The Dilemma.

Yash stood outside the ward, perplexed by the situation he was facing. Inside the ward, his mother Aarti was sobbing continuously by the bedside of her father. 
A single mother, Aarti had boldly faced the odds stacked against her. Right from securing a future for Yash, she had independently manged every requirement. Her father Murlidhar was the only pillar of strength throughout every challenge that she faced.

But now, he was nothing more than a frail body in a semi-conscious state. His hands were swollen by the frequent injection of medicines into the veins. His wrists were wounded because several times he had forcefully plucked out the syringe. He would be heard wailing loudly in pain like a tormented soul.

“You merciless people….” He was screaming some time ago. “What kind of a devil are you? Have some mercy on this old man. This pain is unbearable. Take me home. I don’t want this slow and painful death. Take me away from here. Take me home”

He was the only fatherly figure for Yash who was abandoned before birth alongwith his mother. He meant the world for Yash.

“This is for your own good Nana. You will be fine very soon” Yash had tried to calm him.

“Don’t fool me.” Murlidhar said “Don’t you understand that you are simply lengthening my agony. Why are you doing this to me?”

“Please Nana, for my sake. Please let me do everything that is within my limits to see your health improve. Let me have the satisfaction.”

“My child, you have done more than enough for me. Just do one more favour. Put an end to my suffering. Let me rest in peace. I beg you. I beg your mercy”

 

But this wasn’t the cause of the disturbance for Yash. The conversation that took place with the Doctor was the cause.

Doctor: This is a case of Acute Kidney Failure. In simple terms, his kidneys have failed, causing a dangerous imbalance of fluids in his body. He is in terrible pain.

Yash: I am willing to….

Doctor: NO. I cannot allow a kidney transplant. His heart is not pumping efficiently. Congestive Heart Failure. We will loose him the moment we start the operation.

Yash was at a loss of words.

Doctor: The only option available to keep him alive is a haemodialysis every alternate day. To worsen the situation, his age and immune are the major obstacles. We can only keep him alive, but he cannot be completely cured.

Yash glanced inside the ward one more time and the dam of tears burst. He cried uncontrollably. Murlidhar’s wailing and writhing echoed in his ears. This was the hardest decision of his life. Aarti too, half-heartedly signified her assent to her son’s decision. He completed the formalities and they took Murlidhar home.

Murlidhar’s face bore a faint tint of smile. He was very happy with Yash. The very next morning, Murlidhar peacefully breathed his last and rested in eternal peace.

Yash and his mother were orphaned. He had obediently fulfilled his grandfather’s wish. But deep down, Yash’s soul was permanently damaged.

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© Vision

The question of Big Debate: 

Do you think Yash did the right thing? Please share your views. 

Special vote of thanks to Shweta (crazzydoc) for helping me with the medical terminology.