FF: Left Right Left The Desires Updated Pg19 on 2.7.2017 - Page 11

Chapter 8

Next day morning 1000 hours

Thoughts of last night don't erase from his memory. Out of anxiety Gunny walks away, to where, he has no idea about it. His frustration, his anger visible in his eyes only if anyone would have cared to notice it!

~*~*~

Out of anger, on whom, Rajveer fails to discover, may be his anger is towards Naina who is being stubborn as always or could be the anger towards himself that although he is a master of communication and strategies; a teacher of 'Strategies and Communication' subject in KMA, still when it comes to Naina his all strategies and communication skills go in vain, he walks out of his room, to get some air, to clear his mind which is clouded with only the thoughts of Naina. He walks as the road guides him, to where he has no idea about it.

It feels as if he has lost his way in his own home!

As he turns the corridor, he feels an acute ache in his head and he stumbles. In those fraction of seconds he feels that he is about to reach the ground with a thud! But surprisingly instead of feeling the cold tiles of the floor, he feels two warm and strong hands holding him to help him.

"Careful! I got you!"

The four soothing words, as they reach Rajveer's ears, make him to knit his brows, who is this intruder? Have never heard this voice before in the academy! The captain, the soldier in Rajveer, overpowers Rajveer, instantly. Gaining his consciousness Rajveer looks towards the intruder. And within moments his creased brows relax. His gut feelings tell him that this gentleman who is holding him, with a smile on his facing, a smile that reflects that he won't let anything happen to him, he is a savior; a friend not a fiend! Should he go with his gut feelings or should he follow his mind, he fails to understand.

Captain Gunraj helps Captain Rajveer to get back to his standing position.

"Thank you!",

says Rajveer, still not trusting Gunraj completely. And the little smile on his face, makes Rajveer to doubt him all the more. They don't even know each other, so why the smile on his face? As if he is elated on meeting him? He looks towards him head to toe, he is in uniform, he must be a teacher. But how does Rajveer don't know him? How can KMA have something hidden from him? He feels a ping of jealousy as if some intruder has invaded his territory and all his family members hid it from him! Just because he had not been there in the academy, does that mean anyone can get into the academy? He needs to know the whereabouts of him first. At least something about him for starters to relax his mind that's having a war whether to trust this intruder or not?

"You must be Captain Rajveer?",

smiles Captain Gunraj, extending his hand towards Captain Rajveer.

"Rajveer!",

replies Rajveer, crisply, shaking hand with Gunny. He stares him, seriously.

His look tells Captain Randhawa that he is somewhat not liking his presence.

"Pleasure to meet you!",

says Gunny, nevertheless, smiling.

"Ahmm... aap Suriji se mil chukey?",

asks Gunny.

Rajveer creases his brows, why would he care? It's none of his business.

"Suriji se?",

asks Rajveer, knitting his brows.

"Haan wo bohot excited the apse milne ke liye",

smiles Gunny.

Blushing, Rajveer lowers his eyes. His heart fills with love for Suriji.

"Janta hun bohot gussa hone waley hain mujh par...",

says Rajveer, blushing, as he thinks about Suriji.

"Oye aithe aa khota na ho to. Maine na tujhse baat hi nahi karni ab, haan. Ye bhi koi gal hoti hai? Academy mein aye hue inna waqt ho gaya aur Suriji se milne nahi aya? Oye tu bhul gaya kaise tum teen 'NAR' ko Suriji ne Brigadier Chandok se bachaya hai, jab tum cadets hua karte the? Aur tu uss Suriji ko bhul gaya?",

Rajveer mimics Suriji.

This makes Gunny to laugh out loud, Rajveer joins too.

"Tum teen 'nar' you mean men?",

asks Gunny, whilst laughing.

His question makes Rajveer to enjoy another fit of laughter.

"Nahi it is not 'nar' but 'NAR', 'N' 'A' 'R' in capital",

Captain Rajveer rectifies Gunny.

"Oh! And what does that mean?",

asks Gunny, blushing, slightly embarrassed.

"Well 'NAR' stands for Naveen, Abhi and Raj!",

replies Rajveer, blushing and laughing as he cherishes the days when NAR were cadets.

"Wait a minute, Abhi? You mean Captain Abhimanyu Rai Chauhan? Raj is you that is Rajveer Singh Shekhawat? And Naveen? Is it Naveen Singh Ahluwalia?",

asks Gunny.

Rajveer's smile fades as Gunny mentions about Abhi and Naveen. Hesitatingly, he says,

"Yeah that's Abhi and Naveen!"

He smiles back again looking towards Gunny.

"Nice!",

smiles Gunny.

Rajveer gauges his reaction and gets surprised to discover that although he seems to know about the trio but he didn't look towards Rajveer as a culprit! A person who killed his best friend, Naveen and also a reputed officer too, Shakti Chandra.

Understanding the look of surprise on Rajveer's face, Gunny smiles and says,

"I am no judge. I won't judge you without knowing you completely, believing the facts without evidence. And then it has been proved that you are innocent right?",

smiles Gunny.

The confidence in his voice, clears the little hesitation Rajveer had about trusting Gunny completely. Rajveer smiles with all his heart. Gunny reciprocates the same gesture.

Gunny feels concerned on noticing the bruises on Rajveer's face and hands. He knits his brows as he focuses on each wound.

"May I...",

he asks for permission to check one particular wound on Rajveer's hand.

"Ahmm... it's... it's fine..",

Rajveer tries to divert Gunny's attention from his wound. Gunny glares him, and smiles secretly. He understands he hates attention and doesn't want to feel panic on his account. He chooses to ignore Rajveer's protest and focuses on his wound.

"Aap Dr. Shalini se regular basis par medication le rahe hai na?",

asks Gunny, sternly, concerned about Rajveer.

"Haan. Wo to agar main na bhi chahun to lena parhega. Pitna thodi na hai unse?",

jokes Rajveer and purses his lips.

Gunny laughs out loud at listening to his comment. Rajveer follows the suit.
Focusing back on his wound, Gunny says,

"Zakhm gehre lagte hain..."

"Haan zakhm bohot gehre hain...",

says Rajveer, spitting venom through his words as his wounds remind him of Lala Gelhot.

Gunny looks towards the Rajveer who is lost in his thoughts. He clears his throat to drag him out of his reverie, as he doesn't want him to go through all the pains once again, that he went through.

"Waise...",

he begins to say, focusing back on Rajveer's wound, holding his hand to notice it properly.

Naina happens to cross the adjacent corridor at that moment. Finding Rajveer there and Gunny checking out his wound makes Naina to panic. Without giving a second thought Naina rushes to Rajveer.

Holding him by his right upper arm, Naina asks out of panic and concern,

"Aap... aap theek hain? Kuch chahiye apko?"

Rajveer at first looks towards her, with his brows creased as it comes as a total surprise, her gesture.

Gunny feeling it odd, the concern of a cadet for his teacher to this much magnitude, doubt that there is more than a cadet - teacher relationship between the duo. A little smile plays on his lips as he thinks about the possibilities. He leaves Rajveer, giving Naina space to be with him. And stands with his hand folded on his abdominal and a little smile on his lips as he enjoys witnessing the duo in front of him.

Within moments a smile creeps on Rajveer's lips; his heartbeat picks up pace, as he notices Naina's concern. All these feelings create anxiety in him and he feels unconscious for few moments.

Gunny out of concern and nervousness puts forward his hands to help him, holding Rajveer by his shoulder, Naina calls out Rajveer too out of concern and panic,

"Sir... Sir..."

"Cadet... Cadet please relax...",

suggests Captain Randhawa.

"How can I relax? Aap... aap please mujhey inhe Dr. Shalini ke paas le jaane dijiye",

declares Naina.

"Dekhiye Cadet...",

Captain Randhawa tries to reason with her. But the stubborn Naina shoots him directly with her words,

"I don't wanna see anything! I am not listening to anything right now. Main inhe Dr. Shalini ke paas le ja rahi hun, agar aap nahi le ja sakte to!"

Reading the determination in her eyes and realizing yet again about something brewing up between Rajveer and Naina, Gunny gives up trying. But he doesn't get angry or irritated on Naina.

Smiling a little, he says,

"Okay chaliye!",

and they head towards Dr. Shalini's room, helping Rajveer.

Only if she would have listened to Captain Randhawa, she would have discovered that he didn't want her to feel tensed or get stressed. But of course when has Naina listened to anything at once without any argument? Gunny smiles secretly as he witnesses a tensed Naina.

As they reach Dr. Shalini's room, Dr. Shalini on finding Rajveer unconscious, exclaims,

"Oh my god! Kya hua inhe?"

"Doctor I guess anxiety and tiredness ki wajah se ye behosh ho gaye hain",

suggests Captain Randhawa, whilst placing him on the stretcher of Dr. Shalini's room.

"Ma'am... Ma'am please jaldi dekhiye and bataiye, is he fine?",

asks Naina, creasing her forehead, out of anxiety.

Dr. Shalini tries to calm her down,

"Don't worry Cadet Singh, I am sure he is absolutely fine. As Captain Randhawa said, even I think ye bus anxiety ke wajah se hua hai. Nothing to worry about, alright?"

While Dr. Shalini checks her patient, Captain Randhawa notices how more than himself and Dr. Shalini, it is Naina who is anxious to know about the health of Captain Rajveer.

After checking and giving him injection, Dr. Shalini turns towards Captain Randhawa and Naina and assures them, smiling to relax them,

"Maine injection de diya hai, kuch time baad inhe hosh aa jayega and he'll be fine".

Where on one hand Captain Randhawa accepts the fact and nods his head in affirmative, there an anxious Naina asks Dr. Shalini,

"Kitna time lagega inhe hosh mein aney mein?"

Captain Randhawa and Dr. Shalini turns to look towards Naina. Where on one hand Dr. Shalini understands perfectly as to why is she anxious there on the other hand Captain Randhawa doubts about the same!

Captain Randhawa gauges Naina's each reaction, silently. Dr. Shalini walks closer to Naina with a smile on her face, holding her by her shoulders, lovingly, she sweetly says,

"Naina... ghabrane ki koi baat nahi hai, wo theek hain. He is just weak. So I am sure wo jald hi hosh mein aa jayenge".

"Waise this is not where my main concern lies!",

Dr. Shalini adds further.

Naina looks towards Dr. Shalini, quizzically. Dr. Shalini replies her unuttered question,

"My main concern lies in you!"

Naina doesn't understand why is she saying so. But a little smile comes on Captain Randhawa's face as he understands very well, what does Dr. Shalini mean.

"Kyun Ma'am? Maine kya kiya?",

asks Naina, innocently.

Captain Randhawa's and Dr. Shalini's smile widen up on her innocent question.

"Naina I know jabse Captain Rajveer laut kar aye hain iss academy mein sub kuch badal gaya hai. Har schedule par inke wapas aane ka asar parha hai. Koi theek se kaam nahi kar pa raha; rest nahi kar pa raha. Sub ke dimag mein be it cadets or faculty members bus Captain Rajveer ki soch hi chayi hui hai...",

explains Dr. Shalini.

Captain Randhawa sighs, as he realizes that it's so true, even he has felt it too. And he quietly accepts the fact that Captain Rajveer Singh Shekhawat has the aura around him that wherever he goes, whom so ever he meets tend to get affected by his presence - be the effect positive like it's on them; or negative just like his enemies must get affected by his presence!

"Nahi Ma'am aise kayi hain, jinhe koi farak nahi parhta inke wapas aane se. Nahi farak parhta inke hone na hone se...",

says Naina, blazing with anger. Her nose and ear turn red as the level of her anger increases.

Captain Randhawa who was quiet this whole time, feels like taking the charge to explain Naina,

"Nahi Cadet!...",

he begins.

Naina turns to look towards Captain Randhawa.

"Trust me you are wrong here!",

he says, with a little smile on his face. The smile isn't like a mockery towards Naina but an understanding one; feeling sorry that she failed to understand that all are affected by the returning of Captain Rajveer Singh Shekhawat.

Captain Randhawa explains her,

"Cadet, affected sub hain inke wapas aney se, chahey wo inke dost ho; ya...",

he stares Naina with a little smile, giving her a knowing look.

Naina tries to dismiss the idea as to why his trailing off the line and his stare succeeded in skipping her heartbeat, as if he has learnt a secret about her that she doesn't want to reveal, ever!

Clearing his throat and looking away, he completes,

"...ya dushman!"

Naina notices how smartly, he has changed his words.

Dr. Shalini bows her head, blushing, as she understands perfectly what Captain Randhawa wanted to say. Rajveer and Naina have that aura around them that wherever they go together it doesn't take much time for anyone to understand their chemistry. But of course no one dares to put their feelings in words directly, in front of Rajveer and Naina, such is the affect of them on the crowd!

"But we need to stay calm. Aise nervous ya anxiety feel karne se halat sahi nahi hote cadet. And I am sure apke Rajveer Sir bhi nahi chahenge ke aap unke liye itni chinta karein",

says Captain Randhawa, seriously, trying to make her understand.

Naina stares him, her brows creased but she understands that what he is saying is right, so she doesn't argue.

Smiling, Dr. Shalini says,

"Ahmm... cadet, I am sure you must be have other works to do, so I would suggest ki aap jakar apne studies and classes par concentrate karein".

Naina looks towards Dr. Shalini, giving her a pleading look.

Understanding her feelings, Dr. Shalini smiles and assures her,

"Koi bhi baat ho, main apko inform kar dungi. Captain Rajveer ko jaise hi hosh aye main apko inform kar dungi".

Knowing that she would definitely do it, as Naina trusts her immensely, she nods. She wishes the both, Dr. Shalini and Captain Randhawa individually,

"Have a nice day Ma'am. Have a nice day Sir"

Giving a last look towards Rajveer, she leaves reluctantly.

As she leaves, Captain Randhawa, constantly staring on the door from where she left, says to Dr. Shalini,

"You are to tell me their story..."

Turning to look towards Dr. Shalini, Captain Randhawa gives her a stern look and warns her, pointing an index finger towards her,

"Without keeping anything under wraps!"

Dr. Shalini laughs at his warning.

"Sure Captain, I won't keep anything from you",

she smiles.

Captain Randhawa sighs in relief as he hears her.

~*~*~

After an hour...

Captain Randhawa takes a deep breath whilst relaxing himself back on his chair. He stays all quiet! Dr. Shalini stays quiet too, and rubs off a lone drop of tear that rolls down her right cheek for the umpteenth time. Captain Randhawa looks towards her seriously. His elbow resting on the handle of the chair he is sitting on and his fingers touching his lips, as he thinks deeply. She looks towards him and plasters a smile on her face. Captain Randhawa blinks his eyes, looking towards her and nods his head into negative, slowly, as a gesture of asking her to stop crying. Dr. Shalini lowers her eyes and maintains the smile on her face.

As he was about to say something, they feel the movement of something and that reminds them of Rajveer's presence there. They look towards him immediately and witness him getting back his consciousness.

They both get up immediately and reach him. While Dr. Shalini checks his pulse rate, Captain Randhawa focuses on Rajveer, to search for any signal that he wants any kind of help whilst waiting for Dr. Shalini to announce his condition.

"Captain please aap Cadet Singh ko inform kar denge ki inhe hosh aa gaye hai?"

"Sure...",

saying that, Captain Randhawa leaves to inform Naina.

Opening his eyes the first thing Captain Rajveer looks towards is the ceiling. Adjusting his eyes according to the amount of light, he looks towards Dr. Shalini who is smiling looking towards him.

"Welcome back Captain!",

she wishes as well as teases him.

Rajveer fakes his sadness on getting the same gesture yet again.

"Aur kitni baar doc?",

he asks, jokingly.

Itching her head, as a gesture to hide her amusement on listening to his question, she says,

"Ab ya to jaldi theek ho jaiye; ya iss baat ko sunne ki aadat daal lijiye. Choice is yours",

smiles Dr. Shalini, looking towards Rajveer.

Shaking his head slowly, blushing, staring Dr. Shalini throughout, Rajveer jokes with her,

" 'Apni baat ko manwane ke sau tareeke' iss par kabhi book likhne ke barey mein socha hai apne?"

Dr. Shalini chuckles on listening to his question, and replies,

"Wo kya hai na Captain, ab aap jaisa dost roz-roz to nahi milta mujhey. In fact I am sure aap eklaute piece hi honge jissey bhagwan ne banane ki gustakhi ki hogi..."

Rajveer blushes as she says this. Smiling, looking at blushing Rajveer, Dr. Shalini continues,

"...to koi aap jaisa dost mila hi nahi jo mere is guun par dhyan de aur mujhey suggest kare ki main writer banne ki taraf dhyan dun! And jab hum cadets the, unn dino to agar aap mujhse bina sharmaye baat kar lein, wohi garimat thi..!"

Rajveer blushes harder, lowering his eyes as she mentions about their days as cadets in KMA. Then looking back towards her, he accuses her, pointing his index finger,

"Ab aap mujh par jhuta ilzaam laga rahi hain your honor!",

saying that Rajveer purses his lips to control his laughter.

Shocked at being accused of lying, Dr. Shalini points her index finger towards herself, with her mouth wide open,

"Aap... aap... apko yaad hai jab shuru shuru mein humari dosti hui thi, all thanks to Naveen, to jab hum teeno saath mein hote the to aap bus Naveen se hi baat karte the. Main kuch puchun to mujhey one word answer milta tha ya maximum one line",

Dr. Shalini rolls her eyes, remembering his nature.

"Haan to ye to puri academy janti hai ke sarey faculty members mein Suriji ko chor kar kon subse zada bolta hai...",

blushing, Rajveer narrows his eyes on Dr. Shalini, daring her to reply.

Dr. Shalini at first hesitates, and lowers her eyes as she realizes that it is indeed the truth. But nevertheless, she won't let him have the satisfaction of winning over her, anyways. With a new determination, she replies to him,

"Haan dekhiye na 'Strategies and Communication' ke teacher aap hain and communicate zada main karti hun...",

saying that, she arches a brow.

Giving her a look with a flat expression, he says,

"That was lame!"

Feeling defeated, Dr. Shalini looks away and clears her throat. Her sudden smirk drags Rajveer's attention. He asks her, plastering a smile on his face,

"And what made you to smirk?"

Getting conscious, Dr. Shalini says,

"Ahm.. ahm... na... nahi... aise hi..."

Her reply intrigues Rajveer, all the more. There must be something going on in her naughty mind, he knows.

"Nahi nahi bataiye bataiye...",

provokes Rajveer.

Smiling, more than what was required, she says in a sugar coated voice,

"I was thinking, ke jiske samne; jiske saath apko actually communicate karna chahiye, uske samne to apki bolti band ho jati hai! Badey aye 'Strategies and Communication' ke teacher!",

saying that Dr. Shalini rolls her eyes.

That indeed succeeded in skipping Rajveer's heartbeat.

"Did you really say that?",

asks Rajveer, amazed and dumbstruck.

"Of course I did!",

says Dr. Shalini, shrugging him off. Impressed by herself.

Her attitude and her daring nature make Rajveer to laugh a little in surprise.

Snapping her fingers, she points towards him and challenges him,

"You know what Captain, I can challenge you, aap buddhe ho jayenge par Naina ko apni feelings ke barey mein kabhi nahi bata payenge. Aap mein himmat hi nahi hai!"

"What did you say? Mujh mein himmat nahi hai?",

he asks raising his voice, staring her.

Dr. Shalini nods her head into affirmative, without any hesitation.

"Mujh mein nahi... balki uss mein himmat nahi hai such ko accept karne ki!",

he blurts out, as Dr. Shalini's words make him to feel jealous. How dare someone say that he doesn't have guts to do something? And that too Dr. Shalini, out of all people? His best friend? Like seriously?

Rolling her eyes, Dr. Shalini dares him,

"I dare you Captain, agar aap mein such mein himmat hai so..."

"So...",

he asks, nervously.

Pointing towards his face, using her hand, Dr. Shalini says, mocking him,

"Dekhiye... dekhiye... kaise nervous ho rahe hai. Maine to ab tak apni shart bhi nahi boli. Naina ka naam sunte hi kaise apke chehre ke rang udd gaye!"

"Jee nahi Dr. Shalini, apko ankhon ki doctor ki zarurat hai. Main... main bilkul theek hun...",

says Rajveer, lowering his eyes as he reaches the last four words of his sentence.

"Mujhey doctor ki zarurat nahi; balki apko Naina ki zarurat hai!",

she says smiling.

Her words succeed in skipping Rajveer's heartbeat. Looking towards Dr. Shalini out of shock, he lowers his eyes out of shyness and hesitation, his face expression all serious. Dr. Shalini smiles lovingly, looking towards Rajveer.

"Mujhey... mujhey Naina ki zarurat kyun hogi? Mentor main uska hun; wo meri nahi!",

says Rajveer, hesitantly.

Smiling, Dr. Shalini places a hand on his hand and says,

"Jitne important aap hain Naina ke liye; utni hi important Naina hai apke liye Captain".

Then getting serious, Dr. Shalini says,

"Captain zindagi bohot choti hoti hai. I am sure mujhse achi tarah aap ye baat jante hain. Not because ki aap soldier hain; but because aap abhi abhi maut se larh kar wapas aye hain".

Rajveer lowers his eyes, understanding her words; the depth of feelings hidden behind them.

"Ek baat bataiye Captain... jab apke saath wo hadsa hua... did you even for once felt... ki apko shayad Naina ko apni feelings ke barey mein bata dena chahiye tha?"

Rajveer looks towards her, seriously. Then sudden smirks and asks,

"Aap wohi Dr. Shalini hain?"

"Kya matlab? Konsi Dr. Shalini?",

asks Dr. Shalini, unable to comprehend with his words.

"Wohi jisne mujhse kaha tha how it can be disastrous agar log humare barey mein jo baat kar rahe hain wo such ho jaye?",

asks Rajveer, arching a brow.

And that reminds Dr. Shalini of that day!

She blushes as she remembers.

"Captain... aap bhi na...",

blushes Dr. Shalini.

"Anyways ji haan wohi Dr. Shalini ab apse keh rahi hai ki dil mein jo kuch bhi ho tabhi ke tabhi bol do, sahi waqt ka intezaar mat karo. Kya sahi hai aur kya galat ye mat socho",

smiles Dr. Shalini.

Rajveer smiles sadly, and lowers his eyes.

"Well kya main jaan sakta hun achanak apke hridya parivartan ka kaaran?",

asks Rajveer, smiling.

Dr. Shalini's heart skips a beat and she lowers her eyes. Rajveer doesn't fail to notice her hesitation. His expression turns serious.

Sighing, she looks towards him and says,

"Captain maine dekha hai Naina ko. Apke janey ke baad uski jo halat hui thi, wo maine dekhi hai..."

Her words succeed in giving goosebumps to Rajveer. He looks towards her, unable to understand how to comprehend his feelings right now! He is frustrated that even in his supposedly last moments, he couldn't convey his feelings to her properly. He feels sorry as he remembers how Naina was avoiding eye contact with him when Brigadier Chandok was giving speech, after he returned back. Even when he was giving his speech, he noticed her stealing glances but never did she rest her eyes on him for more than a few seconds. She must be broken, thoroughly broken, just like Rajveer himself is!

~*~*~

While the conversation was going on between Rajveer and Dr. Shalini, Captain Randhawa was searching Naina. He discovers that Naina is in Major Nayyer's class. Being familiar with Major Nayyer's nature very well, Captain Randhawa rolls his eyes. But determined as he is, he walks towards Major Nayyer's class.

Knocking the door, he asks for permission,

"Sir may I have a minute?"

And as he utters 'Sir' Naina's heart skips a beat.

"Rajveer Sir...",

she mummers, under her breath, as his voice reminds her that he had been with Rajveer and Dr. Shalini promised her of informing her as soon as Captain Rajveer gets back into his senses.

Rest of the time went in arguing with Major Nayyer, convincing him as to why she should rather be at Dr. Shalini's cabin than here in the class. Something, may be his gut feelings, told Captain Randhawa to give to Major Nayyer the partial truth than the whole of it.

"Ahmm... aaj subah se Cadet Singh ki tabiyat theek nahi hai. I guess it is out of stress. Ye Dr. Shalini ke cabin mein gayi thi, for getting some medication, but to her distress, Dr. Shalini wasn't available at that time. Fortunately, main unke cabin ke samne se ja raha tha. Inhe wahan khada hua dekh kar inse puch liya if she needs something. Anyways ab wo aa gayi hain, so... I guess Cadet Singh ko jald se jald Dr. Shalini se mil lena chahiye".

He continues further,

"You know humein patient ko doctor se zada der dur nahi rakhna chahiye. Har patient ka dawa unke favourite doctor ke paas hota hai, jo unhe achi tarah samjhe..."

"What?",

asks Major Nayyer, puzzled, almost like scolding Captain Randhawa for sounding so ridiculous.

Sitting at her seat Naina blushes and tries to hide her smile. She turns her head to her left to escape from the eyes of Major Nayyer, because he might catch her laughing and then ask her rows of questions and she also wants to escape from Captain Randhawa's eyes, as she knows if she'll look towards him for much more time, she might burst out into fits of laughter and that would be even more horrible situation as Major Nayyer, in that case, won't even ask her anything, in fact he would rather give her an order to take rounds of KMA ground. And she in her state of anxiety of meeting Rajveer, won't be able to bear the pressure of the rounds. And god forbids, if she gets unconscious during performing her punishment, Captain Rajveer wouldn't be around to carry her up to her room!

Now the last thought succeeds in filling her stomach with the bubbles of laughter! And it becomes too hard for her to resist!

And Pooja totally clueless about what all is going on turns to look towards Naina, who is sitting beside her. Nudging her she asks her, in utter confusion,

"Oye Naina ye Mr. New Entry konse signal bhej raha hai tujhey ki tu itna hans rahi hai?"

"Pooja... tu bhi na. Wo mujhey kyun signal bhejenge?",

saying that she realizes what blooper she has made. Gosh! it is indeed true it doesn't take much time to take up a habit of your best friend! Thinking about it she rolls her eyes, blushing.

"Arey waah meri Heer, tu to meri bhasha bolne lagi?",

says Pooja, thoroughly impressed by Naina, smiling.

"Ab kuch to asar dikhega hi na sangati ka?",

Naina tries to reason with her. They bohot laugh, careful, not creating much sound. Pooja gestures her to stay quiet and mind her self voice too by keeping her index finger on her lips.

Even Alekh notices that something is cooking up between Captain Randhawa and Naina!

"Sir the point is Cadet Singh needs to meet Dr. Shalini, right away without any delay",

saying that, Captain Randhawa takes a deep breath, thoroughly irritated at Major Nayyer's stubborness.

Crossing his arms over his abdominal, Major Nayyer smiles infectiously and says,

"Aur agar main kahun ki Cadet Singh mere class ko yun beech mein chor kar nahi ja sakti to?"

His words make all the six friends and Captain Randhawa go red with anger.

But gaining back his composure, Captain Randhawa plasters a sweet smile on his face and says,

"I am afraid Sir, fir mujhey majburan M.G. Gaur se permission letter lana parhega saath mein uss mein ye bhi likhwana parhega ke kaise apne ek cadet ko doctor se milne se roka. I mean you never know agar abhi Cadet Singh yahan chakkar kha kar gir jaye to kya aap unki responsibility lenge?"

His words make everyone to go speechless. And before Major Nayyer could reply, they hear a thud sound on the ground followed by a shriek cry of Pooja,

"Nainaa...!!!"

Alekh getting impulsive gets up from his seat and runs towards Major Nayyer. Yudi, Ali and Huda try to stop him, but it gets too late, his hands were already grabbing the collar of Major Nayyer.

"Alekh...",

shouts Yudi to stop him.

"Abey rehne de Qaidi...",

says Huda, nervously.

"Alekh Bhai baat to suniye...",

Ali tries to stop him.

"Agar Naina ya Rajveer Sir ko kuch bhi hua na, apun tera hawa-pani band karne mein ek minute nahi lagayega. Samjha?",

saying that Alekh leaves Major Nayyer's collar, shooting angry glares towards Major Nayyer. Major Nayyer goes red in embarrassment as it gets difficult for him to register what exactly took place between Alekh and himself. His ears go red out of shame.

Glaring him, giving him a stern look, Alekh bends down to help Naina. Pooja, Ali, Huda, Yudi get up too to help but Alekh gestures them that he'll manage. Nevertheless, they come to help Alekh. Pooja supports Naina's body weight along with Alekh. And Ali, Yudi and Huda stand there for any kind of support, if needed.

"Tum log yahin raho. Apun dono Naina ko lekar jata hai Dr. Shalini ke paas",

suggests Alekh.

Still not giving up trying to humiliate them, going by his nature, Major Nayyer, whilst adjusting his collar, smirks and mutters,

"Patient ko dekhne, khud patient bann kar ja rahe hain!"

It doesn't escape the ears of the five cadets. Alekh out of anger, steps forward, holding Naina, but Huda places his hand on his shoulder as a gesture to stop him from doing something which might bite him back.

"Zada...",

begins Alekh but before he could complete, he feels a sharp pain on his hand and he shouts out of surprise,

"Aaa..."

Everyone turns to look towards Alekh. Is he fine? What's up with him? Why did he shout? Especially his group of friends get nervous.

This becomes yet another reason for Major Nayyer to humiliate and tease them.

"Lagta hai Dr. Shalini se kehna parhega ke ek nahi...",

then glaring Alekh, he continues,

"...do (2) beds khali rakhein!"

Before anyone could say anything, Major Nayyer speaks again, rectifying his mistake,

"Oops!! Teen!",

smirking he turns towards the class.

Pooja calls Alekh, nervously, before he could say anything,

"Chal Alekh...!"

Captain Randhawa, as Naina and her friends leave, turn towards Major Nayyer and says,

"Major mujhey bohot bura lag raha hai ye kehte hue apse ki aap mere senior hain, rank mein bhi; age mein bhi par fir bhi apne abhi jis tarah se baat ki, wo kisi mature and apka jo KMA mein status hai, official status, not personal...",

saying that Captain Randhawa gives him a knowing look and smirks, mocking him, then continues,

"Uss status ke saath, shobha nahi deta!"

Saying that Captain Randhawa glares him, daring him to reply back. When he doesn't, Captain Randhawa turns on his heals and leaves, leaving behind a Major Nayyer who is raging with anger.

~*~*~

As they leave the class and head towards the infirmary, Naina mummers,

"Theek se pakdo na..."

Her voice succeeds in skipping the heartbeat of her friends.

"Naina ki bachhi...",

scolds Alekh, leaving her and gestures that he'll slap her if she does something like that again.

Naina inspite of being tensed, laughs, and says,

"Arey chor kyun diya mujhey kitna maza aa raha tha mujhey chalne ki mehnat hi nahi karni parh rahi thi..."

"Yaar Phoolan tu ne such mein humein dara diya tha!",

says Huda, earnestly.

"Haan mujhey to laga Captain Rajveer ka SIM mobile mein lag gaya aur iska nikal gaya. Aur mera yahan double SIM ka sapna adhura reh gaya",

says Pooja, sighing.

Naina shakes her head, smiling.

"Acha chalo jaldi chalte hain",

says Naina and they rush towards the infirmary.

~*~*~

As they reach the infirmary, all of them rush towards Rajveer. All the four boys hug him; Pooja shakes hand with him; and as about Naina, she gets in with her heart beating frantically but as soon as she finds Rajveer laughing, apparently on some joke cracked by Dr. Shalini, her rate of heartbeat begins to get normal.

(Slow Rajveer-Naina guitar tune begins)

Rajveer looks towards Naina, as if his whole life depends on her. As if he was waiting for her desperately.

Naina unlike others doesn't hug him or shakes hand with him. She doesn't even stand where all others are standing, close to him. She rather remains standing just a little ahead of the entrance of the infirmary and stares him with a little smile of satisfaction on seeing him fine, on her face. But still more than the hugs and the greetings that he receives from all others, her standing there in front of him, with her twinkling eyes that reflect how she was desperate to see him; to know that he has gained consciousness, gives Rajveer pleasure more than any other thing!

Ending the eye contact, lowering his eyes, Rajveer who is sitting on the stretcher, with a smile on his face, he looks towards others and asks them,

"Tum logo ki class nahi hai? Tumhe inform kisne kiya mere barey mein?"

"Maine!",

says Gunny, entering the infirmary, with a big smile on his face.

He stops near Naina and politely asks her,

"Cadet Singh, aap ander nahi chalengi?"

Rajveer stares Naina with so much intensity in his eyes that even without looking towards him, she could feel his gaze on her. She shivers and automatically steps forward.

Captain Randhawa notices the reactions of both Rajveer and Naina and smiles, lowering his eyes. In a gentleman style he gestures her to move forth and says,

"After you".

Walking forth Naina stands in front of Rajveer's stretcher around his feet, holding the handle of the stretcher for support. Everyone present there notices her reactions as well as Rajveer's who steal glances towards Naina.

"Oye kamal hai tu bhi Phoolan, pehle itna natak karke yahan tak ayi aur ab kuch baat hi nahi kar rahi?",

teases Huda.

His words skip the heartbeat of one and all present there. All his friends avoid looking towards Naina and Rajveer out of embarrassment. Naina shakes her head in real slow succession and curses Huda under her breath, for being so loud. She starts fidgeting with her ring that she is wearing in the little finger of her left hand, out of nervousness. The realization that the nervousness is more because of Rajveer's presence than her friends', deepens her blush! But there lies no sign of smile on her face.

"Oye Huda chup nahi reh sakta kya tu? Har call chilla-chilla kar karna zaruri hai? Tu ek kaam kyun nahi karta, silent mode par chala ja kuch der ke liye",

says Pooja, pissed off at Huda's childish behavior.

"Oye...",

begins Huda, but Ali interrupts him,

"Bilkul sahi keh rahi hain Pooja ji!"

Huda shuts his mouth feeling humiliated.

Rajveer smiles secretly as he discovers that Naina was being impatient.

"Wo kya hai na Sir, aap Naina ko to jante hi ho, phokat mein chinta karti rehti hai. Badi pareshan thi tabse. To apun ko lagta hai ke abhi tak ye baat maan nahi pa rahi ke aap theek ho",

says Alekh, in a matter of fact tone.

Rajveer looks towards Naina with full intensity. But Naina refrains herself to look towards him out of hesitation. As soon as she realizes that he is looking away, Naina cautiously looks towards him and right at that moment Rajveer catches her looking towards him. It wasn't a coincidence. It was rather a calculative movement. He although was looking towards others but his mind was on Naina. He was keeping a track on her each movement through his peripheral vision. And hence he succeeded in gaining and enjoying a precious eye lock with Naina.

Clearing his throat, Captain Randhawa says,

"Waise Captain maine sunna hai ki aap at times bohot ziddi ho jate hain?"

Captain Rajveer looks towards Captain Randhawa, quizzically, and says,

"Captain Randhawa pehle to main apko bata dun ki main Captain Rajveer nahi hun sirf Rajveer hun. Main thak gaya hun subko ye baat samjhate samjhate",

he knits his brows. His expression gives away how pissed off he is.

Laughing, Captain Randhawa says,

"See, I guess sub sahi hi kehte hain!"

This makes everyone present there to laugh and Rajveer to widens his eyes out of surprise followed by smile and blush.

"Hmmm... par shayad apko ek baat nahi pata!",

says Gunny.

Rajveer arches a brow, smiling, as a gesture of asking - what? All the cadets focus on Captain Randhawa.

"Wo ye ki aap agar ziddi hain, to main bhi kam ziddi nahi hun. Bach kar rahiyega mujhse",

Gunny warns Rajveer mildly.

"Oh really?",

dares Rajveer, in a healthy way.

Gunny arches a brow, smiling.

Smiling, Rajveer continues,

"Know that Captain, mujhey challenges bohot pasand hai!"

That brings a broad smile on Gunny's face and succeeds in giving Gunny and Rajveer an adrenaline rush.

"Now that's the spirit!",

saying that, with twinkling eyes, Gunny extends his hand towards Rajveer.

Widening his smile, Rajveer accepts the extended hand.

With a heavy heart, Dr. Shalini interrupts their blissful moment.

"Ahmm... I am sorry Captain Randhawa and cadets but ab aap logo ko jana hoga. As a friend I would love it agar aap sub pura time Raj ko company do, but as a doctor main Captain Rajveer se itne time tak milne ka permission nahi de sakti, he needs rest",

smiles Dr. Shalini, apologetically.

Captain Randhawa clears the air of awkwardness, by saying,

"Oh it's absolutely fine doctor. Duty comes first and then trust us humein zada khushi hogi ki yahan infirmary mein milne ke bajaye hum Rajveer se unke room mein mile. What say guys?",

asks Gunny, boosting up everyone.

"Right Sir!",

says all the four cadets in unison, smiling with all their hearts.

Amidst all this, Rajveer and Naina enjoy an eye contact.

(Slow Rajveer-Naina tune begins)

Dr. Shalini happens to notice them and their looking at each other reminds Dr. Shalini of the challenge she gave to Rajveer.

Looking away, arching a brow, an infectious smile stretches on her lips as she gets an idea. Whatever it is she can't deny that Raj is her best friend so why not help him a little?

Clearing her throat, controlling her blush, she says,

"Waise I would suggest ki at least koi yahan ruk jaye. Actually main humesha to inke saath nahi reh sakti because dusre patients ko bhi dekhna hota hai mujhey. And when it comes to taking medicines at time, I can't trust him!",

she says, accusing Raj, narrowing her eyes.

Her gesture makes everyone to laugh and Raj to blush.

"Ahmmm... Cadet Singh why not you stay here with him?",

suggests Dr. Shalini.

Her suggestion skips the heartbeats of both Rajveer and Naina. Rajveer widens his eyes and desperately waits for Dr. Shalini to look towards him but Dr. Shalini, fully aware that he wants to deny, avoids looking towards him on purpose.

Lowering his eyes, Captain Randhawa blushes and secretly shakes his head in quick succession, smiling, thoroughly impressed with Dr. Shalini's bold step.

Alekh chuckles secretly. Looking towards a blushed up and confused Naina, he waits for her to reply as desperately as the others present there were to listen to her decision.

"Ahmm... Ma'am main kaise...??",

asks a flushed up Naina, unable to frame a complete sentence out of hesitation.

"Kyun nahi?",

asks Dr. Shalini, knitting her brows, faking her surprise at listening to Naina's question. Inside, Dr. Shalini's stomach fills with bubbles of laughter on witnessing a flushed up Naina.

"Brigadier Chandok se main baat kar lungi",

she suggests.

"Nahi Brigadier Chandok ki baat nahi hai!",

comes her immediate answer.

Her reply skips the heartbeats of Dr. Shalini, Captain Randhawa and Rajveer alike.

Controlling her amusement, Dr. Shalini asks,

"Really? Fir kiski baat hai?",

and turns to look towards Raj, giving him a knowing look, smiling. Her look makes Raj to blush as it transmits to him, Dr. Shalini's feelings about the situation.

"Nothing it's just... nothing..! Whatever you want!",

sighs Naina.

"Whatever I want?",

asks Dr. Shalini smiling, all excited.

She turns to look towards Raj and says, with a big smile on her face,

"Really?"

Rajveer shakes his head into negative, desperately wanting Dr. Shalini to end this. Captain Randhawa on the other hand secretly laughs seeing how she is taking pleasure in teasing Raj.

Deciding to help her, Captain Randhawa clears his throat and says,

"Aap kyun bechari Naina ko pareshan kar rahi hain, Dr. Shalini?"

Naina sighs in relief, inaudibly, thinking that finally someone is helping her.

"Arey maine kya kiya?",

asks Dr. Shalini innocently.

Captain Randhawa narrows his eyes on Dr. Shalini which makes Dr. Shalini to blush and lower her eyes.

"Acha baba theek hai. Ab sub finalize ho gya na? Naina yahan reh rahi hai and rest are leaving, now go! go! go!",

orders Dr. Shalini.

Rajveer looks towards Naina. Discovering nervousness in her eyes, Rajveer knits his brows. Without taking his eyes off her, Rajveer says,

"Ek minute Dr. Shalini!"

As all focus their attentions on Rajveer, Rajveer quickly lowers his eyes before they could catch him looking towards Naina. Then looking towards Dr. Shalini, he asks,

"Doctor, if there is no problem to kya Cadet Alekh bhi Naina ke sath yahan ruk sakte hain?"

This comes as a total surprise for all of them. Rajveer slowly looks towards Naina, who is staring him with her eyes wide open.

(Fast Rajveer-Naina revolt tune begins)

"Cadet Alekh? Are you sure?",

asks Dr. Shalini, quizzically.

"Why not?",

asks Rajveer, arching a brow.

Lowering her eyes out of shyness, Dr. Shalini says,

"Ahmm... ahmm... okay if you insist. Captain ye main apke kehne par kar rahi hun yaad rakhna...",

warns Dr. Shalini.

"Apki ye mehrbani main kabhi nahi bhulunga doc!",

says Rajveer, hiding his amusement as he witnesses the change in Dr. Shalini's expression on listening to his reply.

Sighing, Dr. Shalini says,

"Okay guys only Naina and... Alekh should stay here",

her expression when she takes Alekh's name justifies how unhappy she is with this arrangement. This makes Rajveer and Gunny to laugh secretly.

"Alright guys let's leave!",

declares Gunny.

"Have a good time Sir. Apna dhyan rakhna",

wishes Pooja to Rajveer.

"Sure Cadet Ghai",

smiles Rajveer.

"Sirji jaldi se theek jayiye aap bus fir apko panjey ke match mein haraunga",

says Huda, in his Haryanwi accent.

Blushing, Rajveer nods his head and says,

"Sure Cadet Huda. Main bhi apse harne ke liye betaab hun par kya karun kambakht kismat mujhey apse panjey mein kabhi harne hi nahi deti",

jokes Rajveer, plastering a sadness on his face that makes all to laugh.

"Sir hum dua karenge ke aap jaldi theek ho jayein",

says Ali, earnestly.

"That's so sweet of you Cadet Beigh. Thank you",

smiles Rajveer.

"Dude...",

blurts out Yudi.

Captain Rajveer along with Captain Randhawa and Dr. Shalini arch their brow.

"Oops... blooper!",

smiles Yudi, hesitantly.

This makes all to laugh. Yudi laughs too, nervously.

Rectifying his words, Yudi says,

"Sir get well soon. We are looking forward to our fit and fine Captain Rajveer",

smiles Yudi.

"Sure Yudi!",

smiles Rajveer.

"You don't worry Yudi, he'll get well soon",

adds Dr. Shalini, smiling.

Yudi stares her seriously. His smiles vanishes as soon as she addresses him. Apart from Dr. Shalini, Rajveer notices too, the sudden change in his mood. He looks towards Dr. Shalini who is staring Yudi, hesitation visible in her eyes. Rajveer looks back towards Yudi.

Smiling last time, look towards Rajveer, Yudi leaves. Ali, Pooja and Huda follow him.

Shaking hands with Rajveer with a smile on his face Gunny says,

"Alright buddy, although I know these two awesome cadets are there with you to take care of you, and also Dr. Shalini would also be there around but agar fir bhi kisi tarah ki bhi madad ki zarurat ho, to bejhijhak apne iss naye dost ko yaad karna. Alright?"

Shaking hands with him, Rajveer jokes,

"Haan sure, main khud tumhe bulane aa jaunga..."

This make all to laugh.

"Utha lo faida. Par ye yaad rakhna zada din tak nhi rehne wale tum yahan. Laut kar apne room ke galiyaron mein hi aana hai and mind you Captain, mera room apke room ke bilkul adjacent hai, sone nahi dunga raat bhar, yun machaunga hulchul",

says Gunny.

Sighing, Rajveer says,

"Haye... hulchul machayenge bhi to aap!!!",

and makes a puppy face.

At first, on hearing Rajveer's words, Naina widens her eyes and blushes. Then lowers her eyes, out of shyness.

Understanding his point, Gunny says whilst laughing,

"Areeyyy... agar aap chahein to bohooottt log apke liye booohhhot kuch karne ko tayar hai Sir, bol kar to dekhein aap",

and Gunny looks towards Naina through his peripheral vision.

Annoyed out of hesitation, by the ongoing conversation, Naina says sternly to Captain Randhawa,

"Sir, inhe rest ki zarurat hai!"

Arching a brow, looking towards Rajveer with a naughty smile on his face, Captain Randhawa says,

"Alright Captain, order aa gya hai. Ab chalna parhega"

This makes Rajveer to widen his eyes and Gunny winking at him, leaves.

Naina who understands what's going on between the duo, chooses to ignore the matter and let them enjoy their new friendship. Alekh, understanding everything, blushes too.

Captain Randhawa leaves. Dr. Shalini, Alekh, Naina and Rajveer smiling looking at each other.

"Alright Raj you must take rest now",

says Dr. Shalini, sternly.

"I know I should but doc mujhey sone ka bilkul mann nahi kar raha",

requests Raj.

"No excuses Raj... I mean Captain Rajveer... sleep, take rest",

says Dr. Shalini, sternly.

"Pehle to aap mujhey Captain karke bulana band kijiye!",

says Rajveer, irritated.

His reaction makes Alekh and Naina to laugh secretly. Arching her brow, Dr. Shalini folds her hand over her abdominal and with a smile, says,

"Really Captain?"

"Doc!",

warns Rajveer, giving her a stern look, pointing his index finger towards her.

"Yes Captain?",

asks Dr. Shalini, with an infectious smile on her face, her head tilted a little to the right, to make Raj know her full attention is on him.

"Shalini...",

warns Rajveer.

Their conversation makes it impossible for Naina to hold the bubble of laughter for long and she bursts out into a fit of laughter.

This comes as a total surprise for all of them. They focus their attention on to Naina and none of them make any effort to stop her. They rather enjoy seeing a laughing Naina after such a long time; first time after Rajveer has returned back. Naina doesn't realize when, her eyes well up as a result of bottling up of so many emotions in her heart. Her vulnerability succeeds in clenching the hearts of the trio in front of her, of whose reactions is Naina unaware of!

As she calms down a little, she rubs off her tears. Knowing her nature very well the trio choose to show that they haven't noticed her tears and indulge themselves into a random conversation, giving Naina time to get hold of her emotions. But helplessly, Rajveer's eyes wander to her every now and then, in spite of trying to avoid looking at her.

As he gets assured that she is fine and calm now, Rajveer sighs in relief inaudibly.

On getting a strict order, Rajveer closes his eyes and tries to sleep. Dr. Shalini leaves after making sure that he is fine and in need of nothing. Alekh and Naina take their seats on the sofa placed in front of Rajveer bed and stays quiet, not wanting to disturb his sleep by any means. Naina stares at a sleeping Rajveer and her heart clenches as she thinks how often does he get such a peaceful sleep? She concludes almost NEVER! But she does realize that right now he is sleeping soundly, she believes that it's because of the medicines that Dr. Shalini gave to him. Or that's what she says to her heart to calm down it's questions to Naina. But deep down, in her heart, she knows it's not the medicine that's doing it's work. It is rather the fact that all his dear ones are with him, that's relaxing him. That's helping him to go into a deep slumber. And how hard she tries, not to think about the yet another reason, but her heart succeeds in overpowering her mind, and she accepts silently, that it's her presence there around him that's giving him the mental satisfaction he needs right now. If not all of it, but a great amount of it! Giving Captain Rajveer Singh Shekhawat, the whole of the mental satisfaction, is just next to impossible, she knows.

~*~*~

As they all leave, Huda, Ali, Pooja, Yudi request Gunny to share with them, Rajveer's story. Obliging them, he takes them to his room and begins with dictating the story to them!

~*~*~

Naina feels restless, wanting to hear Rajveer's voice to make sure that he is fine. But of course she won't disturb him for a reason like that. Feeling anxious, Naina gets up and stands in front of the window of the infirmary. The breeze entering through the open window brushes by her face. Unwillingly, Naina's mind wanders to the night when she and Rajveer returned back from POINT 1857 and she was in her room...

In the mean time Rajveer dreams about the moment when after returning back from POINT 1857 he was cherishing the time he spent with Naina...

In the mean time Rajveer dreams about the moment when after returning back from POINT 1857 he was cherishing the time he spent with Naina...

Soon his dreams change and he starts dreaming about the phone call that changed everything!

The dream succeeds in creasing of his brows unconsciously. As the dream proceeds it increases his heartbeat to a wee bit. And gradually his rate of heartbeat picks up pace.

Naina remains completely oblivious to Rajveer's state behind her as she indulges into a deep thought about how Rajveer's life became a total mess in the last few days before the fateful accident he met with! Alekh who by now is resting, remains unaware of Rajveer's state too.