UNFULFILLED DREAMS

By ~ Em Ke Guite

When Chingi heard the news about the war, she began to cry. She had an uncanny feeling that something terrible would happen to Thangpu. The starry sky was clear; the moon was shining bright. The air was filled with the fragrance of the Night Queen that makes spring nights memorable. There was no sound to shatter the silence. A cool breeze blew from the hills of southern Manipur. That night was special one for Thangpu and Chingi, the lovebirds, as they walked hand in hand as their time togather was limited. It was April 28, 1999.

“Hey Chingi,” Thangpu said, “I’m going day after tomorrow.” Chingi stroked his shoulder… “I know.” ”Will you still love me when I’ll be back after two months to be with you?”….. ”Of course, I,ll still love you,” Chingi whispered… “And I’ll love you till the end.”

Thangpu had to rejoin duty by May 3, 1999. He felt insecure at the thought of departing from his beloved Chingi, but pretended not to be serious about it.

“Chingi, he murmured, I,ll be back after a few month and then we’ll tie the knot.”Nah!’ Chingi joked, ‘I am too young to get married.”

On April 30, the sun rose from the hills as usual, but for Chingi, it was a marvellous one.”Why should I be so upset?” She thought as she helped pack Thangpu’s suitcase. “After I returned, well share our love togather under the same roof, Okay! Chingi,” Thangpu said calmly. “Our motherland needs me. I have to rejoin my duty.”"What about me?” Chingi sobbed, “I need to be with you!” ”Yeah,” replied Thangpu, “You need me, so I’ll be back soon.” ”Have you no fear?” with tears on her eyes, Chingi continued, “If something were to happened to you, what will I do, where will I go?” ”Cheer up, nothing’s going to happen to me, Ok? …. Don’t be pessimistic.” He interrupted her. ”If a bullet hits you…you…?!?!?” She began fighting back her tears, as they embraced each others…”I don’t want to miss my Thangpu.”"Don’t be silly,” he said firmly, “Its my duty. I have to go and I never want to hear you said that again.”"I’m sorry, go now… Go!I’ll always be here, waiting for your return.”Their good-bye at the bus stand was difficult, but tender.”U Thang, I love you.” She whispered.”I love you too.” He replied gently.After a few blissful moments spent, Thangpu climb up inside the bus. Chingi returned home, with a sunken heart.

“Thangpu,” ordered his commander, “prepared your kit to move on short notice.”"OK sir,” he replied, “I’m ready.”The situation in Kargil got worse by the day. As they reached Drass, they were asked to perform a crucial mission in the operation.”My dear Jawans,” briefed the commander, “we are going to fight for our mothrland, not only for you and me, but also our fellow countrymen. Our dear ones, our students who are waiting for their bright future and above all, for the soil.”With this exhortation, they move to the battlefield to fight valiantly till their last breath.

Back in Manipur, Chingi was always staring at Thangpu’s picture. When she heard the news about hte war, she began to cry. If something terrible happens to Thangpu…she wondered. She forced herself to calm down, nothing is going to happen…he’s alright. He is a brave soldier, he will be back soon to fulfill his promised.

The enemy’s artillery shells rained down the posts. The shells exploded with such force that the thick wall of the bunkers were flung into the air. Splinters of that powerful shelling hit hte post where Thangpu and his two comrades were positioned. Not feeling any pain, Thangpu tried to walked out, but was terrified to see that his thigh was hinged to his leg only by a piece of skin. His right hand was completely severed from his body. ”No, I don’t want to die,” he thought, “not here, not like this, not without seeing my Chingi.”He faintly heard the operator communicating with their HQ;”Tiger for Tiger, Over!”"We have been hit by enemy’s shelling in Kilo Papa. Three of us badly injured.”"I’m sorry, I’m sorry Chingi,” Thangpu murmured to himself, “I couldn’t keep my promise…”Then his mind wanders off into emptiness.He breathed his last inside a helicopter, on his way to Delhi’s Military Hospital for further treatment.The time was 11:42 am, July, 1999.

Thangpu’s father, mother and Chingi had not slept since they’d received the call about his martyrdom from a colonel, on behalf of the Army Headquarters, the previous night. They had driven to friends, relatives and neighbours to break the sad news. On July 11, Chingi paced about nervously at Imphal’s Tulihal airport. Nobody was there without tears in their eyes. When the plane landed, the flight assistants carefully brought their comrade box, black covered linen with a white cross mark at he centre. Most of them broke down as they saw the pale face of Thangpu and wept bitterly.

“UThang, my UThang,” cried Chingi, ”You have returned exactly after two months. Now tie the knot with me. The Pastor is standing with me…” The Reverend tried to console her to no avail…”Wake up UThang,” she sobbed, “Here I’m taking off our engagement ring, get off yours… keep your promised.”The lifeless body was laid to rest the following day at Lamka cemetery, with countless tears.

Now Chingi’s life is meaningless. Would she dress in white or would she wear circular badge with a clasp.’For your tomorrow, he gave his today’… or would she forget Thangpu and start a new life? Or what?…..What is the use of gallantry medals? Who knows….

Note: The names mentioned doesn’t relate to any real person, its a fiction.

©Siamsinna leh Vakiangbu