The Last Operation

In 20 seconds the bed was prepared. Dr. Ojha couldn't recall any God he could seek, to stay by his side. After this operation at 58, he would bid goodbye to surgery forever. His living room in Harvey Bay was well decorated with medals, certificates, and honors. After all, fame and recognition do not come easy. Years of hard work and sacrifices brought him this far. As diamond, however well cut and polished, is filled with inclusions, so was his life.

The Mayor's wife lay at the operation table, was expecting to deliver a baby. The media outside the hospital was busy covering this hot news. But what was Dr.Ojha thinking? What if the Mayor's wife died.What if the baby died. He would be shred to pieces and life would never be the same again.

His father, could not save his mother due to a surgical mistake, which made him take this noble profession. It had to be a C-section because the amniotic fluid was getting dried up but the head surgeon was still trying for normal delivery. As a result, though he saw the light of life, his mother died. Later he learned from his father that she had other miscarriages as well and how painful is childbirth.

So, the only relation he was left with was his father who also left him when he was 18. After that he became introverted and only his work provided him peace. After going through rigorous years in the medical academy he finally became a surgeon, and now as a head surgeon, he was nearing retirement. With so many successful operations to his credit, he found the human body, not a piece of art but another machine just mechanical and biological.

He remembered in an interview the journalist had asked:" Dr.Ojha, why do people fear becoming surgeons, these days?

Did you also fear?

Dr. Ojha, the reporter repeated himself, did you fear?

In a world with nobody to look after, nobody to show affection, nobody to love what is the meaning of fear...you fear when you have the probability of losing somebody. Otherwise, there are nerves rattling but biologically and chemically what we call fear is never there, he had replied.

Dr.Ojha. The mayor wants to speak to you, he is on the line. The next words were insulting for a surgeon of his repute.

" You save my wife...I will see that you do not get a dime but if you save only my baby you will have a posh mansion in Harvey Bay where you can spend the rest of your life in happiness, pleasure, and riches. This is a deal, Dr.Ojha.Mark my words I am already in love with another woman. I just want my wife to die.

Dr. Ojha knew that his wife was doing well and would soon deliver a healthy baby girl. The scriptures whatever religion you take talk of heaven, good and evil. He felt the devil intimidating him into submission but he would not let that happen. He remembered the Hippocratic oath he had taken years ago. He was not a murderer but a saver of human life. But when lawmakers become lawbreakers the words like laws, ethics, and compassion sound very hollow.

This was the first time he feared. How could he take somebody's life for his pleasure or for supporting the authority? He was retiring but deep inside he knew this guilt would stay till the last day of his life.

Prepare a dose of strong anesthesia, he ordered the nurse in charge, I would head the surgery and in the absence of anesthesist I would take his role.

In another 20 seconds, he met the Mayor's wife. She was a lovely lady, smiling expecting her first motherhood. Every now and then she was looking at the smiling baby pictures on the hospital wall.

Do you think your husband loves you?

Yes, doc, he had given me all pleasures of life and we both were planning for the baby for a long.

If I had a daughter, she would have been the same age as you. I can't let you die, this time his words were weak and feeble.

Why would I die? Are there any complications?

No, the complication is not in the human heart but in the human mind. Your husband wants you, dead Mademoiselle.

Don't worry till I am there this would not happen. Now listen carefully, lady. Just do what I say. The whole operation staff  are my confidantes. They wouldn't utter a word. An ambulance would be ready outside the hospital, just after the operation to take you to Victoria where I have my abode. There you talk to my lawyer who would transfer my savings to you and show you the safe passage out of the country. At my age, I can't fight your husband's might but he and his system can't fight my will. God bless. Start everything from scratch.

The tears that came out from both of them were of joy and reassurance.

Dr.Ojha reached the auditorium where the media persons would be let in 5 minutes. But before that, he took a shower. He wore the same shirt and trousers as his father which had faded but still sparkling with truth and valor.

Leave the vial of anesthesia and syringe with me and leave, he ordered. I don't want anybody from the hospital to face the media. He lit a cigarette and in its smoke, his entire life presented itself in a vivid panorama. He was seated in the chair with his head held high for doing his duty and fighting satan with valor.

In 5 minutes when the media people arrived he was in another world, dead but very alive.

The mayor did not get the baby. Nobody has heard of Mayor's wife ever since. Dr. Ojha's story ended but the legacy of honest health care professionals lives on and so does the Hippocratic oath.

If saving a life is a duty, Godsend angels like Dr.Ojha will be born again and again.