That Cyclonic Night

Lying on the ICU bed of a cancer hospital, he is signing on organ donation documents - if he dies, his organs will be donated to the needy one. Further, the details of the record of his property will and send to his lawyer. His wife is unable to control her tears, asking him why he is losing hope. Why is he signing documents as if he is sure about his death? He says nothing and mentally prepares himself for eight-hour surgery done by six doctors. His wife knows him well. For the last forty years, she has been admiring his skill of perfect execution of future planning. He has always been a very disciplined and meticulous strategist. 

When they tied the nuptial knot he was sixteen years old and his wife was just two years younger than him. He was raised by his maternal uncle and aunt as his entire family was swept away by a cyclone when he was just ten years old. Under the parental care of uncle and aunt, he could stabilize his horrific memory of that night but nightmares were frequent till late life. 

The entire city was well informed in advance about the arrival of the deadly cyclone but his parents were sure they were safe in a two-storied building. When the disaster management team requested them to leave the place for a night, they ignored it. They refused to leave their home as they thought outside the home they could never be protected. When he shared his fear, they simply assured him nothing would happen as such natural calamity was a threat to the street dwellers and people living in fragile shelters. He couldn’t sleep that night. He was trembling in fear by listening to the frightening sounds of wind blowing at a dangerous speed and watching thunderous rain with lightning.  

His area was worst affected by the cyclone. A giant tree fell on the balcony and broke a glass window. His parents were sleeping on the bed nearby the window, so the broken glass pieces wounded them badly. They died instantly because of severe blood loss. The next day in the morning it was noticed those who left their houses and shifted to the safer places saved. His house was badly damaged. His uncle repaired it and gave it on lease. He was since then staying with him. He witnessed the helplessness of his parents and their overconfidence. That day he understood how important it was to plan for safety and security during an unfortunate trail of events. The cyclone took everything from him but gave him the one thing he needed most. He got an insight into making a survival strategy.

Since that fatal day, he is ready with two or three strategies to cope with the situation. If plan A betrays, plan B is ready to overcome the difficult time. In the hospital to he has planned ahead so that he can gain peace of mind. His calmness and trust in doctors do a miracle. His surgery is done successfully. Within a month he shows signs of recovery and is recovered fully. That year one more prediction of the arrival of the cyclone is announced by the weather department. He takes necessary steps- cut short the tall trees of his surroundings, repair the worn-out portion of his mansion, instructs the family members to be ready with necessary articles so that if they need to shift anywhere, they can move without any worry. 

The cyclonic night fails to destroy lives as proper safety measures have been taken by the city dwellers. The Sun rises and spreads its golden light on the victorious warriors who have defeated the evil cyclone with vigour and intelligence.