Chapter 2:
Recap - Many miles away, a fallen pair of eyes follows the darkness gloom over as the sun descends down the horizon, yet the mind strays elsewhere. On the table, the name tag reads 'Dr. Rakesh Khanna, MD, FRCP'. A very disturbed man with unkempt looks sits on the chair in the 5th floor of the health care institute in London, UK. A lone tear rolls down his left eye as he shuts them. The past week has only seen sorrow in those eyes, while the heart shatters in pieces as the feeling of betrayal linger over the mind! The ear blustering ring tone captures his attention, as the name Radhini appears on the caller id. Yet he remains unresponsive…
As he maintains his posture, Rakesh runs his fingers through their marriage photo, relishing his blue eyed beauty, Radhini's smile…
A smile that captures his attention
A smile that makes him smile
And the smile he would die for.
Yet it all becomes a delusion before him, as the cruelty of fate makes him weaker by the day, threatening to take his life away – the life he would never complain about… the life he would ask for eternity… He feels cheated!
Tears flood through his cheeks as separation from his beloved nears him. More than his own, it is heart wrecking to imagine Radhini in pain. He wishes to see her move on rather than lament over her loses lifelong. His heart aches, yet, the moment begs him to only leave behind traces of betrayal and not sorrow. As he prepares to leave to an undisclosed place way before he succumbs to the deadly disease, he bids adieu to his wife… thinking only for his love's betterment!
"I Love You, Goodbye" – Celine Dion
Wish I could be the one
the one who could give you love
the kind of love you really need
Wish I could say to you
that I'll always stay with you
but baby that's not me
You need someone willing to give
Their heart and soul to you
Promise you forever,
Baby that's something I can't do
Oh I could say that I'll be all you need
but that would be a lie
I know I'd only hurt you
I know I'd only make you cry
I'm not the one you're needing
I love you, goodbye
I hope someday you can
Find some way to understand
I'm only doing this for you
I don't really wanna go
but deep in my heart I know
This is the kindest thing to do
You'll find someone who'll be the
One that I could never be
Who'll give you something better
than the love you'll find with me
Oh I could say that I'll be all you need
but that would be a crime
I know I'd only hurt you
I know I'd only make you cry
I'm not the one you're needing
I love you, goodbye
Leaving someone when you love someone
is the hardest thing to do
When you love someone as much as I love you
Oh I don't wanna leave you
Baby it tears me up inside
But I'll never be the one you're needing
I love you, goodbye
Baby, it's never ganna work out
I love you, goodbye
Yet he fails to recognize the depth of his love… that its strength overpasses all forms of evil, in his case death. This separation, hence, is meant to be temporary – one that will make their love grow all the more stronger.
From the lurking moon to the scorching sun half way across the planet, a rental car stops by the Department of Pediatrics, BC children's hospital. Radhini, adorn in professional clothing, walks into the building and finds her way to the Chan centre, where the month long series of conferences and seminars will conclude. She feels relieved… after all, in a couple of days she would be back with him. However her mind remains roaming around thinking about his state of mind throughout the concluding ceremony.
In the late afternoon, she heads towards the Tsawwassen terminal, Vancouver to board the BC Ferry to Victoria, where Anjali resides. With every passing minute, cars fill the waiting arena, as they await the BC Ferry to reach the terminal. With close to an hour remaining, many vacate their vehicles to enjoy the sea breeze and to feed the sea birds.
Yet, Radhini remains in her car slowly drowning into her past as "Let the Love Begin by Jerome John Hughes and Kyla" plays in the background.
During the morning peak hour, cars occupy roads in all corners of the city. City buses and LRT fill with people. A young lady, in early twenties, sprints along the side walk to catch her bus that nearly took off.
"Hey… Hold on please…….." She screams. Noticing the woman on the side mirror, the driver opens the front door for her.
"Thanks sir! ", the lady says trying to catch her breath, while getting on the bus. Once in, the close set of blue eyes glances through in search of an empty seat. Before she could spot one, she hears a familiar voice calling her name.
"Radhini…! Over here girl!!!" yells Anjali.
Her face lights up seeing Anjali in the rear end of the bus. She makes her way through to the other end, and hugs her.
"Oh man! I'm glad you're here. It's been a crazy morning!" Radhini says taking a deep breath.
"Well whose fault is that? Its time you wake up early!" replies Anjali.
"Hey! I did leave the house on time but…"
"But what?" asks Anjali?
"Arrrrr… my neighbor's dog roamed around my lawn and the moment I stepped out, he barked and came after me. I ran for my life and slammed the front door….but it was a close one"
"OMG…………. Are you serious? You're still scared of that puppy!" Anjali laughs historically.
While sulking, Radhini says, "hey it is not funny!"
"Alright! Alright! I'm glad you made it on time! Otherwise, you would have been embarrassed in front of many hot dudes!"
"Never mind your so called hot dudes… I'm glad I'm on time, as I don't have the guts to face that old man. He scares me!" exclaims Radhini.
Despite receiving a few stares for being the loudest on the bus, they continue on with their chit chats. After all, they wish to enjoy each and every moment of their life. Being natives of Singara Chennai both fall under the category of 'Canadian Born Confused Desi' or CBCN. Joining hands at the age of five, they've stood up side by side. Life hasn't been that easy for the two - after all, they're living the life of a medical student. But now as they move onto the next phase into residency their lives are to change.
As we go on
We remember
All the times we
Had together
And as our lives change
Come Whatever
We will still be
Friends Forever
- Graduation by Vitamin C
Memories to be continued…..
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