MAJOR Rajiv Verma crawled through snow, shells and minefields - the terrain was treacherous but there was no looking back. He had to keep crawling to reach the other side of the snowy ridge, which was a safe zone for Indian soldiers.
Rajiv had been left behind... being hit by shrapnel, he had lain unconscious beneath a thorny bush. When he had regained his senses, it was already dusk. Realising what had happened, Rajiv lost no time and started crawling forward. The injury on his shoulder had made his limbs stiff and had restricted his movements.
Somehow Rajiv had to make it to the other side of the ridge to avoid being captured or shot dead. Night was approaching fast; incessant mortar fire and gunshots filled the air with rancid smoke as he prepared himself to meet his destiny. Although he was not afraid to die for his country, he would never give up without a fight.
In the midst of gunfire, Rajiv distinctly heard the crunch of heavy boots inching closer to him. Looking up, Rajiv found himself staring into the eyes of an enemy soldier who had his rifle pointed at him.
A shiver ran down his spine and before he could gather his wits, Rajiv clearly saw the silhouette of a Sikh army officer emerging from the shadows. Even in the gathering darkness, Rajiv could not miss the bravery in his eyes.
Abruptly turning around to face Rajiv, the Sikh officer growled his orders, “Get away my son, quick! Before the enemy gets you!” Unable to disobey the stern orders of an unknown officer on a desolate battlefield, Rajiv crawled on with all his energy towards his destination - the other side of the ridge.
The war was long since over. Rajiv had to go on an inspection duty to a nearby army base. It was an hour’s drive to the base into where duty awaited him. On stepping into the corridor leading to the main hall, he received a jolt and stood staring at a framed photograph of the Sikh officer he had encountered on the battlefield. Even in the photograph, his eyes shone with a rare brilliance. Colonel Ranbir Shekhawat had died in action during the Indo-Pak war.
Somewhere afar the bugle sounded and Major Rajiv Verma’s hand went up in a salute to his surreal benefactor.
