The Aftermath of a Broken Journey (1102 words)

“Any problem? You are sweating profusely and holding your hand on your chest,” I asked the well-dressed man over fifty as he leaned on me in great discomfort. I was travelling to Chennai.

“Yes, I am not well. I have a history of heart problems and I think it is an attack. Can you kindly help me in reaching a hospital? The pain is unbearable and I am feeling breathless.,” he replied in a feeble voice.

Luckily the train had just halted at Bengaluru Cantonment station for a few minutes. I had to repeat the question before he replied in a feeble voice,

“Do you have anyone at Bengaluru? Can you give me the contact number?”

“None. I came this morning on some business and….,” trailed off as he closed his eyes.

In a split second, I decided to help him out unmindful of the interview scheduled for the next day. I knew that timely medical attention was essential in heart attacks. With the help of co-passengers, I lifted him bodily to the platform and had his luggage and mine brought down. The train left soon immediately.

With the help of the station staff, I was able to take him in a taxi to the nearest good hospital. Once in the emergency, the doctors took over inserting various tubes into him and administering medicines. In a short while they rushed him to ICCU.

I was lost in my thoughts as I reclined on a sofa outside the ICCU. It was past 11.30 PM. The interview didn’t matter much as I was already in a senior position. I waited for him to get stable to collect his contact address to inform his relatives.

“Are you his son? He is stable right now but we would wait for a day to watch his progress. Please fill in the forms for admission and pay the advance,” said a charming young doctor from the ICCU in an assuring voice.

 I replied “No, I am just a co-passenger in the train. When he fell sick and I saw his condition was serious, I decided to discontinue my journey and rushed him here. I am relieved that he is stable and in safe hands”

She looked at me in surprise. “You’ve been incredibly compassionate. Had you not brought him here when you did, he might not have survived. About thirty per cent of patients don’t make it to the hospital in time during a heart attack. He was lucky to have you as a co-passenger. “

I requested her to find out from the contents of his pocket, the contact numbers of his home and assured her that I would fill out the forms and make advance payment after talking to his people.

She smiled at me and said “I am simply touched by your extreme kindness not ordinarily seen. I will be here very soon with the details. I am a little free till the next emergency case arrives.”

My thoughts went back several years to the day my dad was in similar circumstances. We were then in Kolkata. He was travelling one night to Bhilai on official business. He suffered a heart attack midway on the train in the middle of the night. His co-passengers were sympathetic but made no efforts to attempt CPR or to contact the guard to keep a doctor in readiness at the next station. The train moved on even as my dad was struggling with angina and breathlessness. By the time the train reached the next station which was at quite a distance, he had breathed his last.

 It was in the morning the next day, as I was leaving for my school, my mom got a telephone call breaking the shocking news. Everyone felt that had he been given prompt medical assistance; he would have lived. But he was unlucky to be on a train in a desolate stretch with none capable of rendering a CPR. This was etched in my mind.

I was woken up from my reverie by the doctor, as she said, “Dozed off?  He is stable now and you can see him. Here are his details and the contact number you wanted. Let me say one thing again, I have never come across such a nice person like you in my life. Tell me, what made you break your journey for an unknown person to save his life? Do you live in Bengaluru?”

“I will explain to you in detail after meeting the patient,” I replied before I went to meet him in ICU. He looked much better, though wan.

 He smiled at me and offered profuse thanks for saving his life like a son would for his dad. He requested me to contact his son from the details given to the lady doctor on duty. As he continued talking about his gratitude, I motioned him not to strain and said that I would meet him the next day.

When I saw the lady doctor waiting for me, I introduced myself as Krishnan and gave all the details about me and my mobile number.

“I am Radha. You haven’t told me yet what made you break the journey for a stranger. This is something unusual and admirable “she said

 I then related the incident of my dad and his tragic end on the train without medical aid. I told her, “I knew when I saw the old man in distress how much he needed someone to help him. I decided in a split-second that no matter the broken journey or the missed interview, it was a call that I could hardly ignore. I am happy that I could help him survive the crisis.”

“Here is my card with phone numbers. You can call me anytime for updates. I would be happy to be of help to such a good Samaritan,” she said with a smile while extending her hand.

 I clasped her hand by both hands and said with a mischievous grin,” Be forewarned. You will get innumerable calls for updates this night and hope to continue afterwards too.”

“My pleasure. I look forward to the calls, Krishnan,” said Radha casting her magical spell on me.

It may be of interest for readers to know that the old man recovered completely and as a token of gratitude sent me a handsome reward, details of which would remain undisclosed at his specific request. But the most heartening outcome from this episode was, that the spate of initial calls for getting updates took a romantic turn eventually, culminating in my finding my life partner in the attractive doctor.