LRL FIC: Long Journey of RN(Part17 pg26) 5/05) - Page 7

Part ' 8

Raj and Naina were enjoying the view and delicious Italian food when the view just got better for Naina while it got quite bitter for Raj.

Our dear six cadets with some senior cadets had arrived in the restaurant and sat at the bar unaware of Captain Rajveer's presence. (It was restaurant/bar type of place)

Huda- A round of beer for everyone, right guys?

Ali- We are here, hudabhai lekin hum piyenge nahi aur mera khayal hai aap logo ko bhi drink nahi leni chahiye.

Pooja- Oy, Ali is right. Main apne network main daru bharana nahi chahti.

Aalekh- Apun to piyega baki tum logo ki marzi.

Senior cadet- Kya, cadet beigh apni girl friend ko impress karne ke liye bahane bata rahe ho'.

Ali- Dekhiye tameez main reh kar baat kijiye''

Yudi- Chill out guys'' we are not here to fight.

Senior cadet- Tum kya fight karoge. You are worse than a girl yudi.

Yudi- That's it.

And he threw some beer at him but the senior cadet was quick so he moved and all the beer ended up on guys who were sitting on the next table. They didn't look civilized at all.

Raj- ye first year cadets bhi na kabhi nahi sudhregne. Phir rule break kiya' main abhi ja kar dekhta hoon'

Naina- Calm down Raj' May be they are here for nice dinner.

Raj- Nice dinner' I don't think so'

Naina- Don't disturb them if they behave properly. And you are reacting like you never broke any rules when you were a cadet. I know you, bhaiya & your other friends sneaked out a lot and broke so many rules than these cadets.

Raj- And how do you know? Zaroor sab naveen ne bataya hoga tum he'

Naina- Raj, agar naveen mujhe nahi batata to tum log ek baar bhi bina pakde gaye academy se bahar nahi ja sakte.

Raj- Matlab?

Naina- Sare bahar jane ke ideas kiske hote the naveen bhaiya ke right?

Raj- right'

Naina- wrong, it was all my ideas. Remember the time when you guys fooled Major Niar and Brigadier chandok at the same time to celebrate Holi'

Raj- Yeah, it was fantastic.

Naina- And you actually thought that Naveen could come up with those brilliant ideas on his own'

Raj- Wow so it was all yours doing'

Naina- Yes.

(Flashback:

Raj- Naveen, how we are going to celebrate Holi this year since now both MC & BC are in the academy.

Abhi- Haan, naveen kuch socho yaar.

Naveen- I already thought about it and I think I know where to find ideas for it.

Naveen called Naina for some ideas as she was the brilliant prankster ever.

Naina- Very simple bro' Just do something to distract BC and MC and you are free to do whatever you like on Holi. After all it's just for two days and I am sure you can send those two out of the academy for some reason that they just can't avoid.

Naveen- Yeah, aur wo hum karenge kaise' ab unko ja kar seedha keh to nahi sakte ki hum ko holi manani hai to please aap academy se bahar chale jaye'

Naina- Well if it was me than I would have told them but considering how you guys fear them, it's not probably good idea for you.

Naveen- seedhe seedhe idea bata'

Naina- Ok then listen to me very carefully' Just fax me two official letters with military stamps on them and make sure that two are not related to each other and rest just leave it on me.

Two days later, BC & MC left for some official work and Cadets celebrated Holi with great fun'

Flashback ends)

Present:

Raj remembered that Holi incident and it was all still mystery for every one that how BC & MC suddenly left for four days.

Raj- I don't know what happened but without any ideas or any skims BC and MC were out of the academy.

Naina- Well of course, you guys didn't have to do anything as I already did whatever needed to be done.

Raj(shockingly)- What do you mean?

Naina- The two official blank letters that you stole from BC's office and Naveen sent them to me.

Raj- Ok then'

Naina- Then nothing, I made duplicate with some help of my friends and burnt the original ones as I know those are secured letters. And on those duplicate ones I just wrote some urgent message that BC & MC needed to be in south of kerala and it was awful two days journey so obviously they needed total four days to fool themselves and you guys were free to celebrate holi without any obstacles.

Raj(smiled)- Naina, you are brilliant but just do me a favor'

Naina- What?

Raj- don't play any tricks on me nor teach to these cadets as now I am a teacher and I certainly don't want to be a victim of those tricks.

Naina- I won't play any tricks on you, I promise but I can't promise that I am not certainly sure of cadets to stop their pranks. They should have some fun too.

Raj(looking at cadets)- Well, they just started to have some extra fun' I think, and we better go to stop'

Yudi was about to be beaten by a goon whom he threw the beer at.

Huda and senior cadets were about to get into the fight while Aalekh was about to drink his beer. And Ali, Riya and Pooja were trying to stop the fight between the goons and them and senior cadets.

Yudi and Ali picked up something to hit goon and Huda was about to hit senior cadet when Raj & Naina reached there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Raj- Everyone stop'.

Everyone looked at the direction and found Naina and Raj there.

Raj asked everyone to stand in one line and told aalekh to put his drink down before he could get one sip. Aalekh reluctantly did that and all first year cadets stood in one line. Raj asked senior cadets to leave from there or he will inform Brigadier and they wouldn't have any more freedom on Saturday nights to go out.

Senior cadets said sorry and left from there. Now the goons were about to hit Raj but Raj fought back and cadets were impressed by him.

When Raj was done with fighting, he came to the cadets. Naina was already there'

Raj- I don't know what to say to you cadets. How many times I have told you not to break rules but you guys'' Apni harkato se baaj nahi aaoge tum log'. Nahi na'

Ali- We are very sorry sir'

Yudi- Aage se aisa nahi hoga sir'

Raj- Well but this time, you will be punished and I am not going to save you this time.

Everyone panicked as if Rajveer told anything to BC or MC, they will be thrown out of the academy, but they didn't need to worry as long as Naina was there.

Naina- Come on Raj, they said sorry' Just one more time' They already told you aage se wo log aisa nahi karenge.

Raj glared at Naina that she was interrupting between him & cadets but Naina's face expressions were enough for him to smile and forget about everything that cadets did.

Raj(smiled)- Ok, but last time''

Pooja- Thank you sir' Thank you ma'am'

Naina- Pooja, I told you not to call me ma'am. Just call me Naina or I have to tell Raj to punish you guys.

Pooja- Ok Thank you Naina'

Everyone smiled and cadets were about to go back but Raj stopped them.

Raj- Cadets, now if you try to go back sneakily then you are bound to get caught by Major Niar.

Aalekh- Par, apun ko wapas to jana hoga na'

Naina- Sure, you guys come with us but after the dinner as we didn't finish ours and I think you skipped yours to sneak out.

Yudi- But we don't want to disturb you'.

Raj- It's okay cadets even if you guys go now then I will have to accompany you so let's have dinner and then we will go'

Naina ordered the dinner while they all chatted away.

Cadets felt more relaxed with Naina as she was just like them and she even made the situation lighter and Raj wasn't angry with cadets anymore. He was also enjoying the time with cadets. He realized that Naina decreased the distance between him & cadets in just two days she was there. He became friendlier with cadets in past two days compare to what he was in past three months.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When they came back to the academy, suriji and olitaji were waiting for cadets as they found out that cadets weren't in the hostels.

Raj saved cadets by explaining to suriji and lolitaji that they had taken cadets out to enjoy a little as Naina insisted him.

Cadets said good night and went to their rooms while Naina & Raj headed to theirs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Part- 9

Naina became comfortable within few days and she made very good friends with Dr. Shalini & six cadets. Suriji liked her too. Lolitaji was formal with her but she began to decrease that distance too. The only two faculty members, Naina was uncomfortable with were: Major Niar and Dr. Ritu Mishra. She never talked to MC and with Dr. Mishra it was only formal hi-hello whenever they met.

Raj was amazed to see how Naina made herself comfortable anywhere in any situation. It felt like it was just like old Naina. He was happy to have his old Naina back.

One afternoon, Naina returned from her work and she headed to the canteen to get some tea as it was a very hectic day for her. There was no body in the canteen except few orderlies and suriji. Naina asked for a cup of tea from suriji and looking at her exhausted face suriji quickly began to make the tea.

After he handed over the tea to her, he asked her'

Suriji- Bad day puttar'.

Naina- Oh, suriji you have no idea'.

Suriji- It's okay puttar now you relax.

But in about ten minutes after she finished her tea, the whole canteen started to feel with cadets and they were all excited about something.

The gang made her way to the table where Naina was sitting.

"What's going on?" Naina asks Riya, "Why is everybody so excited?"

"They've just announced the fresher's ball!" Yudi answered her excitedly, "It's going to be such fun."

"And, I am going to be Mr. Fresher this year," Huda said in his usual tone.

"Well there are other candidates too, you know." Riya pointed out to him.

"But I have to find a date first," Yudi said worriedly.

"Well, don't worry' You will find one," Naina told him'

"From where?" Yudi asked desperately, "The only girls I know here are you, Pooja, Riya and Dr Shalini. Obviously I can't go with you or Dr Shalini. Pooja is already going with Ali and Riya, would you like to go with me?

Riya looked a little shocked, while Huda just stared at Yudi angrily "Actually Yudi," she finally said, "Huda already asked me and I already said yes."

"Well at least Ali, Pooja, Riya & huda are sorted out, Yudi is searching and what about you aalekh?" Naina asked.

Aalekh just shrugged. "Nobody." He said, "I am not going at all"

"Well I do want to go! And now how I am going to find a date!!" Yudi asked them.

"Why don't you ask Neelu?" Naina suggested him. "She has many friends and I am sure one of would like to go with you to a ball." (Naina had already met Neelu several times at Yudi's dad's office and they had become nice friends too. Although Neelu is totally different from Yudi, she is a very nice girl.)

"Not a bad idea," Yudi said, "But then I would have to find her a date from here as she would like to come to the ball'."

"Well then aalekh won't mind helping out his friend, would you aalekh?" Naina asked aalekh as she really wanted him to enjoy at fresher's ball and knowing him, she knew that he will help out yudi.

"Please, aalekh that's a good idea and I don't have to worry about my sister if you will be her date." Yudi asked melodramatically

"Ok, nataunki' I will be her date." Aalekh shrugged, and Naina smiled & excused herself from there as talking to the cadets was enchanting but her headache was still there.

Raj didn't realize that naina would be there as usually she was in the canteen or at work at this time.

Raj- Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you. I didn't know you were here. Are u all right?

Naina- Yeah, I am fine. It was just a long day and the work was hectic. That's all. I didn't want to stay in the canteen because'.

Raj- Cadets are very excitedly discussing about the fresher's ball right?

Naina- Right, and now I have one more work to do'

Raj- What?

Naina- Shopping for the dress for me and for you.

Raj- But I have a suit'

Naina- I know' but if you want to go with me then you would have to look good or you have to find your self another date captain..

Raj laughed at Naina's comment as she just sounded like old Naina who used to drag him and Naveen for shopping.

Raj- Do I have to come with you for shopping?

Naina- No, shalini is coming with me. So you are saved this time.

Raj- Thanks'

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The week before the fresher's ball, Shalini & Naina went for shopping where they almost spent their entire day choosing outfits, shoes and jewelry for them. Naina also bought two suits and shirts: One for Raj and the other one for aalekh. She knew that aalekh wouldn't mind or feel bad in anyway if she bought him the suit.

Shalini- You know Naina, Cap. Rajveer is lucky'

Naina- And why is that, shalini?

Shalini- Generally, wives spend their husbands' money for shopping but in your case, you spend all your money for Rajveer's shopping.

Naina(smiled)- After marriage, it's not mine or yours. Everything is ours.

Shalini- Hmmm' That's quite good sentence.

Naina- Now stop thinking about marriage philosophy and let's go for dinner as I am hungry.

They both ate their dinner while chatted away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~

After dinner, they came back and Naina found aalekh in their room sitting with Raj where two of them were discussing about a lesson where aalekh needed help.

Raj- So you are finally back'

Naina- yep, and it was good experience unlike with you.

Naina- Wait' finish your lesson. I don't want to interrupt your study and after you finish that I would like to talk to you.

Naina left to put the bags in the bedroom while Raj and Aalekh finished the lesson.

Aalekh- What is it naina?

Naina- I would like you choose between these two suits.

Aalekh was surprised and bit emotional the way Naina cared for him. Raj was happy too seeing Naina's care for Aalekh.

Aalekh- But this'

Naina- One for you and one for Raj' so you choose first.

Aalekh- I think sir should choose first'

Raj- No aalekh, I won't mind' Naina wants u to choose first so go ahead.

Aalekh chose the suit which naina thought for him and he left the room after some casual talk.

Raj- So I am stuck with the remaining one'

Naina(smiled)- Yes, you are'

Raj- Actually, this is the one I liked and by the way, what did you buy for yourself?

Naina- It is a surprise so wait & watch'

Raj- All right'

Then they were both off to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next week passed quickly for everyone as cadets' were so much excited. They all paid total attention to classes and drills as nobody wanted any detention on the day of Fresher's ball.

The evening of Fresher's ball:

Naina was getting ready in Dr. Shalini's room as they decided. Pooja and Riya were there too along with Neelu and her friend priya. They all were excited about getting ready while chatted away.

The boys were ready before time and they waited outside at shalini's room for girls to get out.

Huda- Ye jananiyan, ready hone main itna time kyon lagati hai?

Yudi- Kyonki dude, they always want to kill us by their looks.

Ali & Aalekh laughed at Yudi's comment.

Rajveer came there as he was supposed to get Naina.

Raj- cadets, you all are looking really handsome today.

Yudi- But not better than you sir.

Raj- So what is taking them so long?

Aalekh- wo ladkiyan hai sir' Footage khaye bina koi kaam nahi karegi'

Before Raj could answer on his comment, Pooja, Riya, Neelu and Priya came outside. And they could say that they had put their time to best use.

All four of them looked gorgeous and enchanting.

Boys were stunned to see them and they all left after some compliments given to each other. Raj was left behind wondering when Naina will be out. He waited a little but then he knocked on Shalini's door.

Shalini opened the door and she was looking really beautiful in her red dress but Naina was still inside.

Raj- You are looking gorgeous Doctor'.

Shalini- Then wait till you see your wife.

Naina came out and Raj was really stunned to see her. She was wearing a red sari with black borders and with light makeup and matching jewelry. It was the first time, Raj saw Naina in a sari.

He never imagined that how beautiful Naina would look in a sari.

Shalini coughed at his reactions and Raj came back to reality.

Raj- You are looking really beautiful Naina'

Naina- Thanks' You are not so bad yourself either'

Shalini smiled at Naina's comment and so does raj.

Raj & Naina left as shalini wanted her date to be surprise for everyone.

~~~~~~~~~

Preview- The Fresher's ball and lots of enjoyment with some bitter memories and Dr. Mishra's interruption.

Part- 10

When Naina came down with Rajveer, they got the most cheer from cadets than any other couple who entered in the hall now. Raj & Naina both avoided to stand on the meter but Cadets' insisted and they both got 10 points for Raj being a cool guy and for Naina being a hot gal. Soon after that, Naina looked around and found Dr. Mishra with her date Major Niar. Naina was actually sympathizing with Ritu as she had to come with MC. Naina & Raj were standing in a corner talking to each other.

Naina- Do you know who Dr. Shalini's date is?

Raj- No' but she will be here soon so you will find out. (He was actually bit surprised at Naina's curiousness) I can't believe you are so eager to find that out.

Naina- And I can't believe you are not'

Meanwhile Raj looked upstairs and said- Your wait is over and I think this is definitely worth the wait.

Naina also looked in that direction to find shalini coming with Brigadier chandok.

Everyone cheered for them too mainly at Dr. shalini and BC for coming because he had to dance first to start this ball officially. Cadets' wait was over and soon they can join their partners on dance floor after BC's formal dance.

The dance started and it was quite boring for cadets. Captain Rajveer and Naina & Major Niar and Dr. Ritu also joined BC and Dr. Shalini. They danced formally for a while and Raj was amazed as how naina can dance so amazingly formally knowing how much she hated these dances.

All the cadets including suriji & lolitaji were getting bored and Huda had to do something as he was there to enjoy and He changed the music to the tune where cadets can dance.

Cadets started dancing and after some time, BC & MC left from the ball. Raj, shalini & Naina were remained there and so was Dr. Mishra but she was more enjoying her drinks than the party.

Shalini- so captain, why don't you dance on this song?

Raj- I think that time had passed shalini.

Naina- Yeah, Raj had become old.

Shalini smiled and raj made annoyed face at her.

Shalini- so you don't mind joining them on the dance floor.

Naina- Of course not' This is the music I like rather than that boring one' how about you and me join them' I hope cadets won't mind.

Huda who was passing from there heard that conversation.

Huda- sure, we wouldn't mind ma'am, naina.

Raj- yeah, you guys go ahead'

Huda- That's not fair sir, you have to give us company too.

Raj- But cadet huda'

Before he could say anything else, huda made announcement that Captain Rajveer would dance on filmy songs.

Raj glared at Huda but he was not going to bother at all.

Reluctantly, Raj came on the dance floor and danced on a song and soon shalini & naina and other cadets joined them.

Naina was so enjoying the dance as she was used to this when she was in college but it was long time ago.

After the dance, suriji announced Mr. Fresher to cadet aalekh and Ms. Fresher to cadet riya. Everyone was happy except huda who was a bit jealous but it wasn't that big of a deal.

Now cadets started to dance more, and shalini, raj & Naina were sitting around a table talking to each other while ritu came totally drunk and started talking about how raj broke her heart by not telling him that he was married.

Raj was horrified and Shalini was uncomfortable as she knew raj never gave any signs that he was ever interested in Ritu. Raj was worried about how Naina would think and at some point so was Dr. Shalini. But Naina wasn't bothered at all. Actually she was finding that bit funny the whole situation.

Shalini asked suriji to assist an orderly to help Dr. ritu to her room and suriji did that gladly not wanting Dr. ritu to be an obstacle between Raj & Naina.

After they left, shalini started different conversation about Naina's dance.

Shalini- so naina, you can dance well both on filmy songs and formals.

Naina- well yeah, I and my friends were used to dance on functions at our college and most of them were based on filmy songs.

Shalini- Then Raj must have taught you the formal dance, right?

Naina- No actually, it was my other friend gunny who taught me that dance.

Shalini- Gunny? Strange name'

Naina(smiling)- Actually, his friends call him gunny. His formal name is Captain Gunraj singh randhawa' He is also in the army and he taught me one of those dances when he invited me to one formal dance in the army.

Raj also smiled at mention of Gunny's name. He is after all one of his best friend.

Preview: Entry of Major Bhargav and Entry of Gunny