Heroes
Characters
Manik Malhotra- Lives in Delhi married to Nandini Doctor by profession for him his first priority is save people life treating the patients after this everything comes her wife and daughter also.
Nandini Malhotra- She is wife of manik a down to earth lady, she is also doctor by profession and for her also first priority is her profession everything else is secondary
Ashi Malhotra- 5 years old daughter of Manik and Nandini she is cutieepie and apple of eye of manik and Nandini
Salute to your energy,
Bow to your compassion
And heil to your sacrifice
You all show us how superheroes look in white coats♥️
By Suk-24
1st May 2020
Nandini (sad + scared): “Manik, the number of coronavirus cases is increasing day by day.”
Manik (sadly): “Nandini, I know the situation is getting out of control. There are about 2,000+ new patients of coronavirus daily.”
Nandini: “Yes, Manik, I just hope we get the vaccine soon.”
Manik: “Yes, I hope the same. But until we get the vaccine, we have to do our work, our duty.”
Nandini (determined): “Yes, Manik, you are right. It’s not the time to be scared. It’s time to do our duty. As doctors, it’s our responsibility to save lives in any condition, and we will do that.”
Manik (determined): “Definitely.”
While they were talking, the peon came and informed them that Dr. Shashank is calling Dr. Nandini as there is an emergency. Nandini rushed to the call, while Manik went to attend to other patients.
Hustle and bustle filled the ward. A woman was lying on a ventilator. She had been admitted to the hospital three days ago, tested positive for COVID-19, and was now experiencing breathing difficulties. An oxygen pipe was attached to her mouth, but she still couldn’t breathe properly. Nandini entered the room wearing her PPE kit, fully covered. She approached the patient and assessed her condition, which was critical. The doctors started working, administering oxygen and injecting medication. Nandini pressed the patient’s chest to help her breathe, but nothing seemed to work. Slowly, the patient’s breaths became shallow, her heartbeat dropped, and eventually, she stopped breathing.
Nurse: “We lost her...”
Nandini closed her eyes, tears welling up. This was the fifteenth COVID-19 patient they had lost today, and it was still early in the day. For the first time, she felt unworthy of being a doctor, as she witnessed people dying before her eyes, helpless to save them.
After sanitizing herself thoroughly, she went to her cabin and sat on her chair, closing her eyes. After about half an hour, Manik entered the cabin and found Nandini sitting there with a gloomy expression. Manik closed the door, and at the sound, Nandini opened her eyes and saw Manik standing there. He walked towards her.
Manik: “What happened, Nandini? You don’t look good.”
Nandini (feeling low): “Manik, I don’t know. It’s just... for the first time, I feel that I am not worthy of being a doctor.”
Manik: “And what made you think like this?”
Nandini: “Manik, you know our duty is to save people’s lives, and we have already lost fifteen patients today. It’s heartbreaking to witness all this, and the worst part is that we can’t do anything about it. It’s so disheartening.” (Tears well up while talking.)
Manik: “Why are you thinking like this, Nandini? Who said we are not doing anything? We are giving our 100%, dedicating our days and nights to this. I know it’s hard to see people die in front of us, but you can also look at the positive side.”
Nandini (dejected): “What positive side, Manik?”
Manik: “Look, you mentioned that we lost fifteen patients today, but did you notice that more than a hundred patients have also recovered?” (Smiling) “Why are you focusing on the negative side, Nandini? Look at the positive side. Where is my positive Nandini?” (He playfully pulls her cheeks.)
Nandini (determined): “Yes, Manik, you are right. The recovery rate is higher. That’s the positive side. Now I just hope we get the vaccine soon.”
Manik smiles as he looks at her. 😊
Finally, the day comes to an end, and they are heading back home. It’s around 10 at night when their shift is over. As they enter the house, their daughter Ashi comes running and shouting, “Mamma, papa!” She’s smiling, but both Manik and Nandini show her their hands to stop her.
Nandini: “Nancy (the nanny of their daughter), take her to her room. I told you not to let her meet us when we come back.”
Manik: “Yes, Nancy. Just take her upstairs.”
Ashi (sadly): “Mamma, papa, no meet?”
Manan look at her, but they can’t take her in their arms, can’t wipe her tears. They feel bad, but they have to do it for their baby.
Manik (standing far away): “No, baby. Mamma and papa want to meet you. We just came back from the hospital, and we are dirty. So, first, we have to take a bath, and then we will play with Ashi. What do you say, Nandini?”
Nandini: “Yes, Ashi, you just go with Nancy Didi. We are coming in a few minutes.”
Ashi nods positively but with a sad expression. She goes with Nancy to her room, while Manan goes to their room and takes a thorough bath, sanitizing themselves. Nandini speaks up.
Nandini: “Manik, I’m thinking of sending Ashi to Mom’s house for a few days.”
Manik: “Why?”
Nandini: “Manik, first of all, we are not able to give her proper time. She’s alone in the house all day. If she goes there, at least we won’t have to worry as my mom will take care of her. Secondly, and most importantly, Manik, we deal with coronavirus patients daily. I’m scared, and I don’t want our baby to get infected.”
Manik (thinking for a minute): “You are right, Nandini. We should send her there. You know, Nandini, I’m even scared to hold her in my arms. I don’t know, but I feel that if I accidentally touch something, I might spread the virus to her. I’m scared. I think you’re right; we should send her tomorrow itself.”
Nandini: “Hmm, Manik, I understand. I go through the same fear. I just want our baby to be safe, and for that, we have to live without her for a few days. Can we do this for our baby, right?”
Manik: “Yes, you are right. Come on, let’s talk to Ashi about it.”
Manan goes to Ashi’s room and finds her sitting on the bed with a sad expression. Manan sits beside her, and Manik signals Nancy to leave.
Manik: “So, my baby is still angry with me?”
Ashi nods her head cutely.
Nandini: “She’s angry with mamma too.”
Ashi (in a toddler voice): “Yes, Ashi is angry with both of you because you didn’t let Ashi hug you. I missed you so much the whole day, and you showed me your hand to stop me. I’m angry.”
Nandini: “I’m sorry, bacha. You know, mamma came back from the hospital, and she’s dirty. If she had hugged Ashi, Ashi would also become dirty. That’s why I stopped you.”
Manik: “And, Ashi, you know, we both have a surprise for you.”
Ashi’s eyes shine as she hears about the surprise. She asks, “Papa, what is Ashi’s surprise?”
Manik: “So, Ashi’s surprise is her favorite chocolates.”
Ashi: “Chocolates! Wow! Papa, so many chocolates. I love you, papa, very much!” She hugs Manik tightly.
Nandini: “Do you only love papa?”
Ashi: “No, I love mama too. I love both of you!” She hugs both of them.
Manan: “We love Ashi so much,” they say, kissing her on either cheek.
Manik looks at Nandini and tells her to speak. Nandini nods her head in agreement.
Nandini: “Ashi, we have one more surprise.”
Ashi: “One more? What is it? Tell me fast!”
Nandini: “So, the surprise is that tomorrow, you are going to your Nani’s house.”
Ashi (excitedly): “Nani ke ghar! Yippee! Papa, mamma, Ashi is very happy. We all will go to Nani’s house tomorrow, and we will have fun!”
Manik: “Ashi, listen to me, bacha. Not we, only you are going to Nani’s house for a few days.”
Ashi (sadly): “Why? You both are not coming? I won’t go without you.”
Nandini (taking Ashi in her lap): “Listen to me, Ashi. Don’t you get bored sitting alone in the house when we are not home?”
Ashi nods her head.
Nandini: “That’s why we are saying you go and live with Nani for some days and have fun. As soon as we finish our work, we will come to pick you up. And then, we will go to the snow park. What do you say?”
Ashi (thinking for some time): “Okay, but only for a few days. Then, you both will come to pick me up.”
Manan: “Done deal.”
Manik: “Our Ashi has become very intelligent. She listens to mamma and papa easily.”
Ashi: “Yes, Ashi is very intelligent.”
After that, they spend some time with Ashi and eventually fall asleep with her. Ashi sleeps in the middle, with Manik and Nandini on either side, cuddling her completely.
The next morning, the trio gets ready. First, they drop Ashi at her Nani’s place, and then they head to the hospital. As they reach Ashi’s Nani’s place, they enter inside. Nandini’s mother is sitting there, waiting for them as they had already informed her. Ashi runs inside the house, shouting, “Nani!” Manan follows behind her, and Ashi hugs her Nani, who gives her a kiss. Ashi finds a teddy there and starts playing with it. Nandini hugs her mother, and Manik touches her feet.
Nandini: “Maa, I have packed every necessary thing of Ashi in this bag.”
Nandini’s mother: “Hmm. And tell me, how are both of you?”
Manik: “We’re fine, Maa. Just take care of her.”
Nandini’s mother: “Don’t worry, Manik. She’ll enjoy her time here.”
Nandini: “Okay, Maa. We need to leave now. Our working hours are about to start.”
Nandini’s mother: “Why so early? Have something to eat first.”
Nandini: “Maa, we had breakfast before coming here.”
Nandini kneels down in front of Ashi and tells her, “Ashi, we’re going now. Be a good girl and don’t trouble Nani, okay?” She kisses Ashi’s forehead, and Ashi becomes sad upon hearing that they’re leaving.
Manik also sits down and says, “Ashi, you know Papa and Mama love you a lot. It’s just a matter of a few days, and then we’ll all be together again, just like old times. Now, give me a big smile.”
Ashi manages a small smile, and Manik says, “Not this one, a big one!” He starts tickling her, and she bursts into laughter. Manan smile at her, silently praying for her happiness.
Nandini: “And Ashi, one more thing. Don’t be stubborn and don’t ask Nani to take you out, okay? It’s not safe outside. Also, remember to wash your hands properly every 20 minutes, just like I told you. Alright, my child?”
Ashi nods and says, “Yes, Mama. I’ll be a good girl.”
Manan smile at her, give her one last hug, and then they stand up to hand Ashi over to her Nani. Ashi starts playing with her teddy, and Manan inform Nandini’s mother that they’re leaving now.
Nandini’s mother says, “Listen, I know both of you are doctors, and you’ll fulfill your duties without even thinking about yourselves. But please remember to take care of yourselves too. Your daughter is waiting for you.”
Manan blink back tears, giving Ashi a final glance. Finally, they leave and arrive at the hospital, ready to begin their work.
Several days pass, and the number of patients keeps increasing. Their workload becomes overwhelming, leaving them with no time to go home. They dedicate themselves to the hospital, spending 12-15 hours a day in their PPE kits, attending to the patients. Whenever they find a moment of respite, they seek out a corner to catch some sleep. They make sure to talk to Ashi daily, as they promised, and whenever she asks when they’ll come back, they reassure her, saying, “Very soon.”
1st June 2020.
It has been a month since they left Ashi with Nandini’s mother, but they still haven’t found any respite. The coronavirus is spreading rapidly now, with over 6,000 patients being admitted to the hospital daily. Their hospital is overflowing with COVID-19 patients, and they are working tirelessly, resembling machines. They are facing a shortage of hospital beds and ventilators, and even sleeping has become a luxury. They haven’t had a chance to talk to Ashi for a week now, as time is a luxury they cannot afford. Communication among themselves has also become a distant dream, as their entire day is occupied, leaving only half an hour or 15 minutes of free time for sleep or meals. They are sacrificing their time, rest, and everything else in their dedication to their work.
8th June 2020.
For the past few days, Nandini hasn’t been feeling well. She experiences exhaustion throughout her body, along with a severe sore throat. Nandini is sitting on the stairs, her eyes closed, when Manik notices her and approaches.
Manik: Nandini, are you alright, baby?
Nandini opens her eyes and looks at Manik. Her face appears dull and tired, her eyes lacking their usual sparkle. However, she smiles at Manik and says, “Yes, Manik, I’m fine. Just tired. I’ll be alright, don’t worry.”
Manik: No, you don’t look fine, Nandini. Let’s go home and get some rest. I’ll manage everything here. You’re making yourself ill. Look at your face, it has become so pale.
Nandini: Are you crazy, Manik? Do you even realize what you’re saying? You want me to go home and rest while patients are dying here? You know how serious the situation is. You’re asking me to rest, Manik.
Manik: I know what I’m saying, Nandini. Please don’t overburden yourself. I can’t bear to see you like this, and I’m scared, Nandini. I can’t lose you.
Nandini: Don’t be scared, Manik. You’re not losing me. I’ll take my medicine, and I’ll be fine, okay?
Manik: Alright, but please take care of yourself.
Another day passes, but Nandini’s health worsens. She develops a high fever and gets admitted for a COVID-19 test. She is placed in an isolated room, lying on the bed, when Manik arrives wearing a full PPE kit. They look at each other, and Nandini gives him a slight smile. Though she can’t see Manik’s face covered in protective gear, she knows he likely has tears in his eyes. She shakes her head to indicate that he shouldn’t cry. He looks at her, takes her blood sample for the test, and leaves the room.
The next day, Nandini’s test results come back positive for COVID-19. She is transferred to the COVID ward, fully covered in plastic, and her treatment begins. Manik hasn’t been able to see her yet. When he learns about her positive result, he is in the ICU, performing an operation. He doesn’t stop; he completes his work and continues to be busy with COVID-19 patients throughout the day. Finally, when he gets a moment of freedom at night, he rushes to Nandini’s room to see her.
He enters her ward and observes her. She is wrapped in polythene, with an oxygen mask attached, peacefully sleeping due to sedation. Manik looks at her without moving an inch, his eyes filled with tears. He gazes at the woman who worked tirelessly day and night, never thinking of herself. Despite knowing that she is diabetic and has a weak immune system, she never backed down from her duty, giving it her all. She knew that if she were to test positive, her chances of survival would be low, yet she continued to work tirelessly. She proved the saying true that “A doctor is never off duty, just like a soldier.”
Several more days pass, and Nandini receives various treatments. Manik takes special care of her. However, starting from last night, Manik also begins to feel unwell. He tests himself for COVID-19 and isolates himself to prevent transmission to his staff if he tests positive. The next day, his test results confirm that he is also positive for COVID-19. He is shifted to an isolated room, covered in plastic, receiving treatments. The worst part is that they can no longer see each other since they are in separate rooms, undergoing treatment.
Manik’s health was also deteriorating. He experienced severe body pain and a sore throat. Meanwhile, Nandini’s condition continued to worsen day by day. She struggled to breathe properly and required the support of a ventilator. Manik became aware of her situation and was determined to meet her. However, his request was denied by the hospital staff due to his positive COVID-19 status, as it would be detrimental to his health.
Nandini’s health showed no signs of improvement, and she was eventually transferred to the ICU, where she relied on a ventilator to breathe. While in the ICU, she overheard a conversation from outside her room.
(Dr. Shashank was speaking on the phone, discussing the urgent need for a ventilator. A pregnant woman was experiencing breathing difficulties, but all the hospital’s ventilators were already in use.)
Nandini heard the conversation and called the doctor inside her room.
Dr. Shashank: You called, Nandini. How are you? I hope you’re doing well.
Nandini: Doctor, I overheard your conversation. You urgently need ventilators?
Dr. Shashank: Yes, Nandini, you’re correct. We are in desperate need of ventilators. There’s a pregnant woman who is nine months along and has COVID-19. She is struggling to breathe.
Nandini: Sir, give her this ventilator.
Dr. Shashank: Nandini, what are you saying? You don’t have to do this. We have called for additional ventilators, and they assured us that they are on their way. Your priority should be taking care of yourself, and I’m sure you’ll recover.
Nandini: Sir, who are you kidding? I am also a doctor, and I understand that my chances of survival are slim. My body isn’t responding well to the medications. By occupying this ventilator, I’m merely wasting a valuable resource. Instead, it should be given to someone who needs it more than me. We both know that her chances of survival are higher than mine. Please don’t waste the ventilator on me when it’s clear that I will eventually succumb to the illness.
Dr. Shashank: Nandini, are you sure about this?
Nandini (with a determined face): Yes, Doctor, 100%.
Dr. Shashank nodded in agreement and called the peon to have Nandini shifted to another room. As Nandini was being moved, Dr. Shashank spoke to her.
Dr. Shashank: Nandini, today you have proven that duty is more important than your life. I am very proud of you. Don’t worry; I just received a message that the ventilators have been arranged and will be here soon. Don’t lose hope.
Nandini smiled at him as she was transferred to the other room. She lay on the bed, with an oxygen pipe attached, and whispered the name of one person - “Manik.”
Meanwhile, Manik was sleeping when suddenly he felt that Nandini was calling him. Restless, he called the nurse inside his room and asked her about Nandini’s condition.
Manik: Tell me, how is Nandini?
The nurse hesitated, unable to provide an answer.
Manik (shouting): I asked you something! Tell me, how is Nandini? Did she call me?
Nurse: Sir, Mam’m has been shifted to an isolated ward. For now, she is stable.
Manik: Why is she in an isolated ward? She has breathing difficulties and should be in the ICU. Why isn’t she there?
Nurse: Mam’m requested it, and she explained everything she had said to Dr. Shashank.
Manik closed his eyes, tears streaming down his face. He abruptly got out of bed and started to leave the room.
Nurse: Sir, you are not allowed to go out!
Manik: Just shut up! He ran towards Nandini’s cabin.
Tere Jaane Ka Gam
Aur Na Aane Ka Gam
Phir Zamaane Ka Gam
Kya Karein?
Raah Dekhe Nazar
Raat Bhar Jaag Kar
Par Teri To Khabar Na Mile
Bahot Aayi Gayi Yaadein
Magar Iss Baar Tum hi Aana
Iraade Fir Se Jaane Ke Nahi Laana
Tum Hi Aana
And Manik ran to see her, his mind filled with memories of their past. He recalled how they met as interns, fell in love, and eventually got married. Tears streamed down his face uncontrollably. He finally arrived at the ward where she was being treated. Without hesitation, he entered the room and gazed at Nandini, who lay there with a pale face and an oxygen pipe attached.
Bahot Aayi Gayi Yaadein
Magar Iss Baar Tum hi Aana
Iraade Fir Se Jaane Ke Nahi Laana
Tum Hi Aana
Meri Dehleez Se Hokar
Bahaarein Jab Gujarti Hai
Yahan Kya Dhup Kya Saawan
Hawayein Bhi Barashti Hai
Hume Puchhon Kya Hota Hai
Bina Dil Ke Jiye Jaana
Bahot Aayi Gayi Yaadein
Magar Iss Baar Tum Hi Aana
Nandini looked at him and gave a slight smile. Both of them just stared at each other, their eyes brimming with tears. Despite standing far away, they could feel the emotions coursing through each other. Manik took small steps towards her and sat beside Nandini, embracing her tightly. They both began crying loudly.
Koyi To Raah Woh Hogi
Jo Mere Ghar Ko Aati Hai
Karo Peechha Sada Unn Ka
Suno Kya Kehna Chaahti Hai
Tum Aaoge Mujhe Milne
Khabar Ye Bhi Tum Hi Laana
Bahot Aayi Gayi Yaadein
Magar Is Baar Tum Hi Aana
Nandini: Manik...
Manik: Yes, my love, nothing is going to happen to you.
Nandini: Manik, don’t lie. You know that neither of us is going to survive.
Manik closes his eyes. Manik: Nandini, we won’t be able to fulfill our promise to Ashi.
Nandini, crying: Yes, Manik, we broke our promise to Ashi that we would always be with her. And the worst thing is that we can’t even see or touch her.
Manik just hugs her tightly and says, “Now she has to live without us, and I’m sure she will make us proud, Nandini.”
Nandini: Yes, Manik, she will and she should. She starts breathing heavily.
Manik: Are you okay, Nandini? He starts checking her, even as he himself starts feeling pain all over his body. His throat is aching badly.
Nandini: Manik, last kiss...
Manik looks at her, and they both share a final kiss. They both know it’s going to be their last kiss and savor every moment. They start to remember their journey, how they became one when they got married and the blissful moment when they held Ashi in their hands for the first time. Today, they can’t even see their baby. Finally, they break the kiss and look at each other.
Manik: Nandini, I loved everything, every moment we spent together, and I have no issues if I am dying. I’m happy with the fact that before dying, I was able to save so many lives... I have just one regret: that I won’t be able to see our baby one last time.
Nandini: Yes, Manik. I just wish to meet her one last time, to kiss her, cuddle her, and tell her that both her mamma and papa love her. Take care of yourself, Ashi. Mamma and papa will always be with you.
Manik just sighs and looks at Nandini as she is losing her breath. She is unable to speak properly. She lays on the bed and gives an indication to Manik to lay beside her. Manik does the same, laying beside her, and Nandini hugs him tightly. They both don’t speak anything, just feeling each other’s presence.
After an hour, Dr. Shashank enters the room and says to Manik and Nandini, “The ventilators are here...” But when he looks up, he finds that Manik and Nandini are not there. Only their bodies remain. Yes, they died. They died in each other’s arms. They sacrificed their lives while serving their country.
The End
Not all heroes wear Capes. Some wear uniform,badges and stethoscope.
Thanku to all our doctor’s healthcare workers and our frontline workers who standing in front of us like a wall and saving us in this pandemic without even thinking about there own life.They sacrifice there rest, there pain,there time,there family and even there life a huge respect to them♥️
