Silver Chain

Silver Chain is a story of enduring love and adventure.
"Lucky Francis" Xavier was not fourteen years old the first time he wanted to join his five older brothers to go fishing in a wooden boat in the Indian Ocean. Gladys, his mother, objected because he was too young and inexperienced to go fishing in the night. His father said, "Let him go. He has to make a living later." His mother went to the bedroom and brought a silver chain which was a gift from the parish priest to Francis when he received first communion. Gladys put the chain on Francis neck and told him, "This will protect you from danger. Don't take this off from your neck."
Francis made an exceptional catch on his maiden fishing trip. Since that time, he was known as Lucky Francis in the village. He brought luck to Kadalpuram, the small fishing village in which he lived, four miles north of the small city, Alleppey, on the Indian Ocean.
Francis brought luck and happiness everywhere he went. Tall and handsome, he was the first in the family to go to college where he became an athletic champion. Vincent, his roommate in the college hostel for four years, was a smart student who excelled in math and science. Vincent was overprotected at home by his parents. He had a sister who joined the convent. Vincent was shy and insecure. He helped Francis to do his homework while Francis protected Vincent from bullies. Vincent obtained employment as a high school teacher right after graduation. Francis had to settle for a sales job in a liquor store.
An arranged marriage proposal came for Vincent from a girl who lived with her family only four miles from Francis's fishing village. Vincent didn't have the confidence to go along to see Rose. He asked Francis to go with him to see tall, slender, and beautiful Rose. She had already seen over twenty young men but didn't choose anyone. Rose liked Francis. She was crushed when she found out Vincent was the one who came to see her.
Francis watched his best friend marry Rose, the woman who was attracted to him. A year later, Francis joined the Indian Army. His mother told him that Rose was home and she saw her in the church. She asked about Francis. Before he left to North India for training, Francis made a brief visit to Rose's house. Rose was fully pregnant and beautiful, but upset about Vincent's irresponsible behavior and the lack of concern for her. Vincent had borrowed the gold chain she had and sold it to pay for his careless habits. Francis had a few hundred rupees with him which he gave to Rose. He also took off his silver chain from his neck and gave it to Rose, and said, "My mother told me to wear this always. I cannot wear any jewelry in the army. Please wear this always. This will give you courage and confidence."
Rose accepted the rupees and the silver chain. "I hope I will be able to return the silver chain to you some day." She put the silver chain on her neck.
The unexpected war between China and India on the high Himalayan mountain area started in October 1962. India wasn't prepared for war. Almost twenty thousand soldiers were sent to the snowy mountains without needed equipment and supplies. Surrounded by Chinese army, Francis and his platoon escaped their position to base camp. Lucky Francis was able to save nine of his fellow soldiers. Several of them had frostbites. Francis was hospitalized in New Delhi for treatment. He lost his big toe on his left foot, but fell in love with his beautiful nurse Susan. They got married and both went to Kuwait to work. Luck followed him and Susan to Chicago where Susan worked at the Cook County Hospital and Francis worked in the rehabilitation center.
Silver Chain continues as an enduring love story. It would be twenty-five years before Francis and Rose would be reunited.