The Jasmine : Wild Fragrance

by Venkat Bathini

  I would have still come to meet you if even if it was late night; Bcoz “I Love You” and you know that very well.

  Michelle started weeping and her tears were getting rolled down by the rain drops.

  I went close by, wiped her tears. She held the umbrella so that we do not get wet. We kissed each other deeply. We were bonding emotionally and physically. Just then a loud sound from a Bus and light from its headlights disturbed us.

  We both travelled back home in her scooter. Michelle was riding and I was enjoying the rain sitting in the back seat. During the trip, she narrated all events that took place at Hospital even without me asking anything. She dropped me at my home and gave a good night kiss. The ‘Feel’ I had at Victoria Park was a lifetime experience to cherish and was just kept rolling back to back in my dreams. I was waiting for the sunrise to happen to meet my sweetheart.

  Chapter 6

  Though I was physically asleep on the bed, I was awake all the night with feelings @Victoria Park rushing through my blood like Floods.

  I got ready and had my breakfast. I called Michelle twice, but there was no response. I rushed to the hospital and found that she didn’t come to the hospital.

  Richard: Hi. Are you coming to the hospital?

  Michelle: Yes, I am.

  Richard: Ok Cool. Since you didn’t answer my call, I thought you had different plans. I am waiting for you at Hospital.

  That day hospital was minimally staffed due to one of the doctor’s wedding ceremony which was scheduled that day in the church.

  Most of the hospital staff had gone to visit and few were on leave.

  It was some kind of magic that happened last night and I could not come out of it.

  Michelle reached the NICU department. We saw each other and were excited enough to meet. Michelle quickly enquired with the chief nurse about any critical conditions in NICU and learnt that everything was fine. I too did not have much work that day and there were no patients visit scheduled for that day.

  I said ‘Let’s go somewhere.’ We were about to leave the NICU premises, Just then we met Sarita and Dr. Bhoj. Sarita’s husband could not accompany her due to his work.

  Michelle: Sarita, you can breastfeed your child as you did yesterday. Anything else you need, Just check with Chief nurse.

  “I am available here in hospital premises; let me know if anything is critical. I’ll be back after sometime.” Michelle informed the nurse.

  We went to the cafeteria and ordered a cup of coffee. Michelle sipped the coffee and I took the coffee from her hands. I drank the rest of the coffee.

  Michelle: (Smiled at me) You could have ordered one more cup of coffee. Are you making savings for your marriage?

  Richard: Not really! I heard leftovers taste better when a person is in love. I was just checking that and it was true.

  I held Michelle’s hands. Michelle was just looking in all directions to find if someone was watching us.

  Richard: You know what happened last night at the Victoria Park. It was amazing. I think we left halfway. All I can say is “I need you.”

  Michelle understood my intimate needs, but was just teasing around and wanted me to express the desire with more craze, see me getting restless. We then moved to my personal consultation room. I hugged her and kissed on her neck. She turned and looked into my eyes. She was blushing.

  Michelle: Mr. Richard; Are you going to check if my heart is functioning well.

  Richard: No. I just want to ensure that my heart doesn’t skip a beat.

  “I love you.”

  The fire within us was ignited, nothing could really stop us. ‘We were like wildfire, unstoppable.’ For some time, we forgot that it was hospital. We did that day and was our first time.’

  We refreshed ourselves and met again at cafeteria.

  Michelle called the NICU dept and enquired about the situation. She was relieved to know that everything was fine.

  Richard: Shall we have one more coffee (pun intended)?

  Michelle smiled at me and said

  “Too much coffee is not good for health.”

  Richard: As a doctor I can take care of my health. As per recent survey, coffee atleast thrice a day is good for health especially Heart. #There was exchange of romantic smiles and talk that aroused the desire in us.

  Michelle: Hope you remember this is hospital and not a honeymoon spot. We as doctors are more responsible and need to take care of the patients.

  Richard: Pass on your hands towards me.

  I held both her hands. “Love knows no boundaries.” Intimacy is just an extension of physical demonstration of love.

  It was raining that day. We went to the corridors. Michelle enjoyed the rain like a child. She pulled me in the rain and we both got wet. I was able to re-ignite the desire in her and we were set for another cup of coffee. We moved to my consultation room and undressed ourselves. Our bodies were on fire and we got physically intervowed. We spent sometime in the room exploring each other and discussing future plans.

  Michelle: Where’s my Phone? My sixth sense indicates some emergency.

  The phone was in the doctor coat which got wet and was not working as the water creeped in. It’s not working. It was just displaying the last missed call which was a landline number from NICU.

  Michelle called the NICU dept using my mobile, no one picked up the call. Michelle rushed to the NICU dept.

  Michelle: What happened? Was there any emergency? Someone tried calling on my number.

  There was silence in the room. Michelle looked at Chief Nurse and said: ‘I’m sorry I couldn’t pick up the call as the phone was malfunctioning after getting wet in rain.’

  Nurse: The pulse rate of ‘Jasmine’ has dropped suddenly. We tried to restore the temperature to normal, but her condition deteriorated badly.

  Michelle checked the latest reports which indicated a drop in temperature, heartbeat was abnormal. Michelle identified it as case of ‘Hypothermia’ and instructed them to emergency medical measures some of which were already put in place by chief nurse Regina.

  Jasmine stopped responding to all the medical procedures that were followed, Jasmine took her last breath and was confirmed dead. Michelle broke down literally as she was handling this patient more cautiously and not sure as how to handle or convey the same to Jasmine’s parents.. I found myself guilty for this incident.

  It was a case of medical negligence and reputation of the hospital was at stake.

  I held Michelle back and controlled her.

  Richard: We are not god, but just doctors. I know right from the day you have operated, admitted this baby to NICU you have given your best to survive this child.

  #Internally though I was feeling guilty, I wanted to restore Michelle to normal level. She had some kind of unknown attachment towards this infant which was more than doctor-patient relationship. At the same time, I wanted to ensure Michelle does not get emotional and reveal everything that happened which would ruin our professional career.

  The chief nurse and other staff members came to Michelle’s rescue. The information about jasmine’s demise was informed to their parents. They arrived the hospital and were in uncontrollable grief as it was their first child.

  Sarita: “Dr. Michelle, u said this is the best hospital for babies.

  I trusted you more than anyone. Where is my baby……Jasmine?

  Can I breastfeed my child”……Michelle held Sarita and consoled her. It was emotional high for both of them. NICU staff explained the scenario to Vishu. It was a bad day for both of us, as a precious life was lost due to negligence which our conscious was aware of.

  Chapter 7

  The KGH hospital has conducted an Inquiry into the death of Jasmine.

  The inquiry revealed hospital staff has taken necessary measures, inspite of that infant jasmine could not be saved as she suffered from ‘Hypothermia.’

  KGH was tight lipped on this incident as it was a matter of their reputation. KGH had sent feelers to Mr.
Vishu, the father of Jasmine through Dr. Bhoj who finally convinced him not to approach legal authorities/instigate for further enquiry as it was known scenario and there was nothing which KGH could have done to save their child. On an average worldwide, nearly 4% premature babies especially ones with Less Birth weight die due to Hypothermia, their chances of survival is rare. Apart from that, he showed various press clippings and awards won by NICU, KGH recognizing their services which instilled faith in him and convinced that they had put their best.

  I was at home listening soothing music using walkman. There was strong aromatic fragrance which I observed of late somewhere. This fragrance is of the jasmine flowers which jasmine’s mother Sarita wore on her head on that unfortunate day. I heard the cries of small child which was not a part of the track I was listening. I removed my earphones and checked nearby surroundings to find if any baby is crying. There was no sound at all. I plugged in the earphones and I started hearing the baby cries. This time it was loud, continous and annoying. It was like a bang on the head. I threw the walkman.

  I sat on the sofa to relax myself. I started analyzing to understand if it was some kind of hallucination that I am experiencing due to guilt related to Jasmine’s death. I switched the television and was watching music channel. It was a song rendered by singer Celine dion from the Album ‘The color of my love.’ I was able to hear the sound of baby cries in the background. I reduced the volume of Television to verify if it was true. Now, the voice was very clear and to my shock it was true. I could not verify the source for a while, later I thought it could be from the walkman I was using. The sound was really annoying and was driving me crazy. I kept searching for the walkman, finally I found it but in pieces. So where is this sound coming from if not from walkman? I slowly turned and looked at the television, What I found was strange. Though the music video was being played in the television, It was the baby cries which I was hearing as an Audio.

  Michelle Home:

  KGH advised Michelle to rest for a week till they complete the Inquiry into jasmine’s death. Michelle had good reputation at KGH and was considered highly professional. It was a planned move by KGH to keep her away from the scanner of Press and ensure she does not reveal any information related to this incident. KGH was famous was premature deliveries, this time they were ensuring similar care to keep up their reputation.

  Michelle’s parents have planned an outing towards country side. Her parents were ready and were waiting for her. Michelle had shower bath and was getting ready looking at the dressing mirror. The doors of the wardrobe cupboard was moving in and out making noises. She looks at it and finds the windows open. She closes the windows. While locking the cupboard doors, she finds the baby ‘Jasmine’ lying in the cupboard shelve. Michelle goes speechless for a while and keeps staring at the baby. Though she tries to respond to her mother, her voice goes mute. Michelle’s mother keeps calling her, but it is unheard. Her father who is at the car presses a long horn indicating them to come out. This horn sound relieves michelle out of the shock and comes out of illusion. She finally gets ready and gets into the car. While moving out in the car, she looks at house and feels that there is something strange happening at home as it was the first time in the last 26 years. At the back of Michelle’s mind thoughts keep pumping; there is a sub conscious inner feeling that something is wrong. Is the soul of jasmine haunting?

  Chapter 8

  It was a horrible experience for both of us. I learnt that Michelle was also going through similar scenario but it was ‘visual hallucinations.’ When I called her I realized all this was happening after jasmine’s death. I thought it was jasmine’s soul/some kind of super natural power that was haunting us.

  I called the ‘GH(Ghost Hunters)’ Team that deals finding ghosts, super natural elements, haunting places etc. They visited my place and carried out search for supernatural powers. They confirmed the presence of supernatural power, but they were unable to decode the recordings as they were cries of babies.

  They along with me visited jasmine’s house. Jasmine explained the entire situation to their parents after which they gave permission to ‘GH’ team to carry out their operations.

  They searched for clue in the entire house, but they hardly found any clue.

  Richard: Is there something you can do to drive away the ghost?

  GH: Mr. Richard relax, our team has made recordings of observations. We have more than 10 years of expertise in this field. We have successfully relieved many customers from their worries during this time.

  Richard: That is the reason I reached out to you. Now, tell me how are we going to handle this?

  GH: It is unfortunate that we could do nothing to this situation. There were certain traces based on recordings, but it could not be decoded as it was nothing but child cries. If I am not wrong, I think it all started after child Jasmine’s death.

  Richard: yes

  GH: It was happening at only the two locations; Michelle and Richards’ residence. I do not think you see this at hospital or any other place..right

  Richard: Yes

  GH: Sorry sir, there is nothing we can do in this case. Alternatively we suggest you both to change the place of living, be in company of your friends and relatives, may be consult a psychiatrist, as I understand that it never happened earlier since michelle was living in the same house for more than 25 years.

  Richard: Thanks! we will take care.

  We fixed an appointment with Pshyciatrist James Chapman.

  At Psychiatrist’s clinic:

  James: Hi michelle and Richard. How are you?

  Michelle: we are doing good.

  James: I have gone through your email thoroughly. Let me acknowledge my understanding of the problem you both are facing. You both are experiencing hallucinations since last few days. Richard is hearing strange voices that of baby cries and michelle is seeing the strange faces i.e face of baby jasmine.

  Richard: You are correct.

  James: I have prepared a questionnaire for both of you. I want you to answer it without hiding truth/manipulating the exact scenario so that I can arrive at a conclusion.

  Since when exactly are you guys experiencing hallucinations?

  Richard: Day after the death of premature baby ‘Jasmine.’ We both especially michelle was attached to the baby. After her demise, All this started.

  James: Ok I understand that michelle was experiencing it may because it was outcome of the grief she had due to demise of jasmine. She was handling the case. But in what way were you connected to the child. Were you handling the paeditric cardiac dept?

  Richard: No, There is a dedicated paediatric cardiologist.

  James was looking into my eyes and was trying to unearth the secret.

  James: Fine, Do anyone of you see yourselves guilty due to any kind of wrongdoing/feel that you are directly or indirectly responsible for jasmine’s death.

  Michelle looked at me and was bit annoyed at the question posed.

  Richard: Not at all James. I mean, we doctors give our best on daily basis for every patient we handle. It just that inspite of our best efforts, such incidents do happen all across world and it is natural.

  James: Michelle do u have anything to say on this?

  Michelle Kept mum and nodded her head indicating a NO.

  James: Are you guys getting enough sleep? Do u see some changes in the sleeping pattern.

  Michelle: I am not getting sleep properly. I am awake all the night thinking about jasmine. We are sleeping in the early morning till afternoon.

  #James felt that his question unanswered as why Richard was facing this problem and was a mystery. James sounded more like a Scotland Yard detective than a psychiatrist with his looks, questions and expressions.

  James prescribed medicines for both us to get sleep. Advised to engage in social activities.

  James: As Richard said, we doctors do our best to help the patients; inspite of that if something goes wrong we are not to blame ourselves and feel guilty.
If you look at cancer patients, the survival rate is very low. Are the doctors blaming themselves and experiencing depression. Be professional on this one.

  One last questions though actually not a part of my questionnaire.

  Do you love each other?

  Richard: Yes, We are in love and soon we are planning to get married.

  James: Awesome! I suggest you both get marry soon. Since both of your are doctors, you guys hardly get time due to your professional requirements. Take time for yourselves, Chill out!

  Make sure you invite me for your wedding …hahahaha.

  Chapter 9

  One week holiday period for Michelle was over and it was time for back to hospital. Michelle appeared before the Inquiry committee at KGH.

  The committee decided to retain Michelle as she was not proven of guilty or any wrongdoing. The committee did not find act of negligence by her? The previous day before the incident (jasmine’s death) took place, KGH found that Michelle worked for extra hours and the following day the hospital was understaffed. Michelle was supposed to be on rest/arrive late to hospital, but she had come to attend the patients. She was on caffeine to keep herself awake as information gathered from the pantry staff and NICU staff. Michelle‘s proven track record and her dedication in discharging duties had saved her.

  Hod: Michelle, Please continue your good work at NICU. We have observed the hospital was understaffed in various departments. We will soon overcome this by hiring on a massive scale.

  Do you have anything to say?

  Michelle: Hmmm..Thanks for keeping trust in me. As always, I will continue to discharge my duties with utmost care.

  Well, I would like to extend my leave as of now.

  Hod: May I know why?

  Michelle: I am getting married.

  The committee members were amazed with this news and were curious to know about the bridegroom.

  Hod: May I know when you are planning and who’s that lucky guy.

  Michelle: It’s Mr.Richard, Cardiologist in our hospital.