Making of a mistake.

Time flies while partying with friends and Vicky didn’t even realize it was already too late when the party got over. Drunk and almost senseless he and a few friends clambered into his car ready to leave for home well past midnight. Most of them could hardly see straight so when Vicky took the steering none of them protested. Vicky was never a speed enthusiast but tonight he was tearing down the road and in that half stupor driving, he hit a car which was parked along the road. Since no one was watching, he wasted no time in cross examining the scene of crime and fled. The alcohol had lost some of its charm by now but was still enough to humor them all on the little accident they just had and everyone burst out laughing. As he went ahead a few kilometers having dropped all his friends except one, who also happened to be his childhood buddy, suffered a heart attack. Unfortunately he was into the city outskirts and there was no time to go to any hospital of repute. He made a few calls and found out that there is a small nursing home nearby and he instantly brought his friend there for emergency treatment. As he got his friend into the hospital, the hospital staff took over. There he was informed that the doctor was not present at that time of the night but he has been called and will be arriving shortly.

Some time pass but since the doctor did not show up. Further enquiry revealed that someone had hit the doctor’s car and now he cannot find a conveyance to reach the hospital. Vicky got infuriated and cursed the doctor, the hospital and all the rash drivers who make a mockery of the traffic rules and the entire governing system which let those drivers get away with that. Considering the criticality of the situation he volunteered to pick up the doctor. The hospital was more than happy to provide him the address and he raced towards the waiting the doctor. He was driving at break neck speed breaking all the traffic rules because now he had a reason to do so. Getting to the place was not so difficult as it was his dear friend’s life in danger and he was determined to travel to hell and back to see him alive. As he got near the destination, the feeling begins to arise that he had been to this place in that intoxicated state earlier in the night. Things begin to look familiar as they were in that drunken stupor. Then he saw the doctor with a black bag in hand and a worried face resulting from the interrupted sleep. He seemed very amiable and as he was getting into the car, he pointed to his mutilated vehicle which was the very same car that Vicky had rammed into a little while ago. He could recognize the damage he had caused immediately and suddenly what felt like just another adrenalin drive at that time was giving him nausea.

He kept quite, speaking just a few words but a million thoughts were racing in his mind that he could be the one to blame if something happens to his friend. He could be the sole reason of his friend’s demise which otherwise could have been be prevented. Somehow he reached the hospital hoping it was not too late. His friend was still breathing and that was the only visible sign of life in him as he has already gone into a state of coma. The doctor got down to business immediately and Vicky was left outside alone to wait and contemplate the consequences of his stupid mistake and how his friend was paying for it. He wished he had not taken liquor that night, he wished he was not driving and instead had taken a cab; he wished he had been a little more careful not to hit the doctor’s car. He began to question God why? Why did he had to act stupid? Why did God not stop him? Why did he have to hit the very doctor’s car who is the only person his friend needs the most now? Why does his friend’s life hanging by the thread and not yours? Why his friend has to suffer for his mistakes? Then he realizes that its not helping and he begins to pray, rather beg. He begged for his friend’s life. He prayed that if he gets up again and you will give him a hug and bring him back home. He was even ready to exchange his life for his friend’s and it was more because of remorse and less out of his love for him. The very fact that he was the culprit was tearing his heart apart. Time slips away like sand between the fingers. The doctor emerged from the OT and informed him that Vicky has lost his friend and he is very sorry for his loss. Nothing can console Vicky now and he knows he can never forgive himself. The loss of his friend was great but its even worse that he could have been saved if it was not for Vicky’s carelessness. Vicky could sue the hospital for not having a doctor standing in case of an emergency but he could hardly speak. Words deceived him and tears rolled down his cheek. He was thinking “How will I face his parents? How will I answer why the doctor was late? How can I ever face the eyes of his mother? Will they ever forgive me? Will I ever forgive myself? Will I be able to forgive myself?”

Suddenly the room seemed too stuffy and congested; it’s suffocating and in that state of shock, he ran out to get some fresh air. The fresh air brought fresh tears. His car was standing in front of him. It still had that mark of the accident of the night yesterday. Something which he used to describe as riding your dream filled him with disgust and remorse and he began to cry inconsolably. There is hardly anything which haunts one more than a scarred conscience and he knew his is going to torture him till his last breath. But now the damage is done and it cannot be repaired. He cannot go back in time and change anything so as to bring back his friend. One mistake has robbed him of a dear friend and a left him with a life time of remorse and guilt which he will have to carry around till eternity.