The Lost Sons

" Biji, I am so happy. Papa is coming tomorrow. He will bring my car; he promised me yesterday", said an ecstatic Arjun, hugging his grandmother.

The whole Narayana village was decorated as if some big fat wedding was about to take place. The emotions were real and true; hawaldar Kartar Singh and Subedar Raunak's arrival was awaited. It had been almost a year since they were posted at the Jammu base. Both the families would pray for their well being. The villagers had close ties and all the villagers were fond of their jawans. After all, they had brought so much glory to their otherwise unknown village.

The stage was set. The jeep in which they would be brought in and taken around was decorated. A menu of jalebi and chole kulche was planned. There was excitement in the air.

The roads were deserted; the air was gloomy and sadness could be sensed. Narayana village appeared as if no one stayed there ever.

The barbaric and gruesome attack of Pulwama had snatched Kartar, Raunak and many more sons, fathers, husbands.

Life wasn't the same anymore.