Write a short story, in about 200-250 words, with any one set of the cues given in the boxes below. Give a suitable title to the story.
On October 4, we all were decorating our house to celebrate the most long-awaited festival, Diwali. My heart was filled with excitement to meet my father after a long gap of six years. But a call from the army headquarters left us stunned…
Diwali versus Duty
This Diwali was unlike any other Diwali. The festivities had begun. Festival snacks and sweets were being prepared. Decorating the house with Rangolis and tiny colourful bulbs was on. My mother was extremely happy. Both of us hugged each other in happiness because the father would be here anytime soon. After a long gap of six years, my father was visiting his family. What joy! Tomorrow we would celebrate the festival together.
The whole day was almost over but there was no sign of my father. My mother tried calling him but the call was unreachable. As the night progressed, we were becoming anxious. Around ten o’clock the phone rang. My mother instantly attended the call and her facial expression made it clear that all was not well. Actually, just when my father was leaving the army cantonment in Ambala, an officer on duty was attacked by a group of militants. The Army headquarters issued an instruction that did not allow my father to come on his leave. In fact, he was commanded to perform additional duties. My father promised to come on a longer holiday very soon but not now. For him, it was duty first.
I was heart-broken but amazed to see my mother who took the whole situation very sportingly. She told how duty came first and we as a family should understand and support this. I wanted to salute my mother that day. We spent Diwali happily knowing that father is safe and he will come home soon.
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