Chapter 18

EPISODE-18

 

 

Naina's heart sank when they didn't return. All sorts of negative thoughts came into her mind. She returned home all alone. Her parents were also scared to know that Navin hasn't returned.  Naina didn't know what she was supposed to do. She was in a severe shock. She didn't even call up Neetika.

 

Neetika herself called up in the evening. When she got the news even she was shaken initially but she immediately got a grip over herself.

"Naina first of all please calm down and listen to me."

"Neeti agar Bhaiyya aur Raj ko kuch ho gaya to?"

"Naina in the first place we need to find out what has happened. Why are you loosing hope Naina? Yeh bhi to ho sakta hai ki they are wounded aur woh dono wahin kisi hospital mein hain. Naina is waqt main Delhi nahin aa sakti hoon but you do one thing. Kal tum Army Head Quarters jao. They'll be putting up a list of all the soldiers who were either injured in the war or those who have died for their country. Tumhein Navin aur Raj ke bare mein wahin se information milegi. You'll have to find it on your own Naina. "

That gave Naina a hope.....and a direction. At least she knew what she has to do.

"I'll do that Neeti. I will call you back. Bye."

 

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"Madam aapko wait karna padega. We still don't have complete information with us." Naina received a curt reply from the officer at duty in the Army Head Quarters. Naina stayed there for the whole day waiting to get some information but she could not find what she wanted. Finally someone told her that first lists of wounded soldiers and martyrs will be put only after 24 hours.

 

Next day Naina was back at the Head Quarters. The lists were put up in the second half. But Navin and Rajveer's name was not in any of them. The list was to be updated after 48 hours.

 

Naina deep-down was scared. But she knew she has to keep her hope alive. She couldn't have given up. Whenever she felt that she is not able to handle the stress she would call up Neetika. Neetika was also skeptical but she knew she cannot let Naina know about her own doubts. Besides she was a soldier herself. She knew that even if they have died it is for their country and our country is over and above everything else....even our lives.

 

A week had gone by and Naina was still clueless about Navin and Rajveer. Every passing day was getting more difficult.

"Neeti I can't handle it anymore. Please tum yahan aa jao."

"Naina agar mere liye aana possible hota to main kab ki aa gayi hoti. Please try and understand Naina. Is waqt mujhe leave nahin milegi aur waise bhi main is waqt yeh post nahin chod sakti. You know how sensitive this area is. Please Naina don't give up. I m sure you'll find out something about them very soon."

There was a silence. Naina didn't say anything. Neetika could hear her sobs. Finally Naina broke the silence.

"Kal last list aane waali hai.....I am scared."

"Be brave Naina... You are an Army Officer's sister."

"I'll call you tomorrow."

"Okay. But you please take care...apna bhi aur Maa-Baba ka bhi."

"Yeah... You too take care. Bye."

 

Naina reached the Army Head Quarters early morning. After almost 3 hours the final list was put up. Naina went to check the list. Her heart beats were getting faster and she was shivering......badly. She saw the lists....................