The Awakening

Ram Kumar was an honest Employee in some government organization. Although his job was not very hectic, still he himself was very hardworking. He was a true Indian & wherever it was the question of protecting India's pride, he stood firm in his beliefs and his love towards the country. But his son Rakesh Kumar (Rocky) was just opposite to him. Rocky never had Passion for celebrating Republic day or Independence day. Patriotic songs & movies never inspired him. He showed no interest in any kind of patriotic song, event, movie or anything like that Ram Kumar was worried that his son has no respect towards his great freedom fighter who made our country free. Ram Kumar prepare a plot to change the mindset of his son.

Once he said to his son,"Since your holidays have started, I want to take you to my village for 7 days. " Rocky said, "Dad, village is so boring. Let's go to some hill station. " Ram Kumar said, "No, we will go to village. Your grandparents are eagerly waiting for you. " Rocky loved his grandparents a lot, so he agreed. Next day Ram Kumar, his wife & Rocky reached the village. Ram Kumar said to Rocky, "See how happy everyone is to see you here. Refresh yourself & go, roam around village, meet everyone. Just enjoy the natural surroundings. " Rocky's village was actually beautiful. Full of beautiful lakes, green trees, beautiful birds & much more. Rocky enjoyed a lot. In the evening Rocky returned with a happy mood. Ram Kumar said to Rocky,"Tomorrow you have to visit Mr. Satish Kumar's house. I have given a book to Mr. Satish Kumar 1 year ago. Take that book from him. It's urgent. " Rocky agreed.

Next day Rocky reached Mr. Satish Kumar's home. He was an old man in his 60's with just one leg, but still he was active & healthy. Rocky said, "Good Morning Sir. I am son of Mr. Ram Kumar, Rocky. My father has sent me here to take a book from you that he gave you 1 year ago. "Mr. Satish Kumar said, "Oh, please come inside. Nice to see you. I was about to return the book. The book is lying on that table. You please sit for a while. I will prepare coffee for you. " Rocky was about to ask that what happened to one leg of Mr. Satish Kumar but he sat quiet thinking that it would be awkward to ask about someone's disability.

Rocky started reading the book. It was about war heroes who have sacrificed their lives for the country. Rocky kept reading stories of the brave soldiers of the country. His heart felt with pride & respect after reading the stories of sacrifices of out great soldiers. As he moved towards the next page, he was shocked to see a picture. It was Mr. Satish Kumar. Actually, Major Satish Kumar, standing tall with one leg, with smile on his face, saluting the national flag. Rocky moved ahead & started reading his story. Major Satish Kumar was a war hero, who lost his one leg fighting with the enemies. 8 terrorist were trying to infiltrate the country when Major Satish Kumar, single-handedly, fought with them. The enemies were tough. Unfortunately in this process of fighting, he lost his one leg when one of the terrorist cut his leg with an axe. But Major Satish Kumar was a tough soldiers. He fought with the enemies with one led & finally killed all of them.  

Rocky was silent. He was feeling ashamed of himself. He said,"Our great soldiers are getting killed at borders so that we can live happily at our homes and people like me don't even have time to watch 26 January celebration on television. I am the worst person on this planet. " Suddenly Major Satish Kumar came in the room with two cups of coffee in his hands, "Come on Rocky, let's have some coffee. " They drank coffe. Rocky was silent. Rocky was about to leave. He said, "I have placed your book on that table Sir. Now would leave. " Rocky moved ahead but reaching the exit door he stopped, looked back towards Major Satish Kumar, touched his feet, gave him a salute & said, "Jai Hind Sir. " Major Satish Kumar understood the reason behind this behaviour of Rocky. He said, "Jai Hind Rocky. Have a nice day. " Rocky smiled & moved ahead slowly. Once again he looked back & said, "Sir it's Rakesh Kumar. Have a good day Sir. "

Major Satish Kumar was looking towards Rocky & smiling.