“The Difference” — Prabodh Kumar Govil
"Try to understand, Mister. Acting so childishly, you’re not just risking one life but two." Dr. Tiwari said.
"But doctor, how do I make you understand that mentally, I’m completely unprepared for this situation? It’s a strange coincidence that things turned out this way, and I’ve found myself in such turmoil for no reason. I appeal to you, considering my circumstances." Vineet's voice was now almost choking with emotion.
Dr. Mahima Tiwari, with her stethoscope hanging around her neck, sat near her desk, trying to reason with the young couple who had come to her for an abortion. From Vineet's disheveled hair and red eyes, it was clear he hadn’t had proper rest for days. Suman sat quietly beside him, head bowed. She hadn't participated in the conversation at all. For her, whatever decision her husband Vineet and Dr. Tiwari made was final. What helplessness it was for that mother, whose unborn child’s life was being debated by her husband and the doctor. Understanding her husband’s distress, Suman wanted to support him, even though the storm rising within her body told her otherwise.
"If you had to make such a decision, you should have been careful earlier, right?" the doctor broke the silence.
"Yes, actually, I wasn’t here. I was away for three months. We came to you as soon as I returned. The situation was such that she couldn’t even talk to anyone here. Her biggest mistake was waiting for me; she didn’t inform me." Vineet glanced at Suman as he spoke.
"But you know very well that after so much time has passed, performing an operation carries a high risk of complications. God forbid if anything happens, you’ll be burdened with guilt for the rest of your life… I’m sorry, Mr. Vineet, but please try to understand. Getting scared of difficult times and risking someone else's life is not wisdom, nor do you have the right to do so."
Vineet had no choice but to get up. Helplessly, he said, "Okay, thank you, doctor. As you wish, but I still believe that not bringing this child into the world is better for me and the child. I’ll try somewhere else. Though I agree with you completely, I can’t explain my compulsion. I have to get this operation done at any cost."
"As you wish! My task is to advise you. The rest is your choice." Dr. Tiwari said, walking inside.
Vineet and Suman left the clinic. Vineet drove the car swiftly, while Suman remained silent.
"Let’s try another doctor!" Vineet said.
"Okay." Suman replied reluctantly.
"I think Dr. Mathur will charge a bit more, but with some persuasion, he’ll agree. We can talk to him. Anyway, Dr. Tiwari is known to be a bit strict. Tell me, how can anyone argue with her?"
"Listen…!" Suman hesitated. "Isn’t it possible that we listen to Dr. Tiwari?"
"There you go again. You’re not trying to understand." Suman fell silent.
Vineet had married Suman against his family’s wishes almost two years ago, severing ties with them. Neither side had made any attempts to reconnect, apart from a few formal letters exchanged once or twice. His renowned lawyer father no longer needed him, and Vineet had chosen not to care.
Now, Vineet had the chance to go abroad for three years as part of a company training program. This opportunity was crucial for his career. His company’s management wasn’t fully aware of his personal life. Vineet feared that once his mentor, Director Jhingran, found out he was about to become a father, he might pass the opportunity to someone else, thinking Vineet wouldn’t be able to give it his all. Leaving Suman behind in this condition was impossible, and taking her along was out of the question. Suman had no one but Vineet. After their marriage, she’d never looked back at her stepmother’s household, which held only bitter memories for her. For Vineet, this wasn’t just about going abroad but about securing future promotions and career growth. Losing this chance meant his career in this company was over.
Back home, Vineet called Dr. Mathur, who agreed to meet him. Hope flickered in Vineet’s heart. Surely Dr. Mathur would understand his predicament — why else would he call him over instead of refusing outright? Women doctors tend to be more sentimental, he thought. Dr. Mathur, considering Vineet’s career, would surely help. He even reasoned that with the two female doctors at Dr. Mathur's clinic, there’d be no lack of care.
Vineet arrived at Dr. Mathur’s house, his mind racing. However, after their conversation, all his assumptions proved wrong. Vineet laid out everything before the doctor, even revealing deeply personal matters in hopes of convincing him. Dr. Mathur, sipping his coffee, listened intently, observing the stark contrast between the career-driven young executive and the helpless would-be father. Finally, the doctor calmly said, "Son, this is childishness. You can’t trade someone’s entire life for one career opportunity." And Vineet was left speechless.
That night, he neither ate nor slept. For the first time since leaving home, he longed for his parents. His heart burned with resentment toward the unborn child, whom he blamed for jeopardizing his career. He knew he’d never be able to forgive that innocent soul. Suman could do nothing but cry silently.
It’s been thirty-two years since that incident when Vineet and Suman roamed the city, seeking doctors to end their child’s life.
Today, that very child — Dr. Praveen Narayan, the city's most renowned heart specialist — stood in the hospital corridor, repeatedly wiping the sweat off his forehead. Years of foreign training and tireless effort had earned him fame. Patients felt assured of recovery under his care. Yet, for the past few days, Dr. Praveen hadn’t slept or eaten properly.
A few days ago, Vineet Narayan suffered a sudden heart attack. His condition was so critical that Suman feared losing him. Dr. Praveen rushed back from Delhi, leaving a conference midway. The situation was grim; without immediate surgery, Vineet’s life hung by a thread. Even with surgery, the risk was immense. Dr. Praveen initially doubted his ability to perform the operation, but he couldn’t entrust it to anyone else.
Today was the day of the surgery. Suman, despite her frail health, refused to leave the hospital. Dr. Praveen tried to convince her:
"Mom, you need rest. You haven’t eaten or slept properly for days." His voice choked, and he turned away, unable to say more.
Suman sobbed quietly. She’d seen this hesitation before — thirty-two years ago. She remembered the determined glare in Vineet’s eyes when he raced to Dr. Tiwari’s clinic, eyes burning with resolve, silently saying, “I won’t let you come into this world.”
Today, she saw the same resolve in Praveen’s eyes, silently saying, “I won’t let you leave this world.”
Between these two moments of iron will, Suman Lata’s tears flowed, bearing witness to the tender difference between them.
(The End)
