When Heart Bleeds - II

There were a few readers who got back to me and asked me how Neetu was after reading the entry When Heart Bleeds.

Well, I dont know where to begin. There is bad news. Neetu, after fighting a brave battle with her illness succumbed to it on the 12th day. She came into consciousness a day prior to going away for ever where she asked her sister to take care of her parents. She told her parents to never grieve over her absence. And just before she could talk anything further, she got an other massive seizure.

When I hear this, I feel that she knew that she was going to die and this was her last conversation with her loved ones. And as if God had timed her rendezvous with consciousness, she was pulled back into coma. Her parents, her sister, her students and the villagers miss her to this day. She's become the synonym to bravery to many and the ideal daughter to the others.

As for me, I miss her too. I havent met her, talked to her, nothing. But so much I've known about her that I wanted to meet her in person so much. I wanted to hear from her dad that she has come out of her misery and is fine and hearty. I wanted to see her live life like the way every girl her age deserved to. I miss the chance to have seen her through all that. But somewhere in my heart I am also glad to know that she isnt suffering, fighting for life.

God bless her soul. And her family. 

Lucky and Nasty.

Lately I have got the opportunity to meet so many pathetic people in many walks of life. Some I could avoid, but many I had to and will have to endure. And there are many like me who suffer these organisms which are not even close to being human. I was thinking to myself - who could possibly love them? Who would put up with this big bag of shit? I guess that is exactly where FAMILY comes into the picture, because I doubt if they have even a single friend. Family sticks by you no matter how dirty you are, no matter how dumb you are and how much you hurt them. They would still find a reason to love you and hang on in there for you. Haven't we heard the phrase - "that's a face only a mother can love". Your own family will be there for you inspite of all your short-comings. If it wasn't for their families, left to us, we should have beaten the living day-lights of them. Period. Morons.

Respect. Salute.

So today in full military honors, Lt. Navdeep of the Maratha Light Infantry was laid to rest. RIP to the blessed soul.

As I stood here today, looking at the hundred odd boys getting trained to join the Army, I wasn't quite sure myself - Is it worth it? Is it worth giving your life to a nation that remembers you for a week through FB status updates and Breaking News in various channels, and then like a blazing newspaper, dies out with faded print - fading memories. Does the supreme sacrifice deserve nothing more? I remember the day when I adorned the uniform the very first time. I remember the moist eyes of my mom, who gave her son to the nation and the pride in the eyes of my dad - so proud to see me here. I am sure that Navdeep's parents must have felt pretty much the same. And hardly a year into service, drapped in the tri-color with the mortal remains of their son, with the load of a million shattered dreams - he must have come home.

What a moment that should have been for the family. What a moment it should have been for that mother. I can not imagine. For a nation which gives more support to its cricket team than its martyrs, I cant expect anything more than this, if I was in his place too. But, I have promises to keep, and goals to attain, and with that sacred thread of conviction, I tread. Steadfast. Steady. Still heavy in the heart.

God bless the valiant soul of Lt. Navdeep.