Paro was disappointed that Rudra was seated elsewhere with the other recipients. Her aunt and uncle tried to cheer her up by telling her that once the parade is over she can meet him. "Look the President and the other dignitaries are heading to the dias," Geethanjali said pointing to the guards horseback escorting the VIPs. Then the flag was unfurled and the National anthem was sung. She saw her uncle stand beside her erect and saluting the Tricoloured flag. She knew that her husband was doing the same thing from where he stood. "Now, your keep your camera ready," her aunt instructed. Geethanjali looked over to her side and wondered who was more proud of the moment, Rudra's wife or his commanding officer. She knew how much he worried that the young man's temper would hurt his career. Everytime he was forced to take disciplinary action against his favorite officer, it hurt him emotionally. But now he could relax Paro was quite adept at handling her volatile husband.
Once the awards were given away, the parade started. Paro was excited to see the BSD forces ride past on camels. The general told her to that theirs was the only camel mounted infantry in the world. She remembered her old nightmare of Rudra riding towards her on a camel holding a gun. She had been so scared. But now she knows that was just Bholenath's way of showing her the warrior he had made just for her.
Next came the various drills by school children. Geethanjali told her that these kids practice for months to make sure everything is perfect. "Maasi, did Vicky also participate in such parades when he was younger?" Paro asked. Her aunt replied that he never went to school in Delhi. Since 5th standard, he was at boarding school. It wasn't feasible to have him change schools everytime her husband got transferred. "And next year he will join the academy. Who knows maybe after a few years later, we will be here to see him receive an award," she said holding her aunt's hand firmly. Then came the floats from different parts of the country. Paro's favourites was one decorated like a flower garden and another shaped like a house boat. "So we should make sure that Rudra takes you to Kashmir and Kerala," Geethanjali pondered. The general asked if she knew where they were going on their honeymoon. His wife interrupted, "What does it matter VK? Next time he can take her to those places. You just make sure you grant him leave." Paro shook her head, she just wanted her husband with the family, wherever they were. She knew that Vicky hated being away and that her aunt missed him terribly. She didn't want that life.
While Paro was waiting for the parade to end in Delhi, the former Thakurainsa was heading out of the temple at Chandangarh. It was an important day for her Thakursa, his birthday. It was a day celebrated with so much pomp and splendour since the day he was born. Her eyes teared up as she remembered how their Haveli was decorated in his favourite colors and the food prepared according to his liking. There used to be feast for all the villagers along with dancers who entertained the crowds. She smiled how his eyes followed her inspite of being surrounded by those young girls swayed their hips sensuously. Now, with her limited resources she could only ensure that she had nice hot meal made for him. She remembered that fifty odd sweet meats and other delicacies prepared before and the paltry kheer she had made today. At least she had a nice saree thanks to Danveer bhaisa. She hoped the guards who let her see him today. She turned as she heard a scooter arrive. She went closer expecting her brother-in-law. But it turned out to be a young couple with a small child. The child ran towards a SUV and she almost screamed as the vehicle screeched to a halt. "Dadi! Papa first! Papa first!" the child danced until she was picked up by a woman. The child seemed unperturbed by the danger she was until the mother arrived. The woman shouted at her, "Beendini, do you think we have come here for your wedding that you are just dreaming away? Can't you hold on to the child?" The younger woman apologised. Mala smiled as soon as she saw him, Danveer bhaisa. He held on to what was probably their only grandchild, "Beta, this is why I told you, we will bring her. Now leave it, Mohini it is getting late, the pandit will be waiting."
Mala saw a chubby girl helping a man out of the car. She hid her face realising it was her former husband. She saw Sumer Ranavat go over and guide him up the stairs. She saw him smile. Dilsher looked happy. Happier than he had been in a long time. He was reunited with his brother's family. The animosity had her sister and her husband constantly at odds, changing their home into a battlefield was gone. They all looked content and at peace with each other. So why was she denied the same. If Mohini and Dilsher Ranavat could learn to coexist why couldn't she hope the same for her son and Thakursa. These people didn't even seem to miss him when he was away. "Panditji, it's an important day for us as you know," Mohini said loudly making sure that she had everyone's attention. Mala headed to the exit, she knew her sister was in bragging mood and was not interested. "My nephew is getting an award from the President in Delhi today. We would like to thank Bholenath and pray that he continues to bless him," she continued. Mala stood rooted to the floor for her minute. Her Rudra was winning awards. She had a right to join their celebrations too. After all, he was her son, her blood. The man he is today is because of her upbringing. She went closer when Sumer noticed her. He motioned her to the exit. She took the hint. It didn't matter, Rudra wasn't here. She didn't want to be a part of the rest of the family, anyway. She can celebrate with her son when he returns. She will make sure he knows she is proud of him and rejoices with him whenever he finds success. She smiled as she remembered that she might get to see her Thakursa today.
Sumer saw her walking away. He felt the change in the wind, the family will soon be hit by a storm called Mala. He went up to his father and pulled him aside, "Why did you have to invite her?" Danveer guessed that she was talking about his bhabhisa. "Don't call her that. When Rudra and Thausa have broken ties with her, why do you have to help her out?" he scolded. His father calmly replied that blood ties can't be broken so easily. She will always be related to his wife and cousin no matter whom she is married to. "Fine, Bapusa let's go ask Maasa. Let us ask her if she even has a sister," he said casually. Danveer sighed, "Beta, this is a BSD matter. Why don't you let me handle this. She won't come near our family," he assured his son and walked back to his wife. Samrat had heard their exchange. "Did you see that bhaisa? One of the main reason for me to help Rudra with this case was because I didn't want her returning to us. Now Bapusa is acting as if BSD wants him to be in touch with her," he complained to his older brother. Samrat was lost in thoughts. This was getting out of control. They had to tell their cousin before he finds out himself. Maybe their father will listen to him. If BSD was an excuse, Rudra outranked him and will order their father to stay away from Mala. He was certain he didn't know that how their father was in touch with the woman. "Let's talk to him tomorrow. After the wedding, " he suggested. Sumer nodded in agreement and the two men joined their family.
As soon as the planes flew across the skies of Delhi, signalling the end of the parade, Paro rushed towards the exit. She saw her handsome husband being congratulated by others. The pride in his smile was reflected in her eyes. She wanted to hug him but seeing the crowd she waited. He took of his cap and nodded. She went close with a smile towards his companions. He discreetly entwined his hands with hers and drew to a more private place. She launched herself straight into his open arms, "I'm so proud of you. Today everyone knows how brave you are." He hugged her tight and laughed. He reminded her that he just won the award for the massacre after which she always called him a Jallad. She pouted, "You're still a Jallad most of the time." He came closer and backed her against the wall. "You mean I'm a Jallad now when I do this?" he asked softly rubbing his stubble against her delicate cheek. "Rudra," she moaned placing her hands firmly on his chest. He came closer and nibbled on her ear whispering, "...when I do this?" She pushed him away with all her might seeing her aunt and uncle approach the pillar hiding them from everyone's view. She stepped out with flushed cheeks hoping they won't realise what her husband was doing to her. "See VK, you were needlessly worried. This Titli has flown away to her favourite flower," Geethanjali said presenting the young officer a bouquet of red roses. He accepted it graciously and handed it to Paro. "So, Rudra my boy, enjoy you day. You have earned it. Just come back before the baraat leaves," he instructed. Paro looked at her husband keenly, wondering what were they talking about. Her aunt kissed her forehead, "He is just trying to make up for yesterday. Nothing more." Rudra offered to walk them to the car but the older couple declined and proceeded alone.
The constable started the car and backed it out. "Hurry up, before there is traffic jam here. This is the worst part about these affairs, getting in and out of the parking lot," Geethanjali complained. The driver saw the cars starting to form a queue. The vehicle jerked but wouldn't start. He realised immediately that some smoke was coming out of the hood. He switched off the engine and went out to take a look. "Aargh!" groaned the general as he was thrown front by the impact. "Are you alright Geethu?" he enquired before stepping out to give the constable a piece of his mind. He saw more smoke coming out and quickly grabbed tge fire extinguisher from the front and hosed it down. The man was looking under the hood and found showed him the tampered fuel pipes in explanation. Geethanjali also stepped out worried. The general's face paled realising that this was deliberate. Someone wanted to set up the vehicle to go up in flames. He quickly dispersed the small crowd which gathered around them. This along with the strange pizza incident meant that someone was after their lives. But, who was the intended target? Was this person trying to scare them off or were they ready to take a life? "Geethu, don't mention this to anyone until investigations are through," he instructed his wife.
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