One more chance………
“Oxygen” says the doctor and Sister is ready
with an oxygen mask.
“It’s the third time Sir” Sister is whispering to
doctor and putting the mask on my nose.
“We have to Shift him to ICU.” Doctor instructs
to junior doctor and tell him to complete all formality.
“Mr.Shabir Khan’s relative, please contact ICU”
I assume this announcement was done from the announcement desk.
“Come here ASAP because the doctor just
informed that his condition is critical so, they are shifting Abu to ICU.” Says
Arman on the phone. I shaked his hand like a child and tried to tell something.
But he is so busy on the phone that he did not hear my voice. I tried it again,
louder than last time, but it did not work.
Suddenly monitor machine beeps and Arman looks
at me .I again shake his hand.
“Yes Abu” he leaned towards me and tried to
listen to me.
“Call Ammi and Irfan, I want to see them.”I said.
My eyes full of tears. Every part of my body
was paining. I did not want to be in this condition now as I have some promises
to fulfill.
I don’t
know since how many days I am in the hospital. I have a feeling that I have
always lived like a patient. Many days and night have passed but I see the roof
of the hospital every time I open my eyes. I long to see the roof of my home. I
am lost in these thoughts.
When Rubina, my wife, touch my forhead,I opened
my eyes . Her eyes were as beautiful as I saw it at our first night. Only her
cheek skin got lose.
“Do not worry, you will be home very soon”
Even today, she is trying to say only those
words which I wanted to hear.
I am Shabir
khan a retired government engineer. I have lived my life in a disciplined way
since childhood. I decided that I would enjoy my life after my marriage .When
my Abu passed away I was only twenty five years old. I had to get married sooner
rather than later to take care of my old mother and three younger sisters
On our first night I promised Rubina that we
will enjoy our lives after my sister gets married. I requested her to cooperate
with me.
Rubina was so beautiful whenever I touched her
body her softness allured me .After we got intimate I felt contented and
promised myself that we would enjoy our lives. As time passed we had our child
and my decision changed again. I decided that we would enjoy our lives after retirement.
Rubina always stood beside me in all ups and down of my life. Sometime her
tired face reminds me my promises.
After retirement I thought, I will enjoy my
life after I built my own house. God give me many chances to enjoy his gift but
I always postponed it for tomorrow. I feel so guilty. I only made promises to
her and fulfilled any of them and still, she always stood by my side!
Today on
this bed I am praying - please give me one more chance so that I can enjoy my
life with Rubina. I wanted to pay her beneficence. She is waiting for me. I say
this to myself every time I look at the ceiling of the hospital. One more
chance….