Excited, riding on cloud
nine, I left for my air force medical. After all clearing the SSB in final year
of your college was nothing small. Unaware of what destiny had planned. I had
it all decided, my future, my swimming classes before I join in for training.
Fit and fine who would have even thought that I could get rejected at this
minor step.
My friends and relatives
were congratulating me, passing on salutes to me. This was funny but I had even
chatted with my friends about spending my first salary. I was dreaming day and
night of my life after July in those sky blue shirts, navy blue caps and with
badges shining, adorning my shoulders.
I conferred my friends
about the haircut I should get. I was being advised on about everything from
everyone about what do I shop, booking tickets and everything I would have
needed there. Medical passed and there came the day of results, I was informed
of my rejection. I wanted to cry my eyes out in front of my mates but couldn't.
They told me I was so brave, to hold up like this. Who knew I was cut into
pieces from inside, my mind was whirling around, going crazy, unable to swallow
the reason.
The nonsensical reason they gave was that I had a well laser-ed retina, which had nothing to do with my eyesight and which according to every
civilian doctor plus some army people was no basis for a rejection. I have eyes
which can see as good as any other pair of eyes but are not perfect for defense as they
haven’t made rules about that yet said the lady doctor at the base camp
hospital. One thing which she didn't answer was then what about my hopes and
dreams.
Well they went down the road too because the excitement and courage I showed
once is lost somewhere amid these exerted rules where unfit stands no chance.
Who do I blame for my weakness, I have no clue. But I know one thing which I learned
is you go miles before you sleep, I will reach my star someday and there is
long time before I go to sleep.
