AFOVA New Letter 2 of Year 2021

Section 7 – Panorama CV 2 No. 02 / 2021 Page 255 of 332 enquiry counter. As the night turned dark and an inky black sky enveloped us, the furrows on his forehead grew deeper, anxiety writ all over his face. To calm my mind, I alighted from the vehicle. The breeze had intensified into a freezing cold. We were alone. It was late and the few people who had come to receive friends or relatives were gone to blankets, warmth and comfort. It was midnight. My concern for Ashwani’s safety was a constant, nagging worry. When it got too bad, I really had to pull myself together to calm myself. Even as I started walking to the enquiry counter, the man inside called out to me. “Saaheb ab koi gaadi nahi aa saktha.” The road was too dangerous for vehicles to manoeuvre in the dark night. Now the bus wouldn’t come before morning. As for Ram Singh, he couldn’t mask his disappointment. He was reluctant to return to base. Temperatures had dropped to sub- zero. Physically, it was near impossible to be out any longer. It was no longer just discomfort, it was painful. Yet, it took all my rank and seniority to make Ram Singh drag himself back to the One Ton and drive us back. His concern at the cost of his own comfort is the kind one hears of only in stories. Ram Singh had stood out in the extreme weather for over 4 hours with nothing more to keep him warm than a sweater and a parka. He had been without a meal too. Yet, his only concern was the comfort of his officer. I marveled at his empathy and dedication. This was more than just duty. It was long past midnight when Ram Singh dropped me home. It would be another hour before he would reach the comfort of his bed at the base. Defence messes are sticklers for time and I wasn’t too sure he would get his meal. And he would never share mine. As it turned out, the question was irrelevant. I ate the meal my family had left for me with a glass of hot water and brandy. And I went to bed. But the fear and anxiety were still very strong and it was a while before I fell asleep. The loud banging at the front door brought me awake in an instant, filling me with dread. Never a heavy sleeper, I was at the door in an instant. Voices carried in. Was that Ashwani’s voice? Or Was I dreaming? Or as it the brandy? But then, I was never a heavy drinker. I took things in moderation and this applied to my drink too.