@YasminRashid 10 March 2022

Short Story There was still one hour remaining for the sun to rise when the non stop siren of alarm woke Mr Ahmed up. Continuing his everyday morning schedule Mr Ahmed freshened himself up and grabbed the prayer mat to offer Fajr prayer. The repeated prayer for years still echoed around the four walled room; the prayer of peace and prosperity for the homeland. Revolving around the beauty of his prayer Mr Ahmed didn't notice Ayan entering his room. "Grandson, What brought you here?"questioned Mr Ahmed. " Grandpa, I have my school project due about defence day and I find myself short of words about the people who lost their lives that day, therefore, I want you to help me with this ."Said Ayan. An abrupt silence covered up the room and Mr Ahmed felt blank he was out of words. The only sentence kept on repeating itself in Mr Ahmed's thoughts was "who lost their lives". This statement was powerful enough to be thought about. "Grandpa, why don't you share some information about defence day which I can add in my project." said Ayan to break the silent atmosphere. " Their sacrifices never go in vain nor they lose their lives. The ones, who fight to protect the border, the people, the land and most importantly the dignity of their country, never die. Its patriotism that makes them overcome the coldest nights on the peak of glaciers & make them survive the hottest days without any proper diet. They never die, my boy, they live. They remain alive. They dwell in the deepest core of their land, they dwell in the blowing breeze, they dwell in the flowing water and certainly they live in the hearts of every patriot. Every atom of the land witness their undying martyrdom, every flying bird witness their immortal sacrifices for their homeland. Martyrs never die, they are remembered every day. The day of 6th September known as Defence day exists to pay tribute to the brave and fearless soldiers who stood like protective shields and protected our country from the opposite country on 6th September 1965, they are remembered by everyone having pride in their hearts for sacrificing themselves in the name of the beloved homeland. The day of 6th September starts with exceptional prayers for their eternal martyrdom and for the peace and prosperity of Pakistan."uttered Mr Ahmed with bubbles of tears in his eyes ready to escape in no time . Ayan was delighted to see his grandfather's devotion for his country along the people of his land. Ayan thanked Mr Ahmed and left the room. After an intense thought he decides and promises himself to prove to be a responsible citizen of this country & make sure to teach his younger school fellows and friends about the sacrifices of people for the land and most importantly about the love for the homeland