IYER PART-7

As days passed by, I dedicated myself to studying day and night. My mother recognized my efforts, but she had lost hope in my academic abilities. When the results were finally announced, I passed with a 40 percent score. It brought relief to both me and my mother. However, my mother still hoped that I would continue my studies. Despite her wishes, I lacked the interest to pursue further education. The struggle to pass the Board exam had taken its toll on me, and I wanted to avoid falling into the same cycle of torment again. I expressed my feelings to my mother, and though she didn't react, she did ask me what else I planned to do. I had no answer to offer.

I found myself at home, doing nothing. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the Indo-China war broke out. My sister resided in Australia but would frequently visit home. During her visits, she would unleash her frustration on me, blaming me for her unhappiness and our mother's suffering. She urged me to leave their lives and allow them to live in peace.

One day, I came across a newspaper advertisement stating that the army was recruiting young men aged 20 to 30 due to the India-China war. The selection process was scheduled to take place in ooty. Desperate to escape my current situation, I decided to attend the selection camp. Coincidentally, my mother's elder brother was an officer involved in the selection process. Since he was close to my sister and shared her grievances, he took it upon himself to ensure my selection, despite my struggles during the physical tests. He manipulated the situation in my favor, arranging for my success in the selection process.

I knew that i was selected due to him so. I went to his camp to thank him he was on phone call soon I realised that he was talking to my sister.

heard him say, "Putta, your immense worry has vanished. Indra will never return to your life again. I have captured him." He was selected in the army despite failing most of the physical tests. Considering his low stamina and physical condition, if he goes to war, it's likely he will perish. I'm even afraid that his weaknesses might be exposed during army training, which could lead to my court-martial. However, it's acceptable. I am willing to sacrifice so much for you and my sister to live peacefully. Additionally, I have a connection with a training camp. I want to observe the outcome of this situation. Although I have maintained my ethics for the past 40 years, I committed this crime for the first time. My intention is to remove the curse from your lives and restore the smile to my sister's face.

The conversation heard by me between my uncle and my sister left me heartbroken. Realizing that my selection in the army was orchestrated by my uncle, and his intentions were driven by a desire to remove me from my families lives,It has been incredibly difficult to accept. I made the decision to return home without revealing thanking my uncle.