I hastily walked through the hospital corridor, garnering odd glances from passers-by. Morning greetings barely registered as I checked my watch—8:40 AM. My unbuttoned white coat swayed, stethoscope around my neck. The male ward, crowded post-admissions, awaited. Hoping my professor hadn't arrived either, I hurried to the doctors' room. Juniors, engrossed in smartphones, stood abruptly as I entered.
"Good morning, Sir!" Anette exclaimed, Robin mumbling a faint reply.
"No sign of Sir yet?" I asked, relieved.
"Not yet, Sir," Anette replied with a smile.
"Admissions yesterday? ICU patients?" I inquired.
"22 males, 9 females, one ICU," Robin answered eagerly.
My phone rang—Professor Danie. Clearing my throat, I answered.
"Hi Danie, I'll be delayed. My son's unwell. Start rounds, I'll join," I assured.
"We're in the ward... 31 admissions, one ICU. I'll begin," I added.
Annette's phone rang. "We'll be right there," she responded.
"What's up, Annette?" I asked.
"The ICU patient—desaturation twice in half an hour. COVID negative," she explained, grabbing her bag.
"Presenting complaints?" I inquired, heading out. "Let's move to ICU if no critical cases."
"Vague symptoms, chest pain, exertional dyspnea," Annette replied. "No positive signs. History of MI three years ago," she continued.
Patients often withheld travel and contact histories amid pandemic skepticism, necessitating probing questions.
ICU entrance, sterile precautions observed. Annette led to a bed; all occupied, bustling with departments for morning rounds. A woman, early forties, received oxygen, IVs, pulse oximeter. Nurse nearby. Case sheet read 'Shalini Menon, 43/F'. I reviewed, noted, approached.
"Shalini," I called gently. Her eyes opened. IVs paused as she reached, murmuring. Nurse removed the mask; normal oxygen levels. A deep breath, stethoscope on her chest.
"Features of pneumonia," I diagnosed post-auscultation. Annette nodded in agreement.
"Elevated counts, early infection on x-ray," I continued, penchant for teaching apparent.
"How are you feeling?" I asked Shalini softly.
"Better, doctor. But ICU's suffocating," she replied.
ICU often caused psychological strain with prolonged stays.
"Early pneumonia, heart attack history," I explained gently. "ICU, 48 hours likely."
Silent, tears ran down Shalini's cheeks. I patted her shoulder, reassured.
"Family with you? Husband, father?" I asked.
"No husband, distant relative outside," she sobbed.
"Prepare the relative," I instructed Annette. Robin nodded.
"Forgive my intrusion," Shalini sobbed. "Haven't spoken to my father in years."
"Stay calm," I comforted.
"I ignored his calls," she confessed. "Can't face him now."
Sympathy stirred as I imagined her plight.
"Continue meds. Review with Sir," I directed, leaving.
Briefing Shalini's relative revealed family rift, her elopement, father's heartbreak. Treatment plan, ICU vigil, male ward rounds completed; Sir joined for patient reviews.
Restless, Shalini's story haunted me. A similar tale involving my cousin and uncle lingered. Evening rounds, Shalini requested to call her father. Cellphones barred, I promised to inform.
Exiting, I noted her address, an hour's drive away. Notified my wife, navigated to Colonel Menon's house. Directed by an autodriver, I reached. Welcomed by Mrs. Menon, I introduced myself, relayed Shalini's message.
Mrs. Menon brightened, led me inside, shared photographs, tears welling.
"Forgive her," I urged. "She wants to return."
"Come," Mrs. Menon beckoned, revealing her husband, unresponsive but clutching Shalini's photo.
"He knows she's coming," she hoped, tears streaming.
Thanking and departing, my phone buzzed—Annette's call ignored. Mrs. Menon thanked profusely.
Tears flowed as I left, read Annette's message: "Shalini suffered a massive MI."
Darkness descended.
Author Bio
Dr. Joel Danie Mathew, based in Kerala, India, is a surgeon whose passion for writing spans short stories and critical appraisals. Alongside his medical career, he contributes as a book reviewer for online literary magazines. His work reflects a diverse blend of surgical expertise and literary exploration, offering insights into both disciplines from his unique perspective.
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