A Story

(this is a story written when i was in the 8th std, so please read this with a pinch of salt)

She was gazing out of the window of cancer ward watching the children that were playing below. There were a few grown ups swimming in the pool in the adjacent building. Inside the ward the atmosphere was gloomy. A few patients were retching after their chemotherapy. A child was moaning. But Madhuri did not turn her face inside. She felt someone sit beside her and then a cautious Hello. She turned to see a man almost sixty years besides her. Hello, she replied.

They used to meet every evening hence wards. She learnt that he had two sons, of which one had died at the age of four. He lost his wife two years ago to breast cancer. Now his remaining son had some disorder of the kidney and he was searching for a donor for a new kidney.

He never asked anything about her and nor did she volunteer any information. One day he dropped a bombshell on her. He said, “ since you are dying of cancer, why don’t you donate your kidney to my son?” Iam extremely sorry to ask you like this, but I don’t know what else to do. I want him and I need him. I know your name is Madhuri and that your blood matches that of my son. Will you think over it?” I am ready to pay any amount of money.

Madhuri turned her angry and red face towards him. Some sharp retort almost escaped her lips. But the pathetic look on his face somehow had a calming effect on her nerves. “ I will think about it” she said. After he left, a slow sigh escaped her lips. She kept her hot forehead on the cool windowsill.

TWO YEARS LATER.

Hello Papa, I will be returning tomorrow on the 6.30 a.m. flight. Be sure to meet me. I am bringing my beloved with me. See you tomorrow. The old man was in a state of excited anticipation. He was conjuring the image of his future daughter-in –law. He used to write and talk a lot about her.

Next day the old man was up early. He asked the cook keep his son’s favorite breakfast hot and ready.

Soon at the airport he saw his son alight along with a graceful woman clad in a Mysore silk saree, the saree which he had helped his son in choosing. But from far it was difficult to see wether the lady was an Indian or a foreigner.

Before long the son came running to father and fell at his feet and then embraced him. All the while the old man was looking enquiringly at the woman. She looked vaguely familiar. Papa, this is my life, my Madhuri. The name stuck a chord and he remembered her as his son’s kidney donor. But what was she doing with him? I have already made all the payments due to her family and the surprising this was she was looking healthy and beautiful. What happened to her cancer disease?

Madhuri herself was speechless with shock. But the hunted look on her face silenced any questions from him.

Prakash was surprised at his girl friends behavior, for she was always exuberant and lively. I hope she liked my pa. He could not meet her eyes either, for she was looking out at the passing scenario on the road through the car window.

Madhuri was thinking how life takes unexpected turn. She hardly thought that prakash was the old man’s son to whom she had donated her kidney. After so long had she fallen in love with a man and she was sad that this affair would end. Though she could function well with a single kidney, she knew the old man would not let them marry.

Amidst all their thoughts they arrived at the bungalow. It was a huge place and gave her an idea of how rich they were.

There were many relatives who had come to welcome Prakash home from the U.S. of A.  The house fell. silent  only a little after midnight. Madhuri came out of the guest room allotted to her. She found the old man waiting, she knew, for her.

Now i remember i met you in the cancer ward and I have paid you 25 lakhs of rupees.

Yes, you met me at the cancer ward no doubt, but I was not afflicted with the cancer. I used to come there for my friend. She had nobody with her.  She was very dear to me. She and me were two bodies with one soul. Both of us belong to a very rich family and both of us were spoilt. We used to trouble people who were beneath us, like our servants, beggars on the road, poor relatives etc. We hurt many a people in the process. we both were shocked when she was diagnosed with cancer.

I left me the very day I was operated upon. The atmosphere there and the pain in your eyes prompted me to take such a step. Anyway I belong to a very affluent family and spoilt silly. I and my late friend were always up to some prank or the other. We have hurt so many people in the process of having fun ourselves. I thought it would like cleaning of my soul of all the bad-deeds I did. The money you gave me, I donated it to the cancer hospital itself. Since I was doing an advanced course in computers and was quite good at it, I soon got a job which took me abroad. I had not met your son either before or after donating my kidney to him. Coincidentally we met at our work place and fell in love. I know him since the past 11/2 year. I did not scheme on anything as you are implying.”

The old man was filled with remorse. At the same time Prakash who had come to ask what was eating Madhuri after their arrival to their ancestral home overheard the entire conversation.  

I love her very much father. I cant live without her. And after I have the entire tale I respect her a lot. Do give us your blessings.

The old man hugged them both and blessed them saying, May you live a very long life.