Soniya Gajera had moved to the US with a dream. All the 30-year-old from Gujarat desired was a better life.
She worked part-time and was training to become a cosmetologist. That dream ended in seconds this month.
A gun went off inside Mezo Grocery and Deli in Bossier City, Louisiana. The bullet entered through her mouth and tore through her jaw. Her husband, Sharad Gajera, was holding the firearm when it discharged at close range.
So far there hasn’t been any report of any sinister design.
Soniya is now in critical condition at a Bossier City hospital. She cannot eat on her own. She depends on assisted breathing and artificial nutrition. Doctors say the bullet left severe damage to her teeth, jaw and lower lip. Her relatives say she will need multiple surgeries. It could be jaw reconstruction, facial reconstruction and dental implants. Even then, a full recovery is not guaranteed.
Police described the shooting as accidental. The couple had been discussing a possible purchase of the store with owner Vince Mezo when the gun went off. By all accounts, it was an ordinary business conversation.
Eyewitnesses reportedly said nothing seemed out of the ordinary before the shot rang out. But several of them found it hard to accept the accidental explanation. Their concern was straightforward: a loaded firearm had been carried into a busy commercial space, and someone had paid a devastating price for it.
Sharad Gajera was not arrested immediately. The law didn’t initiate action against him even after more than two weeks after the incident.
A warrant was eventually issued. He reportedly surrendered on April 21. He faces a charge of illegal use of a weapon. The couple’s immigration status has not been disclosed by authorities.
This was not the only instance when life dealt Soniya a cruel hand.
According to reports, she had lost her younger brother. Then, she had spent years by her father’s side, caring for him through a long and difficult illness.
She was a woman of few words. For many, she epitomised resolve in a deep intense way. But nothing could have prepared her for this. Lying in hospital. Across several seas away from home.
Meanwhile, a crowdfunding campaign has begun to help her with mounting medical bills. The treatment will entail a cost of nothing less than Rs 1.9 crore.
However, only 51 people have donated. So far, the campaign has raised approximately Rs 8.6 lakh. The bills are only expected to grow.
Also Read: After Seattle Crash Killed Indian Student, Family Struggles With Grief And Settlement Fallout https://www.vibesofindia.com/after-seattle-crash-killed-indian-student-family-struggles-with-grief-and-settlement-fallout/
