Parts i wrote back in 2023

Abhi was going through Sameera’s reports, his other hand running through her hair as she snored softly, head buried in his chest. His initial assumption was right, she may join them in case the injuries heal faster, or maybe she can skip it. They have Shikha too now so that will make things easier to find Rashi and shadow her. His phone pinged with an alert, and seeing the time, he decided to leave. Just when he was making her lie down easily, her eyes cracked open, sleepy smile adoring her lips.

“I need to leave.” He whispered, running fingers over her cheek. She hummed, then struggled to get up. Despite his protests, she sat up straight, then leaned outside her bed and started to rummage through drawers to find something.

“Sameera, what? Tell me, I will help.” Then she turned with a small, rectangle box packaged with gift wrapped, slightly sheepish.

“What is it?”

“Engagement gift, I guess?” Abhi shook head, opening it almost immediately.

“You did not have to.”

“One day, you will actually see the gift before rejecting it outright.” He shook head at her teasing, then paused. It was a long, golden chain, and he looked at her. Probably realizing his confusion, she gave a small smile.

“I was wondering what to do with these.” Sameera signaled at their rings, “Can’t wear it everyday. So I had this idea to hang it around our necks. I already have this.” She showed her chain, “So this is for you. May I?”

He gave the box to her, and had to physically stop himself when she took off the ring. Its not even a week and he was attached to the thing- for the object, for what it represents. It was only when she put the chain around hie neck and felt the metal against his chest, that he could feel at ease.

“Now. It will always be close to your heart.” She smiled.

Abhi wanted to say- there is not one moment it is not. Or it won’t be. But he leaned for a kiss, and hoped his lips will convey what his words could not.

Before leaving the house which, most likely, for the last time until they return from mission, Abhi took blessing from Sapna. After a few minutes of internal battle, he also informed her there will be security outside the house, 247, and will also shadow them whenever one of them step outside. HAWKS is important but this was probably extreme as the officer was on medical leave and away from base, without any contact. But he was paranoid and there was no news on the gun man, so he did not want to take any risk.

Sapna saw through the ruse immediately, “Abhi, what’s going on?” At his silence, she jutted her chin, “Is she in danger?”

He could not lie to her, “I don’t think so. I . . . it’s just precaution. She is HAWKS, even Veer sir is onboard.”

But she was not convinced, judging by her eyes won’t leave his face. What felt like a lifetime, her features softened.

“If there is any threat, you will tell me, right?”

“I will.” That was not a lie.

With a last look at the house, Abhi drove away.

Imperial college is beautiful, surrounded by lush greenery and tall mountains. Spread across acres, it had all the luxury amenities rich parents pay for their children. The faculty is top notch, they care about education as much as sports. This was a world disconnected from outside real world.

Abhi had stayed in boarding himself, but it was too much. The kids are arrogant bunch and raging with hormones, so sometimes he enjoys himself making them run in circles or hit a goalpost for 20 times. When things get overwhelming, there is this isolated place behind trees which give unobstructed view of hills. He sometimes gets into a jeep, drives there or take a walk.

He tries not to stare at his team mates like he knew them beyond this setting. Disha and Ali were in pantry, it was easier for them to keep an eye at people and get some free time to snoop around. Samrat was away in a van, keeping eye on the college through cctv and bugs. Shikha was there as a part of some NGO who wanted to start a scholarship under her father’s name. she was charming and everyone from students to teachers loved her. It was easy for her to get into file room anytime, or hang out with staffs and get gossip about everyone. For abhi, he was the new football coach who barked at students and liked to keep away from everyone. Personally, he was enjoying football after all these years. Professionally, he was irritated that there was no news on Rashi. They had went through every kids background but none turned up. They had thought she might have changed her name or parents name, which made things harder. She has to be in 2nd year of college, and there were 73 girls. It was taking a lot of time and patience to get through them and bring down the numbers to identify whos the real Rashi.

He wont duel into the fact that some of his irritation is coming from his inability to stop worrying about Sameera. Its been more than 1 month and he had zero interaction with outside world-by extension her, but he has kept tabs on her health through Samrat. Her injuries have healed apparently, but he knew it will take time for her to rejoin work. He tries hard to detach his mind from there, obsessing over her health will do no good to the actual work they are supposed to do.

There was a knock at the door, and Shikha peeked in. the daily meeting time has arrived.

Away from the current location of mission, Sameera was greeted by a surprise visitor at her house. Abhi’s dad came in, slightly stiff in the new environment but trying his best to mingle. There was a envelop with him, which he handed over to her the moment he took a seat on a wooden chair, opposite her bed.

It had pictures of her engagement night. Which started as a happy moment and ended with chaos.

“They came a while ago.” At her nod he continued. “Thought you will need some motivation to get back to work.”

She smiled. “Thank you Si. . . “ she paused. “Uncle?” she winced at that, making the older man snort.

“Dad will be just fine. Smita will be thrilled.” He shrugged. She was touched at the gesture- his words and how he came here. A man of few words, but his actions were so kind. She gave a wobbly smile, fighting back tears.

She never had the pleasure to call a man her father, and maybe there is none better than him. She was honoured in that moment.

“Papa? Is that fine?” Suryakant stared for a while before nodding. “Thank you. For this.” She held onto the pictures. “It means a lot that you came here.”

“You are family.”

“Thank you.” She repeated again. There was a particular picture she loved- abhi had just put the ring on her, both of them looking at it and flower petals started to pour on her. It had everyone she cared about. She kept it separately and put the other pictures back into envelop.

It will go into her locker in base.

“I want to go to this mission.” She confessed softly, looking at him with hesitant eyes. His eyes gave away nothing.

“Of course.” This girl has taken bullets and went through two court marshals for her job. It would have surprised Suryakant if she didn’t want to go. “Are you physically cleared?”

She nodded. “The doctors cleared me in the afternoon. The scars will take time to heal, but I can go. I was thinking to visit base tomorrow, ask Veer sir if I can join. I know I am a bit late.”

“Another set of hands are always better.”

That earned her a smile. She knew she was doing a good thing.

“Thank you, Papa.”

Heart wants what it wants, but often heart is stupid and wants things which it shouldn’t have. Shikha used to think she was a person who thought from her head- after all her mom raised her, anyone who knows Sunaina will call her cunning. But those flew out of window when she fell for abhi. She would like to think those were all lies, she was at her absolute worst and it was past, but she was always clear in her own conscience. The prime reason to come here was to spend time with abhi, try to get back some old memories and control in her life.

She seeks him out when hes alone, tries to converse in the pretence of this mission, tries to goad him to rant- about anything, heck even weather is fine. She always greets him with a smile, tries to lift his mood or give her two cents on things when things are tensed. Whenever hes feeling a bit homesick, or worried about team mates, she will squeeze his hands to assure him. She has rammed up the physical touches too- a brush over his shoulder, soft hold over biceps, occasional hugs when none is looking. He lets her, and she takes it as good sign.

She tries not to think about the giant person size hole around him- she always loved the delusion. Nothing safer than scenery created in her own head. And in this mission, she wanted to think she was halfway there, successful to erase the chapter of Sameera to the point he don’t even miss her, or mention her.

So it takes her by surprise when things stops- screeches in halt all of a sudden. It came out of nowhere, and she nearly loses her mind over it.

She knocked on abhi’s door, and found it empty, covered in darkness. Deciding to wait for him, she stood near the window overlooking the mountains, letting curtain around her move slowly in the cooling breeze. It was beautiful here- she had loved this school.

Then the door opened, and her heartbeat peaked up. Footsteps slowed near her, and then arms snaked around her waist, pulling her close. The intimacy from abhi caught her by surprise- she wonder what brought it on. But she would not dwell on it, as she closed her eyes to savour the moment.

Then there was another set of footsteps in the room, and a soft, “Abhi?”

The hell? Was the first thing that came in Abhi’s mind.

Today started with spectacularly bad. They had a harsh meeting with Veer sir and higher officials regarding slow movement of mission which left everyone in foul mood. This prick of a kid called Rohan was being too smug and there was verbal back and forth between the two- he never knew teenagers can be such assholes. The food was too spicy- thanks to Sameera he cant eat much chilly these days. He was contemplating to go to his favorite place but a faculty meeting was held, keeping him back. After wasting 2 hours in that listening to mundane, bullshit things, he was ready to scream at someone.

Then he saw Disha, who was smirking knowingly. For some reason it sent his heartbeat to override. She told her to go to his room, and he did. Running, if you could say. The room was dark and there was a known figure in the dark, so he moved straight to her and engulfed her in a hug, holding her close.

He immediately knew he had the wrong person in his arms. The angles didn’t fit. It didn’t feel right.

He opened his eyes, ready to push himself away when he heard the voice, confusion and surprised. The light switched on at the exact same time.

“Abhi?”

Sameera was stunned into silence, letting the awkwardness grew as she could say nothing. And she was thinking it will go smoothly. Seeing abhi hugging Shikha intimately was like a stab, but when he pushed her away and Shikha looked shocked at the two of them, it soon turned to a giant confusion. From his face it was clear this was an accident, and soon he opened his mouth to confirm exactly that.

“I am so sorry.” He pleaded to Shikha. He could only manage this much. To Shikha’s credit, she recovered quickly, mustering a smile to his words.

“Its alright, Abhi.” She gave a nod to Sameera, and left quickly, keeping the uneasy silence behind.

Sameera found herself facing Abhi’s intense gaze, all for her in the solitude of his room. He took a step toward her, and she took a step back.

“Come here.” He said softly. She had an intense urge to flee- or maybe to tease him to take their mind off this. She has to process this moment later, when she all alone somewhere.

“No.” she smiled mischievously. “Go hug someone else.”

“Sameera.” He growled, and then both were running. She was laughing, pushing curtains off her way, uncaring in the moment, so free to be with him for the first time in months. He ran towards her- what he did since the day he met her. Soon he caught upto her, arms around her as she almost flew into air, making her squeal. In a flash she was facing him, his lips meeings hers hungrily.

She was never kissed like this before. He will never kiss anyone like this again.

Abhi pour all of his desire, longing and love into the kiss, forgetting the time and space. Once they couldn’t breathe anymore he pulled back, engulfing her in a giant hug. She melted right into it -his arms were always the best.

“Someone missed me.” She whispered in a sing song voice, making him laugh. When he moved back, there was something suspiciously like tears under his eyes. But she couldn’t ask about that- his eyes were busy staring into her soul, as if remembering all the nooks and corners of her soul. His hands moved from her shoulders, to face, shell of her ear, running through her hair and down her back. Memorizing the curves, happy to get her back.

“You are never far off my mind.” His quiet intensity rattled her for a moment.

He gave her a once over, then groaned, “My god, where is my manner?” Nearly dragging her to the sofa, he started to ask questions in a rapid- fire motion. When did she arrive? How is her leg? Is the injury healed? Who checked her? Who gave her permission? Is she feeling fine?

“Yes. Yes.” She squeezed his hand, “My injury has healed. A scar will remain.” He looked unfazed by it, “I am feeling fine, trust me.”

“I do b. . . “

“You worry. I know. I am fine.” He sighed in relief, but she couldn’t help herself. “Glad to see i wasn’t far off your head.” Abhi frowned at that- Sameera was not like someone who taunts. “You know, hugging someone else and all.”

“Oh my god.” He hid his face behind hands, and she burst into laughter. “You will never let me live that down is it?” she shook head, still laughing as he pulled her closer. “I had a feeling, you know? I ran to this room and really thought you are here. My heart nearly stopped beating. The moment I touched her it felt wrong.”

“You don’t have to explain yourself.” Her finger ran over his face, from his cheeks, corner of lips, then to his eyes. “Its clear it was a misunderstanding.”

“I will apologize to Shikha tomorrow.” Abhi sighed, shaking his head. They both knew the moment was over- they have to get back to work.

“Tell me everything please. Whats going on, whats the status?”

They were so lost in their discussion that they had nearly missed the knocking at door. They both froze, and Abu cautiously got up to see who it was. Ali’s head peeped in, and they both relaxed simultenously.

“Special dinner to welcome you.” He pushed the trolley in, smirking at the two. “This will be the first and last time you are having dinner in your room with a kid, Mr. coach.”

Abhi frowned, and Sameera suddenly looked embarrassed. Ali gave a comical look at the two of them, “You did not tell him?”

“Tell me what?”

“Sampada Singh, 2nd year student. Dropped out 3 years ago due to personal issues, but now ready to bounce back in academia. Stream is chemistry.”

“You are the worst.” Sameera muttered.

Ali ignored her, “Section C- in the class where we are suspecting Rashi might be.”

“Student?” Abhi was surprised- he had no clue Sameera was joining them, let alone her cover. A smirk came on his lips. “Interesting.”

Seeing the men’s identical twitch of lips, She groaned internally. And she thought mingling with students will be a challenge!

To her surprise, things went surprisingly easy- a nagging voice in her head said it was too easy but then, she was so used to violence and bloodshed in their field of work that adjusting to real life always seemed tough. There is always this feeling that this cant be this easy, only for it to be revealed that yes, it is. In real life, people are nice, accommodating, trusting. Like the students in her class- she had thought some people might make fun of her age or tease her regarding her apparent lack of education, but apart from few murmurs they were nice to her. A group of 5 girls immediately took a liking to her and she had now a girl gang with herself- Risha, Jyoti, Yagna, and two other girls whose name she learnt but forgot quickly. In typical movie style, the class was divided into gangs. There was study gang, the fun gang who jelled with everyone, the sarcastic anti social gang, the trouble gang who are upto no good. She had put people in their box during her first day at “class’”, but there is this particular boy named Rohan, whom she couldn’t put under any category. When she first entered, she felt his eyes- intense gaze which gave up nothing. He has introduced himself and girls around her went quiet- Sameera could felt the temperature drop suddenly around her. He has his own set of male friends, yet he sat near her and since that moment didn’t leave her alone.

Risha had smirked at her. Other two girls didn’t look at ease, yet said nothing. Sameera tried her best to be polite- her plan wasn’t this to acquire a shadow on her first day.

On the other hand, she realized she was particularly bad at acting. In Gira it was different. Even though her and Abhi’s camerady that time was rocky, he was beside her, literally in the same room. She was truly alone here surrounded by stranger, left to figure out these set of students and who is their actual target. She wants to speak to Samrat, she wants to speak to Ali and Disha- a silent communication through eyes would suffice. But there was nothing, they are supposed to be another set of strangers for her. Some of the students are so rude to them that it makes her angry at them- bunch of brats who know nothing about how to treat people, let alone who are supposedly beneath them in financial hierarchy.

“You don’t like it.” Rohan had remarked, chewing on a piece of fries. His eyes don’t leave her face, and it just makes her uneasy. But sampada is supposed to be polite, the newbie who knows nothing, so she gave him a smile and countered.

“Like what?”

“When others are rude to servers.” He shrugged.

“Its not nice, is it?”

“Yeah, I guess.” His eyes wont move and it was starting to make her skin crawl. “I will be nice to them next time.”

Risha coughed to break the tension, and Sameera gave her a smile.

“Oh look, the coach.” Her heart skipped a beat seeing Abhi. He was at the corridor talking to a man, whom she presumed was another professor. Then came Shikha, the three of them spoke for a while, then Abhi and her walked away.

“She is all over him.” Rohan remarked. Jyoti was the feisty one- always standing up for things which she thinks is right. Quick to answer back to things she is offended by.

“That’s a rude assumption.”

“Cant be when its seen by my damn eyes.” Rohan flashed a smile, “Apologies for the language ladies.”

“He is right though.” That was Yagna- she is the silent observer one. “Yesterday I saw them near football ground. She was all smiley, touching his arms. He is hot though, so I get that.”

“He is probably reciprocating.” Risha stole a fry from Rohan’s plate. “Come one guys, gossiping about professors? We have better things to talk about . . . have anyone watched that seri. . .”

Sameera drowned out the conversation.

a lot of things happens here but didnt write

Birthday date

Abhi always thought he was great at surprising people- it entails keeping a secret and he is in the business of espionage, of course he can do that. His mom always loved that, his Dad grumbles saying he didn’t have to do it but his smile says he likes them too. Abhi has always loved how Sameera’s eyes sparkle and she gives this huge grin when he does things to surprise her. It can be a small thing like flowers or a bracelet. He love that look on her.

So its kinda surprising when he wakes up Sameera on 11.59 pm on her birthday, sings the song and make her eat a cupcake he made himself, and not go with Samrat’s plan that everyone should pretend they have forgotten her birthday and surprise her in evening. He cant bear the thought that he will deliberately ignore her on this special day, and when she had giggled and kissed him with her chocolate cover lips, it was cent percent worth it. They received phone calls from their parents and friends and Veer sir, and his mom wasted no time to invite them for a small get together in their home. No surprises there too. But Abhi didn’t mind, Sameera was happy.

(He did have something in his hands- but he is not sure if its happy surprise or different one.)

But he was surprised when for this get together slash party in honor of his beautiful fiancé, Sameera decided to wear a saree. She was limping with one sandal on hand, and he caught her to be steady, to which she shot a thankful glance.

“What?” He eyed her once- to him she has looked beautiful in every attire, but he realized he loves her in Gira, and he had seen her in saree all the time there, so he is biased towards this one.

“Is it too gaudy? Too simple?” she was worried.

“No.” Abhi laughed softly, “I thought you don’t like saree?”

“Ah . . . “ she blushed, looking away, “I don’t mind.” Stepping away, she adjusted the fabric. “Do I look okay? Its fine?”

“You look beautiful as always.” To which she kissed his cheek. As she was rushing the two of them to hurry up, he caught her wrist and pulled her close.

“Abhi, we will get late.”

“Its fine if we are late to your birthday party.” Pulling out a box seemingly out of thin air, Abhi opened it to reveal a bracelet- silver one with multiple charms adoring all over it.

“I am not going to reveal price, I don’t want to hear how costly it is. Its my gift for you, please accept it.” He clasped it around her wrist, cupped her face and kissed her softly between her brows, their heads touching. “Happy birthday baby.”

There were few drop of tears, which she wiped away hastily. “This . . . “ she looked at a loss of words. “This is beautiful. Thank you. I love you. Thank you again.”

They started to move again, but Abhi couldn’t let her go just yet. He debated with himself- maybe once they are back he should tell her? But he couldn’t resist, he had kept this secret with him for far too long.

“One last thing.” Sameera giggled at the words, amused and slightly at disbelieve as he vanished inside his room, and emerged after a few moments with an envelope in hand. Sameera was twinkling with the charms around her bracelet, looked up at his arrival. Hesitating for a few moments, he decided to hand over the envelope to her. She took it, but didn’t open it immediately, silently asking him what was it.

“I am honestly not sure how you will react.” He smiled nervously. “You were trying to find out about your father, right?” She nodded, eyes tearing up immediately at his words. “You were so upset, you didn’t want to try much because of security clearance.”

“And you . . . “ her words didn’t come out. Abhi took her hand, squeezing them softly.

“I pulled some strings. And got this yesterday. I hope this brings you some kind of closure.” Before she can voice out her concerns, he clarified. “No national security was impact in this. It was a matter of clearance, which I had. There wasn’t much hassle too from the base. A bit red tapism, but nothing maj. . . “

Air escaped his lungs in a whoosh when she threw herself in his arms, her small frame shaking with silent sobs. “Thank you. I don . . . thank you. This means . . . s’much. Thank you.”

Abhi smiled against her, his hands running over her shoulder and through her hair to console her. “There is nothing in this world I wont do for you, you know that. This is nothing.” Gently pulling her away from him, he brushed away her tears. “But I think I messed up the timing. If mom sees your red eyes she will blame me and give me an earful.” That earned a watery chuckle from her.

“No no. this . . . no other timing could have been perfect.” She looked down at the piece of paper. He gently coaxed her to open it. “Should i?”

“Do it.”

Later, Abhi will go over this scenario in his head for hundred times. He will be obsessed over this moment and be firm in his believe that this was the moment things went wrong in his life. He will forever remember how with shaky fingers, Sameera had teared open the envelope. How her eyes went over the words- which Abhi himself didn’t read before that moment. How her finger went over each line. How slowly her brows frowned, a look of disbelieve came over her. How her hands shook, breath seemed to quicken in worry, her entire frame going rigid bit by bit until the silence made him anxious. But he didn’t break it yet, he was waiting for her cue.

Sameera decided to speak after a long time, looking at him with a mixture of shock and uneasiness. “I . . . I don’t understand.”

“What it is?” he scooted closed, trying to take the paper from her. She wont let him.

“I don’t think this is the correct document Abhi.” Her shocked words were turning hysterical as he almost snatched the paper from her stiff fingers and started to read the content himself- what could be there that made her so panic? “Abhi did you see the picture? Its Veer sir.” He froze at the words. “But name is of my father.” She gave a nervous laugh. “It cant be right. They have mixed up my father with Veer sir’s service in the base. There is some mistake, there has to be.”

Mumbling to herself, Sameera sat down on the sofa. Abhi finished the entire letter in rapid speed, then slowed down and read again- 4 times to be precise. Each word, each punctuation is burnt into his memory. He knows logically this letter has to be right, but chances are slim the content of this is wrong and there is some goof up which can only happen one in millions. And the photo? That is Veer sir, three decades younger. Then why the name is different? Why it matches Sameera’s father’s name? why the content of his service matches what he has heard from Sameera? It is almost impossible- almost- that the base have the name right but somehow the photo wrong. But how is it even possible? His mind tells him the letter is wrong, that he should reapply for the correct version.

And yet, a scene nags at him. He remembers the night of their engagement, Veer sir and Sapna aunty talking in a room. Those bangles which he gave, but Sapna aunty said its from Sameera’s father. What did that mean?

“Abhi?” Sameera’s small, scared voice made him startle. He was thinking too deep and it probably made her nervous further. Throwing the letter away, he rushed towards her.

“I don’t understand.” She mumbled, “It . . . the let. .. “

“There is a mistake, Sameera. I am sorry.”

“No . . . you don’t have to . . .”

“I gave you the letter thinking it will bring you happiness and peace, but things went other ways.” He brushed away her tears gently, “I will write to them again. And will sternly let them know their documents are getting messed up. I am sorry once again.”

Sameera tried to smile- frankly, after this shock she wasn’t keen on the idea anymore.

They reached the party, carrying the uncomfortable silence from their shared home, throughout the car ride all the way to Abhi’s house. They tried to shake it off, but the evening had started with a bad omen hence it will continue. Sameera tried to distract herself with her friends enthusiastic birthday wishes, their hugs and kisses, the elders blessings and her mother’s loving arms. There were so many gifts- thoughtful and extravagant ones that it made her forget temporarily about what happened back at home. The cake came, she closed her eyes for a wish, opened them and looked at Abhi.

The love in those eyes made Abhi breathe a bit easy. The night was salvageable.

Then veer sir arrived, with Shikha in tow. There was this strong stench of alcohol from her which made everyone take couple of steps back. Sir tried to be polite, Shikha was quiet but her eyes had a strange look. When Sameera went near her to feed her cake, Abhi felt like putting himself between the two.

Later he would tell himself he should have stepped in. should have thrown out Shikha the moment she had stepped foot in his house.

Shikha took the cake from Sameera and fed her a piece. “Happy birthday. My dear sister.”

A pin drop silence followed. All the air had sucked out of the room. Abhi’s eyes immediately went towards Sapna aunty- her face had gotten ashen.

Shit. It was true.

“What?” came Sameera’s strangled reply. Everyone’s eyes seemed glued into Shikha and she reveled in the audience, the showstopper she was.

“Oh, I am sorry. Maybe should have minded the audience.” She took a napkin and tried to remove cake frosting off Sameera’s lips- Abhi decided to jump in that moment to take her away.

“Come on Abhi, let me help my sis . ..”

“Don’t.” Came his omnious threat. He was murderous- a few choice of words were roaming in his head and he will let Shikha know about them later, she needs to be out of the house right now. But she wasn’t done yet, relentless in her moment of victory.

“I just got to know in the morning. Isn’t that just marvellous? Me, my sister, sharing the same man. Sharing the same father. Still unsure about the marital status, by the way aunty.” The two ladies flinched at the accusation.

Veer sir grabbed her arm, trying to drag her away but she snatched herself away, venom in her eyes. “Don’t you dare, Dad. It makes sense now, why you always backing her in every situation. That’s why it didn’t hurt you when my relation broke, after all its all in the family. Just passed down from one sister to another. Oh.” She turned to Sameera who was hiding behind Abhi by now, fingers clutching tightly at his shirt. “You are the elder sister. Should I call you didi? You don’t mind, do you?”

“Get out.” Abhi growled at her, “Before something bad happens by me. Get out of my house.”

She gave a bitter smile, looking over his shoulder to address Sameera once last time. “Bye sister. We will meet again.”

Veer sir dragged her out, her giggle following them out.

He will kill Shikha the next time he sees her, Abhi had decided. She just walked into his house, humiliated the love of his life and hurt her brutally, it doesn’t end here. His respect for Veer sir aside, he cant let this side. There were so many things swimming around his head, it was easy to focus on Shikha and her vitriol when reality was much more complex and ugly. The fingers clutching at his shirt was loosening slowly, and before they could vanish he grabbed the wrist firmly.

Sameera was looking firmly at the ground, looking ready to bolt. Abhi felt the same, and decided it was time to take her home.

“We are leaving.” He addressed his parents, giving a sorry look to his friends who were unwilling bystander in this family mudslinging. When Sapna aunty moved to talk to him, Sameera flinched, moving closer to him. She was in no condition to speak or ask anything to anyone.

They need to leave fast.

“Aunty, we have to leave. I will call you. I am sorry.” Taking Sameera’s hand, the two of them ran towards the door.

The silence was too suffocating for him. He didn’t know what to expect next-he had never witnessed such stillness from Sameera since the moment he had known her. There was a quiet grace, a dignity and spine of steel even at her worse. Somehow she had always hidden her true self in the face of tragedy. But this- it was out of depth for both of them.

She almost stumbled into his house, stopping only when Abhi caught her frame to steady her. She was in her own zone, not looking at him or her surroundings as she moved towards his bedroom. He let her go helplessly, running fingers through his hair in frustration. He didn’t want to crowd her, he also wanted to get answers but felt it wasn’t the right time. He was always someone who had to do something. Waiting for something to happen- this was never his strong forte.

A sudden sound of breaking glass caught his ear, and he ran towards his room fearing the worst. An object lay on the floor, Sameera looking at it strangely. He moved her away quickly, looking once over her to make sure she wasn’t injured.

“That was his watch.” Her voice was devoid of any emotion. “His watch?”

She went to take it off floor but he wouldn’t let her, “Sameera. . . baby please. You will hurt yourself.” His arms were pulling her closer to him, and after a few moments of initial struggle she let out a sob, crashing against him, taking both of them on ground.

The silence was shattered now.

She was hysterical, crying her heart out like Abhi had never seen anyone do before. Probably that’s what happens when life you know it gets over, in such a horrible manner. A day which was supposed to be beautiful brought shocking revelations, that too in this manner. Remembering Shikha again made him quietly seeth in rage, but he had to control himself. The focus was going to be on the woman crying in his arms, until she stands on her feet ready to face the world. His wrath will have to wait.

“They all lied to me! Maa . . . she never said anything? She knew . . . she has to know. Veer sir . . .he was right there. He was so nice to me.” She hiccupped, trying to hide her frame against his broader one. “I would have died. I would have died and yet they never told me.”

He shushed her, closing his eyes against her head. A lone tear escaped his eyes at her heartwrenching sobs.

“My sister? Shik . . . what she said about shari . . . “

“Don’t listen to her.” Abhi was adamant.

“Sharing a m . . . man? Like my mother and . . . “ unable to speak, she started to hyperventilate. “Oh my god. What  . . . what I have done? I never. . . “

“Breathe Sameera. Sweetheart, breathe.” Turning her towards him, he cupped her face. “Match my breathing. In out. In out. Nice and slow.” He rubbed her back, trying to keep his own voice strong as she kept crying silently, struggling to breathe.

He never knew a pain like this can exist- seeing the love your life struggling and not able to do anything to make it go away.

Abhi didn’t know what was the time, but persistent vibration of his phone made him move for the first time in hours. Sameera had finally exhausted herself and fell asleep on floor against him, so gently he scooped her up and put her to bed. Her tears had dried by now, he noticed, running his fingers through her messy tangled hair. Dropping a kiss over her head, he moved back, softly closing the door behind him.

There were so many missed calls but he decided to call his Father. “Hello Dad.”

Suryakant sighed from the other side- the poor boy sounded exhausted. What a shitshow of a day. “How is Sameera?”

“She was hysterical.” There was a lump in his throat. “I . . . I don’t know what to do.”

“No one does.” Came the reply. “Listen, Sapnaji didn’t leave yet. She wanted to go to your house but somehow Smita handled. She wants to speak to Same . . . “

“Absolutely not.”

“Abhi.”

“No Dad . . not now. Just no.” He had to force himself to not yell over phone. “She just cried herself to sleep after panicking for hours. She couldn’t breathe, Dad. I had never seen her like that before.”

“I understand son. But here is a mother who’s waiting to clear her side of story. She tried to explain it to us, but it didn’t feel right. Sameera should know first, she is directly impacted.” He stopped suddenly, “Sapnaji is coming. Maybe I should . . . “

“Give the phone to her.” Abhi rubbed at his temple.

“Be nice.” With that, the phone went to Sapna. “Sameera? Bacha . . . “

“No aunty, its me.” Abhi cleared throat- witnessing Sapna aunty like this wasn’t easy for him either. The last time he had heard this tone- he shuddered, closing his eyes tightly to not remember those days. “Sameera is unavailable right now.”

“Abhi, please. I have to explain.”

“I know aunty. Please . . . not now. Give her some space.”

“Maybe I should come tomorrow?”

“I . . . I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Not wanting to be vague, he explained himself. “She was devastated, Aunty. She needs some time to make a sense of what happened today.” All of them need. His parents- god, he should talk to them too.

“She didn’t even look at me when you two left.” She cried, “I have hurt her.”

“Aunty, please. Be strong. Give it some time, okay? I will talk to her, I promise. She will come around. Why don’t you go home, take some rest? Its been a long day, we will see tomorrow.”

Sapna handed over the phone quietly towards Suryakant, walking away in defeat.

Abhi woke up hours later- it certainly felt like an eternity- and found himself lying on his bed. Rubbing at his eyes, he noticed the time in his wrist watch- around 2am. The side of the bed was empty, which made him still for a moment. Bolting out of his room, his eyes wildly tried to find out his beloved.

She was sitting on the floor near the flowers.

He sighed in relief, went back to his room to fetch a blanket. None of them have changed- his shirt was rumpled by now, Sameera is probably freezing in her sleeveless blouse and silk saree. Quietly walking near her, he sat beside, draping the blanket over the two of them as he tucked her closer.

“You are freezing, baby.” He dropped a kiss over her bare shoulder. “when did you wake up?”

She was silent, staring at the sky and Abhi followed her gaze. The night was beautiful, there was so many stars twinkling at them. He had planned so much for this day- post they return from the birthday party, he was supposed to drive them in a beautiful location not far from here. The area was less populated, less polluted and he had read reviews online that stargazing experience is really nice there. He was prepared for a night where she would talk her heart out, whisper stories of each stars and constellations as he listened in quiet awe.

It was all gone now. And maybe, his heart sank at the thought, her birthdays are ruined forever from today onwards.

“You told me he was up there.” Sameera’s voice was scratchy, “Turned out he was here all this time.” She went quiet, and Abhi wasn’t sure what to say in response.

“Its good thing, isn’t it?” He was cautious. When she didn’t reply, he tucked a lock of hair behind her ears, almost desperate in his attempts to make her open up. “Talk to me sweetheart. Whats going on in your head? Tell me, share with me. I am right here. I will always be right here. What are you thinking?”

“I was . . . I was thinking just now. Ma never tried to tell me. Never. Not even once. I don’t remember she tried to tell me something and I might have missed. I was going back since Gira . . . or maybe she knew always? And she gave me the watch? I . . .i gave to you right?” He nodded quickly, pressing his head against her as he pulled her close. “Turned out the watch wasn’t all I had. He . . .  he was right there. He looked at me as if he didn’t know me. Looked at me wr. . . “ wiping away her tears, Sameera started to speak fast. “He had to know when I was in hospital. His behaviour shifted, we both noticed right?” suddenly, she went quiet. “Did . . . did you know?”

“No.” He vowed.

“You ever had any . . .any dou . . . ?” He hesitated at the question, and judging by her tensed posture she sensed it.

“The night of our engagement, I heard them speak- Aunty and Veer sir. The bangles she gave you? He was the one who got them. I didn’t understand that time. I wanted to ask Aunty but it slipped my mind, so many things were happening.” Abhi turned her face gently, “If I had any suspicion. If I knew . . . you would have known too. I wouldn’t have hidden such an important thing of your life.”

“Okay.” She nodded, hiding herself in his frame.

“I cant stop thinking. What else I have missed since all these years? Was I lied to or I wasn’t informed- is there any difference? Was there actually any fire where all Ma’s documents were destroyed or that was a lie too? If I had a Father all these time, why did I get bullied throughout my childhood? Did she hid it intentionally? What does it mean . . . Veer sir is married to Sunaina ma’am. Where my Ma fits into this? Where do I fit into this?” her breathe quickened. “Maybe I don’t.”

“Sameera. . . “

“Maybe . . . they never married. Maybe I am . . . “

“Don’t.” He made her look into his eyes. “Don’t go there. Don’t say that- don’t think that.”

“If I am . . . “ she broke down in tears, “I . . . it changes everything.”

“it changes nothing.” He knew where her mind was going but he refused to entertain that.

“Marriage . . . its about families, Abhi . . . manyu.” He hated that. It felt wrong and she didn’t call him with his full name since ages. “if I . . . its not fair to drag you and your family into it.”

“Stop. Just stop.” He wiped away her tears quickly. “Whatever you are thinking, just stop. Your questions can only be answered by Sapna aunty, so you should talk to her before making assumptions. You are getting ahead in your head, and I know why.” Remembering Shikha again, his eyes blazed fire. “I don’t know what she knows, but it cant be full story. She also got the information from Sunaina aunty, and shes not a reliable person either. Trust me, I know.” He exhaled. “She was probably hurt, filtered out some things and passed it on. You should speak to aunty or Veer sir for the whole picture. Please don’t make any assumption in your head and stress yourself.” Pulling her close, he dropped a kiss on her head, gently swayed her back and forth to calm her down. “Things are tough, I know. I cant imagine what you are going through, your state of mind, your head full of questions. I am here, okay? Take a deep breath, calm down please. Tomorrow you should speak to aunty, do you want me to go with you?” She didn’t reply. “The questions you have, about their relationship? Even if it turns out . . . “ Abhi tried to keep his voice strong, “I am right here. We are right here. Nothing will change.”

“Everything will change.” Of course it will, but he meant it regarding their relationship. “If I am not what I knew all this time, who am i? whats my identity?”

“You are Sameera. Brave, kind, fierce, friendly, sweet. An amazing air force officer, part of a leading intelligence team of country. You are a fighter, you are someone who soar high and cross every hurdle, come what may. You are an amazing daughter, amazing friend, amazing compassionate, good human being. The love of my life.” she started to shake with sobs as he pulled her close. “Surname, no name. Nothing will change. I love you. I love you. This will never change.”

She held onto him, unable to speak further.

Their talk at his home had encouraged Abhi that things will go better with time, albeit it will move slowly. Sameera decided to join work the next day after an emotionally exhausting night, even when he offered to take a sick leave. He watched her walk away with a pit in stomach, tried to be positive but had a nagging doubt in his head.

The doubt won.

Sameera threw herself in work to the point none could get a hold of her except for meeting time. She was determined to hide from her team mates- partly shame and part self -preservation. Even Samrat couldn’t catch a hold of her which left him frustrated. She wasn’t found in their usual hangouts- none knew when she ate or slept. Disha didn’t know what time she was coming back to room, Natasha always saw her in library but couldn’t talk to her in there. Sameera always made sure an audience was there so that none can catch her alone, for one on one private time. During meeting she didn’t meet anyone’s eyes, actively avoided Veer sir who was frustrated himself. Abhi was concerned to know she wasn’t taking Sapna aunty’s calls as well.

One evening he got a call from security that Sapna aunty was there in the gate, and apparently had waited hours wanting to speak to Sameera who didn’t pick her calls and none could find her in base. When he reached near gate, the older woman looked fragile in his eyes, it was almost unbelievable within a span of days she has aged so much. Her ashen face and hollow eyes made him irritated at Sameera- he understood her sense of betrayal but ignoring her mother was too much. Gently covincing aunty, he made a promise that Sameera will call her and he will personally drive her for a visit, he sent her away with a standby car.

He marched into library- of course she will be here. Sameera almost jumped when he started to speak, eyes wide, frame shaking at his harsh words.

“this is too much, Sameera. Shes your mother! You are avoiding her calls, she was here at least you could have met her. She is hurting too! I never expected this from you.” Abhi took a few deep breaths to calm himself, “You will visit her tomorrow.” At her shake of head he pressed on, “I have promised her. You will.”

“No.” she looked down, fingers twisting around each other. “N . . o. Plea . . .” The stuttering was recent, he had noticed. He wasnt sure if it was trigger or that’s how she will be from now on.

“You have to.” He tried to be gentle. It was hard to be mad at her- she was struggling too. As she sat on the chair opposite his towering figure, she looked too small- she had curled upon her frame as if to avoid further onslaught of hurt. Seeing her makes him ache, and the frustrating part is she wont let anyone help her. Sure, he is there. But he don’t have answers to her questions, her mother does.

“I . . . n. . . ot now. Please. Some . . . some time.”

“How much? A day? A week? A month? Give me a timeline Sameera. Give her something to hold onto.” He moved closer. “Hiding away here, shutting yourself wont do any good. You wont be able to focus in work or . . . “ he stopped at her rapid shake of head.

“I . . I was working. See.” Standing up, she showed files and papers full of blue prints lying over the table. “I was not . . . hiding. I wasn’t wasting time. I was . . . Rashi. Her transfer? I have some ideas. I was. . . was going to share.”

He looked at her wearily, “I don’t think it will be productive. The circumstances . . . they aren’t amicable." Lifting his chin, Abhi said. “Maybe you should take some time off? Give yourself some rest. Go home.”

Sameera moved back as if a blow to her chest. Supporting herself on the table, she put a hand over mouth to silence her sobs. Abhi moved to console her, patting her head gently.

“Please . . let me be part of this.” He didn’t look convinced. “This is . . s all I have.”

“That’s not true, Sameera. You have so much, you are just not focusing.”

She looked down on the papers on table, suddenly devoid of any hope.

Sameera had no energy for further engagement with anyone else- conversation or confrontation. Here she was thinking a temporary respite will be there in the name of work, but Abhi’s words made her worried. If he takes her off Rashi’s transfer, she will have nothing else to do. He probably wants that- she herself knows shutting off the world isn’t healthy but she wanted to stay in her bubble for a while. Clearly her fiancé don’t agree with that.

She wanted to call her mother today. She had picked up the reception phone and almost dialled her number– but then try to rehearsh in her head what will she say. When it came up empty, she kept back the receiver. Sameera never knew a day will come when she has to think, measure, take her time to speak to her family.

So its no wonder when Samrat cornered her one evening after she was returning from library, demanding answers in worry and equal part anger, she burst into tears. It took him by surprise, but no amount of hugs or gentle pat on back couldn’t stop it. These days she was so fragile that she cant recognize herself in mirror. She is so easily scared, she physically recoils from things. She is in constant worry that someone will say something to her, ask her something. She don’t meet people’s eyes in case she sees something what she don’t want to.

But it was Samrat, so she gave in. Let out the course of events after the party, her own worries and fear, how Abhi blasted her and her mother’s repeated attempts of contact. How shes feeling about the revealation about her father but isn’t asking further in dread, how she feels suffocated with others cause they were a witness to the biggest, ugliest drama of her life, how Abhi literally told her if shes not getting better he will send her for leave but she don’t know how to stop crying at a drop of hat.

Samrat sighed at the last thing. “Sorry, Sam. It might be harsh, but its obvious, isn’t it? That’s what happen when you date the Boss. He knows whats happening in your personal life, and its hard to separate personal and professional things. The way things played out- its not surprising that hes worried and don’t think you are in a good state of mind to work.”

“I am trying!” She replied, frustrated with herself. “I am. Everyday.”

“I don’t doubt that Sam.” He rushed to console. “don’t take it in a wrong way. It’s a terrible situation.”

She didn’t response. Maybe in another lifetime, if things weren’t so messed up like this, she would have rejoiced at the news of her father. Who wouldn’t be? This is an actual second chance by gods grace. But sadly she cant even look at the man when hes near these days.

Samrat kept quiet too after this- only in front of Sameera. He went to Abhi the next day of their talk, let him know how disappointed he was that Sameera might be taken off work temporary, and told him he expected him to support her better. On his part, Abhi was pissed, but he didn’t show it. He has always respected Samrat as an officer and Sameera’s best friend, and maybe some other day he would have tried to explain his side too. But he ended the one sided accusation quickly.

“I appreciate your concern for her, Samrat. But I also have a team to run. I need to think about everyone of you too.”

“So you think shes not capable of working?”

“I didn’t say that. But . . . . we both know the situation is a bit different right now.”

“Come on Abhi, give her some break. Shes going through the biggest crisis of her life. If you take away her work too, she will be broken.”

He knew that objectively. He has said that in the heat of a moment, but don’t think it was irresponsible on his part to suggest. Sameera is emotionally vulnerable, and they need to have a clear head for the next couple of weeks. He loves her, but he wont jeopardize their work and lives for her. She would understand that if he has to take an extreme step.

“Whatever decision I take, it will be for the betterment of you all.” Before Samrat can say something, he raised his hand. “Lets end the topic here. Thank you for letting me know about your concern.”

He looked unconvinced, but didn’t push his luck.

1 week before the day of Rashi’s transfer to a secured location, Sameera was feeling confident enough in herself that she volunteered to take a meeting with HAWKS teammates and Veer sir to discuss a few ideas. Abhi arranged it quickly with few phone calls, and as both of them waited, she felt the cold vibes from him. He was avoiding her too- after a few stolen glances at him, he let it out.

“The next time you have any issue, you speak to me personally. No one, I repeat no one is going to come between us.”

She frowned at this statement which seemingly came out of nowhere. “I don’t understand.”

“Samrat came to me. I understand you were feeling anxious about work and Veer sir,” she looked down at that, “but you could have come to me. I told you, you can always come to me and tell me what you have in your heart. You share your thoughts with him, that’s not an issue. But when hes the one coming to me on your behalf, that’s where I draw the line.”

“I told you I didn’t want to leave.” She replied quietly.

“But that wasn’t a concrete decision made. Was it? No. we both could have sit together. We could have found a mutual ground.” Exhaling sharply, Abhi lowered his voice. “Its either you and me, or nothing. We will come to each other, none else. I wont entertain no matter how beloved is the person to you.”

He looked away after a pause. “Its time. They are arriving.”

Sameera wiped away a few stray tears quickly and straightened her spine. She had a presentation to give.

This was supposed to be the final part of this mission, so the team and everyone in base threw themselves in work to make it go smoother. Everything was like a well oiled machine, everyone in sync with each other that there was no possibility of friction. There are moments Sameera forgets the shitstorm her life is going through and mingles with her co-worker like before, then suddenly take a step back and buries her head in sand. Finally the day of transfer arrives, and she realized her time has come to an end as well. Tomorrow, she has to face the world. Even though it don’t feel like much, but she had enough time in her hand. Finally she will go look for answers and put this behind once and for all. She have to do it so that she can move forward.

With the plan in her head, she knocked at Abhi’s cabin minutes before the convoy taking Rashi was supposed to take off. He was tensed too, but he always hid it well- part of being a leader she guessed. She had some last moment clarifications and plans which she ran it through him. Even when they ran out of work conversation, they lingered, unable to move away.

“I should . . . “ motioning at the door, Sameera took a step back. There was hesitation, but she decided to speak before she left. “Thank you. For supporting- for your constant support, every moment, without any question.”

“Sameera.. .”

“The last couple of weeks has been . . . “ she cleared throat, “hard. You have been my rock. I am sorry it took me so long to address it.” The tears started again, and he came forward, gently wiping them off. “I will go to Ma’s tomorrow. I called her today actually, left a message. Will you . . .”

“Of course.” He smiled a little, relieved that finally she had the epiphany to end this uncomfortable pause in their lives. “I am happy you are finally ready.”

“Don’t feel like that.” She tried to smile. “But I . . . it will be okay. And I am sorry about Samrat too. he overstepped, I will be careful next time.”

“He is your friend, Sameera. I understand. And its never my intention to police what you share with him. Its just . . . please. You and me, we have anything? Any issue, any fight, any topic to talk about? We come to each other first. That’s all my intention was. I am sorry for being harsh the other day.”

“Its okay.” Squeezing his hand, she let it go. She rubbed at her face quickly, all trace of tears gone. “Its time.”

There were no place of emotion now.

They both shook head. “All the best officer.” Abhi added gently, “Be safe.”

She nodded, leaving the cabin with long strides. They had a mission to finish.

Abhi always knew time is a fickle thing. Within a blink of an eye, things change. In their field of work, it’s a millisecond between a jet catching fire, an emergency parachute exit, dodging your jet before another one hits you. Time is always an enemy, he knows it well. Often times he has been on the wrong side facing its wrath.

And yet it catches him by surprise when hes once again on the wrong side of time. 2 minutes. 2 fuking minutes he cant take a pause, he cant catch a breath before shit hits the fan. He has just gone to his cabin to get something- he didn’t even remember what was it later- when his phone chimed. It was a mail from a boutique which he had visited a while ago looking for wedding lehenga. Yes, the event wasn’t decided, but he wanted to get an idea of designs and the cost. He was looking through the pretty colors and intricacy of designs when he felt a footstep entering his cabin.

It didn’t knock, so of course it was Natasha. “I am coming. Give me 2 mins.” When she didn’t reply, he turn to her, “I was just . . . who knew wedding dresses can be this expensive right? Look at the cost.” He looked at her, and seeing her confusion, he stopped, keeping the phone away.

The truth was, he will admit to himself in that moment, he cant relax. Objectively he cant, of course, a mission was ongoing which is being led by him. But he cant calm himself down enough to pass the same energy to team. Since the moment Sameera had got inside one of the cars in convoy and shut the door, he was nervous. They had the reports, they had the eye on ground and tight security, yet he cant be still. He wanted to take a few minutes to himself to get a hold on himself- when she walked in.

Probably that’s why hes rambling about lehengas in the middle of work.

“Abhi.” She was cautious, and his heart sank immediately. “There is a situation.”

Hours later, after sending injured officers to hospitals, managing the crime scene securely, chewing off guards who were supposed to be keep an eye, and thousand and one meetings later, the HAWKS team found themselves in a room with their leader and Veer sir. There was a nervous energy in the room and promise of retribution – it was a long day and night yet they knew, nobody was taking any break until this is taken care of.

Abhi was strangely silent- its not like he had gone into a shell in shock or something. Probably they had expected an outburst due to personal nature of this situation and when he didn’t give in, they started to have doubts. Disha had mumbled the same to Natasha, which Ali agreed to. Samrat was pissed- he was always the hothead when it came to Sameera. He had some chosen words to say when it felt like Abhi didn’t acknowledge the fact Sameera was abducted, but his entire focus was shifting Rashi to god knows where.

They all cant forget the scene- the half burned half massacred convoy of card, the smell of smoke and blood in air. The way Rashi ran towards them, dressed in the clothes of an air force officer which, she revealed later, was Sameera’s doing. How she forced the young girl to hide under car seat and not to get out in any cost. The second hand testimony of Sameera being dragged away by a group of men in jeep, scream of personnel and bullets being fired, and the strange silence afterwards.

It was burnt into their memory. Samrat had punched a broken car in rage.

All that remains now is to track down those men who had taken Sameera- they were under an impression that Sameera is Rashi, their actual target. They had to know by now they had picked up the wrong girl, and what will happen next is left to their horrific imaginations. If they decided to let her live, there has to be some kind of negotiation related to Jamal. Its upto ministry how they would want to negotiate next, even though Veer sir vowed to get back his officer and not wanting to have a trade off. But none can deny, if, the terrorists decide they want a negotiation, they will have very less space to convince or keep things in their favour.

A 24 hours of buffer time is given unofficially- either to get a proof of life, or news of the fallen officer. Now they will wait, which took all their patience and mental strength to sail. Of course there were some shouting, most being from Samrat as they had feared.

“Did you even love her? I don’t think so. All you care about that bloody kid.” He spat venom as Abhi looked back strangely, taking silently all his accusations. “If there is any news, you will not even negotiate. You will let her die! Her blood is on you.”

“Enough Samrat.” Ali dragged him away, and Natasha followed, casting an apologetic glance at their leader. Disha remained, wanting to touch him to give sympathy, or say something. It felt like she couldn’t do either.

“What he said . . . “ she started.

“its fine.” He brushed it aside, turning his back towards her.

“its not, Abhi. We all know you care about her. Its just . . . “ She sighed in frustration. “Talk to us. We are your friends too. Whats going on in your head? Its hard to believe that Sam is taken and you are . . . you are . . .”

“I am what?” He replied quietly, “Silent? Non reactive? Passive bystander?” At her silence, he continued.  “Disha.” Abhi’s voice shook. “its better if it shows I care about the work more than the well being of her. Its better if I don’t take her name or pretend she is not here. Its better if I put all my focus of Rashi’s safety.” He turned towards her, eyed red with unshed tears as his jaw clenched. “If I let myself think about what happened . . . I will lose it. I will do something stupid and jeopardize entire thing. So I am trying really hard to strike a balance. Samrat is hating me right now, but he will understand.” Clearing his throat, he brushed aside her concern, “I am fine. I will be fine. She will be fine too. We will get her home.”

Disha nodded quickly, trying not to cry.

She was shrouded with darkness when she came back to sense. Sameera blinked slowly, trying to look around, and realized there was a bag over her eyes. It made her other senses heightened- her ears tried to understand where she was held. Is it a jungle? An abandoned building? Is this a house or some factory? Why the floor was so cold and no sound apart from footsteps? She tried to sniff and found nothing amiss. So a place where people have been staying previously. What time was it? She didn’t know that, but judging by the quietness she felt it has to be post sunset. Its been probably over 5 hours since the convoy attack.

She struggled slowly against the binds around her wrist and feet- plastic zipties, she sighed with frustration. The next moment, she yelped as strong arms pulled at her, making her sit on the hard floor. A chair was dragged near her, and she felt someone moving closer, sitting over it.

“Sameera.” Her heart sank- so much for the bait and switch. “You really think you are so smart, right?” the bag was taken off the next moment, and she blinked trying to adjust to light. “where is the girl?”

She remained silent and was awarded with a slap which made her lips bleed.

“Don’t.” the man had a cut over his right eyebrow, and the finger he pointed upwards was smudged with grease. “test me. I will use means to hurt you.” Cracking his knuckles, he asked. “Lets try it again. Where is Rashi?”

“Don’t know.” She croaked, and got another slap. She had almost fallen on the ground when the men behind her moved to shift her once again. “I am here. I have no idea where she is now.”

“You pulled that stunt, didn’t you?” He spat. “Was it you or your boss, Abhimanyu Rathore? Whos idea was this?” She didn’t reply to this, bracing herself for another slap but surprisingly, there wasn’t any.

Then he smiled- a horrific, teeth bared, devoid of any human joy smile that made her skin crawl. “You are the wife, aren’t you?” She didn’t bother to correct. “He will negotiate, he has to. He will be on his knees begging for your life.”

“He wont.” She tried to keep her voice steady. “We are air force officers. We have seen tragedies before. He will never negotiate for me. He will never risk national security.”

The man looked at her for a long time, then got up from the chair and paced back and forth for a while. Scratching at his beard, he murmured. “Of course. I haven’t thought about that- we have heard stories about him, his bravery and courage and loyalty. Maybe we have underestimated his patriotism. Hmm. So do tell, Sameera.” He paused, “Is your father same?”

All air was sucked out of her lungs at the mention of her father.

“Will he negotiate? Or he is like your husband too? shame if that happens, no one out them giving any damn about you.” Making a tsk sound, he mocked her. “they would need proof of life within 24 hours. Lets see what they do when they see your face. I personally cant wait for it, what about you?”

The man left with his entourage, leaving Sameera shaking with fear. How does he knows about her father’s identity? Only close friends and family were there during the party, she didn’t tell a single soul herself. She doubts her friends had done the same- now only Veer sir’s family left. But what does it mean if this information was leaked through them? Thinking about possible connection between them and these men made her nauseous. Things will be ten times more complicated now. They will take advantage of this news to the fullest and try to get their way.

She has to find a way to escape soon. If it is before the proof of life evidence, that will be better.

The terrorists had missed the 24 hour deadline.

Everyone knew what that meant. It was only their mental strength that they didn’t fly off the handle in rage or broke down in hysteria. There were tears, but it was gone quickly. The team held onto each other as their leaders slumped in a corner of meeting room. Veer sir was in disbelieve, Abhi was stoic.

Samrat left the base to catch a breath and none could stop him. Ali took the girls away, his usual humour turning dark with passing moments.

“Until there is a body, no waterworks.”

Disha usually laughs at his lame jokes. She didn’t have any strength today.

Abhi was calm when he left base, when he got in his jeep and drove to his apartment building. With each step he took towards his house he felt heavier, and when he closed the door behind him, he held onto the wood as to not fell down on floor. He has to calm down his rising panic- his eyes went towards the plants.

Plants don’t need much. Just give them two times water.

He ran to kitchen, got a bowl full of water and poured them all over the flower plants. By the time he was done, tears were streaming down his face. Crossing legs over floor, he buried his head over them, tightly squeezing his neck as he cried. Why this was happening to him, why now? They were so good together, they had so many good moments together with promise of future. They were building a life together, why now? Why she always had so much pain in her fate? Why god couldn’t be kind to them?

How he will live now? This house is already starting to haunt him- each and every corner was filled with her memory. How he will stay here now? What about her family? Gosh, he thought about Sapna aunty then. The two of them couldn’t even get a moment to talk. They were stuck on a horrible phase and now she has to live with that guilt. Poor Veer sir, he didn’t even get a chance to share his story.

“1 . . . 2 . . . “ wheezing, he started to count, wiping his tears hastily over the sleeves. He pushed himself until his voice stopped shaking, until he pretended nothing was amiss. “34 . . . 35 . . . “ he has to be strong. The work wasn’t over yet.

The revenge will begin now. He has to be prepared.

Sameera was running, where she didn’t know. She crushed dry leaves under her feet, pushed away tree branches and shrubs on her way. She has to keep running, she chanted to herself. Her lungs were going to give away, the clothes which were originally of Rashi’s- a salwar suit with dupatta wasn’t helping with the running. The sun was in his ultimate glory, it was scorching hot under her naked feet, she hadn’t drunk or ate anything since hours, yet she cant stop. If she stops, she will be a bargaining chip. She would rather die here due to lack of food and water than be a part of sick negotiation tactics of terrorists.

She had escaped just at the crack of dawn, and she tried to remember whatever she had seen regarding the location. It was based in jungle, a cottage spread across quite a bit of land. At least 10-12 heavily armed men were there at the house, and she saw a few vehicles too- jeep, small trucks, bikes. There was carton with closed seal which, she deduced, had to be ration or more arms. Before she could check those, she felt someone near and she ran from the location.

Something brushed past her, and Sameera ducked instinctively. It was a bullet, her eyes widened at realization. So someone did catch upto her, she wasn’t successful to escape afterall. Increasing her speed, she started to move in a zigzag path. More bullets flew, she sensed them but there was no sound. Whoever was after her was using silencer and, for some reason, didn’t shoot her to injure her. It was just to scare her so that she give in, she thought in head.

A sudden hit over her back made her stumble, and it was enough for the person running after her to shorten their distance. The person, a man to be accurate, had now stopped shooting at her. He was hitting at her with whatever objects he could find- as of now he had decided on thick, heavy tree branches. The next one hit her on head, making her fall on her face. Her nails dragged on the dirt as the man jumped over her, wrestling to keep her on ground. His hands tightly held onto her neck, no matter how much she struggled, Sameera couldn’t fight back.

Her breathing slowed down, and she fell back into consciousness.

The man’s whisper in her ears was familiar.

Veer had ran into the meeting room after one of the HAWKS team member, Natasha, urgently knocked on his cabin to inform they had received a video from unknown sources. By the time he was there, they had already played it. His eyes found Abhi- he was looking intently at the screen.

They all collectively sighed in relief when Sameera was shown in the footage. Albeit banged up and bleeding, she was still alive. She stared back at the camera with fearful eyes, said nothing when the men coaxed her to speak. It was like she was too spooked to react to her surroundings. The video mercifully ended without any physical abuse inflicted on her, with one singular order- release Jamal.

3 mins 05 seconds. The video had ended.

“Did you see her eyes?” Natasha asked at her team mates, “Her finger, her lips, anything?”

Ali shook head. “I couldn’t find any morose. But I will replay it just to be sure.”

“Something is wrong.” Sameera’s lack of reaction grated on Abhi. “Her behaviour is off.”

“Abhi, shes surrounded by dangerous men all alone. Of course shes scared.” Disha tried to be gentle.

“This is the first and probably last time they will put her on video. And she wont take advantage of that? She wont do anything to tip us off about the location or try to tell us what she knows? That’s impossible.” He ran finger through hair. “Shes petrified. Something is wrong. There is something else going on which she knows and we don’t.”

“I think I know what it is.” Veer sir spoke up, making everyone turn their heads to look at him. There was a card on his hands, it came with the video.

To dear husband and father.

If the situation was any different, if his fiance’s life wasn’t on line, he would have admired his team’s flexibility. Their quickness, their agility. How fast they deduced the meaning and shed off their care for each other, replaced by confusion and suspicion. How everyone was suddenly an enemy, who would leak a fellow colleague’s personal relation to terrorists for god knows what reason. He should join in too, if only he could break this white noise around him.

“Everyone, please. Get a grip on yourself.” Veer sir barked, shaking off his initial shock quickly. But he had nothing else to say, the role belongs to Abhi.

Who had slipped from the room amidst this confusion.

Sunaina was going through a bad week which only seemed to stretch on with each day. Her foul mood made everything poisonous, and she hated how whatever she did- good bad or ugly, nothing seems to be working these days. What she had presumed, apart from venting about her marital life to her daughter, was get her some retribution from Abhi. On Shikha’s part, she has done her share of tamasha but the intended outcome didn’t happen. Whatever news and gossips she had heard, the chit of a kid is still with the bastrd child of her husband.

Of course she knows its not bastrd, but she has been saying that in her head, passed on the same information to Shikha so she will stick to it.

There was persistent knock on their door and no maids were in sight, so with a displeased face Sunaina went to open the door. To her surprise, Abhi barged right in, eyes searching somewhere. The man was heartbreaker, now he has graduated to misbehave as well, looking at the way he came right inside almost making her fall on ground.

”Abhi, what a great surprise.” She snarked. “Looking for someone?”

“Shikha.” There was this look on his face she couldn’t quite decipher, but she didn’t dwell on it.

“haven’t you done enough? Why now . . .go be with your true love . . . “

“Please spare me your lecture.” Then he started to yell, “Shikha!”

For a moment Sunaina thought the guy has finally lost his mind. She was speechless by his rudeness, the brash way he spoke to her, now this yelling. Shikha came running after a while, eyes shifting back and forth between the two of them. The older woman saw the same confusion in her eyes at the sudden arrival of her ex.

Abhi walked upto her and put his hand around her throat, pushing her on a wall.

The women cried simultaneously, Sunaina rushed to them trying to slap and pulled his fingers from Shikha’s body but he wouldn’t let anyone be. Devil has possessed him, and they still don’t know what the hell made him lost his damn mind.

“What the hell, Abhi! Leave her.”

“You came to my house, revealed the truth and humiliated her that day.” Abhi’s voice was deadly quiet. “I wish I had put myself between you two and choke you to death.”

Shikha was trying to overcome this dual onslaught of shock and breathlessness. “Wha . . .i don’t . . . “

“You fcking sellout.” In disgust, he let go off her throat, and she fell on floor with a thud as Sunaina rushed to check on her. “Dealing with terrorists? Are you insane, Shikha? Do you have any idea how this will impact Veer sir? Do you?”

“The hell you are talking about, Abhi? Have you gone mad?”

“Ask your daughter this!” He yelled back. “What it is? Jealousy? Fuking ego issue that you couldn’t have a man, so you decided to ruin her life? You think you are a fuking god?”

“I am calling the police.” Sunaina made a show of moving.

“Yes, and I will call Veer sir. Let him know how his daughter was in cahoots with terrorists, shared his personal life secrets in exchange of ego massage.” He knelt in front of Shikha, who stared back. “What the hell, Shikha? Why now? Just . . . why? Do you have any idea what you have done? What else you have shared with them?”

“Will you believe me if I say I didn’t tell this to anyone.” He didn’t reply to that. “I made a scene. I was hurt and angry and jealous. I wanted you back, I still want you back.” Clenching his jaw, Abhi looked away. “But I didn’t do this. There is someone in your base who have done this. I just . . . “

His eyes blazed fire. “You what?” at her silence, his voice dropped an octave, “You what?”

“I saw the blueprint of convoy in Dad’s study. I knew which car Rashi and Sameera was supposed to be in.”

He inhaled a sharp breath. “both of them could have died. My Sameera could have died.” Holding onto her shoulder, he shook her violently, “do you understand? You wanted to kill someone else in anger? How could you?”

“I didn’t want to kill.” Shikha was crying by now, and Abhi realized he was too. “I never wanted to kill someone. I just wanted to make her go away for a while. You . . you remember when we were in college? We were so happy, it was just the two of us. I thought that’s all will take you to get me back. If you could remember how happy, how perfect we were.”

Abhi staggered back in horror. “You are unbelievable.”

“I just wanted to remind you! That is why . . . “ Sunaina squeezed her arm tightly, and Shikha stopped talking. The man glared at the two of them.

“what else?” she didn’t reply. “You have to tell me now, Shikha. I have abundance of time- you see thanks to your little tip, Sameera is kidnapped by a bunch of terrorists. They are related to another one whom I had captured years ago, and your father, Sameera’s father? Veer sir, hes handling the fort as of now. It’s a circle of life coming back to form. So I guess we should also start from the start- what else, Shikha? What the fuk have you done which I missed to see? How many ways you have tried to ruin my life when I was being nice to you, treated you like a friend, invited you to my house and let you be part of me?”

“Please, Abhi. Drop the pretence.” Massaging her throat, Shikha scoffed at him. “Stop this show off that you are somehow better than all of us. You didn’t think one second about me when you threw me out of your life.” He looked away in annoyance at that. “Years of our life, Abhi, and I left no mark on your soul. Heck, there wasn’t anything of mine left in your apartment. But she comes, and shes suddenly everywhere. Sameera this, Sameera that. How nice she is, how perfect, how fuking precious. And now shes the elder daughter, how convenient, right? What did I want? You, just you.” She held onto his hands tightly, and he pulled back. “I just wanted to see her bleed- the most perfect night of her life, right? When I am bleeding, she should be too. it was just chandelier- I did feel bad Abhi. I am not a monster.”

He was in disbelieve at her delusion.

“And now also I am ready to negotiate. She can have it all- my dad, his surname, social status birth right whatever. We can share a dad, its fine. But you, I get you. You have to come to me. You will do that, wont you Abhi?”

“Fuk you.” He stood up, pulling phone from his pocket. “You are insane and belong to a jail.”

“Abhi, Abhi no.” Sunaina ran to stop him, holding onto his wrists. “She is not in her senses. Just look at her- she needs psychiatrist, not police. Please Abhi, spare her.”

“Spare her?” His voice rose, “After ruining my life, Veer sir’s life, Sapna aunty and Sameera’s relationship she should be spared? Its time she gets what she deserve.”

“No Abhi - “

A bomb exploded near them, shattering glasses everywhere.

Police and fire brigade came quickly- perks of being a high security area. Sunaina was in hysterics, almost jumping on her husband as Veer arrived, looking haggard. This week just keeps getting better and better.

The bomb was kept in a trashcan near house. Thankfully none of them were injured.

“its him.” Shikha was next to Abhi as they eyed dispassionately at the massacre in front of them. The front part of house was destroyed. One of the car was badly damaged. 2 security guards were heavily injured, their blood was scattered everywhere. It was straight out of a horror movie.

Abhi moved to walk away. He has heard enough today and had no patience or energy to deal with this. A scheming ex- who was never really an ex in his eyes because for him the entire relation was a lie. The same ex being sister of his fiancé. He has a poor judgement going by Shikha’s words. He still have to decide how much to tell Veer sir and what action to take on Shikha.

“I wont lie about this Abhi.” He halted in his steps. “He knew since the engagement night. He knew about the chandelier incident, he made me go to Imperial college. He let me know I should listen to him, do as per him. Hes very sly- its never a threat. Just a casual reminder to do as he says.” She shook head at the mess she created. “That’s why I told him about convoy. Hes an insider.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Samrat. Its him.”

He blinked. “Stop. Just stop this.”

“I wont lie about this, Abhi. I have lied a lot, but I wont lie about this.” Her eyes held conviction and for a moment he faltered. “He has been planning since a long time. I wasn’t sure what, but when you came today it became a bit clearer.”

Glaring at her, Abhi pulled out his phone. Someone picked up from the other side, and he inquired about Samrat’s whereabouts. It turned out, the man wasn’t seen in base since hours. He had left before Abhi and there hasn’t been any contact since then.

Shikha had a triumphant smirk at that.

“This means nothing.” He wasn’t convinced at his own words, of course she noticed.

“You are smart. You will figure out the rest.”

On the other side of world, after a failed escape attempt later Sameera was more than determined to run away, successfully this time. Sadly for her the video was already sent to base- she was heavily monitored and these men have checked the footage countless times in case she had sent any signal. After her father’s truth revelation and the man who had dragged her back, she was terrified to do anything in case it backfires on her- the mission, herself, and her base. So she kept quiet, letting them think she has given up as they threw her in a dark, dingy room.

She could hear yelling outside- them blaming each other for her near escape, next plan of action, Jamal’s return and where they will go from here. They were confident that a trade- off will happen between him and Sameera, and in case ministry wasn’t ready they had plans to torture her so that she screams cries and begs for her release. Swallowing back her tears, she vowed to herself quietly- if it comes to that, she will slit her own throat than letting them use her body for blackmail and manipulation. She cant let her family bow down to evil like them.

There was a broken glass in the room, and she took a decision instantly.

Sameera coughed and bled from mouth, wheezing on ground as the men outside rushed into the room. Someone came behind her, turning her on back and she groaned in pain- her feet and hands were tied in awkward angles.

“Tsk tsk Sam.” Fingers moved away her hair gently and she blinked at the familiar voice.

The face was familiar too. she couldn’t believe her eyes for a moment.

“Why?” Samrat sighed at the bloody mess, then turned to his men, “What are you waiting for? Fix her. Find a doctor now!”

She croaked, trying to utter his name- what was his name anyway? It cant be Samrat. Amidst all this drama, this life altering realizations where her best friend of years is a possible terrorist, and all she cared in the moment about his name.

“It will take forever to heal.” He kept patting her hair as she laid still, not able to process this truth which is right in front of her eyes. “its okay, its me. It’s the truth. Don’t try to speak, doctor is coming.”

If she had the luxury of time, she would have passed out from the mental exhaustion.

Samrat was having a bad day, Jahan Sheikh was having a worst one. His carefully put chess moves are going down one by one, his meticulously planned steps are going haywire. Hes trying to put bandage over deeply cut wounds, of course they aren’t working.

It all started with Sam switching with Rashi, and in all honesty he should have seen that coming. He was late to realize, that too with fellow HAWKS mate that his men had the wrong girl back in home. Then Sam ran away and he himself had to chase her down. Then there was Shikha- the girl was useful and now shes not. Shes also psycho, unhinged when it comes to Abhi. He was late to eliminate the girl, it turned out shes alive and have probably spilled her guts to his boss.

Now Sam swallowed broken glass pieces maybe to play martyr and he felt like screaming at something. For years hes been making his moves, and two girls are crashing all of them. Sisters, he thought with a snort. Veer sir’s blood run high.

There was a ding in his phone- it was from Shikha.

You are dead.

He closed his eyes for a moment- clenching his jaw to keep calm. Then he threw the phone across the room.

Fuk subtlety. Let the world burn.

The first thing Abhi did after coming to base, still coated in his smoky, half burnt clothes was to ramage through Samrat’s room. he went through each paper, each sticky notes, every book and diary he had used. He pulled apart his pillow, overturned his mattress, knocked on walls and table in case if any hidden treasure is found. There was nothing, it was squeaky clean.

Then he started to track GPS of the jeep he frequently takes to go out. He found out the GPS was disabled ages ago. They have lost track of Samrat- or whoever the fuk he is. Hes out there, and they are blind.

Abhi called in a meeting immediately to brief the team, along with Veer sir and ministry personnel. There was disbelieve, strongly defending Samrat in his absence. There were legit questions about Shikha’s confessions. This felt like how they all had jumped of Natasha thinking shes the traitor, or how they had almost court marshalled Sameera. Abhi had a gut feeling, but he wasn’t going to say that. Even Veer sir looked sceptical. Entire team was pissed at his accusations.

A part of him hoped Samrat comes back and all this is a big misunderstanding. Hes a friend, a trusted confidante. Hes the best friend of Sameera- she will be devastated if she knows the truth. Just other day Samrat had barged into his cabin to yell on behalf of her, was that all lie? Or there was an agenda none of them could see.

Abhi was seriously judging his capacity now. He couldn’t identify true colors of his ex, he couldn’t find out his own colleague, integral part of HAWKS was the mole all along. Was he always working against them or it’s a recent development? Was he involved in fighter jet malfunction and Disha’s attack too? does it even matter how long his list of crimes are? Hes a traitor. He has betrayed them all.

There is this photo he found in Samrat’s room- the HAWKS team together on his engagement. Sameera was standing between the both of them.

He tore the picture and threw the part with Samrat in it.

The day after, amidst another round of argument their landline phone chimed. It was him.

“Samrat.” Abhi called out cautiously.

“Lets not pretend you don’t know the truth.” Everyone sucked at that. Their worst fears are confirmed. “You can call me Jahan.”

Veer sir swore as he got up from his seat, kicking at something in frustration.

“I think the picture will be a lot clear now.” Jahan continued- god, how wrong it is to call him by that name.

“Why?” that was Ali. He sounded devastated, they all are. “Why you did it?”

“For family, of course. For my father.”

“You think we will release him for Sameera.” Natasha spat.

“I have doubt on that. So I improvised and made a full proof plan.” He sounded pleased with himself. “There is a hospital, I will not say which one, but there is one close to you. Full of poor needy people. I have hijacked that. So now its . . . 50 people plus Sameera in exchange of my Father. I hope now its suitable for negotiation.”

“You will not survive this.” Someone from Ministry spoke. “Our government do not negotiate with terrorists.”

Jahan laughed at that. "You should read history of your country, Mr. you have negotiated a lot of times. Sometimes in exchange of your daughter, your countrymen, your soldiers, your spies, your minsters. Lets not pretend there is no scope for trade off here. Don’t mouth off your party agenda, think and let me know. I give you time,” he paused, “till tomorrow. I cant wait much, already years have passed.”

The call clicked end.

Abhi let Veer sir takeover talks with ministry as he let his team loose. After blows after blows, they all need some time to catch their breath. No rest for himself though- he got himself busy arranging security for his family, Sapna aunty and Veer sir’s family. Just in case, hes not taking any further risk.

He avoided Sapna aunty’s calls- he was sure if he listens to her voice he will start crying and there wont be any stopping. So he called his dad, gave him short summary of the shits transpired in last few days without revealing much. His dad, the smart man he is, put two and two together easily.

If Sameera was available, there is no way they would not have received a call or visit from her. Especially after Veer’s house was bombed. It only meant she was not.

“whats the chance of coming back?” he meant for both of them.

“I will try my hardest. Everyone will. Rest is upto her god.” He sighed, his throat tight, “Dad . . . I thought her birthday was hard. If I knew this was coming I would have paused time. So much pain, so much tragedy. I cant . . . I really cant.”

“You cant fall apart now.”

“Yeah.” He nodded to himself. “That’s what I tell myself. It keeps me motivated. . . when she comes back home, we can grieve together over all these.” When, not if.

Suryakant wished he could hug his son in that moment.

Sameera woke up to sunlight- one side of her face was turning red with heat and her vision was turning red. Slowly, she opened her eyes to look at her surroundings.

And immediately wished she hadn’t.

Fingers twisting over a filmsy sheet, she swallowed her dry throat at the sight of Sa. . .she still didn’t know what was his name. forget name, she don’t even know this man. Whatever moments they had shared, the experiences they had, their past and present- they all were tainted with his lies. He always had hidden agenda in innocent of moments.

She was in cahoots with a terrorist. The biggest mistake of her life was to befriend this man and never realize his hidden, ugly face.

He smiled slowly at her, “I know you have questions.” She stayed silent but her eyes gave away her curiosity and hurt. “Jahan. My name is Jahan.”

“… hy?” she croaked.

“You know why.” His smile vanish. How is this possible that she can know this face and yet hes the stranger in the room. “My father, Sam. Jamal. He is in prison for years. We have been planning to break him out of prison so many times- then I got to know I have a half sister. Funny how those revelations happen, right?” tears pooled in her eyes at that. “so I thought, why not use the dear sister as bargaining chip? Seemed easy when air force was taking so much interest in her. But you . . . I should have planned for you way back. I truly didn’t realize you would switch place with her.” Shaking head, he continued. “There have been some hiccups in this, but this ends here.” He looked around at the room, and Sameera realized at that time they were in a hospital. Her heart sank, what devious plan he was making now?

“yo . . . nt succeed.” She tried to be firm.

“there is no other option.” He leaned back on the chair. “I have been trying for years, to get my father out of jail. We both had similar lives, Sam. You were trying to make your dad proud, same with me. And he will be- the ministry itself will come to negotiate. They will.” Before she can open her mouth, he nodded slowly, emphasising his words.

“I am not giving them any other option.”

With that, he walked away.

There had been many meetings, arguments and counter arguments, with fifty possibilities and hundred probabilities when it was revealed that a highly skilled air force officer who was training for being spy was always on the side of enemy. But all talks of no negotiations and sending Special forces became a lot quieter when live footage started to come from a hospital, located 15 km away from the base, where some men had barged into, barricaded themselves and were randomly shooting at people. So far there were attempts, but none could get it or talk with these men. Then there was a video, a few men covering their face with black clothes.

From the eyes, they knew it was Samrat. Or Jahan.

At a critical situation where shockingly one of their member turned out terrorist, as a safety measure HAWKS was once again suspended and the team mates were heavily monitored. Even Abhi couldn’t get away this time.

“Can you honestly expect anything else, Officer Rathore?” That mouthy guy from ministry sneered at him. “your team mate was a double agent all along. Apparently he was also the best friend of your fiancé? Its like there is a conspiracy brewing between all of you.”

Abhi wanted to strangle the man for insinuating something so heinous about Sameera and rest of them. Thankfully, something happened in background regarding which he had no clue, but was sure that his father was involved. Soon Veer sir and he was cleared to go with military near the hospital taken hostage to observe the situation.

Jahan had to monitor them from all direction as the moment they stepped in, an incoming call came for Veer. It was jahan of course- short message that they need to bring his father next. Before sir could say something in reply, he cut the call.

For the next 3 hours, the men had sent 6 bodies- there was a child amidst the massacre. The threat was clear- the numbers are only going to get increased on hourly basis. 1, then 2, then 3. Next it will be four.

Jamal Sheikh looked like he was expecting Abhi when he had walked into his cell. When he was unlocking his chains, he commented, “seems fitting that you will only lead me to freedom, as you were the one to put me into this cage.”

He furiously put a black bag over his face. Over his fuking dead body, Abhi vowed. The moment he gets an opening, Jamal is dead.

And his son will join him in hell.

Jahan could see a bunch of cars with red sirens arriving, and he knew in one of those cars his father remained. But there were no calls from outside, no messenger, no signs to reach out to him. As if they don’t even care.

He punched button of the landline phone angrily. “Is my father outside?”

“Yes.” It was Abhi. Of course, how fitting.

“Are you waiting for some auspicious moment? Send him in.”

“you have arm twisted us for negotiation, but don’t take us being this stupid, Sa . . . Jahan.” Abhi corrected himself. “Hostages first.”

He barked a laughter. “You have some nerve thinking you have an upper hand in this situation. Especially when your heart is in this side.” There was silence on the other side. “My father, Abhi.”

“Don’t call me that.” He snapped. “Flight lt Abhimanyu. You have to be delusional to expect us to submit to your whims. Look around, Jahan, you are surrounded by us. Air force, military, police, everyone. You cant run. You want to kill the people, go ahead do that. You want to kill Sameera? I have one bullet reserved for your father.”

On cue, a man, hands tied and face hidden behind a black bag was thrown on ground in front of Abhi. Jahan’s heart lurched- its his father.

“Now, you listen to me. Release the hostages.” He cut the call, and waited.

This blackmailing ends here. They have danced to their tunes enough, now its their turn to payback.

He sighed in relief internally when hostages slowly started to come out of door. When the last of them came out, Abhi grabbed the man kneeling on ground, tucked his gun firmly behind and headed inside.

Veer sir looked at him and silently prayed to whoever was up there. Please let her be safe. Please let him be safe.

Near reception, Jahan and his men were waiting for them. They were about to close in, when he raised a hand signalling them to stay put.

Their eyes met- for a fleeting moment, Abhi was tormented. This man was supposed to be their friend. Friend. What happened? Then he had to remind himself, it was the truth since the start, its just that they were easily fooled. For a group trying to become spy, they have failed measurably. Only if they had learnt to suspect each other.

“Father.” Jahan greeted, and Abhi pushed the man so that he can walk ahead. In head, he counted

3, 2, 1. . .

A loud blast knocked everyone off their balance, shattering the walls, woods and glasses around them. The ringing caught them off guard, then a group of heavily armed men barged inside. Gunfight started, and Abhi was dragged in a corner by of the army men so that he can take shelter. One his head cleared, there was only one name- Sameera. He had to find her before she gets injured during this gun fight and get the hell out of here.

Jamal had removed the bag by now, and just when the son was going to reach out- they had separated when the men stormed in, Abhi pulled the trigger. A well time, well aimed shot which would put anyone to shame. Right between his eyes.

He cant describe the satisfaction when Jahan staggered back in horror and disbelieve. How Sheikh died before he could even realize what was happening- over his dead body, he had meant that.

Jahan looked at him again, eyes red with fury. He looked right back.

Then he took off.

There was sound of gunfight coming from nearby, and Sameera noticed the 2 men guarding her in the hospital room were getting antsy, their hold tightening over their guns as they kept pacing nervously. Taking advantage of situation, she hit one of them with a metal tray, snatched gun from him and shot the other man on his leg. As he screamed in pain, she bolted out of door.

For a moment she didn’t know where to go. There was smell of fire and death and footsteps seemed close onto her any moment. She kept her fingers on the gun- she had never killed anyone, but if situation arise she might have to. She turned a corner and staggered into halt.

Abhi was standing there.

Choking onto a sob, she ran towards him screaming his name. he turned to her immediately, easily catching her as she jumped into his arms, relief coursing through the two of them. He felt like he could breathe again after all this time. There were tears in his eyes as he pressed a kiss on her head.

“Okay, okay.” Calming himself down, he gently untangled her from him, “Lets get out of here? Okay? Come, come sweetheart.” Dragging her with him, he tried to find a way out away from the gunfight and terrorists.

As bad luck happen, Jahan found them- or mainly, him. “Abhimanyu!” He roared, taking off towards them as the two of them ran. He was relentless, no longer the calm composed man presented to them all these time. He had lost all hope. He has lost his mind and the purpose of his life. He didn’t want to live and didn’t plan to let them leave alive.

It seemed like he was closing on them, and Abhi took a decision in that split second. Nothing was more precious than his and Sameera’s life in that moment.

He shot at his leg, making him stumble. When Sameera tried to turn, he put his fingers over her eyes to cover them.

Then he shot a bullet in his head.

Its unsettling when you have nothing to do. Natasha didn’t know how to explain it. She was so used to days going by with 1001 different things running together, meetings, field work, more meetings, paperwork, brainstorming sessions. Suddenly there is nothing and the loss is like physical pain of something pricking your body.

Her colleagues and friends have taken the time to visit their homes- before another storm comes. But she knew running when she sees it. The lack of work and murmurs around them is grating on everyone. Natasha didn’t want to leave, she was always better at facing things headfirst.

Its been a week since the hospital hostage thing, Jahan is dead and good riddance to that terrorist. They are having a thorough background check before HAWKS is back again, there are so many questions raised and fingers pointed at them that it will be so damn hard to find their footing again. Sam was with her mom, Natasha had visited her when she was in hospital and looked forward to meet again when shes back to base.

She is confident they will bounce back. They just need the entire team.

She didn’t know from where shes getting all these optimism.

She was strolling one evening through the corridors when she saw Abhi, sitting on one of those half walls and staring ahead. She hadn’t seen him much since that day- of course, he and Veer sir was busy with cleaning up the mess but Natasha didn’t know the full picture. He gave a small smile at her arrival, shifting so that she can lean on the wall.

“So?” and maybe he needed a friend too to let it all out. He told about the harsh, offensive questions they are having from ministry and other security force departments. Questions on their leadership, their past missions, the way they had selected members and background checks. Meetings after meetings to give justification. How Veer sir is bearing most of burnt- the man has aged a decade since last week. Their personal failure to recognize Samrat for who he was. How he could bypass multiple security clearances to get in.

Apparently, Jahan had taken over a real person’s life. There was a Samrat whos parents had died and left him with abundance of wealth. There were legal paper trails which made it easy for base to check and hard for anyone who wanted to look for forgery. But that Samrat had died as a teenager- they got to know later. Jahan and his team had planned for this since a decade. A decade long planning of false identity, making an entire fake life, established connections and friends, made allies to reach his goal. A methodical, psychopathic approach. Natasha scrunched up her nose in disgust.

And then, there was Sameera.

“When is Sam coming back to base?’ she asked. Abhi didn’t reply to that instantly.

“I . . . am not sure.”

“What does it mean?”

“Since the day we had returned from hospital, I didn’t get any time to speak with her. We were at hospital for first aid- she had to stay overnight for head injury. She wouldn’t even look at me. I tried to touch her once and she flinched.” His throat clogged up at the memory. “I think, a part of her head, blames me for Jahan’s death. I pulled the trigger. Hes still Samrat for her.”

“But that’s wrong, Abhi.”

“I know that. I am trying to give her some space. A lot have happened, you know with Veer sir and this.” She nodded, not really convinced with the answer. “I feel like, when she is ready, she will call me. I tried to push her to talk to her Mother previously and it didn’t go well.”

“But don’t let her delusion get too far in case shes actually thinking about that scum.” She squeezed his arm, “You saved her life. You saved all those people’s lives. You did a good thing.”

He didn’t believe her.

Abhi was waiting impatiently in his house. Pacing up and down multiple times, looking at his wrist watch, looking outside from his balcony- he just couldn’t sit still. He was excited and slightly nervous- Sameera had called him today, asked him if they could meet. Finally she was ready to speak. A part of him was frustrated that she had gone radio silence on him, but he also didn’t try that hard to reach out. He was giving her time to process. He just hoped she was doing alright now. He will support her hundred percent, she just has to come home.

There was a knock on the door, and he ran to open it.

Sameera had lost weight- the clothes were big on her body. When she moved, her frame curled onto itself. There were bags under her eye. The cut on her lip hadn’t healed yet. She walked slowly, seemingly hesitant to get inside the familiar surrounding. Abhi’s heart sank at her sight- maybe he should have reached out before.

They sat on couch, and he took her hand- they were cold and stiff. She didn’t flinch, which was a relief, but she didn’t hold onto him as well. He tried to not dwell on it.

“I am so happy you called today.” He smiled in relief. “I just . . . I wanted to say . . . a lot of things have happened. You have suffered so much, we all have.” He stopped abruptly when her lips moved to speak, but the words were scratchy. “Do you need water? I can get some . . . “

Shaking head, she licked her lips. “A . . . bhi. I didn’t contact you for all these days.” He tried to brush it away. “that was . . . not a right thing. But, I . . . I have been thinking. So . .. . uch have happened.”

“I know baby.” His thumb brushed over her hand.  

“I just . . . I cant focus. I am not able to talk to anyone. I cant find words.”

“Hey, hey, please calm down. There is no rush. Take as much time as you want.”

“No.” she shook head, “No.” that was forceful this time. “This is not . . . right. The way things went, the way Ma . . . me not letting you in? this is not whats supposed to happen.” She sighed, closing her eyes to think before speaks. After a long time, she whispered. “I am not able to . . . its my failure.”

“What do you mean?” He whispered back, feeling a pit in his stomach.

She extended her palm, inside was the familiar chain with ring.

He exhaled sharply as if burnt, leaving her hand immediately as he moved away. “No.” he was in disbelieve. “No.” then came despair. “No.” at last, came anger.

How dare she? After all these time, all of the things they went through? This is how she treats him? That too, with the age old line like ‘its not you its me’. What are they, teenagers? Whatever happened to for better or worse? How the heck this is happening to him after giving his mind and soul to this relationship?

Did she always care this little for their love?

“Its Samrat, isn’t he?” His voice was deadly quiet. “That’s Jahan, by the way.”

“I know.”

“Do you?” His eyes flashed, “Cause in hospital you flinched away from me. It felt awful like you were blaming me for something.”

“it was not that.” She looked away.

“Then what the hell is it?” He bellowed, making her jump. “Don’t you dare say that its all on you. If its all because of you, how the hell I am getting punished?”

“I am sorry.”

“I don’t need your sorry.” He thundered. “You take the ring back and clear your head. Unlike you, I am not running away from this. I will wait. You just . . . “ he turned, unable to look at her. He was afraid he will say something truly awful and wont be able to take it back. She has hurt him brutally tonight, he had never experienced pain at this level. He didn’t know how to handle it or converse in a civilized manner with her regarding this.

It stung that she had such little faith in their love that first sign of issue, and shes ready to break it off.

“I cant.” She whispered, and he heard the clank as the chain was kept on glass table. “I am so sorry. I am not . . . I am not ready to . . . “

“To what? Bear this burden?

“Its not . . . “

“Cause its looking like it.”

It was an endless cycle- his accusations, his threats and pleads to take the ring back. He would say something caustic like how she never valued their love like he did, never loved him as fiercely as he did to her, and the next moment he was on his knees begging to give their relationship a chance. He was ready to extend the engagement. At a point he was ready to take back the ring but wanted their love to survive. All she had was apology on her side- they both were crying and Abhi realized after another round that the only reason she had called tonight, the only reason she had come to his house with a single minded agenda to end this relationship.

So he gave that to her. His last parting gift. After all, he could never deny anything to her.

He got up from his knees, wiped his tears and all trace of heartbreak. He had to be strong now- hes all alone. There is no point crying in front of someone who don’t value you.

“You want to do this. Fine. Okay. But you have to be the one to tell our parents. Your mother, my mother and father. And you have to explain that you are the one breaking up, and give your explanation for this. Don’t expect any support from my side.” He turned away from her.

“You can leave now.”