OS: The Highest Duty

Notes:

He frowned as he buttoned his uniform shirt. This was not what he wanted. He tried his best to get out of it. Speechmaking wasn't his area of expertise. Every time his men needed a pep talk before a dangerous mission, his trusty right hand, Aman stepped up. He had a way with words. He could inspire them to a good start and his actions would empower them to succeed. That's how they work. He was the man of action, the one who lead by example. So how did he end up in this?

It was Dhruv and Koel's doing. Not to mention Ranavat. Actually it was only his fault. He decided the children were old enough to be the told the why Paro was petrified by guns, even if it is just a toy. It brought back to memory the first time she was on its receiving side. Of course the curious cousins who had to know the every single detail, managed to find out that he honoured for that mission from Kakosa who was putty in their hands.

Before he knew it, the tale how he single-handedly fought terrorists at the border spread like wildfire in their school. And three days ago, Dhruv's Principal had called asking him to hoist the flag and deliver the Independence Day speech. She had felt that there was no better person to instil patriotism and national spirit than an officer of the armed forces. And since he was a parent of one of the students, he could oblige them. He couldn't say no and he couldn't say yes either. What was he supposed to tell an audience filled with school children?

He tried to push it off on Aman's capable shoulders. But his superior officer wasn't pleased. "Rudra, this is an opportunity for the people to know about our calling. It's a chance to reach out to the next generation. Most importantly it's a sign that the society has started to trust us, the BSD and will work with us next time someone like Tejawat threatens this area. You have to go. That's an order," VK Singh sir had said.

"Dhruv ke Papa, I'm so glad you are the guest of honour. Both, Dhruv and Koel are so excited," Paro said as she entered their room with his breakfast. He raised his eyebrow in question. "Everyone finished their breakfast. So I brought yours here so that I can feed you fast. Sumer bhaisa has already left to drop the children at school. I don't want you to be late and create a bad impression," she said hovering around him. "Like that will make a difference," he mumbled. She couldn't catch his words but knew he was annoyed. "What's the matter Major saab? Won't you tell me what is bothering you?" she asked softly.

He smiled when he heard his old pet name. It had been years she had called him that. They had been through so much together but his wife was still the same gentle soul with who made him see things clearly no matter how big the problem was. "I have no idea what to say to those students," he admitted. When he noticed her beautiful eyes grow wide he quickly added that he had too much BSD related work to write a speech before hand. She quietly tore a piece of roti and put in his mouth, "That's okay. It will come to you." He frowned. That wasn't very helpful. She was supposed to give one of her awe inspiring speeches. He finished his meal quietly observing her face.

She was disheartened to say the least. Dhruv wanted to show off his father as a smart and successful BSD officer. Why he was away most of the time or busy when he was in Chadangard. Unlike other kids who could spend time with their fathers whenever they wanted her son had to accept how important his job was too him. She had seen how disappointed he was sometimes when his friends got picked up after school by their fathers and he had to come home with Sumer bhaisa or Samrat bhaisa. She knew it wasn't Rudra's fault and that he was doing his best. He made sure that whenever he was home Dhruv had his complete attention. But as her husband climbed the ranks of the BSD, they were seeing less of him. And his current mission made it impossible for Dhruv to see his father who was working insane hours.

When this opportunity came about, Dhruv was delirious with joy. It was a chance for him to spend an entire day together. He missed spending time with his father lately. He wanted to show his classrooms, his friends, his teachers, his playground, even the fish tank in the corridor. But Rudra hadn't understood how much it meant to the little boy. It was just one day and Singh saab had cleared his schedule to accommodate this program. So why was it so hard to spend a little time to write a a speech, especially when he knew he rambles when he is unprepared. Her son would be so disappointed at his lack of enthusiasm.

He realised that he wasn't going to get any support from her. He just got up and left sulkily. She laughed at his childishness. She quickly put the plate away and rushed to the main door when she heard his bike roar to life. He saw her run towards him in the rear view mirror. She was a little breathless from the running. He switched off the engine and pushed a hair strand back into place.

She smiled and gently caressed his stubbled cheek. "Just talk about how much you care about this country and want to keep it safe," she advised. He nodded. "And don't glare at the audience. These are children, you shouldn't scare them," she added fixing his collar. He started his bike again when she held his hand and asked "You will be joining us for lunch won't you?" He nodded again, this time with a smile. He loved that she always planned a luncheon on Independence Day for the families of the constables he worked with. The gesture made his entire unit feel like their work was important. Even if all of them didn't get decorated, they felt that their work helped. Every single task that they did was part of a greater, nobler whole. One, that was celebrated in their home among their peers. Paro was incredible as the Officer's wife. She knew that it was their unyielding efficiency that aided his officers in achieving greatness. They deserved to be recognised even if they just carried files around or kept his desk in order. Everyone was doing their best and deserved to be appreciated.

"Some of your friends spoke about Mahatma Gandhi, Jawarharlal Nehru and all the other freedom fighters who built this great country of ours. That's what I listened to when I was your age. They were the people who laid the foundation. It's important to also recognise those who came after and how they served our motherland. The industrialists who infused new life into the economy. The statesmen whose ideas have guided our policies. The sportspersons who have brought us glory in their various fields. The scientists who are preparing space voyages to Mars. What you need to figure out is what you can do to take this country to greater heights to the best of your capacity. When you do, dedicate yourself to it because there is nothing more rewarding than serving our motherland. That is your highest duty towards our country," he spoke after the Indian flag was hoisted. All pairs of eyes were on him. He took off his glasses and scanned the crowd.

He spotted his son in the audience. Dhruv was grinning ear to ear. He continued, "I can't wait for you to grow up and show the world what you can do. We at the BSD strive to protect these borders so that this nation grows along with you and her magnificence is celebrated through your efforts."

While he drove home with the children, he noticed that his son was quiet, too quiet. Koel, the chatty one, was talking about the exciting morning they had. But Dhruv wasn't replying at all. "What's the matter, Dhruv?" he asked eager to help. "Why didn't you talk about the BSD Papa? I wanted my friends to see what a big hero you are," he said. Rudra bit the inside of his mouth to stop the smile that threatened to come. He was so much like his mother. He never hesitated to say what was on his mind. With a serious face, he replied, "A BSD Officer has a life less ordinary. But we are no more important or heroic than the people in other professions. Everybody is a hero to someone else when they do things in an extraordinary way. When you don't give up on something because it's hard or when you stand up for justice even if everyone wants you to give in, you display courage. And you will be rewarded for that. So tomorrow whether you join the BSD like me or run a business like your uncles and aunt, both of you, do your best. People will look up to you too."

The children pondered on what he had told them. "Papa, I understand what you are trying to say but is it bad that I still wanted to brag about your missions?" Dhruv asked with an impish grin. He shook his head with a laugh. He was no longer a young recruit who relished being praised about for his work. Still there was something exciting about being a hero in his son's eyes.