Mother'S Determination

This is my first short story.

#Mother's determination#

Tuesday, Dec 2015'08, tik tik of the roman numerical clock seemed to have stopped at 15.08. I ran, my eyes searching for Room no. 5, first floor, white tiles and white paint on the door, could hear my wife's restless voice.

Riddhima, Riddhi-this is what I call her. Short and sweet. 
Chanting Hanuman Chalisa with heaving breath, moistened eyes, heavy sweat, pain, delivery time, all came closer under one frame.

Doctor had recommended cesarean as her Blood Pressure shooted up to 110,120 which was dangerous for the child as well as mother. Her anxiety, nervousness and heavy breathing had taken a toll on her pregnancy and had complicated the situation for her delivery. She got admitted three days back so as to supervise her health on regular a basis.

Huhhh, huff... heavy breathing kept me glued to her, sitting beside her on the bed, holding her hands, trying to slide away the worry, kept smiling, lilting the torch to keep the things normal. With smile on my face I tendered her for meals. Saw her in ecstatic mood and little nervousness. Gradually her anxiety increased and Blood pressure started heading north.

Doctor had flagged about Riddhima's delivery complications. Choice was mother or baby's survival, sweat started rolling on my forehead under 22 degree AC temperature.

Few minutes of silence and thoughts made us hear only the Ticking of the clock and it was as faster as the pulse rate after a strenuous run. 
I controlled my emotions, strengthen my fist, heart loaded with courage and explained about the doctors recommendations and concerns to Riddhima.

This catastrophe made Riddhima weak physically and her labor pain increased along with the blood pressure. Emotionally drained since the past few days, she never wanted to lose her battle with health and for her unborn child which she had nurtured for nine months in her womb with love and care. She prepared herself to face any kind of situation. Her invincible approach made her strong to take bold decision. She wanted her baby to enter this beautiful world of theirs.

Before we start, I would like to tell you about Riddhima's dream. Few days back, her mother appeared in her dream, saying that "she is returning to our world and I am here to protect you every day." Riddhima's mother had died when she was 12yrs old. Since her health never supported her from inception of pregnancy she always felt lonely and missed her mom.

Back to the story, initially I hesitated to take such risk, but Riddhima's determination made me confident and l agreed. Her cry and labor pains were increasing. I immediately called out for a nurse. Her excruciating pain made her helpless to move. Stretcher was bought to carry her to the operation theater. She was lifted from her bed by two ward boys and two nurses. Doctor too arrived with stethoscope and Blood pressure machine. Her heavy sweating and pain made doctors call for an emergency.
She was semi-conscious and called out to me. Looking at me, tirelessly and crying. I could see her faith, gleam of confidence in her eyes. She took my palms and kept me assuring silently of the positive outcome. Her eyes kept starring into mine and moistened. I too was broken and petrified with the stand we mutually had taken. As though a circle will break creating ends to get totally separated.

Every seconds and minutes were like days and years passing at slow motion. I kept looking at the watch as though it has stopped working. It was half past four in the evening. By that time, I called up my parents and her father to inform about her condition. They will arrive one day late as they stay in another state.

It was 6.15pm, Doctors came out from the operation theater, removing gloves from their hands and unmasked themselves. It took them 1hr 45min to complete their task. With a glowing smile and a baby in one of the doctor's arms, came closer and handed over to me confirming good health of both the baby girl and mother Riddhima. I was amazed, when I heard doctor saying birth of a baby girl. It was still unbelievable that her mother incarnated in their lives .Tears rolled down on my cheeks. Being an atheist, I never tried to understand such beliefs. But this happened.

After an hour, I went into our room holding our baby in hands and sat next to Riddhima. Seeing her in sound sleep I kissed her forehead. Riddhima woke up with big smile and we hugged each other. 
Caressing my hand, she sat on bed looking drained, her affectionate eyes looked for the baby. She took her to her chest and cried with joy.

Very next day, our parents arrived. Happiness reflected on their faces. Her father with the baby in his arms was all tears. He smile indicated his intense love for Riddhima's mother.

Going to the back flash, explaining everyone about the dream and Riddhima struggling health, everyone decided to keep our daughter's name "Akira". Symbol of graceful strength.

Till date, her confidence and determination keeps me alive and gives me the strength to fight our struggle.