Disha

Nischay knew what he had to say. He had rehearsed it several times for the past few days. But now words were failing to form. He knew that if he failed now he would never be able to do what he had planned to do. The train was about to leave. He went inside the train and kept his bag on his berth. His friends were all there at the platform to see him off. He made up his mind now, and rehearsed everything again. Looking through the window from his seat he saw his friends chatting amongst themselves. Slowly he got down from the train and steadily approached them. He was now completely focused.

Like the rest of Nischay s friends, Disha was sad deep within, but did a good job of hiding it bravely with a smile. Nischay approached them, with his eyes set on Disha.

“It is almost time for the train to leave Nischay, you better board the train” said one of his friends. But Nischay was deaf to everyone else.

“Disha, can I talk to you?”

“Now? The train is about to leave Nischay.”

“There is something you need to know. I don’t care if the train starts. I wont leave before I am done. Please don’t stop me. You don’t have to say anything. Please hear me out till I am done.”

Disha was confused, and Nischay took her silence for a “Yes”

“Disha you have been a very good to me from the time we got to know each other. You have always been a good friend to all of us. But to me you have become special. I do not know how things changed, or when things changed, but you definitely are more than just a friend. It is true that there are things about me which you do not like, some of which you might even despise, but then it is also true that I have tried to change myself lately; only for you. And no one is perfect. All of us are bound to have some flaws. Please do not judge me by my flaws.” Nischay gave a pause.

The signal changed from red to green. People started getting into the train. Whistles could be heard. The train started with a small jerk.

“Disha I am in love with you. Not because you are beautiful, not because you are smart and fun to be with, not because you are flawless, but because you are you. If there is someone with whom I have to spend my life with, I wish it to be you.”
The train was slowly increasing its speed now.

“You do not have to say anything. I just wanted you to know this. I am not sure if I would ever get another chance to say what I feel about you. I am sorry if I brought it up in the wrong situation. Take care of yourself Disha. Love you. Take care guys. Hope to see you all again….. soon.”

Nischay had to run at his full speed to catch the train. Standing by the door he could see Disha’s still body. After waiving to them until they were out of sight, he went back to his seat.

Nischay’s friends let Disha take her sweet time come back from where ever she was now. “Disha, he has gone, no more in sight. It is time for us go too.” said one of them and took her out of the railway station.

Few weeks later Nischay found an envelope with his name on it. He did not have to see the return address to know who it was from. He knew Disha’s handwriting very well. For the first time in weeks his hands were trembling. Had any of his room mates seen his state, they would die of the shock. Who would believe that a brave soldier, who had no second thoughts even when outnumbered one to five by the enemy soldiers, would not be able to handle a single letter? Yes brave soldier he was, yet he had the same heart that all humans have, and it was in love with someone. He knew that Disha’s answer would be in that letter. After staring at the envelope for a long time he decided to rip it open and started reading the letter.

“Mr Nischay!! How insensitive of you to propose to a girl and leave her in a state of shock and not even try to find out how she is getting along. You better think of another way of doing this all over again, and this time be more sensitive. If you do so, I might consider your proposal.

Ha Ha. Shocked? Well you deserve it. I too love you Nischay. It is true that I keep pointing out your mistakes. But how did you come to the conclusion that I judge you by your flaws? You are worth much more than what you think you are. I will be waiting for you. You better come back soon. If you do something to yourself during this war I will never forgive you, I will never let you rest in peace. I will hunt you down even if you are in hell, get you back here, beat you for leaving me alone and the send you back to hell.
P.S: I love you too. Not for what I want you to be like, but for whatever you are.”

Few weeks later…

There was a letter folded neatly on the table, addressed to Nischay by the same neat handwriting as the previous one.

“Nischay, I hope it is you who is reading this letter, which means you have returned from the war and are fit, at least fit to read this. Many times in life you have to make certain promises which you really want to fulfill but you are sure you will not be able to fulfill. My previous promise to you was one such. I am sorry that I could not wait for you. Believe me, when I say this - if I had a magic lamp with a genie to grant me 3 wishes, I would plead for just one wish, and that would be to be with you for the rest of my life. But this is real life, and I do not have a genie to grant me my wish. If you are reading this letter instead of me reading it to you, it means that I am no more. You were the best thing to happen in my life and good things do not last forever. In the short time that I got to spend in this life, I wish I had a longer time to spend with you. I am sorry if I gave you a false hope. But I did not have a choice. I wanted you to fight and come back for a better life. Make a promise that you will get over me. Wish you a very happy life ahead.

P.S: I still love you, and will always be around you.”

Next to the letter was a body wrapped in the Tricolor. The body had once been handsome, strong and lively Nischay, now inflicted with bullet and other wound, laying still, with a peaceful expression on the face…

The end…

This might not be a true story, but I am sure many brave soldiers have similar stories. It may be true that it is every soldier’s dream to be at a warfront, but no one wishes to have a war. Yet they go to war hoping that their loved ones are safe. It is unfair that these men, The Men of Honor, sacrifice their lives due to some maniac, who has the power to decide that killing brings more power, and killing is the aim of their life. At the same time, it is also true that life is not fair. We just have to do our part to make it a bit more fair.

As time passes by, memories fade, but some things and some people are never to be forgotten. July 26th 1999 is such a day. This story is dedicated to the men who guard us, to the men who sacrificed their lives to guard us. This story is in remembrance of the soldiers who lost their lives in 1999 Kargil War, this story is to celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas, 26th July.

Today is not a day to discuss about war or peace. Today is a day to remember the brave men who sacrificed their lives to restore crown of our motherland, today is a day to honor our brave men.