The curse of consanguinity

By Dilshan PERERA

Pooja waited impatiently outside the dialysis unit of the Kandy hospital. This is a familiar set-up to her as she has visited it during the past 2 years. Finally the doctor came out of the unit with a file in his hands. She rushed towards him. His face looked passive. “Please doctor, tell me about my husband’s condition” she pleaded. “Mrs. Dissanayaka, I’m afraid we have waited too long. He must undergo a renal transplant within 4 weeks! We can arrange the operation but you have to find a suitable donor.” She knew that she had to face this one day.

‘How can I find a donor who is so generous to sacrifice one of his kidneys to my husband? Beside I have no money to continue with treatment after the operation even though it will be performed free of charge.’ She spent weeks finding a suitable donor for renal transplant. The effort was in vain. It proved impossible to find a suitable donor that has the same blood group as that of her husband.

She came home frustrated.Gods seem to turn a deaf ear to her plea to save her husband. She has no alternative left. She has to choose between the two lives she loves beyond herself. She has made up her mind. It is her husband who should live, not the growing baby in her womb!The next day she went to meet her doctor. He was eager to know whether she has found a suitable donor. She shook her head wearily. “Doctor, can a female donate a kidney to a male?” she asked him uncertainly. He looked at her in a curious manner. “As long as the blood groups match, it doesn’t make any difference” said he. My blood group is B negative, I can be the life saver of my husband” she sounded like she was suffering from a sore throat.

“The problem is pregnant women cannot undergo this type of serious procedure. It is out of the question.” “But what if I am not pregnant...? Is it possible to donate my kidney if I get rid of the baby?” she asked, reluctant to give up hope. “What are you up to? You have been dying to become pregnant. You can’t lose your baby for the sake of your husband”, he said angrily. He never let go his suspicious gaze. She stood up to leave. “Mrs. Dissanayaka,” he called back in an urgent tone.

“I know what you are planning to do. Never even think of it. It’s unethical, an unforgivable crime!”She turned back and broke into uncontrollable sobs. “I know it is difficult to choose between my baby and my dying husband, but I have no alternative. No one is there to help me. Nobody understands my misery,” she cried bitterly. “Killing one life to save another is not a good option, Mrs. Dissanayaka,” he said soothingly in a tone full of empathy.

She fought her way into a crowded bus. One man was kind enough to offer his seat to this pregnant lady. She looked at him with an expression of utmost gratitude. If only I could find a suitable donor in time, she thought bitterly biting her lip. The bus snailed its way through the rugged road. She is used to this kind of hardships at least since a few years back. Her thoughts raced back to her childhood.She was dressed in a pretty looking dress, an expensive one. Her parents were rich and powerful land owners. She hailed from an aristocratic family. Although her parents had inherited wealth during the generations, foolish pride led to their downfall.

Pooja however did not bother about wealth. She enjoyed a glorious childhood with every luxury. Anoj who happens to be her father’s sister’s son used to visit their place in the evenings. She was very fond of Anoj aiya. It was greed that separated their families forever. Her father has claimed a land which belongs to Anoj’s mother, her aunt. The two families quarrelled over this land for years. Anoj’s family sought assistance of the courts. Influenced by her father’s money and power the judgment was given in favour of her father.

Since then her aunt has been dead against them. Anoj never came to their place, nor was she allowed even to speak with him. Years passed by. It was ten years after the beginning of the family dispute that she met Anoj aiya at the temple one day. Anoj couldn’t resist noticing what a beautiful young lady Pooja has turned into.

They exchanged a few cautious words during their first encounter after all these years. After that nothing could stop them meeting in secret. As time passed, these encounters evolved into a secret love affair.

Her father came to know about his daughter’s treachery. She was imprisoned in her room. She wasn’t allowed to speak to outsiders. This turned out to become an immense torture for her. She was denied her freedom. Anoj was in despair knowing that he has put Pooja into trouble. Their only comfort was Pooja’s maid who secretly helped them to exchange letters. Walls couldn’t hide their love. It grew even stronger. Both parties vehemently disagreed to their relationship.

They executed their last option, elope. One rainy night they eloped to a far away village, away from the clutches of their dogmatic parents. Her father was furious after learning of the “crime” she has committed. She has brought disgrace to their unblemished family. All her property was grabbed away from her. They didn’t even think twice before declaring their only daughter dead!! They even organized an almsgiving for the lost soul of Pooja who was once their daughter.

Anoj’s mother was outraged after she became aware of the fact that her enemy’s daughter had ‘enticed’ her beloved son. When they went home to get the blessing from Anoj’s parents, she spat on her face saying “You will NEVER become a MOTHER! I curse you for stealing my son”. Anoj too was punished for this felony. He was sacked from the business firm owned by his family. They began their new life with sorrow and misery. They had to give up all the luxuries they were used to.

Despite all hardships no one could kill the happiness in their lives. Money was not a problem as long as there was true LOVE! The young couple anticipated a child as they thought a child could work MAGIC! That their parents would forget everything after seeing their only grandchild.Years passed, even though she was lucky enough to conceive, she never became a mother! She suffered miscarriages twice. The doctors blamed their consanguinity for all the misfortune. After seven long years gods did answer her endless prayers. She has become pregnant with a healthy child.

Fate seems to mock them once again. Five years after their marriage her husband became ill very often. He was diagnosed with a rare inherited renal disease known as “Polycystic kidney”. He has to undergo renal transplant in order to survive.

Anoj did not know that his wife was pregnant with a healthy child. If he did, he would have been the happiest man on earth! He was struggling to stay alive. His time was running out! No one was there to save him but his poor wife.Pooja took a deep breath before entering the room. The place was well known for illegal abortions. She hesitated before signing the documents. Pooja felt bad after coming home. Her body was in pain. The physical pain was nothing compared to the mental agony of losing her child. She wanted to cry, to ease the unbearable pain inside her; but tears failed to extinguish the fire wreaking havoc within her. The unforgivable silence was broken by the ringing of the phone.

“Mrs. Dissanayaka, this is doctor Jayasooriya from the hospital,” Pooja got to her feet struck with panic. “Is anything wrong with my husband?” she asked almost crying. “Calm down madam, there is GOOD NEWS for you,” he said cheerily, “Your search has come to an end. Gods have answered your prayers.” She couldn’t grasp head or tail of what he was saying.

“We have found a suitable donor for your husband’s kidney transplantation. You may come tomorrow to sign the documents. We hope to perform the surgery within 3 days,” his voice rang in her ears amplified.

Pooja stood there transfixed with the receiver still held tightly to her ear. “Killing one life to save another is not a good option!” she heard over and over again.