I met an old friend of mine today. I felt very, very happy to meet him. I was buying the grocery in the market when suddenly someone tapped on my shoulder. I looked back and was completely taken by surprise. It was my old college friend James standing in front of me. We shook hands and I felt his tight grip. We decided to have a relaxed brunch in a nearby restaurant.

Memories came alive as I talked to him. I remember sitting with him in the college cafeteria and daydreaming about our future plans. We both wanted to join the army then. Our plans were very idealistic and innocent- we pledged we would die for our country. But when college ended and I came out of the cool environs of my college gates; I realized that life was too complicated. Somewhere amidst haggling for the best bargain in life- I lost track of my dream. The dream of looking at myself in the mirror wearing the soldier uniform fizzled away. I ended up becoming a middle order clerk in a government office.

But my friend followed his dream. Today he is a proud lieutenant. He fights for the country and I know for sure will one day also die for the country. I am extremely proud of him. If not me, atleast he is living the dream that we saw together. 

For years I have lived with the grudge of not becoming a soldier. But it’s fine now. I guess you have to be a soldier at heart first to actually become one. I never had that fighting spirit in me. I am as everyone says politely too soft. There are zillions of men better than me. They are the ones suitable to take care of our country.

I partied from my friend on a happy note. He regaled me with stories of his experiences. They were a sheer delight to listen. He asked me to accompany him to a charitable hospital nearby. He was in town to meet a distant relative of his who was admitted there. The meeting hours had closed but we still could meet the relative because I knew someone in the hospital administrative department.

I am in a happy mood today. When I told my kids about my lieutenant friend- they looked at me with awe. It made me feel good. Let me take leave now. Take care. Bye.

The administrative staff at the charity hospital was so obliging because every month they received a cheque from the “common man”.