He was sitting there on a bench, in that chilly evening. Temperature was dropping lower as the evening set in. Freezing winds were turning his hands numb as he sat there waiting for the train...
He was shivering slightly as well, but he had no choice, he had to make it to his parents' 25th anniversary. It was supposed to be a surprise for them. He was glad, planning in his mind of all the events that were to follow.
Unintentionally, he pulled his bag closer.. it had gifts for the parents, a shawl his mother had eyes on for years but could not afford, a mobile phone for his father!
He smiled at the thought of the precious look on his parents' face when he'd show them their gifts, but deep down he knew they'd be happiest to have him in front of them, the face they loved dearly, the person they longed to meet...
He was the second amongst 4 siblings and the only son of his parents. A son for whom they sacrificed everything they had..
He was from a humble family... they had a little house and his parents burnt themselves up to make him the man he was..
He was from a humble family... they had a little house and his parents burnt themselves up to make him the man he was..
They wanted him to have a great career, so he could raise the standard of his family.... but he had a desire, he wanted to wear the Boots! but he knew deep inside, his parents were reluctant about that...
He could understand their feelings and honored them, for they had suffered so much for him, so when it was to chose between his passion and parents, he chose the latter...
He was a bright student from the start, making his way to one of the prestigious institutes of the country, he saw the glistening pride in his parents' eyes and he knew at the very instant, that this was something he could die for!
He laughed through all the moments as finally he was able to do something for the family, he could repay them now and he was willing to take all the chances ..
..only to realise, he was a human at the end.... and in the wake of making everything perfect for the family, he has lost his mission, his desire in the way...He was dear to his parents,..
.. and maybe it was love that made them realise that behind the lively shell, lies a soul who still yearned for the lost fire...and they decided to make a path for him now. It was his life and they wanted him to live it, cherish it, they way he liked, they way he desired..
They made him withdraw from the program and apply for what he wanted... they weren't contended but they knew it was the right thing to do...
He was so glad the day he passed out as a soldier...and seeing him with the Sword and saluting his parents for the first time, with the priceless smile, the parents' finally felt at peace. He was happy and so were they!
Such is the family love!
Such is the family love!
Now wearing the ranks of Captain, he sat there, recalling the old memories as he waited... His phone rang, he pulled it out with the persistent smile, happily answered and then he heard those words, he was ordered to get back, the country needed him!
This was the first time he thought he was better off being a civilian, at least he could have been with his parents... but then he cursed himself for being so selfish, and rushed back...
He could have denied if asked about his feelings, but yes he was missing them... he wanted to hug his mother so bad who had grown old and now her knees hurt carrying the burden of her children... he wanted to go tell her, Mom, I am here for relieving you of all the worries...
He wanted to go and walk his ailing father to the mosque and tell him, Dad, You can leave all the stress to me now...
He cast a last look at the bag, he wanted this moment so bad!...
He was thinking of them, their sacrifices and their profound love as the lead pierced through his heart....
He was thinking of them, their sacrifices and their profound love as the lead pierced through his heart....
