The Promise on the Flying Machine

• Ravi Ila Bhatt

In a bustling town near the salt deserts of Kutch, two best friends named Dev and Kabir lived right next door to each other. They did everything together—from sharing thepla at school recess to flying kites during Uttarayan. When they grew up, their dream of protecting people came true: they both joined the Indian Border Security Force, guarding the desert borders.
One blazing summer afternoon, a massive sandstorm swept across the border outpost. The wind howled, blinding everyone with stinging dust, and a sudden emergency required their team to move quickly through a treacherous, rocky canyon. Amidst the chaos and zero visibility, Dev and Kabir’s unit was caught in a dangerous rockslide.
When the dust finally settled and the squad gathered at the safe zone, Dev looked around frantically. Kabir was missing. He had been at the back of the line.
Dev ran straight to his senior officer, Captain Chauhan. "Sir! Kabir is still out there in the canyon. The rocks are unstable, and the storm is returning. I need to go back and get him!"
Captain Chauhan looked at the darkening sky and the crumbling canyon walls. He shook his head grimly. "Dev, it’s too dangerous. The rocks are still falling, and it has been over an hour. Even if you make it through, Kabir was right under the main slide. It’s of no use. Your friend must be dead by the time you reach him. I cannot risk losing you too."
But Dev’s heart wouldn't let him stay. He looked the Captain in the eye and said, "Sir, he is my brother. I have to go."
Before the Captain could stop him, Dev tied a safety rope around his waist and dashed back into the dangerous, dusty canyon. He climbed over giant boulders, his hands getting cut and bruised. The wind screamed, and small rocks rained down around him, but Dev kept shouting, "Kabir! Kabir!"
After what felt like an eternity, Dev spotted a flash of the olive-green uniform beneath a pile of heavy stones. He threw the rocks aside with all his strength. Kabir was there, breathing very faintly, badly crushed and injured.
Dev carefully lifted his heavy, unconscious friend onto his strong shoulders. Standard protocol didn't matter right now—only his friend did. Gritting his teeth against the pain and exhaustion, Dev carried Kabir all the way back to the base camp, collapsing into the medical tent just as the storm peaked.
The army doctor rushed over, checked Kabir’s pulse, and slowly shook his head. Kabir had passed away just moments before they reached safety.
Captain Chauhan walked into the tent, placing a heavy hand on Dev’s trembling shoulder. He felt deeply sorry, but he said softly, "I am so sorry, Dev. But I told you it would be worthless. He is gone. You risked your life for nothing."
Dev wiped the tears from his dusty cheeks, looked at his best friend’s peaceful face, and smiled through his tears.
"No, Sir," Dev replied, his voice filled with pride. "It was worth everything. When I finally reached him and lifted the rocks, Kabir opened his eyes for just a brief second. He looked at me, smiled the biggest smile, and whispered his very last words: 'I knew you would come, Dev.'"
Dev took a deep breath and said, "Sir, knowing that he died happy, knowing his best friend didn't leave him behind… that made every single step worth it."
Moral:
Some people are worth taking risk and always value feelings of friends and family and be there. Even a small act can be reason for someone smile.