There are bonds in life that sneak up on us quietly, slipping into our hearts until they are woven inextricably into our lives. That’s what happened when I met him—a soldier, yes, but now so much more to me. A dear friend first introduced us, and in 2021, I sent my first Rakhi to him, a gesture i hold dear, since 2015, not knowing how meaningful it would become. When he called on Rakhi day, I felt a surge of joy that was both surprising and warm—a beautiful connection began to grow. Gradually, our bond deepened over messages, though he always replied late (a habit of his, which I secretly find endearing). Every message from him, though rare, made me smile and filled me with joy.
When I heard he was moving closer, a whirlwind of emotions took over me—excitement, anticipation, and a touch of nervousness. I had been imagining this moment for so long: the chance to meet him, finally, in person. In my mind, I had painted a vivid picture—a soldier in every sense of the word, with that steadfast, resolute strength, the quiet, almost unbreakable intensity that often comes with the uniform. I expected a man with a stoic expression, someone who held himself with the air of discipline and distance that life in the forces often demands. I thought I’d be meeting someone unshakeable, perhaps even slightly intimidating.
But when the moment came, and I finally saw him face to face, my heart took a sudden, unexpected turn. There he stood, yes, in his soldier's frame, but with none of the rigid reserve I’d imagined. Instead, he greeted me with the warmest, most genuine smile that instantly melted away all my preconceived notions. His expression wasn’t just friendly—it was contagious, radiating a lighthearted charm that could make anyone feel at ease. The gentleness in his eyes, the almost childlike openness—it caught me completely off guard. It was as if all the anticipation and nerves I had felt dissolved into pure, simple joy.
He was astounding in a way that words don’t quite capture. His presence was effortless, casual, and yet somehow profound. It wasn’t just that he was a soldier; he was himself—real, grounded, with a spirit that was both strong and soft. There was a warmth that emanated from him, something that made the air around him feel lighter, brighter. I felt like I could see, even in those first moments, his kindness, his humor, and a heart as vast as the journey he must have traveled as a fauji.
I felt an instant desire to capture this feeling, to hold onto it, to save every detail in my heart’s memory. Every second we spent felt precious, each moment something I wanted to press like a wildflower in a book, to keep safe and revisit. I realized that what I felt wasn’t just admiration for a soldier but a deeper bond—a connection that transcended words or expectations. Meeting him was like discovering a rare, unexpected gift, and every time I think of it, a warmth fills me that I know will stay with me always.
What we have is hard to describe. Perhaps it’s simply a connection of unwavering affection, one that goes beyond titles or labels. Yes, he’s a soldier, and I’m immensely proud of that. But now, he’s so much more—a cherished friend, a brother figure who has become a permanent part of my heart. I can’t explain why our bond is so special; it just is. And I feel incredibly lucky to be his little sister in spirit, knowing that, no matter what, this bond will stay with me always.
PS: I so love to share the pics that melted my heart but I wont :-)