Mistaken Identity

There was an unprecedented number of visitors in the Narayana Multi Speciality Hospital, Pavanpur. The visitors wished for the speedy recovery of Kartik and Sulabha, a newly married couple, who were under close observation in the ICU.  The couples were the victims of mistaken identity. The visitors belong to different faiths. They were chanting the shlokas of Bhagavad Gita, praying before the idol of Lord Dhanvantari, reading the Bible, Quran, and Guru Granth Sahib. Kids also participated in the prayer.  The silent prayers show devotion and discipline among them. 

 The previous day at midnight, a gang of robbers attacked Kartik and Sulabha in their newly constructed house ''Sanjivini" by breaking the main door and inside the grill door. The day was Amavasya. There was darkness everywhere. The twin houses 'Sanjivini' and 'Suhasini' situated on the outskirts of Pavanpur were identical in the Surya colony.  Instead of targeting 'Suhasini', the robbers attacked 'Sanjivini' by mistaken identity. Robbers didn't get the booty. Later on, these robbers repented. 

The couple moved to the new house just after the fifteen days of the house warming ceremony.  Jayaram is a famous contractor and brother-in-law of Kartik. 

Why did Jayaram and Kartik move hurriedly to the new house in spite of the lack of minimum civic facilities?

Jayaram thought taking initiative, others may be tempted to commence the construction work.  For security purposes, a ferocious dog was brought here to watch both the houses. 

 Kartik and Sulabha first met during the previous year on the last day of the public  Ganesha festival arranged by the local youth forum of Pavanpur. There was a big pendal, a large Ganesha idol, and colorful electrification. Three days function was arranged by the organizers. Varieties of entertainment and children programmes were arranged on each day.  Kartik was invited to preside over. Dr. Sulabha was invited as a chief guest. Both were unknown to each other. Kartik and Sulabha were introduced to the audience.  It was a nicely conducted function.  The participants were happy. Prizes were distributed to the boys and girls, who won in the singing, dancing, essay writing, and speech by the president and the chief guest.   Kartik gave a speech on the purpose of the celebration of the Ganesha festival. He praised the organizers. The function concluded with the speech by singing a popular film song ``Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha Deva.” Sulabha also gave a brief speech about the importance of the Ganesha festival. She was very much impressed by the speech and sweet voice of Kartik. It was love at first sight for her. She could not stop her emotions and  said, “ Kartik, your speech was excellent, especially the  melodious song.”

“ Madam, I too was impressed by your speech on Lord Ganesha. I wonder if, being a doctor, you have deep knowledge in literature.”

“Kartik, you have got a wonderful personality, knowledge, and sweet voice.  I love you.”

“Sulabha, I too love you. Our professions are different. You are a doctor and I am a lawyer."

“Kartik, no problem."

Lovers left the place with a heavy heart with a promise to meet soon.

Her brother, Jayaram initially opposed their love and later on accepted the proposal. . Sulabha had great respect for her brother. Kartik became popular through his social services like helping orphans, handicapped, beggars, and poor widows.  

Jayaram wanted a boy for Sulabha from his caste and a well-to-do family and having equal education. She was going to the USA for MS. in gynecology. Man proposes that God disposes of rightly applies to Jayaram. She loved Kartik and decided to marry him only. The tussle between brother and sister went on for some time. Ultimately, out of affection, Jayaram decided to fulfill her wish.  He remained a bachelor even after her marriage. 

After Kartik- Sulabha got married, Jayaram gifted one unit of the house 'Sanjivini' to his brother-in-law.  Kartik, who commenced practicing as a lawyer and opened an office near the court.  Sulabha opened a clinic near the police station. The robbers injured the innocent couple. The injury to both could have been avoided if the couple didn’t protest them to enter inside.

 In Pavanpur, Kartik and Sulabha had earned a good name and fame for their social service. Sulabha treats poor patients without fees.  The people and government appreciated couples for their selfless social service.

Jayaram woke up early in the morning on that sad day and went outside. Every morning  Jayaram wishes Kartik and Sulabha. She was in the habit of drawing rangoli in front of the main door. But on that day,  Jayaram didn’t see  Kartik, Sulabha, and rangoli. Another shocking fact was that the ferocious dog was dead. Jayaram was sad. He saw the grill door and the main door was broken.  He got suspicious and entered the house. The scene was horrible. He was unable to bear the unexpected event. Kartik and Sulabha were lying on the floor unconscious.  Immediately, he arranged an ambulance to the hospital. Kartik and Sulabha are admitted to the hospital in an unconscious position.  By the time Jayaram reached,  the people had already gathered in the hospital. They were upset due to the attack on Kartik and Sulabha. There were no immediate answers to their questions.

Jayaram had already registered an FIR in the police station. The Inspector of Police along with a constable arrived at the hospital. Jayaram was present and gave all the information to the police. The news was spread like a wildfire in Pavanpur. The crowd increased after one hour. It was a hell of a job for the police to control the mob. 

 By the grace of God, couples regained consciousness and showed improvement after 24 hours. This was possible after continuous observation in the ICU. Doctors advised Jayaram that the couples need another fifteen days of complete rest. After a fortnight, the couples were discharged from the hospital. Their health has improved a lot.

The police completed the investigation after six months. In the report, it was revealed that the attack on Kartik and Sulabha was a clear case of mistaken identity. The target of the robbers was Jay Ram's house. In Pavanpur it was the talk of the town that Jayaram had amassed wealth. Identical houses created confusion for the robbers.  All the culprits were arrested and sent to jail.

It was an unforgettable incident in the life of Kartik and Sulabha.