Heartbeat on Wheels

"The Train from Karachi leaves at 6:00 am every Morning"

That was the only thing written on the Sign right at the top corner of the platform's front view.

It was Hamza's first time for the Job Interview for an Ambulance Service. He had cleared all the driving tests essential to enter for the interview. Now, hoping his best to get the Job.

Hamza had studied medical science all his life. He always wanted to be a doctor. But what happened in his life shattered his ambitions and rerouted his path forever.

His life took the worst turn on February 17.

February 17

Sana, Hira, Aliya, and Hamza were all packed in the frog-shaped mini car to leave for their grandmother's house. They didn't own the car, instead, it belonged to their uncle, sitting in the driving seat.

"Read Ayat-ul-Kursi—a verse from the Quran—for protection, kids!"

Hamza's mother called out from the gate as the car's engine roared.

Ok, Ami—Mom, We will!

When they reached their grandmother's home, Hamza received a call from his uncle, Riaz, the one who had just driven them there.

"Salam—Blessings, Uncle!"

"Hamza Bachy—Son! Beacon Hill Hospital, right now! Your mom is unconscious... She needs blood."

For once, Hamza's soul left his body.

"What? What Hill --- Hospital?"

Hamza almost screamed in disbelief.

"BEACON Hill", Now!

Hamza bolted out of the house, his laces undone, nearly leaving the bike keys behind. He motioned Hira, her sister to stay quiet and not tell anyone about it as she read and realized about the situation from his loud and fearful facial expressions.

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Hamza came rushing to the hospital and couldn't get why his mom was still outside on the stretcher, instead of a room; A Ward... ?

He suddenly threw himself on his mom and hugged her tightly, touching her face softly with care, that was full of blood, flowing down her cheeks and all the way to the neck.

Mom, Mom! What happened? Why ain't she speaking? Mom, wake up!

Uncle? She's still unconcious? Where to give the blood? You told me about it. YES, mom and my blood is of the same group. Tell me what happened to her?

Uncle Riaz said nothing.

Uncle? My blood? Where? ..........

Hamza stuttured and questioned Uncle Riaz putting hands on his shoulders.

Uncle Riaz stood with a deeply disheartening frown, his face lost in the depths of sorrow.

"Pthhhh..."

Hamza took his hands off his shoulders and with a disapproved tongue-click, he ran toward the reception for the details himself.

No Need!

Uncle Riaz almost yelled from the back.

Hamza's feet froze to the ground. His motion stopped! Eyes almost bulged out. He didn't want to think about anything BAD. No! Not for a second. His eyes slowly drowning in the fear of unknown after hearing those two words of his Uncle!

In that time of less than 10 seconds, a Thousand Thoughts came across Hamza's mind. None, unfortunately; positive.

No need for what? The Blood? But, Why? Why is mom still outside; beside all the swere blood and injury! Why is Uncle Riaz so dissapointed? Why didn't he say anything about mom? Is mom really OK? What if mom's injury was too deep? What if it's on the brain? But why did Uncle said 'No Need'? It didn't seem like she was treated with a donor, yet! Her wounds aren't even wiped out properly. It took me 10 minutes to get here. And almost 15 when Uncle told me about it! Why ain't she inside yet? Can't anyone see how badly she's bled? Did she not even get checked-in after this horrible accident? Why didn't she talk? Why didn't uncle tell me what had happened to her?

Does "No Need" mean, She's "No MOR.......................? "

These countless thoughts hit him one after the other like bombs shelling on his head! Unstoppably. But, when he reached the last intrusive thought about the probability of his mom's death, he turned around and locked eyes with Uncle Riaz to get an immediate answer!

"What? Why No Need?"

His heart pounded, desperate for a quick and POSITIVE reply from his uncle…

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Author's Note:

Part 2, Coming soon!