The Sainik's Wife

Rupa sat the whole night in bed, munching on popcorn and chips as she watched movies on Netflix. Waking up the whole night, helped her pass the days under the excuse of slumber. Hardly did she meet anyone or do anything.

Needless to say, she began putting on kilos after kilos of weight.

Her father and mother were alarmed. They somehow wanted Rupa to come out of this phase in her life.

"You are posing a risk to your health Rupa." her father tried to reason with her.

"This way even your heart must be pumping under extreme stress" said the worried mother.

"So what! I know this extreme weight might shorten my life span. I don't want to live after God took Rakesh away." Rupa snapped belligerently.

Just then their maid knocked the door and excused herself into the room.

"Madam, I am so sorry.I overheard what Rupa madam just said, and couldn't stop myself." the thinnest, shrivelled, but strong woman said. "My husband was also posted at Indian borders. He laid his life defending our country; just as Rakesh saa'b. I am so proud of him, and always feel his strength by my side. What keeps you so disheartened Rupa madam? Get up and don't let the sacrifice of Rakesh Saa'b go waste by keeping yourself this way." The maid coaxed Rupa as if reminding her of her duties.

These words from a simple woman tattered apart the mourning cloak which Rupa clung to day and night.

She fondled the photo frame with Rakesh in it, and said to her parents "are you joining me for a walk?"