It had been raining intermittently that day, as if the skies were shedding tears. Suddenly, a flash of lightning streaked through the dark clouds, as if revealing the open doors of heaven. The grand spectacle laid out by nature was matched by sombre mortals on the ground. The stomping of army boots reached up to the skies, with authority and pride, in reverence and salutation. A wave of green around the coffin moved in perfect rhythm; like in an opera. Deft hands undraped him of his flag and a loud command ordered Salaami Shastra. Even as the bugles sounded The Last Post, the crimson skies looked down at the stubby upturned barrels. The guns that must have robbed a throbbing life of its spirit boomed three times, before bowing down, as if in shame and regret. The bugles blew again, echoing the cry of a wailing mother. The pyre was lit, and all earthly bonds were cut loose. As if on cue, the gods lifted the veil of dark clouds to allow a sharp bright light to cut through. A deafening sound. The gods had sounded their bugle and there, between the dark clouds, a serene peaceful blue peeped out. The heavens had opened the doors to their favourite son. At 26, he no more walks the land. He sails across the sky. He's free today, but he has left behind eyes that have seen him innumerable times, ears that have heard his laugher, been anguished by his cries, hands that have clasped him. Those eyes see him no more, they just feel his aura. Those ears no longer hear the familiar tinkle of laughter; they just remember scattered words. Those hands just clasp empty air, yet they feel him near. No one speaks to him; everyone now talks to him, in their own silent way. He lives beyond the boundaries of time and being. But behind all this there is one constant -- pain. It grows, like age, and it's ceaseless. How do eyes, ears and hands get used to his absence? Suraj Shankla's heart weeps for all fallen soldiers. Tell us what you think of this diary Be part of an exciting venture! Write a Diary!
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