ’’the distraught mother cried.
The Neuro God walked into the Operating room, with his wife’s words haunting his ears. Could he do it? Was it worth giving up his family for all this fame? Could he bring back his very own child to life? Could he play God once more?
By Mini Balakrishnan
Love your life 