It was a bright morning, sparkling lamps enlightening the dusk. Divine resonation of the temple bell and charming kids in the roads, bursting crackers all over. Yes, it was a festive morning. Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights celebrated over the Indians.
I, the Station Fire Officer, put on my uniform, called the boys for morning drill. And we all know that day was an important day and we have to be ready. I’m on my boots walking to and fro in the corridor of the fire and rescue service station. Though the squad was dispersed and at ease, we are all waiting for that first fire call of the day!
Meanwhile, we are getting wishes over messages and calls from our own families and friends. And then my wife called, to know my availability for the festive prayer at home. She knew that I wouldn’t be able to come, but had a poor expectation. My firemen exercised their timings and had a small break, spending time with their family on this auspicious day. But I being the Officer in charge, can expect any excuses and I never did.
After an hour she called me again asking the count of people in the office, for packing the breakfast. My wife and my son brought us a feast. We were all seated and ready for the morning breakfast in our locker room. We got our plates filled with the sweets and some starters.
Then we heard that sound from the control room. The telephone was ringing, heartbeat started racing for all of us! The control team in-charge rushed to the phone and answered. It was a fire call from the east side of the city, obviously due to the crackers. He started ringing the alarm and the team seated for the feast started rushing to their lockers for the fire suits and dashing to the truck and the siren started wailing. All these acts happened within a minute and we’ve all boarded in the fire engine to attend the fire call!
My wife and my son were staring at us. I can read the face with mixed emotions. That was overwhelming and hard to resist. But someone’s family is fighting for their lives in the east! They do have children and other emotions to share. No one can help them when their life is at stake. But we do, the firefighters! The mission will not be successful all time and we miss some lives in worse situations but never fail to sacrifice ours. The siren wailing over my head gave me a positive vibe and confidence, I started cheering up the boys, that is what they needed at that moment. With all the faith and prayers we headed towards the fire accident zone for the first rescue mission.
The Fire Fighter.