"She's fierce and hot, just like this Huda likes. She'll definitely fall for this Hariyani Jaat's charms!" Huda said in his own style. The five either shook their heads or rolled their eyes. They were having breakfast at the mess, discussing the events of the day before.

"Huda Bhai, you shouldn't talk about anyone like this... we get it, you like her, but that doesn't mean you can say disrespectful things." Ali warned, looking a bit upset. Pooja noticed this.

"Oye mera missed call, why're you so upset about what he says?! He always talks about girls like this; you've never reacted like this before!" she jumped angrily.

"Because Koel isn't like all the girls he talks about-"

"Koel?! You call us 'Bhai' and don't call women anything, to show respect, and you call her by her name? And I thought her name was Sherry." Yudi said in surprise and curiosity.

"Leave him alone - he's right. Koel isn't like the girls here. We should try our best to make her feel welcome here." Naina told them.

"Even after how she behaved with Rajveer Sir and you?" Aalekh piped in, having been observing everything till now.

"There's probably a reason for that. We can't just jump to conclu-" Naina stopped talking when Pooja nudged her, indicating at Koel who had just entered the mess. Naina tried to smile, but she ignored, though not as hostile as before.

Ali moved more to a side to create some space, and brought a chair there. He indicated for her to sit there with a warm, welcoming smile. Everyone in the mess, e.g. Suriji, some cadets and orderlies watched to see what would happen. She walked over to the table uncertainly, rubbing her elbow nervously. Ali gave her an encouraging look and she sat down.

Pooja, Yudi and Huda gave him looks of surprise. Pooja and Huda seemed upset as well. Naina smiled at him appreciatively, giving a stronger smile to Koel. Aalekh observed this scene from an outside view point, giving Ali a long, thoughtful look.

"I'll get some breakfast for you. Do you drink tea?" Ali asked softly. She nodded, looking at him desperately. She didn't want him to leave her there alone with those strangers. She avoided the stares and looked down, fidgeting with a simple gold ring on her finger.

~*~*~

"Raj what the hell are you doing?!" Nandini asked him exhasperatedly. The man mentioned was loosening his tie and undoing his topmost shirt button.

"Relax Nandini. The trial starts at 12:30, and now it's only - 12:25! Raj hurry up!" Abhimanyu rushed, fixing his own tie. After all, they were Major Genrals now.

They entered the trial room; it was quite different from the ones Naveen and Rajveer had been tried at. This was much more spacious, which meant either the jury, the audience, the witnesses or the convicted people would be in large numbers.

Rajveer felt his throat close up; he had been at courts too many times, most of the time leaving with some of the worst memories and experiences. He sighed and held himself strong. He couldn't afford to let his guards down now.

They sat down at a edge at the second row. The judge was already there, and some of the jury members as well. More people started pouring in. They saw Colonel Shakti Chandra being pushed in on a wheelchair by his son. Rajveer felt a stab of guilt, but the reassuring smile from Colonel Chandra gave him strength.

The three pounds on the judge's table silenced the room. "The court session has begun. Bring in the ones being tried for case no. 495660." The judge ordered.

Everyone except Rajveer looked back as the six shadows fell into the room from the door. He just noticed that the public prosecuter seat was emtpy. On defense were Captain Salve and Maor Bhargav. How could they be confident enough to defend this case while the charges were so strong? And where was the prosecuter?

Unwillingly and unknowingly, he turned around in confusion, and regretted doing so instantly. His eyes connected with Gehlot's and he felt his walls crumbling. This was his mentor, his father. He tried his best to regain the strength, and a hand covering his supported him. It was Nandini's. He sighed in relief; having these great friends did pay off.

Precap - Rajveer is sitting outside on a bench at the KMA grounds with his face in his hands.

Pooja is about to slap Koel when a hand catches her wrist.