Jayesh was walking slowly towards Delhi Metro station . His mind was scattered in all places and yet thanks to his army training he could pull up a mask of poised young army man. As he was walking ,his army boots started feeling like they were made of rocks, he constantly checked his right shoulder as he felt he was missing something, and indeed he was. He was on his way home for holidays and hence had kept his rifle at his office , but he was so used to carrying the weight around ,that today he felt as if he was missing something.
Jayesh was a tall 24 year old man with a thick mustache rolled neatly on the sides. He had a straight lean frame thanks to the army discipline that was imbibed in him for last 3 years. He had a signature army cut which highlighted his thick dark black hair. He had a scar just below his left eye that resembled closely with a snake fossil. His eyes color was a little to the browner side and although it gave a confident gaze most of the time but sometimes they fluctuated like a pendulum when anxiety used to hit him. This anxiety was again a gift given to him by the army posting that was done near POK for a year. It was so difficult for them to differentiate between a citizen and a terrorist that even when he was off duty and travelling to his home , he seldom talked or interacted with anyone maintaining a safe distance.
Jayesh was lost in thoughts while waiting at the Metro station. That changed when the Metro train suddenly rushed towards the station. Jayesh panicked with the sudden cacophony of sound and his hand immediately went for his rifle. His eye balls started fluctuating while his hand was continuously reaching for the gun, when he realized the bag had replaced the rifle… he came back to his senses that he was at a metro station. He then realized some people looking at him in suspicion and some amused by his body language.
He calmed down and as the metro doors opened he entered inside. He soon realized the train was already full with most of the seat occupied. He looked around and saw some army stickers put on the ceiling of the train which read ” Army Day ” . Most of the train was buzzing with college going teens who were talking about Army and its greatness. They were clicking selfies with those stickers while some were taking pic with national flag badge pinned to their shirts.
He saw a place vacant at a corner. He started approaching towards it when suddenly he was pushed and outpaced by a teenager boy . He didn’t even care to apologize and was busy talking on the phone. He too was talking about Army day .
“Dude , Our Indian army is the best. I respect them a lot ” said the boy on the phone.
“Wow .. Talk about Irony ” said Jayesh with a sarcastic smile on his face and nodding in disappointment .
“Cant believe i fight for this young generation. All them just busy creating a facade of patriotism online & on social media”
Jayesh was actually tired as he was carrying a huge bag on his shoulder for a long time. But he was disappointed at the ignorant crowd on the train.
Then suddenly he felt a tap on his shoulder . He looked back to see an Old man in his 60’s with a smile on his face looking at him.
“Son. Why don’t you sit at my seat ” said the old man pointing Jayesh towards his seat.
“No Uncle . I am fine, thank you for asking . ” said Jayesh politely
“No .. Son . I insist . Please have a seat. Please ”
“You know .. we are really proud of what you are doing for us and are equally thankful . This is the least i can do . Please have a seat”
The entire train berth was looking at Jayesh and the old man .
“Son … I don’t know about the current generation. But we are still in the real world and know the difference between digital and real. And we definitely know whats more important” said the old man looking disappointingly at those youngsters present. All of them realized what they did and embarrassingly looked down.
Jayesh face light up with pride. He sat down while making space for the old man to sit as well.
“Thank you Uncle. I appreciate your gesture ”
“The pleasure is all mine, son ” the Old man reciprocated with a smile.
“Now … you are going to tell me some interesting army stories .. arent you ? ”
Jayesh gave a hearty laugh and nodded in approval.
SALUTE TO THE INDIAN ARMYÂ
