5. Good treatment for soldier

CHAPTER 5

Good treatment for soldier

That night, Jamali brought non-veg food for the soldier. She put one piece in his mouth. He coughed. 

Helping him to drink water, Jamali asked, “Is it too spicey?”

Soldier was silent. But he had tears in his eyes. Wiping his tears with her half sari, Jamali said, “We are tribals. We eat more chilli”

Looking at her with excitement, Soldier, “Do you know what type of life we soldiers lead? We have to adjust to all types of environments.”

Jamali nodded as if she knew all about the life of soldiers. “Yes Soldier, you are people who fight for the nation. You are able to bear the harsh cold and wind.”

Seeing her talking spiritedly, Soldier said with excitement, “Even though you lived in the forest, you know a lot about our life.”

Instantly, Jamali went into dreams remembering her past. Jamali’s mood changed into sadness. She closed her eyes for a while. Tears drop from her eyes. Wiping her tears, she replied, “That is a big story.”

Soldier was surprised to see the tears in Jamali’s eyes. He wanted to ask her about it.

But just then Hakeem came out of the hut. He was happy to see Jamali feeding non-veg to soldier. He looked at soldier’s leg. “I can see that your wound is healing quickly. Soldier; just see before you leave, you will become a very strong man. What have you thought of us tribals? Don’t you think that there is so much love here?”

Smiling, Soldier said, “Yes. As soon as you touched and the bullets came out, I feel I have regained half of my life. Just see, I will be able to walk by morning.”

Smiling, Hakeem, “You are a soldier of our country. If you make up your mind you can walk in one hour. Eat. We are building a new hut for you.”

Soldier smiled. Soldier washed his hands in the plate as Jamali poured water.

***********************

A new hut was constructed in the forest for the soldier. One cot with a bed was placed inside the hut. One pot of water was placed inside for the soldier.

It was night time. Soldier was now in his new hut taking rest. His leg was bandaged. Jamali brought dinner for him. Chikka Naik’s wife had prepared non-veg for him.

Helping Soldier to eat, Jamali said, “We have put less chillie in the food. Hope you like it.”

At the same time, Chikka Naik, Chandra, Ramla and others came to see the Soldier. He was excited to see them.

Chikka asked, “Soldier, how is the food from our house?”

Smiling at Chikka, happily, soldier said, “It was very nice. I have never tasted anything like this before.”

Smiling, Chikka, “This is food of our tribe. Morning it was lamb meat and night wild chicken.”

Excitedly, Chandra said, “Everything is in excess here. We put more chillie and masala. We feed our guests from heart.”

Remembering the spicy food he ate for lunch, Soldier said, “I am learning that ever since I put my leg in this forest.”

Pointing to a villager, Chandra said, “Soldier, this man will sleep here with you this night. If you need water to drink or if you wish to go out, he will be with you like your right hand.”

Soldier was shocked. He looked at him seriously,

Folding two hands, Soldier said, “Chikka Naik, seeing the services given by you, I think I will not be able to forget in this life. But....”

Chikka thought may be soldier wanted something more. Looking at him shocked, Chikka, “Tell me what else you need. I will get within in seconds.”

Coolly, Soldier said, “I am used to sleeping alone. Not only that, if I feel thirsty, I can reach the water easily.”

Chikka nodded feeling relieved.

Soldier explained, “And I never go out at mid night. I will sleep peacefully alone.”

Understanding the situation and feeling happy for the soldier, Chikka said, “Soldier, you remain as you like. I have no objection. You must be tired now. Take rest.”

Looking at Jamali, Chikka said, “Jamali, let us go.”

Jamali put sheet over soldier. One man reduced the lamp flame.

All came out of the hut closing the door behind.  Soldier was lying on the bed staring at the ceiling with open eyes.

The villagers moved through the forest. Chikka Naik put his arm over Jamali’s shoulder.

He looked at the sky and said, “When ever I see this fellow, I remember him.”

Jamali had tears in her eyes hearing these words. She remembered her past. She leaned over Chikka’s shoulder. Patting her back, Chikka said sadly, “I know your sadness. We too miss him so much.”