IN THE ARMS OF A SOLDIER by BUDDHABHUSHAN KUCHEKAR - HTML preview

CHAPTER 25

Always in My Heart

July 2018, Delhi

I was in Delhi and was waiting outside General Manoj Pandey’s office. Actually, two days before my departure, I received a call telling me to travel to Delhi because General Manoj Pandey wished to meet me. I was perplexed. What made him want to meet me? Vikrant was nowhere to be found. Is there a problem with him? There were many inquiries, but the General was the only one who knew the answers.

After waiting for 30 minutes, I noticed a female army commander coming towards me. She wore an olive green military-style shirt, coordinating trousers, black shoes and a peaked hat as her attire. Badges, rank insignia, and other military honours are worn as accessories. She additionally donned a scarf that was the same shade of olive green as her uniform. She appeared very attractive in that outfit.

‘Miss Pranali Sharma, are you there?’

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‘Yes,’ I replied.

‘I’m Captain Shourya Kumar. I’m here to let you know that General Manoj Pandey wishes to meet with right away. Follow me, then.’ I gave her a gesture before escorting her to General Manoj Pandey’s office. He was focusing on the Indian map that was mounted on a wall. He wore an olive green uniform, which included a tunic and pants that had been meticulously pressed and ironed. The shoulder boards, chest, and sleeves of the uniform were adorned with badges, ribbons, and stars that symbolised the decorations, awards, and promotions that the General had received during his time of service. He wore a peaked cap with a shiny visor and a badge that denotes their position and field of service.

A general usually wore glossy black leather shoes.

As soon as he noticed me, he said in a sonorous voice, ‘Miss Pranali, please be seated.’ On a chair, I stood. There was one more army commander in attendance.

‘Captain Swapnil,’ the general declared.

‘Aa... okay,’ I said. I was still baffled as to why he had summoned me here. The general said while seated, ‘I know there are many questions in your mind, but please calmly listen to what Captain Swapnil narrates.’

‘The situation at the frontier escalated rapidly. The joint efforts of Chinese and Pakistani soldiers, coupled with the presence of the militant group Lashkar-e-Ghazi, had made our mission more dangerous than ever. We were faced with concurrent missions, each one more perilous than the last. Major Vikrant, leading Team Delta, bore the weight of the responsibility, and I served as a member under his command.

‘Despite the mounting challenges, Major Vikrant’s intelligence and meticulous planning ensured the successful execution of numerous deadly missions. We managed to accomplish these tasks with minimal difficulty and no significant casualties, a testament to his leadership and the dedication of our team.

‘As the war raged on, we received a glimmer of hope as global pressure forced China to withdraw from the conflict. However,

238  In the Arms of a Soldier our battle was far from over, as we now had to contend with the Lashkar-e-Ghazi militants and their Pakistani allies.

‘In a covert operation, we received critical information about Maqsood, the head of Lashkar-e-Ghazi, and his whereabouts in Turtuk. Our mission was clear: we had to eliminate Maqsood to put an end to this war. The assignment to destroy all Lashkar-e-Ghazi’s strongholds and assassinate Maqsood was entrusted to Major Vikrant of the Delta Company.

‘Our helicopters touched down in a secure location, and we successfully destroyed three of the militant group’s bases.

However, the final location, where Maqsood had taken refuge, presented a formidable challenge. We knew that the moment was crucial, but fate had other plans.

‘The local militants had learned of our mission and immediately opened fire. We found ourselves taking cover behind bushes, with no other option but to retreat to India. However, Major Vikrant had a different plan in mind. He ordered us to turn back while he alone would proceed to the building where Maqsood still resided.

‘We pleaded with him to reconsider, but he was unwavering.

With the authority vested in him as our leader, we had no choice but to obey his orders. We swiftly retrieved our helicopters and returned to Indian territory.

‘The last glimpse we had of Major Vikrant was a massive explosion that engulfed the structure he had entered to eliminate Maqsood. RAW agents in Pakistan and Pakistani media later reported discovering a charred body, believed to be that of Maqsood. However, there was no trace of Major Vikrant, and he was declared missing.

‘Hence, the mission to kill Maqsood is accomplished but the master mind behind this mission, Major Vikrant Shergil is missing,’ concluded Captain Swapnil.

‘I thought it was important for you to know the reality, so that’s why we called you here,’ the general said. I was in utter disbelief.

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‘There are 3 possibilities. One, he must have escaped the explosion but we have no information about him. Two, he may be captured by Pakistani militants though they are refusing it. And third, he must have died during that explosion.’

I lost patience after the General’s unexpected response, ‘We hope, he must have died.’

‘What do you mean? Do you have a mental illness? How can you speak to your own fighter like this?’ I said in a rage.

‘Shut up Pranali.’ Captain Shourya, who was completely silent throughout this discussion, said, ‘Behave yourself.’

‘Captain Shourya, it’s all right.’ The general said, ‘Miss Pranali, kindly take your seat.’ I was offered a cup of water by Captain Shourya. I took a sip. The General took out a Lifafa from a cabinet. I was instructed to open it after he gave it to me. There were some pictures in it. Images of tormented individuals. They were truly dreadful. ‘What is this?’ I questioned.

‘These images show our troops who were captured alive by militants in Pakistan.’ I lost all sense when he said, ‘If Vikrant is still alive, the same will happen.’ I started crying.

Vikrant lied to me. He assured me he would be secure. To him, nothing will transpire. But he went back on his word. Cheater.

I ignored the rules and sprinted outside the house. I put my palms over my forehead. Those images kept flitting through my head.

The moment I heard that my boyfriend, a soldier, had gone MIA (Missing In Action) during his mission, my heart stopped. I felt a crushing weight on my chest, and my mind was consumed with fear and anxiety.

I had no desires. All I desired was for Vikrant to be secure. I wanted my Vikrant back.

PRANALI COMPLETED THE NARRATION…..

…

240  In the Arms of a Soldier

OCTOBER 2018, CHOUPATTY BEACH, MUMBAI,

A heavy stillness hung in the air as Pranali finished telling Dr.

Sameer about her heart-breaking tale on Choupatty Beach. The emotions that had flowed forth during her impassioned confession seemed to be amplified by the sounds of the waves breaking against the coast. Dr. Sameer, who had been paying close attention, looked intently into Pranali’s eyes and recognized the suffering she was experiencing.

‘She had endured great pain and had still been in pain. But she had still been in excellent mental condition,’ thought Dr. Sameer.

She had required an understanding person. He had observed Pranali shedding a few tears, which she had then caught on her cheeks. She had still been grinning, though. Dr. Sameer had begun to choose and arrange words as he had spoken.

Dr. Sameer extended his hand and gripped Pranali’s hand tenderly with immense compassion. ‘Pranali,’ he said softly, ‘I can’t even begin to grasp the intensity of your love for Major Vikrant or the suffering you’ve gone through waiting for him. I greatly respect you for your unfaltering loyalty and passion in sharing your tale.’

Still moved by Dr. Sameer’s generosity, Pranali attempted a shaky smile. I’m grateful, Sameer. I am aware that it is a difficult story to hear.

‘Your love for Major Vikrant is something truly extraordinary, and it is obvious that he means the world to you,’ added Dr. Sameer.

‘I want you to know that, as a friend and someone who actually cares about your wellbeing, I’m available for you at all times’.

Pranali nodded, appreciative of his compassion and assistance.

‘You don’t know how much I value it, Sameer. It is really important to me’.

‘Is what I’m doing right or wrong?’ Pranali had abruptly questioned. Before responding, Dr. Sameer had paused to consider his answer.

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‘I’m not sure. But I believe that if I were in your position, I would have acted similarly,’ Pranali nodded.

‘This is the epitome of true love. Love without destination,’

Dr. Sameer continued. Pranali gave a nod.

‘I hope, no, I guarantee that Vikrant is alive and will come back to you.’ Dr. Sameer’s remarks caused Pranali to actually grin. She believed that he was the only one who could truly comprehend her.

‘Remember, you can tell me whenever you need any help or want to share something with me.’ Pranali nodded in assent.

They remained seated on Choupatty Beach as the night became darker, finding solace in one another. While Pranali’s heart continued to yearn for Major Vikrant to come home, she had also made a friend in Dr. Sameer, who supported her decisions and provided a sympathetic ear when she felt vulnerable. They found comfort in the beauty of the ocean and the strength of friendship as they confronted life’s uncertainties and the mysteries of the night together.

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Epilogue

November 2018, Newtown, Kolkata

Pranali stood on the rooftop, watching as a sea of stars-like city lights twinkled below.

She had just moved to Kolkata and was ready to get back to work after a lengthy absence. She had been successful in securing an apartment in the same complex where she had previously resided. Even though Pranali was back in her familiar surroundings, the city felt different now, and she was unable to escape the sense of isolation and suffocation that had crept into her heart. She made the decision to ascend to the rooftop of a nearby apartment in quest of solitude, believing that the view of the city would provide her some solace and perspective.

She watched a couple experiencing a memorable moment next to her, immersed in their embrace, as the cool night breeze ruffled her hair. They leaned in to kiss each other tenderly as the air was filled with their laughter and gentle words of devotion.

Pranali felt a terrible sense of loneliness and turned her head away to respect their privacy. Her mind wandered to Vikrant. His sincere pledge to come back to her and the recollection of their final hug flashed before her eyes. Tears began to escape through her eyes and glide on her chicks.

She couldn’t help but long for the warmth of Vikrant’s arms and the way he held her close while whispering love as she observed the pair sitting next to her. She watched the couple’s warm show, and the pain of missing him grew more intense. It served as a

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vivid reminder of the affection and joy she formerly shared with Vikrant, a love that now seemed ephemeral and unsure.

With a steely resolve in her eyes, Pranali whispered to herself,

‘Vikrant, no matter how long it takes, I know you will come back to me. You’re out there, fighting for our country, and I’ll keep holding onto that hope till the day you return.’

She knew that the path she had chosen, to wait for him against all odds, was a challenging one. But she was determined to make it a journey of growth and purpose. Pranali vowed to herself that in Vikrant’s absence, she would strive to become the best version of herself, both personally and professionally.

‘I’ll make you proud, Vikrant,’ she whispered, her voice filled with determination. ‘I’ll achieve everything we dreamed of together. When you return, you’ll find a stronger, more resilient me, ready to stand by your side.’

Pranali knew that her journey wouldn’t be easy, and there would be moments of doubt and loneliness. But as she looked out at the city below, she drew strength from her resolute love for Vikrant and her commitment to the promise they had made to each other.

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