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IV
Naina started dressing for the dinner. Once again she wore the black skirt but decided to do away with the shawl and shirt as she remembered that the dining room was quite warm or even hot with two fireplaces alight. Instead, she took out a pink lacy blouse to match the skirt. The blouse having a wide neckline, accentuated her neck and shoulders and a nave suggestion of unseen cleavage. Her long diamond earrings added glamour to the look. She decided to keep her hair tied up in a French-roll as she usually did during the daytime under the uniform cap. But that enhanced her flawless complexion and she looked not only beautiful but exquisite.
As she entered the dining room, all male eyes were turned towards her and few gasps could be heard too. At that point, Captain Das decided that he had fallen in love. He had fallen in love with this exquisite creature who had invaded the cantonment disguised as a lieutenant.
Naina soon found out that this was a dance and dine affair, the music band was positioned in a corner and a number of spouses dressed in colourful sarees or salwar-suits were seen around. Major Dixit introduced her to Mrs Dixit and few other spouses. Naina enchanted them with her sweet smile.
"Hello , would you like a drink ?" Naina turned around to find Cap. Das behind her,
" Well, I don't drink, I mean, alcoholic drinks"
"Oh, this is just an innocent cocktail with just a hint of Martini "
"OK, thanks,"
"So how was rest of your day, Lt. Singh?"
"It was good, Darjeeling is a lovely place and every little street is worth sightseeing," Naina replied, "even every little house" she added to herself silently.
"Did you enjoy riding? Which horse was given to you?"
"Naina"
"What ….? Oh – they gave you the Queen. Yes, it is a lovely mare, though a bit unruly at times. Don't know why stable people call it Naina. "
" Why you dont like the name Captain"
"Arre , na , na , it is the most lovely name, Anyway, you are looking very lovely today Lt. Singh"
" Thanks Cap. Das."
Naina has already taken a few sips of the cocktail and the "hint" of Martini had warmed her up bringing a rosy blush to her face, making her look even more attractive. Suddenly the door to the dining hall was opened and a very handsome middle-aged army man and a gracious lady in a white saree were ushered in. He was Brig. Abhay Grewal , the "CEO " of Shilligurri Army post. He was accompanied by his spouse Mrs. Asha Grewal. .
Major Dixit started introducing all the new officers to them. As Naina shook his hand , Brigadier smiled and said, " So this is the brave and beautiful Lt. Naina who had the guts to fight against Lala Gehlot !"
Naina could feel her rosy cheeks getting even rosier as the attention of the whole gathering was directed towards her.
"Welcome to our Cantonment Lt. Naina , we are very proud to have you here,'
With the arrival of the commander, the music started to play. Brig Grewal and Major Dixit respectively led their spouses to the dance floor and began to sway to the tune of The Blue Danube, the masterpiece of Strauss.
" May I dance with you?" Cap. Das extended his hand towards Naina.
"May I have the pleasure?", was what Naina heard.
The tavern was dimly lit except for a bright light over the bar for the "bartender" to measure the pegs of drinks correctly. Cacophonic sound of latest filmi hits was all over the place. People were seated in groups of three-to five at separate tables. The waiters hurried around with bottles of desi, rum or whiskey and an occasional vodka on their dirty steel trays. Most of the occupants were men , though a couple of women were also seen. Their loud makeup and dress clearly indicated their profession.
Rajveer wrapped the scarf closely around his face and proceeded towards a corner table where two men were arguing over a peg of rum. Rajveer, a connoisseur of delicate tasting wines and champagne, never drank in these places as he had to keep his brain working and head clear. The waiters, generously tipped by him, knew that and always brought a disguised "scotch on rocks " to him . The right mix of cola, limca and blocks of ice did the trick.
" So saale , bol kya khabar hai jahannam (meaning the cantonment ) se?"
" Are bhai , jahannam to jannat ban gaye, hurpadi jo aa gayi "
Rajveer could feel the sudden stiffness in his body.
"Kaun hai wo Nayi officer?"
"Uski naam Naina Singh hai , saale maal hai bahut kamaal ki"
Rajveer clenched his fist hard under the table.
"Kahan se aayi hai wo?"
"Abhi to Deradoon se magar trainng li hai KMA mein "
Gritting of Rajveers teeth was noticeable to his companions too. They looked surprisingly at him
" Tera koi rishta hai un se,?"
Rajveer controlled himself and said, " Arre na, main ne socha ki uska pati bhi army mein hoga aur bahut jaldi yahan unka bhi posting ho jayega. "
"Koi chance nahin hai."
"Kyun?"
"Kyunki , uska koi pati nahin hai.
Rajveer heaved a sigh of relief.
"Koi baat nahin , yahah par kisiko dhund lengi ", the second man quipped from the side.
Rajveer wanted to slap the person hard.
" Wo to zaroor ho jayega , Das to pad gaya line mein. Sare din unka peecha nahin chhoda. "
Dear Reader, if want to know what is the color of jealousy , you should have seen Rajveer's face at this point.
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