Mama, papa abhi tak ghar kyu nahi aaye?

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“This is News@9 reporting from Mumba devi temple..” as the reporter started yelling on TV, Mrs. Khanna clung on to her daughter, shocked and nervous. A family of 3 with only one earning hand – Mr. Khanna, was all the reason for them to live for. It was 9PM and still there was no clue whatsoever about her husband, who should have come home by now from his work. She had already tried calling him on his cell so many number of times but it wasn’t getting connected. She was getting restless every second and her forehead had developed a layer of sweat on it..

“Mama, papa abhi tak ghar kyu nahi aaye”  the innocent girl asked her mom with those tiny eyes drooping a bit.

“aa jayenge gudiya, kahi traffic main phas gaye honge” she tried comforting her daughter. Her heart started beating faster than ever, as she saw the telecast on TV screen and almost stopped when she spotted a red shirt drenched with blood, on an un-identified body, lying on the road… A tiny drop of a tear shed from her eyes, as she continued offering prayers to God…

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Mr. & Mrs. Sharma were frightened by the headlines all over the news channel. The old couple had lost their only son during the 9/11 attacks and were hardly recovered from the loss. Their daughter in-law accompanied by their grandson had gone out to market for buying some vegetables. Mr. Sharma insisted he would go out in search of their only hope, but Mrs. Sharma was afraid to send her husband alone. Their age old heart had already taken several wounds and was not ready to take another. The phone went on ringing but nobody was there to pick up the call. ‘May be she is not able to hear the ringtone as it will be crowded area’ the old man tried convincing his wife.

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Mr. Khanna opened his eyes as he tried relentlessly to take a breath. He couldn’t remember anything but a sound of blast that sent him off his legs before hitting hard on the road. He couldn’t hear anything but some constant noise. He felt his heart rate going down as he tried to get up, but in vain. The picture of his daughter and wife came in front of his eyes, as he felt lot of pain. “I haven’t done anything wrong in my life… I haven’t even harmed anyone… My family is waiting for me… They would be worried… I don’t deserve this… I don’t want to die”, he said as if he was pleading to God.

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Mrs. Sharma, the widower was lying on the stretcher when she regained her consciousness. She was being taken to some hospital. She could barely see the people around as she was feeling some pain in her head, as if hit by a truck. “Thisss paaatient haaas losst eno… ammount of bloo…. The chaaances aaaare veeeryy lowww.. ”, she heard them saying though it wasn’t clear and as if the voice was dragging. She realized that she only had few minutes of time. And then, she got stuck by the thought of her son and her in-laws…

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*Tring* *Tring*.. *Tring* *Tring*..

The terrorist attack leader from an unknown place calls his team member – well done! We have earned a great victory with the help of your bravery. You have made us proud. The almighty will bless you now with eternity.

Terrorist – but what if I am convicted to death.

Lead – That’s not possible in India. You know what happened with Kasab bhai, don’t you? For that, first they need to track you down. Bribe the people whenever possible to hide somewhere. Use the money I have sent you.

Terrorist – Will it work? Won’t they ask me who I am?

Lead –People there won’t ask for your identity if you have money. Use them, bribe them and try to get back here. If you are caught, don’t worry. You will enjoy in prison with high security and good, hygienic place with nice Indian food. Just like Kasab bhai. If you happen to meet him, convey our wishes.

*disconnected*

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Kasab in Jail – Chalo, akele bait ke bore ho gaya tha… Shaayad koi aane wala hai.. Achha hua.. gappe-shappe maarenge, mauj-masti karenge…

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God - …. …. …. ….

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Mr. Khanna, Mrs. Sharma and her son, never returned… They were the only hope to their respective families for living. Likewise, there were many whose life was taken for no reason. Leaving a hole in their loved ones heart which no one can ever fill… They didn’t deserve this… yet, they were punished…

P.S: The names used are just imaginative, not to be taken seriously by anyone. The god part is left blank as I don’t know if he has any answers for this. I couldn’t think of anything. A humble condolence to all those who lost their loved ones. L