Page 132 - Love Story of a Commando

We were crossing a vast swathe of green forests towards the Line of
Control with visions of white mountains shining in the sun-dappled day
emerging more prominently with every footstep. I was not sure but it felt
like squads of armies were chasing us and would reach us any minute. But
there was no time to stop, breathe or ponder over the next course of careful
action.
We finally reached the valley where a fence divided the two enemy
nations by the Line of Control. We needed to cross that fence to reach our
safe haven, our own nation. But the incoming volley of bullets suddenly felt
very heavy, now that we were in the open. Some of the bullets hit several
commandos, now that their backs were towards the enemy side and it
seemed our fate was sealed and nothing could save us now. It was one true
test of our fates.
Suddenly, I saw at least twenty men in maroon berets and black
uniforms appearing on the Indian side. And almost instantly the sniper
rounds flew from the Indian side as well. Several tear bombs exploded,
providing us with the perfect cover. It filled us with new energy and we
sprinted again, sometimes ducking, sometimes pushing each other and
pulling out injured friends from grievous danger.
Firing was going on from both sides and until we crossed it, we were
meat.
All this time, Virat was always around me, firing but never losing
sight of me. Grabbing my hands, sometimes pushing and pulling me, he was
my guiding light, my saviour. The Indian para commandos and NSG
commandos were firing relentlessly. There erupted a small-scale battle but
clearly the well-prepared Indian side was dominating the scene and it was
only a matter of minutes before all the enemy would be sent to their hoors.
Our marathon for survival halted and finally we were on home
territory.
Suddenly, I could breathe and the high adrenaline rush was gone. Our
pack and I fell to the ground, military personnel in comforting olive greens
rushed towards us. A helicopter hovered high in the sky, and then, I passed
out.