Let heart converse….💞

It was a regular custom…Kartik communicated with his papa through video call.
“You’re just incredible Papa…How do you know that I’m awake?” Wondered Kartik.
“You’re piece of my heart …I can feel you right here champ…So late night chatting…who’s the girl …What’s cooking?” Gigggled Papa.

“Nothing buddy….By the way it’s two at night and you still in uniform?”
“It’s not just uniform…It’s part of me…My habit..Not everyone get a chance to wear this…..I owe a lot to this……Anyways for next few days our unit will be shifted to a remote area…I’m afraid we get network there..”

“No worries soldier…No borders can hinder our talks…we’ll talk with our hearts..”winked Kartik blowing a kiss.

Next day Kartik received a text …It’s papa
“Near LAC….Sub zero temperature…Don’t panic…Situation under control….don’t tell your mom…she’ll be tensed….” he sighed with relief.

The following day he wrote a text
“Let’s celebrate Father’s Day together papa…Hope things get fine by then…Missing you…mom bit concerned….try to call her as you get chance..”

To his surprise he got a reply ..
“Done champ…Everything under control…At Galwan Valley..Don’t need a day to celebrate…I acknowledge each day being your father…will try to come by then….handle your mom…I know you will…..Much love.’

Everyone at home was worried as situation was not good at the border….But Kartik kept his cool…As he was in touch with his closest companion.
That night a message flashed on his mobile screen…Papa

“Champ..Coming soon…We’ll sit together….Will tell you new updates…How I pushed those Chinese.. Remember…No matter what world says..I’m always there for you…Always near you…Always..Much love.”

He slept soundly but woke up by his mother’s wailings….as he stepped out of his room…he was taken aback…Not possible…his father lay in the living room…dead…..wrapped in tricolour.
He ran back to room and checked his mobile…”I got that text yesterday night only…And they’re saying he passed away a day ago.”…Everyone was shocked as they saw the text….Nobody understood….But Kartik knew well….he consoled his mom..”Don’t cry ma…he is alive….in our hearts.. feel your heartbeat….you will know…he’s there with us.”

He didn’t shed a single tear….after finishing all the last rites…he sat down in peace..Going through his conversation with his papa on his mobile.

Today 21 June 2020
Father’s Day

He decked on his father’s uniform….Glanced himself in the mirror….

“Dude….What a look!” He heard his Papa’s voice.
“Not like you soldier….You were super awesome.”
“Correct your tense champ…Your papa is super awesome.”

He smiled….Tears welled up in his eyes….”Happy Father’s Day papa.”..He said.

Let their heart converse…..

©Shweta Prakash Kukreja