My dear children, let me tell you a story. A warrior princess who not just believed in empowerment but proved her metal by conquering her fears than just owning a castle of her own. An elegant soul with a pure heart mesmerized with the beauty of patriotism and valor, who adored her country so much that she decided to give it all. Myself being a coward tried to stop her but she had formulated her decision so firm, I just couldn't stop her. But…the day she wore her uniform for the first time, that very moment, a part of me felt proud of having her in my life. That marked the beginning of her journey striding through all odds. Soon, I realized that she was the one inspiring me and changing my perspective towards life. I took pride in the person I was becoming, all thanks to her! One after the other, badges were added to her uniform just like the feathers in her hat. One fine day, I decided to surprise her by joining the army. I wanted to show her, how blessed I am to have a companion like her in my life. The day I got the letter of my selection, I couldn't contain my excitement. The very next day she was going to visit me.               All good things come to an end, my happiness was shattered when I received her, not in person but in a frozen box. My poor heart knew nothing about the pain experienced when you lose your loved ones. I cried all day. I was finally able to conclude that I am going to walk in her footsteps and make her proud someday.            My dear children, I stand in front of you as a dauntless warrior who once used to get panic-stricken with every little thing. I have nothing more to say but one thing, your mother was my role model and her love kept me going.  Even at night when I look at the stars, I feel her presence so warm, I sleep tight knowing that everything is alright. Go to sleep now. It's getting late!

I woke up one morning, afraid, tense, frightened that the old one had left me, the part of me had vanished and disappeared. Darkness inside me, never faded away like memories walked away from my life. Are they really here? Or just darkness which made me blind. Am i real? Is this all real, the darkness, love? Photographs torn apart, memories are lost, and pieces i am left with, and love, one day it's shining down on you and the next day you're alone and its cold and dark. The one half of darkness repeats the gesture of elation, but the other side of frame is no longer joyous. But for my relief, i somehow discovered that piece of me in people's minds and in their reflection. I believed, that striving towards anything gets you closer to it. "He who thirst for truth or love, becomes a magnet for it." Reality born when you move forward to seek for it. What a person carries inside is what you see and experience. Since nothing cannot be, if you are not ready to accept it. As per Neil Gaiman said "I think hell is also something you carry around with you, not somewhere you go." What's inside you matter. Belief, acceptance, existence is what you carry in yourself and what you attract can change the whole idea and perspective.

I am sitting on the porch and reading a book. My daughter is occupied with her new toy. Everything as usual, but for me somehow, indescribably, different… I remember perfectly well every single detail of that seemingly ordinary day. It was January 7th 2000. My boyfriend and I were sitting in his room and talking about our future. We had been together for five years. I had finished the faculty and started working as a nurse in the local hospital. He was a soldier. He was very ambitious. I liked the way he thought, moved, spoke… He made the world go round. He was very thoughtful, gentlemanly and lovely. We were head over heels in love. While we were talking about our plans, the phone rang. He picked up the phone. The conversation was short. Then, he turned to me and said, “I'll go to Afghanistan.” My face turned white and I was shivering more than ever. “Ah, yes…I mean ok”, I said. He was staring at me. That was a long gaze. Eventually, I opened my mouth to say something, but the lump in my throat didn't allow me. He leaned towards me and kissed me. A tear escaped at the corner of my eye. I was crying. Seven months later, he left. I felt as if he took everything with him leaving me bare. The days were longer and longer. And the time seemed to have stopped. Suddenly I wasn't feeling well. I had nausea every morning and constant temperature every night. I was pregnant and after eight months Helen was born. People were quick to gloat over my troubles. I was young, without a husband but with a daughter. The rumours spread rapidly but I didn't take a notice of that. I realised that I had everything – I had a daughter with the man I loved. It is January 7th 2004. The air is motionless, tepid and thick. Yes, that was how it smelled when we were together. Tired of reading I am looking ahead of me now. I see a man in a green-grey uniform moving towards us. I am standing with Helen beside me. The corners of my mouth are turning into a big smile. I am not alone!