Destiny’s Salute- Epilogue p10 - Page 5

The next morning, Manya woke up to find herself cuddled against something warm, a strong hold held her down. She held her head up and realized the touch of this person was Akash; glancing up she met his eyes; he smiled down at her. "Good morning sleepy head, I thought you wouldn't move for another week or so! And you were holding me so tight, I thought I would suffocate!" his voice teasing. Manya blushed, and let go of him quickly, but then stopped; she couldn't move, he was holder her back. Her breathing became quick, "A..Ak..Akash please leave me; I …uh have to cook some food before we set off again!" her voice soft and pleading. Akash chuckled slightly under his breath, moved closer and pushed the strand of her hair, in the way of her eyes, and tucked it behind her ear.

With the sudden soft movement, he got up and walked away. Manya glared at him and tried getting up again but to no help. She turned around angry and found her dupatta stuck to the zipper of her bag. Immediately, she turned red at the embarrassment and snatched her dupatta running off into the woods in search of food as a pretense of getting away from Akash and acting innocent. Akash watched from behind the trees and shook his head; "silly girl! But she is an awesome friend! Now I need a bath, but where to find water to at least wash my face and arms with water?" he sighed in frustration and walked off towards the woods searching for water.

"Manya! Manya! Kaha ho yaar?" Akash's frustrated voice rang through the woods. Manya screamed, "gimme a sec!" Akash turned around towards the direction of her voice, "Okay…one! Now I'm coming!" he ran towards her and found her standing behind a tree trying to zip up her suit! He gasped and turned around quickly, wow that was a close one, I should have listened to her, stupid you stupid stupid stupid Akash! Now what is she going to think about you? Oh gosh, I should go!" with that he ran off towards the bag and rummaged through it pretending to be busy.

"Akash! Do me a favor please?" Manya's voice rang from behind me. "yeah!" he turned unwillingly, perhaps she had caught him and was going to torture him with her lecture or better yet tell the others what he walked in on; he lifted his eyebrows in frustration and nodded slowly. "can you please zip this all the way, I got it higher but I have like 3 inches and its refusing to go up so please zip it up! Please, please, please!" she begged Akash; Akash's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, with trembling hands he put his hands on the zipper while the other on her back. Slowly he got the zipper out of its knot and zipped her dress all the way. "there!" his voice unsteady. She turned, smiled and walked away. "Phewwwwwww! Gayi!" he choked nearly.

"Manya! Come here right now, I can't believe you just said that to me you khanjoos, makhichoos!" Akash screamed after running behind a screaming Manya. "uuuuuull!" Manya stuck her tongue out at him and kept running off. "Manya get back here!" Akash screamed instead he found her lost. "manya!" he screamed but she was no where to be found. Suddenly someone wrapped their arms around. He twirled instantly alarmed, "What the hell, back off woman!" he screamed scared with the touch of another woman. Manya watched him frightened, "sorry I was just joking!" and walked away frightened. Moments later Akash walked towards her, "im sorry, you should never startle me like that! Because that's how I tend to react to another woman's touch!"

"Hey its k, I can understand and plus I scared you so yeah I'm not upset, anyways I think we should get going!" Manya spoke casually. "Alright, let's go home!" Akash squealed with delight; he would be with her forever now. He smiled and followed Manya closely. "akash main kya scary hun ke tum mere peeche walk kar rahe ho?" her voice frustrated. Akash laughed, his entire body shaking, "no, you just eh whatever happy?" he asked suddenly walking side by side; through the jungle with her. "That's a good boy, much better!" she sounded like a young child who had just gotten their desired gift or toy. He chuckled and began talking when suddenly Manya tripped over a branch.

"Ahhh!" Manya screamed at normal voice, hoping to find herself on the ground in a matter of moments but when she didn't she opened her eyes found herself lost in a pair of chocolate brown eyes yet once again! This time she didn't look away, she stared becoming drunk in the passion of his eyes, the love visible their, the truth everything; she began reading him like an open book; he was in love and so was she. She smiled and tried to search the name of the girl on his face when he suddenly looked away and helped her up; it was then when she realized his hands were on the side of her waist, and the other touching her back. She blushed and kept a 2 foot difference between them and continued walking on.

"Manya!!!!!!" Akash screamed; Manya turned around and caught him before he fell down and landed with a thud on the end of the cliff. He stared into his eyes and realized the awkward position they were in, she was holding him with her hand on his waist and the other on his back. While he held on to her shoulders for support. She smirked slightly, "now aren't I the gentlewomen?" she asked chuckling under her breath. He laughed and carefully with her help got up only to find himself in excruciating pain. "oye tenu ki ho gaya hun?" [now what happened to you?] manya asked; akash glared at her, "aandi ho kya, can't you see I twisted my ankle?" Manya shot him a look and allowed him to take a hold of her shoulder and helped him walk through the forest.

"Akash you are so heavy, gosh you ghende how much do you weigh?" Manya asked out of breath. Akash let go of her suddenly and landed with a thump on his butt. "owwwwww, my butt, my butt, my butt, my butt!" he squealed with pain. "Manya what happened to being a gentlewomen, now? You were supposed to catch me not let me fall!" his voice filled with pain and anger. "What its not my fault you didn't give me an early warning?" her voice snapped towards the end. He growled frustrated, "an early warning, do I look like I plan this stuff, do you ever give me an early warning when you fall? goodness gracious kid grow up, you sound like an annoying ten year old spoiled brat!" his voice filled with daggers towards the end. Manya stared at him dumbfounded, shut her eyes and spoke, "let's rest here!" her tone commanding and deadly.

Akash frowned and nodded slightly, he had really ticked her off and he knew how far her anger could get. As they sat down and began to eat some fruit she had successfully found earlier, he noticed her lost in her thoughts rather than eating. He watched her amused but after a while she didn't touch her food. He walked near her and held the fruit towards her; she nodded negatively and looked away; somewhat a pout on her face. He smirked and thought, you asked for it! And forcefully fed her, turning her around gently he fed her the food; so lost in his powerful gaze she didn't realize what he did to her until after her portion of the food was gone. When she zapped back she threw him a glare but then smiled slightly, he laughed and brushed his hands against her hand; while manya nodded in gratitude.

They continued walking, it had been 3 days they had been walking, searching for an opening in the forest when they saw the sun beaming brighter from one end of the forest, following the light they found themselves next to a road, apparently they were farther out of Mumbai than they had been 3 days ago! Oh well at least they got out safely! Both waited on the side of the road for a car to pull up and to their luck they found one; an elderly couple headed towards Mumbai. "Come on in, kids what a lovely jodi you two make, such a cute husband and wife, I wonder how their kids will turn out to be!" Manya and Akash looked at one another embarrassed, "aunty uncle, actually we are just friends aur kuch nahin!" both stumbled for the correct word choice.

"toh kya hua, shaadi karlo, you two make a perfect couple!" and with that the drive towards Mumbai ended up into a cute fight between both pairs, except the elderly saw love hidden in Manya's and Akash's tone but who knows was it for the same person or another??? Suddenly the car came to a halt outside of the academy. Thankful, Akash and Manya walked away smiling at one another….for finally making it home when one was considered dead and the other suspended…what was in their fate only time would tell..

To be continued Sunday! If im not outta town! and this part was dedicated to jasmine!! for acting like a mom hehe😆 thanx everyone again for the comments and sorry for the late post😳 - sukhi

"Congratulations Manya, Ayesha, Rupa and everyone else, it's great to see you back, we missed you all!" Akash screamed pulling me into a hug; I hugged him back, if it weren't for his support when I fell in the pit or was unconscious for two weeks I wouldn't have been here alive. I smiled at him and pulled Gul into a hug as well; noticing Akash say something to Rupa; making her blush crimson red. I frowned, why was he clinging to her; after all for the past few months we were 'close'.

I walk towards everyone else and pull them into a hug; Om watches me with a peculiar expression, probably fascinated with my appearance and myself in simple form. I try to smile genuinely at him but fail miserably; I turn to walk away when he grabs my wrist and pulls me into a hug. I try hugging him back but can't seem to find the strength in my body to do so; he lets go and smiles at me, "im sorry!" and walks away. I watch him leave surprised, shocked and happy at the same time; he was sorry for what he said and did. I smiled and called out to him, "Om babua!" I scream, he glances towards me surprised as I wave for him to come near and chat with us. A genuine smile appears on his face as he rushes near us ….

"So Manya how did all this happen; how exactly did you find Akash?" Gul and Om question me; I glance towards them and smile; "I followed you guys on to the bus, what did you actually think I was going to leave just like that? Heck no, and then I waited for all of you to come back but Akash never did so I stayed behind and tried finding him; luckily we both found each other and ran for our lives…not to forget spent an entire 2 days together in the forest; you should have seen the look on his face; having to be with me, that too ALONE!" I chuckled to myself under my breath. Akash shot me a glare; "that is not funny, Manya; don't try to act all that! And yes it was scary having to live with you in the forest because you are one scary young woman!" Akash said mockingly.

I shot him a look of frustration and walk away calmly, "Akash don't be a meanie to me!" I hear him laugh behind me. Ughh I groan, forgetting him and walk into my dorm; setting my things back in place again I look around; everything seemed like home yet again, I was where I should have been a long time ago! Taking a sigh, I turn around glancing through the window gazing at the gorgeous scenery, it was almost night, yet the sunset never forgot to take me by surprise. "Knock Knock!" snapping out of my thoughts I turn around; "Sir you?" I suddenly sounded surprised and disgusted at the same time; why did he come here; probably to mock me yet once again; of course what else can I expect from him! I roll my eyes and start listening casually.

"Manya, it is a pleasure to have you back I just wanted to let you know there is an award's assembly for those cadets who have done the best; yes it is surprising but it has been six months here, just a few more weeks and you will not longer be a cadet; instead you will be a police officer; so please get ready for the evening…all are invited!" General Shashank spoke to me sounding happy for once and walked away before listening to my answer. "alright, great" I muttered sarcastically under my breath. Better get ready Manya I mumble to myself while walking towards my dresser and pulled out a plain and simple pink churidaar suit and got ready.

"Welcome everyone, it is great to see all of you here, yes this past week has been very crucial, we all had believed Akash was dead but he came back; and now its time to hand out the awards to those who have deserved it and the most important award for the evening is the Golden Sword [lol I forgot what it was from the nataak!] However, that will be the last of the awards and now lets get the others done!" General Shashank spoke standing beside Madam Heer. I stood waiting bored out of my mind, what was I going to do here, not like I was going to get anything, except for the most outspoken and straightforward award. I laughed to myself and turned to the side finding Om, Gul, Rupa and Akash staring at me with curiosity. I look at them confused, "why were they staring at me? Whatever it was could wait I was suddenly intrigued by this sudden "awards assembly"….

Several hours later, well actually only half an hour later, the last of the awards announced before the very important award. I waited anxious to hear who had gotten this award and glanced around at every cadet, there were many who were capable of receiving this award but truly indeed who had received this award? "and now for the last award, the Golden Sword belongs to none other than a very well respected cadet, who fought for the truth and put his life at stake; to save India. And that person is none other than Akash Ratod!" All turn their attention to Akash, I smile genuinely at him, and mouth, "congratulations!" to him but he stares at me blankly. I urge him to go forward and he does, with slight bitterness, I frown what was up with him suddenly. Finally at the stage, he takes the award eyeing it happily. "thank you everyone for this award…….." everyone claps joyfully, "however, I am not the true owner of this wonderful award, because I did not do anything; it was all because of one young woman! She saved me from the terrorist, putting her own life at stake to save mine, if it were not for her India would have been in a devastating condition today and I perhaps would not have been alive; not only did she save me, but in the forest for two days mended my wounds, made sure I was fed right and took care of me…the pain and suffering I had gone through days was taking its toll on my body and yet she still would not give up on me; after two days we decided to get back home on our way back we were yet once again attacked. A man had me by the neck and was aiming at my forehead with a gun, from out of nowhere, this young woman came and shot him straight through the forehead, nearly missing my forehead. She had a slight chance for my survival, but taking it she killed him while my head was lower than his. Today I am alive, we all are safe and not only this but she has brought back the women cadets; the true owner of this award is none other than Manya Sharma! So manya get up here and take your award!"

Slight drops of tears rush down my eyes, Akash had actually believed it was all because of me, all around me everyone cheered for me; I smiled at them and found myself being carried towards the stage by Om. I glanced down at him happy, he was happy for me and I was thankful for that! Taking my award I thanked all those who hated me because it gave me a chance to prove myself and in the end I did find many wonderful friends in them. I smiled proudly at them and took the golden sword into my arms, screaming, "this is for you papa!"

The evening continued on, everyone enjoyed themselves but forced me to talk the most and explain in detail everything Akash and I had to go through while we were stranded in the forest looking for a way out. It was hilarious on the contrary because everyone's faces were full of surprise. However Akash and I couldn't help but edit some things out; which im sure Om figured out by the way he was eyeing me, when I stopped and started suddenly anxious. He muttered something under his breath and walked near me, "hmmm, so are you in love?" I glanced at him bewildered, was it that obvious? I looked at him confused, and nodded negatively. He frowned and narrowed his eyes, "you know you are a bad liar but in this case it is hard to tell!" I laughed at him and pulled his cheeks which he pulled mine back harder. "oww!" I winced in pain, "so you can take a bullet and face a dozen of terrorist but getting pinched on the other hand you wont…what is wrong with you?" I glared at him and he shifted consciously, and I laughed.

The days passed by and finally exactly two weeks before that terrifying and romantic experience in the forest, it was finally Valentines Day. I was hoping to tell Akash my feelings, perhaps he would confess as well. That morning I woke up with excitement and a wild dream in which Akash walked into my room to confess; taking a deep sigh I walked out of my room dressed in a red and white churidaar, not caring what the others thought. I heard a few here and there whistles, and glanced around to find Akash anywhere in sight but I didn't. Instead I found Om handing me a white rose, I smiled at him those were my favorite and pulled him into a hug. "by the way Om, Akash kaha hai?" I questioned him, he smirked, "he went to go look around for roses! He'll be back soon!" I growled at him and waited for him to appear but he didn't…instead I found Rupa before me, a pair of arms wrapped around her. Surprised I glanced up and found Akash planting a kiss on her cheek; in seconds my heart broke…

TO BE CONTINUED....hehe ummm thursday😛 and thank you for the comments...and please silent readers do comment...it keeps me encouraged😳