The Sthitha Prajna - Part 2

Immersed in water,his mind was racing back to those imprinted memories.

It was almost seven years ago. It was the Republic Day celebrations happening in National Engineering College, Panchavati. Vipra was a Senior Cadet in the NCC (National Cadet Corps) Panchavati division and he was leading the march past.He was clad in crisply ironed khakis, with shining metal boots that made a majestic resonating sound during the march past. All cadets wore big black belts with bronze metal links which were at their shining best, after all the "Brasso" polishing. The "Beret" on their heads with the bright red "Pom-Poms" worn at a tilting 45 degrees added to the colors of the fest.

The march past had ended with the contingent leading the College Principal to the flag hoisting. After the flag hoisting and the National Anthem, the college choir group started singing loudly, the National Flag Song:

Jhanda Ooncha Rahen Hamara

Let the National Flag always fly high.
Vijayi Vishwa Thiranga Pyaara

Let Our beloved tricolor be universally victorious!

A bright face in the first row of stage captured Vipra's full attention. It was the first time Vipra saw Sarojini. He was fascinated by the way she had held her head high up in the air, and singing with complete conviction. She was wearing a white Salwar with Green dupatta. Her hair was neatly braided and held together by Orange (saffron) ribbons. A sharp observer would also have noticed the blue ear drops and the blue Bindi on her forehead. In totality she seemed to symbolise the Indian National Flag.

Following this there were a number of National integration dances performed by various groups and patriotic plays of the likes of "Lala Lajpat Rai", "Bhagat Singh" etc. Eventually the events came to and end and the distribution of sweets started. Vipra anxiously scanned the crowd looking for her. He spotted her at one of the booths distributing sweets to students of first year. He decided to join the queue which was really long, but well worth the effort for him. Several of his friends dropped by and mocked at him for queueing with the first years being a 3rd year student. He retorted back saying that as a Senior Cadet he had to mingle with the first years to recruit fresh cadets.

Narrator's BGM: If I had to give a background music for this situation I would use the song from Guna :
Paartha Vizhi Paartha Padi Poothu Irruka
His eyes bloomed like a flower and were affixed on her
Kaathirundha Kaatchi Ingu Kaana Kidaikka
Finally after the long wait he could catch sight of her.

When he finally got to the front of the queue all the sweets were over by then. Sarojini made a sad face and indicated the empty sweet box.

Vipra spoke to her: "You have made me wait so long and you can't send me back empty handed"!

Sarojini remarked :" Hello Officer Sir! if you were here for the sweets then why din't you go and stand in the queue of your own year, which was much shorter."

Vipra: The Indian National Flag at this booth seemed to be calling out to me!

(Blushing a bit, but trying not to react)

Sarojini: What nonsense! nobody called for anybody!

Vipra: Let me give you another chance, you can buy me sweets at the college canteen tommorow evening 5 PM. How about that?

Sarojini: What me buying you sweets ! Why on earth would I do that? Do you even know my name?

Vipra: Ok then I will buy you, and you can buy me the next time! And I know your name Sarojini; I looked up in the performers list. And I am "Vipra" pleased to meet you, though I guess you might already know mine.

Sarojini: Wait a minute Big-headed officer!. I did not even ask for it. And how can you assume I will come!

Vipra: I know that the Indian Flag is compassionate and kind. It cannot refuse the requests of a humble citizen who adores the flag. Bye and see you tommorow!

To Be Continued....

Glossary:

Beret : A Military Cap

Pom-Pom: A furry ball that is pinned on to the Beret

(NCC) National Cadet Corps : An India Military Cadet Corps open to Youth. (school and college students)

Brasso: Polishing liquid for Brass