The Hospital (Part IV)

I penned this story, The Hospital (Part IV), a few years ago while taking an educational course by correspondence.

The Hospital (Part IV)

Keshav calmly made standby arrangements on the outside of the hospital, after meeting the Dean, Dr. Shastri and informing about the situation. He used his mobile, since the terrorist or his cronies might have radio equipment to intercept their talk on the walkie talkie. Then, he messaged the doctor attending the prisoner. As a precautionary measure, Keshav had already discussed the possibility of an attack with the prisoner’s doctor, Dr. Vivek. At that time, he had discussed the use of code, so that, if need be, they could be discreet.

Dr. Vivek came to their floor and Keshav told him to be with the prisoner. “Be careful,” Keshav warned. He also told the constables on duty to keep their eyes open.

“Now, the point is how to handle this crisis without creating a panic situation?” Keshav asked loudly.

Radha was nervous. She had come with Keshav to the prisoner’s room.

“Don’t worry. I am here. And Kartik is outside. We will take care.” Keshav oozed with positivity. His experience of 8 years in the service showed up.

He also asked him if there was any secret way in which he could communicate with the other doctors. He said they could communicate through mobile text messages. Keshav instructed Dr. Vivek to send discreet messages to all the RMOs and consultants that a terrorist is on the loose. There might be more. They should be ready with tranquilizer injections. They were also told not to let any of the terrorists to bite into the cyanide capsules they might be carrying. Keshav also said that they had to take the risk even though any doctor’s mobile might have been picked up by a terrorist.

Keshav got a call from Kartik that some policemen in plain clothes had entered the hospital with tranquilizer guns. They were keeping a sharp look out for the security guards. A couple of members of Kartik’s team came to their floor to take charge of the place.

“We cannot sit here like this,” declared an agitated Keshav. “We have to make an offensive move. I know all the guards in this hospital that is why we brought the prisoner here. You stay with Asha. I will go out and find the man.”

“No. I want to come. Otherwise, how will you know who is the man?”

When they walked slowly toward the staircase, Radha lagged behind.

“What’s the matter?” Keshav turned to face her.

“That doctor. He is not the same…” There were two doctors in the nurses’ office. She meant that one of them was suspicious looking.

“Which one?” Now, Keshav was alarmed and did not wait for an answer. He caught her hand and sprinted back into the ward, pulling her with him.

Inside the office, the other doctor was lying prone on the floor, dead!

To be continued…