October 2019

Pune

The morning breeze could be felt and the sound of crickets can be heard in the early hours of morning. How early, one might ask, well as early as 4 'O' clock in the morning, but you might have to say 400 hours. Reason will be unfolded in a few words.

Where some are lulled in their world of dreams, some might be struggling with early morning revisions. While some are busy with early morning worships, some might be doing their morning fitness regime. Yet in few parts of country, and currently in the city of Pune, away from the main city, a place can be seen with a huge board with the words, "Air Force Station, Pune."

A girl in her early thirties with dark brown eyes and almost with a no nonsense attitude, adorning track suit, as provided by the IAF with her hair twisted in a perfect bun, can be seen running on the road that stretches about 7 kilometres, following her Wing Commander Mr. Sagar Roy and leading approx 150 soldiers behind her, of the ranks below her.

She is Squadron Leader Monami Mahajan, serving Indian Airforce from the age of 21, right after clearing her degree of an Aeronautical Engineer, from IIT Mumbai. She was enrolled in NCC since her 9th standard. Courtesy of her this intense passion and dedication goes to her father, who himself is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, Deepak Mahajan. Having full support from her family and best friends, she broke the stereotypical shackles of the society and driven by her determination, she cleared the AFCAT exam and score AIR-5. In the history of India, she is the only female officer who is serving at the position of a Squadron Leader. For this position of Squadron Leader, she first served the defence with her commendable services for 2.5 years and the got the promotion from a flying officer to Flight Lieutenant. And then, eventually after 6 years of her service as a Flight Lieutenant, she got her promotion and rose at the position at which she is serving today. The path she chose was definitely not a path full of roses, if anything it was only thorns. And the biggest thorn was staying as a only female officer in the group of males, some who considered themselves as the might Alpha. It was a sight to see when she passed out as the best trained officer and it was no surprise to her few friends, who were genuinely her well wishers. But it was not the only thing, she even had to fight to get herself trained to reach at the level she is today. She had to face the constant struggle to change into the uniform in the men's changing room because apparently, there was only one which was provided to them. She know this that she won't be able to work for IAF for more than 14 years but still she wanted to prove herself capable that she can do it and she did.

In today's times, she is one of the most finest and respected female officers out there. Even the typical male chauvinism failed in front of her skills, strength and courage. She is one of those people, who not only at her air base or defence as an entire area but to the entire country, is looked upon as an inspiration.

A whistle could be heard around 5 by the Wing Commander, to reach back to the ground and start with their routine training before picking up the exercises, they left a day ago.

"Officer Mahajan, once done with today's drills report in my cabin at sharp 1000 hours (10 'O' clock), with the file, we've discussed the day before yesterday. I expect that you are well informed about all the details and necessary information. We cannot afford to miss out even a single detail." Commanded the Wing Commander, Sagar Roy.

"Yes, commander. I've done the complete study and the required research has been conducted too. The strategies and paper plan from my side are ready for your approach as well." Monami briefed her senior.

"As expected, officer, you never disappoint me." Sagar never failed to appreciate Monami. Continuing the conversation, he further asked, "Have you been told about today's flying schedule?"

"Thank you, Commander. No sir, Vidyut is yet to put the schedule on the board." Monami replied.

Time skip after the main agenda of the meeting has been discussed.

Monami was chosen as the officer who'll be going as the representative for the meeting regarding the new strategies. "Sir, about the Jodhpur Air Force Station, am I still the one who'll be going for the briefing? Commander Shekhawat has been informed about this sudden meeting?"

Nodding in agreement, Sagar gave some information. "Yes officer, it has been done and he was the one who specifically asked for your presence, given to the fact that you're one of the most intelligent officers we have, especially in terms of strategic planning. You'll be leaving next Friday and the entire situation may take up your time till Sunday."

"Roger that, commander. Sir, can my leave application from Sunday till Thursday from my casual leaves, be granted." Monami asked, still maintaining a neutral countenance.

"I don't see why it can't. You've not taken any leave in the past 18 months due the ongoing training program. You can submit your application within next 60 minutes." Sagar affirmed.

"Sure sir, thank you." Monami nodded her head, with a small right lipped smile.

"That would be all. You can leave." Said officer Roy, continuing with his marking on the files that were previously discussed.

"Jai Hind Sir." Monami stood up and saluted.

"Jai Hind." Sagar reverted back.

While Monami walks out of the room she takes a breath of relief as these meetings can be really tiresome. But then suddenly a spark of happiness gets ignited in her as she realised that in mere 5 hours she'll be talking to her family after a week. Albeit, she has gotten used to this chain of
sometimes regular and other times irregular phone calls and meet ups with her family, she dearly misses the same.

After she submitted her leave application, she immediately drifted to the changing room, knowing well that all the male officers have must left by now, aware that it's her time. She quickly went in and changed into the uniform required for flying. She collected her Helmet and gloves and made a move to the ground. As she was walking down the corridor, she could see her juniors saluting her and she reverted back with a nod.

As she reached the ground, she checked her schedule and with whom it is scheduled. Squadron Leader Monami Mahajan is a sight while flying, with Fighter Plane under her control. The officers get really excited when their flight is scheduled with the co-pilot as efficient as Monami. No doubt they are scared of her, but they know she'll never tell them anything that's not fruitful for them.

As the wheels of the plane touched the surface of the ground again, she landed the plane and moved out of it, simultaneously removed her helmet and gloves, meanwhile, her co - pilot for the day, Flying Officer Aftab reached her.

"It was a great experience with you, ma'am. Even more than what I've heard from others. I hope to learn a lot from you in this upcoming week." Aaftab, who was completely floored by the skills and the new teachings of the officer, complemented his senior sincerely.

"You were good officer; you just need to work on your hand control a little more in the steeper areas like today. And yes, I'll be training you for only on the Tuesday and Thursday and it'll be continued from the next Friday then. See you on ground on Tuesday, and welcome onboard." Monami nodded and said, while holding her helmet and gloves in the curve of her left hand.

"Sure ma'am. Thank you. Jai Hind." Aaftab saluted.

"Jai Hind." Monami said.

After that she left for her room to get finished with the chores in her to do list before it's the time for that one thing she looks forward to everyday, but mostly Sunday. Because that's the only day, albeit half she gets time for herself and her family.

|~|~|~|~|

So this was a brief insight into the life of Monami. I hope you enjoyed reading.

Note- I've tried to give as accurate information I can, but then too since it's a fictional story it is bound to have some loopholes. Feel free to correct!

Vote & Comment.

Much Love,
Nehal.