The Undying Flame (A Saga of an invincible will )

Exposed to the brazen-cruel world Som Prakash a simpleton from Raison village of Haryana puts up a brave front to save his son. Gulshan is diagnosed with renal failure for which Som Prakash consults one of the best nephrologists in Ludhiana. Much to his shock instead of showing improvement after regular dialysis sessions his son’s condition starts deteriorating. On a hot and humid day of June 5 Som Prakash once more landed at the hospital as Gulshan was not able to lift even his hands due to weakness. Dr Daniel immediately asked the staff to admit Gulshan in the emergency ward which was followed by a couple of blood tests. Much to everyone’s shock Gulshan’s HB count had reduced to 3.5 grams which was definitely “not normal”. Like any other layman Som Prakash could not relate to the medical terminology but he did understand that there was something really wrong. “Doctor ji kuchh samajh nahi aaya Gulshan theek ho jayega ki nahi....” (I did not understand anything doctor will Gulshan recover or not ?) was all the Som Prakash was interested in knowing. Taking a long sigh the doctor called a nurse and asked her to apprise Som Prakash about Gulshan’s condition and the next line of treatment. As the nurse explained Gulshan’s condition to Som Prakash his face went pale and by the end of the conversations he was gasping for breath. “Gulshan has become HIV positive” the nurse informed Som Prakash. The realization of Gulshan’s fast approaching death had hit him hard. Time came to a standstill and Som Prakash felt completely numb.