For the umpteenth time, I checked on my wearables – specially the badges I had received for my exemplary contribution in service. I was ready for the Independence Day Parade tomorrow. Finally! I would be the parade commander of the NDRF contingent. My heart burst with pride to think I would be leading the contingent. I wanted mother to witness this surreal moment. Given her Alzheimer’s she may not recognize my feat but I wished to see the flicker of pride and joy in her eyes, perhaps for the last time in her life.
“Ravi…,” I heard a scream that shook me out of my reverie.
I grabbed the phone from my sister. I was fading into a black oblivion as the voice on the other end continued, “Commander Ravi Kishen, your contingent is to head the rescue operations in the Uttaranchal landslide that happened yesterday night. Get your team and equipment ready to leave immediately. The casualties are rising every hour.” A concerned yet authoritative voice of the Director General cut through my colourful bubble.
“Ravi, are you there?” he questioned urgently. I tore my eyes away from the shambles of my dreams.
*******
We scoured the debris in Tehri region which was the worst affected. We managed to rescue a member or two per family, sometimes none. After twenty excruciating hours, a little boy came up to me. He pinned a wildflower to my uniform and saluted me.
I could see my mother…… and the moment of pride.
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