Rajesh's final decision

 “Rajesh, now that you have completed your B. Tech and M Tech from IIT very successfully, what are your future plans?” asked Brigadier Sethuraman. They were in the living room watching TV in a relaxed manner along with Rajesh’s mother Sita.

 When there was no instant response from the Rajesh, the retired Brigadier continued, “You are aware that our family for generations have been serving the nation in defending its integrity and sovereignty. Your grandfather was a general who participated in the 1962 war against China and sacrificed his life when he was directing his men personally in the front. I have heard his father was in the police. Your two uncles, my younger brothers, were also in the army. The one next to me went abroad to serve in the UN army and did not return. Neither the army headquarters nor the local outfit could throw any light to this day on his whereabouts, whether he was killed or taken captive, The youngest brother, who was just in late thirties, was killed when his bunker was bombed. He left behind his young wife and two children. Both of my brothers were honoured by the government with high distinction and medals.”

 “Appa, I know all that as you have told me with pride and with a tinge of sadness umpteen times,” Rajesh intervened.

 “Allow me to complete. Sita, I hope you are listening. Ours is a patriotic family and deemed it a duty and an obligation to serve the country in its defense of the borders. We never flinched because of risks associated with the work. Notwithstanding the two sad events, we are a proud family.

 Why I am repeating all this now is because you are about to take a decision soon. Many go abroad to pursue their studies and work in foreign companies in lucrative positions or join locally prestigious management institutes to equip themselves for high positions with attractive remuneration. I just wanted to know what is in your mind,” said Sethuraman.

 Before Rajesh could reply, Sita intervened to tell, “Our family has contributed to the country’s cause more than its share for two generations. It is time we allow others also to contribute their share.” Turning to her husband, she added” I do not want you to influence Rajesh with your ideas. He is grown up and very smart. Let us allow him to decide for himself what he wants to do,”

Rajesh sat up on the sofa and said in soft voice, “Appa(dad) I took into account all the facts you have said many times and am contemplating working in a major IT company in the US. I had applied to them and received an instant offer. I wished to reveal to you both after their confirmation of my acceptance.”

 “That settles the issue, I have no regrets. I am happy and proud of you,” said Sethuraman. and added, “Rajesh, there is a Carnatic music contest this evening. I have two tickets. Would you accompany me?”.

 “Surely, I will join you. You know my abiding interest in Carnatic music, having learnt it for a few years. God willing, I intend to pursue my interest after settling down in a job.”

Rajesh in his white ethnic Kurta looked very handsome as he accompanied his dad. As expected, it turned out to be a great concert with the well-known artiste in her melodious voice rendering initially some familiar pieces that he liked. She then took up raga Bhairavi and sang elaborately and leisurely traversing over it to bring out the different shades and beauty of the raga Next a popular Kriti was taken up followed by amazing Kalpana swaras in lovely patterns followed by a brisk avartan by percussionists. There was a brief pause

He was seated in the first row reserved for VIPs. Just then a young lady passed by Rajesh brushing his legs with her sari pallu and the gentle perfume that wafted from her was pleasant. By the time he turned to look at her she had gone a few yards away and he could get only a glimpse of her silhouette in the dim light. She seemed quite tall and elegant in her gait. To his great surprise the girl walked up the steps to the rostrum on the dais.

 As the lights were switched on, she started addressing the audience.

“Dear Ladies and gentleman,

You must all be aware by now from the banners and notice boards the purpose of holding this fabulous concert today. This concert has been sponsored by an NGO that is working for the cause of the families of our warriors who have lost their lives or been incapacitated. While the governments both at Centre and State have their own systems of reaching out to the distressed families, we supplement their efforts to meet the families’ special and varying needs. We have often come across many situations that are grim and pathetic. When we think of the patriotism of the valiant soldiers that impelled them to fight at the hostile terrains of the war fronts risking their lives and their sacrifice willing to suffer for safeguarding the integrity of the nation, no amount of our help to their families would be adequate.

I am Ranjita and happen to be the daughter of the President of the NGO and know the situation more acutely as I am myself a war-widow having lost my husband at the war front six months after our honey moon. Luckily, I come from a well to do family and do not need any financial support. But I know it is not the case with most of the distressed families when they lose their breadwinners.

I would be failing in my duty if do not express my admiration and gratitude to the celebrated musician of the day and the equally popular accompanists for coming forward to perform without any honorarium keeping the noble cause in mind

I would request all of you to contribute as much as you can for this worthy cause. The details of the website and links for making donations are on the notice board and also on the reverse of your tickets.

Thank you all for attending the concert that will resume now. Jai Hind !”

When Rajesh and Sethuraman were back at home and having dinner, Sita said, “Rajesh I am very happy that you took the right decision to go to US breaking the family tradition of joining the army.”

 “Amma, there has been a drastic change in my mind since this evening thanks to appa taking me to the concert. I was greatly impressed with the young lady’s talk about the NGO and the work it is doing for the cause of soldiers killed in army. Amma, I agree with you that our family has made adequate contribution on the fighting fronts. I have now decided to explore the opportunities to work in the army not in the fronts but in IT sector using my deep knowledge of software towards the cause of missing warriors, locating them where possible and also reach families of warriors killed to help them quickly from the official side and with proper approval through voluntary organizations like the one the young lady spoke today.”

Sethuraman literally jumped from the chair and exclaimed,” Sabash, you are not breaking the family tradition of serving in the army,”

 Sita was smiling when Rajesh softly said looking at her, “I am also thinking on my part to the cause of giving a new life to a war widow subject to factors like age, qualification and compatibility.” Rajesh did not miss the mischievous grin on his dad’s face.