For Love and Duty

For Love and Duty

Meera sat on the sofa, clutching onto the pillow tightly, her eyes glued to the television. Every minute, every second that ticked by, so did her heartbeat rise & fall. She was watching the news- intently.

As she anxiously kept flipping the channels, her mind was drawn back to the memories of the last two hours. Those had been the most beautiful two hours of her life. Undoubtedly the best, for years to come.

She had met Rahul at the Marine Drive. That had been their favorite place since college days. Rahul & she had been the best of friends, and their friendship had gradually evolved into love. They loved being with each other, they loved each others' company. Rahul was a silent guy but with her, he always spoke his heart out. Even Meera- she was a bit of a pessimist but Rahul always brought out the best of her in every situation. This was that kind of perfect love- where each one of them gradually evolved into a better person with the other. Of course, they had their share of fights & quarrels, but Rahul could never see Meera upset. Almost as fast as he would get angry, so would he melt with one look at Meera's innocent face.

Both of them had been in love for a long time, but none had taken the initiative to bring up the topic. They had been unspoken-ly committed towards each other. After a lot of debate with herself, Meera had built up the courage to express her feelings towards Rahul. But that very day Rahul told her that he had been transferred to Pune, & had to report there the next day. Rahul, being the man he was, Meera knew for him duty came first. He was one hard working, honest and efficient police man. Yes, Rahul was a police officer, & he was very serious towards his work. He was one such officer who took his Duty very seriously, for whom serving the Nation was before any personal interests. That was the reason Meera decided not to bring up the topic then- their love could wait- it was strong enough to survive the long distance. She would wait until when Rahul would be back.

& he did come back- just as promised. After an year. He had been transferred back to Mumbai and the first thing Rahul had done upon landing in Mumbai was to call up Meera & ask her to meet him at the Marine Drive.

She knew it. The moment she had received his call, asking her to meet him at ‘their’ place, she knew this would be the day- the day she had always been waiting for. The hope of the day she had been desperately holding onto for the past one year.

They met at the decided place. It was a pleasant weather or was it just the fact of being with Rahul that made it pleasant- she did not know.

Time flew, and it was evening. Rahul came close to her, took her hands into his & held them ever so gently. She had always found this amazing- the way Rahul- ‘Rahul the strong cop’ always turned so very gentle when handling her. She smiled. She knew this was the time- the time of her life. 

As her heart pumped loudly in her chest & there was a flutter of butterflies in her stomach, Rahul said, Meera, I Love You. Will you marry me?", & he went down on his knees, with a Ring in his hand.

Though she knew this was coming, she felt a gush of happiness & warmth. As she nodded her  head & said "Yes!", Rahul put the ring on her finger & gave her a hug. Never in her life had Meera felt so complete like she did today.

As Rahul looked into her eyes, Meera could see the depth of his love- the honesty in his emotions- clearly. Rahul moved an inch closer & she blushed.

Just then, Rahul's phone buzzed. As Rahul received the call, he froze. Meera could witness the change in his expression, the change in his body language.

"What happened?", Meera asked him as soon as he disconnected the call.

"Meera, I have to go. There's an emergency. But first I have to get you home safe."

"what happened?"

But he wasn't talking. He was already calling up somebody, within minutes of which, a police van arrived. He rushed her into the Jeep- murmuring something to the policeman and himself getting into the van.

Meera was confused. She had never seen Rahul so disturbed &...& angry. ‘What was wrong’, she wondered.

"What happened Rahul? Will you please tell me?"

"Listen Meera, there have been attacks. I need to go. Il drop you home- that's on my way. & don't get out of your house."

"But hua kyaaa? What attacks? Please tell me!"

"Ok. There have been certain... Certain terrorist attacks. At few places here- in Mumbai."

"Whattt?" It came as a shock to Meera. It sounded unreal.

"Yes. Here's your building. Get down. Be at home. Don't go out- no matter what. Take care."

She looked at him, "Do you have to go?"

"Yes. It is my Duty. Nation always comes first, remember?!"

She did not know what to say over that. "You'll be fine na Rahul? Please tell me you'll be fine..." her eyes welled up with tears.

"I don't know Meera. But I know that I love you. I always have. I always will. Forever... &... & even after that."

Meera had no words.

He gave her a tight hug, the impression of which etched onto her body. & then, he left.

Her mind was brought back to the present moment. 

The news reporter went on to say, "This Inspector here was trying to save the kid, who is five years old & his mother; from the hotel which has been hijacked by the terrorists. He succeeded in getting the kid & his mother out of the hotel but was shot by the terrorist point blank. He answered his call for duty & we salute Mr. Rahul Joshi for serving the nation, sacrificing his life...."

The words of the reporter were now hazy.

Meera just stood there, clutching on to the ring Rahul had given her.

& then she screamed.

She screamed like her life had been pulled out of her. 

(All characters & incidents mentioned in this story are fictitious and bear no resemblance to any person living or dead. The writer has no intentions to hurt any sentiments in any manner. The writer has no hints / intentions towards any situations or circumstances, nor any events or scenarios. The story is plainly and only a thought process of the writer. )