Dr. Lee - A Love Story ( A Short Story)

 Dr.Lee

A Short Love Story

Dr.Lee was a doctor working at the government hospital at Wuhan province in China. A man of great distinction and unfathomable abilities - nevertheless, he was one wedded to his medical profession. He always came to the hospital on time and was always the last to leave. His indomitable spirit and energy was the envy of all the fellow doctors at the Wuhan Hospital.

  Dr.Lee was around forty years now - quite what is considered middle age in China. His mind always revolved around his patients and their treatment. In fact, he was quite unlike anyone in his group. He was least interested in women or marriage. In fact, the fear of committing himself to another human being seemed an unthinkable idea to him. To him, it was like committing adultery. Sadly, he had never been able to think about his own marriage.

   But things had changed over the last one month. Dr.Luli, the new apprentice doctor at the hospital, had entered his life. She was living true to her name, which meant 'dewy jasmine'. The fragrance of her honesty and compassion seemed to fill a gaping void in his heart.

   Right now, she was standing there at the corner of the hospital building. It was Dr.Lee, who began the conversation.

'Hello, Luli! Am I glad to see you!?' said Dr.Lee.

'Good Morning, Dr.Lee! Is it not a fine day!? said Luli. 'How many patients are getting discharged today, doctor?'

'Luli, there are 4 patients, who are getting discharged today. With this, there are no more in-patients. I should be able to leave, early today,' Dr.Lee smilingly replied and continued the conversation. 'Would you like to join me for dinner?'

Dr.Luli liked Dr.Lee. He was a gregarious person - bursting with talent, energy and kindness. She wanted to know him better. She immediately responded to Dr.Lee's request.

'Sure, doctor! I know of a good restaurant, which is near to our hospital. We can go there, together.'

  Dr. Lee and Dr.Luli parted joyfully, expecting to meet again by evening.

  Around 12 noon, there was a call from the Ministry of Health to the Department of Pulmonology, Wuhan Hospital.

Dr. Lee picked up the call. A commanding voice boomed from the other end.
  'Good morning, doctor. This is special secretary, Department of Health, who is speaking to you.'

'Good morning, Sir!' replied Dr.Lee.

'I have bad news. There seems to a dangerous viral outbreak. Two people from our Wuhan province were found with severe sneezing, cough, feverishness and other symptoms at a Superstore. Our men have brought them, here. Research at our facility has identified this as some kind of a virus. There must be further studies on them. Your internal laboratory is the top notch lab. I am sending the duo to you. Have them quarantined and begin their treatment.'

  Dr.Lee responded. 'Sure, Sir. Please send them over.'

The two patients arrived at the state run Wuhan Hospital premises by 2.30 p.m.  Their outfits reminded Dr.Lee of the Chinese astronauts, who had recently left for the International Space Station.
  

 Just by looking at them, Dr.Lee guessed that something was seriously amiss. He asked the two to come to his office. He examined their tongue, ears, nose and throat regions. He had a swab test done on them, immediately. They were sent for further testing at the internal lab.

  Half an hour later, Dr.Lee heard a panicky voice at the other end, which confirmed his worst fears.
'Dr. Lee, we have detected a new species of the Corona virus in your patients. They must be quarantined for the next two weeks with immediate effect.'

  Dr. Lee called Dr.Luli to come to his office, immediately. He appraised her about the extreme situation.

  Dr.Lee put the two men on intensive anti- viral treatment, immediately. As he left his two patients after a second over-view of the situation, he felt weak. The dreaded virus had attacked him, too.
Dr.Luli recognised the symptoms and put him on quarantine and began anti- viral treatment for Dr.Lee, immediately. Dr.Lee could not make it. Dr. Lee and Dr.Luli's dinner was never meant to be.

  However, Dr.Lee's treatment of the two patients worked. They were discharged after 14 days. His line of treatment for the COVID -19 virus became the favoured method of treatment for the dreaded virus all over the world. By now,the COVID-19, named so by the World Health Organisation had become the biggest scare of the century.

  Meanwhile, while the rest of the world grappled with multiple issues, Dr.Luli was left with mere memories and dreams.

by Dr.S.Padmapriya, Ph.D.