An Unforgettable Valentine's Day

As always, he wouldn’t be around for the Valentine’s day. He sensed his wife’s hurt and frustration; but he had no choice. He had been on leave for a month, and was now scheduled to report back to work, far away from his hometown. His work was such, and despite the fact that he always ended up disheartening his family members, he loved his work and took great pride in it. But, this time around, he was determined to make it up for his wife; he would make some secret arrangements so that she would feel happy and perhaps, not miss him so much on Valentine’s day.

He arranged for flowers and a gift to be delivered to her on 14^th February, and then smiled in anticipation, at her surprise and joy that she would share during the call they would have on that day. There was a spring in his step as he got back home and spent the day with his wife and other family members, and also proceeded to pack for his journey back. Despite the hurt, his wife helped him pack, and promised her that one he would make it up!

The farewell day came and with teary eyes, his wife gave him a hug and waved him off with quivering lips. His parents too hugged him and asked him to be careful and inform once he reached his destination, and call every day. He waved at them with a brave and cheerful smile, and told them to take care of themselves. Countdown- Two days to go for Valentines!

He called them saying he had reached his first destination, and was scheduled to travel further and was awaiting transport to his final destination along with many of his other colleagues, who had also returned back from leave. Finally, it was 14^th February morning, and in an early morning call he informed them that he was travelling forward and was scheduled to reach his destination by late evening. By noon, his secret flowers and gift got delivered to his wife and she called him ecstatically to inform the same. However, there was some disturbance because of the travel, and so the call was short, though he could feel the excitement in her voice. 

He promised to call back and around 3, he called his wife, and was talking to her about how beautiful the valley outside looked, and that one day, he would bring her here. As he was talking, suddenly she heard a loud noise and then total silence. She tried calling him back, but there was no response. She was distressed, and kept looking at the red roses on the table, as she tried calling his friends, his unit, and so on; soon she started getting calls and realized that on Valentine’s day he had given up his life for his first love – The country. Definitions of love cannot even be begun to be explained, it happens in strange ways. He came back in a coffin wrapped in tricolour, and the family could not even catch a glimpse of his face one last time.

A fictional story, but perhaps, may well be true. In memory of all those CRPF jawans who lost their life in the cowardly Pulwama attack a year ago and all other soldiers, who have given their lives for the country. A silent prayer for all their families, who celebrate their birthdays, anniversaries, and all such days without them, and yet smile and keep the faith. Not a thankful job, and yet many of these families say, our sons and daughters will join the army, and serve the country, and do their dad proud!

Jai Hind. Om Shanti.