TOWARDS DUSK - ranjith



"Doctor ! Please test it once more....are you sure ??" I could sense my Dad's voice in my half-consious state. As I come to my senses, the reality strikes a hard blow. I was watering the plants in the garden, as was my daily routine. I felt the similar pain in my brain, creeping over me in a concentric manner. I had felt this many a time in the past, but none too severe. I remember getting off senses, my panic striken father rushing towards me.....and then i wake up here !
The nurse was checking the strips of tablets, lying besides my bed. She looked at me and managed a weary smile.

"How are you feeling ?"
"yeah ! better..but whats goin on ??"
"Preparations for the operation..."
"What ?? Whose ?"
"hmm...mine !! Didnt anybody tell you ?"
"What ?"
"You are to be operated ...early morning tomorrow !"
"...for what ?"
"yours is a case of mature brain tumor ...need to remove it before its too late !"
"....is it late ?"
She kept mum...walked upto the door......"you 'll know tomorrow !"

I was thrown into a swirl of choastic inferences. My dad entered the room and looking at me......
"How are you feeling ?"
I ve never seen my dad in such a depressed state.....swollen eyes, weathered look...
"Dad ! Whats goin on ? Am i to be operated ?"
"hmm...mum 'll stay with you here, tonight !"
"Pls reply me dad....wassup ?"
"They say its a minor operation....you dont need to .."
"The nurse told me....brain tumor...isnt it ?"
"hmmm.......nothing serious"
Trying not to burst into tears....he could'nt hold back for long......
With a quick lunge, he took me into his arms....and embraced me like he never did .
"Where's mum ?"
"...went to the temple"

I am gonna be fine...absolutely fine....just a minor operation isnt it ? But, I know the truth dont i ? Only 1 or 2 of every 100 survive an mature tumor operation. The fact is that, i have got no time left, to appreciate my feelings. How i wish, i am not here. Will i ever go back to see the world...all those places...home, college, beaches...what not ?? Could i possibly request the doctor for a visit to all those places ?? I do know, its not possible...

A quick glance says the time is 8 P.M...and the operation is scheduled at 5, the next morning. Will i survive it ? My feeble spirit is made to believe in god....."Please help me !!"



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