Border
There are wars and wars in the mind’s of men, let the defence of peace be inculcated in the young minds.
Great Generals win campaigns, but it is the Unknown Soldier who WINS the WAR.
Dedicating this short story of mine, “BORDER” to every Soldier for their valour, strength, dedication, compassion, unwavering service, sacrifice and above all for their resilience of the human spirit.
Infinitely deep darkness had enveloped the whole atmosphere, nothing was visible. The thunderstorm had created havoc, utterly total abyss of darkness. Intermittent lightening made visibility possible and wherever the lightning struck, two soldiers from two hostile countries were seen posted on the border only with their guns, ready to shoot.
In this wilderness, no habitation, no lights, nothing; obviously it was border. Two soldiers from two countries were stationed to perform their duties away from home from their families.
The only benevolence that nature provided them was lightening. When it struck, the two soldiers could be viewed for a fraction of a second. The soldier on this side of the border saw his counterpart on the other side of the border searching something in his pocket. Till he could ascertain, the darkness once again engulfed the creepiest atmosphere.
The soldier, on this side of the border thought that his enemy is planning something unpleasant.
He positioned himself, ready to shoot if any eventuality arose.
He felt suspicious.
The border was separated by an impregnable barbed wire, nobody could even dare to cross.
It was so well fortified. Through the mesh of the barbed fence, they could see the movement of each other quite clearly.
Lightening only was a unique elixir for these soldiers who were performing their duties. War mongers never visualise the hardships of war and those who become instrumental in the hands of war lords.
When the lightning struck again to his surprise, the soldier on this side of border saw the soldier on the other side without arms. His gun lying on the ground and weeping bitterly, crying, as if maddened with grief.
“What happened?” murmured the soldier forgetting that he was not supposed to be sympathetic towards the soldier, supposedly his enemy.
He came near the fence and wanted to know what had happened to the soldier who happened to be in distress. He came nearer the fence and wanted to know what had happened to the soldier who was sobbing. Some catastrophes had befallen. Otherwise, why would he stand without arms.
He moved on near the fence, casting his eyes inquisitively round upon the soldier on the other side of the border.
The soldier was yelling.
“Come kill me. I am without gun. I don’t want to live. What is the purpose of my living, my only son is dead…. killed in bomb blast.
Kill me. kill me soldier, kill me. Why are you waiting?
Take the gun and shoot me.
You have hundreds of reasons to kill me.
I have no reason to live.
I am dying, I want death. My pain is more painful than death, come kill me dear soldier.”
He was imploring.
The soldier on this side of the border was in dismay and thinking how war creates barriers. How much pain is inflicted by those who are interested in war and never think of the common man’s suffering and devastation.
He was seeing the soldier on the other side of the border in terrible pain. He came nearer the fence and started saying.
“You will not ache, you will heal. You are my soul brother in this wilderness.
Let me console you in this hour of grief and pain.
The barbed wire hinders me, how can l come to you to wipe your tears, to lessen your pain. We are not enemies; we are soul brothers.
We aren’t responsible for war. We are here, as we are asked to perform our duties.
Your pain is my pain too.”
Words echoed in the air. It calls to anyone who has ever felt trapped in circumstances. Tears got washed in the rain. His screams echoed around frantically.
Again, the lightning struck, and the two soldiers unarmed facing each other.
We need powerful intellectuals, vociferous human beings to change the mindsets of war mongers.
War creates untold miseries and hatred creates more animosity.
Nancy Goja
Nancy Goja is a passionate writer, poet and retired English teacher originally from Srinagar, Kashmir. With family roots extending to Anantnag and currently based in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, she brings a rich cultural perspective to her creative work. Educated at the University of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh University, Nancy dedicated her professional life to teaching English and nurturing a love for language and literature. Now retired, she devotes her time to her many creative pursuits, including reading, writing, painting and calligraphy. Deeply inspired by her heritage and surroundings, Nancy writes compelling short stories and heartfelt poetry in English, Hindi and Kashmiri. Her literary contributions are regularly featured in Koshur Samachar, Delhi—a highly esteemed trilingual magazine of the Kashmiri community. Nancy's work echoes a deep connection to her roots, a love for languages and an enduring commitment to storytelling.
2 Comments
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Asheesh Goja
Absolutely loved this piece — such a beautifully written story that touches the heart and soul. The way you capture the shared humanity between two soldiers on opposite sides is both powerful and poetic. A poignant reminder that compassion can exist even in the darkest moments of conflict. Thank you for this moving tribute to the human spirit and the silent sacrifices of those in uniform. 🙏
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Beautiful story . So much the need of the hour to reduce hatred and focus on humanity , peace being connected not by religion, caste or creed but by empathy and pain for each other .