As the nation adorned itself in the tricolor hues of hope and freedom on the 15th of August, the echoes of patriotism resonated across every street, every home.

The 77th Independence Day was being celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm, as citizens paid homage to the day when the shackles of colonial rule were broken, and India stood tall in the world as a sovereign nation.

On this occasion, I found myself immersed in a memory that never fails to evoke a smile – a memory that reflects the beauty of serendipity intertwined with our struggle for independence.

Reminiscing transports me to the past.

The reminiscence takes me back to a time when I was entrusted with responsibilities at the Muzaffarpur branch. It was the day when our bank, much like the rest of the country, would hoist the tricolor in a symbolic gesture of unity and freedom.

The air was infused with the fragrance of patriotism, and the corridors of our bank reverberated with joyous conversations and the clinking of sweet boxes being exchanged, encapsulating the spirit of the occasion.

Yet, amidst the festive atmosphere, a memory stands out, etched vividly in my mind. This memory paints a vivid portrait of determination and an unexpected twist of fate. I recall my role as the custodian of the branch during those days when the branch

the manager was on leave, and I held the fort in his absence.

Weekend Travelling to Patna

My routine involved traveling to my home in Patna every Saturday evening, returning to the branch on the following Monday. This time, however, destiny had a surprise in store as Independence Day graced a Saturday. The idea of celebrating the day with my family warmed my heart, and I envisioned myself hoisting the flag and then embarking on my journey home. However, the practical challenge lay ahead – who would lower the flag in the evening?

Just as I contemplated this concern, a glimmer of serendipity shone through the words of our vigilant branch guard. He proposed, “You needn’t worry. I’ll take down the flag in the evening and ensure its safekeeping within the branch premises.”

His residence was just a stone’s throw away, making his proposition both practical and heartening. Eagerly agreeing to this arrangement, I left for Patna after the flag was hoisted, enveloped in anticipation of a memorable celebration.

A twist of fate unfold

Yet, as the day progressed, a twist of fate unfolded. The guard fell prey to a fever that rendered him incapacitated for the evening duty. With no modern means of communication, his resourcefulness shone as he passed on my home phone number to a neighbor, who conveyed the message through a trunk call.

As I received this piece of news, it was already 5 PM, leaving me with a mere hour to ensure the flag’s respectful descent.

Caught in a dilemma, my thoughts oscillated between reaching Muzaffarpur in time and the potential repercussions of an unresolved flag issue. Ultimately,

I decided to return to the branch

I decided to return to the branch, though anxiety gripped me during the bus journey. With every passing minute, I worried about the looming disaster if the flag remained unattended beyond dusk.

The clock struck 8 PM as I reached the branch, only to discover the flag missing from its familiar perch. My heart sank, panic bubbling within me.

However, a ray of hope emerged in the form of Madan Babu, the kind soul who owned the building housing our branch. His calm demeanor and kind eyes exuded reassurance as he inquired, “Weren’t you supposed to be in Patna? What brings you here now?”

the tale of the missing flag

In response, I narrated the tale of the missing flag. His laughter followed, accompanied by a heartwarming revelation. Madan Babu had taken it upon himself to remove the flag, foreseeing its lowering in the evening.

His act of serendipitous intervention had preserved the sanctity of the tricolor, saving the day and lifting a heavy burden from my shoulders.

In this confluence of responsibility and chance, a lesson emerged. The memory of that day, etched with the brushstrokes of coincidence and kindness, never fails to ignite a smile within me.

Every Independence Day, as the nation paints itself in the colors of liberty, I am reminded of this incident, a poignant reminder that sometimes, life orchestrates its magic, leaving us with nothing but a smile of gratitude.

JAI HIND …. JAI HIND …. JAI HIND

BE HAPPY….BE ACTIVE….BE FOCUSED….BE ALIVE…

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Categories: infotainment

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