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….