A Heart of Stone with a Coat of Gold

A Silent Cry

Author's Note- I am again sorry for making you wait so long. It's been tough this past couple of months. But I will surely be posting regularly from now on. I humbly apologize.

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Dhruv's palms covered his face, but his eyes were still visible to Anu. Bloodshot red, fear floating in his blue ocean like eyes as he recounted the harrowing details of that childhood summer.

Neel's father had been accused of assaulting a village woman when their platoon had passed her village on a military expedition. He had received the letter two days after Meera had left for her home, leaving the kids in his care.

His voice was grave, like a heavy stone. "I always knew what Dad was like. But it was the first time I saw the limits of that man."

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28 years ago

Major Rajan came back home late that night. He had brought food and 2 tall brown packages. He sat on the dining table and casually slid the food packets to the two boys sitting across him.

Neel and Dhruv exchanged nervous glances. They had heard about the news of their father's suspension. After a moment of inaction, Neel got up and started unloading the food on the plates. Meanwhile, their father opened the other 2 brown packages and uncorked a bottle of whiskey. Without even caring for glasses he started guzzling the drink from the bottle itself.

The boys kept on chewing without a single word. The heat in the air was palpable. Major Rajan used to drink but never during dinner. He was a man hell-bent on decorum. It would usually be his study after food. But this was different. Today, madness danced in Major Rajan's red eyes.

Unable to bear the silence, Dhruv leaned forward. He was about to speak when his brother grasped his knees under the table. Neel shook his head, his eyes pleading him not to speak.

Dhruv was irritated; he jerked his knees to free his legs from his brother's clasp. Neel meant well, Dhruv knew it, but he wanted to talk to his father about what he had heard.

He hesitated but finally spoke, "Dad are you ok?"

His father took another swig and spoke. "So you have heard. Do you believe it?"

Dhruv shook his head. "No of course not. It's a lie. That's why I am asking, are you fine?"

Major Rajan gave a rare smile and ruffled Dhruv's hairs. A display of affection for his son's was the rarest of occurrence. But he was happy; his son believed in him.

The elation was however, shortlived.
His gaze landed on his other son. Neel's deep blue eyes bore into him, as if staring at his innermost soul, measuring it and waiting to pass a judgement. Blood curdled in his veins.

"What are you staring at?" He raged.

"Nothing," Neel mumbled and gulped his food.

"You believe what they say, don't you?"

Neel knew all too well he should avoid his father at the moment, but today it was different. A flurry of emotions surged inside him as he recalled the rumour he had heard. He saw his 'chivalrous' father and his mother's face flashed in front of him. This man who had made his mother's life living hell. And this man who had been accused of assaulting a helpless village woman on duty. He didn't want to believe it- he was his father nevertheless - but somehow he knew he did believe.

He silently got up to leave. However, his father stepped forward and gripped his shoulder like a vice. The man towered above him like a giant.

"You ungrateful spineless bastard. Say it, you believe it, don't you?"

Neel took a deep breath. He should say no, his survival instinct screamed inside him. But it would be a lie. He opened his mouth to speak but in the end, it didn't matter. A thundering blow landed on his cheeks. It was the wrath of a giant.

Neel stumbled and gripped the chair beside him. His eyes watered, his face stung. A loud ringing in his ears made it impossible for him to understand.
After much effort, he focused his gaze on his father who was unbuckling his belt. "Turn around." The man said, his teeth gritted. The man knew what he was doing. And he did not want to leave any marks where it would be visible.

Neel finally comprehended the meaning. His spine turned stiff. "Father, please." His voice cracked as he pleaded.

The man took a deep breath. Then he raised his hand holding the damned leather.

"Please father. I beg you." It was his final attempt. A bleat of a lamb. Tears were starting to roll down his face.

The man did not yield. He just gave a kind smile. "Neel, my son. Do not cry. A man does not cry. If you cry, it would be 5 more. It's a lesson my boy, for your own good." His father cupped his chin and he brought his face close to Neel's. "I despise you, you wimp. But when this is all over, a man would be born."

Major Rajan's again thundered as he said his last words. "Now turn."

Neel's blue, laden with terror met the other blue as he turned around. Dhruv, his face white, trembled when he opened his mouth as if to speak. He took a pause and finally turned his face away. He didn't want to see it.

But he still heard the sounds. The guttural pants of his father and the venomous crack of the leather each time it struck, followed by a soft whimper. There was one other sound which his ears didn't catch, but instinctively he knew it was there, he could feel it in the air all around; surrounding him, suffocating him

The sound of the silent cries of his brother.

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Note- I would like to dedicate this chapter to many people. But this time it is dedicated to a person who gave me the courage and push to complete this novel. Thank you.