A father's love isn't something you can see with your eyes, it's something which can only be seen with your heart in the most precious moment of your life.

A Father's Love

"So, you are coming na for my Passing Out Parade?" he asked his mother, staring at his crisp uniform.

"Yes, we all are coming. Even Aradhna has managed to take leave to be there for your special day, along with Anshuman. And yes, Riana's coming as well."
His mother calmly replied.

And Papa... he wanted to ask. But then refrained himself. His father had been transferred to Delhi headquarters, and he didn't know if his father would take a day leave to attend this big day of his life. He did attend his NDA Passing Out Parade or POP, where Samar had won Silver medal. Maybe he would come this time, too.

"Oh okay, Maa. I'll see you guys next week." he said before ending the call.

His continued to stare at his uniform, the one he'd wear for the pipping and oath-taking ceremony, with the stars. After four long years of hardwork, grit, dedication and determination, he was now just a week away from becoming an officer of the Indian Army. It indeed make him feel great and contended. His hardwork would pay him off when he'd become Lieutenant Samar Rathore from GC Samar Rathore, just after a week.

But somewhere, he wasn't joyous. Probably, because though, he'd become a part of the Indian Army, the fact that his relationship with his father hadn't changed even a bit, slightly saddened him. Yet, he knew his father was never to be blamed for it.

The time that he had spent at the Academies, had made him understand what it actually meant to be an officer. The pressure is immense, the work load is crushing, the expectations are Gargantuan, and the responsibilities are endless. It made perfect sense to him now why his father wasn't able to ever play the role that nature had bestowed him with. He had to choose, between his family at home and his family at the borders, and Samar knew his father had chosen the family which needed him the most.

He no longer had any complaints against his father. He knew his father had responsibilities on his shoulders, of not just protecting his nation, but also his men who were under him. And somewhere fulfilling his responsibilities, he had to let go of all the precious family time, he was entitled to, including the father-son bonding.

Samar could now understand everything his father had to sacrifice, in order to play the role he was selected for. And Samar respected his father for this, much more than before!
Yet, he wished their relationship could change a little. But, he knew the wall between them was still prudent, and there wasn't a chance for it to fade away. Simply because both the people need to be willing for the wall to disappear and their relationship to become unstrained.

His phone buzzed and his chain of thoughts broke. Riana was calling him. He smiled and received the call; and continued to talk for some minutes before going to sleep.

The week passed soon, and he was all set for the Passing Out Parade. Dressed in his parade uniform, he saw his reflection in the mirror. The glee on seeing himself in this uniform was indescribable. It was something he couldn't find words to describe. And he knew, when his stars would be unveiled, his happiness and the joy of accomplishment would increase 10 folds.

"Let's go, Samar. It's time." his coursemate informed.

"Sure." he said, glancing once more at his reflection.

He saw his family settled in the front row of the battalion enclosure, infront of the Chetwode Building where the parade was supposed to take place on the drill square. A sense of delight added to his newfound excitement as he saw his father, all dressed in his uniform, along with his sister and brother-in-law, both of who were in their uniforms as well. His mother and girlfriend were also seated there, and this seemed to motivate him even more. He passed them a gleeful smile and joined the formations, where he was supposed to lead the company.

The parade was splendid! The three weeks that were spent in making it perfect, seemed gratifying to the GCs, who were now Lieutenants. The families of the now Lieutenants were beaming with pride and happiness, their sons, brothers, fiancés, boyfriends, were now a part of the Indian Army.

Samar had again managed to win a medal, this time a gold medal, based on his overall merits. His family's applauded for him. His mother shed a few tears as well during the Parade, her baby was a man now. It indeed was a proud moment for her to see her son lead his company with the sword in his hands. His girlfriend and sister both couldn't stop smiling, and his brother-in-law appeared impressed. But it was only his father, who eyes were beaming enough to convey how moved he was! Samar did notice that!

The Lieutenants left to change their uniforms, while the families moved to Somnath Stadium, where the pipping and oath taking ceremony would take place.

Samar's family reached the Stadium soon and waited for him. His father looked around for his son, as the new officers approached their families.

"Papa."
Vikram felt a tap on his shoulder and heard Samar's voice.

His father turned around to see Samar in his uniform, the stars yet to be unveiled. His father turned to his wife, whose eyes were moist, again.

"You were amazing, Samar! I'm so proud of you." his mother told him.

"Yes, Fau... Lieutenant Sa'ab, you were just awesome! I'm so honoured to be present here today." his girlfriend gushed.

"You should prepare yourself, Riana, there are gonna be many more such moments to come in future." his sister spoke to his girlfriend, her cheerfulness obvious.

"Acha, I think we should complete the pipping ceremony now." Samar's brother-in-law suggested. The ladies nodded.

"Papa?" Samar approached his father. "Won't you unveil my stars?" His eyes turned slightly teary. Standing tall infront of his father, his grace seemed nothing compared to his father's, and he seemed happy about it as well.

Vikram stared at him, too overwhelmed to speak. Though, Vikram had never openly shown his love for his younger child, today he indeed was proud of him! He was august to see his son, a man now, standing with his head held high. Just as much glorified and gratified as he felt when his daughter became an officer, he felt the same now.

"Yes, I will, my son." he said, his voice cracking.

Samar smiled, and turned to his mother. "And you, Maa?"

"Of course, Samar. Come here." she gestured to stand to her right.

He moved to his mother's right, and his parents pipped him. His stars unveiled, his was now a Lieutenant, officially. All he felt was unexplainable elation. And the look of exhilaration on his family members' faces, added to his felicity.

"Lieutenant Samar Rathore," his father said, "I'm proud of you, son! You don't know how exuberant and delectable I feel to see you here, with the stars on your shoulders. I'm really honoured to be your father."

Overwhelmed, Samar hugged his father. For the first time, he felt it was his father, who was so elated today. It was contending and his happiness knew no bounds!

"Thank you, Papa!" he cried.

His father patted his back. The wall between them seemed to disappear in this moment. Both father and son knew, the wall would never appear again. They won't let it strain their relationship again!

The Lieutenants were summoned some minutes later for the oath-taking ceremony. The Adjutant made them take the oath. The new batch of officers, vowed to protect their nation till their last breath and do the ultimate sacrifice. The families of the officers admired their sons, proud, again.

Vikram watched his son repeat the words of oath, and felt elated. Though, he hadn't been much around his kids during their childhood, he loved them dearly. His younger child Samar, whom he purposely acted strict with, just to prepare him for the harsh and strict environment of the Academies, had fulfilled his foremost responsibility of joining the Indian Army. He couldn't be anymore exuberant now that both of his kids were part of the fraternity, he had pledged to serve and be loyal to, many years ago. He was glad to see his kids carry his legacy forward, with both honesty and pride.

Once the oath-taking ended, the Lieutenants congratulated each other and did push-ups, danced together and exchanged hugs. They were parting now, but with some of the most cherish memories.

Samar rejoined his family, once again congratulated. His father passed him a heartwarming smile, which for Samar, was the biggest reward! In his heart, he made a promise to not let his relationship with his father change, and make him and his family members even more prouder by doing his best!

A/N: So, here's the last part. Hope you all liked it! Do vote and comment! :) ❤

I'm taking a short break from this series, to complete the editing of my completed book, The Story of Us: His Destiny which I've submitted for Your Story India contest.

This series is going to have at least 7 more short stories, with next three being based on female officers. Please do read them, whenever I publish them!! :) ❤