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By now you must have figured that we are great collectors of stuff in our home : we collect souvenirs, mementos, items of value and just junk! One thing that has baffled me is why an ordinary ceramic vase that should have been occupying pride of place as War Booty should be kept in an inconspicuous place in a bookshelf that is really used only to store books. But one day, when my father-in-law who originally brought it home, explained its true significance: this vase was from a battle in which General Musharraf had fought as a young subaltern. It had a value that went beyond its material worth.

That is the reason why the vase is kept out of the reach of children who are likely to knock it down with a stray ball or a deliberate hit. Every time a visitor comes home, it is brought out and displayed , the story re-told with obvious pride and after the ooohs and aaaahs of appreciation, kept back in the shelf.

There is nothing extraordinary about this ceramic vase, slightly chipped on one side. But for us it transcends the mere ordinary, symbolising valour and courage in a battle to defend our country.