The renowned surgeon, Dr
Chandra, looked at Sunder, about his age, in his late 30s, with a poker face
and spoke slowly. His father accompanied him.
” I have had all the tests
done. I believe only an intervention by surgery would help, though there is a
small amount of risk. If it is not done, there is a greater risk to your life.
If both of you agree, I can prepare for it,” said the surgeon.
“What would we know about
this? We would be solely guided by your advice, “said Sunder.
“Don’t worry. I will
ensure everything is taken care of,” replied the doctor.
After they left, the
surgeon’s second man, Dr Gupta, who was also a reputed surgeon with a deft
hand, asked him, “Chandra, I am not sure whether the case calls for surgery. It
is very risky, and very likely that the man may not survive. This is done only
as a last resort when everything else has failed, and the patient is on the
verge of death. I am really at my wits’ end. Are you not troubled by your
conscience and the oath you took? Why are you resorting to this course? Don’t
take me amiss. As a long-time colleague and friend, I spoke out”
Dr Chandra kept quiet for
some time and then slowly started talking, “I am aware that surgery is
premature in this case. But let me confide in you. I have a private score to
settle. This man snatched away my sweet heart with his money and good looks.
She was in deep love with me and very intimate till this fellow came into the
scene.”
“Is it not murder that you
are contemplating?” interjected Gupta
“No, it can at best be a wrong judgment. I am going to perform surgery professionally, and
if he still succumbs due to the complications common in this process, can I be held
responsible?’ said Chandra. He added, “I am a divorcee, and she is still
charming.Who knows what can happen?”
“Sorry, I would not like
to be associated with you in this operation”, said Dr Gupta as he left in
disgust.
As a true professional,
the surgery was carried out with utmost precision. Despite Dr Chandra silently
waiting for some adverse development, luckily for the patient, none arose. The
young man recovered steadily, making the operation a remarkable first-time
achievement for both the hospital and the surgeon.
At the press meet after a few days, the
Chairman congratulated Dr Chandra warmly while reporters flashed cameras
without pause.
Sunder and his wife
thanked the surgeon profusely before leaving the hall. Yet Dr Chandra did not
fail to note the smirk on her face.
Standing a little apart,
Dr Gupta watched the celebrations in silence. Then he walked up to Chandra and
said quietly,
“Strange, isn’t it? You
wanted him dead. Instead, you have made him live longer, happier, and more
grateful to you than ever before.”
Dr Chandra forced a smile
but said nothing.
Gupta looked at him
steadily and said, “You still lose, Chandra.”
For the first time that
evening, the roaring applause, Dr Chandra got, sounded hollow to him.
A very short story. But let us ponder about different things. Good one
ReplyDeleteChitra
Interesting stories.
ReplyDeleteInteresting peek into the human condition… I wonder if it happens in real life…
ReplyDeleteAn interesting story. It is hard to accept that people in such noble profession would stoop low and too for what reason. I think pure love is to see your loved one happy irrespective of whether you are in the picture or not.
ReplyDeleteWow. A different story from the usual... Good one Sir
ReplyDeleteDr Chandra true to his profession couldn't mess up his surgical process. His mind couldn't regulate his professional hands.
ReplyDeleteJagadeesan
Looks really scary if drs behave so cheaply with the lives of patients !! Greater truth has to be accepted that we are nobody to change His writings!! Good one!!
DeleteWithout meaning to be over-philosophical, I must say most stories by the author carry beautiful moral morals - and this one is no exception. Principles of natural justice at play here! Lovely story
ReplyDeleteWhile it is a rare occurrence for a surgeon to harbour such evil intentions, surgeons taking deliberate revenge on a patient during medical treatment is incredibly rare and highly against both professional ethics and self-interest. While doctors and surgeons are human and experience personal conflicts, several powerful safeguards , like the rest of the assisting medical team present at the operating table, the video recording, and the surgeon’s conscience, prevent any personal feelings from translating into harm in the operating room.And why stake his reputation at that!!
ReplyDeleteAnother story that leaves the reader pondering over multiple lines of thought. Felt happy that there was no complication by way of loss of life.
ReplyDeleteMan proposes, but God disposes!
ReplyDeleteA very interesting story indeed. Despite the dishonest intention of the surgeon the professionalism in him eventually triumphed. Atin Biswas
ReplyDeleteProfessionals in any profession, whether doctors, advocates, or CAS, are human beings, and many of them succumb to emotions. Luckily, in our story, Dr Chandru's action didn't harm his patient. An interesting end indeed.
ReplyDeleteFate had other plans for the Doctor!!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting story but I find it hard to believe the surgeon would have ulterior motives. I appreciate the author for making the surgeon perform the procedure to his best ability!
ReplyDeleteInteresting. :) Thank you for sharing
ReplyDelete