LRL: My Cadet FINISHED on page 41 - Page 21

Hey guys, here's the next part of you which is the final part of the Grad ball! I hope you guys enjoy it, next part will be graduation.

Chapter 38:

Naina and Yudi walked over to join their friends excitedly, Yudi swapping high fives with the rest of the guys while Naina hugged Neelu and Pooja, and said hi to Huda's date, a girl from their batch named Leila.

"Everybody is looking so gorgeous in their new covers tonight!" Pooja gushed.

"So Pooja, I hear that we have a double reason to celebrate tonight." Neelu said with a grin, having already heard the news from Alekh.

"That's right! Four days after graduation is Ali's and my engagement and you had all better put it in your reminder lists!" Pooja told them, while Ali just smiled happily.

"Pooja, could any of us ever miss your engagement?" Naina asked her, "We wouldn't miss it for the world!"

"And yes, Naina, make sure that you tell your personal signal to come along too." Pooja said with a wink.

"What?" Leila asked, obviously confused, while Ali gave Pooja a look to say that she had said too much and Naina began coughing in shock.

"Nothing darling, shall we dance?" Huda asked her, and quickly took his date away from there before Pooja could say anything else that might reveal the truth.

Pooja made a small face to say she was sorry, but Naina just laughed, not as nervous now that it was their graduation tomorrow. After that she'd have nothing left to fear, nothing except her parents that is.

"Well guys, how about if we go and dance too?" Yudi asked them, "The music is quite good so why waste it?"

They were playing quite fast songs at the moment that all of the cadets could dance to quite easily.

"Exactly! This is my type of ring tone!" Pooja announced excitedly and dragged Ali off to the dance floor.

Shrugging, Alekh followed them, holding Neelu's hand.

"Well, Naina?" Yudi asked her.

Naina found herself glancing towards Raj, she wished that they could dance together and hoped that he wouldn't mind her dancing with her friends. Since Raj had been looking at her already, he noticed as soon as Naina looked in his direction and smiled, nodding as if to tell her to go and have fun.

"Sure, Yudi!" Naina told him with a grin, "Let's get this party started!"

Meanwhile, Raj was wishing that he was enjoying the party as much as the cadets seemed to be. The music was a bit too fast for any of the teachers to feel it was appropriate to dance at the moment, so they were standing around talking instead.

"You're bored, aren't you?" Shalini whispered to him.

"Well, uh, I mean, no…"

"Well I am too." Shalini replied, "I wish we could join them on the dance floor."

"Tonight's their night," Raj replied, "As long as they're having fun, that's all that matters."

"Exactly!" she replied, "But I can't wait for BC to announce the Best Cadet award, I really am excited to find out who it is."

"I'm feeling nervous," Raj admitted, "I really hope that Naina has won it."

"Don't worry, she's sure to." Shalini told him reassuringly, "She did well in all of her exams, and she's put in the most work out of everybody this year."

Raj nodded, just hoping that Shalini was right.

He was happy just watching Naina dancing, seeing her enjoy herself with her friends. He didn't get to watch her peacefully this way too often, and he loved seeing the smile on her face, the happiness in her eyes. He would do anything to ensure that she always stayed happy this way, untouched by any sorrow.

Raj noticed Suriji whisper something to Lolitaji, who smiled and nodded and then he disappeared. Raj thought that he knew exactly what was going on, and he was proved right when Suriji returned along with some Bhangra drummers and began singing. He was clapping along and enjoying himself when he suddenly saw Yudi and Huda run out of the crowd of dancers and towards him and Shalini.

"Oh no," he started to tell them, "I can't…"

"That's right, Sir!" Huda replied cheerfully, "You can't refuse tonight!" And grabbing hold of Raj's wrist, while Yudi grabbed Shalini's they dragged them both into the crowd of dancers. When Huda released him suddenly, Raj felt himself stumble forward slightly, bumping against Naina. Seeing the grin on the boy's face, Raj felt that this had definitely been on purpose, but he didn't mind at all.

Naina gave Raj an apologetic look, knowing that he wasn't used to dancing to this type of music. But looking at the dancing, happy cadets around him, as well as Suriji, Lolitaji and Shalini who were all dancing, Raj decided that it wouldn't hurt to get involved either. As soon as he started doing bhangra moves, Naina gasped in surprise, covering her mouth with her hands and laughing. Raj gave her a look that clearly said, 'what, you thought that I couldn't do it?' and knocked his shoulder against hers to tell her to get dancing.

Naina wasn't quite sure how to dance the Bhangra in a sari, but she did her best, circling around Raj, before playfully bumping against him with her shoulder multiple times. Both of them forgot to worry about people watching them, instead enjoying dancing with each other and getting into the spirit of the dance.

They had all been dancing together for some time, and Raj was getting completely involved in the music when suddenly the drums stopped and he heard BC's voice.

"I'm glad to see you all enjoying yourselves so much, including our faculty members." He announced with a smile, and Raj and Shalini grinned at each other, knowing that BC didn't mind them dancing with the cadets.

"Tonight is a special night because it's your last night in KMA." BC announced, "Tomorrow after your graduation ceremony you will all be leaving for your homes, and then after one month will join your respective duties. For the last two years we have tried to make you capable and good soldiers, and I know that we have succeeded in our duty."

All of the cadets cheered at this, and BC waited for them to quiet down before continuing. "I hope that you will all bring honour to the name of KMA while serving your country. Tonight we are going to celebrate you all becoming proud protectors of India, and tonight I also have the pleasure of announcing the best cadet award. That cadet who has particularly excelled in all of their studies and training, and been an example to us all."

Naina hadn't even noticed when she'd grabbed Raj's hand, squeezing it. She was nervous, hoping that the award would go to her. However if it had gone to any of her friends then she would've been equally happy. Raj was so caught up in the excitement that he didn't even care if anybody was looking at them, he held Naina's hand as they waited for the announcement. However both Pooja and Alekh noticed, and positioned themselves so that anybody looking at the pair wouldn't realise they were holding hands.

"In this past two years, one particular cadet has stood out for their determination, their courage and their dedication to KMA's motto, strength and honour. I'm sure that all of you have guessed who I'm talking about by now, that cadet is Cadet Naina Singh Ahluwalia!" Brigadier Chandook announced and a huge cheer went up in the hall. Naina was quite popular among the cadets, as everybody admired what she had been through to reach this point and how she had never abandoned her beliefs even in the worst of times.

Turning to face Raj, Naina's eyes glowed with excitement, and unable to help himself, he hugged her tightly, lifting her up off the ground. Realising a moment too late what he had done, he quickly put her back down and the rest of Naina's friends started hugging her and congratulating her.

"So would Cadet Naina Singh Ahluwalia please come to the stage to receive her award." BC requested, and Naina quickly made her way to the stage, making sure that she didn't trip on her sari on the way because of the excitement.

Happily, she accepted her trophy from BC, who then gestured to her that she should say something. Naina was a bit stunned, while she had hoped to win, she had never been confident enough to actually prepare a speech.

"Hi guys," she started off, "Well for the past two years we've lived and trained together, and I can say with certainty that I know we're all going to miss each other a lot once we've all gone to our new posts. I know that all of us are going to prove to everybody that KMA really is the best!" This comment was met by another huge cheer. "If I've gotten this award, then it's not because I'm better than any other cadet." Naina announced a bit emotionally, surprising everybody. "It's only because of the support and good wishes of my friends, who have stood by me in every difficult moment." Then her eyes sought out Raj in the crowd, "And because I've had a mentor like Major Rajveer who has shown me what the true meaning of a good soldier is."

Saying this, she stood back from the microphone and left the stage, as everybody in the hall began to clap and cheer.

"Congratulations, Cadet Ahluwalia." Brigadier Chandook told her, "I'm very proud of you."

"Well Sir, how about a dance then?" Naina asked him with a smile, "You had told me that you would dance with me when we were at the fresher's ball, and now it's the graduation ball. I don't want to lose my opportunity."

Hearing from a distance, Raj raised his eyebrows, amazed and a little proud of Naina's confidence.

"Well alright Cadet Ahluwalia, how can I refuse?" BC replied, smiling at her in a very fatherly way, "One dance won't do any harm."

The DJ started up some very formal music, and BC began to dance with Naina as they chatted politely about KMA, her brother Navin and her plans for the future.

As Raj watched proudly, tears of happiness welling up in his eyes, Shalini leaned over. "Congratulations, Major." She told him. "Your cadet is the best cadet."

"My cadet has always been the best cadet." Raj told her with a grin, "Now Shalini, would you like to dance?"

Smiling, she accepted, and they made their way out to the dance floor where they were soon joined by other pairs.

When the music was over, BC walked over to where Raj and Shalini were standing, and Naina followed him.

"Well Major, I feel that I should congratulate you as well." BC told Raj, "After all, it's your protg that has become best cadet."

"Thank you, Sir." Raj replied, "I really am very proud of her. I always knew that she could do it."

"Why don't you dance with Cadet Singh, Major Shekawat?" Brigadier Chandook asked him, while Raj tried not to look astonished.

"Well Sir, I…"

"Really, you can't refuse tonight of all nights. After all, your protg has just won the best cadet award."

"Well Sir, if you say so…" Raj said seriously, hiding his happiness very well. Then bowing down slightly, he extended his hand towards Naina. "Cadet Singh, would you do me the pleasure of dancing with me?"

"Of course Sir, I would be honoured." Naina replied seriously, even as her eyes twinkled at him. She placed her hand in his, and together they walked to the dance floor, then facing each other. Raj lost no time in turning her to face him, and taking one of her hands in his, he placed the other on her waist, on the side which was not covered by her sari. Feeling his hand settle on her skin, Naina gave Raj a stern look.

"Brigadier Chandook is watching, you know." She informed him.

"Brigadier Chandook is the one who told me to dance with you." He informed her with a grin. Knowing that Raj was trying to tease her, Naina just smiled back, shaking her head slightly in amusement.

Slowly they began to dance, their moves similar to the time when Raj had taught her dancing in the empty mess before the fresher's ball. Naina noticed Yudi asking Dr Shalini to dance, and the pair come out to the dance floor and she smiled approvingly. Soon many couples had joined them, but it was obvious to everybody watching who the best pair on the dance floor were.

"So tonight is my last night as your cadet." Naina informed him.

"You'll always be my cadet, Naina." Raj told her, gazing down at her with such adoration and love in his eyes, that Naina's breath caught in her throat.

"Then will I have to keep calling you Sir for the rest of my life?" Naina joked, as Raj twirled her out and then back towards him again.

"Only if we're both at work." Raj told her seriously, "Otherwise I would prefer you to call me Raj. I don't think I've ever liked my name as much as I do when you say it."

"Well I do like calling you Raj better," Naina told him, "But I think I'll miss you calling Cadet Naina 'Ah' Singh."

"What about Naina 'Ah' Singh Shekawat?" Raj asked her casually, and Naina was so surprised that she stumbled slightly, only managing not to fall because Raj tightened his grip on her waist.

"Are you…" she asked incredulously.

"Not officially," Raj told her with a smile, amused by her reaction, "When I do it officially it will be a lot more stylishly than this."

"Then…." Naina let the statement trail off questioningly, wanting to hear him say it.

"Then it should be understood between us." Raj told her, pulling her closer so that they were dancing even more intimately, "That one day you'll be Naina 'Ah' Singh Shekawat."

Naina couldn't help smiling, and feeling a little shy at the same moment. She had known that they would get married eventually, but she hadn't expected him to bring up the topic just yet.

"I think that sounds good," she told him quietly, looking downwards as she smiled. She couldn't see Raj's expression but she could feel his happiness.

The music ended, and Raj dipped her down, bringing her up again quickly and leaving her slightly dizzy.

After this Naina went back to her friends, and Raj to the faculty members, but for the rest of the night they kept glancing at each other and smiling secretly.

Tomorrow would be their next big test, tomorrow when Naina's parents came to her graduation, she would see how they reacted to Raj's presence.

No matter what happened, their secret agreement would give her the inner strength to do whatever was necessary and to overcome whatever obstacles stood in her way.

Naina smiled, the name Naina 'Ah' Singh Shekawat did have a certain style to it.

Awesome part.... i luved the naina 'ah' singh shekawat bit!!!

fab..part yaar.cant wait to read about graduation.......i hope nainas parents accept themmm 😛

aww!! I'm surely gonna miss her & the rest being cadets!! But eager to see their lives after KMA! =D It was extremely cute, almost near perfection!

the ball ws really cool 😊 😊 ....i liked the scene wen alekh n pooja shielded raj n naina....that ws good...alekh truly understands naina....nd then raj lifted naina....wow.... 😳 ....

finally aour naina is best cadet.... 😊 😊

updt soon....tk cr.
👏

Chapter 39:

Naina awoke extra early in the morning, even before the alarm had gone off. For once, Pooja was also quick to get up, both of them realised exactly how important this day in their lives were. They got ready quietly, it was only once they had worn their formal uniforms and were braiding their hair that Pooja began to speak, sounding very emotional.

"Naina, I can't believe that our talk time with this academy is about to end. I didn't even realise when two years had passed, there was so much masti, so much fun with all of you. Now we're all going to be far away from each other…"

Naina came and sat beside her friend on the bed, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders. "Don't worry, Pooja." She told her, "Although we're all separating for now, we'll always be the best of friends. And you and I will be together for a few more years at least."

Pooja brightened up at this, when Naina had announced that she was going to pursue medical training after graduation, Pooja had soon decided that it would be a good idea for her to do so too. Both of them knew that as female soldiers it was unlikely they would ever be sent to the frontlines of a war to fight. Pooja had also pointed out that as a member of a medical team she could be assigned to the same base as Ali without any conflict of interest. Naina had soon realised that this was a very good point indeed…

When the girls were done getting ready, they decided it would be best to finish their packing. Naina packed her sari and churiya from the night before especially carefully, knowing that she would always treasure this first gift from Raj.

The thought of separating from him, even for a few months, made her chest tighten as if somebody was squeezing it painfully hard. Naina had gotten so used to his presence that she couldn't imagine not being able to see him anytime she wished. However she knew that Pooja was about to face the same situation as well, and both of them just had to be brave.

Naina couldn't help thinking sadly that at least Pooja would be getting engaged to the boy she loved while Naina… she had been incredibly tense all morning thinking about how her parents would react to Raj, whether they would've forgiven him or not yet.

Noticing Naina's silence and the worried look on her face, Pooja instantly understood what the matter was.

"Don't worry Naina, I'm sure that your parents will have forgiven him by now." Pooja told Naina reassuringly, but Naina just nodded mutely, not daring to hope that it would be the case.

"Actually Naina, in all the excitement I'd forgotten to ask you something," Pooja continued, "Do you want to come home with me after graduation? There's only four days until the engagement and I know there'll be lots of preparations to do." She paused, her face unusually serious, "Naina, you're my best friend. It would mean a lot to me if you could be there for everything."

Naina hugged Pooja, she really did love her friend and she would do anything for her happiness. "I'll have to ask Ma and Baba." She told Pooja, "As long as they agree then I'll definitely come home with you after graduation!"

After this both of the girls headed down to the canteen for breakfast where they met the rest of their friends. Everybody except Huda was too nervous to eat, but the Harianvi was able to eat just as much as usual, repeating that his mummyji said you should always have a full stomach.

Naina kept glancing towards the doorway of the canteen, expecting Raj to arrive at any moment. She desperately wanted to see him before her parents arrived, and there was only an hour to go until then.

Her wish was granted five minutes later when he walked into the mess, looking almost as tense as Naina was feeling. She knew that he as excited as he was about her graduation, he was also nervous about seeing her parents again for the first time after he had told them he was the one who killed Navin. After all, their whole future depended on her parents changing their mind about him.

Seeing Naina looking at him, Raj nodded almost imperceptibly in her direction, just a slight tilt of his head to let her know that he was here with her, ready to support her. Naina felt some of her courage return, and she finally ate a few bites of her breakfast.

"I can't believe that this is our last day at KMA, guys." Yudi said what they had all been thinking, "I can't believe how much our lives has changed in these past two years."

"Not just our lives, Yudi. We've all changed." Naina told him, "We're not the same people we were when we entered this academy two years ago."

"You're right, Naina." Ali replied, "When I came here my only dream was to become an officer. Instead I got much more than that, friends, love, and I learnt the meaning of being a true soldier."

Pooja began to get emotional again and began sniffing, "I just hope that no matter how far we go on roaming, our connection always remains clear!" she told them all, reaching out to grasp everybody's hands.

"Don't worry Punjaben. It's not like this is the end." Huda told her, "We're all going to see each other at yours and Ali's engagement, and after that you'll have Phoolan for company when you two are studying in Delhi."

"But still, it won't be the same without you guys…"

"It's easy to keep in touch these days," Yudi reminded her, "Letters, email, mobile phones… none of us are going to go out of range!" They all laughed at his use of Pooja's mobile language, and their sweet Punjaben began to feel a bit better.

Soon all of their parents arrived, and the cadets became busy in greeting them and catching them up on everything that had happened. Naina's parents were incredibly proud of her when she announced that she'd won best cadet, and that she'd be leading the passing out parade. She just hoped that the happiness was enough to change their feelings towards Raj.

The rest of the cadets were also busy with their parents, and Alekh was dividing his time between Huda's mummyji and Neelu, both of whom were very happy to see him. It had been decided that Alekh would go home with Huda for the holidays this time, although Yudi had complained loudly about how it was unfair that he wouldn't be able to escape his parents.

"We're so proud of you, Naina." Her mother told her, "If Navin was alive today then he would've been proud of you too."

"Thank you, Ma." Naina told her, "I'm just lucky that I've had such an excellent mentor while at KMA, if it wasn't for Rajveer Sir then I could never have achieved this…"

"You're still…" her mother had begun saying, and then had quickly stopped, realising that she shouldn't ruin Naina's graduation day by beginning a fight.

Eventually all of the cadets gathered together with their parents, and Pooja's mother and father asked Naina's parents for permission to Naina to come home with them until the engagement. Naina was happy when it was granted, she wanted to be there for every moment leading up to Pooja's big day.

Finally it was the moment they had been waiting for, and the cadets assembled for the last time to hear BC speak, everybody was emotional to hear him as they thought about how they had arrived at the academy in the first place and how much had changed since then. They had all grown from selfish young people obsessed by their own goals and desires to mature adults, ready to protect their country and its citizens. Each one of them had completed a personal journey to arrive at this point, a journey which had had many challenges and triumphs. Today was the end of one part of this journey, and the proudest day in many of their lives.

When BC had finished his speech, they took their oath on the flame. Then there was only one final parade past their faculty members and parents, and they were no longer cadets of KMA, they were now proud Lieutenants in the Indian Army. Throughout the ceremony, Naina didn't even need to turn and see Raj to feel his proud gaze on her.

When the graduation ceremony was over, the cadets rejoined their parents while the faculty members made their way over to mingle between them.

Naina had been trying not to appear nervous when Raj came over to greet her parents. While he appeared calm, she knew him well enough to know how worried he was about what would happen next.

"Hello Mr and Mrs Ahluwalia," he told them, "I would like to congratulate you on your daughter becoming best cadet."

"Thank you," Naina's father replied stiffly without any emotion, "Naina tells us that the achievement is partially due to you acting as her mentor."

"I don't agree Sir, I feel that Naina has achieved this through her own efforts. It has been a pleasure to act as mentor to such a capable cadet."

Naina was proud of Raj for managing to stay so calm and focused in front of her parents, especially when their body language to him was quite cold and unfriendly.

"Captain Shekawat, I would like to thank you for everything you have done for our family." Naina's father told him, in the same cold voice. "You have helped Naina to achieve her goals, and also helped to prove our son innocent. We're grateful to you for this."

"Sir, you don't need to thank me for that, it was my duty." Raj replied quietly, "I had already made myself a promise to do anything possible to prove Navin innocent."

"Well then, we will consider that you have at least partly undone the damage you caused." Naina's father continued, "Now there is no debt remaining between us, and I hope that we won't need to see each other ever again."

These next words shocked Naina, and she had to stop herself from speaking out and protesting.

For just a second she saw the look of anguish on Raj's face before it changed to an emotionless mask.

"I'm very sorry Mr Ahluwalia," Raj told him, and Naina was amazed that her parents seemed unaffected by the depths of sadness in his voice, "I had wanted things to be different between us but… I have to respect your wishes" and without finishing the sentence he turned, and without looking once at Naina, walked away in the direction of his office.

If that morning Naina had felt like her chest was being squeezed, right now she felt like her heart had fallen into pieces. They had had so many hopes, that her parents would have forgiven him, that they could move on with their lives, and now…

Naina tried not to let the hurt show on her face as she turned to her parents, "Ma, Baba I…"

"Naina, we know that you're grateful to Captain Rajveer for whatever he's done for both you and Navin." Her mother told her, "But now that you're no longer his student, there's no reason for you to see him again."

Naina stared at her mother, unable to believe what she had just said. All of her dreams were being crushed to dust, and she had no idea how to tell her parents what the truth really was.

"Well Naina, since you're going home with your friend Pooja, we'll leave now. We've got a long drive ahead of us." Naina's father told her, and her parents both embraced her while Naina remained limp in their arms, unable to hug them back with full feeling.

"I'll see you soon, Ma, Baba." She told them quietly and walked them to their car. The first thing she did was to find Pooja. As soon as Pooja saw Naina, she could tell by her face that something was wrong.

"Naina, what happened?" she asked worriedly, "Are you okay?"

"I'll tell you about it later, Pooja." Naina told her quietly, "Are your parents planning to leave just yet? There's something I need to do."

Pooja understood immediately what that something was, and how important it was for Naina to do it. "Go and see him." She replied just as quietly so that none of the people around them could hear. Ali and I need to say goodbye properly anyway, that should delay them for a bit."

Naina nodded her thanks and quickly walked to Raj's office, knocking softly on the door before she entered. When he looked up his eyes were red, as if he'd been crying.

He stood quickly, and the expression on his face was one of despair curiously mixed with a renewed hope.

"I was afraid that…" he started to say, and then stopped himself.

"You were afraid of what?" Naina asked, confused.

"That you would've left already." Raj told her, "I would've understood then that you… that you were going to obey your parents."

"How could you think that?" Naina asked him, shocked. She walked over, and angrily grabbed the collar of his shirt, "How could you think that after everything we've been through I would just abandon you, that I would give up?"

"Because I know how much you love your parents Naina, and how much you want to make them happy. I wouldn't have blamed you if you…" Raj grabbed Naina by the shoulders even as she still held on to his collar. "I don't want to lose you, Naina, and I'm scared that I will."

This last sentence was too much for Naina to bear, and letting go of his collar she collapsed, wrapping her arms around him and crying into his shirt. Raj hugged her to him, kissing her hair, her forehead, her cheeks, as Naina continued to sob.

"I'll never leave you." She told him tearfully, "No matter what happens we're in this together. There's still a lot of time left to convince my parents and if they finally don't agree… then we'll deal with it then."

"I love you, Naina." Raj told her, his eyes burning with the fire of his feelings. "I don't want to lose you, but I'll respect whatever decision you decide to make."

"It will all work out." She told him, trying to convince herself as well that her words were true. "They'll agree and… and even if they don't, I'll never leave you." She finished emotionally, looking up into her eyes.

Relieved by the sincerity in her eyes, Raj crushed her to him, hugging her as tightly as possible as if to reassure himself that she was there with him and that she wasn't going to leave him. Eventually when he was feeling calmer and more assured, he loosened his grip on her but Naina continued to lean her head on his chest, not taking her hands from around his waist.

"I'm going home with Pooja to help prepare for the engagement." She told him, "Is there any chance you could arrive early?"

"I'm afraid not," Raj told her regretfully, "They wanted me to join my new duty today itself and I only convinced them with great difficulty to let me join after the engagement. But before that I've got to head to headquarters in Delhi for various official things. I'll only be there for the day of the engagement."

"And then after that…" Naina asked him, already knowing what the answer would be.

"After that I'll have to join my new duty straight away and it might be some time before we see each other."

"Then we'll have to make the most of whatever time we've got." Naina told him seriously, lifting her head from her chest to look into his eyes and raising one hand to touch his cheek tenderly. Raj lent down to kiss her, trying to convey all of the love and passion he felt for her in that one action. They wouldn't see each other for another four days and then after that… for months until Raj could get leave.

He slipped his hands to her head, his fingers immersing themselves in her hair as the kiss continued.

They were disturbed by a quiet knocking at the door. Releasing Naina reluctantly, Raj walked to the door to open it, and saw Pooja waiting there.

"I'm really sorry to be disturbing you, Sir." She told him, looking a little embarrassed, "But my parents say it's time to go, and they asked me to go and fetch Naina."

"That's quite alright, Pooja." Raj told her with a smile, knowing how bad she was feeling. "And you don't have to call me Sir, I'm not your teacher anymore."

"Well, yes, but you'll always be Rajveer Sir for me!" Pooja told him cheerfully, and Raj smiled. "Sir, won't you come and say goodbye to everybody? I know we'll see you in four days, but still…"

"Of course I will," he replied, and Naina stepped forward out of the door. After locking it, he followed the two girls down to the front of KMA where all of his favourite cadets were waiting for him.

"Sir, for the last time here, the KMA class of 2008 salutes you as your cadets." Huda announced proudly and all of the friends stood to attention, saluting Raj. "From now on we'll be saluting you as your fellow soldiers instead!"

"I have no words to tell you how proud I am of all of you." He told them, "You are all truly worthy and capable soldiers today. I'm going to miss you all immensely, but of course we'll see each other in four days time before that."

The former cadets nodded in agreement, and after everybody had hugged each other and said goodbye to Raj and their other teachers such as Shalini, Suriji and Lolitaji, they all climbed into their cars and left the academy.

Pooja knew there was a reason for her friend's silence during the ride, although she was relieved that Naina looked a bit happier than she had in the fall earlier. She reached out to take her friend's hand, holding it and giving it a squeeze.

Naina smiled at Pooja, she knew that no matter what happened with her family, her friends would support her and Raj.

In four days time it would be the engagement and she would see him again.

Until then, Naina knew that they both had a lot of work to do!

hey great emotional part yaar 😳 😭 😛 .....i can hardly belive that naina-raj 😳 are not going to see each other......adn nainas parents said NO..to naina as not to meet raj 😭 ....men i am so sad...poor them 😭 i hope they accept them 😭 😭 😭

plz continue soon....

I could feel my heart wrenching at her parents' reaction... but then again, I guess their hearts were breaking as well... *sigh* =( The way you described it even without too many words was, is, very remarkable! =D

hey

great very very emotional part

loved it

pl update soon

can wait to know what will happen with RN

Awesome part... lookin forward to al n poojas engagement! Ni foud it a really emotional part... they all graduated thats amazin!