Among the loud sound of bullets, screams and war cries ringing in my head, I heard a loud shrill sound "sir" followed by a loud honk. I looked to my right, to see a car approaching at a very high speed. I could see the car nearing. But my mind was too far away to process it, let alone move out of the way. Neither did the car stopped, neither did I moved. Maybe that's how I was supposed to die. Maybe that's why I survived the battle, So that I could die in a road accident. I couldn't argue, I deserved to die like that, die without honor, on a lonely road, far too silent than a battlefield.
But seconds before the car could crash in me, I was pulled aside. I was saved. Again. I should have died, I don't deserve this life. He did. I should have died that day, not him.
"Sir, are you okay?" I was pulled out of my thoughts by a soft shrill sound. I looked up from where i fell, to meet pair of black eyes, surrounded by brown wavy curls. She was crouching in front of me with her eyes shining in concern. I realised she was still waiting for my answer.
"uh..yes, I am fine. Thank you for saving my life."
Her copper brown painted lips stretched in a beautiful smile, which somehow made her dark skin glow. She was a black, a beautiful black. She helped me stand up. I thought she would just leave, go on her way.
But I was shocked when she saluted me with a grin.
"This humble citizen is honoured to be of some use to our country's protector."
I guess my shock and confusion was shown on my face, because she answers my unspoken question with same enthusiasm. "I was there at the celebration. I know who you are. What you do for the country is really brave."
I personally don't talk much. I was never one who could start or even continue any conversation. So, we were left standing at side of a lonely road in a peaceful silence with just a car or two passing by. I tore my eyes for her sparkling eyes that were full of so much warmth and happiness.
"But I never pegged a warrior to be slow enough to let a car hit them."
This snapped my eyes back on her. But it only made her grin wider.
"Or were you going to stop that with your brute strength or something." She said, while imitating to stop an invisible car with hand in front of her and knees bent.
This actually made me laugh.
"You have a nice laugh. Would like to sit and chat?"
"Chat?"
"Yeah, you know about what's bugging our hero."
"what do you mean?"
"it's clear on your face that there is something that is troubling you. So.. umm.. I am all ears?"
"Why would I share my troubles with a stranger?"
"Because I am a stranger... it's not like we would ever meet again. So, you know, you could just dump some of your burden on me. It would make you feel better. But that is only if it's something you are comfortable with. It would be my pleasure to serve you."
"Don't you have to go anywhere?"
"I am out for an adventure. And I am sure something out of your experience can surely be an interesting part of my adventure."
I just stared at her. She did have a travelling bag hosted up on her shoulder. Maybe that's what I need. Maybe I could share my guilt with her. It not like her judgement would mean anything to me. She is just a stranger. The idea of sharing this bottled pain sure is tempting.
So, that's what we did. We sat on the stones of the same lonely road while I relived death of my brothers.
"War and battle are just another name of violence which takes away many innocent lives leaving behind the cries of their loved ones. When in a battle, we are in our element. We are trained for it. But when the battle ends, when we realise that we have blood on our hands, when we see our brothers lying there dead, when we reply those war memories, it is then the wave of emotions hit. The fear, the guilt, the horror, the panic.. it all overwhelms our mind. Always present at the edge, ready to invade. No one sees our mental struggle, the trauma warriors go through. Warrior are no superhumans. They are just..humans.. just like any other person. Warriors are not always the fastest or strongest men. Sometimes they are someone just like you. There were two sons of this town who had left to join army. But only one returned after the war. why? because the other died covering this idiots back who had ran out from behind safety thinking himself to be some brave superhero. He didn't realise that being trained as a warrior doesn't make you fastest or strongest. you are still a human. Though a trained human with guns and all. But still a human."
"But they are the bravest among us. That's what make them different from us. That's what make us respect them."
I looked at her but she wasn't looking at me.she was just staring at the setting sun, her eyes shining and a lips stretchedin a small smile. Looking at her I knew the words came out of her heart. I knewwhat she said was true.
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The story has been written for JustWriteBits.
Prompt: Warriors are not always the fastest or strongest men. Sometimes they are someone just like you.
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Changing seasons | An Anthology
Short StoryA collection of stories written in various seasons, with various emotions for various reasons. Contests: Just write It | JustWriteBits Coffee & Pride | #WrittenWithPride Challenge Warning: Mild Swearing