Dried Tears And Proud Smile

Why she is not crying asked my daughter pointing at Mai, who was on the dais, receiving the honours. She did not also cry at that time.

Mai had come all the way from a small village Apshinge from Maharashtra. Yes even there, at that crucial moment her face had a proud smile instead of tears.

Mai always said, "I have promised my son never to show my sentimental emotions, instead feel the pride of the honour."Or every house in Apshinge village will flood with tears"

From this village, at least one member of every family either was or is serving in the Indian Army. Mai had come to take gallantry award of her young soldier son who died protecting his country.

Her proud smile when her son was selected for the Indian Army Services was the sign that this smile dried every mother's tears of this village.

But for being able to do this, every mother there needed a very brave heart.