Never Leave the Post

Just before sleeping after a hectic day, I was informed that our group has been selected to give the presentations before the guests next day morning. I was left in a dilemma. Again the whole process would be repeated. The matter which was to be presented was fresh in our minds as we had presented it just hours ago. I went to sleep, but, had in the back of my mind the blisters that had developed on the tongue and inner lips. I was not able to speak clearly and fully because of them. I had probably not eaten and drank water enough water for the day making the blisters arise inside my mouth. I sent a message to our group leader about it and told that I may not be able to give the presentations the next day. Then I slept, leaving all other things behind. In morning, during the breakfast, I was informed that my part was taken by another girl and she would be presenting on my behalf. It was ok for me as I was not sure if I would be able to speak clearly and fully. It went on for some hours and then I felt that I should do something of my tongue and mouth and try to present. I did not want to lose this opportunity of presenting in front of the Chief Justice of the state and a former Supreme Court judge. I could just think of the ways I would be able to present by keeping my mouth problems in control. It was still paining a lot. While having been seated for the lecture preceding the presentation, I could remember my school days and the days I spent as the school NCC 2nd IC, the CQMS of our 110 strong platoon. The sentence was mine only that I always used to tell my juniors and fellow cadets. "Never leave the post, one may win or die, but never leave the post." I thought over it for a long time and the next thing was that I told my group mates that I was ready to present. They also agreed. And then, the relevance of films in our lives is immense. I had recently seen this Tamil movie of Suriya, 'Ayaan'. In it, the hero is able to smuggle diamonds by putting a length of chewed chewing gum on a water bottle and then sticking diamonds to it before covering it with the bottle's cover. I bought two chewing gums, ate both of them and after it became flexible; I put it round and round onto my tongue and also covered my inner lips. Now I felt that the feeling of the blisters decreased a lot. I was ready to present and we presented. Though it was a brief presentation this time but the main thing was to be there in that group. I was satisfied and could just imagine the scene if I would have let someone else do my part. Aren’t there many situations in life in which we decide to take the easier and comfortable way and then regret later? It is always better to try for the best and be ready for all challenges. Because old sayings never get old, "where there is a will, there is a way."

Ipsit Acharya

ipsit91@yahoo.co.in

(+91)9090469100