His phone ranged midnight, he woke up out of no surprise. It was a call from his senior. He murmured on phone, the only words audible were “Yes, I will be there in 10”.

Both the children were in deep sleep. His wife knew he has to go. Hiding her concerns, she helped him with his watch, wallet and belt. He dressed up and left for his office.

It was 6.30am when he returned back home. His daughter just woke up and the son was still sleeping. The wife ran out of the kitchen shouting “Hey honey is that you?”, “Yeah” he said.

Wife asked out of curiosity “How was that?” He said “Good” just before his daughter jumped into his lap saying “Daddy It’s my Parent-Teacher Meet in school today at 2pm.”

“Will you come?” She asked enthusiastically. “Off Course darling, I will” he replied in an affectionate voice.

“And what about our Ooty Plans? this time no excuse daddy” the daughter said in a commanding tone. “No, It’s impossible to get tickets now,” he winked at his wife as he said to tease her.

He took bath, had his breakfast and rested for some time. At 8.30am he left for Railway Station ticket window, waited for his number in a long queue. The tatkal window got opened at 10am. Finally he managed to get two confirmed and two waitlsted tickets to Coimbatore.

Went to St. Teresa’s, to get admission form for his son who has just turned five last month and is now seeking admission for the first standard. St. Teresa is a tough school to get admission. Bought some vegetables and fruits from nearby market.

He reached Daughter’s school on time. Met her class teacher and other subject teachers. He sat in the second last row to attend the cultural program.

When he stood up to leave, a group of children performing a skit on freedom fighters sang these lines.

ए शहीद-ए-मुल्को-मिल्लत मैं तेरे ऊपर निसार, अब तेरी हिम्मत का चर्चा गैर की महफ़िल में है।

He Stopped, thought something in a pause, smiled, clapped and left.

Wife back home was watching the news of Indian Air-strike on Pakistan by 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets last night. Killing more than 300 JeM Terrorists in various launchpads in Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad.

While the nation is oozing in joy on the brave act of our IAF pilots.

Our heroes. Those 12 faceless men, the pilots. Lived their normal lives. Lived in disguise.

Never demanding never complaining.

Hats off.