Undefiled Queen

Merlyn’s POV© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

It was six in the evening and I had just returned from college. “Hi Princess” My dad gazes at me in warmth running his hand on my head lovingly. “Dad stop doing that in the presence of Vance.” I crib with my eyes directed on my little brother who seems to have a good time watching our daddy-daughter show. “Oh, did I do something wrong princess?” Dad takes an innocent side as I give him a hard glare. He pulls my nose least bothered about my antics and my brother bursts to laugh that he was controlling all the while. “See, you made me a joker in front of Vance.” I complained pointing to my brother who was now rolling on the ground getting dyspeptic in a hysterical laughter.

“We are going to the dinner party of Mr and Mrs Shergil’s. It’s their anniversary today. Would you wish to join us, Princess? You could also meet your friend Jessie.” My dad asks me in expectation. I contemplate on his attractive offer but the loads of homework I brought from my college seems to peep at me in mockery.  I also have to prepare for my monthly tests to uphold my scholarship for the next term. “Dad, I will meet Jessie some other time. Presently I have a lot of homework to do.” I mumble inactive. “It is okay Princess, there is always a next time and you are not staying at home idling away watching TV.” Dad cheers me with his encouraging words.  Vance tails me to stay home as he was not interested in going to parties.

It was ten in the night. I completed all my homework and was on the verge of dozing off. Putting on the night lamp, already surrounded with the cozyness of the comforter, I set my alarm for the next day and closed my eyes to welcome the dream world. Dad has a set of spare keys, so I need not worry about opening the door in the middle of the night. My brother was already fast asleep in the bedroom next door.

I walk along with my parents on a deserted road. Something about the atmosphere was screaming danger but I put my meaningless thoughts away. My parents are going to shield me from every danger. Dad will protect me. My conscience was on all the time. I turn beside and suddenly note the losing form of my mother. There was an arrow pierced on her chest and she gradually succumbed to the floor.

I reach her with tearing eyes as she mumbles almost inaudible. Take care of your little brother, my princess.” I looked at my father for help but a bullet already pierced his chest and he was losing his conscience. “You need to be bold and stay strong for your brother, my princess.” He repeats the words of mom in a dim voice and closes his eyes completely. I gaze at the resting form of my mother. Holding her hands in mine I urge her to wake up but she wouldn’t budge, there was not even a movement.

Holding my breath I get out of the bed like a zombie. What sort of a terrorizing dream was that? Calm down Merlyn. Everything is going to be fine. My face was covered in sweat. Looking at the mirror in front of me I wash my face in the wash basin and rush to my parent’s bedroom to find their bed empty. Walking ahead, my eyes capture the wall clock hanging on one of the walls. The clock struck exactly two in the night. Why is it taking so long for my parents to reach back home? I checked on the adjacent bedroom and Vance was sleeping peacefully drooling on his pillow. I shake my head looking at my little brother with a smile and pull the blanket to his chest.

No sooner do I reach my bedroom, I hear my phone beeping. “Yes this is Merlyn James speaking.” I answer the call. The voice on the other line was in a rush. “Miss, we are speaking to you from Breach Candy hospital. Mr and Mrs James are admitted in the hospital for an accident. You are requested to reach the hospital at the earliest as we are supposed to perform some urgent tests on your parents which require your immediate consent.”

My throat felt dry, unable to register the information the woman gave me in a rush. “What? Are you dialing the right number?” I ask her going half insane. “Come and check for yourself mam.” She replies morosely and I became pale in a matter of moments.  Grabbing my cell phone and some cash for emergency purposes I ran to my car as fast as my feet could carry. I reached the hospital within half an hour and rushed to the receptionist enquiring about my parents. She plastered a fake smile over her face and told me to meet Dr Trivedi.

I scampered to Dr Trident’s cabin in haste and knocked my leg at the door in the process. “Careful young lady…” The grey haired man looked in between his glasses, raising his head slightly from his desk filled with papers. He looks at me nodding his head in acceptance and beckons me to come in. “How is my parents doctor?” My throat goes to a constriction as I enquire about their accident. Adjusting his black rimmed glasses, the doctor assessed me carefully. He asked me to take a seat and handed me a glass of water. As I sip the first drop of water the aged man stares ahead and looks at my quizzical. I got the hint and told him that I was the only one to come and visit my parents and we did not have any relatives in New York. He hesitated at first to speak and I was on the verge of getting an anxiety attack. My lips start trembling as I  take small sips of water from the glass. Understanding my braced state, he starts speaking.

“I am sorry child. We could not save your mother. She was brought dead to the hospital.” He halted his lines for a second to decipher my reaction. Emotions drained out of myself as I stared at the doctor motionless. Being old and experienced he understood my shaking stature. Patting my shoulder he gazes at me in a fatherly affection and gives me a pep talk. After I regained my composure, he continued to speak softly. “Child, I am sorry that you had to cognize this dreadful incident at such a young age but your father is in no better status. He has broken ribs, a fractured knee and a major head injury. Presently he is in a coma. Though we would always pray for the best to happen to him, I am sorry that we cannot guarantee you about his life.”

“The vehicle your dad was driving was not covered under a security so I regret to inform you the insurance would not be covering for the damages. It was a drunk and drive case, an exhibition of sheer negligence from the other side. Today’s youth…” He shakes his head odious.  The driver of the other car was declared brought dead. We still do not have any information about his family for you to claim compensation though he appears to be from a well to do background. Dr Hance is handling the case. You can speak to him and… “He contemplates thoughtful watching me but continues to be resilient. “If you want to claim for the damages.” I stare at the doctor blankly devoid of any emotions. I had no words to speak. My rationality stopped functioning and the world around me came to a halt. I dragged my feet to my parent’s room shaking unperceivable and cried my heart out.