SWNOVELXO Chapter 43: The Republic Day
Chapter : 42;
26/01/1997
4 AM in the Morning
Ahh....Animesh who was sleeping suddenly opened his eyes and looked at the clock, which was showing the exact 4:00. After taking the gene enhancement his eyesight has been increased and he can see even in the dark.
He carefully took his hand back, which was wrapped around Vanshika's waist and her head buried in his chest, curled like a kitten in his arm. Animesh stroked her hair a few times, then gently came out from the bed and then covered her from the blanket.
He freshened himself and then went outside the room and looked in, after which he went to his office.
At his office.
Sir.this is a speech prepared for the flag hoisting ceremony and these are dresses that you will wear in the ceremony.
Sir take the coffee.!" Mahesh passed the cup of warm coffee to him and then took out some files, which are actually the schedule that was required to attend today.
"Any updates?" Animesh asked, while taking the coffee.
"Yes, sir. The arrangements relating to the parade are complete. The final checks relating to security are going on and the President arrives at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by 9 a.m. Your convoy is to leave here by 6:30 a.m. after the flag hoisting ceremony at the Parliament House," the efficient aide replied.
First, he read the speech carefully and then looked at his schedule. He found that he is almost busy today and only has time in the evening after 5 pm.
After some dealing, it was already more than 5:15 AM in the morning, and he will leave for the Rajpath at 5:45 AM, so before that he will go back and meet with Vanshika.
Having completed the preliminary checks in his office, Animesh heaved a deep breath. A hum of silent preparation filled the air as aides scurrying around ensured everything about this day was spot on. Half an hour before he was scheduled to leave for Rajpath with his convoy, he decided to pop back into residence to check on Vanshika.
He went back to his residence office.
He opened the door and went inside; Vanshika lay curled up, still sleeping. Her face looked serene, framed by the loose strands of her hair glinting dimly in the diffused light coming through the window.
Animesh went near her and sat softly on the edge of the bed. Then he slowly and gently brushed a few strands of hair from her face, saying in a soft voice, "Vanshika."
She stirred a bit but didn't wake up. He smiled and leaned closer, whispering, "Vanshika, it's time to wake up. I have to leave soon."
Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked at him groggily. "Hmm. Animesh? What time is it?"
"It's just past 5:15. I need to leave soon for the Republic Day events, but I wanted to see you before I go," he said warmly to her.
Semi-awake, Vanshika sat up slowly and rubbed her eyes. "You woke up so early. You should have let me get up with you." she said grumbling.
"You looked too peaceful to disturb," replied Animesh with a small chuckle. "But you should rest more. It is going to be a long day for both of us. I shall be back this evening."
Vanshika nodded, still sleepy. "Will you be able to eat something before you leave?"
"I'll have something light on the way," said Animesh, getting up. "Don't worry about me, just keep warm and take care of yourself."
As he got ready to leave, Vanshika leaned over and caught his hand. "Animesh. be careful. I know how important it is today, but just. be careful."
He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Always. Don't worry, Vanshika."
With that, he released her hand and walked out of the room, his mind already turning to the tasks ahead.
At 5:45 AM, Animesh was ready, impeccably attired in a dark suit with a jacket, reflecting simplicity and dignity. The convoy rolled out promptly, making its way to Rajpath, where the grand Republic Day parade was scheduled.
The sun began its rise, painting gold the cloudiness above Delhi.
He took a deep breath as the convoy approached the National War Memorial for the wreath-laying ceremony.
8:45 AM
The Rajpath grounds stirred with anticipation, the dignitaries, the contingents of the military, and the citizens waited with bated breath to mark the beginning of this event. The mistiness of a winter January morning still eluded the atmosphere, while the sense of pride of being an Indian filled the entire ambiance.
Animesh arrived at Rajpath at 8:30 AM, his cavalcade halting near the VVIP enclosure. He emerged from the car, smoothed his Nehru jacket, and looked around. On the road were rows of spectators who waved small tricolours. Military bands were stationed at strategic points; the brass instruments shining in the morning sun.
Soon enough, he was escorted to his seat in the VVIP enclosure that was already studded with other dignitaries, ministers, and foreign ambassadors. At 8:55 AM, as the President's motorcade approached the Rashtrapati Bhavan, everybody rose to their feet.
9:00 AM
Presently, the President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, drove in in his black car escorted by the elite Presidential Bodyguard-spruce-clad and on black horses. The clip-clop of hooves doing a slow rhythm made for a grand affair.
Animesh stood there amidst the presence of dignitaries like the Vice President and the Chief of Defence Staff as the President emerged from his car. First to greet him were the military persons at the venue. Then the playing of the national anthem filled the air with unmistakable overtones of patriotism.
Dressed resplendently in an immaculate white sherwani and Gandhi cap, the President walks up to the ceremonial staircase and thence on to the well decorated stage. It is handed to him by the Chief of Defence Staff. Before the flagpole stands the President. At this very juncture, silence happens to emerge.
9:15 AM
Untied the President, with firm hands, the rope, and there emerged the tricolor of India, rose with grace to high blue heavens, an unsullied saffron colour strip on top, white in the middle and a green strip along the bottom.
The audience started clapping under an umbrella of cheer while, above them, the petals of marigold and rose flying in from a hovering helicopter rained on the flag that fluttered magnificently in the wind.
The President bowed to the flag, and the whole assembly after him, bowed. "Jana Gana Mana" - the national anthem started playing again and the whole house became an attentive listener, including Animesh, who sang along: his voice joined with thousands. 9:20 AM
The President, after hoisting the flag, addressed the people and spoke briefly about bonds of unity, progress, and sacrifices that were made to attain freedom. His words touched the minds of the audience as he set the tone of the day's celebrations.
With the President taking his seat, the Republic Day parade began with a 21-gun salute, part of tradition, paying respect to an occasion with the thunderous sound reverberating at Rajpath as the grand procession started.
Next came the contingents of armed forces in their best ceremonial attires, marching past smartly in clockwork precision past the President's dais. It was followed by the tanks, missile systems, and other cutting-edge weaponry of India showcasing its burgeoning military arsenal.
Animesh watched with pride as DRDO showcased their developments, including a model of a new prototype for a fighter jet. Finally, he felt, something he had started doing was beginning to make a difference in the defense of the country.
Next in the program, after the military parade, were the cultural tableaux depicting different states of the country. Each float represented different traditions, art forms, and histories, testifying to the unity in diversity that characterized the nation.
10:30 AM
It finally concluded with the flypast by the Indian Air Force. Screaming fighter jets tore across the sky, spewing trails of saffron, white, and green across the sky above. A surge in clapping erupted from the crowd as a series of jets moved into some formations in aerial acrobatics-a treat to watch, melding skill and patriotism.
As the celebration neared its very end, Animesh looked up toward the flag fluttering in the breeze.
And a smile on his face and the satisfaction of having the first nation-wide celebration.
[This is little bit difficult to write, an dther emay be wrong something, so please point out if it's.
[The president hoisted the flag on republic day and prime did on Independence day.]