Story : Azadi ka Samosa!! Independence day

14th August a day before Independence day. My flight landed 10 minutes before and I was still at the security check. Was waiting for a few formalities to be done and I can go to my home. There was intense security I saw the news on social media there were a blast a few days back in the capital. So Finally I was moving towards the Arrival Gate. From the distant view through the glass door, I could see the glimpse of many People waiting for their near and dear ones to welcome them. I was sure someone must have come to pick me.

I came out of the automatic door I saw my mom standing and was waving at me. “Bittu, Bittu !!” She was calling me. My mom is a typical Indian woman, beautiful Punjabi looks she has, She covers her head with Dupatta 24 hours a day. I went ahead and wished her “Pairy pauna Biji.(I bowed to her feet.)”. She, as usual, kissed my forehead and hugged me tightly as if she wished me to sense the emotions filled in her heart for me.

“Putar Kinni der kitti. Mai kadon di khadi tera rasta wekhdi si(Son, so late. I was standing and waiting for you so long.)”. I hugged her again “Biji, Air traffic jyada si (Mom, It was due to Air traffic.)” She looked at me and asked, “You look so lean, Don’t you eat nicely”. I smiled and we moved towards the parking. I think all moms if they see their kids after some time they feel the same way. While on the way I asked mom “How is Bauji (Dad) “. Mom smiled and replied, ” Perfect, He is busy in preparations for Independence day “.

I switched on my Phone. I saw many messages while scrolling I went to news section I saw blast news everywhere. The government has taken many security measures to ensure the safety of citizens. Nation is busy like my dad for Independence day. It took us 30 minutes to reached home.

After 1 year, I came back, I was so happy to be home. I started looking for my dad. I went to his room, he was on call “I told you, Don’t take so many orders on 15th August Independence day, I work only for schools this particular day”. I stood aside, did not want to disturb him I knew what Independence day meant for my family.

My Dad is 85 years young Man. He was just 10 when he saw the struggle the country has gone through to get Independence back. My dad lost his family, mom, dad, house, etc everything to get freedom.

He started working as a cook in Delhi during his childhood to earn is bread and butter. At the age of 18, he got a shop in Chandni Chowk as a favor from Government, kind of helping refugees to settle their lives . Kishore Chand Halwai very famous now.

Since then My dad celebrates Independence day every year, He makes special Samosa, and calls it “Azadi ka samosa” and distribute in Government schools and Anganwadi for free.

“Bauji, Pairi Pauna”. He looked at me and hugged me. “Azad, My son How was your journey, You are putting best effort in the study I hope”. I could see happiness rolling down from his eyes. I hugged him”Ji, Bauji”. I continued “I am doing my best”. We all sat together and had Lunch. My mom specially cooked an entire meal of my choice.

Dad said “Son, Tomorrow you will come with me, we all will go together and distribute Samosa to kids”. I did not wish to spoil his mood still I insisted on asking something “Bauji, If I may ask something”. He nodded I continued. “Bauji, it’s been years you celebrate 15th August Independence day like this you and your staff cooks tons of Samosa and then you distribute”. “But then what’s the use, You see there is all negativity around. Bomb Blast, Robbery, Molestation, Bribery, Poverty What is the use of such freedom”.

With a Pause he replied “Son, You are born in free country But I was not. You have to understand my feeling, My dad, your grandfather, his father they all fought and lost their lives to earn this freedom for you and your generation. I was not able to study so I am making you study so that you can bring change to this country.” He added,” I am good at making Samosa, So I am distributing my love towards my country in the form of Samosa”.

I stood and hugged him. My dad is not the only one who has struggled to get us freedom and liberty. There are uncountable such lives and such examples exist.

It’s my turn now to bring the change and I will So that, our next generations cherish the same love towards their nation what my dad does by distributing “Azadi ka samosa.”!!

Happy Independence Day!!
Vande Mataram!!

Azad

Read a story inspired from real life here

(Disclaimer : All the characters in the story are my imagination.)