It was a very tearful union for Bhagwati and my father. It was long four years where he did not return to village and he was almost given up for dead. A strong Bhagwati who used to wrestle several strong men in a single bout was a mere shadow of his previous self. He was thin and emaciated. His unshaven face was able to hide some of his hollow points in his face but it was clear that everything was not well.
What was troubling my father was that almost after every sentence he spoke, he had a bout of cough and he was becoming breathless. His return too was almost six months after the war was over. This was something which was still unexplained.
Almost the entire village gathered in front of my father’s house. My grandfather was already discussing for the festivities with the village sweetmeat vendor. His son had returned after so many years when he was almost given up for dead. Chandra was old enough to feel shy in the presence of so many people and kept attempting to get closer to Bhagwati.
Somehow, my father still was uneasy looking at the health of Bhagwati as he did not like anyone even coming near to him. He kept telling everyone that he needs rest and will sit in the evening to tell his stories of war.
It was not before evening that the crowd thinned. The story of Bhagwati reaching back reached other villages too by that time and constant stream of visitors continued. The tea shop owner at the station shut his shop and was constantly present at the house telling everyone he met that he was the first to spot Bhagwati.

Popularity: 70% [?]