The Accident in a Side Lane

Author:
Rosina S Khan
Jul 31, 2023 5:50 AM EDT

Pic: The Car in the Side Lane About to Hit
Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash

I had always yearned for higher education. I was simply not satisfied with a BSc in Computer Science and Engineering. I didn’t get a student visa for higher education in the US. But friends in Germany encouraged me to apply there. After a round of formalities, there was a wait period. I got very frustrated. I kept believing in the power of prayers. Then I calmed down, silenced my mind, and went along with the flow of life. It was at this time, I came to know via our land phone that I had earned the foreign visa.

Staying abroad was a hard life. Cleaning, sweeping, brushing, and mopping needed to be done because there were inspections on the cleanliness of our rooms and dorm premises, including the open kitchen. And there was also the pressure of studies. But one by one, the days passed away, and I progressed along, finishing coursework. Soon I had to do a Master's thesis. I found a company where I could work on my thesis in affiliation with my university in a foreign land. Days passed by, and I worked hard on my Master's thesis.

It was almost time to wrap up my thesis. The graduation day was a month away. But my work at the office would finish earlier. Every task was coming to an end. But there were still a few minor things to work on and finish off. I had come for lunch at my dorm on one of these days to make and have sandwiches. I had quick bites, and I proceeded on my way back to the office.

I hadn’t gone all that far. I began to cross the first side lane after my dorm. I noticed there were no vehicles. Then, with a head full of thoughts, I was crossing the side lane when I fell onto the ground. I had no idea what happened.

I soon realized I was hit by a car in the side lane and thrown down into a pool of mud. The car was being driven by a woman who came out quickly and asked if she would take me to the hospital or if I needed her address. I was completely shaken and wouldn’t have anything to do with her. She gave me the excuse that she couldn’t see me clearly because it was dark there, but all I saw was broad daylight.

I got up. My cream trousers were full of mud. I had to change them before going back to the office. As I walked, I felt a sharp pain in my right knee. I limped on my right leg and walked toward my dorm. The woman driver was exasperated and kept saying she was sorry.

I went back to my dorm, changed into black striped trousers, and then I was on my way back to the office. I didn’t tell anyone anything at the office. I emailed my sister in the US, Mom in my home country, and one or two Deshi friends and reported to them about the accident.

I did visit the doctor. He asked if I knew the license number of the car. I said I was too much in pain to notice it. Then he said gently, “Show me where you were hurt.” I lifted the trouser of my right leg and showed my knee where the skin had turned red. He touched it thoroughly from all angles and said, “No, I don’t think anything got broken. You can carry on with your work at the office and do all the usual activities."

He gave me a gel to apply to my knee. And I came back to my dorm, giving everybody the updates. I went to the office the day after and reported that I could work despite the accident.

The secretary was concerned. She said, "I hope you heal quickly." I replied, “I am fine now. The pain is almost gone.”

But that pain in the knee came back time and again even years and years later. And when it was winter, it was bad enough. However, it got better with more time. It was 2005 when I had the accident, about 18 years ago! I hope the pain goes away altogether. In old age, my knees will usually ache, and I don’t want to tolerate the extra pain from the long-ago accident.

I hold on to the hope that all will be well again and that I will recover from all of it. I am getting better and better with every passing year concerning the pain in my knee from the horrible accident.