Darkness of Past

CHAPTER ONE

HOSTEL

In Sector 14 of Gurgaon, a girls Hostel was buzzing with on looking girls in front of Room No. 303 where a young Doctor Keerti was lying unconscious on the Floor. The Hostel is mostly occupied by young nurses and Doctors due to its proximity to City Line Hospital where majority of them work. Sector 14 of Gurgaon is a happening place of the city so preferred by young budding professionals to stay in Sector 14.

Inspector Rohan along with Constable Hemu pushed his way through the girls gathered in front of Room No. 303 constantly gossiping about Keerti. Rohan ordered Hemu to send Keerti’s dead body for postmortem immediately. Rohan asked the girls who can tell me about Dr. Keerti? Who knows her best? A girl in the crowd said. Her roommate Dr. Maya Rao is her best friend. Rohan asked Dr. Maya’s number from the on looking girls and called her to come to Room No. 303 immediately. Dr. Maya came to Room No. 303 after half an hour panting and puffing. Yes, please. I am Dr. Maya. How can I help you Inspector? Rohan observed Maya who must be in her early 30s of light brown colour, with jet black hair of waist length having sharp beautiful features and 5 feet 6 inches tall speaking in heavy south Indian accent of her native State Andhra Pradesh. Her reassuring sparkling dark brown eyes were complemented by a sweet dimple on her right check which surfaced out on every smile.

Why don’t we sit down in the Room and talk instead of creating a scene here in the crowd. Gently said Rohan. Yeah, sure Rohan Garu. What is Garu asked Rohan. In Telugu (the language of Andhra Pradesh) Garu means Sir assured Maya. Both of them sat on two chairs kept in the room behind the study table. Rohan took a paper and pen to note down her statement. Shall we start? How do you know Dr. Keerti? We were the college mates in VIMS College of Physiotherapy, Vijayawada of Andhra Pradesh. I am 2 years senior to Keerti. After passing our physiotherapy course, we came to Gurgaon to start our career in City Line Hospital. Keerti started her job last year only. What was her daily routine, her friends and enemies? Asked Rohan. Ayyappa, as a Physiotherapist, we have very tough life. Keerti and I took the room in this hostel due to its proximity to the Hospital to save our commuting time. We get up at 5:30 a.m. as our duty hours start from 7:30 a.m. in the Hospital. After reaching the Hospital, we start with ICU patients first and then visit OPD patients. Keerti had specialized in Neurology. Therefore, majority of her patients are related to neuro problems which requires a lot of physical work and psychological support to do their physiotherapy. Officially, we have 9 hours duty but it stretches to 12 to 14 hours for six days in a week. Sometimes, we go on Sundays as well. Told Maya. Apart from you who were her friends and boyfriends etc. asked Rohan.

Apart from me, she had only one more friend or you can say boyfriend. Dr. Ajay who works in the same Hospital. One more thing. Yesterday night she was badly exhausted mentally and physically after coming back from the dinner with Dr. Ajay. Though she mentioned me as a Perfect Evening and had put a Dinner Picture on her What’s App DP and on Facebook with status line of ‘Perfect Evening’ but I knew she was exhausted mentally to a breaking point. She was even roaming restlessly in the room during night. I asked her many times to calm down and sleep else she would get late in reporting to the Hospital. I offered my help for any type of problem she was having but she didn’t talk at all and was uneasy throughout the night. Probably she slept around 3:00 a.m. for never waking up. Informed Maya with a sob. Rohan noted down her Statement on Paper and kept it in his upper pocket after neatly folding it. If you remember anything else then just give me a call. Said Rohan going out of the Room.

CHAPTER TWO

DR. AJAY

Rohan entered in the cabin of Dr. Ajay, a smart man in white and pink colour who must be in his mid-30s. Ajay looked up from his computer screen wondering about the uniformed visitor. Yes, how can I help you? Asked Ajay. Hi, I am Inspector Rohan investigating sudden demise of Dr. Keerti. Rohan started flurry of questions sitting opposite to Ajay. What was your relationship with Dr. Keerti? We both work here as Physiotherapists under our HOD Dr. Kavita. Apart from being a colleague, Keerti and I are intimate friends. Her sudden demise has shaken me from inside so much that I am not able to concentrate on my patients since her death. How intimate you were with Keerti asked Rohan. Intimate in all sense Inspector as two adults of opposite sex can be. We used to share jokes, our problems and sometimes had lunch and dinner together. Oh you forgot to mention about sharing the bed together. Said Rohan with a frown.

As per the postmortem report, she was six months pregnant. Was this the reason of killing her Dr. Ajay? What? That’s impossible. Occasionally, we had indulged in intercourse but we had always done it with precaution and safety measures. Then, it might be somebody else’s baby informed Rohan yawning. Don’t cross your limits Inspector. Ajay shouted. At that very moment, a Lady in her mid-40s wearing white Doctor Coat entered the cabin. Her features and figure indicated about the ruin of a glorious beautiful building of past who has preferred to remain single to focus on her career. What is happening Ajay? Keerti gone. Maya is on leave. Patients are waiting and you are busy in chatting with this Gentleman. Rohan turned to her. Hi, I am Inspector Rohan. Hello, I am Dr. Kavita HOD of Physiotherapy Department of the Hospital. Can we talk for a while asked Rohan. Yeah sure. Ajay, can you take the therapy session of the waiting patients. Said Kavita sitting on the chair. Rohan started his questions at the instance. Tell me whatever you know about Keerti. She was a petite girl of 27 years with attractive features but had marks and scars of teenage pimples on her face. With 5 feet 2 inches height and jovial nature, she was the most popular Physiotherapist amongst the patients. She had very weak eyesight so much that without spectacles she could not see anything. She was also diabetic on daily insulin injections for keeping the diabetes under control. Suddenly, Rohan’s phone rang. He picked up the call taking excuse of Dr. Kavita. Yeah Hemu. Post Mortem Report has come. That’s wonderful. What? Rohan’s expressions changed. After ending the call, he turned to Kavita. I have a news for you. Keerti didn’t die her natural death rather murdered. What are you saying Inspector? Who murdered her, why and how? Exclaimed Kavita. I can’t answer your questions right now. In fact I also don’t have all the answers until my investigation gets complete. Can you give me a list of Dr. Keerti’s patients? Why not Inspector. Kavita dialed an intercom number of reception and ordered to bring the List of Patients of Dr. Keerti. After a few minutes, a ward boy appeared in the room holding a paper in his hand and gave it to Kavita. Dr. here is a list you asked for. Rohan shifted his chair next to Kavita. Kavita started reading carefully half showing it to Rohan. Rohan asked. Oh it’s a list of 30 odd patients. Can you zero in on four –five patients to focus me only on them. Kavita thought for a moment then pointed out to one patient’s name. Oh I recall this Yogesh, the funniest patient. He is in his late 20s. A smart boy but unfortunately suffering from neurological disorder and keerti’s regular patient. He never misses a single therapy session and refuses to be treated by any other Doctor. Rohan took his number and address and left Savita’s office.

CHAPTER THREE

YOGESH – A DISTURBED PATIENT

Rohan was sitting opposite to Yogesh at his residence. After a few formalities, Rohan started his questionnaire.

Yogesh, tell me about yourself and Dr. Keerti.

Yogesh stammered. Keerti and I were schoolmates in Varanasi, our native city. You must be aware of Varanasi, a holy city of India situated at the bank of river Ganges. Varanasi is a small religious city.

We were romantically involved with each other since our High School classes. In the evening, we used to sit on Ganges bank to watch thousand twinkling lamps being floated by devotees, weaving dreams of our lives together but we lost contact with each other after she moved out of Varanasi to pursue her career in VIMS College of Physiotherapy in Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh). As destiny had some other plans. Both of us landed in Gurgaon for our respective jobs. I got a job as IT Manager in a leading IT company and she became Physiotherapist in City Line Hospital. I had some neurological disorder since my childhood for which I am being continuously treated by Neurologists, said Yogesh. What kind of disorder asked Rohan? I limp while walking due to neuro disorder by birth. Sometime back, a common friend informed me Keerti’s presence in Gurgaon in City Line Hospital. I immediately started taking my Physio sessions from her, informed Yogesh. To my surprise, she refused to recognize our past romantic affair, the vows which we had exchanged of living together and all our dreams though till now I could not forget our relationship as I was intensely and truly involved in the relationship and can’t forget a single moment. I was shocked when she started ignoring me and wanted me to move on in life forgetting her which was impossible for me. I tried to persuade her as much as I could do. Even became friend of her roommate Dr. Maya to persuade her but she also couldn’t help me. Subsequently, I could observe Keerti’s affair with Dr. Ajay. Rohan nodded and left Yogesh’s home.

CHAPTER FOUR

ERRUPTION OF JEALOUSY & ANGER

Rohan headed straight to Girls Hostel to meet Dr. Maya. It was 7:30 p.m. Maya was in her room resting in innerwear only. There was a knock on her door. Hesitantly she rose from the bed and covered herself in evening gown. She opened the door with a smile which faded as she saw Rohan standing on the door.

Hello Inspector please come in. What brought you here? I guess Keerti’s death. Keerti’s murder corrected Rohan.

What? Did I hear correct murder? Yes, murder, replied Rohan.

But how and who? Asked Maya with a gasp. An air bubble is found in her vein causing cardiac arrest.

Presence of air bubble in the vein is possible only in three ways – by injection, at the time of surgery or bomb explosion.

On 31st May, the day of murder, neither had she undergone a surgery nor did she get any explosion mark so air through injection is the only method of murder left.

I need your help Maya to unravel this puzzle. Sure, I will whatever I can Rohan Garu, assured Maya. No Garu, only Rohan. Call me Rohan only. Alright if that pleases you.

Can you tell me something about Yogesh’s relationship with Keerti? Asked Rohan.

Maya stammered. Yogesh is Keerti’s Ex-Boyfriend and wanted to rekindle their past relationship but Keerti was avoiding him as she got into affair with our colleague Dr. Ajay.

Yogesh is under severe depression. Since he regularly visits our Hospital, I extended my helping hand towards him as I didn’t like the way Keerti was treating him. He is a nice charming boy with curly hair, intelligent, hardworking and can win over any girl with his innocent boyish smile.

About seven months back, Yogesh arranged two days’ vacation to a nearby hill station Mukteshwar. Reluctantly, Keerti agreed as I pressed her hard for taking two days off from our boring and tiring routine.

All of us happily embarked on our journey for taking out some time for our enjoyment.

After reaching Mukteshwar, we were shocked to see Ajay already standing there. Yogesh became very upset with Keerti for calling Ajay on our trip. Keerti tried her best to pacify Yogesh but he didn’t cool down and both of them ended in heated arguments. Ajay left the place threatening Yogesh and Keerti to settle his score. Mukteshwar turned out to be a beautiful hill station facing Himalaya. Yogesh insisted to take a single room for three of us but Keerti and I didn’t agree and we took two rooms. In one room Keerti and I stayed and in the adjacent room, Yogesh stayed. On our first night in the Hotel, after the dinner, Keerti went in the Hotel Garden to watch the beautiful sparkling valley and inhale fresh air which is hardly available in this city. May be she got nostalgic with the clear sky full of stars and moon. Around 10 o’ clock, I heard a knock on my room while I was resting wearing my innerwear only. I peeped out of eyehole finding Yogesh standing at the door. Since, I developed a soft corner for him, I thought of playing naughty so without wearing any outer outfit, I opened the door inviting him to come inside. Prior to Yogesh, I never had any affair throughout my life as I remained busy in my studies and job. In place of coming inside the room, Yogesh pounced over me like a tiger pouncing over its prey. He pushed me to the bed and came all over me undressing himself and me in a hurried manner. He was aroused and amused to see my hairy body as I don’t find time to get rid of grass due to my extreme busy schedule. He started smooching and caressing me on my lips, nose, cheeks, forehead and eyes like a small puppy. I held him very tight drawing as much closer as much I could. He slipped from my face to neck while chewing my earlobes.

My nipples got hardened as I had never witnessed such changes in my body. His tongue started making round circles on my nipples. In between biting and suckling them like a small baby. My heartbeat drumming against my breasts as if my heart would come out of my breast. I felt as if my entire happiness and blood is flowing down in my groin making me moist down under.

I took Yogesh’s male hardness in my hand for playing a little game. He tasted like a vanilla ice cream. Sensing my augmented heat, he slipped down under taking his tongue below the triangular grassland for licking my sensitive parts. A light joyful scream came out of me unconsciously.

Yogesh didn’t stop there and slowly started pushing in and out his hot iron rod. As I was virgin till that time, it took a bit of difficulty for Yogesh to push himself completely inside me but with our co-operation, Yogesh played me like a flute. We completed each other converting each other into a man and a woman. My eyes got filled with joy of tears. Suddenly, my joy was broken with a loud thud of door as Keerti entered the room screaming and shouting. What the hell is happening here? You slut Maya. You cheated on me.

Yogesh interrupted her at that very moment. It’s not Maya but it’s you Keerti who has cheated on me. Don’t dare insulting Maya. She is a wonderful person who loves me purely from heart.

Keerti asked me to leave the room and give her some privacy with Yogesh. Instead of leaving the room on the pretext of stomach ache. I sat on the couch pleading Keerti to let me stay there as I am not feeling well. Without wasting anytime, Keerti and Yogesh started making love to each other. For the first time I saw Keerti’s naked body which was perfectly crafted and was fully waxed unlike my body having grass here and there. I saw both of them playing with each other like a violin instrument and could hear their simultaneous moaning. Sometimes Yogesh put his mouth between her slippery thighs making Keerti to moan louder then he filled her with his male instrument. She was getting tremor after tremor bouncing her small breasts with hardened nipples up and down. The sight of their love making aroused me intensely craving for love again. Though I became too erotic but at the same time my mind was filled with jealousy and anger as that bitch was eating away share of my love. Keerti on one hand was dating Ajay. Didn’t want to rekindle her past relationship with Yogesh but couldn’t tolerate to see my happiness with Yogesh. She was full of jealousy and envy of my happiness.

I was just watching them as spectator. Too my utmost surprise, Keerti demanded Yogesh to remove his Condom to feel his bare, unhindered male presence inside her. Yogesh nodded like a small boy and performed as per her commands. It annoyed me as I couldn’t dare to feel his bare hardness inside me. I swore to take revenge from that bitch when she moaned in pleasure and screamed don’t stop, don’t stop Yogi. Rohan interrupted Maya. I understand now how she got pregnant. Maya started sobbing narrating the story to Rohan.

Rohan embraced her comforting with soothing words. That is a past Maya. Look for promising Present and future waiting for you. Rohan felt sudden rise of his blood pressure as his fingers sensed Maya’s soft and tender body beneath her thin cotton outer gown. At the very next moment, he drifted apart from her saying Sorry. I am sorry Maya for coming closer to you at the heat of the moment. It’s not right on my part to come closer to you. Maya comforted Rohan. That’s perfectly alright Rohan. I am also in head over heels in love with Yogesh. You were just trying to comfort me.

With a jerk, Rohan asked Maya about the events of the murder day.

CHAPTER FIVE

PERFECT EVENING

Maya kept talking.

On 31st May, the previous day of murder, Keerti and I went to Hospital at our usual morning time 7:30 a.m. Both of us were alone in our Physiotherapy Centre. After half an hour Dr. Ajay came and asked Keerti to talk to him in private. I gave them privacy to see my ICU Patients.

When I returned. I asked Keerti about their secret talks. Keerti told me she was going out for a dinner with Ajay in Cloud 9 restaurant.

In the evening when Yogesh came for his therapy session, Keerti asked him to wind up the session early on that day as she had to go for dinner in Cloud 9 with Ajay. I saw annoying expressions on Yogesh’s face. He threatened Keerti to spoil her evening in the same way as Ajay had done on our picnic vacation. I pleaded Yogesh to forgive and forget Keerti and Ajay to concentrate on our love life only as feeling of revenge will not take us anywhere. After Keerti and Ajay left the Hospital, I guess Yogesh must have stalked them.

CHAPTER SIX

SEARCH OF KILLER

After getting all the information from Maya, Rohan rushed to Cloud 9 Restaurant. In the Restaurant, he called for the manager. Hello, there I am Akash, Manager of the Restaurant. How can I help you? I am Inspector Rohan investigating Keerti murder case. By the way who is Keerti? I think keeping you in Police Lock up for a few days will refresh your memories of Dr. Keerti and Dr. Ajay who came for dinner on 31st May in the Restaurant. Inspector in our Restaurant, daily 500 odd couples come for eating. How can you expect me to remember names of each one of them? Rohan twisted his wrist with wrath. Don’t try be over smart. Out of 500 couples who eat in your restaurant, how many of them die very next day being published in Obituary on the front page of all leading newspapers.

Ok, now I am able to recall that evening of 31st May because of odd events that took place on that evening.

Rohan swung into action. What kind of odd events? Can you narrate me full story of 31st May.

Akash started. On 31st May, I got call from one Dr. Ajay reserving a table for a couple at 7:30 p.m. On 7:30, the caller came with his girlfriend introducing himself as Dr. Ajay and his girlfriend as Dr. Keerti. They sat on that corner table. Akash indicated to one corner table. They could hardly enjoy their vodka for half an hour as suddenly one uninvited Guest asked me for their table. I indicated their table to that man. Rohan pulled out a photograph and showed it to Akash. Was he the man? Yes yes he is. Alright carry on what happened then. Visitor approached the table. The couple exchanged an unwelcoming strange look towards the visitor.

In fact, very soon, their high pitch heated altercations filled our dining hall so much that every guest turned towards them. I along with other staff rushed to them to pacify but their high pitch grew louder and louder. Ajay accusing the girl for inviting the visitor deliberately. He abused the girl as bitch and slut for double crossing him. Girl pleaded him again and again of not calling the visitor but of no use as their arguments reached to a highest point. Visitor left the scene in hush hush manner. Who served them on that day? Can you call that waiter or waitress? Sure, I will. Akash called a north eastern girl by the name of Alena. She is Alena, the girl who served them on that day. Rohan inspected Alena from head to toe finding her a typical cute Manipur Girl. Alena can you describe me everything that happened on 31st May. That very smart couple first ordered Vodka followed by Chinese delicacies. Strange thing I noticed about the couple. When I brought their order, I saw, the man was giving an injection to the girl. He also petted on my hip and handed me a piece of paper carrying his phone number while winking at me. Probably, girl noticed it and rose to leave angrily but the man pulled her to sit down holding her arm. Girl finished her food without uttering a single word.

Later on they left the Restaurant with annoyed expressions on their face.

Rohan thanked Akash and Alena and left the Restaurant.

CHAPTER SEVEN

KILLER

Rohan went to City Line Hospital to meet Dr. Ajay. Rohan entered Ajay’s cabin. Without wasting a second, he started firing his questionnaire with grim expressions.

Why didn’t you tell me the complete truth about the events of 31st May. Ajay exasperated. What murder? For the first time I am hearing such things. Whatever I remember, I had already told you. I think you need to be kept in Police remand for some days to refresh your memories. Even the hard core criminals open their mouth during our interrogation. A little bit of our interrogation will be sufficient to refresh your memories and recalling all events of 31st May.

Ajay scratched his head and started. Perhaps I might have missed a few things to inform you. I can re-narrate the entire day for you.

I have already heard the entire story. Snapped Rohan. You reply my specific queries without an iota of lie. My pleasure Inspector. I loved Keerti so I would love to see his killer behind the bar. Let me be straight forward said Rohan. Why you killed Keerti? I did not kill her. I think Maya had a motive to kill her as Keerti was dating Maya’s boyfriend Yogesh. Same logic applies to you Ajay. You had a motive of jealousy as Keerti was double crossing you. I was ready to leave Keerti for Yogesh but Yogesh was not ready to accept Keerti for his affair with Maya informed Ajay.

What kind of injection you gave to Keerti? She was diabetic so before meal she used to take insulin injection so I injected the same.

CHAPTER EIGHT

MURDER TRIAL

Court Room was full with media people as Dr. Keerti’s murder trial was about to begin.

All rose as Judge Karim entered the Court. Rohan brought Ajay in the Accused Box.

Judge Karim asked the Public Prosecuter Manoj Kumar to start the Proceedings. Manoj started, Sir, accused Dr. Ajay has been charged for the murder of his colleague Dr. Keerti by injecting air bubble in her vein causing cardiac arrest to Dr. Keerti.

Vijay Nair, an eminent Lawyer who was engaged by Ajay to defend his case rose to his feet. Sir, it’s a baseless charge and total failure of investigation of Inspector Rohan.

Sir, I would like to call my witness Miss Alena, a waitress in Cloud 9 Restaurant. Alena entered the witness box. Vijay asked Alena, did you see on 31st Nay evening, Keerti being injected by Ajay. Yes Sir when I returned with the order I saw Ajay giving an injection to his girlfriend Keerti. Alena did you see any belt tied on the arm of Keerti? Manoj swung into action. I object Sir. As per Indian Evidence Act, witness can’t be asked leading question. Objection sustained. Vijay no leading question ordered Judge Karim. Sir, it is very important to seek the answer of my question to prove my client innocent. I allow for this question only but no more such leading questions Vijay. Ordered Judge Karim. Vijay asked Alena again. Alena answer my question. No I didn’t see any belt tied on her arm. Ajay had just rolled up her T Shirt a bit on her arm and injected. Thanks Alena and turned to Manoj. Your turn Manoj. Manoj asked. Alena how long it took you to bring the order. Sir, it took me 15 minutes to come back to the table with their order. Manoj turned towards Judge Karim. Sir, 15 minutes is a long time to tie and untie belt after giving injection for a professional like Ajay. Generally it is a 5 minutes work. Vijay started Sir, Inspector Rohan in a hurry to prove my client as the Killer forgot to check a crucial aspect that for injecting the air bubble in vein, the injection must be inserted in vein and not under the skin. For insertion in vein, it is essential to tie a belt on the arm which could not be proved by the Prosecution. Moreover, Keerti was on insulin injection which was given by my client as was required prior to her meal. Same was exactly noticed by my witness Alena.

It must be noted that Insulin Injection is always given under the skin and not in vein. Therefore, charges of air bubble deliberately left in Insulin injection by my client with a motive to kill Keerti is baseless and just a figment of imagination of Inspector Rohan.

Now, I call Karan the pharmacist in City Line Hospital. Karan entered the witness box. Vijay started. Karan on 31st May, did you give Vovron IV injection to Dr. Maya. Yes Sir. Around 5:30 p.m., Dr. Maya came to me for a Vovron IV, a Painkiller intravenous injection as Dr. Keerti was having severe body ache. Vijay handed over a piece of paper to Court clerk. Sir, bill of Vovron IV injection is being submitted as Exhibit 6 to the Court. Judge Karim took the bill and scrutinized it deeply.

Sir, evidence of my witnesses is over. Sir, it is proved that it was Dr. Maya who left air bubble in the injection with a motive to kill Keerti as she had become an obstacle in Maya’s love life with Yogesh.

Judge Karim asked Manoj if he has any other witness to be produced before the Court. Manoj shook his neck from side to side expressing ‘No’. Judge Karim after listening the closing arguments announced his order.

On the basis of evidence of witnesses and circumstantial along with medical facts, the Court acquits Dr. Ajay from the murder charges of Dr. Keerti and finds Dr. Maya guilty of murder. She is ordered to serve rigorous imprisonment of 20 years.

On being sentenced for 20 years, Maya broke down. Rohan reached to drag her to Police custody van but Yogesh interrupted him.

Maya don’t worry, we will go for an appeal. I will get the best Lawyer to defend you.

CHAPTER NINE

RESURRECTION OF PAST

Maya’s appeal was rejected by the High Court.

She was given 1 month Parole for getting married to Yogesh.

Barely after a week of her marriage, one fine morning, she got annoyed with the constant ringing of doorbell. When she opened the door she saw Ajay standing there. Hi Ajay how are you? Please come in. In place of replying, Ajay took out a sharp knife and said you thought you can live happily after killing Keerti. I will send you to hell to join Keerti in the sky to remain her roommate. On the very next moment, Maya just felt some sharp object piercing her stomach again and again. She lost consciousness and fell on the floor in a pool of blood. In her unconsciousness state she felt flying in the sky with Yogesh.

Chapter Ten

A SORDID END

The Court found Ajay of unsound mind having developed neurological disorder and sent him to Mental Asylum for treatment.

Dr. Kavita made it a point to visit Ajay once in a week and kept contact with his Doctors about his progress and sign of improvements.

Kavita could not hold her tears to see Ajay’s devastating state when she came for a visit after one month. In his cell, Ajay had written ‘Keerti’ on each and every space of wall. His Doctors gave negative report of improvement to Kavita stating that Keerti’s loss has finished sanity of his brain. The only thing he remembers is Keerti. Kavita turned back to get out of the Asylum as she could no longer bear the devastated sight of Ajay who was once her favourite Doctor.

From her back she heard a loud sound of crying of Ajay calling out Keerti’s name. She prayed. My Lord let his pain come out with his tears ending his grief and curing him but she also knew it was impossible. She hurriedly got out to resume her duty in the Hospital.

In the back of her mind she thought what a wastage of your life Ajay and loss of an intelligent Doctor to the society.

Her mind was chanting only one line of Prince Siddhartha (name of Lord Buddha prior to renunciation of the world)

“Life is a sea of sigh, sob, grief and sorrow.”

Kavita kept chanting this line upto the point of breaking down. Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around and saw Yogesh standing with his usual boyish smile.

Yogesh said. Everything is over Dr. Kavita and everything is controlled from the Heaven. Let’s get on with our daily lives burying the past in our hearts forever.

Kavita hugged Yogesh sobbing uncontrollably. You are right Yogesh. We have to close this chapter of our life. Let us enjoy the Present and welcome the future.