State of Indrani is under attack from marauders. The beloved motherland is calling its sons to defend her. It will be first battle for Aryan. He realized that time has come to pay his dues. He puts on his armor and braces up for the battle. While polishing his sword, image of Soumya lingered in his mind. Aryan knew Soumya since he started forming memories. They had grew up together. The couple became famous for their puerile love. Few days ago their parents had fixed the date of their marriage.
Listening to emergency bells, Soumya came running to Aryan’s house but freezed at the door. Startled by tinkle of her anklets, Aryan raised his head. Their eyes met. No words were spoken. No need was felt for it. Their eyes said everything to each other. She came forward and started cleaning his shield. They both knew horrors of war and held service to the country foremost. They were raised in an environment where people courageously laid down their life for honour of the State.
Aryan got ready & started to leave. His proud parents blessed him. Soumya stood in the corner. Tears welled up in her eyes but like a brave warrior girl, she held them back. What if she couldn’t accompany him, she wanted memory of her smiling face to be with Aryan. He than walked in front of Soumya and lifted up her face. Their arms were twitching with the urge to hold each other. Both of them wanted to loose themselves in each others arm and stay their forever. He pulled out the wooden pendent hiding behind his armor and gave it an intense kiss. The same wooden pendent which had initials AS of their name. Soumya also held her copy of pendent and kissed it saying “I’ll wait for you.”
Aryan climbed on his horse, Pavan, and joined his fellow countrymen. The cavalry left with chants of slogan & wishes from the people. Soumya joined other women in prayers for victory & well being of soldiers. These women knew the duties of a warriors’ wife. They are as brave as them.
Next day soldiers returned with sound of drum beats celebrating victory over enemy. Whole of Indrani erupted in joy. But eager eyes of Soumya were searching for Aryan. She saw Pavan walking to its master’s house. She ran to it but there was no sign of him. She caressed the hoof and askingly looked into its sad eyes. She found Aryan’s pendent and its blood ridden broken string stuck in the saddle. She took the pendant and inquired every soldier of his regiment. They told how he bravely fought with the enemy but had no other clue. The family also joined her in the quest. Painstakingly they checked body of every martyr. All possible means of knowing his whereabouts were exhausted. Only thing left was story of his valor.
The victory has established authority of the State of Indrani in surrounding region. Nobody dares to attack it anymore. There is peace and prosperity. But storm in Soumya’s heart is still strong. Even after seven years, she wakes up daily with the hope that Aryan will come to claim his copy of pendant.
Meshroy 