New LRL fic: ’Fated’ updt pg 14

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springsign29

@springsign29

Explorer

Posted: 16 years ago

#241

update aftr a long wait ,thnks gazal and andrea, the ud was really nice.....luvd it,naina has regained her memories of past lyf.thnk and ud soon

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gazal

@gazal_sameer

Inactive

Posted: 16 years ago

#242

Originally posted by: springsign29
update aftr a long wait ,thnks gazal and andrea, the ud was really nice.....luvd it,naina has regained her memories of past lyf.thnk and ud soon

u r most welcome

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manali

@Revolutionbreez

Dazzler

+ 2

Posted: 16 years ago

#243

omg..!!! ur story is simply breath-taking !!while i cried while reading the first part,waz curious abt wat next ? at the end of each part !😊 pz update the remaing story(as u stated that 1/2 parts remaining) soon😊

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gazal

@gazal_sameer

Inactive

Posted: 16 years ago

#244

Originally posted by: manatated
omg..!!! ur story is simply breath-taking !!while i cried while reading the first part,waz curious abt wat next ? at the end of each part !😊 pz update the remaing story(as u stated that 1/2 parts remaining) soon😊

andrea will update soon

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Aradhna

@Anhdara13

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 16 years ago

#245

Gazal, Andrea, thank you thank you thank you so much! I missed reading the last two parts, and just read them now. Andrea, you have a gift for storytelling, and I absolutely loved the way Naina remembered. It was brilliant, and while I will be sad when this story is over, I have to admit it was a hell of a ride!

Gazal, without you, we'd have no updates, so thank you!

Love,
Radz

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gazal

@gazal_sameer

Inactive

Posted: 16 years ago

#246

Originally posted by: Anhdara13
Gazal, Andrea, thank you thank you thank you so much! I missed reading the last two parts, and just read them now. Andrea, you have a gift for storytelling, and I absolutely loved the way Naina remembered. It was brilliant, and while I will be sad when this story is over, I have to admit it was a hell of a ride!

Gazal, without you, we'd have no updates, so thank you!

Love,
Radz

u r most welcome

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Nishttha Nath

@EimenEnchanted

Inactive

Posted: 16 years ago

#247

whoa!!!!! finally........ and finally... 😃

it was really good... asha's confusion was something, i could just feel it...

waiting for the lond waited shaadi [;P]

ud soon!

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gazal

@gazal_sameer

Inactive

Posted: 16 years ago

#248

Originally posted by: Nishttha
whoa!!!!! finally........ and finally... 😃

it was really good... asha's confusion was something, i could just feel it...

waiting for the lond waited shaadi [;P]

ud soon!

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gazal

@gazal_sameer

Inactive

Posted: 16 years ago

#249

Update! Yay! Finally got it done!

Bear with me... I know I've hurried things somewhat but I hate writing war scenes, I'm no good at them so I've skipped over some of them. Also please bear with much political wrangling in this section. It's damn difficult to end a war!!!

Hope you enjoy it!

**

Chapter Thirty NineAlready bleeding from three bullet wounds, Raj stared at the man in front of him almost unable to believe it.

For so many years he had believed in his goodness, believed in his patriotism… He had believed that there could never be a better man from Lala Gehlot.

Now he wondered whether he should be sparing his last breaths to curse the man in front of him or to laugh at his own stupidity.

"How could you?" he asked, "Such a deceit for so many years… we believed in you, all of us, and Naveen…"

"Raj, Raj, Raj…" Gehlot had chanted mockingly, "Not all of us are blinded by the call of patriotism, some of us are forward thinking enough to see the benefits of betrayal. It's all to do with risk versus profit you know. If only Naveen had been as forward thinking as us… if only you had been. But no, you had to stick your nose where it didn't belong, didn't you? Had to let your pesky morals get in the way of business."

"You won't get away with this," Raj had told him, gasping as the breath left him "Sooner or later justice will catch up with you, don't think that you can escape from it forever."

"Why? Because the good guys win and the bad guys lose? Grow up Raj, that only happens in fairy tales. Maybe one day the law will catch up with me, but one thing is for certain, you're not going to be around to see it…"

He had raised his gun then, planning to finish Raj off when he had heard the jeep approaching in the distance. Cursing he had gestured to his own men to return to their cars, yelling at them to hurry up.

They had already driven off when Naina pulled up, and Raj tried to lift himself off the ground as she ran to him, screaming his name.

It was already too late, he could feel that as the blood seeped out of him and onto the road. It was too late and he had left so many things undone, so many things unsaid…

"Sir? Rajveer Sir?" Naina had said frantically as she lifted him into her lap, supporting him, frantically trying to stop the bleeding.

It was too late, far too late… and he could do nothing now. How could he tell her that he loved her as he lay dying, it was better for her not to know… to move on with her life, to live well.

He could not save himself and nor could he tell her… but somehow it seemed fitting that he would die in her arms.

And while he could not do anything else, at least while dying he could ensure there was justice…

***
Raj woke with a start, breathing hard and reached out beside him, almost frantic when he found empty space. Taking calming breaths he reminded himself that Naina was in her own room along with Amiya, that she was fine and so was he and that the dream was only a long ago memory.

Since the initial attack there had been several more, every day it seemed as if there was a raiding party, come to attack them. The Chinese had indulged more in guerrilla warfare rather than any outright invasion attempt and they were all tired from being constantly on alert, ready for anything that might happen. The attacks had gradually increased in both intensity and size and they had suffered many casualties, particularly of junior officers. Every day when he woke Raj prayed that none of his friends would be injured, that Naina would be safe.

They had soon gotten used to sleeping for short periods between shifts, ready to wake at a moment's notice. Since that time more troops had been shifted to the border area, Ali and Pooja and had been stationed nearby only 50km away and had said that they would visit at the first opportunity. Unfortunately that opportunity had not yet come due to the hostilities.

Raj looked over to the other bed where Samir was still sleeping, a bandage wrapped around his head. He'd been wounded two days ago but with the situation on high alert had barely had any time off to rest. They were all trying to be brave… this is what they had trained for, now they had a chance to defend their country and they could not let their nation down.

Samir turned onto his side and rubbing his eyes, sat up. "It's morning already?" he asked, looking over at the clock, "I feel like I only just fell asleep."

"You did only just fall asleep." Raj remarked wryly, "I think we went to bed about 3 hours ago."

Samir sighed, the exhaustion plain on his face. They all felt like this yet there was nothing anybody could do. They had to endure while this continued… all of them were hoping that there would be an end to it soon.

"Well let's wash up quickly and join the girls for breakfast." Samir remarked, "Hussein should be coming off duty soon, we might even be able to catch him before he goes to bed."

Raj nodded and they prepared for the day quickly, leaving their quarters and meeting Naina and Amiya half way to the mess. Amiya gave as warm a smile as she was able to and spent the rest of the walk leaning on Samir, chatting to him softly.

Naina gave Raj a half smile as she saw him, reaching out to take his hand. Now that she had remembered her past life she was stronger than she had been as Asha. For her, war time situations were a way of life, she had fought so many battles before her death that now there was nothing she felt like she couldn't handle. As long as he was by her side, she could take on any enemy. She drew strength from the grip of his hand, from the reminder that from now on they would live and die together, handling any problems that came along the way.

"Is there any news?" She asked him quietly, "Aalekh was saying that a ceasefire might happen soon, that the UN is currently trying to broker a deal for disarmament and withdrawal from Burma."

"It's possible that China will agree… after diverting most of their troops for the attacks here as well as in Bangaldesh and Burma, they've been seeing uprisings among their own people. The Burmese have begun to fight back through guerrilla warfare, The Tibetans and Uighurs are staging outright demonstrations as well as attacking key military and government points. Even in Beijing and Shanghai they're seeing unrest, maybe things are finally about to change…"

"I sometimes wonder why there has to be so much violence before change occurs," Naina commented sadly, "Why we have to lose so many people…"

They had lost many of their comrades, one of those most sorely missed was Major Ramachandran who had died while valiantly fighting off an attack. Some of the soldiers they had patrolled with had also been killed, Captain Shergill was in a serious condition and had been sent to Kolkatta for treatment after receiving burns to her body from a grenade attack. Everyday they woke up praying that nobody would die that day.

They entered the mess, gathered their breakfasts and sat down at an available space. As Hussein came in his eyes searched for them and he smiled tiredly as he finally found them. Amiya pointed to the extra tray and cup that they'd already placed at the table for him and he sat down gratefully, nodding his thanks. They all tried their best to remember each others schedules, supporting their friends as well as they could in these conditions.

"I've got four hours off and then back on duty again," Hussein told them, "Until we hear any news from Uncle Abhimanyu we're all on double alert."

"Let's just hope they've agreed to a ceasefire and the removal of their troops…" Samir commented, "I heard that they've been suffering heavy losses… and now the Association of South East Asian Nations is talking about intervening in Burma to restore their freedom after seeing the precedent we set in Bangladesh."

"If they do that then at least the Chinese will have a much narrower stretch to attack us from." Raj commented, "It seems as if they're about to be beaten on all fronts. Let's just hope that the good luck holds on long enough for us to defeat them once and for all."

"You have a briefing this morning, right?" Amiya asked them, "After Brigadier Chauhan arrives back from his meeting?"

"He already arrived back half an hour ago," Hussein informs them, "I was on gate duty when he came in."

"Then hopefully soon we'll know the latest, we're due to meet with him along with the other senior officers in half an hour." Dhiraj told them, "Let's all hope that he's brought us back some good news."

**

As they entered the briefing room half an hour later Abhimanyu gave nods to both Raj and Samir, while Aalekh gave them both a brief smile. Raj could sense that something had changed, there was not the same sense of desperation in the air that had been there a week ago, now there seemed to be the hope of resolution soon.

When the officers were all assembled and seated, Abhimanyu began the briefing, a tired smile on his face.

"I'm pleased to report that we appear to be close to victory." He told them, "At 0500 hours this morning the ASEAN nations of Thailand, Malaysia, Lao, Cambodia, Indonesia and Brunei made a calculated entry into Burmese territory. They plan to subdue the Chinese forces and either defeat them or force them into a retreat. I believe China's attack on India has made the ASEAN countries fear for their own safety due to China's expansionist tendencies and finally caused them to act."

A cheer was raised by the officers to this news and Raj gripped Samir's arm, grinning at him.

"We are expecting that the Chinese should soon be ready to withdraw their troops and sign a ceasefire agreement because they are facing trouble on the domestic front as well. Uprisings within the Tibetan and Xinjiang regions have become widespread with reports that many army officers and government officials are fleeing the area. We also have reports that in Beijing there is a growing gathering within Tianamon Square calling for democracy and human rights within the country. It appears that seeing our successes against the Chinese Army and their current weakness, the people are taking a chance for their own freedom."

Raj hoped that this war would have more consequences for the Chinese government, that the regime would be toppled and a democratic government elected in their place. He hoped that maybe this could be the beginning of something ideal, the end of injustice and tyranny. He hoped, and yet for now he would just be happy if they could at least force the Chinese out from their own borders, make their country safe once more.

"Right now the next 24 hours are critical," Abhimanyu informed them, "We have orders from headquarters to hit out at them as hard as possible. If they're losing on multiple fronts and believe that defeat is imminent then they will be much more ready to negotiate. I know you're all tired… which is why I'll tell you to go and rest now. In five hours time we will be launching coordinated attacks against their camps within our borders along with the other bases. A briefing for the attack is scheduled for one hour's time, until then here are the names for your respective teams…"

And as Abhimanyu continued to give instructions and announce teams, Raj could feel the familiar rush rising within him at the idea of a final assault, a final push that might secure their country's safety once and for all.

He had been born for this, he knew it in his soul.

It was time to prove himself once again.

**

Five hours later, Raj stood with Naina, Amiya and the rest of his team. He saw Samir in the distance with Hussein and HJ and gave them all a thumbs up, receiving tense nods and smiles in return.

Raj turned back to his own team, his eyes passing over them to check their readiness, finally settling upon Naina.

"Ready?" he asked them,

"Yes Sir!" They replied saluting him, and he couldn't help but be proud at the enthusiasm in their eyes

"Always, Sir." Naina murmured, so low that he almost missed it.

Always.

"Then let's go!" he yelled, gesturing to them to start out.

He was ready for whatever was in store.

Always.

**

Two weeks later…

Raj winced slightly as he took experimental steps, trying not to lean so heavily on his crutches.

Naina sat nearby, looking as if she wished she could get up and help him but knowing that he would want to do it on his own.

"Don't strain yourself too much, Raj." Samir told him, "You'll regain your strength in good time. Now that the war is over there's no hurry to recover."

"I know that Samir," Raj said, giving his friend grins, "But I do have other plans you know, and I'd sort of luck to have both of my legs back for that."

"Yeah I can't imagine that turning up at Asha's house on crutches would make you too impressive to her parents." Amiya commented, biting down on an apple. "Though on second thought I really would like to see the looks on their faces if you did…"

"As if we don't have enough problems already," Naina told her, "Anyway we won't officially be on holiday for another week at least and Raj's leg should be healed by then."

A ceasefire had been declared a week ago and the Chinese troops had withdrawn from the area and an United Nations peacekeeping force placed along the borders. At the moment a peace deal was being worked out between the concerned countries, a deal which looked like China may have to dismantle some of its army after its acts of aggression.

India was safe for the time being, and the soldiers who had worked hard to secure it could finally relax and recover.

There had been heavy losses in the last assault, they had all lost friends and comrades. Raj thought with regret about some of the soldiers he had once led on patrol, such young lives cut tragically short way before their time. Through some miracle their friends had been spared, all managing to survive the war and escaping with injuries that would heal in time.

HJ had finally gotten his battle wound, 'catching up with Hussein' as he termed it. His shoulder was already healing, and he used having his arm in a sling for his own advantage, asking Riti to do things for him that he could've easily managed himself.

Ali had also been seriously injured in the final fight, sustaining a head injury that he had had taken three days to wake up from. When he had finally opened his eyes it was to see his wife crying, clutching Naina's arm while Rajveer Sir smiled down at him.

"Sir… you're here." Ali had said, only half conscious as Pooja had rushed forward to check him.

"That I am, Ali." Raj had replied, "And neither of us will be going anywhere this time."

Joined by Aalekh and Abhimanyu they had stayed up all night talking, exactly like old times. There had been a lifetime to catch up on, and in the end they could have said much more.

Things were returning to normal and soon they would all be together again. Soon Raj would be able to fulfill every wish he had ever had but first…

First there was something that nagged at him, one final thing that had to be done before he could move on.

Seeing Abhimanyu coming towards them he raised a hand to greet his friend before limping slowing over to sit beside Naina.

Joining them, Abhi sat beside Raj, laying a hand on his arm briefly. "How's the leg coming along?" he asked him.

"It's healing as it should be, I just need to stop being so impatient." Raj told him, "Actually Chauhan there's something I wanted to ask you…"

"Ask away, Raj." Abhi told him, smiling.

"I want to know what happened to Gehlot… is he still alive? I know he was punished but I don't know…"

Abhimanyu's face turned dark at the mention of the man who had once ruined all their lives. "Unfortunately he is alive," he told Raj, "He only received life imprisonment, trust me he'll never see the light of day… I just wish he could've gotten the death penalty."

"But maybe it's not so bad after all," Raj mused "Because it gives me an opportunity I couldn't otherwise have… Chauhan can you set up a meeting with him for Naina and I?"

"But why, Raj? Why do you want to bring it up all over again?"

"Because I need to show him just how wrong he was…" Raj replied, "I need to show him that good does triumph over evil, that justice does win in the end."

Naina reached out and taking his hand she squeezed it, nodding.

"Then I'll see what I can do." Abhi told him. "I'll pull some strings and have it done."

"Thanks yaar," Raj replied.

Because to move on with the rest of his life he needed closure… he needed to deal with what had happened on that day twenty five years ago, and he knew he could only do that if could show Gehlot that he had not defeated Raj, that in the end he had lived to see that day.

**

"Are you ready?" Raj asked Naina as they stood outside the prison.

She nodded once, quiet and subdued. Preparing to see Gehlot again brought back memories of the worst time she had ever lived through, of his death and of the life that had come after it…

But Naina knew that you eventually have to face your fears, and she was ready to do so. She had already beaten Gehlot once, she could stand before him without any fear.

He was already sitting behind the barricade when they came in, Naina and Raj remained in the shadows while Abhimanyu stepped forward, sitting down in front of him.

"Well Captain Chauhan… it's been quite some time." Gehlot said with a harsh laugh, "I didn't think I'd ever be seeing you again."

"Twenty five years…" Abhi reminded him, "Which is how long you've been behind these bars now. Even I thought I'd never see you again, but sometimes we're forced to do things that aren't pleasant…. By the way, it's Brigadier Chauhan now, not Captain."

Gehlot's lips twisted into a snarl at this, and he regarded Abhi shrewdly. "What have you come here for anyway after all these years? You know I had heard about twenty one years ago that Naina Ahluwalia died… such a shame, you couldn't even manage to save her."

Abhi stayed calm, knowing that the statement was meant to provoke him. "No, I couldn't… and I lived with that regret for many years. Today however… I no longer regret."

He smiled, resisting the urge to break into a grin at the look of surprise on Gehlot's face. "I've brought two people to meet you here, I'm sure you'll enjoy seeing them after such a long time…"

He stood up, gesturing Raj and Naina forward and they stepped into the light.

"Hello Gehlot," Raj said, "You must have missed us, right?"

Gehlot stood up so quickly that his chair fell over, backing away from the bars quickly.

"What is this, Chauhan?" he demanded, "What the hell is this?"

"Haven't you realised?" Abhi asked him, "This is Raj and Naina, and I'm quite sure that they both have a lot to say to you."

"Oh yes," Raj agreed, "We've got a lot of catching up to do, 25 years worth ever since… oh that's right, ever since you betrayed and shot me."

"Who the hell are you?" Gehlot demanded, "You're not Rajveer, you can't be. He's dead, has been for years."

"He is Rajveer," Naina stated forcefully, stepping forward, "Just as I am Naina. Whatever happened… should not have happened. We were given another chance."

"You told me I wouldn't see the day when you went behind bars," Raj said to him, "And here I am seeing it. No matter what you thought, you lost and we won. We might have had to wait an entire lifetime to see this day, but today we have everything and you have nothing."

"How is this possible?" Gehlot asked, finally beginning to believe that it really was them, that somehow…

"It's possible because good does win over evil and justice is always served, just as I always believed." Raj told him, "Now as you spend the rest of your life behind bars I want you to think about that. I want you to think about the fact that we are alive and happy and that you have got what you deserved. I also want you to think that if after death we were rewarded for whatever we had done in life… what is it that's waiting for you on the other side?"

"You're not real," Gehlot said, "You're not. This is all a trick, I know it is."

"You know that it is real," Naina told him, "And no matter how you try to convince yourself you won't be able to deny it."

"So now I want you to think about what I told you… I want you to think about it for the rest of your life." Raj told him, "Because neither of us will be wasting any time thinking about you."

They turned, walking out of the room and he took a deep breath, steadying himself by grabbing Naina's shoulder.

"Are you okay?" she asked him quietly.

"I'm just fine," he told her, "I'm going to be okay."

It was time to move on with their lives, now that they had finally laid all their old ghosts to rest.

Raj took Naina's hand and stepped out into the sunshine.

It was a beautiful day.

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gazal

@gazal_sameer

Inactive

Posted: 16 years ago

#250

**

And there is the second last chapter of Fated... I know that many people are busy, many have lost interest etc but please do try to reply and make it a longish one!

And I will try to update faster! I honestly will! But as the next chapter will probably be the last (along with an epilogue) it may take me quite awhile as I want it to be just right.

Hope you all enjoy this!

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New LRL fic: ’Fated’ updt pg 14 - Page 25

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