“There is no hope, absolutely no hope,” Deepa shook her head to emphasise it. Whatever the outcome, she had been prepared to face it. It had been a long five years, and she was exhausted. She could see no reason why it should be different this time. She did not believe in miracles. He mom looked at her sadly. As a mother, she wanted Deepa to lead a happy life. A normal life. But somehow things never seemed to work out. Deepa’s mom looked down at her wrinkled hands. Why did it have to happen to her? They sat in silence for a long moment. Then Deepa stood up.
“Mom, we have to do it. Now. There is no point in waiting. It is already late. Let’s go.” Anusuya sat for a while. She looked up slowly. Deepa came over and helped her up. They walked slowly into the room. They stopped at the bedside and looked down at the frail figure on the bed. He was pale, and just skin and bones. The tubes and wires made him look even more alien. The dim monitor showed the saw tooth pattern of his weak heartbeat. As they looked down into his half closed eyes, he looked almost lifeless. But a tiny tear welled at the corner of his eyes. Deepa felt a lump in her throat. She glanced at her mom. Anusuya stood woodenly. Deepa turned the knob slowly, cutting off the oxygen. They watched as the saw tooth on the monitor weakened, transforming into a line, with a faint continuous beep. Deepa used her palms to push his eyes shut. As she did, she felt a sudden tugging on her arm. She turned, to see Anusuya collapsing in a heap.
“Mom, what’s the matter? Mom ! Mom!”
But Anusuya was gone. She had followed her husband on his final journey.
Deepa sobbed, holding her mom’s frail body in her arms.
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