Short story : Ethical Lies

I was about to close my clinic and then the couple came in. Rajesh and Vasudha. Recently married and happy couple but little bit stressed up.

Vasudha started speaking – They were married for two years. They were staying in this city away from their home town. Both of them working in the corporate sector. Rajesh was Manager in an IT firm and Vasudha was heading HR department in another company. They were financially well off and well educated. The problem was that they were trying for a child but no signs of Vasudha being conceived. And life was stagnant for them. Both of them were very keen on welcoming new baby but no luck. Since I was IVF expert, they came to me.

I assured them that we can try our best but first we need to carry out certain tests for both of you then we can decide. I have prescribed them the tests and called them for the consultation after the tests are complete.

This was typical issue in the younger generation. By the time they settle down in life and start thinking about having a kid it’s too late. And then all kinds of medical complications start. Hence now a days IVF has become so popular.

Again, after the gap of two weeks I saw Rajesh and Vasudha coming in the clinic. Looking quite anxious holding the test results. Quietly Vasudha handed over the file to me.

I looked into the reports. Both of them were observing my face with lots of hope. I saw lots of expectations filled in their eyes. They were eager to know the results.

With a breath of fresh air, I started my talk. Rajesh and Vasudha what I see in the reports that there is very less possibility of you becoming parents. The sperm count of Rajesh is very low almost negligible. And in such a situation even success of IVF is bleak. We will give it a try but don’t keep much expectations. They were broken and speechless. Vasudha started crying and Rajesh was completely shattered. I consoled them saying something better will happen and we may get success in our IVF try.

As I said few days later, we tried IVF but it failed. Finally, I consoled them and said please take care of yourself. Try another way like adoption. But trust God, miracles happen and I can tell you that this situation can change and Vasudha can conceive naturally. You can keep the hope and pray God. They went home frustrated. And I got busy with other patients.

And almost a year later Vasudha came to my clinic and I was surprised to see her. I was curious to know how they are doing. The story was heart breaking. Rajesh was in deep depression and Vasudha was not happy because of Rajesh. He has become Alcoholic and short tempered. He used to start quarrel with Vasudha on petty reasons. Actually, they were deep in love with each other and Rajesh slipped into depression with the thought that he is the reason for not having kid. He can’t give motherhood to Vasudha. This guilt was making him angrier and more frustrated. At the same time Vasudha could not tolerate the pain Rajesh is going through. She was ready to do anything to make him happy.

I was sad to hear the story. And asked Vasudha the reason to be in the clinic. She said can you check me whether I am pregnant. And I was shocked to hear that but I agreed to conduct the pregnancy test. And the test was positive. It was unbelievable for me as a doctor. I asked Vasudha who is the father of this child and she said he is Rajesh, doctor. Why are you asking this question. We were trying hard and God listened to my prayers. Doctor inside me was not ready to accept this story. Once again, I pulled out the complete history of Rajesh & Vasudha. I was sure this is not true. I said to Vasudha to tell me the truth. But she was repeating the same story. Then my voice was stern and I shouted on Vasudha to tell me the truth. Vasudha burst into tears and started crying. After she finished the emotional breakdown, she started telling the story. Doctor I was so worried about Rajesh, I couldn’t see his face. I love him so much that I wanted to make him happy somehow. One of my college friends was on India visit and I requested him to help. He is settled in US and this deal was best choice for me. I know this is wrong but I wanted to see Rajesh happy again. Please don’t tell this to Rajesh. I beg you. Please help me to save my love. Please 🙏

I was stunned to hear Vasudha’s story. One way she was trying to save Rajesh but with unethical ways. And I said I can’t be party to this. Once again, she pleaded me with folded hands and said please call Rajesh and tell him this good news. It was tough for me but the happiness on Vasudha’s face was so compelling that I called up Rajesh to the clinic. He came immediately to the clinic. I was shocked to his situation. He was completely shaken, deep into the sadness and looking completely helpless.

I gathered courage and started talking to Rajesh. Rajesh god is great and I am very happy to inform you that Vasudha is pregnant. This is very rare case but it happens and you have to thank God.

I was watching the changing emotions on his face, from disbelief to extreme happiness. He immediately hugged Vasudha and thanked me for this news. Rajesh said we have to quickly go to Ganesha temple to thank God. And they went out of the clinic happily holding each other’s hands. Such a lovable couple.

I was sitting on my chair thinking whether I did right by lying to Rajesh. One way I was happy that I could save their lives and bring back the happiness. But it was not ethical to tell such lies.

Readers, please tell me in comments whether the lies were ethical.