The Republic Day

"Yuan and Ruhi, slow down a bit, the way you both are driving your tricycles you will even leave behind the commanders of Republic Day parade", said Teg Bahadur with a mischievous toothless smile.

Teg Bahadur was the "Daddu" of both children.

General Ram Bahadur, died two years back on the Republic Day last year while fighting against a terrorist attack in Delhi. Since the demise of Ram, Teg Bahadur has taken care of these children like a father and a grandfather.

"Daddu, when I will grow up you see I will leave everyone behind me in the Republic Day parade," said Yuan with a confident voice. "And I will be the lady commander in chief of the battalion," said Ruhi sweetly.

Ah! Indeed Indeed! Replied Teg Bahadur laughingly.

After the death of Ram, life has been very rough for the family in the village. The pain of losing the only son at such a young age has bereft the old man, and the sad face of his daughter-in-law, it kills him every single day.

Daddu, when I will grow up will you let me drive that scooter that you always keep locked in the garage. The scooter was the first gift that Ram presented Teg Bahadur after he joined the Indian Army. It helped Teg to commute to nearby markets easily and has eased his life. But since the death of Ram, the scooter was left alone, abandoned, and safe, as a memento of his son. 

A flood of tear started flowing from Teg Bahadur's eyes and he said- "Sure, my dear Ruhi".

Yuan then jumped suddenly out of his tricycle and rushed towards the field where Daddu was sitting.

All the crops were already harvested and the remains of wheat have dotted the field.

Daddu, it's Republic Day today, can we go to the city on that scooter and celebrate the longest Flag parade there?

Teg Bahadur was reluctant, he did not want to relieve the past memories of Ram's death, but these innocent faces, he can't make them unhappy.

He decided that past memories should not steal the present happiness of his grandchildren. Teg Bahadur picked up his scooter, made Yuan and Ruhi sit comfortably and safely in the back seat and started the scooter. Crossing the vast wheat field they left the village to watch the longest flag parade in the city to prepare two new Jawans of Indian Army.