By Sanjana Bhachawat, Student Editor, Class XI C
Boom! The bullet hit the soldier right in the chest. He twitched in agony and fell immediately on the ground. He was aware of the fact that his hour was near. He shut his eyes and patiently waited for death to approach. He knew that on the other side of the line-of-control, the enemy soldiers would be rejoicing that one of the best sharp shooters from India, Benoy, was on his deathbed. His mind flooded with reminiscences of his life. Bit-by-bit all the important events of his life flashed through his head.
Benoy and his parents had just shifted to Delhi from Meghalaya. Anywhere he went, he noticed people would stare at them. “Why does everyone stare at us?” Benoy would question his mother, but she would change the topic being unsure whether it was the right time to talk about the ways of the world. Benoy was only in grade 4 after all.
“I hope you are ready with your essay on the topic ‘India-My Country’”, the teacher asked the students. Benoy was the first to raise his hand. One seeing this, one of the other boys stood up and said, “Ma’am how can Benoy write an essay on ‘India-My Country’, he is not from India. He has slanting eyes.” The class roared with laughter at the remark. Before the teacher could say anything, Benoy rushed out of the class with tears streaming down his cheek. It was that day that Benoy swore to prove the world that he was as much an Indian as anyone else.
“Father, I want to join the Indian Army,” said the eighteen-years old Benoy. His father was reluctant, “Benoy, you are our only child. Can’t you do something that would keep you close to us?” But Benoy was determined, “Father, this has been my dream since I was a kid. Then, I only wanted to prove that I too am an Indian. Now, it is only a desire to serve and protect my motherland.” His father only smiled.
Benoy was twenty-five now. He had passed out of the NDA with laurels and had excelled in shooting. He had been promoted to Lieutenant this year. He was to leave for home for holidays next week. He would be meeting his parents after more than a year. Trouble at the border had kept him away for a long time.
Benoy’s body was getting cold. He knew he was breathing his last. A smile crossed his face. What would his classmates from school say now? He was proud of himself. He had fought gallantly. He was not afraid of death anymore. He had made the biggest sacrifice for his country. He was going to be a martyr. His parents would be proud of him. His country would be proud of him. “Jai Hind”, were the last words on his lips.
