After sudden death of Indian doctor in Abu Dhabi, her unpublished book ‘How Many More Days’ reaches readers

More than three months after the sudden demise of socially active Indian dentist and writer Dr Dhanalakshmi in Abu Dhabi, her family has published a book she left behind before her death.

Dr Dhanalakshmi, who served at Lifecare Hospital in Musaffah, was a well-known figure among Indian expats and a regular presence at community events. In July, the 54-year-old Keralite was found dead in her apartment – a loss that left her family, friends and colleagues in shock.

Poetry of her final days

In the months following her passing, the family discovered that she had left behind an unpublished Malayalam poetry collection – a work that now reads like a quiet reflection of her final days.

The manuscript carried a title that resonates differently today: ‘Ini Ethra Naal’ (How Many More Days).

Among her notes, the family members found a line that has stayed with them: “May all my words turn to dust with me.”

Another set of lines from her drafts added deeper poignancy to the discovery:

“Do not cry beside my final fire. I am free.

Let the bonds of this earth fall away from me as I journey toward the light with a smile.

Now it is enough for me to say goodbye happily.”

Bringing manuscript to light

The family learned that she had given the poems to a publisher a year earlier. They traced the publisher and, as a tribute, brought the book to completion.

‘Ini Ethra Naal’ – the poetry collection she never lived to publish – was released with the support of friends and well-wishers. The first copy was handed to Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, at a gathering in Dubai, honouring her years of service at Lifecare Hospital. It was later released at the recently concluded Sharjah International Book Fair and at the Abu Dhabi Malayalee Samajam – platforms where she likely once hoped to present the book herself.

According to the publisher, her work explored emotions she rarely expressed openly.

Family member Jayakrishnan said publishing her book brings a “sense of fulfilment” to those who wanted her voice to endure.

“Bringing her words to light offers a profound sense of fulfilment for all who wished her voice to endure. Her lasting words now bring peace to those who hold her memory dear,” Jayakrishnan told Gulf News.

Unpublished English novel

The family also discovered an unpublished English novel titled ‘Unfitted’. Work is now underway to edit and release it, and her family believes it will offer yet another window into her creative world.

“We hope her English novel will shed light on the world she carried within her,” Jayakrishnan noted.

Legacy and reflections

Originally from Kerala’s Kannur district, Dr Dhanalakshmi had authored four Malayalam books and an English poetry collection. ‘Ini Ethra Naal’ is her first posthumous publication.

A day before her death, she had also posted several messages on social media, including a short story: ‘The Price of Kindness’, which described a heartbreaking betrayal of her generosity.

A leading writer from Kerala who knew Dr Dhanalakshmi said ‘Ini Ethra Naal’ reads like the voice of someone who returned without getting enough love.