Epilogue
3 weeks later at Naina's graduation
KMA was filled with joy, as it was the last day for the 2nd year cadets. The academy was also flooded with people as the cadet's parents were also there.
At the current time, all the 2nd year cadets were standing at the main all. They all had a look of pride in their eyes, that no one could miss, but there was someone else in the room who was more proud than the cadets and it was non other than Captain Rajveer Singh Shekhawat. He stood at the corner of the room with the rest of parents. He made small and friendly chats with the parents of his favorite 6, especially Naina's, as they waited for BC to arrive. Their wait was not long. Couple of minutes later Suriji announced that Bc was there and all officers stood in attention.
"At ease, officers" BC said in his deep voice. "Today we are gathered here to celebrate the success of KMA batch of 2008. To be honest, I never had much faith in them, as they were the rowdiest group KMA and very hard to handle, but throughout the journey they proved that they are more than capable to be a Procter of our country. They had achieved some thing in this academy, that most officers wouldn't have been able to do. They saved a senior's life...multiple times, they exposed one of the greatest informers of our country and they helped the army fix their mistake of calling a patriot and traitor." This caused a big applause to form around the room. BC raised his hands and everyone calmed down.
"Though all of our cadets were exceptional, one stood out the most, and today that cadet will be winning the prestigious sword of Honor. This particular cadet had proven them self to be worthy of the sword. The cadet's focus, determination, and courage has left everyone in KMA in awe. I know that you all know who I am talking about, so ladies and gentlemen give a warm welcome to KMA batch of 2008's best cadet, Lt. Naina singh Ahluwalia." A thunder of claps was heard around the room as Naina went up the stage to revive her sword and certificates. BC pointed her to the mike to say something.
"Two years I came to KMA with a mission...a mission to prove my brother innocent. At that time I was also except the support of my parents, but that all changed when I entered this academy. I have made friendships and relationships that will last a life life, and this time I would like to thank all of them. Huda, Pooja, Ali, Yudi, and Alekh, there is no way I Could have made it this far without you all." Naina said and looked directly at Rajveer's eyes. "I would especially like to thank my brother's best friend, my mentor and my biggest support system...Capt. Rajveer. sir truly and honestly, I would not have been able to complete my mission without you. Naveen bhaiya' picture is in the wall of fame due to your support. Thank you" By the time Naina's eyes were wet as were Rajveer's and Naina's mom. She got off the stage.
"Cadets, you are now officers of this country. You will no longer report to KMA, rather you will report to your senior at your posting. We wish you all the best for the future. At this time you may leave and prepare for tonight's graduation ball. Dissmiss" BC left followed by Suriji. All cadets left to meet their family and Naina did the same.
" Naina today, you have given us the opportunity to live to respect once agin. I cannot express just how proud we are of you" Naina dad said as he kissed her forehead. Naina turned to hug her mother while Naina's dad turned to Raj. "Captain Rajveer , we will never be able to thank you enough for all you have done." Naina Dad said. Raj looked at Naina's dad.
"Sir what ever I did was because of my friendship and my promise to Naveen, but if you knew what I have done, you would not be thanking me." Raj said looking down embarrassed. Suddenly he felt a comforting had on his shoulder. He looked up to see Naina's mom looking at him.
"Raj we know you were the one that shot Naveen. Naina informed us a long time ago, but I want you to know we are not angry. We were...but not anymore." She said and Raj looked at Naina, and she just gave a positive nod. Raj was about to say something, but Naina's mom interrupted. "Let me finish son. We saw the way Naveen was treated, and it killed us to see him like that. Death was the only thing he wished for, but those people wouldn't even give him that. You were their with Naveen at his last moments, when we all couldn't be there. Raj, you proved to be the Naveen's best friend you you shot him for his happiness without wanting to" Rajveer was speechless. He just stood there with tears in his eyes. Naina mom wiped her own tears and said "and even if we hadn't forgiven you, seeing the amount of support and love you have for our daughter, we would definitely change our mind."
"Maa, how did you..." Naina questioned.
"What did you think, just because you didn't tell us you loved Capt. Rajveer, we would find out." Naina's dad said. "Capt. Abhimanyu told us everything." Naina looked up at Rajveer as she felt creeping up her neck to her cheeks. She just got lost in his eyes. The two never notices when Abhimanyu had came behind the,.
"You know uncle this generation has forgotten all about traditions , in our generation when parents accepted their children love, the children would touch the parents feel." Abhimanyu said with a smile, which instantly drove Raj and Naina out of their day dream. They both gave a sly smile to Abhi and went forward to touch Naina's parents feet, as the elders blessed them for their life ahead.
"Hello uncle, hello aunty" a voice said from behind. They turned around to see the rest of the cadets and their parents standing their. Naina immediately noticed Pooja and Ali who had a huge grin on their faces.
" Pooja, Ali, what is going on?" Naina questioned.
"Naina...it's that...the thing is..." Pooja shuddered and looked away shyly.
"Oh ho, our punjaban is blushing. No problem,, I will tell you Phoolan." Huda said. "Our Punjaban and Usool bhai are getting engaged in 3 weeks." Naina immediately threw her hands around Pooja, giving her a big hug.
"Ok kids, you all enjoy, we all will leave, and Please do not miss your buses tomorrow" Huda's mother her said and the rest of the parents either left for their homes of hotels, while the cadet left for their room to get ready for the graduation ball.
At the ball
Naina was wearing a sleeveless baby pink gown. She stepped down the ladder of the hall where the ball was held. Since she could not come with Rajveer, she decided to come solo. As soon as she entered, she found the deep brown eyes she was searching for.
Rajveer was looking dashing in a three piece suit. He couldn't stop staring at Naina."Captain, stop staring" Dr. Shalini said with a wink. Rajveer blushed to the core. Shalini was about to say something else, but BC walked up the the Mike and started talking. At the same time Rajveer walked to Naina.'
"Cadets and officers, we will now be announcing the posting of all our graduate cadets." BC said. Naina looked at Raj, filled with nervous. She didn't say anything, but looking in her eyes Raj understood that Naina was worried about her posting, she was worried about not being able to see him again for maybe months. Looking around to make sure no one was watching them, Raj took hold of her hands and gave it a squeeze. Naina gave him a small smile and a nod.
"We will start with our topper. Lt. Naina Singh Ahluwalia. Lt. Ahluwalia, since won the best cadet you will be posted in Dheli headquarters as an intelligence officer. You will be working under Capt. Rajveer Singh Shekhawat." BC said. Naina's and Rajveer's happiness could not be explained in words. A huge round of applause was heard around the room.
"Lt. Alekh Sharma. Our best field Cadet of the year. Cadet Sharma, you will be staying in KMA and work as an assistant for Field exercises." Naina hugged Alekh, who was standing next to her.
" cadet Beig and Cadet Huda, are posted in Rajasthan. Cadet Ghai will be posted in West Bengal and Cadet Sahani will report in Goa." That is all. Now Capt. Rajveer has a special announcement." BC said and left the Mike. Naina gave Raj a questioning look but Raj just winked at her and left toward the stage. "Naina, what is Rajveer sir doing?" Pooja asked. By now everyone was surrounding Naina.
"I don't know" Naina said looking toward the stage and to her surprise Rajveer was standing there with a guitar. "All of you know I am not that filmy, but this is for someone very special" he said and started strumming the guitar. Shalini put her hand on Naina's shoulder.
Saari raat aahein bharta
Pal pal yaadon mein marta
Maane na meri mann mera. Everyone was surprised hearing Raj sing.
Thode thode hosh madhoshi si hai
Neem behoshein si hai
Jaane kuch bhi na mann mera
Kabhi mera tha par ab begaana hai yeh. He came over and walked around Naina.
Deewana deewana sumjhe na ho
Kabhi chup chup rahe kabhi gaaya ye kare
Bin pooche tere tarifen sunaya ye karen
Hai koi haqeeqat tu ya koi fasana hai
Kuch jaane agar toh itna ki yeh tera deewana hai
Hai re mann meraa.. maane na mann meraa..
Rag rag woh samaya mere. He held Naina's and twirl her.
Dil par woh chaaya mere
Mujh mein woh aise jaise jaa
Gire barsaat mai paani jaise
Koi kahaani jaise
Dil se ho dil tak jo bayaan
Aashiq dil tera purana hai yeh.
Deewana deewana samjhe na ho
Kabhi chup chup rahe kabhi gaaya ye kare. He started dancing with Naina.
Bin pooche tere tarifen sunaya ye karen. Hai koi haqeeqat tu ya koi fasana hai
Kuch jaane agar toh itna ki yeh tera deewana hai
Hai re mann meraa.. maane na mann meraa..
Hai koi haqeeqat tu ya koi fasana hai. He sang and pointed at Naina. By this point Naina's cheeks were rose pink.
Kuch jaane agar toh itna ki yeh tera deewana hai
Hai re mann meraa.. maane na mann meraa..
Tujhko jo dekhe yeh mujhko leke
Bas tere peeche peeche bhaage.
Tera junoon hai tu hi sukoon hai
Tujhse hi bandhein dil ke dhaage
Hai re mann meraa.. maane na mann meraa.. Rajveer kissed Naina's cheeks, leaving everyone even more shocked.
Tera junoon hai tu hi sukoon hai
Tujhse hi bandhein dil ke dhaage
Hai re mann meraa.. maane na mann meraa.
Every one started clapping and going crazy. They were hooting, hollering and whistling. But, Naina just stood there. She would their, opening and closing her mouth again and again, not trusting herself to speak. Lost in her own world, she didn't even realize when Rajveer had kneeled in front of her. It was when he held her hand she came out of her world. Her eyes widen, seeing Rajveer on his on his knees, in front of her.
"Naina, I might not be the most romantic guy in the world, but I love you to the moon and back. My life changed its course when you came into my life. You understand me the most in the world. Even in my deepest and darkest time you stood in me. Naina I promise I will never let you down. I will never break your trust. I will always stand by you, but for that I will needed your support. Tell me Naina, will you stand by me? Cadet Naina 'ah' Singh, Will you marry me?" Raj said, leaving everyone, especially Naina shocked. "Naina, say something" Pooja said nudging Naina. Naina looked around to see everyone staring at her with a question. She looked down to see Raj holding a beautiful diamond ring with hope in his eyes. "Yes" Naina managed to whisper and put her hand to reward. Raj smoothly slipped the ring on her finger. He got up and gave her a tight hug, lifting her off the ground, and twirling her. The entire room broke into smiles and claps.
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1 and a half years later.
"Ah" Naina screamed, feeling the pain. All lights were disappearing in front of her eyes, but she should still feel her husband's hand a rapped around her. She heard the doctor say "one last push Captain shekhawat" Naina with all her strength pushed one last time, and passed out. Before falling unconscious she heard the cry of a baby...her baby.
Naina slowly opened her eyes. She saw her parents and her friends and her husband standing in front of her. She looked to her side to see her baby sleeping next to her.
"I think we should give Naina and Rajveer sir some personal talk time time." Pooja said and ushered everyone out of the room. Rajveer walked up to Naina and kissed her forehead. He lowered his face and brushed his lips against hers.
"You are beautiful." He said. "Even in this condition?" Naina asked touching her hair, which was wet with sweat. "Especially in this condition. Thank you Naina. Thank you. Today you have given me the best gift I could have ever have" he said and kissed the baby's forehead. "Have you thought of a name for our little prince." Naina said, talking her baby's little hand in her hands. "Naina, there is only one Name for our prince...Naveen" Raj said. Naina looked at Raj's eyes with deep love and care. "What did I ever do to deserve you?" Naina asked, lost in Raj's eyes. "I should be asking you that" Raj answered and sealed her lips with her.
I Don't believe in happily ever after, because true love will always face challenges. There will always be bumps in the path of life, but with love any obstacles can be overturned. This is not the end for Raj and Naina rather this is THE BEGINNING of their new life.
Thank you all for all the support you have given me.
Advocate Anjali Awasthi
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