Captain Vikram Batra sacrificed his life with a smile in the historical war against Pakistan, back on July 7, 1999. While rescuing one of his fellow soldiers at point 4875.
During the Kargil War, he gave a statement that defines his love for the nation. He said, "Either I will come back after hoisting the Tricolour, or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back."
There's no doubt that Vikram Batra was a loyal soldier of this nation, but one of the biggest sources of his willpower was his girlfriend-turned-fiancee, Dimple Cheema.
Dimple Cheema was the one who was always there for Vikram as she used to write letters to him and had always supported his love for the nation and will to fight for it till his last breath.
However, not many people are aware of the fact that Dimple Cheema had sacrificed her entire life by not marrying anyone else, and is still living proudly as Captain Vikram Batra's widow.
Vikram Batra and Dimple Cheema had met for the first time at Punjab University in the year 1995. After a series of meetings, the two had started dating just like any other college-going couple.
After spending some glorious months together, Vikram had moved to Dehradun in 1996, after getting selected for the Indian Military Academy. Well, the long-distance just strengthened their bond.
They used to meet, whenever Vikram used to visit Chandigarh between his postings. In an interview with a media portal, Dimple Cheema had admitted that she and Vikram were serious about each other.
While Dimple Cheema's family had started pressurising her for marriage, both Vikram and Dimple were still waiting for the right moment.
Whenever, Dimple used to feel stressed regarding their marriage, Vikram had advised her to take good care of the things she likes, or she'll be forced to like the things she gets.
Vikram and Dimple used to visit Mansa Devi temple and Gurudwara Sri Nada Sahab frequently. She recalled a memorable incident from one of their visits in an interview with a media portal.
Dimple Cheema had said, "While doing a parikrama, he was walking behind me. On completing the parikrama, he suddenly said, Congratulations, Mrs Batra."
Dimple Cheema had continued, "Didn't you realise that this is the fourth time that we are doing this parikrama? It left me speechless. That was the level of dedication he had for our relationship."
Dimple Cheema had also revealed another 'filmy' incident that defines their relationship. She had said, "On one of his visits, I raised the issue of marriage as I was feeling a bit insecure."
"Without saying anything, he took a blade out of his wallet, cut his thumb and filled my maang with his blood. That is the most cherished moment of my life. I used to tease him that he is pura filmy."
The two had decided that they'll tie the knot, once Vikram returns from the Kargil war. On July 7, 1999, Vikram had martyred after he was hit by a bullet in his chest. [In Frame: Vikram's Mother]
After Vikram sacrificed his life for his nation, Dimple had decided to live in Chandigarh with the memories that they had made together in those four glorious years in the city.
In an interview with a media portal, Dimple Cheema had addressed the much-asked question, why she had decided to live her life as Vikram's widow?
She had continued, "How do I describe a lifetime of memories, though made only in four years of association? I could go on and on, and the memories would still keep coming."
She had concluded, "Not a single day in the past 17 years have I felt detached from you. It feels as if you are on a posting. I know in my heart that we will meet again, it's just a matter of time."
Dimple's incredible sacrifice has reminded us yet again that every soldier's biggest strength is the fearless woman standing with him in life, who pushes him to conquer everything in the battlefield.