1945, My Love Story (Unedited & Raw Version)

Phase II: A Wound From A Disputant

After two days, father came to my room & told that he had arranged everything about me joining back to the army, in India. As usual, he just announced; he didn't ask. But this time, gathering all my courage, I spoke. "Father..." Letting out a deep sigh, I continued. "I-I don't want to be a soldier, I don't want to join the army!"

He smiled. "Son, I am not asking for your permission. I just came here to inform you." He then stated with his I-give-no-damn smile.

He was about to turn when I dared to speak again. "Fa-father, I want to be..."

"I don't remember asking you what you want, did I?" He glared at me.

"N-no, you didn't." Disappointment hovered me, I lowered my head down because he had never asked and I knew, he would never even ask in future.

"Yes, because I want you to be a respected lieutenant in British army and later a Major, just like me or hopefully, even more than that. Of course, only if you put that much effort and dedication.

"But, father my dream is to be a writer." I finally revealed with a scattered voice.

"Well, it's not a dream son, it's a tragedy." He criticized. "People will laugh at you & me, indubitably."

"Father, I can't join army, I don't feel like I belong there. Please, for once, consider my..."

"It doesn't matter what you feel son, it's my reputation I am talking about. I didn't bring you back here to ruin my stature. When they will see me with you, I want them to be envy of us, our position and contribution in British army."

"I don't like war, father. I...like peace." I expressed myself.

"And, I don't want to see you sitting at the corner of a room writing vapid poems or roaming around near the river bank writing imbecile stories. People will pass comments on us and I won't let that happen. Am I not clear enough?"

"Father please, this time. Only this time, listen to me & let me do what I want."

"Son, you are coming to the march today after lunch, I will introduce you to some of my colleagues & we'll confirm about your joining date at the training field." He announced mercilessly ignoring each and every word of mine as if, I never spoke.

"Father, this is not fair, I..."

"Or else...you are going back to Britain!" He declared and left the room.

That is not a new thing, he had always done that. He pressurised me every-time & made me do what he wanted.

.

"Are you ready, son?" Father asked looking at me while I was talking to mother sitting next to her on the bed.

"Yes, father!" I replied getting up.

"Let's go then, we shouldn't be late." He ordered & left the room marching outside.

He came into the room but didn't even give a glance at my ailing mother.

"Good luck, son!" Mother wished me with a sweet voice which made me look at her selfless eyes.

"Thank you, mother!" I kissed her forehead & left the room following my father to the car which I guess-was his favourite thing in the world.

The driver stopped the car near a large field where several cars were already parked. General public were gathering around the field outside the boundary & a group of army people were marching towards the centre of the field. I followed my father there. An army personnel was reading some names on the mic. They were announcing selected fresh candidates as trainees for the new batch.