Pace My Heart (A sequel to *Happy To Meet You*)

Chapter-1

"If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve this finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help."

#An excerpt from 'Hippocratic oath'

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I kept my promise to my dad. I was finally able to make a choice.

I am standing in the front of Mc Gill hospital building. Mc Gill hospital is affliated to Mc Gill university where I am currently enrolled in their surgical residency programme and already into my second year of residency. The hospital building is located in the north surburbs of Chicago. An impressive structure, the architect who had designed it kept modern aesthetics in mind but retaining a unique charm of its own. The smooth exterior limestone walls has a warm tone of beige color while the extensive use of glass helps to illuminate the interior of the building with natural light, giving it a friendly and inviting look unlike the gloomy structures that are usually associated with a health facility.

Right now, the array of glass panes are reflecting the early morning sunlights. Everyday I stand in the same spot before entering the building watching it from a distance. It fills me with awe and respect. This building in front challenges me everyday to bring out the best in me.

The only thing I remember about, after landing in New York was burying myself behind those huge piles of books. With a single minded determination I studied day and night preparing myself for one of the toughest examinations.

Having already cleared the first step of the USMLE( United States Medical Licensing Examination) at home, I still had to clear few more steps. For a foreign student passing USMLE is required if I was going to apply to any medical university in the U.S. The task was more difficult because I was an international student but I had made up my mind and was determined to prove myself.

The day I recieved the acceptance letter from the university, I remembered crying my heart out holding the letter in my trembling hands not believing that I had actually made the cut. Dad was so proud of me. He has even hung a laminated picture of a copy of the acceptance letter in our living room, back home. Even my mother now can't help herself from bragging to the relatives and friends of their only daughter getting accepted in a prestigious university. I smiled to myself remembering and missing them fondly.

Academically I have always been a good student graduating medical school with honors. My research work,the journal publications and the glowing recommendations from med graduate school had helped immensely in being accepted for the residency.

I was passionate and had firm conviction in the line of work I had choosen for myself. But then, something happened that shook me to the core and questioned my belief. It questioned me, whether being a doctor was my true calling? It broke me down completely and gradually I found myself slipping away.

But somehow, someone helped me get through those dreadful days. Someone who also gave me those precious moments. Those wonderful happy moments that I will always be grateful for.

Because of that someone I learn to finally let go of my painful past.

I learn to smile and laugh again.

I learn to live again.

The cool morning breeze was blowing into my face. I closed my eyes and mumbled a silent thanks to that someone. Hope you are listening.........

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Author's Note:

#'Hippocratic Oath'- is an oath taken by every medical graduate at the time of graduation.

P.s Next chapter uploading tonight if my phone doesn't run out of battery.

Thank you :))