An Unkept Promise✓

पर मत भूलो सीमा पर

वीरों ने है प्राण गँवाए

कुछ याद उन्हें भी कर लो 

       जो लौट के घर न आये     

-लता मंगेशकर 

Neil's POV

Jai Hind! I'm Neil Khanna -a very proud Indian. I work for the Indian Army, yeah you got that right. I'm a soldier. I feel like I'm one of those luckiest people who get this golden opportunity to serve the nation. To do something for their country.  Ever since my life's only motive was to shed blood for my country, no complaints even if it's mine let alone who raises an evil eye on it or its people. I can kill as well die for my motherland. 

Today also I and my comrades were knocking off the heads of these terrorists, their number is increasing lately. I never was or am afraid of dying. Because I'm a soldier, who's born to die. The only thing that makes me weak is my heart's feelings. Yeah! We are humans and we too have families, though people take us for granted. So I also have this thing called Deathwish, though I know I can never have it fulfilled. How hard I try, a part in my heart has this feeling to see my family before I take my last breath. You might be thinking why am I talking about my death wish. It's because death can come anytime.

"aaj hum hai kal nahi."(Today we are alive, tomorrow ain't.)

No, I ain't making you emotional or complaining about my job. For me, it's the most prideful job option. I love my country and its people. Oh! Did I repeat this line, no worries. I had heard this line somewhere- 'If you hate someone, tell them and if you love someone then also tell them, don't hide your feelings.'

I sound like a philosopher right now but- One second, my phone is ringing. My lips automatically curved into a broad smile seeing the caller's id. It's my 6-year old child Neav, he only calls at this time.

"Papa, when will you come. You told me you'll come to my birthday last year but you didn't. This time I won't listen to you. You have to come at any cost. If you didn't come then!", my 6-yr old child whined, his voice holding sadness and longing. 

"And if I didn't?", I smiled at his innocence.

"If you didn't come, then I won't talk to you ever.", he said decisively but somewhere these words pricked me. Don't say such things to someone even playfully, you don't know at what edge they are standing.

"Neav baby esa nahi bolte.", came a feminine sweet familiar voice making me come out of my philosophical thoughts. 

"Neil.", she spoke and I could sense her smiling. I smiled listening to her voice.

"Avni?"Every time she called me, her first and last question remained the same and I knew that today also the same question was on the way. 

"When will you come home?", she said lowly. I told you she'd ask this question.  Avni knew the answer to the question but still, she asked it, maybe the answer changes someday. Every time she asked this question, a tear escaped my eyes that I quickly wipe off. It's been more than 1 year I visited my family.