'Yes?'
'Will you promise me something else'?'
He looked at her with intense affection shielded in the guise of pretended attentiveness , as if eager to listen to her request.
In truth, his mind was in a state of bliss'here he was holding her in his arms, swaying to the sound of soft, ballroom music'she sooo close, he content for he knew
He'd just promised he will..yet here she is wanting something more??
But what could possibly be more?? He wondered'I'd give my whole life should she but ask!...
Mind lost in dreams, eyes focused in quiet admiration on her face'he had a hard time wishing this was for real, knowing it wasn't. Oh how he wanted this to have been a dance she and him were involved in to round off their own engagement ceremony than what it was now'
He shifted his eyes from her and turned to look where Dr.Mishra was. Eyes panning the hall, he saw her near the wall, leaning, wine glass in hand, her eyes , sharp as a hawk's ! fixed on him and her in his arms'.. ' What is She thinking???' he thought quickly.
She looked around too, but unmindful, called him again 'sir?'
'Yes Nain..cadet..? Sorry'I was a littte distracted''
'Doesn't matter sir. Will you answer now, or should I repeat my question?'
She was determined and strong.!
He loved that about her'no feigned feminine helplessness or hesitancy. No melodramatic outpourings to arouse sympathy, no plans ever to deceive anyone for her purposes. He knew she was a shy, simple , down- to earth girl, girlish like all girls 'it was personal tragedy and pain that had made her tough.
And in her toughness, she was honest and sensible'.recklesss sometimes but not conniving and manipulative like how some women were if they wanted to discover something'
He forced his mind to step on track again'
'Am luckily still alert..cadet'you wated me to promise 'something else' right?Tell me''
'You won't mind?'
'Huh'am sure I won't but I 'd lke to hear the request..please.'
Would he mind??? My heart, life is yours Naina, you want anything more?? Of course he did not say that!
'Sir', she began, 'what I'm about to ask you now is to remain a secret'in any case I'm sure you will never breathe a word about this to anyone till when needed..'
'What is it Naina..?'
'Sir, once this whole mission is over, this pretense called off and ' lowering her voice, lifting her lovely face to get closer to his ear 'once Dr.Mishra is framed and caught and all is over and done with'you must come back to Kma ..'
He stopped her with a quick ' shh' and said 'I am not going away' he whispered back ..am going to be right here while trapping her and all..and I promise I will be here when Naveen's name is cleared. I will ensure you do the honours and get to hang Naveen's photo in the wall of fame' promise'no need to ask cadet'don't worry' let me just see this secret mission through'okay' he spoke consolingly!
'Okay, but that was not what I wanted to ask', she replied
'Oh'mmm'okay'what is it then?'
'Will you come back?'
Quizzical, he just stared at her' 'I don't understand..'
Will you come back'sir? '.to ' to ' ME?'
The soft music was soothing, the hall lit by many aromatic candles filled the air with pleasing fragrance, the bright yet soft light made believe that everything was dim and misty but the sparkle in her eyes, the steadfastness of her gaze and the nervousness and hope in her voice which made her lips quiver..while they were breaking into a shy , soft smile all took his breath away'Her question made his heart do a somersault!! What did she mean??
'Naina..I'don't understand''.?' He managed to ask.
'Yes, sir you do. Of course you do, You do understand'why should you think that it is only you who is consumed by your affection and'l l'l'l'love for me? I am too''''And so , letting go of whatever shyness or modesty I have or atleast should display now'I' m asking you for I know you will live through this lifetime pining for me but never dare to tell me the truth 'that you love me and want me to be yours , something which is revealed crystal clear in your eyes. Your guilt will never allow this sir.. I know but I discerned this long ago. ..So , now tell me 'yes or no? And do you promise'or no?'
The ending notes of the music had long sounded and was reaching the close'soon they would detach and move away'the dance was almost completed'
He wasn't dancing at all'she was actually making him just move to the music'his shock wasn't a light one'he for all his alertness and soldier instincts for quick recovery couldn't come back to his senses '
'Sir'please don't just gaze at me in such shock'there are others watching'.you know'but' I will not let you leave my hand unless you tell me yes or no and till you promise..'
No answer.
'Sir , if you don't love me then say so'I will never ever mention this again, but if yes, and I know it is , please don't let go without promising please..'
There was a loud applause. While she was talking the dance had drawn to a close'there had been other couples dancing as well joining in later though when they began it was just the two of them'all of them detached and clapped. She glanced around quickly'luckily no one was paying attention to them'.. they were all doing the final courtesy of the dance'she quickly turned and looked enquiringly at him
He was still sooo quiet, unmoved by both her and the happenings around them.
What was he thinking?
Scared, she attempted to be free from his hold , his hand was still holding her gently..
'Sir''tears welled up in her eyes'she spoke quickly taking full advantage of the loud applause and the general noise of the banter and celebration'
'I know neither you nor I should be involved in this clandestine affair'yet I can't help it for if I don't tell you , you never will'and what if Dr.Ritu or anyone else likes and wants you when I've been wanting you for soo long'that is why I made this request'if you are angry, let me go now'I'll g and never rake this up again..never.
And be rest assured, irrespective of whether your answer is yes or no that I will never do anything that will jeopardize your career 'never sir'I will wait and wait ..'
No answer.
'Sir'?'
By now many eyes were beginning to look their way'
She again looked around and turned her attention to him helplessly'
He let her go , bowed down to her, signaling formal completion of the dance.
The prying eyes were fooled'they were assured Capt.Rajveer was just waiting to properly end the dance while his cadet kept speaking'. reassured of no sparks flying between the two, they moved away..
She was clueless'he turned to go away but didn't. Came closer, took her right palm and placing it on his own simply said, ' My answers: Yes, and I promise', a gentleman's promise!'.
An orderly appeared just then, quickly telling him that Colonel Chandra was waiting to see him in his room.
He nodded and said to him 'I'll be there right away'.
Fan Fictions
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
