Hey guys, here's the update... I won't say hope you like it, I want to say please don't hate me for this one, you have to have patience, things turn out for the best eventually 😃
All suggestions, opinions, criticism and appreciation is not only welcome but is very much needed. Do let me know what you like or dislike, will try and improve upon it!
Chapter 5: New Bonds
"Wow Nish, kya shot tha!" mocked Neil.
It was one week since the academy had reopened; Nisha had put all her focus and energy in shooting practice. Viraj's return meant the academy was up and running again, she was happy about it... But as much as she didn't want it to be, there was a part of her that was relieved to see him again, she was happy to see that the defeated look was gone from his eyes. There was still this ever-present sadness that she could sense he carried but it wasn't apparent, maybe she was just thinking too much. Why would he be sad? Things were all back on track for him, he had his academy and his love (whoever she was).
The memories of the night he had rejected her flooded her mind. She lost focus and missed the bulls eye by more than an inch.
Nisha gave Neil a murderous look, " tujhe bada aasan lagta hai na ye, khud try kar!"
"Aur waise bhi isse pehle saare shots bulls eye pe hit hue the, tab kyun ni aya appreciate karne?"
Neil laughed, " Achha sadd mat! Aur madam ye shooting wagerah is not my business, main apna kaam to dhang se kar hi raha hun, My boss is impressed with me!"
"Haan wo to dekh hi rahi hun main!" Nisha gritted her teeth, "Aur teri badi dosti ho rakhi hai Viraj sir se aaj kal?"
"Wo to hai" grinned Neil, "He is a gem of a person... And so am I!"
"But on a serious note, there's so much to learn from him, I really respect him... And he sort of finds me amusing to quote his own words, I have made this academy a more cheerful place" Neil said with a mocking smile.
Nisha raised an eyebrow and shook her head.
"Nish meri jaan, stop giving me disapproving looks" Niel said, "Aaj ka romantic candle-light dinner fixed hai na?"
Finally Nisha smiled, "Yes, it is fixed"
"Great, finally!" said Neil happily.
They didn't realize Viraj had joined them until he spoke, "How was today's practice Miss Nisha?"
Nisha was taken aback by his presence but was able to compose herself and she said "It was good sir"
"I am sorry I couldn't check in on you earlier as I had a video conference with the Manager of Quester who has been assigned to look into Lakshya Academy's funding and prospects" continued Viraj, "She wanted all detailed update on how the Academy was picking up and what we are planning"
"It's not an issue sir, My practice went good" Nisha reassured him again with a slight smile, "The Gold in the coming tournament would be ours"
Viraj smiled and nodded, then he addressed Neil, "Aaj conference me kuch points discuss hue hain, humein details chart out karke Quester to report bhejni hai kal subah tak, I would need your help. Would you join me in my cabin? I want to start with it right away"
"Definitely sir" said Neil. He nodded to Nisha, and then Viraj and Neil left the ground together.
Nisha saw their retreating figures. Life was so unexpected she thought. Yes, she was hurt that night when Viraj had rejected her, but she knew he would never have hurt her purposefully; he loved someone else and not her, there was nothing else to be done. Nisha understood him, and she wished nothing but the best for him.
Life was about moving on, living for the Present. She did not live in her past anymore.
Arjun
