All the seats were occupied in the waiting room at the blood donation camp. The protocols issued by the government were in place. Masks were compulsory and a six-foot distance was maintained between everyone.
The ongoing pandemic had shut down educational institutions. So, the camp was set in a small school. Eight classrooms handled four donors each. They served tea and biscuits in three other rooms.
The drive was much publicised online on various social networking sites. Hundreds registered for the noble cause.
A reporter and a cameraman entered the venue to cover the event. No other journalist was present. This wasn’t big news material but viewers will surely appreciate the good Samaritans’ efforts.
On seeing the cameraman, the doctor who organised the event immediately rushed to restrict them, “I request you to stop filming.”
The reporter looked surprised. Organisers generally accepted any kind of promotion to appear in the news.
“It’ll be just a news flash for our top 100 headlines for the day.”
“No, I cannot allow that. We value the privacy of all those present here. We do not wish to offend anyone.”
“But sir, this will give your event a good exposure,” she tried reasoning.
But the doctor was stern. “We don’t thrive for publicity. Please respect our decision.” This time he joined his hands to emphasise his plea.
“It’s a big opportunity, sir. Please, it won’t take too long. The public needs to recognise…”
She was interrupted by a probable donor, “Why can’t you let them continue doing their work in peace?”
Before she could respond, another donor reprimanded, “Can’t you understand how humbly the doctor is requesting you? Show some respect.” Others too joined in the chorus condemning the reporter’s actions.
The doctor gestured to the audience to stay silent. “Please, ladies and gentlemen. I request all of you to abide by the Covid guidelines. Kindly remain in your place. I appreciate your support. And I believe that our guest too has understood the situation. I’m sorry ma’am, but I will have you escorted to the gate.”
Being a novice reporter, she didn’t wish to get into trouble, so she left the premises immediately. And the doctor returned to his duty.
He made an impression on the crowd. A person next to the security guard manning the entrance to the room tried to get some information. “Who is that doctor?”
The guard was clueless. But not wanting to appear uninformed, he added, “He’s one of the topmost doctors in the country. Yet he is so humble.”
The others began chatting among themselves. Word soon spread among the donors that Dr Humble was a key member of the Health Ministry. Apparently, he was also heading the team approving Covid vaccines. One person even bragged that he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan!
A new enthusiasm was beaming within the crowd. All were delighted to be present at this particular camp.
The whole event went on without any glitches. The four supervising doctors were so engrossed in their duty that they didn’t even take a minute’s respite for tea or lunch. In fact, when the technicians sat for lunch, they filled in for them.
In the evening when the drive was complete, the blood bags were sent in four specially modified vans. The guard and technicians were paid and dismissed. A car arrived and Dr Humble got into the seat next to the driver. The driver was a woman.
After riding for five minutes in silence, the woman spoke, “Tiring day, huh?”
“Hmm… have to sweat to put a meal on the table.”
“Yes, honey. And your idea was brilliant with every aspect planned and executed perfectly.”
“Trying times make us look for exceptional solutions. This pandemic was really hard on us. The night curfews, the fear of getting infected…we were almost starving. Hundreds of people donated today. We are okay for a couple of years.”
Her eyes sparkled as she heard the last two sentences. She shook her head over some thought. “You know, I feel that now we can live a dignified life. No more victims, no killings. This is our new normal. If only our kind can choose to exist in harmony. Do you envision that happening?”
He smoothened her hair. Her optimism was good but premature. “One day at a time, my love. There are six of us now. We must find ways to reach out to others. It may take a century. And of course, we will be here to witness it. That’s the boon of being vampires. We have time.”
He closed his eyes. She let him take a nap as she followed the vans carrying the blood, each driven by the doctors. Stocked for years, they retreated to their secret shelter. Countless lives were saved, including theirs.
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