Independence day?

Once on the occasion of Independence Day celebration once I went to invite the local SP of Police as a chief guest in my college.

When I reached the SP’s office I saw a old lady sitting in the chair. She was wearing a sari …not washed for a quite a long time… a worn out chappal, and with a blank expression on her face.I thought may be she is waiting for somebody.

I moved to the SP’s chamber, and after all the discussion like how would be the function, what were the arrangements made for entertainment, how many guest  a chief guest can bring…as he wants to bring her wife’s family along with him…I took his permission  handed over the invitation card…and moved out of the chamber.

On the way of coming back, I saw the same old lady sitting on the chair….

Curious as why so she is waiting for such a long time … I asked one of the Sub Inspectors what was the case?

He replied “Are sir she is waiting for her Son”.

I asked “her son is in lockup?” in turn he said ”are yaar her son was involved in the Student Politics…and in once In the Opposition party’s rally for which he was participating….we got orders to break the rally  the people from Govt.  And in course of doing so we had to fire some rounds in air…but unfortunately her son got shot …and died on spot”.

I asked”why don’t you tell her that her son will never come back now?” He replied “Are you mad or what? The death of her son is not on the record…and if I do tell her like what happened…it will unnecessary will create an enquiry”. I asked “does the opposition part knows it for which he is fighting?”

The sub Inspector replied”Man they only told us to drop the case as it may steer some vote bank out. And now don’t irritate me I am already quiet bugged up by this old lady and can’t answer you further questions on this. We are so populated what will happen if somebody dies? Does the system stops? Now please go and let me do my work.”

“Then why the hell she is waiting for so long? What you guys story her?”I cried..

“We told her son is in Lock up due to some party workers arrest and will get bail in some days “he replied e motionlessly.

Coming back with a heavy heart I saw the old lady with wait in her eyes …still waiting..

Some patriotic songs were playing by the local guys outside the SP’s office…

I went to the lady…thought to tell her all the truth…”Maa’m” I asked politely….She looked up with the expression of her eye…pain, wait…”Do you know my son? He is just like you…yours age only…”

I couldn’t utter a word just managed to say”Yes… he is good and will be back home in a few days”.

She might have got strength from my words…got up and walking slowly outside the office...with some bit of satisfaction and relieve on her face…

Again a new Patriotic song being played by the local guys outside…she waited for a long …turned back and asked me ”Do you know my son is also fighting for Independence?”….she slowly walked out …off the roads.