Two Deaths

Two Deaths​

This reminded me, of similar circumstances,of two occassions, but here it was to attend Deaths,of my grandmother, and my Dear Dad,both of which happened in Mumbai, and I was in Jaipur when these events happened.

Grandmother -1995

- My Dads Mom, staying with us in Worli Mumbai.She expired at around 85 years of age maybe, bedridden for 5 years.She could hardly see in her last days.But Dad took excellent care for her.First he brought a Hospital Bed for her, the one that with the lever, the back comes up, and the patient can sit,without having to lift the patient.He had two full time maids on a 12 hour shifts,and Granny was given a bell, which when she rang, the maid sleeping in her room, would wake up ,and give her the bedpan.


Dad used to sit with her in the room, for hours, and put on religous songs for her, and talk to her for hours,and she would be so happy.And my two brothers and their wives, the kids, would all be popping in the room,and it was like party time actually.At night Dad would take his drink to her room,and drink while talking to her,of old times sakes, and would call me and make my speak to Granny from Jaipur.He had just one wish, that she dies in his arms,as he feared who would take care of her.A son can feel more for his mother, than would the DIL, that is my mom, who too is a gem,and this is what actually happened.


Granny went into coma, and after a few days,Dad calls to say the end is near, so can u please come over Kamal, to bombay by the evening flight.I went immediatly,i remember it was Monday,and the whole week passed,but she was in coma,at home itself,and Doctors said nothing can be done.She had the oxygen mask on, and Dad did everything to make her comfortable.


On Saturday morning Dad said,Kamal you go back to Jaipur today evening,as this condition can last for months or years,and we are all there for her.You have left yr wife and daughters alone in the bunglow there,u dont worry.I protested, but to no avail and i reached Jaipur on Saturday evening Flight.


Sunday morning Dad calls up at around 10, to say Granny is no more,and can u come today, we will lift her in the evening.Unfortunately, there were no flights to Mumbai on a Sunday way back in 95, and i thought of going to Delhi which was a good 6 hours by road,but there was no way i could make it for the cremation.I left for Mumbai on Monday morning, and everything was over by then.


Dad's Death - 1996.-dad was hale and hearty, and he had Retina Detachment,he died a year after Granny,on the operation Table,due to the carelessness of the Doctors.Before he went for the operation at round 11, he told my mom, that in case anything happens to me during the operation, you are do this this and this, and the flat will go to this and this etc.For 2 hours he was explaining to her,and Mom was wondering why Dad is saying all this.Premonition maybe ! Dad shaved, had his bath and got ready for the operation, and he came out dead from it.He had a massive attack, and they did not have any back up of oxygen or a carialogist, even when we had requested the Doctor before the operation.the Doctor was so stubborn that even though we wanted to pay for the Cardio, and the back ups, he did not listen, and this is what happened.


Best part is, this is the hospital where my elder Daughter was born, and this is the hospital where my Dad expired.Whenever we cross it even now, i just turn away my eyes.


Since it was a routine operation, I was not required in mumbai and it was casual.Around noon i recieved the news that Dad is no more.It was such a shock,and it was totally out of the blue.I immediatly went and booked the Air Tics of me and family, the flight to take off at 7/30 pm and to arrive mumbai at 9 pm.My friends arrived in droves and were keeping us company,till we departed.


Then , like Whiskyd,the Murphy law took over.The flight got delayed , till it left finally at 12 midnight,a night of madness really.There was releif that i was in Mumbai, and sadness over what had happened.I did not even have a chance to bid goodbye to my Dad.My brothers were lucky,I had not met Dad since his last visit to Jaipur 2 months back.


I guess thats life,Murphy does not spare you, whether u are going for a Wedding or a Funeral.Thats Murphy for you.


KAMAL MAHTANI

 

Nivedi,

Yes i can understand yr point.To reach back in such times, u would be lucky to reach on the 3 rd day.And that thought would always remain, that u were not able to see the departed soul just one more time.

Thanks and regards.kamal

 

Veda,

Yes it was unfortunate when ur mom passed away, and u two brothers were in different parts of the world.Good umade it in time.

Well Death like any other topic for me, but i have many more topics in place.So not tow worry.Thanks and regards.kamal

Mals.

 

Mals,

Thanks for yr kind comments.

I hve long ago got over the deaths, as i feel they lived a rich life.And this is a part of life.

This blog was in response to some one writing about Murphy's Law and how he was late for the wedding of his cousin, and this blog was born out of that idea.

I have moved on in life, as u said, but sometinmes some incidences bring the thoughs back.Regards.kamal