25th Evening
“Hey Papa!! Good Evening.”
It was a nice afternoon of 25th Jan. Shree was
playing with his toys. He was happy that his father has promised to take him
for 26th Jan parade.
Shree is only son of Major Satish Roy. Major Satish, an Arms
and Ammunition specialist in Indian Army and always been praised for his bull’s
eye hit on target.
After his wife passed away, he has aptly fulfilled Shree’s
all responsibilities as a father and never let Shree feel that he is without
his mother. Every demands of Shree which Satish thought is not harming Shree or
his future were never left in despondency.
Shree was growing and with all sort of disciplined and
dignified environments around him, he always felt proud of his father. He
always thought that his father is best. He is always dressed best and has best
voice. Also, he knew his father loves him a lot but he never took undue
advantage of this.
This time Shree wanted to accompany his father in 26th
Jan parade but since Satish had his duty same day, he expressed his unavailability
but asked if Shree wanted to watch it with his friend. Shree agreed. After all
he had a chance to watch Republic Day proceedings closely.
“Sambhu, can you check if we can get a couple of passes in
VIP place. I think that place is more convenient.” – Major in his vindicating
voice asked his colleague.
Major also knew, since his position of guard includes VIP
area as well. He will be more closely watching Shree and his activities.
“Yes!!” – Sambhu replied in unexpected excitement.
He continued as his voice lowered towards end – “Though I
already have two pass and I am pretty sure you can use it. I had this for my
wife and myself but you know ladies. Her mood changed and she wanted to go her
home now.”
26th Morning
It was 26th morning. Shree was very excited and was
thinking how those Jhankis would be like. He would see those big elephants and brave
children sitting on them, lots of big tanks, missiles and art of aeroplanes as
well.
“Papa, where is my blue shirt? I won’t be wearing red shirt
on white trouser. Does it go well? No... It cannot. White and Red cannot go well.” Shree stated
all this as he was saying just a line.
Major Satish came out of his room and pulled a brand new
grey shirt from almirah for Shree.
“I knew your shirt won’t get laundry so quickly. So, I
bought it for you. After all son of Major Satish Roy should wear a new shirt on
Republic Day”. Major Satish smiled along.
Shree knew it. He knew it. His father is best.
Shree quickly packed his small bag. Plucked his water-bottle
and ran outside as his father was waiting.
Major Satish took Shree on his vehicle to Lal Qila. He
dropped him and told him to accompany his colleague.
“I know you won’t but even make sure you don’t trouble him.
Be a good boy.” – Major Satish kissed Shree on his cheek.
A suspect
It was high Alarm in the cabin. Major Satish was holding sniper
position.
“A suspect… Height 5’7” wearing blue jeans is a probable
terrorist with explosive in his company. We are not sure if explosive is hand
detonated or timer paced.” – Radio shouted.
Major Satish pulled his eye off his viewer and tried to look
out in the crowd if he can see anyone. But at distant everything was blurred
and recognising a suspect out of so many people wasn’t easy. Also, he knew that
there would be lot many innocent people as well wearing that coloured jeans and
with similar height. How will he find out his man?
He placed his fingers back on trigger and eye beside viewer
and started looking around. He gave glance at VIP area. He saw Shree - both
hands up and waving at Jhankis going around. A smile oozed on the face of Major
Satish even in this situation. He focussed back.
“Major Satish – Hold your position, we have located target
near VIP area”.
Major responded quickly and swiftly moved his gun towards
VIP area. In the corner of his mind, he was also getting worried for Shree.
“How that pig went inside and how inside VIP area?”- Major
mind was troubling him.
“Location of explosive traced – 230N and 240E.
Target is moving. Get your position there and wait.”
Major Satish got some relief with anger. He zoomed at location.
“Yes. I can see him. I should pull the hell out of that man.”
But he couldn’t. He knew his one wrong step can cause many lives. Suspect might
be having some sort of explosive which can go off if he falls backward/forward
or if he presses it somehow.
“Exact location as of now - Location of explosive traced– 240N
and 270E. Explosive isn’t moving. Hence I am sure the man also. We
are sending agents. On the count of 5 hit him. Agents will make sure a least of
movement from man and we can ensure explosive is untouched.”
“Yes Sir!! On Position. Waiting for go ahead” – Replied Major
Satish.
Suddenly, Major Satish saw that man was just beside Shree
and was little worried. But he also knew, he hasn’t missed any target till now
and he won’t miss this one also. Also, he man was just standing.
Lots of things were going suddenly in Major Satish mind.
“Final location 240N and 280E. Explosive
isn’t moving. Major Hit as I finish 5.”
“1”
Major Satish quickly adjusted location”.
“2”
The location wasn’t that man !!
“3”
Oh it’s Shree Bag
“4”
Order is to shoot Shree. That man has placed bomb in Shree’s
Bag.
“5”.
…
…
…
“Papa, where is my blue shirt? I won’t be wearing red shirt
on white trouser. Does it go well? No... It cannot. White
and Red cannot go well.”
