I would not have been commissioned if it was not for Ramu!
Everyone knows that in final term I had lots of difficulties in passing my 10 mile test. Many of my course mates still call me Langda Tyagi for this reason! At the fag-end of second term and before the POP, most of the time I was limping!
Only few know that during the WT competition I had a fall from the high beam and suffered shin bone fracture. This injury takes about 15 days complete bed rest to properly heal up. But if anything, time was the commodity which was at the highest premium! Everyone was preparing for passing out parade and instructors were hard pressed to see that every cadet passes all the tests. Our DS was also under tremendous pressure and got me discharged only after 3 days.
Soon 10 mile test started and I ran with heavy dose of painkillers and crepe bandages. When everyone was running I was barely able to crawl! Soon entire course was running ahead of me and I could see many of them taking rides. I also got tempted but kept on assuring myself that with will power I can do it. Slowly the effect of painkillers was reducing and my shin started paining like hell. It was such a surprise for me to see myself crossing the finishing line. But determination can take you only this far and when I opened my eyes, I saw myself on the same bed of MH which was vacated by me 3 days back.
Our DS appeared to me like the Messenger of devil when I saw him again in the MH to get me discharged. Two days later there was another test for 10 miles run. This time I was prepared with double the dose of painkillers and extra crepe bandages. Few of my advisors also suggested to take a 'Joint' before running which I declined.
Halfway through, Late PR Deshmukh, who was running alongside me took ride on cycle and cajoled me also to do likewise. I shouted back to get down and warned him that he will get relegated if caught. Deshmukh was with me in SSB and I had good bonding with him. At the turn when he was still on the career of the cycle and I was struggling behind him on foot once again I shouted for him to get down or else he will be relegated.
Hardly I took the turn that I saw our DS on horseback and Priya Ranjan was standing in front of him with his head down.
Oh my God! He got caught red handed!!
I was also asked to stand by his side but I refused telling our DS that I will fail in the test if I stop. he shouted back that in any case, "You are going to fail because you are running very late and cannot reach finishing line in time".
I don't know what did I say? Maybe I mumbled few words that I don't care failing... at least I will try my best...or something thing like that.
I was at the culvert of river Adyar wherefrom we used to enter OTA for reaching the finishing line. In the middle of the culvert I stumbled and fell down. The last ounce of the energy I had was drained out of my body. My legs were hurting and I was unable to focus.
From distance I could hear cheering-up sounds... "Last hundred metres, buckup... you ass hole, get up...you would complet 10 mile even if you just crawl!"
And I did crawl few meters...got up with what ever energy I had and fell unconscious at the finishing line.
Deja Vu!
Same bed again was waiting for me and I was waiting for our DS as I was sure he will get me discharged soon. Did he disappoint me?
Cut to my barrack...getting up in the middle of night 'cause of bad dream...some one was plucking my stars! Same dream I had in hospital also.
Early in the morning Ramu came to me. Before joining OTA, I did my LLB from Agra College. He was also from Agra (Bah Tahsil), though I do not remember name of his village...may be Bateshwar or some thing.
So both were from Agra and that was my spacial connect with him in the begining. I called him Daddu (Elder Brother) and till last he remained to me - Elder Brother!
His purpose of early morning visit was soon known to me. He told me that he will run with me tomorrow. I was shocked! Why would some one bother to run 10 miles when he has already passed his own test. He also could have enjoyed his free time. At that time, there was supposed to be only POP practice.
He insisted and explained that as pace-setter he will run alongside so that I pass the test. He encouraged that there was nothing wrong with me so far as stamina and will power is concerned and that only issue was the timing. His inimitable style of argument and comforting did motivate me.
Next day morning very few cadets, may be not more than six were to run for the test. Ramu was there, away from start line but in battle order minus his rifle.
Soon we were halfway through and Ramu was in his abusive best! I was at receiving end. He kept on showering his choicest best and were those stinging...nay, those were blistering!
Few pushes and shoves for good measures....and I was also giving him back as good as I was getting. I was in pain, I was angry and I was delirious. But did I finish the test?
I was laying at finishing line of 10 miles test and I got I kick...Ramu, who else...shouting to get up and do fireman race. I managed to do that and do not know whom I was carrying? I threw him at finishing line and passed out!
If it wasn't for Ramu, I don't know if I could pass my ten miles test. Who knows, I would have been a civilian and not a veteran today?
I owe so much to Ramu, specially my commissioning!
Rest in peace Daddu!
