Chapter Text
2003, Himachal Pradesh, India, 9:00 PM - India Time
Himachal Pradesh was located in northern Indian state in the Himalayas. It was home to scenic mountain towns. It was popularly known for trekking and mountain climbing. The locals thrived in farming. With the place being secluded, Himachal Pradesh was one of the poverty-stricken places in India. But the Clinton Foundation targeted to work on that town as they see strong potential in the agricultural sector. They could help the state to get out of poverty.
Bill, after his Presidency, worked to build his foundation. He did that so he could continue his humanitarian projects and projects he never completed because of politics. He specifically chose the project in Himachal Pradesh because there was so much to work on that place but so much potential too. That among his other personal reasons why he wanted to be away from America as possible.
He stayed in Himachal Pradesh for over three years before he caught something. He noticed the decline of his energy and his eyes were becoming unusually hot. He thought it was out of stress and the humidity of the place but then he succumbed to fever and chills. Doctor Burman, the village doctor, diagnosed it as flu but his fever lasted over three days and he was getting worried that it might be more than common flu.
“His body temperature reads 42°F,” Doctor Burman announced while looking at the glass mercury thermometer that he used to check Bill’s body temperature. He looked at the shadow that was playing on Bill's face created by the gas lamp nearby. Doctor Burman also noticed the inflammation of his lymph nodes below his jaw.
“I am worried that we do not have sufficient medical equipment here and he could die if we do not get him out.” Doctor Burman said almost in a whisper making sure that Bill wouldn’t hear him. He turned to look at Bill’s assistant Doug Marshall who was standing a few meters away from him. Doug’s arms crossed against his chest as if he was comforting himself upon hearing that his boss might die.
“He…” Doug started, his throat felt raw and dry. He worked tirelessly for the past few hours trying to take care of the foundation’s work while Bill was sick. He wasn’t getting enough sleep for the past few days that his body was screaming for rest but there was so much work to be done. Bill’s mission wasn’t over and he needed to make sure to finish it. But there was also something bothering him that night.
“There's something else, he said that he couldn’t see earlier. I’m worried.”
Doctor Burman turned his head back to Bill and took out the little flashlight in his pocket. He sat on the edge of Bill’s bed, then reached towards Bill’s eyelid and gently pushed it back. He flashed the light on Bill’s eye then he did the same with the other.
The lines of Doctor Burman’s forehead creased. Is Bill going blind? He thought.
“When did he say that couldn’t see?” He asked Doug.
“He briefly mentioned to me to turn the gas lamp but it was already lit… I’m worried…”
“Did you call for help in America?” Doctor Burman asked firmly.
“Yes,” Doug responded.
“I’m afraid that if Bill survived this fever, he might be blind but I couldn’t know for sure what he got. The longer he stays here the more dangerous it is for him.”
Doug shifted on his stand.
“You better call and reiterate this situation to them and tell them to get him out of here while we have time.” Doctor Burman said.
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2003, New York, New York, Clinton Headquarters, 11:00 AM - Eastern Time
There was a cacophony of laughter and jest inside the war room of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s office in New York. It was a sunny day for all of them. She was in a good mood as her staff celebrates the rise of her satisfaction rating and her popularity.
She leaned back against the table and propped her arms to support her weight - a smile played on her lips as she listened to her staff read an article about Hillary’s rating.
In the corner of her eyes, she saw Huma walked-in inconspicuously as if she did not want to disturb the current mood of the team.
“Hill --” Huma said as she reached Hillary. Hillary turned to her smiling but Huma kept her face straight. She leaned a little to whisper to her, “It’s Marshall.”
Hillary’s face suddenly dropped. She could smell a situation or problem just by looking at Huma’s face. Given the fact that it involved Marshall, she knew the problem that Huma would tell her involved with Bill’s team in India.
“What about it?” She asked unemotionally.
“He called earlier...Bill’s sick… He is badly sick.”
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1999, Washington DC, White House - Afternoon
“Mr. President this is to address the confusion in people’s mind when the first lady refers to the new house as ‘New York as my house’ indicating her plans to make it as her primary residence. I wonder if you could tell us how much time the two of you would be a part in the coming year and how do you feel about this arrangement?”
Bill kept a straight face. He fished the ballpen inside his chest pocket to correct something on the paper that was given to him by his adviser.
He did not immediately answer but he heard the question - about Hillary's home in New York.
Oh, yes, her home in New York. She deliberately referred to it as her home. He couldn't blame her, after all, she needs to be there because she is going to run as a Senator and she needs to be away from him as possible. He couldn't blame her about that either, he thought.
“First of all, I am happy for her…” He said looking at the journalist who asked him.
He hated how these journalists kept on invading their privacy, but it was inevitable. People were speculating that Hillary would divorce him when his term as President was over. The radical feminists' supporters of Hillary and those very close of her wanted her to divorce him because they thought she could do so much more without him, and he did not deserve her.
He was afraid about that too but he left it to her hands to make that decision, besides, he was the one who fucked up. He had a little-say to the fate of their marriage.
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2003, New York, Clinton Headquarters, 11:00 AM - Eastern Time
“It’s dangerous for her to be in India. Why don't we get someone to get the President out of the place instead of imposing risk by sending her there too?” Her aide asked.
Hillary was barely listening to the argument of her staffs. A bunch of them didn't want her to fly to India to get her estranged husband. It was risky they say and she knew that too. While she understood that they were just being careful, she believed that most of their decision were driven by their animosity towards Bill. It was clouding their decision on the matter, but Hillary remained unbiased.
People often wondered why she hasn't filed for divorce yet. After the humiliation she went through, she deserved to free herself from their marriage - live the life she wanted and make a name for herself without the shadow of her husband looming over her.
If she filed for divorce she knew that Bill wouldn't stop her. But she just couldn't do it because the truth was - she still loved him.
She was hurt but she never stopped loving him.
She wanted to work on their reconciliation but when she was elected as Senator there was no time at all. Plus, it did not help that Bill chose to do a project in India.
The distance that Bill unnecessarily put between them and the constant attention that New York demanded of her - somewhat dented their relationship too.
There was a time that she wanted to reach out to him - to ask him how he was but her pride made her stood her ground. She would not cave in. If he thought that Hillary would come begging for him to return to her, he would be waiting for a lifetime. If he did not want to fix their marriage, neither did she.
Three years since the last time they talked and she did not completely forgive him. But being his wife, she had an obligation to him.
“I'll go to India,” she announced breaking the argument between her staffs. They all looked at her as if she lost her mind.
“Let's start packing up, and let's get Bill's team so we can release a statement.” She instructed. She stood up from her seat ready to move.
“When are you flying?” Someone asked.
“I will be flying tonight.”