Love and Pride
It was a serene summer evening. Mild melody was playing overhead. The banquet hall was flooded with people in party-wears. Most of them were the fellows and unit-men of the groom. Delight and joy were to be seen all over. After all it was the ring ceremony of the Captain Raghu Chauhan.
Raghu's father wanted him to be married as soon as he got posted as a lieutenant in the Army. He started looking for a suitable bride for his talented son and with very little effort he found one. Sunaina, the daughter of one of his classmates was the girl he selected for being his daughter - in - law. Sunaina was a well educated and adorably beautiful girl whom nobody can possibly not fall in love with. Hence, how could Raghu?
The host announced about the ceremony to be commenced and asked of attention of all. Raghu was dressed in a creamy Sherwani while Sunaina was wearing a pretty red Lehnga. The two families gathered around the pair and handed them over the rings. Everybody cheered for Raghu to go on. He asked Sunaina to produce her hand. But, something happened that nobody had anticipated before. Sunaina refused!! She said to Raghu,"Before we engage, you must drop on your knees and propose me for the marriage and show me something as a token of your love."
Everyone went quiet. Their faces all lit up with excitement.
But, without having any change in his expressions, Raghu firmly replied in a natural manner,"you know Sunaina, when we are called in the CO's chamber, we enter with our heads held high. When we get scolded there then also we never lean down. When we have to salute the flag, we do it with chins up and chests out. We never need to drop down to testify our respect and devotion for anything. Because not everything is meant to be expressed in words and gestures. And, for your condition of my giving a token of love, I have nothing but this to say that so far I have never thought twice on the line of duty concerning my life and safety. But, from now on there will be a slight hesitation with me before risking myself and the reason for such hesitation will be none but YOU!"
Tears welled up in Sunaina's eyes. Without saying a word, she dropped down along her knees as asked,"Raghu, will you marry me? Because I feel like I cannot ever find a better match than you"
All the military men present around there stood at attention and with a pride and respect on their faces offered a warm salute. Only, this time the salute wasn't meant for their Captain, but rather it was for their new Madam!
