Page 194 - Musings 2020

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My Funeral

Avani Sharma 2017B2A10718P and Kirti Sharma 2017ABPS0310P

It was a dark and cold winter night in late November and I could hear the clock ticking.

Eating my dinner with the cold breeze hitting my face, I was rejoicing the memories of the
past with my family. My wife, eagerly waiting for me for two years and while taking care of
our family and our baby. There was a sudden rush of emotions when I felt a strong urge to rip
off my uniform and run away from everything to my place of happiness and serenity, my
home. But, as soon as I looked towards the mirror, I became still. Finding myself in that
uniform, with the stars and badges of INDIAN ARMY filled me with a plethora of emotions,
the strongest one being the feeling of duty and purposiveness. The families including mine,
sleeping peacefully right now came to my mind and I was the one responsible for their
security and prosperity. I am the one who has to take care of my joint nation.

Standing straight with legs compact, hands armed straight, chest broad out and head held up
high, I took the oath to protect my family till my last breath. The night slowly started fading
away to give way to the sun. All of a sudden there was a loud bang, and in no time I realized
that it was the continuation of the war. Taking my grenades and rifles, I stepped out of the
tent with a determination of securing my motherland. Once I was in the field, I could see my
fellow mates lying lifeless in a river of blood. The pain of losing my brothers fueled a feeling
of revenge. I started firing and chasing them whilst defending myself. With my team, we
together attacked with all our strength. The enemy was visibly scared by seeing our power
and unity. They tried to hide and run away. Suddenly, it all stopped. There was pin-drop
silence. I was trying my best to defend myself with the help of sack walls. We hid behind the
wall and observed the surroundings carefully. No one was in sight. We both were standing
with legs half folded. As we stood up, there was a round of fire. I quickly bend down to
protect myself by the wall. I popped my head up through the wall and jumped through it
seeing the terrorist coming to kill my other brother, I ran as fast as I could, getting my rifle
triggered and pushed him aside and fired my gun towards the terrorist. I saw the terrorist fall
on the ground and felt contempt to save the life of my family once again. I saw a bright light
and all my fellow soldiers gathering around me, shouting and yelling my name. I knew my
time had come and I felt happy to go back home. They lifted me up and took me to the camp,
it was time for my last journey back to my home.

I was to enter my home after two years. I knew my wife would be waiting for me wearing the
saree I gifted her on her last birthday. Also now I have an important new member, my
three-year-old son, who just wishes to see his dad back with toys and gifts. Also, my Maa,
waiting for me with her puja ki thali to welcome me. And my Dad, my eternal support, my
strength, and my great teacher who wished me to pass from all the hurdles I face. As soon as
the door opened and I entered, all went numb. My wife sat down on the floor flushed with
emotions. My Maa broke into tears and was yelling my name and asking me to be back. My
dad was quiet, holding my Maa, but becoming weak. The faces turned pale and there were
cries in the house. My small beloved son, who hadn’t had any idea of what was going on,
held her mother’s saare and wrapped him around in that cloth. The entire neighbourhood

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