Page 130 - Love Story of a Commando

‘Can I lead from the front too? I am very good with rifles,’ Virat
offered.
‘Captain, I know NSG commandos have magnificent target strike
rates but entering enemy jungles and assaulting these moles is basically a
para job. Also, we need the best expertise with these machines and the best
team with the launcher! They are our best hope. I am banking on the havoc
and smoke this beast can create. It will provide the best possible support to
our surgical strikes.’ Major Tushar smiled for the first time.
‘Also, you need to be very agile with the M4 launcher to clear the
obstacles and neutralize the enemy. Aim first at the barracks and ammos;
once it’s destroyed and we’ve smoked them out, fire at your will. The same
goes for everyone. We aim for a swift all-clear strike. Aim quickly, terminate
and move! And yes, we don’t leave our friends behind. It’s all or none!’
Major Tushar issued the final orders.
Then he asked, ‘How’s the josh?’
‘High, sir!’ they all replied in unison. He asked it two more times and
they replied in the same way. The air was still but charged. Everybody was
stunned for a moment. There was adrenaline running inside us, ushering us
toward the apocalypse.
All or none!
Everybody took their position. Virat pulled out the rocket launcher,
loaded up a rocket and placed another at his feet, ready for a second load-up.
While I cowered behind the boulder beside him, just like always. They all
looked at each other and nodded with an appreciation in their eyes for each
other, for their comrades and brothers-in-arms who had their backs in the
time of need. The emotions surrounding us showed an acute awareness of
the shadow of death.
Virat broke the silence, ‘Okay! Let’s do it.’
The commandos lowered their TAR-21 rifles at eye level and waited.
Virat took aim towards the barracks, and fired the launcher. The rocket made
a whistling sound and smashed into the first barrack’s walls.
The explosive impact shook the earth and a cloud of smoke engulfed
the ear-tearing blasts . It echoed across the forest and the commandos opened
fire, sending a hail of bullets towards the shocked enemies. There was an
explosion, followed by a swirl of dust as the barrack collapsed, leaving
behind rubble with some terrorists trapped inside. The lead team stepped out
of their positions and inched forward towards the smoke, dust, and broken
buildings. The second and third rockets destroyed the rest of the barracks
completely. There broke out a horrendous fire, thick smoke, flames and
intense heat in the surrounding jungle. It was impossible to see in that dark
jungle but it proved to be a boon for the commandos outnumbered by
militants everywhere.