Chained Boys of the Battlefield
Chapter 5: Battle and Brotherhood
When you went into battle, you were assigned to a battalion commander. Of the twelve of you, six ran away that very day. Their eyes were wild with terror; they melted into the darkness, desperate to escape. Three were caught and executed by firing squad right in front of you. The shots rang out, sharp and final, echoing through the camp. Your hands shook as you watched, the sound of a distant temple bell drifting over the gunshots—anchoring the horror in a familiar Indian soundscape. No one dared to cry or even look away.
You didn’t run, because he didn’t run either. You stuck close to his side, clutching your spear so tightly your knuckles turned white. In that moment, fear and loyalty wove together, anchoring you to the earth.
You said, "Bhaiya, I’ve never been to school, but I’ve heard storytellers talk about old tales: from now on, you be Arjun, I’ll be Bhim. Wherever you go, I’ll go." Your words tumbled out, awkward but sincere. You remembered the nights in your mohalla, listening to the Ramayana being recited from loudspeakers, the heroes braver than anyone you knew.
He was stunned for a moment, then suddenly the corners of his eyes turned red. He patted your head and punched you hard. It really hurt. But the blow was filled with affection—a brother’s way of saying, "Don’t you dare leave me behind." He turned away quickly, pretending to spit, but you saw him wipe his eyes on his sleeve.
He carried a Lee-Enfield rifle, polishing it bright every day. He ran an old rag over the barrel, humming a folk song under his breath, as if the gun was the only friend he could trust.
You only had a red-tasseled spear, and the spear was taller than you. You struggled to keep it upright, sometimes nearly poking someone’s eye, but it was your talisman, your one link to the great epics you’d grown up hearing about.
He told you about family and country, told you about... But the shells were already falling, and tomorrow, you’d both have to choose—who would be the hero, and who would be the story left behind?
