Melissa regained her consciousness on the hospital bed.. It took few minutes for her to remember what happened.. She needed a second to compose herself.. She was in the hospital to have her baby.. She turned around and noticed it was night time.. There were some machines beeping, she had an IV running, she could feel the pain creeping in and her lower half seemed numb.. She saw the bassinet at a distance.. She was thirsty and famished like she's not eaten since days!! She wanted to ring the bell but didnt find the energy to do it!! She stretched her finger out and passed out again just when the nurse walked in.. All she overheard was “The painkiller is making her drowsy, I hope she will be up soon and can comfort her kid!”
She was here to have her baby, her miracle.. Her husband David and she have been trying since years to have a baby.. When the treatments started affecting their health and draining them off, they resorted to adoption and brought home a beautiful baby girl Rachel.. She meant the world to them.. Rachel was a year and half old when they brought her home.. They were living happily enjoying every milestone, living through the pre school days, surviving some tough nights when Rachel fell ill.. It was a bliss and she thanked heavens always for this loving family.. And as a cherry on the cake, she discovered she was pregnant soon after Rachel turned five.. The whole family was excited, Rachel being the most happiest.. She designed the nursery for the baby, read to the baby bump and sang songs while her parents just watched her suddenly growing into an older sister..
She opened her eyes.. Their family picture and banner saying “Congratulations, it's a boy” was hanging.. That was designed by Rachel.. Below it was the picture from their baby shower, Rachel beaming at the rainbow cake with her parents David and Melissa on either side with all of them placing their hands on the baby bump.. The whole frame with a rainbow background: it was Melissa's favorite picture so far as it represented the hope she had post the many miscarriage and failed IVF.. David and Rachel were very thoughtful and made the recovery room beautiful!! But where were they? She looked around and saw the bassinet.. The nurse was nearby checking some files..
Melissa asked for her baby to be brought to her.. But the nurse insisted she does not strain.. She couldn't understand why the nurse said so.. She brought the baby to Melissa and Melissa felt her heart melting seeing the baby.. That perfect child, fast asleep and smiling too!! He was perfect.. She felt pain all over her body but she couldn't stop herself from holding him!! She stretched out her ams to take the baby and that's when she noticed the cast on her arms..
She was just beginning to recollect the day!! It was an accident, the whole family was traveling to the hospital.. Melissa had developed labor pain when they were attending Rachel's annual day program.. They hurriedly picked up Rachel and was rushing to the hospital when a truck rammed into their vehicle.. She remembered looking at Rachel, she was sitting near her in the backseat while David was driving.. She couldn't recall much except that she saw the glass shatter and felt sharp pain with the piercing.. She felt like she saw Rachel falling in front, but those were glimpses and she couldn't recollect it!! She wanted to see David and Rachel immediately..
“Where is my husband and kid?? Are they fine?? I want to see them now!” She screamed and immediately jumped to her feet.. Thats when her brother Sam walked into the room.. “Hey Mel, relax.. Breathe.. Its all OK dear.. Rachel is fine, she's got a broken arm too just like you.. But she's much better.. She's got a princess themed cast.. She took us home and asked us to put up this banner.. She's home with my family.. Mom and dad are flying in today, they will be here soon.” Saying this he turned to the nurse and handed over some medical bag and picked the baby from Melissa..
Melissa was relieved for a split second and then realised that Sam didn't mention David.. “Sam, how's David?? Where's he?? Is he home with Rachel too?” “Mel… Relax a bit OK.. Look at this munchkin, he's so adorable.. Looks like David right?? BTW Dave's parents are here too, they will be in in just a while!!” “Sam, you're dodging the question.. Where's David?”
Sam took a minute to compose himself, placed the baby back in the bassinet and sat near Melissa.. He held her hand saying “Mel, it was a terrible accident.. You were badly hurt and bleeding, they immediately had to operate on you.. Rachel is fine with some minor scratches and a broken bone.. But Dave, he… he isn't so fine dear.. The air bag didnt deploy, the police says he didnt wear the seat belt.. He had a head injury and was in coma.. We were hoping for a sign of improvement which should have happened in 72 hours.. You were unconscious and we had to make a decision and we had no choice but pull the plug..”
Melissa was silent, shocked and reactionless.. Sam gave her some time to process it.. Seeing her still in shock, he gave her a tight hug.. She slowly began weeping, tears wetting his shirt.. From soft sobs it immediately turned into loud wails.. She needed to scream it out!! Dave's parents walked in and both of them and Melissa broke down and wept profusely..
It took another week for Melissa to be discharged.. Her parents and Sam were helping her move out.. Sam brought in a 15 year old boy on a wheel chair and introduced him to Melissa.. “Mel, meet Edward.. He just recently under went a heart transplant.. You remember how Dave always wanted his organs to be donated so that another person can live further?? When we pulled the plug, I signed off for organ donation.. Edward is one of the recipients.. There are four more people who have received Dave's organs.. Sorry that we made this decision without you but it had to be made immediately..”
“Sam, stop apologizing.. I know you did what Dave wanted you to.. I know what you did helped a lot of people.. Dave would be so proud today knowing he made a life altering change in someone else's life!! Edward, come here.. The man that gave you his heart is a great man.. He had lots of love for every living being.. Even though he's passed, his heart beating here should be a reminder to you to do good for others in every possible way!” She was already choking, she couldn't speak further and started weeping again.. Edward hugged her and assured he will do his best and the nurse took him back!!
Sam helped her to the wheelchair, her parents carried the banner.. Rachel was brought in too to meet her mother and baby brother.. Holding the baby in her arms and Rachel by her hand, she told “Jake and Rachel, Dave and I are proud of being your parents.. From here on, we may not see your dad with us.. But remember he's always in our hearts.. Your dad was a good man and died too sharing love.. Thats the person we need to look up to.. That's what I will raise you up to be, a good human being!!”
No comments:
Post a Comment