FATE

I still remember the day I heard this news. I had been talking to one of my friends grumbling about the fact that my parents were not taking me to that party. I could not believe it. Just could not. For I had met him only a few days ago.........

We knew each other since we were small kids. Our families were neighbours and our dads served in the same unit. He was studying in Sherwood at Nainital and used to come over during vacations. I did not see
much of him but he was like an elder brother. He was brilliant in academics and equally good in sports. One day he happened to join N.D.A., which I think must have been a dream come true for him. After four years of tough training, he graduated from I.M.A. and became a proud lieutenant of the Indian Army. He joined the same unit which his father had commanded. He was the future, the hope and the darling of not only his parents but all of us who belonged to the unit.

During the leave before going for the young officers course he came over home along with his parents. He looked bright and cheerful and full of life. While they were leaving, I asked him “Hey! What do I call u now – uncle or bhaiya?” He was taken aback by the suddenness of the question and left saying that he will think about it. But you know what, I never got the opportunity of calling him either because the cruel hand of fate snatched him away from all of us before I could meet him again.

On 26th July 2003 all of us of 102 Engr Regt in Pune were excitedly looking forward to the unit get together at the officers institute. He looked forward to it too. But on his way to the institute he met with an accident, which by all accounts seems so illogical that it cannot even be described. What a way to go for such a precious life. The years of nurturing went waste in a flash. The hope and the future vanished. LT ANKUR BHATT, son of proud parents Col and Mrs VK BHATT, was here with us now, but so far away in only a moment that it left us all aghast at the way destiny can turn.

My heart would never reconcile to address him as “late” because I know even if invisible, he is here with us and his family for the rest of our lives. But in the end I would like to ask god a question though.
WHY DO YOU NEED PEOPLE ONLY WHEN THE WORLD NEEDS THEM THE MOST??