The iconic characters - 2

Dear Sehmat,

We’ve watched many patriotic movies till date; they’re amazingly awesome but when it comes to your story, it’s the pursuit of a dream which your father had throughout his life. A normal girl who merely had a talent other than remembering the phone numbers ended up being a patriot who juggled between the duties of a caring wife, an obedient daughter and a fearless spy.

The days during your training were the days that broke you emotionally but prepared you for the future. A girl who used to shiver after hearing the sound of a bullet actually shot a person while serving her purpose. From saving the life of a squirrel to intruding the brigedier’s office, you had always been risking your life. It is said that, “Marriage lets you annoy one special person for the rest of your life.” You had no choice for choosing that special person. We can’t even imagine the feeling of marrying an army officer; not of our native country but of a rival country. “Main kar lungi, Papa.”, you said to your father, Hidayat Khan who devoted all his life to the nation.

The hustle of sending the texts in a morse code without being noticed and putting efforts to get attached with the family must have been the toughest tasks for you. We must say that luck had favoured you once. Your husband, Iqbal was really a gem of a person. People do say that arrange marriages suck but you both proved them wrong. He gave you all the space that you wanted, both physically and mentally. We still remember the moment when you were sending the messages from the bathroom and Iqbal was about to enter. The presence of mind that you showed was exceptional. Having a guilt of breaking husband’s trust with the fear of getting caught constantly kept lingering in your mind. When he knew your secret, that poor fellow actually told you to shoot him. Sometimes, life really becomes ruthless. Doesn’t it? You told him firmly with the cold eyes and steady hands, “ Watan ke aage kuch bhi nahi. Khud bhi nahi. ”

There are many people in our history who don’t get any medal or recognition. We don’t even know their names. They just leave behind their memories on our country’s flag. We’re very thankful to Meghna Gulzar for presenting your life before us graciously through the lenses. You were really phenomenal throughout the life. We salute to your hardwork, perseverance and immense patriotism. Harinder Sikka has penned some really beautiful lines about you in his novel ‘Calling Sehmat’.

“Jis din mera allah raazi hoga..

Woh din bhi kya kamaal ka hoga..

Jo namumkin hai duniya ki nazron mein..

Kal wo khwab mera beshak mukammal hoga..”  

  

Jai Hind.

                                                                                    - Shreyas Wakankar