The sound of nationalism echoed everywhere,
This incident is no less than a story to share.

Nothing could be seen in the crowd. I tiptoed to know the matter of the public, being so proud.

The beating of the drums, sequentially tapping of the foot on the ground,
and melodious music could be heard all around.

Everyone was looking well pleased. It was only me who was feeling a little scared, but nobody seemed to care.
The scene shook me, as it was quite rare for me.

I ascertained that everything was for the audacious queen who would be crowned soon.

To everyone's surprise, inside it, there was no queen.

In a little while, an unpigmented horse from far away showed up.
People started titling tattling, one with a distraught voice said, "What does it mean?"

Before we knew it, an enchanted heroic figure riding it could be seen.
That was a bold attempt. I screamed, "She was none other than Jhansi's queen!"

Her identity got disclosed ,
but I forgot that with her, I also got exposed.

she saw me suspiciously
and i saw her as a mesmerized beauty.

she was unknown to the fact that I was seeing the past and she , the future.

after extensive discussion over me , the queen finally came to know that I was of no harm ,
after that the way they chose to welcome me, was so warm.

I said, thank you for serving our nation
The queen uttered, the nation was mine too there is no need to say thank you, well! you can serve it too.

I giggled and said my era is quite different from yours
because of your and many other nationalist leaders efforts, we are living a life free of wars
moreover!
we have brave army soldiers,
like you ,they also carry the load of every single nation's people's life responsibilities on their shoulders.

with a curious tone , she asked
What do you do to serve your nation?
I replied, "I am a student. What are you supposed me to do?"

As a student, educate yourself enough to compete with the world outside and develop a skill side by side.

Bravery not necessarily means being in the battlefield, but being brave enough to accept your realities and dare yourself often to come out from your shield.

Never forget your core values, even the slightest move would make you lose them. Beware, just like a statue.

You are your country's pride. In your spare time, take initiative of younger children, be their guide.

Go in any field, either educational or non. But remember, everything is connected of you with your nation. In order to glow like the sun, you will have to burn yourself like the sun.

Everything she said went deep into my soul. With a jubilant expression, I agreed with her. I felt as if nobody can stop me from reaching my goal .

At last, all I could remember was her cheerful smile. Immediately a beam of light got indulged into my eyes, indicating my dream was over.
Reality was calling me from behind.
Yes, that was my mom. Just like yours, she too did a great job.

Her sudden splash of water instantly took me out from the world I was in. "You could have given me some more minutes, mom," I said in a discontented tone while glancing at her ring.

In a quite furious tone, she asked me to get ready for school. Suddenly something struck my mind. "Oh! today is my writing competition. I have to win. And from here, my journey for serving the nation begins!"

- by Aarti Solanki (Aaru)




© Aarti Solanki ,2023
© Aaru