‘Eight Weeks’ scare (681 words)

 Ambuja wore a worried look as she brought her young and beautiful 20-year-old daughter to the doctor’s apartment on the upper floor of her building.

The doctor, past 70 years, had closed his regular practice and confined himself to advising some of his longtime clients when approached. He charged no fees and kept a donation box marked boldly FOR CHARITY for the clients to drop whatever they thought fit. A highly respected and popular person, he was known for his kindness.

The doctor emerged from the examination room, his expression grim.

“Eight weeks,” he said quietly.

Ambuja gasped. “Oh my God. She’s never been left alone without one of us. She’s such a sweet, innocent child. Barely knows anything! I didn’t even let her watch adult movies. How could this happen?”

The doctor shrugged. “How would I know? There’s an old saying you must have heard, “With dogs around, the bitch is never safe.”

“She never had a boyfriend. She never dated anyone. I’m sure of it!”

“That’s what she told you. Were you following her every time she stepped out?”

Ambuja’s face wrinkled. “She’s in her final year of college. A baby will ruin everything, her future, our family’s reputation. Please, Doctor… do something. I beg you.”

“Alright,” he said, softening. “Send her in. I’ll speak to her.”

A few minutes later, the daughter stepped out and motioned her mother inside.

The doctor met Ambuja’s eyes and spoke gently. “I’ve spoken to her. Brace yourself. It’s your neighbour’s son. They’ve been in love for some time, meeting whenever they could. They didn’t expect this. He wants to marry her. He’s just finished his final management course. I know his family—they were my patients too.”

Ambuja stiffened. “Shakunthala’s son? That wily woman has always been jealous of me, of our wealth. This is her ploy to grab everything through her son! No, I don’t want this baby. You must terminate it. Do whatever it takes.”

“It’s not that simple. It’s illegal at this stage without medical grounds, and even then, I’d need the young man’s consent. Talk to your neighbour, bring them here with your daughter. We’ll see what’s possible.”

He added gently, “And for the record, Shakunthala’s family is quite wealthy. I doubt she’s after your assets. Perhaps she’s just envious that you have a beautiful, talented daughter while she has only a son.”

The next evening, both mothers arrived at the clinic with their children and a basket full of fruits.

“Doctor,” said Ambuja with a nervous smile, “We had a long, honest talk. Shakunthala’s son and my daughter are truly in love. Our families are compatible, and we’ve spoken to our husbands. We’ve decided, they’ll be engaged soon.”

Shakunthala nodded in agreement.

“Wonderful news!” said the doctor. “When’s the wedding?”

“Soon, but only after we take care of the baby situation,” said Ambuja. “They aren’t ready for children yet. They plan to travel, maybe on a long honeymoon. They want the pregnancy terminated.”

“I need to hear it from all of you: is this marriage final and non-negotiable?”

All four nodded in unison. “It’s final.”

Suddenly, the doctor burst out laughing. The two mothers looked bewildered.

What’s so funny, Doctor?” asked Shakunthala.

“You’ll have to forgive me,” he said, chuckling. “I was part of a drama… scripted by your children.”

The women stared.

“They were terrified to tell you the truth about their relationship, knowing the distrust and dislike between you. So, they came to me with a plan. No, your daughter is not pregnant. I never examined her. She just wanted me to say ‘Eight weeks’ to bring a sense of urgency.”

“You mean…” Ambuja stammered.

“I never violated my ethics. I didn’t lie to your daughter or examine her. I simply told you what she asked me to tell you. The rest? It was all you. But it worked, didn’t it?”

There was a long pause. Then Shakunthala let out a reluctant laugh. Ambuja followed, shaking her head.

“Kids these days,” she muttered.

The doctor smiled. “As they say, all’s well that ends well.”