The Lunch

"Kandhoon se milte hai kandhe .... Kadmoon se kadam milte hai........... Hum chalte hai jab aise toh dil dushman ke hilte hai........." as the song aired on HOMP and my favourite Rocky and Mayur appeared on the show with there special edition of Jai Hind, i was ecstatic and all excited.The previous edition of there show where they had the sumptuous meal along with our army men used to leave me a little envy.But now even i can boast about having a lunch with the warriors of our nation, in there style, in there chivalrous manner.So here goes the story of how i got a chance to be part of the party being hosted by them........... The army platoon, as they call it celebrates a day called Barkhana day when they interact with the civil people they work with and host a lunch.A day when they come out like civilians (not in uniform) and spend some time with there family and friends and colleagues.This year only few people were invited and me being there gudiya( they call me so.........) could not miss it. It started sharp at 1 Oclock.Discipline -This quality is something which i have always admired in these people in uniform and would like to have it also.Every thing from high ranker's to even nonliving things like plates and spoons move in discipline.On time arrived the commander and behind him other distinguished guests.We all got up from our seats , where as the jawans went ahead ,all in one go saluting there officer with a loud "Jai Hind" .As these words reached my year i was filled with a sense of pride.On the other hand ,I was starving and eagerly waiting for the lunch to proceed.Everybody took there seats and then began The Lunch.To my surprise it started with pegs of vodka and whisky.(for people like me soft drinks were provided )Then it was the starter time ,and came in a tray full of baked groundnuts , french fries and bhajiyas.Again to my surprise a round of drinks.(Unfortunately not for ladies :P )Then it was time for the main course.A time where its ladies first.And there gudiya was the first one to start.It was buffet system ,the cutlery all placed in order , neatly on the table.I was told the food was prepared by the men themselves.It had poori, chole,baghra baigan, vegetable pulao and gulab jamun.It was a sumptuous meal with chole best liked by my taste buds.The thing which took most of my attention was there hand wash arrangement.Till date i have not seen the kind of portable hand wash stand they have.Simple ,neat, meeting the purpose and yet stylish stand with a mirror and a towel stand beside it.Men in uniform i had heard ,know very well how to fulfill there needs to the fullest.This was the best example i had ever seen.They had themselves made it ,with there welding skills and locally available material. O.k enough on hand wash stand , let me proceed.Next what came in line was the "mukhwaas".(pan, saup and toothpicks). And so the lunch came to an end. I was left wondering , it was lunch -with same dishes usually found, but then it was special .It was actually the presence of these men, who sweat out to protect us that had made this lunch a special event. There gudiya is very grateful to them for inviting her.She was pleased by there special care. and now ................its time for a big salute Jai Hind !!!