Life can change in the blink of an eye. It’s a lesson we’re often reminded of but one we never truly expect to experience firsthand. Yet, on a seemingly ordinary day, my world was turned upside down when my son, Judhajit, met with a life-altering accident. What followed was a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and ultimately, resilience.

June 6, 2021, started like any other day. Judhajit, a Resident Medical Officer at Bhagwan Mahavir Medica Superspecialty Hospital, left for work in the morning. Little did we know that his return home would be anything but routine. A call from his mobile, from an unknown voice, shattered the tranquillity of the day. The news of the accident sent shockwaves through our family, leaving us grappling with disbelief and fear.

At 5:17 PM, there was a call from the mobile number of Judhajit. As I said, “Hello” there was an unknown voice asking me whether I knew the owner of that mobile. I replied, “Yes, he is my son and how come he has the phone?”. The unknown person said: “I am a policeman, and the owner of this mobile had a road traffic accident.” I was zapped. I inquired about the condition of my son. The policeman replied that he was wearing a helmet so he was saved, and his bike was damaged. I asked him to wait for me there and I would be reaching there in 10 minutes as that accident spot was around 10 minutes away from our house.

As we navigated the complexities of the situation, the support of strangers and professionals alike became a lifeline. The policemen, with their calm demeanour and efficiency, eased our burden, guiding us through the tumultuous aftermath of the accident. Their professionalism and kindness in a moment of crisis will forever be etched in my memory.

The damaged bike was standing there. Another policeman had gone to get an auto-rickshaw to carry it to the police station. We received a phone call from an unknown number. It was a policeman from the hospital. I told him to wait as we would be reaching soon. When the police officer came with a van, I informed him that Judhajit was a doctor at Medica Hospital and there was no dispute. They also informed us that Judhajit’s bike skidded and hit the road divider. I asked them to hand over the bike to us. He checked up with the Station House Officer of the area and released the bike with his consent. Rajnath started the bike and managed to drive it slowly. I asked him to take the bike home while I drove to RIMS hospital. The policemen were very nice and behaved quite professionally, which I appreciate very much.

Racing to the scene of the accident, my heart pounded with uncertainty. Would my son be okay? The minutes stretched into eternity as we searched for him, only to be redirected to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) hospital. The relief of knowing he was alive mingled with the anguish of seeing him injured. But amidst the chaos, there was a glimmer of hope.

Amid the uncertainty, there was solace in knowing that Judhajit would receive the best possible care at Medica Hospital, where he worked. Dr. Rohit, a dear friend and colleague, mobilized resources and rallied support, demonstrating the power of solidarity in times of need. His swift action and unwavering commitment were a beacon of hope amidst the darkness.

The journey from RIMS to Medica Hospital was fraught with challenges, but with determination and perseverance, we overcame each hurdle. From navigating bureaucratic procedures to ensuring Judhajit’s comfort and safety, every moment was a testament to the strength of familial bonds and the resilience of the human spirit.

Upon our arrival at RIMS hospital, we were met by two police constables stationed at the gate. Hastily parking the car, I followed as they guided Jagrata to where Judhajit lay on a stretcher. His face and chest bore the telltale signs of injury, blood staining his skin. With silencer burns marring his right foot and immobility in both legs and his left hand, the gravity of the situation became painfully clear.

Engaging with the attending doctors, we communicated our intent to transfer Judhajit to Medica Hospital, where he served as a doctor. Despite the urgency of the situation, bureaucratic formalities demanded my signature on a discharge document against medical advice. With that formality out of the way, we coordinated the arrangements for a private ambulance, a task made arduous by Judhajit’s condition.

As we struggled to manoeuvre Judhajit into the ambulance, the indifference of the hospital staff was palpable. Though many observed from the sidelines, none offered assistance, leaving us to grapple with the challenge alone. In the face of adversity, our determination remained unwavering as we persisted in our mission to secure Judhajit’s transfer to Medica Hospital.

Arriving at Medica Hospital, a sense of relief washed over me as I witnessed the dedication of the medical staff. Their swift response and compassionate care reaffirmed my faith in humanity, reminding me that even in our darkest hours, there is light to be found.

Upon our arrival at the gates of Medica Hospital, a sense of relief washed over me as I observed the preparedness of the staff. With a stretcher at the ready, they swiftly ushered Judhajit into the facility, their efficiency a reassuring beacon in our time of need.

After parking the car and settling the ambulance fees, I hastened to join Judhajit in the Emergency room. Inside, the medical team wasted no time in springing into action. As I entered, they were already in the process of attending to his injuries, diligently cleaning wounds and making preparations for necessary diagnostic tests such as X-rays and CT scans. Their swift and decisive actions filled me with gratitude, knowing that Judhajit was in capable hands as he embarked on the next phase of his journey toward recovery.

In less than an hour, the hospital was abuzz with activity as doctors from various departments converged. Among them was Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the Vice Chairman of Medica Hospital, Ranchi, accompanied by a team of skilled surgeons. Recognizing the urgency of Judhajit’s situation, the hospital management swiftly arranged for us to wait in Dr. Sanjay Kumar’s office, where we would receive updates from the medical team.

As we settled into the office, it became apparent that the Emergency Room was operating at full capacity, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Amidst the hustle and bustle, we braced ourselves for the forthcoming briefing, knowing that Judhajit’s care was in the hands of dedicated professionals committed to his well-being.

Dr. Ankur, the Head of Orthopedics, offered reassurance, stating that Judhajit’s bone injuries did not necessitate surgical intervention. Despite the challenges posed by Judhajit’s pain-induced tremors, Dr. Ankur’s clinical assessment, supplemented by X-ray results, provided valuable insights into his condition.

Shortly thereafter, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, along with Dr. Patrick Minz and other medical experts, joined the discussion, echoing Dr. Ankur’s assessment. They collectively decided to admit Judhajit to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for overnight observation and specialized care. Dr. Sanjay Kumar’s presence and words of assurance served as a source of comfort, reaffirming his commitment to providing Judhajit with the highest standard of treatment.

In an act of kindness, Dr. Sanjay Kumar encouraged us to return home for the night, assuring us that Judhajit was in capable hands. Before departing, he arranged for one of his staff members to escort us to the NICU, allowing us a final opportunity to see Judhajit and provide him with our love and support before the night’s end.

Upon regaining consciousness in the early hours of the morning, Judhajit reached out to us at 2 AM, borrowing a phone from the nursing staff at the NICU. The intervening hours had been filled with worry and sleeplessness as we anxiously awaited news of his condition. Eager to be by his side, we wasted no time in making our way to the hospital the following morning.

Upon our arrival, Judhajit had been transferred to a private room, where we remained by his side for the next four days. His injuries—a trio of broken bones in his left wrist, silencer burns on his right foot, and various abrasions and wounds—served as a stark reminder of the ordeal he had endured.

As Judhajit underwent treatment, each passing moment brought with it a renewed sense of hope. The road to recovery would be long and arduous, but with unwavering support and determination, we faced the challenges ahead with courage and resilience.

Throughout his hospital stay, Judhajit was surrounded by a constant stream of support from every corner of the hospital. Doctors, consultants, nursing staff, management personnel, coordinators, and even security staff made a point to check on him regularly, offering words of encouragement and boosting his morale.

The nursing staff, in particular, went above and beyond in their care for Judhajit, ensuring that his wounds were meticulously dressed and tended to with the utmost attention and compassion. Among those who stood by his side, Dr. Manish, a colleague and friend, remained a steadfast presence, offering support and companionship nearly around the clock.

In those challenging days of recovery, the outpouring of care and support from the hospital staff served as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we were not alone. With each passing day, Judhajit’s strength and resilience shone through, a testament to the power of love, friendship, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.

The journey towards healing was arduous, filled with obstacles and uncertainty, yet through it all, hope remained our guiding light. Drawing strength from one another and the unwavering support of our friends and community, we navigated the tumultuous path of recovery together. In the face of adversity, we discovered the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of human connection.

Though the road was fraught with challenges, we never faltered in our belief that better days lay ahead. Every setback was met with determination, and every obstacle was overcome with resilience. It was a testament to the unbreakable bond forged through shared trials and tribulations.

Today, as I reflect on that fateful day, I am reminded of the power of love, faith, and community. It is in our darkest moments that we discover our truest selves, finding strength in the unlikeliest of places. And though the journey may be fraught with challenges, we press on, guided by the unwavering belief that even in our darkest hours, there is light to be found

Thanks to the dedication of the Jharkhand Police, the exceptional care provided by the staff at Medica Hospital of Ranchi, and the unwavering grace of the Almighty, Judhajit is now on the path to recovery, surrounded by the warmth of home.

Life’s journey is unpredictable, filled with twists and turns beyond our control. Yet, with love as our compass and the support of our community as our anchor, we can weather any storm that comes our way. Together, we emerge stronger, united in our resilience and bound by the enduring power of hope.