Chapter 5: A Difficult Examination
Maria harbored a profound aspiration: to educate her brothers, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives, and to stand firmly on her own feet. Her admission to college represented a pivotal step in this journey. Having consistently excelled in her studies, Maria had toiled day and night to reach this significant milestone.
Today was her first examination—a crucial test that would grant her permission to attend classes. This examination held immense importance for her academic pursuits and future career. She had spent the entire night preparing diligently, and a strong conviction resonated within her that she would pass with commendable marks.
As dawn broke and she prepared to leave for college, her heart pounded with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. A gentle, cool breeze brushed against her face, yet within her, a warmth of self-assurance prevailed. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror and, with a subtle smile playing on her lips, whispered to herself, "Today will be my day!"
A Call That Changed Everything
Upon reaching the college gates, her phone suddenly vibrated, disrupting the calm. The screen illuminated, displaying "Mom" as the caller ID.
With a cheerful tone, she answered the call, "Mom, calling at this hour? Is everything alright?"
However, the voice that responded from the other end was heavy with distress and trembled with anxiety.
"Daughter… your father… he has suffered a heart attack… The doctors are saying an immediate operation is necessary… It will cost ten lakh rupees…"
Maria's hand nearly dropped the phone. A chilling numbness spread through her entire being.
"What?!" she stammered, her voice quivering uncontrollably.
"Daughter, we don't have that much money… The doctors are saying they won't commence treatment until the payment is made…" Her mother's voice broke with despair.
A wave of shock and panic washed over Maria, as if an explosion had occurred within her mind.
What should she do? Take the exam or rush to her Baba's side?
The answer was immediate and unequivocal. Her father's well-being superseded everything else. Without a second thought, she turned and sprinted away from the college gates.
The Race to the Hospital
Arriving at the hospital, she found her mother weeping uncontrollably. Her mother embraced her tightly, her body wracked with sobs.
"Beta, we only have two lakh rupees… What will we do?"
Fighting back her own tears, Maria said with a semblance of strength, "Mom, don't worry. We will figure something out!"
She placed the one and a half lakh rupees she had painstakingly saved into her mother's trembling hands.
Then, through desperate pleas to relatives and acquaintances, they managed to gather a total of five lakh rupees, which they handed over to the doctor.
The doctor's tone was grave as he stated, "We can begin the operation, but the remaining funds will be required as soon as possible."
Maria nodded with resolute determination. "I will arrange the money somehow, just please save my Baba!"
The operation commenced.
A Long Night
Ten o'clock at night had arrived. Outside the operating theater, everyone was consumed by anxiety. Her mother continuously offered prayers, her younger brothers sat huddled together, their faces etched with fear, and Maria's gaze remained fixed on the closed doors of the operating room.
Just then, her friend Jack and his companion arrived.
Upon seeing her, Jack went directly to Maria and asked with concern, "Are you alright?"
Maria took a deep breath, attempting to compose herself. "I'm… I'm okay… but Baba…"
Jack gently placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, everything will be alright."
For a while, they sat in silence. Jack noticed the coldness of Maria's hands. Despite her valiant efforts to appear strong, he could sense the turmoil within her.
"Today was your exam, wasn't it?" Jack inquired softly.
Maria lowered her head, a wave of disappointment washing over her. "Yes, but my Baba is more important than any exam. I can take the exam later, but if something happens to him…" Her voice trailed off, thick with emotion.
Jack gently took her hand in his and said in a low, comforting voice, "You did the right thing, Maria. You are incredibly brave."
Maria looked up at him. His eyes reflected worry, but also a profound sense of care and belonging. Jack squeezed her hand lightly, as if silently conveying, "I am here for you."
In that moment, Maria realized that Jack was more than just a friend. He was becoming her strength, a shield against the overwhelming despair.
Harsh News
Suddenly, the door to the operating theater creaked open, and the doctor emerged.
"We have done everything we could, but the next 24 hours are critical. If the patient regains consciousness, there is a chance of recovery, otherwise…"
Her mother's legs seemed to give way beneath her. She began to weep uncontrollably, her cries echoing through the sterile hospital corridor. Maria's heart pounded in her chest with a terrifying intensity.
She rushed towards the doctor, her voice filled with desperation, "Doctor, please, save my Baba!"
The doctor sighed deeply, his expression somber. "We are doing our utmost. Now, all we can do is have faith."
The Silence of the Night and the Turmoil of the Heart
Two o'clock in the morning. The dim hospital lights cast long, eerie shadows, and everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts and anxieties. Maria stood by the window of the Intensive Care Unit, her gaze fixed on her father lying still and vulnerable within.
Jack approached her quietly and said softly, "Try to get some rest, Maria."
"No, I need to be here…" Her voice was barely a whisper, and her eyes were red and swollen from unshed tears.
Jack looked at her with deep concern and said gently, "Your Baba will be alright, Maria. But you need to take care of yourself too. If you break down, what will your mother and brothers do?"
Tears finally escaped Maria's eyes, streaming down her face. She could no longer hold back the torrent of her emotions. Without a word, Jack gently enfolded her in his arms.
"Cry… it will be alright…" Jack murmured softly, his voice a soothing balm in the sterile environment.
Maria closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder. For the first time, she found a strange comfort in weeping against someone's embrace.
Jack gently stroked her hair and said, "You are not alone, Maria. I will always be here for you."
In the cold hospital air that night, there was a faint warmth—a warmth of unwavering support and shared humanity.
The Next Morning
Morning began to dawn, casting a pale light through the hospital windows. The crucial question hung heavy in the air: would her father regain consciousness? Would Maria be able to overcome this formidable trial? Would she ever be able to return to her dreams?
The hands of the hospital clock ticked slowly forward, each second carrying the weight of uncertainty, while Maria's hopes, fragile yet persistent, held on…