In the small hours of Independence Day morning
Chaathu awoke from his slumber
did his routine chores
put on his ironed-khadi attire
came out of the house
walked towards the garage
where the car was parked
and
unlike the National and State leaders
who hoisted the national flags
in the presence of dignitaries
in full media glare across the land
acknowledging salutes of
marching khaki-clad forces left-right-left
to the rhythm of music bands
bugles and drums
infront of the leaders.
Chaathu hoisted the National flag
on the bonnet of his car
entered it
switched on the ignition key
drove down the highway
before the Sun opened his eyes
and raced along…
Upon spotting the highway police metres away
Chaathu with butterflies in his stomach
brought the car to an abrupt halt
opened the door and
vanished in no time like lightning.
The appalled highway police
cordoned off the car in no time
and with their prying eyes
looked inside
saw sacks of sugar
arranged layers by layers
which Chaathu was smuggling out.
For the abandoned car
and the sacks of sugar
with the National flag
hanging its head in
shame have no takers.
Whither gone patriot Chaathu?
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