'Rajveer-Naina Some Love Stories Never End...'COMPLETED - Page 59

"Aur agar main kahun ke Rajveer beta zinda hain toh?" Dadaji's question comes as a bolt from the blue.

They are all shocked at his this revelation. "Kehna kya chaahte hain aap? Rajveer jinda hain? Aur agar hain toh kaha hain? Underground hoke kya kar raha hain? Brigadier shoots all possible questions in one breathe. Shock, concern, surprise, anger all expressions spread across his face.

"Mr. Malhotra hamari janta inn sawaalon ke jawab jaanana chahegi. Aakhir unke maan-samman ke liye aaj sara desh ek hua hain toh woh agar hain toh kaha hain?" How would News reader have missed his breaking news!

"Maine bas pucha ke agar woh zinda hain toh kya phir bhi aap yeh sab procedures follow karenge? Kyunki aap hi ne kaha ki yeh tab ki baatein hogi jab woh zinda hoga." It's a calculative move from Malhotra Dadaji. Though they have decided that they won't reveal his secret until they return him his respect back, he takes this risk.

"Haan, Mr. Malhotra. Agar woh zinda hain toh yahi procedures follow ki jaayengi. Rules are rules. We can't change law for anyone. Aur aapki baton se aisa lag raha hain ke aap jarur koi aisi baat jaante hain jo shayad army ko pata honi chahiye. Am I right?" asks Col. Singh

"Excuse me gentlemen, I know main aapko rok raha hun. Par we have to go on a break. We will continue with this discussion after this small break." Then moving towards camera he says, "Aur aap kahi mat jaayiega. Aaj pura desh maang raha hain insaaf, hamare ek sipahi ka samaan. Dekhte rahiyega aaj ka yeh khass bulletin, 'We want his RESPECT back'."

Not only in newsroom but here at Huda's living room's atmosphere also heats up. Blood drains from all faces.

"Yaron, yeh dadaji yeh kya keh rahe hain?" Huda asks no one in particular.

"Haan bro. Humne decide kia tha ke jab tak Sir ko sab wapas nahin milta hum yeh baat nahin batayenge." Says Yudi.

"Ab kya hoga? Kya Sir ko phirse...?" asks Pooja in fearful voice.

Rajveer smiles at their love and concern for him. But personally he was waiting for this day. He doesn't want to live underground. He never had learnt that. He loves challenges and he enjoys himself facing them.

"Kyun dar gaye Lieutenants? Don't forget hum soldiers hain. Bhagna yaa chipna hamari fitrat nahin. Atleast Maine toh tum sab ko yeh nahin sikhaya tha. Aur waise bhi tum log toh mujhe aur Naveen ko innocent saabit kar chuke ho. Toh ab dar kaisa?" Rajveer asks them.

Everyone looks downwards. Rajveer observes them. He has a slight idea of what must have happened. But he wants to hear it from them.

And as he expected, Aalekh is always there to make most difficult works for them. "Woh Sir, dar-asal baat yeh hain ke aapun bas itna saabit kar paaye ke aapko trap kia gaya tha. Par abhi tak yeh saabit nahin ho paaya ke... ke... actually woh aapun ka matlab hain ke..." he is searching for words when Naina completes his sentence.

"Par abhi tak yeh saabit nahin hua ke Col. Chandra pe goli aapne nahin chalayi." Naina says straightly looking into his eyes. She very well knows that he has an idea of his situation. He smirks.

"Toh kya ab phirse Sir ka trial hoga?" asks Pooja.

"Bawari ho gayi hain kya Punjaban. Phir... phirse Sir ka trial kyun hoga?" Huda shudders with the thought of Rajveer's another trial.

"Ho sakta hain." Aalekh says and continues, "aur iss baar Sir pe bhagne ka charge bhi lag sakta hain." everyone shuts their eyes close hearing this except Rajveer.

"Humein lagta hain pehle hum dadaji kya kehte hain woh jaan lete hain. Unhone sach kaha hain uske piche jarur koi wajah hogi." Suggests Ali.

All just turn their gazes again at TV but now nobody wants to watch it. All excitement which they was feeling half an hour ago was long gone.

"...par jab tak aap humein hamare sawaalon ka jawab nahin denge hum aapko koi information nahin de sakte." Dadaji refuses to share details with them. Break was already over when they resume.

"Par agar aap bataoge nahin toh hum hamare aage ki procedures kaise follow kar paayenge Sir?" Col. asks them.

"Aisi konsi procedures hain aapki? Aapko phir trial shuru karna hain? Main aapko bata du Col ke bhale hi hum jyada law nahin jaante aur military law toh bilkul bhi nahin par itna jarur keh sakte hain ke aap aise Rajveer ko doshi nahin keh sakte. Kyunki jaise yeh saabit nahin hua tha ke goli khud Col. Chandra ne chalayi thi waise yeh bhi saabit nahin ho paaya tha ke goli Rajveer ne chalayi thi." Khurana dadaji puts forth his point.

Col. Singh and Brig. Chandok look at each other and smile knowingly. Then Col turns back to news reader and asks him, "With your permission, May I announce something? Here at your bullentin?"

"Oh sure Sir. Why not? It's all my pleasure." He smiles and assures him.

"Thank you. Jaise ke abhi Mr. Khurana ne kaha ke Rajveer Singh Shikhawat ke trial mein dono side se baatein clear nahin hui thi. Par uss waqt yeh baat bhi prove nahin ho paayi thi ke Rajveer was trapped, jo ki ab hum sabko pata hain. Rajveer Singh Shikhawat ko trap kia gaya tha aur jaisa ke unhone military court ko bataya tha ke yeh baat Col. Chandra jaante the. Toh shaayad yeh ho sakta hain ke Rajveer ko bachane ke liye Col himself had triggered that gun. I know that national television pe yeh in-camera baatein nahin honi chahiye but ab jab baat sabke saamne hain and especially jab saare Indians ek soldier ke respect ke liye ek saath hain toh military board bhi trasperant ho hi sakta hain."

"Toh ab aap kehna kya chahte hain?" Asks dadaji getting impatient.

"Have some patience Sir, Please." Brig Chandok asks him and continues, "Ek toh aap thik se bata bhi nahin rahe ke Rajveer Shikhawat zinda hain bhi yaa nahin. Itni important information military se aap nahin chipa sakte aur especially logon se, jinhone aap pe bharosa kia. Aapka saath dia. Ab humein apna kaam karne dijiye. Inki baat puri hone dijiye."

"Thank you Brig." says Col. "Toh what I was saying is jab yeh petition hamare department ke saamne aaya toh hum sabka yahi kehna tha ke jab tak case crystal clear nahin hota hum Rajveer Shikhawat ka court martial withdraw nahin kar sakte. But unfortunately yeh case crystal clear ho bhi nahin sakta. Toh unka track record aur missions ka success rate dhyan mein rakhte huye we decided that according to Indian Constitution, Section 105 of Evidence Act, Rajveer Singh Shikhawat is eligible for benefit of doubt." States Col calmly.

As they are listening and digesting his words, the smile starts returning on their faces. Benefit of doubt-a ray of hope for all, for Rajveer. Now they don't want to miss even a single word of the bulletin.

"Toh kya hum maan le ki Rajveer Singh Shikhawat ko military court ne innocent declare kar diya hain?" Asks news reader.

"Humne abhi tak kuch declare nahin kia hain." says Brig, smirking. "Humne bas ek possibility kahi hain ke aisa ho sakta hain. Lekin uske liye we want their's 100% coopration." He looks at both of them while saying last line.

"Hum aapko har prakarki madad karne ko taiyar hain brigadier." Says Khurana dadaji.

"Bas aap Rajveer ko Captain Rajveer keh dijiye ek baar." Pleads Malhotra dadaji.

"Sorry Sir, we can't call him Captain. Atleast not now." Brigadier says curtly.

His statement again skips a heartbeat of all. Now even dadaji don't know what should they speak or what they do to make him convince that Rajveer needs to get back his honour.

"Aise dukhi mat huyiye Sir. Even army concerns for its soldiers. We know how valuable they are for our force, for our nation. Rajveer definitely will get back his honor, his commendations. We have same order signed by Honourable Mr. President. But jaise ki humne kaha, we want your 100% coopration." declares Col Singh the most important news of the evening.

Everyone smiles wholeheartedly. They accomplish their mission. They look at each other contently. Aalekh who seats beside Rajveer hugs him tightly unable to hold his emotions back. Naina wipes her tears which roll down her cheeks after hearing the declaration.

"Jo petition aapne file ki uska jawaab toh aapko mil gaya Mr. Malhotra. Desh ki janta ka saath aur aapka jajba aaj ek sipahi ko uska khoya hua samaan wapas dila raha hain. Kya aap kuch kehna chahte hain?" asks news reader.

"Main kya kahun? Khush toh hum sab bahot hain. Aakhir jiska jo hain usse woh milnewala hain. Main military board, hamari Sarkar, hamare rashtrapati ji inn sab ka aabhari hun. Main kisiko andhere mein nahin rakhna chahta. Jaisa ki maine pehle kaha tha, Rajveer beta jinda hain yeh baat sach hain." declares Dadaji, relaxing on his chair.

"Where is he and why is he hiding?" asks Col.

"Aapne shayad Rajveer ko thik se samjha nahin. Woh chupne walon mein se nahin hain. Jab se uska accident hua hain woh coma mein tha. Abhi bas 12 ya jyada se jyada 15 din huye honge usse hosh mein aaye huye. He was under medical observation until now." Informs Khurana dadaji.

"Toh ab woh kaha hain?" Brig asks getting impatient.

"Mujhe nahin pata. Kuch din pehle 6 army officers aaye the woh Rajveer ko le gaye." Malhotra dadaji emphasizes on 6 while looking at Brigadier Chandok.

Brigadier Chadok understands his hint and says, "Thik hain. We will find it out. By the way, Army is holding one official press conference to announce detailed report about Rajveer Singh Shikhawat's trial and reviewed judgement tomorrow at 4pm in Kanchanjunga Military Academy."

"Aaj ka hamara bulletin bada hi khaas tha. Main aaj ke hamare 4 guests ka shukriya adaa karta hun. Woh aaye, hamare sawaalon ke jawaab diye aur aaj humein yeh bhi pata chala ke humne apne sipahi ko nahin khoya hain. Rajveer Singh Shikhawat jaise sipahi misaal hain hamari aaj ki youths ke liye. Toh issi note pe hum aapse bida lete hain. Jai hind!" News reader concludes the bulletin.

After cameramen switches off all cameras, Brig Chandok calls dadajis who are ready to leave the news room. Both Dadaji turn and look at him. "Kal aap bhi KMA jaroor aayiyega." Says Brig. and continues smiling at him, "Main nahin jaanta aapka aur Rajveer Singh Shikhawat ka rishta kya hain par aapne unke liye jo kuch bhi aaj kiya, mujhe lagta hain aapka kal wahan hona jaroori hain. I am personally inviting you. See you tomorrow." He shakes his hand with both dadajis and leaves newsroom with Col. Both the dadajis look at him, confused.

Here at Huda's place, everyone is celebrating their happiness silently. No one knows what should they say, how should they react. Where there eyes are celebrating through their tears, their lips are smiling crazily. Rajveer's condition is no different. Now he can serve his country again, with same respect, same honor. He imagines himself in his uniform, saluting his national flag, his Tirangaa for whom he told his cadets to fight.

All their journey is running in front of their eyes. It all started when they came to know about Naina being Navin's sister and she wanted to prove her brother's innocence and now, today, they are here. They fought all the battles, they overcame all the obstacles, they had almost lost their mentor but then faith was not that cruel. They not only bring him back but today they return him all which he had lost. Today, after Navin, they proved Rajveer's innocence too.

They can never forget those moments when Brig. Chandok had snatched Rajveer's uniform in front of whole KMA. That day they were so helpless, so vulnerable. They wanted to stop him but they couldn't. They had no powers. That silence of Rajveer was piercing their heart. He beared everything without any protest. Rajveer's sufferings were their strength. Now, they can't wait anymore to see him in uniform.

"We did it man! We did it!" exclaims Yudi, everyone comes out from their trance. Yudi runs to Rajveer and hugs him tightly. An air of over excitement is flowing through out the house. Rajveer hugs Yudi with same affection and love. He can understand their state of mind. Proving his innocence was extremely important for them and he knows that. Of course today he is the happiest man of the world but he very well knows that even his soldiers' happiness has no bounds. He notices Yudi's tears. Now Rajveer is short of words. He really has no idea about what to say and what not. He himself is feeling very emotional at this particular moment. They all are pouring way too much love on him that he is not able to handle. Tears roll down from his eyes too.

Aalekh keeps his hand on Yudi's head affectionately after wiping his own tears. Feeling his touch, Yudi tilts out his head from Rajveer's arms and looks at him. "Dekh be Yudie, tune Sir ko bhi rula diya." says Aalekh looking at Rajveer.

Yudi turns his gaze at Rajveer and as he looks at his tears, he pulls himself apart from him and immediately wipes his own tears from back of his hand. "I won't cry now. Sir aap bhi nahin royenge. It's a party time guys." All smile at Yudi's adorable behaviour.

Rajveer looks at everyone. All are in same condition as Yudi. First he controls himself and says, "Yeh kya hain soldiers? Kya halat bana li hain aapne khudki. Har soldier ke life mein aise kayi situations aate hain. Kabhi woh haarta hain, kabhi jeetata hain. It is our life and trust me we never get time to smile or to cry. We only have to fight back which you all did today."

"Sirji, please. Aaj toh yeh sab mat bataiye. Puri zindagi yeh jat aapse yeh saari baatein sunne ko taiyar hain. Lekin aaj nahin. Aaj ro lene dijiye humein Sir. Aaj ro lene dijiye." And saying this he throws himself in Rajveer's arms and starts crying.

"Huda bhai, sambhaliye khudko. Yeh aise kya bachhon ke jaise ro rahe hain aap?" Ali tries to calm him down wiping his own tears.

Rajveer ruffles his hair lovingly and says, "Kya hua Huda? Main toh samjhta tha tum sabse strong ho. I didn't expect this behaviour from you."

Huda breaks their hug. Rajveer's hand is still on his one shoulder. Huda relaxes a bit and says, "Sirji, aapko pata nahin yeh Huda kaise guilt saath leke jee raha tha. Duniya ke liye hasi, majak aur jananiyon se flirt karne wala yeh Huda aapko lagta hain utna strong nahin hain Sir. Aapka Huda tut gaya tha jab usse pata chala tha ke usne kitni galtiyaan ki hain. Jab woh yeh sochta tha ke woh saari galtiyaan usse nahin hoti toh shayad uske captain sir uske saath hote."

"Lekin aaj main tum sabke saath hi toh hun. Woh bhi bas tum sab ke karan. Tum sab ka ehsaan..."

But Huda interrupts Rajveer, "Ehsaano ki baat aap mat kijiye Sir. Humne kuch ehsaan nahin kiya aap pe. Bade swarthy log hain hum sab. Humne jo kuch bhi kiya woh khud ke liye kiya."

"Yeh Huda bilkul sahi bol rela hain Sir." Aalekh supports Huda. "Sir, aapun sab ko aap wapas chahiye the. Aap ke bina hamari dosti dosti nahin thi. Usmein kuch jaanich nahin thi. Aapun jab bhi kuch achha kare, shabashi dene ke liye humein aap chahiye the. Agar aapun kuch galat kare toh aapun ko saja bhi sirf aapise leni hain. Aapun ne aapko aapun ke liye maanga tha." Tears are rolling down from his eyes.

"Sir, jab jab humein aapki jaroorat thi aap hamesha hamare liye the. You had always been there Sir. And when you needed us, we were not there for you. Bhag gaya tha main toh. Nahin seh paaya tha ek majaak.. agar uss waqt hum aapke saath hote toh shayad Naina aap pe..." Yudi leaves his sentence incomplete.

Rajveer widens his eyes at him. The very fact that they have been aware about the truth surprises him. He never wanted this secret of their to get revealed. Now he wouldn't like to see more guilt in her eyes. But thanks to his lucky stars, Naina is not there to listen this statement. His mind gets distracted as he thinks her whereabouts. She has been disappeared since the bulletin got ended. So the case with Pooja.

On the other hand, everyone look at Yudi in shock. He shoudn't have said it at this moment. But Yudi being Yudi, as everytime he realizes things after blurting them out. He bites his tongue apologetically. Ali recognizes the need to change the subject.

"Sir, hum bas yahi kehna chahte hain ke aaj hum jo kuch bhi hain aap ke karan hain Sir. Hamara aaj ka wajood aapse hain. Yeh aaj jo bhi kuch hua hain, aapko aapka samman wapas mila hain woh toh waise bhi hona tha. Kyunki sachhai kabhi chupti nahin hain Sir. Badal kitna bhi koshish kare Suraj ki roshni ko nahin rok pata. Hum kuch nahin bhi karte toh bhi yeh sab hokar rehta." Voices Ali while controlling his emotions.

"Sirji, aap mujhe bas itna bata dijiye. Agar aap mujh se Phoolan ko maangte toh kya main aapki madad karta jaisi aapne meri ki thi?" asks Huda unable to control himself from asking him this question.

That moment flashes in front of Rajveer's eyes when Huda had asked his help to make Naina fall in Huda's love. Rajveer now shivers with only the thought of if Huda would have succeeded in his plan then possibly what could have happened with him. He chooses to stay silent but he is feeling immence proud of all his soldiers. He can see and feel difference between his cadets and today's lieutenants. How much mature they are today!

Huda smirks on his silence. "Dekha Sir, yahi farak hain iss Huda mein aur aap mein. Aapko dusron ke liye jeena aata hain aur maine aapse yahi sikha hain. Aap jaise banne ki koshish kar rahe hain hum. Ban payenge yaa nahin pata nahin."

Rajveer just extends his hands to four of them. They just run to him and hug him tightly, unable to control their emotions. Rajveer smiles at them. Tears are not leaving from their eyes.

"Aapko pata hain.." says Rajveer without breaking their hug. They are standing in circle. Rajveer's words succeed to draw their total attention to him. They are craving to hear his words. He clears his throat as he assures himself that they are in a state to understand him, "Aap logon ko mujh jaise banne ki koi jaroorat nahin hain kyunki aap jaise ho waise mujhe pasand aaye the. Aap sab ek dusre se alag ho aur yahi aapki taakad hain. Aap sab ki pehchaan hain. Isiliye kisi aur ki tarah banne ki koshish karne ke bajay khud apne jaise bane raho. Issi mein meri jeet hain."

They smile at him happily between their tears and tightens their grips on each other.

Their reverie breaks when Aalekh's mobile starts ringing. He looks at his mobile screen which flashing Brig Chandok's name. All look at him. He shows them his mobile screen and then swipes green symbol to pick up the call.

Standing in attention, he greets him, "Lieutenant Aalekh here Sir, Good Evening."

"Aaj ki evening kaafi good hain Lieutenant." replies Brig Chandok. Getting into his car.

"Aapun kuch samjha nahin Sir." Replies Aalekh though he understands hidden meaning behind his words.

"Ab aap yeh mujhe toh mat bataiye Lieutenant. Aap sab samjhte hain aur yeh aap bhi jaante hain ke jo aapko samjhna nahin chahiye woh bhi aap samajh lete hain. Yun hi nahin aaj aap army ke top undercover officers mein se ek ho. Maine toh suna hain dushman ki har ek saans ka matlab bhi aap pehchaan lete ho." He praises him not only with pride but also to trap him in his words.

Aalekh comprehends hidden meaning behind his words and smirks, "Kaam kya hain Sir?" he asks him directly without wasting time of both.

"Dekha Lieutenant. maine kaha tha naa ke aap sab samjhte ho." He too smirks and asks, "Lieutenant main sirf do(2) sawaal puchunga. I won't accept anything but Truth. Understood?"

"Aapun ne KMA mein jhooth bolna nahin sikha Sir. Aap puchiye." Replies Aalekh.

"I was expecting the same answer Lieutenant. Good. So, my first question is kya aap sab abhi saath ho?" asks Brig

"Haan." Replies Aalekh while guessing his second question. He has an idea what he would ask next.

"Kaha ho?" Brig shoots his next and final question.

"Huda ke ghar mein." Without wasting even a second he replies.

"Okay. Dismiss Lieutenant." Brig cuts the call and instructs his driver to take the car at Huda's house.

*******

"Yeh tau itne jaldi Ambala pahonch bhi gaye? Dadaji ka toh abhi abhi message aaya ke woh 15 min pehle Delhi se nikle aur yeh yahan aa bhi gaye?" asks Huda, surprised.

"kya malum? BC ne aisa kuch aapun ko bola nahin. Ho sakta hain abhi tak BC Delhi mein hi ho aur wahan se khiskte huye aapun ko phone kia ho." Aalekh says out another possibility.

"Aap bhul rahe hain guru ke woh brigadier hain. Unke pass helicopter hain. Woh aise ek interview ke liye apna waqt jaya nahin karenge." Ali reminds them Brig Chandok's position and status.

"Ohh teri.. yeh toh gadbad ho gayi. Ambala helipad toh mere ghar se jyada dur nahin. Iska Matlab tau ko yahan aane mein jyada waqt nahin lagega." Sulking, says Huda. He really doesn't want to face him now.

"Chill guys. Tum sab itna panic kyun ho rahe ho. Aaj nahin toh kal unke saamne jaana toh hain. Tum sab kabhi kabhi bade mature soldiers ki tarah behave karte ho toh kabhi kabhi phir purane cadets ban jaate ho." Shaking his head in utter disbelief, Rajveer scolds them mildly. All smiles at him sheepishly.

Deciding to change the subject, Yudi asks "Where are Naina and Pooja? Kafi der se woh dono gayab hain." This question diverts their mind from Brig.Chandok to Pooja and Naina.

"Kisiko toh hamari yaad aai. Mujhe toh laga khushi mein inki playlist se hamare gaane skip hi ho gaye." Says Pooja dramatically coming out from the kitchen holding a tray.

Rajveer's eyes fell on Naina who is following Pooja in their way out from the kitchen. Her eyes, her face, her expressions are reflecting nothing but happiness. He feels delighted when he notices her contented smile. She too looks at him with her twinkling eyes while walking behind Pooja.

As they are staring each other intently Naina hasn't realized that Pooja, who is busy in cursing others, pauses in her way, and Naina collides with her. Pooja herself was in her trance and due to this sudden collision she almost lose her balance. As soon as her grip on tray loosens, Ali comes forward quickly and takes it from her. She looks at Naina dumbfounded. Naina tries to look away from her with flushed up face. All this happen in fraction of seconds as they all take time to digest the incidence. On the other hand lowering his eyes, Rajveer tries to cease his laughter.

"Haayo rabba!! Dhyan kaha hain tera Naina? Kahan call laga rakha tha jo mujhse cross connenction lag gaya tera? Agar abhi yeh sab gir jata toh hamari puri mehnat mitti mein mil jaati." Scolds Pooja.

Showing her finger to Pooja, Naina starts defending herself, "Dekh, galti teri thi Pooja. Aise chalte chalte bich mein rukne ki tujhe kya jaroorat thi? Aur tu ek tray bhi dhang se nahin pakad sakti kya? Agar abhi Ali nahin aaya hota toh?"

"Wahin toh main keh rahi hun Naina. Agar mera Ranjhaa thik samay pe naa aata toh? aur tu kya wrong number laga rahi hain? Tu mere piche thi. Tujhe dikhayi nahin deta ke mera phone hold pe hain?" Pooja retorts back. Naina and Pooja both are fighting like kindergarden girls and everyone is immensenly enjoying that fight.

Deciding to intervene between them, Rajveer clears his throt to seek their attention. All look at him including Naina and Pooja. As they stop their fight Rajveer says, "Jis cheej pe aap dono itna ladh rahe ho woh mere khayal se ab thandi ho gayi hogi. Lekin phir bhi agar aap dono chahti hain toh pehle hum khaa lete hain baad mein you both can continue. You can entertain us with your fight while we finish your dish. Kyun guys?" Rajveer looks at others and winks.

All try hard not to laugh on Rajveer's comment and Naina narrows her eyes at him. Sensing Naina's reaction on his comment, Aalekh asks her in order to save Rajveer from Naina's explosion, "Waise tum dono gayab kaha thi? Aur yeh kya kar reli thi?" Looking at Aalekh, Rajveer thanks him, through his eyes and Aalekh smiles at him.

"Woh aaj hamara mission pura ho gaya iss khushi mein kheer banayi hain hum dono ne." tells Naina looking at Rajveer as she knows it is his favourite sweet dish. They stare at each other with eyes full of love. Their moment breaks with Pooja's voice.

"Humne kabse sab kuch charge karke rakha tha. Jaise hi TV pe uss colonel ne announce kia yeh mujhe khich ke andar le gayi aur kaha jaldi chal nahin toh main khud ko rok nahin paaungi..." Naina's eyes widens as Pooja blurts out their conversation. Pooja too bites her toungue.

"Kis baat ke liye Lt. Ghai?" Tucking his both hands in his jeans pocket, moving forward towards them, asks Rajveer with a pinch of smile on his face.

"Woh I... I mean, mera matlab hain usne.. Naina ne call lagaya tha ke..." Pooja tries to find out a good excuse. "Haan..." as she finds it out she starts explaining, getting excited again, "Woh aaj aapke system se virus nikal gaya naa toh hum sab bahot khush hain toh Naina bhi hain. Toh uske device ko volume badhane ka, music lagane ka, aapko jhappiyaan dene ka mood kia tha." As Pooja finishes it everyone again close their eyes tightly at her second blunder. "Pooja aap yeh kya keh rahi hain?" shouts Ali putting the tray over sidetable.

Pooja smiles at Naina apologetically. Giving a warning look to her, she curses Pooja in her mind as she drops her in this embarrassing situation. Standing close to her, he puts a strand of hair behind her ear. As he touches her she closes her eyes to relish his touch. Smiling he says, "toh abhi aapko kisne roka hain Lt Singh?" hearing his words, she let her eyes wide open. Smiling he extends his arms to her and she throws herself in his arms happily. They are conveying all their love, their happiness, the feeling of satisfaction after being with each other, everything in that one hug.

Now all are overloaded with joy. Finally, the things are falling in their right places. They so want to see them together. They don't want to disturb them in their blissful moment but it is difficult for them to hold their happiness for so long. So, unable to wait anymore, Aalekh says, "Ab toh yeh kheer khana banta hi hain. Asli celebration toh abhich shuru hua hain." Aalekh comes forward and takes a bowl. Huda and Yudi follow him. Ali gives one to Pooja and takes one for himself.

Rajveer and Naina break their hug but Rajveer hasn't left Naina and look at others. "Sir, Phoolan toh ab aap hi ki hain. Philhaal usse chodiye aur aayiye hamare saath yeh Kheer enjoy kijiye." Says Huda, munching his Kheer.

"Yeh kya, mere celebration ki kheer tum sab ne mere bina hi le li. Apne senior ki respect karna bhul gaye tum log?" says Rajveer showing them his fake anger.

"We are sorry Sir, but this kheer is so yummy. You should taste this." Says Yudi, relishing the dish and ignoring Rajveer's comment of being senior. Rajveer smiles at his adorable soldiers and moves to take his bowl.

"Lekin yeh kheer sach mein badi achhi bani hain. Hummein toh hamare ammi ki yaad aa gayi." Says Ali remembering his mother.

"Banti kaise nahin? Maine unhe hi call karke recipe li thi. Lekin iss Naina ke vajah se yeh kheer out of range ho jati." Pooja again accuses Naina so how can Naina stay quiet now, "Pooja tu pehlehi bahot raita faila chuki hain ab aur nahin" again warns Naina. "Tu toh aise call utha rahi hain jaise tujhe tere handset ka naya version pasand hi nahin aaya." Teases Pooja trying to control her laughter.

Feeling extremely irritated now, as Naina opens her mouth to scold Pooja, Rajveer feeds her spoon full of kheer. She turns her gaze from Pooja and finds Rajveer smiling at her with bowl of Kheer in his hand. Shyly, she lowers her eyes swallowing her kheer.

As all enjoy Naina's reaction, Aalekh says looking at Naina to Rajveer, "Waise Sir, aaj tak aapun sab Naina ko itni aasani se chup nahin karwa sake, par aapne toh makhhan mafik kar dala." Naina widens her eyes at Aalekh and then immediately narrows them to give him a warning to stay quiet.

"Aisi badi badi aankhein kya dikha rahi hain Phoolan?" asks Huda enjoying his Kheer. Rajveer is smiling, looking at shy Naina still holding the bowl of kheer in his hand. Once Rajveer glances at his bowl and then smirking, stares at Naina. Naina understands his motive. Naina shyly nods in negative. Observing them Pooja lightly hits Naina's shoulder by her, "Tune Sir ke liye kheer ki hain. Unhone tujhe toh khila di par ab jab tak tu unhe nahin khilayegi woh khaane wale nahin hain. Apna system update kar le ab Naina. Kuch toh samajh." Murmurs Pooja in her ears.

"Yeh kya khusrpusar chal rahi hain Punjaban?" asks Huda taking another bowl.

"Tu bich mein apna cross connection mat laga Huda. Kitna recharge karwa raha hain khudko. Woh bowl Sir ka tha. Ab Sir ko Kheer?" asks Pooja winking at Huda. Getting Pooja's hint, Huda helps himself with one more spoon of Kheer and says, "Yeh Phoolan hain naa, yeh kar legi apni kheer Sir ke saath share. Kyun Phoolan?"

Lifting his one brow, Rajveer forwards the bowl to Naina, gesturing her to feed him. Glancing at all, Naina settles her eyes on Rajveer. Keeping one hand under her another so that it won't spill, she takes spoon full of kheer near Rajveer's mouth. Opening his mouth he empties the spoon. as he reshes that taste he says, "Kheer sach mein bahot achhi bani hain." grinning he again feeds her.

"Main bata nahin sakti ke aaj main kitni khush hun Sir, aapko aapka samman wapas mil raha hain." saying this she takes another spoon to his mouth when they hear Brig. Chandok's voice, "aaj main bhi bahot khush hun officers." All turn their gazes at him. Standing at the door, he scans everyone's faces. Quickly they all stand at attention including Rajveer. Smiling at all he says, "At ease officers."

"Sir, Aap wahan kyun khade hain? Andar aaiye naa." Huda invites him inside his house.

"Thank you Lt." coming inside he says Huda. Huda smiles at him. He walks straight away to Rajveer. Holding him by both his shoulders he stares at him and then hugs him. His action surprises Rajveer. He hugs him back while strong wave of emotions hits him. Breaking the hug, Brig. asks him, "Kaise ho?" Concern is evident in his words. "Ab bilkul thik hun Sir." Answers Rajveer emphasizes on 'ab' which indicates importance of Brig Chandok in his life.

"Mujhe tumse yeh umeed nahin thi Rajveer. Atleast you should have informed me about your well-being." He expresses his disappointment and then looking at others he continues, "Inn se toh mujhe koi umeed hi nahin thi."

"Aap aisa kyun keh rahe hain Sir?" asks Ali. "Hum aapko batane hi wale the." He tries to explain further.

Folding his hands on his chest, with straight face, Huda says, "Jhoot kyun bol raha hain ussol. Jab tak Rajveer Sir ko unka samaan nahin milta hum kisiko kuch nahin batane wale the." Then he turns his gaze to Brig. "Ek baar hum inke pass madad maangne gaye the ke hamare Rajveer Sir ko bacha lo tab toh humein kisine koi help nahin kari thi."

All the memories of that faithful day come running to Brig Chandok. He remembers how he had refused to help them when they informed him that Rajveer's van could be attacked.

"Ek baar aapun Rajveer Sir ko kho chuka hain sir, ab phir se aapun wahich galti nahin kar sakta tha." Aalekh adds further.

Brig Chandok looks at them with guilt in his eyes. Rajveer notices it and signals others to stop the topic. "Arre Sir, aap abhi tak khade kyun hain? Baithiye." Gesturing her hand to sofa, says Naina. Rajveer makes him sit while Pooja brings water for him.

Drinking water, he returns the empty glass to Pooja and takes bowl of kheer from tray which Pooja offers him. Laughing he says, "It seems that you all already have begun with the celebration."

Before anyone could answer, Naina's mobile starts ringing. After seeing her father's name on mobile screen she looks at Brig Chandok and asks, "Woh mere baba ka phone hain. May I?" "Please carry on Lt. Singh." Smiling Brig Chandok gives her permission.

Hurriedly she picks up the call. "Haan baba!!" answers Naina.

"Naina beta, kya TV par abhi hum sabne jo dekha woh sach hain?" asks her father.

"Haan woh sach hain baba. Aap sab abhi Ali ke ghar hain naa? Ho gayi taiyariaan?" Naina tries to change the topic. She doesn't want to explain her parents in front of Brig. Chandok.

"Hum sab Ali bete ke ghar pe hi hain. Tu abhi topic mat change kar. Hamari roj baat hoti thi beta phir bhi tune kuch nahin bataya. Hum sabko yahan sab kuch jaanana hain. Yaha kisiko bhi iss baare mein kuch nahin pata. Yeh sab kab hua? Aur ab Captain kaise hain? Kya yahi karan tha ke tum bachhe ghar pe nahin aaye aur Ali Pooja wapas chale gaye?" Her father doesn't want to let go off the topic. He asks many questions together to her.

"Abhi Sir thik hain Baba. Main aapko baad mein phone karke sab kuch samjha dungi. Aap baaki sabko bhi keh do ke chinta naa kare. Aur waise bhi Huda ki mummyji thode hi der mein wahan pahonch jaayengi. Unhe sab pata hain. Hum sab bhi parso aa rahe hain. Abhi main rakhti hun." "Arrey par beta sunno toh..." her father couldn't complete his sentence as Naina already have disconnected the call.

Hearing Naina's conversation with her father Brigadier asks, "Iss ka matlab hain ke tum logon ne yeh baat apne ghar mein bhi nahin batayi."

"We didn't want to take any risk Sir." Answers Yudi. "Hum yeh news leak nahin hone de sakte the that Rajveer sir is alive and fine. Rajveer sir ko leke we can't even trust our families." Explains Yudi. Rajveer feels overwhelmed listening Yudi's words. He is staring at them with teary eyes,

"You are very lucky." Brig says to Rajveer. "Indeed, I am Sir, I am and I know that." Without removing his gaze over them he replies Brigadier Chandok.

"Lucky toh hum sab hain Sir jo hamare handset mein aapka sim hain." Pooja says smiling at Rajveer.

Brig Chandok had always known that they all share special bond with Rajveer. He also witnessed it many times in their academy days but today he is getting to know how deep and profound it is! Their immense trust in each other shakes Brigadier from inside. He has been a teacher since long, he has a way more experience than Rajveer, after all Rajveer was his student first and then was his colleague. But still the relation which Rajveer could build with all cadets neither he could do it nor his other faculty members.

About these 6 cadets, there is all together different story about them. Nobody could ever understand what tie them together. The bond between them and their Rajveer Sir never ceases to amaze all. When they had stolen arms from KMA's armoury to save Rajveer, not for a second the thought crossed their mind that what would happen with them. They all accepted and suffered from the torture of detention center only because they tried to save their mentor. Then they saved KMA, proved Navin's innocence, passed their exams and gave all credit to Rajveer. And now they got him, Today not only they successfully bring him back when no one has any hopes left but also give him all his lost back.

Brig Chandok is startled out of his reverie by Rajveer's touch to his shoulder. "Kya hua Sir? Kya soch rahe hain aap?" asks Rajveer looking at him, concerned.

"Nothing Rajveer. Main bas tumse milne aaya tha. Jabse Mr. Malhotra se pata chala ke tum jinda ho aur thik ho I wanted to see you. Aur jab unhone kaha ke Army ke che(6) officers aaye the tumhe lene tabse mujhe yakeen tha ke jahan yeh sab hain wahin tum mujhe miloge. But your soldiers have hurt me, they could have informed me about you. We met at republic day parade also, they had dinner with me, they lived at KMA for one night. Par lagta hain yeh abhi tak mujhse naaraj hain." He sighs in defeat for a second but then deciding something to himself he says, determined, "I shall keep trying to win their trust and I believe that one day I will achieve it."

Now they are feeling bad for Brig Chandok. They didn't want to make him feel this much guilty.

"We are sorry Sir. We do trust you but please try to understand." Says Yudi.

"Hum yeh risk nahin le sakte the Sir. Aur waise bhi parade ke waqt humein Sir ke baare mein kuch nahin pata tha. Yeh sab tab hua jab hum KMA se nikle aur raastein mein hum Malhotra dadaji se mile..." Ali starts narrating him all incidences which happened after they had left KMA.

"Toh pura dedh saal tum coma mein the." Thinking Brig Chandok states. Rajveer nods in affirmative. "Kya tumhe pata hain tumhare aur Captain Naveen ke saath jo kuch bhi hua woh kyun hua? Kiske karan hua?" He tries to gauge Rajveer's reaction.

"Yes Sir. They told me everything." Answers Rajveer, calmly.

"I see. Aur yeh petition ka idea kis ka tha? Definitely yeh kaam Mr. Malhotra yaa Mr. Khurana ka nahin hain. They just support you, help you. Am I right?" asks brigadier now looking at others as he knows that there are very less chances of Rajveer has been involved in this plan.

"Aap sahi bol rele hain Sir. Bole toh yeh aapun sab ka plan tha par dadaji aapun ke saath the toh aasan ho gaya." Replies Aalekh.

"Yeh puchne ka toh koi fayada hain nahin ke tum log army ka hissa hote huye bhi army ke pass directly kyun nahin aaye. Main tum sab ka jawab jaanta hun." He sighs audibly and continues, "Jo ho gaya so ho gaya. Main tum sab ko yeh inform karne aaya hun ke tedhe medhe raaste nikal lene se system se tum log bach nahin sakte."

All look at him, confused. "Aap kya SMS bhejna chahte ho Sir?" asks Pooja.

"Main koi SMS nahin bhej raha Lt. Ghai. Aise kum shabdon mein baat karne ki aadat nahin hain mujhe. I am a very frank person. Army ke kuch rules, regulations and procedures hain. You will have to follow that. Jaise ke Colonel ne bataya, Rajveer will have to face inquiry and let me being frank again, not only Rajveer but tum sab ko. Jab se Rajveer missing hua tha tab se leke aaj tak tum sab usse jude huye ho. Jab woh missing hua tab bhi tum sab uske saath the aur aaj jab woh mil gaya hain tab bhi tum sab uske saath ho." Brigadier halts to gauge their reactions but he finds everyone very calm and composed. This was not a reaction which he was expecting.

Understading what he must be thinking Naina answers his unasked question. "Sir ab hum woh cadets nahin rahe jo baat baat pe revolt karenge. Zindagi ne bahot kuch sikhaya hain. Humein iss baat ka andaja tha ke aisa hi kuch hoga. Hum iss inquiry ke liye taiyar hain Sir. Aap bas bataiye ke humein kitne baje aur kahan report karna hain."

"Humne system se bachne ke liye yeh tedha medha raasta nahin apnaya Sir. Hum apne Sirji ko pure desh ke saamne nirdosh saabit karna chaahte the. Mummyji ki kasam Sir, Yeh Huda kisi inquiry se nahin darta." Huda adds.

"I am proud of you all. Really you have changed... for better of course." Looking at them affectionately he says, "Kal press conference KMA mein hain toh inquiry bhi Ambala mein hi rakhi gayi instead of Delhi. Kal sharp 9 baje tum sab ko Ambala military headquarters mein report karna hain. Understood?"

"Yes Sir." Standing at attention, all replies in one voice.

All this while, Rajveer is only observing all. Today he is witnessing other side of Brigadier Chandok who is trying to behave strict with them but failing miserably. He is saying that they have changed but in reality even he has changed. Today he again realizes that his soldiers can go to any limit to protect him. As their teacher, their senior, their friend, he is feeling more responsible towards them.

Since Rajveer doesn't respond to brigadier's question he calls him again and his thought process breaks. "Am I clear Rajveer?" asks Brig Chandok.

"Yes Sir. Don't worry. We will be there." Rajveer assures him.

"Good. Then I take your leave. See you all tomorrow. Kheer achhi bani thi. Rajveer ke liye aap logon ke pyar ki mithas thi iss mein." Keeping empty bowl on sidetable, he stands up and turns to leave. Then again looking at Rajveer he says, "Take care Rajveer."

"Sure Sir." Smiles Rajveer. As he gets his answer, giving a last smiling look to all Brig Chandok leaves Huda's house.

"Sab kuch kaha lekin ek baar bhi Sir ko Captain nahin kaha." Murmurs Huda to Aalekh.

"Chodo naa Huda bhai, woh unke rules se bandhe huye hain." whispers Ali.

"Tum log apne phone mute pe daalke kya messages bhej rahe ho?" staring them suspiciously, asks Pooja.

"Arrey, kuch nahin meri Punjaban, hum soch rahe hain Mummy ji chali gayi tumhari shaadi ki taiyari karne. Ab mere pet ka kya? Khana wana milega bhi yaa bas uss kheer pe hi khush hona hoga." Keeping his left elbow on Ali's shoulder and rubbing his tummy by right hand, asks Huda.

Before Pooja would answer, Rajveer says, "Kis kheer ki baat kar rahe ho Huda. Mujhe toh apni kheer bhi thik se nahin mili." He pouts looking at Naina.

"Dekh Naina, Sir kya keh rele hain.. unhe kheerich nahin mili unki." Emphasizing on word 'unki', Aalekh teases Naina.

Naina smiles mentally looking at this joyous and free Rajveer. But at this moment she has to give him an answer in his way. Reaching to him she stands close in front of him, looking intently into his eyes she says, "Huda, dinner ready hain. Tumhe tumhare pet ki chinta karne ki jaroorat nahin aur raha sawaal ke kisiko kheer nahin mili toh agar maangke dekhte toh mil jaati. Pata hain agar dil khol ke bolo toh sab kuch aasan ho jata hain."

"Acha? Toh ab maang raha hun. De do. Mujhe meri Kheer de do Naina." Smirking, Rajveer says huskily.

Breaking the eye contact, Naina reaches up at him. Kissing his right cheek, she asks, "Mil gayi Kheer?" and runs in the kitchen, leaving behind smiling Rajveer and her shocked friends.

*******

"Main puri nishtha se har aadesh aur aagya ka palan karunga. Apni puri kshmata se apna kartavya nibhaunga aur apne desh ki puri imaandari aur sachhai se seva karunga."

~~~~

"A great moment in our lives. Should be preserved greatly. June 10, 1999. Hamari oath taking ceremony. Aaj humne apne desh par mar mitne ke liye shapath li hain. Lekin main shapath mein ek baat aur add karunga ki main apni aakhri saas tak sachhai ke liye ladhunga. Kyunki ek sipahi ke liye deshbhakti se badhkar aur koi sach nahin."

"Yaar tu bada emotional aadmi hain"

"Desh ke liye, always."

"Lekin ek speech mere pass bhi ready hain. Jab tu paramveer chakra jeetega naa toh jaanta hain main kya bolunga,

Aaj mujhe bahot hi fakra mehsus hota hain ki mere dost Navin Singh Ahluwalia ne iss desh ke gaurav ke liye apni jaan qurbaan kar di. Mujhe bahot naaj hain iss baat ka ke Maine academy mein chand din The great Navin Singh Ahluwalia ke saath bitaye the. Lekin aaj uska naam meri saamne lia jata hain toh meri aankhein bhar aati hain..." Rajveer's overdrama led them to a fit of laughter and they hugged each other...that hug in which they conveyed all their respect, care, love for each other.

~~~~

"Bas Navin bas, agar BC ne humein haste huye sun lia na toh bahot jald log humein rote huye sunenge."

"Woh humein goli maar dega yaar. Waise Raj.."

"Haan.."

"Agar kabhi aisa hua ki jung ke maidan mein main albnasa pada hun aur medical assistance bahot dur ho toh tu wada kar ke tu mujhe goli maar dega. And you set me free... Hamesha hamesha ke liye."

"Tu bhi kya bakwaas karta hain. ek baat bata agar tere jagah main hua tab?

"Haan. Tab kya? Main bhi aisehi karunga."

"You mean it."

"Ofcourse."

"Waada?"

"Waada yaar."

~~~~

"Mujhe yahan se le chal Raj. Mujhe yahan se le chal."

"Haan Navin. Main tujhe yahaan se le jaunga."

"Lekin zinda nahin."

"Kya bakwaas kar raha hain. Navin, mujhe bas thoda sa time de. Main tujhe lekar jaaunga yahan se."

"Nahin Raj, koi fayda nahin. Raj, mere bhai, mere dost, meri baat sun. Rajveer, puri army mere piche padi huyi hain. Woh log phir mujhe pakad lenge. Phir wahi court-martial, wahi torture. Nahin Rajveer nahin."

~~~~

"Tune mujhe chupa diya yaar. Ek kaam karega. Mujhe hamesha ke liye chipa dena yaar."

"Tu bakwaas kar raha hain."

"Rajveer, mujhpe ek ehsaan karega yaar?"

"Bol. Bol."

"Kill me Rajveer."

"Tera dimag kharab ho gaya hain. Aisi baat dobara mat karna. Main tujhe lekar jaaunga yahan se."

"Bahot pyaar karta hain naa mujhse tu? Isiliye kehta hun Kill me. Koi fayda nahin. Woh log phir mujhe pakad lenge. Phir wahi torture, wahin beizatti aur aakhir mein kya milega, maut naa? Uss maut se jyada mujhe yeh maut kubul hain."

"Nahin, Navin aisa nahin bolte."

"Please Rajveer, please. I beg you Rajveer. Main bahot thak gaya hun yaar."

"Mere haath kaap rahe hain Navin."

"Then be strong. Apne aap ko sambhal. You have to kill me Rajveer."

"Captain Rajveer Shikhawat, do your duty."

~~~~

"Rajveer, woh jaisa keh raha hain waisa hi karo. They are very dangerous people. Woh log kuch bhi kar sakte hain. Kam se kam main kisi deshdrohi ke haath toh nahin marunga naa."

"Aap unse mil chuke hain Sir. Pehchante hain Sir aap unhe. Please tell me Sir."

"Nahin Rajveer, main tumhe kuch nahin bata sakta, koi tareeka nahin hain. Koi sawal nahin ho sakta. You have to simply shoot me. That's it. I'm sorry. Main kuch nahin kar sakta. I'm helpless. So, just shoot me. I said, shoot me Rajveer. Shoot me. I want to die with the honor. Shoot me."

~~~~

"Tamam saboonton aur gawahon ko maddenajar rakhte huye yeh adalat iss nateeje pe pahunchi hain ki Captain Rajveer Singh ke pass Col. Chandra ko marne ke liye motive aur method dono hi maujood the. Col. Chandra unche rank pe the aur unhone desh ki sewa mein kayi saal bitaye the. And he was murdered in cold blood. And therefore there shall no claimancy in the scent. Captain Rajveer Singh Shikhawat se unki rank, unke saare medals, aur unke saare fauji commendations cheen liye jaayenge aur unhe civil prison mein 14 saal ki saja katni padegi."

~~~~

Tears are flowing down continuously from his eyes. He is not at all trying to wipe them away. He wants to flow them as they wish. They are giving him an unbelievable strength today. All old memories are clouding in his mind. At every phase of life, destiny had taken his exams. He had seen most important persons of his life in front of his gun and he was only helpless. He was feeling miserably hopeless when they had snatched away his identity. But today life has awarded him a second chance.

The inquiry went well. They had all witnesses in their favor. Statements of dadaji, Rajveer's doctor and his all medical documents made their win more easy. They got judgement as they have expected. Finally they have won battle with system. He is going to get his identity, his all military commendations back. And now they are heading towards KMA. The place where this journey had started some years ago. He met Naveen here, he took an oath for his nation here, he lost Naveen here, and found Naina here, he lost his honor here and now going to get back all here only. His life has completed a circle today.

Their jourey has been silent. No one wants to break that silence. Naina glances at him after every minute. She knows that he needs it. Before he would begin his new life, new journey it is necessary that he throw all his past away. It needs to be drain away. She clutches his hand to assure him that she is there with him always. As he feels her touch he looks at her and she just nods in negative. He smiles at her with his teary eyes. Wiping his tears, she gestures her to look ahead. He looks out of the window and he freezes once again. He sees KMA's gate and now they are entering in academy's premises behind Brig. Chandok's car. Their cars left headquarter together.

He composes himself and climbs out from the car. He slowly scans all the area. Nothing has changed. Everything is there as it is as he left.

"Chalein Rajveer, Sab intejaar kar rahe honge." Asks Brig.

"Sure Sir, Let's go." He sets his collar nervously and moves inside KMA. Turning back, he signals others to come with him.

As they enter inside, they salute the fire, the memorial of martyrs, the place which inspires every true soldier. Then Rajveer stares at Naveen's frame at wall of fame. He feels contented as his soldiers had fulfilled his wish, Naina had completed his incomplete work.

He is still staring at Naveen's frame when he hears a familiar voice, "Rajveer puttar." As he hears that voice, he turns with a broad grin on his face. He looks at Suriji who is gazing at him with full of love in his teary eyes. Looking at him, tears pricks up again in Rajveer's eyes. He bends down to touch his feet when Suriji holds him by his shoulders in mid way and hugs him tightly.

"Oye kaha chala gaya tha tu khotye? Tujhe pata hain kitna roya hain Subhedar Suri tere karan. Ab phirse aisa kuch bhi kiya toh maine tere dono kano ke bich sar kar dena hain... dekh, phir rula diya naa tune mujhe? Khota naa ho toh.." Suriji is blabbering while hugging him and Rajveer is only smiling listening to him, feeling overwhelmed.

"Suriji, this is not done." Breaking the hug, Suriji and Rajveer looks at the source of voice. Folding her hands on chest Shalini is looking at them with fake anger. As he sees Shalini his smile broadens. "Aise kya dekh rahe hain aap dono mujhe. Sahi toh keh rahi hun main. Aakhir Captain se milne ke haq toh mujhe bhi hain. Aap mujhse mera yeh haq nahin chin sakte." She demands in her typical over dramatic way.

"Captain Dr. Shalini Singhal." Saying this Rajveer hugs her too. "Kaise ho aap Captain?" asks Shalini, her voice is choked up due to so many emotions. Breaking the hug, he looks at her. He notices that Shalini composes herself and plasters a wide smile on her face waiting for his answer. Shalini is always a master in hiding her emotions. Instead of giving her answer, moving his palm at himself in up & down, he asks, "kaisa lag raha hun?"

Smirking at him, she says, "Ekdum fit & fine Captain. Aapko dekh ke koi nahin kahega ke aap abhi abhi coma se uthe ho. Yeh medicines ka asar hain Captain... Ya.." looking at Naina, she continues, "ya kisiki dekhbhal ka?"

Shaking head at her in utter disbelief Rajveer blushes. "Arey, arey Captain, yeh kya aap ke gallon pe toh laali chadh gayi hain. Lagta hain koi medicine aapko suit nahin hua hain. Mujhe aapke doctor ka number de dijiye aur prescription bhi. Main unse baat kar lungi. Aakhir mujhe pata hain ke aapko kya suit karta hain aur kya nahin." Listening to Shalini, Rajveer looks downwards, closing his eyes. He inhales slowly to calm himself down. Opening his eyes, he again looks at her and asks her, "aap nahin sudhrengi naa?"

Before Shalini would reply, Huda says, "bilkul nahin sirji, bilkul nahin. Agar Shalini mam sudhar gayi toh unka ilaaj karne ke liye kisi doctor ki jarurat pad jaani hain hummein."

"Bilkul sahi kaha jat tune, agar Shalini mam ke calls aisehi aate rahenge tabhi toh KMA network mein rahega nahin toh KMA ke device ko switch off ho jana hain." Pooja snuggles Shalini while saying this. Shalini holds her fondly.

"Arre, kya tum log bhi? Koi toh aapun ke suriji ki taraf dekho. Kaisi rotli shakal bana ke khade hain." He moves forward to Suriji only to get one light punch from him on his arm. He starts rubbing his arm and asks, "Suriji, mara kyun? Aapun ne kya kia?"

"Tune kya kia? Oye nalayakon, gantantra divas ke din tum sab log aaye aur bina suriji se mile hi chale gaye? Yeh akeli Naina puttar aayi thi mujhse milne. Bahot dil dukhaya hain tum logone iss suriji ka. Mainu naa baat karni tum sab se, han." Taking his decision he moves his head at opposite direction.

Ali approaches him from that direction and holding his ears he pleads, "Maaf kar dijiye hummein Suriji. Aisi galti dobara nahin hogi. Hum promise karte hain. Aur agar aap humein maaf nahin karenge toh kaun karega?"

All hold their ears together and says in unison, "Sorry Suriji." Suriji immediately melts down and starts smiling.

"And waise bhi Suriji, agar uss din hum jaldi nahin niklte toh shayad humein hamare Rajveer sir bhi nahin milte." Says Yudi looking at Rajveer.

"Agar aisi baat hain puttar toh chalo thik hain. tum sabko maaf kia. Ab chetti chetti chalo. Tum sabke liye aaj mess mein khass menu taiyar hain." They all smile at each other and move towards mess.

-----

Chatting and reliving old memories, they all are enjoying their snacks at mess. Many 2nd year cadets are coming there to greet Rajveer as when Rajveer left they were in their 1st year. Suriji comes at their table with an orderly who has a tray in her hand with bowls. Putting each bowl infront of each one, Suriji speaks getting overexcited, "Oye Rajveer puttar, tujhe kheer bahot pasand hain naa? Le tere aane ki khushi mein iss Subhedar Suri ne aaj Kheer ki hain mess mein aur woh bhi mess ke budget ko bina haath lagaye. Mere taraf se bhi koi party sharty honi chahiye naa."

All look once at Suriji, then at their bowls, then at Rajveer -Naina and then finally looking at each other they burst out laughing. Suriji thinks what he might have said that his words have led them to histerical laughter. Shalini also looks at them, confused. But Rajveer Naina's glare is giving them an alarm that they shouldn't dare to laugh. Controlling their laughter and wiping their tears away, them calm themselves down as if they are scared.

"Maine aisa kya keh diya khotye, ke tum sab log itna has pade?" Asks Suriji, puzzled.

"Aapne kuch naa kaha Suriji, woh baat hyo hain ke hamare Sirji ki naa jaban thodisi badal gayi hain. Ab unhone yeh kheer naa aani pasand." Huda informs Suriji trying to control his laughter.

Huda's words succeed to skip Rajveer's heartbeat. Now blush takes its place on his face which trying to scare them some moments ago. Looking at his face, Shalini gets an idea about what would be the matter.

"Kyun oye Rajveer, ab tujhe yeh Kheer nahin pasand? Meri mehnat ko mitti wich mat mila. Chupchap yeh khaa le." Scolds Suriji.

"Nahin nahin Suriji. Daatiye mat aap Captain ko. Aapne itne pyaar se inke liye kuch banaya aur yeh nahin khaayenge aisa ho sakta hain? I am very much sure ke aaj bhi inko Kheer bahot pasand hain bas khaane ke tareeke badal gaye honge." Measuring their reactions Shalini asks Naina out of the blue, "Kyun Naina? Sahi kahan naa maine?"

That was unexpected for Naina. She baffled for a moment. Naina's expressions again lead to a fit of laughter on their table and this time Shalini too joins them.

Before Naina would answer they hear a known voice, "Raj!" and they stop laughing abruptly.

As Rajveer hears Chauhan's voice he turns to look at the door and whispers, "Chauhan Sahab."

A frown appears on their faces as they really didn't want Chauhan to meet Rajveer. He was the last person whom they want to meet too.

"Aa gaya jhabreela kheer mein namak milane. Achhe khaase mood ko isne kharab kar dena hain." murmurs Huda.

Rajveer has already got up from his seat and moved towards Chauhan. Reaching near him, observing him from down to up, Rajveer stands in front of him, giving him chance to take next step.

His mind travels to the day when he met Chauhan after his reposting in KMA.

~~~~

"Kaminey" with a very stern face, says Chauhan.

"Kutte" Mirroring the same expression, replies Rajveer.

"Lafangey" again says Chauhan, making his voice harsher.

The cadets including Naina who are witnessing this reunion of two friends would had thought exact opposite that they couldn't be friends. Chauhan's next sentence makes their belief more strong.

"Kamaal ho gaya naa Captain sahab itne saal beet gaye par hum ek dusre ke naam nahin bhule." Says Chauhan as matter of fact.

"Kya karey yeh kambakht yaadein hi toh hain jo picha nahin chodti Chauhan saahab !! A broad smile appears on Rajveer's face as he finishes this sentence and gives a tight hug to his friend which Chauhan reciprocates happily.

~~~~

As Rajveer is standing there in a daze even Naina recalls their first meeting together with Chauhan when he introduced himself as Rajveer's best friend.

~~~~

"Hamare dosti ke kisse bahot mashhoor hain." says Chauhan.

"Hum wakayi bahot achhe dost hain." Putting his arm on Chauhan's shoulder says Rajveer.

~~~~

As she again look at them, staring eachother silently, having nothing to tell and ask to one another, she feels pity on their friendship. She feels pity on Chauhan's misfortune that he couldn't take care of this precious friendship, he allows his friendship to let go.

"Kaise hain aap Raj?" Chauhan's words break their reverie.

"Main thik hun Chauhan sahab. Aap bataiye..Aap kaise ho?" Avoinding eye contact with him, asks Rajveer, feeling concerned for him. He knows that Chauhan always had only two friends, he and Naveen, and now he must be feeling very alone.

"Hum bilkul achhe hain Raj. Ekdum tandurust." Rajveer looks at him. Looking at Rajveer's reaction Chauhan continues smilingly, "aisa jhooth hum nahin kahenge. Kaise ho sakte hain hum Raj? Pehle Naveen aur phir aap. Kaha the aap? Humne aapko bahot dhoonda Raj."

"Dil se dhoonda hota toh mil jata main tumhe Chauhan jaise main inn sabko mila." Looking at the table says Rajveer, smiling little, love and proud for his soldiers are palpable in his eyes.

"Yakeen maniye Raj." Rajveer again gazes at him. Only he knows how he is supressing his urge to hug his friend. But today, he is not going to let his emotions overpower him. He needs some answers. "Kya aap naaraj hain humse? Again asks Chauhan.

"Nahin Chauhan sahab, main bhala aapse naraaj kyun hunga?" replies Rajveer sarcastically. "Aapne aise dosti ke konse niyam tode hain jo main naraaj rahu?"

"Aap kya bol rahe hain Raj. Uss gawahi ke liye aap naraaj hain toh woh meri duty thi. Meri jagah aap hote toh aap bhi wahi karte." He tries to explain himself. Rajveer laughs sardonically. Chauhan looks at him, confused.

"Raj aap.." but one orderly comes there and interrupts Chauhan. Looking at Rajveer and others orderly says, "Aap sab ko Brig. Chandok ne apne cabin mein bulaya hain."

Closing his eyes, Rajveer inhales deeply. "Thik hain. Hum aate hain." he replies to orderly.

As orderly left, he looks at others and then sets his gaze on Naina. Blinking her eyes she assures him that she will handle everything and he should go ahead.

As he proceeds to leave Chauhan asks, "Kyun Raj, aaj hunting nahin karni. Haarne se darr gaye?"

Smirking Rajveer says, "Hum yaa toh dushman se haarte hain yaa dost se. aur philhaal aap mere..." Trailing off his sentence he continues, "Khair, jaane dijiye. Nice to meet you Chauhan sahab. Baad mein milte hain." glancing last time at perplexed Chauhan, Rajveer leaves the mess.

They look at each other. Rajveer's behaviour towards Chauhan makes them feel contented. Breaking the deep silence Naina says, "Aapke aur Rajveer Sir ke dosti ke kisse toh mashhoor the naa Sir? Toh aaj kya hua? Lagta hai aaj se kuch aur hi kisse mashhoor honge." All turns to look at Naina including Chauhan. No one expected that Naina would have questioned Chauhan.

"Naina, aap bhi?" asks Chauhan, shocked. "Kya aapko bhi lagta hain humne apni duty nibhake galti ki?"

Hearing the same question again even Naina laughs sarcastically. Getting up from her place, "Guys, ab inhe hum kya samjhaye? Chalo. Brig Sir ne bulaya hain hummein. Main chalti hun. Tum sab jaldi aana." Smiling at them she leaves behind Rajveer without even glancing at Chauhan.

Meanwhile even others get up. Smiling Yudi says, "Shalini Maam, Suriji, we will see you later."

"Aur haan Suriji," staring Chauhan Huda says, "Hamare Rajveer sir ki kheer sambhalke rakhio. Unhe ab muh meetha karne ki jaroorat hain."

As Yudi heading towards door, he halts near Chauhan. Looking at him he says, "You know what Sir, we got you. You are absolutely right. Aap apni duty hi toh nibha rahe the. Apne dost ki baat naa samajhke usse Solitary confinement ki punishment dena aap ki duty hi toh thi. Ohh yaa.. How did we misjudge you Sir? Aap toh duty hi nibha rahe the. Waise If you still don't understand the word 'confidential', I would be very happy to explain it to you Sir."

"Apne dost ke mobile mein challenge ka SMS bhej ke usse academy mein revolt ka virus failana yeh bhi toh inki duty hi thi." Says Pooja, spitting venom through her words.

"Apne dost ke dil ki baat kisi gair ko batana, woh gair bhi kaun, woh wakeel jo inke dost ke khilaaf lad rahi thi, yeh bhi toh unki duty hi thi." Shooting daggers through his eyes, says Huda.

"Aapne bas gawahi deke duty nibhayi hoti naa Captain Chauhan, toh aapun ke Sir ko naaj hota aap par. Qaidi tha aapun lekin dosti ka matlab jaanta tha. Aapun ke Sir ne aapunko dosti nibhana bhi sikha diya. lekin woh kya hain naa, aapun ke dosti nibhane ke funde aapse thode alag hain." states Aalekh without even looking at him.

"Aapko pata hain, Rajveer Sir ne humein dosti mein trust, bharosa karna sikhaya hain ek dusre par. Hum dusre se kisi bhi prakar ki spardha nahin karte. Ek dusre ke kamyaabi mein khush hote hain. Bade dukh se humein yeh kehna pad raha hain ke hum sab ka rishta issi vishwas pe baandhne waale hamare Rajveer Sir, khud ke hi dosti mein woh vishwas nahin tika paaye. Haar gaye hamare Sir." Making Chauhan more guilty by his words, Ali says to others, "Chaliye ab, Brigadier Sir hamara intejaar kar rahe honge."

Glancing at Chauhan with pity in their eyes, all exit the mess one by one, leaving stunned and guilty Chauhan behind.

*******

He is staring at his reflection in that water which is sparkling silver with rays of moonlight. While rays of moon and stars are dancing delicately across the water, he tries to find the stars which he is wearing. The image is so beautifully smudged and broken. He smiles at his shattered reflection because very first time in his life he can see everything clear and perfect.

"Aapko ab tak yakeen nahin ho raha naa?" He turns to look at Naina who is standing there at lakeside with him. He is amused to see how perfectly she can read him now. His smile widens thinking this.

"Kis baat ka yakeen nahin ho raha Lt.Singh mujhe?" smirking he asks her.

She frowns as she knows that he perfectly understands what she wants to ask. She doesn't answer him and again turns to look at the view. He laughs at her antics and pulls her towards him by her waist. She neither struggles nor looks at him. He smiles and says, "Naina..."

His taking of her name in this way always succeeds to skip her heartbeat and accelerate her breathing rate. His mere action leads her to loose all her self control and she always surrenders herself to him. She looks deeply into his eyes which are sparkling with happiness today. She keeps her head on his chest and wraps her arms around him to feel his warmth.

Wrapping arms around her he inhales deeply to live that moment, and says, "List badi lambi hain Naina. Mujhe toh abhi iss baat pe bhi yakeen nahin ho raha ke tum mere baahon mein ho toh iss baat pe kaise hoga ke maine phir yeh uniform pehen li hain. Navin ki photo phirse wall of fame mein lagna, mujh par lage saare charges cancel hona, tum sabka mere saath hona, mera zinda hona... abhi bhi bahot saari baaton pe yakeen karna hain. Lekin Naina jab meri jeep blast ho rahi thi naa tab bhi maine umeed nahin chodi thi." He feels Naina's shiver as if she has relived that moment of his jeep's blast.

Tightening his hold on her he presses his lips on her hair. "Umeed maine bhi nahin chodi thi Rajveer." Says Naina. Raising her head a little, she looks into his eyes and continues, "Mujhe umeed thi ke yeh sab jaroor hoga. Umeed chodna mujhe mere Rajveer Sir ne kabhi sikhaya hi nahin." She smiles proudly.

"Hmm... I am impressed." Smirks Rajveer naughtily.

"Kisse? Mujhse? I know that." Naina too smirks feeling proud of herself.

"Nahin. Tumhare Rajveer Sir se." Breaking their hug and taking two steps back, away from Naina, says Rajveer.

Narrowing her eyes with anger, Naina tries to hit him on his left side but he moves to right. Same thing repeats with right side. She tries thrice but fails to hit him. Laughing he says to irritate Naina even more, "Tumse nahin hoga Naina. Tum jis academy mein cadet thi waha main teacher tha."

A deep frown covers Naina's face but inside she is not feeling defeated. She enjoys loosing this game. Thinking this, a small smile appears on her face which surprised Rajveer. Guessing his doubt, she keeps her left hand on his right cheek. Closing his eyes, Rajveer leans on her touch. "Main aapse hamesha haarne ke liye taiyaar hun Rajveer." Rajveer smiles hearing this. First time he is witnessing Naina backing off.

"Toh kya aapke Rajveer Sir ne aapko haarna sikhaya hain, Lt Singh?" he asks to provoke her.

"Ji haan. Mere Rajveer sir ne mujhe haarna bhi sikhaya hain. Unhone hi kaha tha ke koi bhi sadharan insan haarta bhi hain. aur agar hamare haarne se hamare kisi apne ko khushi milti hain toh woh haarna jitne se bhi badhkar khushi deta hain." she says proudly. He can witness her respect for him as her teacher, as her mentor.

They both remember the moments when he lost boxing match with Huda and appraisals with Captain Chauhan. He smiles remembering his encounter with Naina in his room after his appraisals. Guessing the reason behind his smile she asks, "Kya aap aaj bhi mujhe nahin batayenge ke kya aap sachmuch uss waqt haare the yaa phir apne dost ko jeetane ke liye jaan buchkar?"

"Main jaanbuchkar hi haara tha..." as Rajveer utters these words Naina stares him sharply. But before she would say something he completes his sentence, "par dost ko jeetane ke liye nahin.. tumhare liye."

"Mere liye?" asks Naina, confused.

"Haan Naina. Maine woh shot tumhare liye hi miss kar diya tha. Ek baar phir koi apna mere bandook ke saamne aa gaya tha. Mujhe pata tha ke uss gun mein blank shots load kiye hain par phir bhi mera khud pe bharosa nahin tha. Agar mera nishana galat ho jata aur tumhe kuch ho jata toh? Main Naveen ko mere bandook ke saamne dekh chuka hun Naina. Isiliye I missed that shot."

Naina stares him dumbfounded. She has no idea about how she should react on this new information which he filled her with some seconds ago. So this means still there is a lot things which she has to explore when it comes to his love for her. She has found one another incidence where she failed to understand him. Not exactly failed, but she could have never thought that the reason behind he garnered himself with defeat was She. Captain Rajveer Singh Shikhawat, best shooter of his batch, of his regiment, who never fails to aim in between the enemy's eyes, nothing can distract him while he shoots, surrendered himself because he scared of hurting his love due to blank shots.

Looking at her blank face and teary eyes, Rajveer asks her, "Kya hua Naina? Kahan kho gayi?"

"Kya main aapko, aapke pyaar ko kabhi bhi samajh paungi?" Instead of giving him answer of his question, asks Naina without blinking her eyes.

"Tum mujhe bahot achhese samjhti ho Naina. Mujhse bhi jyada ab tum mujhe samjhti ho. Aur agar kuch baaki bhi hain toh itni jaldi kya hain? Puri zindagi padi hain ek dusre ko samjhane ke liye." Replies Rajveer, smiling. As always, his eyes are mirroring all his love for her. Controling her emotions, Naina chooses to stay silent. She is still trying to digest the truth.

Rajveer decides to change the topic. "KMA kitna badal gaya naa Naina? Mess se leke training techniques tak sab kuch badal gaya. Ab nayi technology aa gayi hain academy mein, Brigadier Chandok ne bhi new strategies se training shuru ki hain." says Rajveer, looking at KMA's building.

Naina follows his gaze. She is one of them who witnessed KMA's transformation, who was a part of that process. She smiles remembering those days. "Sach kaha aapne. Par iska credit bhi aap hi ko jata hain. Woh sab aap hi ka inspiration tha jo hum sabko yeh changes laane mein majboor kar gaya." Says Naina.

Giving a little laugh to her, Rajveer says, "Naina, ek akela teacher kuch nahin kar sakta agar uske students uski baat naa maane. Woh students hote hain jo apne guru ka naam roshan karte hain. I am glad that I got a cadets like you all. Aur isiliye toh sab kuch badalke bhi kuch nahin badla. Woh junoon, woh deshbhakti bilkul waise hi in deewaron mein hain jaise pehle thi." Says Rajveer, feeling extremely proud of his cadets.

"Indeed, nothing has changed. Still he hates to take any credit." This thought makes Naina smile broadly.

"Aapse ek baat kahu?" asks Naina. "Hmm.." replies Rajveer still reminiscing his old KMA and feeling happy for this new one.

"Today I witnessed a different Brig Chandok. Jab main KMA aayi thi tab ke brigadier sir aur aaj ke.. aisa lagta hain do (2) alag insan hain." says Naina.

"He is definitely one changed man Naina. Maine unn mein badlav pehli baar tab dekha jab woh mujhe hospital dekhne aaye the." Naina stiffens as Rajveer mentions his hospital days. Feeling her stiff, Rajveer decides to change the subject. Tucking his both hands in his pockets, he asks Naina, "Waise mujhe yeh batao ke mere jaane ke baad Brig. Chandok ne cabin mein tum sab se kya kaha?"

Naina smiles at the memory. "Actually, Jab aap uniform pehene gaye toh Ali ne unn se pucha ke unhe toh kal hi pata chala aapke baare mein. Toh aaj ke aaj yeh sab kaise manage kar lia unhone?"

"Achha? Toh kya kaha unhone?" asks Rajveer as even he was thinking about the same since yesterday.

"Jab dadajine unse che(6) army officers ke baare mein kaha tha tabhi woh samajh gaye the ke aap hamare saath hain. Issi liye humein milne aane se pehle hi unhone headquarters call karke aaj ke liye permission le li thi. Actually according to procedures, sab kuch Delhi mein hi hona tha par he asked for special permissions to hold these all events in Ambala. Woh chahte the ke jin haathonse unhone aapka sab kuch china unhi haathon se aap ko sab kuch wapas mile. Sach kahe toh kal jab unhone press conference declare kar di thi live news mein tab unke pass naa koi permissions thi naa aapka pata. Bas ek andaja tha."

Tears spring in Rajveer's eyes. "Sach kahu Naina toh main bhi yahi chahta tha ke Brig Chandok ke haathon hi meri uniform saje. That was an honour for me. I am still in that moment."

Even Naina is reliving that moment when Brig Chandok decorated Rajveer's uniform with his rank and medals after addressing the press conference. In press conference, he cleared Rajveer's name from all allegations and declared him innocent in Col. Shakti Chandra's case. He promised that now on army will try to give clear and fair trial to all. He expressed his gratitude to Malhotra dadaji for filing this petition and giving army a fair chance to rectify their mistake.

Rajveer snaps his fingers in front of Naina in order to bring her back from her thoughts. Looking at him, she gives him her best smile.

"Your smile is infectious Lt. Singh." Returning her gesture with smile, he whispers. Blushing, Naina looks at him shyly.

"Aapko sharmana aata hain? Now I am impressed with you." He enjoys himself as he witnesses shy Naina.

"Kyun? Aapko nahin laga ke main sharma bhi sakti hun?" folding hands on her chest, she asks raising her eyebrow.

"Woh kya hain naa Lt, aaj tak bas aapko goli chalate dekha hain, orders dete huye dekha hain. Arey aap toh mujhe bhi dismiss bol deti thi. Toh mujhe nahin laga tha ke aap sharma na jaanti hogi." Narrowing his eyes, he purses his lips in hard line to make him look serious.

Naina again blushes hard remembering their conversation when she gifted him white handkerchief and to run away from his interrogation she asked him to DISMISS. Naina tries to calm herself down. She is burning under his constant gaze. Still she wants to win the argument. "Maine kab orders diye aapko?"

"Jab se phir se hosh sambhale hain aap hi ke orders toh follow kar raha hun." States Rajveer. "Aur ab toh koi option bhi nahin hain." he mutters which not went unheard by Naina.

She narrows her eyes and then relaxes. Smirking, she sets his collar and says, "Option milega bhi nahin. Aadat daal lo ab aap."

"Iss aadat ko zindagi banane ke liye toh main kabse betaab hun." Encircling his hands on her neck he whispers to her.

"Achha? Waise aapko pata hain naa ke kal hum subah jaldi nikal rahe hain Ali ke ghar jaane ke liye?" asks Naina.

"Haan. Pata hain. Toh?" he asks her back.

"Nahin. Kuch nahin. Bas confirm kar lia. Maa baba bhi wahan already pahonch gaye hain." says Naina again.

Now he gets her hint. Understanding what she actually wants to convey him he smiles in mind. But then he decides to play along. "Haan. Haan. Mujhe pata hain. par tum baar baar mujhse yeh sab kyun puch rahi ho?" he asks, pretending to be confused.

"Toh aap maa baba se baat karoge yaa...?" she trails of her sentence.

"Main? Mujhe tumhare maa baba se kya baat karni hain?" asks Rajveer, trying his best to supress his excitement.

Perfectly knowing his game, folding her hands on her chest, smirking she answers, "Right. Aapko kya baat karni hogi maa baba se? Main bhi naa, kuch bhi sochti rehti hun. Main toh soch rahi thi ke ab jab sab thik ho gaya hain, toh uss rishtey ke liye main haan bol hi du."

He does notice her mischievous voice. He shruggs his shoulders, grinning broadly he says, "Aree waa.. matlab Ali Pooja ke baad tumhari shaadi."

Feeling irritated and again lost, Naina turns her back at him. "Aapko koi farak nahin padta naa. Ab toh aap dekh hi lena. Ali Pooja ke shaadi se pehle hi mere shaadi ki announcement kar dungi main."

He laughs silently at her irritation. Instead of making her turn to look at him, he walks to her side. She looks into his eyes with little hurt in them. Taking her both hands in his, he kisses them softly. "Yeh baat jaroor sach hogi Naina. I promise. Tumhare shaadi ki announcement unki shaadi hone se pehle ho jaayegi. I will make sure of it." He assures her. Those words of his hold a power of lifetime promise.

"Rajveer..." only this much she can whisper. Smiling broadly, letting her tears flow down she hugs him again. He embraces her in his arms. Every time he does this he feels as if his life is smiling at him broadly.

"Please yaar Naina, aaj toh meri uniform kharaab mat karo. You know, it is so precious for me. Aur tum baar baar roke isse kharab kar rahi ho." He says it so seriously that breaking the hug immidiately, Naina wipes her tears away and says, "I am really sorry. Woh mere dhyan mein hi..." but as soon as she regains herself back and his words hit her back, she stares at him angrily. Clutching his stomach, he starts laughing so hard as he witnesses her expressions.

Giving him last angry glance, Naina starts walking away. As he feels situation would go out of his hand, he holds her wrist. Without looking at him she retorts, "Chodiye mujhe. Aaj bahot majak sujh raha hain aapko. Jab aap normal ho jaaye mujhe bula lijiyega."

"Normal ho jaun matlab? Main abhi normal nahin hun?" creasing his brows he asks her.

Grabbing his hand by her other hand, she frees her hand from his hold. Keeping her index finger on his heart, she says, "Ji nahin. Abhi aap bilkul bhi normal Rajveer jaise behave nahin kar rahe. You are so not my Rajveer Sir. Shayad khushi aapke dimag mein chadh gayi hain." Pressing her lips, she tries not to laugh."

Encircling her waist, he pulls her towards himself. "Tumhe kisne kaha ke Rajveer tumhare Rajveer Sir jaisa hain. Abhi abhi toh mili ho usse. Jaan bhi jaogi jaldi." States Rajveer.

"Achha? Main betaab hun phir unhe jaanane ke liye." Says Naina with twinkling eyes.

"Aur main bhi betaab hun tumhe usse milwane ke liye." Removing hair clips of her bun, he shares his desire with her.

"Waise you are right. Iss uniform ko mujhe bahot jyada sambhalna hoga." Rajveer creases his brows, feeling confused. Sensing his confusion she continues, "Aap iss uniform mein sabse jyada handsome lagte ho." Says Naina as a matter of fact.

"Sirf uniform mein? Toh without uniform, baaki ke cloths mein main handsome nahin lagta?" asks Rajveer smirking.

Naina looks up at him, wrapping her arms around his neck, she says, " Maine aisa kab kaha?" She pouts.

Pulling her more closer, he whispers, "Toh kya kaha?"

Smiling shyly, she cascades her eyes down and says, "Yunhi nahin aapne fresher's ball mein 10 score kia tha."

"Matlab? Main samjha nahin." Today he is enjoying teasing her.

Narrowing her eyes at him she tresses her finger on his face giving him strong adrenaline. As her finger reaches his chin she says seductively, "Aap sab samjhte hain. Aur agar ab bhi samajh nahin aaya toh main aur bhi achhese samjha sakti hun."

Freeing her hair from a bun, he combs them by his fingers. She closes his eyes to feel his touch on her hair. "Achha? Kaise samjhaogi? He again whispers in her ears. He can feel cold and shaky Naina under his touch.

Opening her eyes, she looks into his eyes intently, pouring all her love on him through her eyes. without breaking this eye contact, she removes her hands from his neck and then she makes him remove his hand from her waist. She moves two steps back. He is observing her each and every action. He gets surprised as suddenly she sits down on her one knee.

Trying to make her stand again by holding her shoulders he asks, "yeh kya kar rahi ho Naina?" this was his reflex reaction on her action. But Naina doesn't move. Keeping her index fingers on her lips she gestures him not to say or ask anything. He stands there, cascading his eyes downwards at her, watching her intently.

"Maine kaha tha naa aapse ke shayad kal aapki zindagi aapke kadmo mein hogi. Dekho. Aaj bhi chaand aasmaan mein hain apni chandni ke saath hain. Aapki chandni aapke uniform pe chamak rahi hain. Aapko toh aapki zindagi mil gayi. Kya mujhe meri zindagi milegi? Meri woh zindagi jisne mujhe phirse zindagi jeena sikhaya tha. Khudko mitakar jisne mujhe aabad kia tha.

Major Rajveer Singh Shikhawat, Aapke ek zindagi mein toh aapko promotion mil gaya kya aap aapki iss zindagi mein bhi khudko promote karenge? Kya mujhe bhi aapki zindagi mein koi promotion milega? Kya aisehi puri zindagi main aapke baahon mein rehke iss chaand ko uski chandni ke saath dekh sakti hun?"

Extending her hand to him, she further continues,

"Hain dil ki lagan, main phool banu, Aur haske tere charno mein rahun

Tu dekhe mujhe, main dekhu tujhe, Aur pyar mein tere kho jau

Main kamsin hun, Nadan hun, Najuk hun, Bholi hun

Tham lo mujhe main yahi iltija karu, Main yahi iltija karu !"

Tears prick in Rajveer's eyes. He holds her hand extended to him and makes her stand near him. He can notice her teary eyes amidst her happy and smiling face. Keeping his other hand on their entwined hands, he says "Main kya tumhara haath thamunga Naina? Haath toh tumne thama hain mera. Mera haath thamke hi toh tumne mujhe phirse apne pairon pe khada kia. Main aaj khudko tumhe sopta hun." He stares at her with his eyes twinkling with happiness.

Naina looks into his eyes intently. She wants to lost herself in his world of love. He can easily read her eyes, her motives, her expectations, her desires. Thinking of some mischief, he asks her seriously, "Naina, ek baat batao, tum nadan ho yeh toh main jaanta hun par tumhe yeh galatfehmi kab hui ke tum bholi aur najook ho?" He acts to think.

His this question breaks Naina's chain of thoughts. Now she really wants to punish him. But her bad luck, looking at his face, she just can't bring herself to do that. She stands there, staring at him, helpless, feeling irritated on herself. Today Lt Naina Singh Aahluwalia is hopelessly in love with someone that she is unable to retort back, unable to give him back. Nevertheless she still has hopes that one day she would fulfill her wish. But now at this moment she only wants to share his happiness, his satisfaction.

Naina's state leads Rajveer to laugh wholeheartedly. Helpless Naina is sight to watch for him. But he knows very well that she can give him back at anytime. The thing which is holding her back is her immense love for him. Unable to control his emotions and love anymore, he pulls her to him. He moves his head closer to her. Her eyes are giving him all permissions, signaling him her surrender.

They both know that it is coming. Gently leaning in, Rajveer kisses Naina's lips. She shakes on his soft and feathery touch. Both relish this moment, touch of each other on each other's lips, their first kiss. Taking shallow breath, they pull apart. Opening their closed eyes, they again look intently into each other's eyes, conveying their satisfaction as staring is the true form of their communication. He takes her into his embrace. As Naina tightens her hold, he closes his eyes tightly, feeling her love for him.

"Tumhari jagah mere kadmom mein nahin hain Naina... yahan hain!" Whispers Rajveer. He feels her smile on his shoulder.

Finally, they are there where they belong, in each other's arms.

*******

"Haan Kriti, yeh sab sach hain. Hamare Captain Rajveer is now Major Rajveer. Nuclear triggers aur Dr. Ritu Mishra ke mission ki success ke baadse hi unka promotion due tha. And the happiest news is he is going to resume his old post that is intelligence department. Yaane ki hamara." Says Yudi trying to control his excitement on phone call.

"Yeh toh aaj yeda ho gaya." Says Aalekh, looking at excited Yudi with weird expression."

"Abe Tu hyo kehna chahta hain ke Yudie pehle se bawra nahin tha?" asks Huda scratching his head.

All laugh at Huda's statement. After a very long, hectic but memorable day, seating on KMA's stairs, they all are feeling relaxed and relived. Today they won another battle outside the battle ground in true sense. Now they are planning their next battle, that is Ali Pooja's marriage when Yudi got a call from his colleague which he picked up instantly with overloaded excitement.

"Mujhe lagta hain ke Yudi ka mobile jaldi hi double sim honewala hain." thinking hard about Yudi's behaviour says Pooja to no one specifically.

"Haan Punjaban, mujhe bhi aisa kuch lag raha hain pichle kuch dino se. Jab Sir coma mein the aur tum sab mein se bhi koi nahin tha tab bhi yeh Yudie ghanto iss Kriti se baat karta tha." Huda fills them with new information.

"Accha hain naa Huda bhai. Hamare Yudi bhai zindagi mein aage badh rahe hain." says Ali, smiling.

"Haan Ali. Yeh toh achhi baat hain. Par ab bas hamare Huda ko koi achhasa sim nahin mil raha. Iss Aalekh ka network bhi Neelu se jud gaya hain. Naina toh... uska toh mobile data 5G ke speed se chal raha hain aajkal." Pooja teases Huda.

"Oye punjaban, namak mat chidak mere jakhmon pe. Jab iss Huda ko janani milegi naa tab sab dekhte rahenge." Says Huda setting his collar.

"Nautanki sala." Murmurs Aalekh. "Waise usool tune Suriji aur Shalini ma'am se baat kar li naa? Woh dono aa rele hain naa tum dono ki shaadi mein? Asks Aalekh.

"Haan Guru. Humne baat toh ki hain unse. Lekin woh bas shaadi ke din hi aa sakte hain. Yahan academy mein ab exams announce ho gayi hain toh ek din se jyada woh academy se bahar nahin reh sakte." Informs Ali.

"Aur tune Brig Chandok ko SMS bhej diya iss baat ka?" asks Pooja.

"Ji Pooja. Unhone kaha ke unka kuch confirm nahin hain par try jaroor karenge. Aur ek baat humne Abhimanyu Sir ko bhi keh diya hain aur unhone bhi aane ka vada kiya hain." says Ali trying to observe reactions of others.

"Tune uss jhabrile ko bhi bula liya hain?" asks Huda annoyingly.

"Haan Huda bhai. Ab toh sab thik ho gaya hain naa. Unhone sabke saamne press conference mein Rajveer sir se maafi maang li aur Rajveer Sir ne unhe maaf bhi kar diya." says Ali, making him understand his point.

"Ali thik keh raha hain Huda. Aur kuch bhi ho hum yeh nahin bhul sakte ke Abhimanyu Sir ne hamari uss waqt kafi help ki thi." As Pooja completed her sentence all look at her surprised as she says her whole sentence without using any mobile word.

"Kya baat hain Punjaban... uss jhabrile ke liye toh tu ek aam aadmi ki tarah bol gayi." Teases Huda.

"Bas kar Huda. Rajveer Sir ko unki dosti wapis mil gayi usse jyasti aapunko kuch nahin chiye." Says Aalekh feeling happy for his Sir.

"Aur hamare Rajveer Sir ne hi humein sikhaya hain ke agar koi dil se maafi maange toh usse dusra mauka dena chahiye. Hum sabko unhone woh dia isiliye toh aaj hum sab yahan hain." Keeping his hand on Huda's thigh, Ali encourages Huda to at least try to forgive Abhimanyu.

"Chal bhai usool. Main tumhare liye usse pyar se baat karne ki koshish karunga." Smiling Huda keeps his hand on Ali's hand to assure him.

"Waisa Huda, aapun ne suna hain ke tera transfer hone wala hain. Lagta hain ke iss chutti ke baad tu sidha teri nayi post pe jaayega." Says Aalekh.

"Haan yaar Aalekh. Suna toh maine bhi yahi hain. par kaha yeh abhi tak pata nahin chala." Huda informs them, guessing about his next posting.

"Don't worry bro. I know it." Ending his call, Yudi joins them again.

"Tu kaise jaanta hain be Yudie?" asks Huda, surprised.

"You should say thanks to Kriti. Usne abhi bataya mujhe." Says Yudi dreamily as he utters Kriti's name.

"Oye hoye Yudi. Tera phone toh badi achhi ringtone baja raha hain. Waise bata ke baat kidhar tak pahunchi?" asks Pooja unable to control her excitement.

Shying with nervousness, Yudi tries her best not to look at them. "Konsi baat Pooja? What are you saying?" he asks as if he doesn't understand her question.

"Yudi bhai, aap kuch chipane ka koi fayda nahin. Hum sab jaante hain. bas aapke muh se sunna chahte hain." Ali tries to provoke him.

"Haan Yudi. Ab jasti naatak karke koi fayda nahin. Agar aapun ne Neelu ko bata diya toh tu jaanta hain ke woh jeena haram kar degi." Aalekh threatens him.

"Nahin chief." Screms Yudi as he hears Neelu's name. "Usse mat batana. Please. Mera chakkar shuru hone se pehle hi khatam ho jayega." States Yudi out of fear of his sister.

All try to control their laughter as he is behaving like typical brother whose sister is enemy of his life, of course in a good way. "Toh aap sidhe sidhe bata dijiye." Demands Ali.

"Okay. Woh the thing is, main aur Kriti ek saath kaam karte hain Intelligence mein. She is a hacker. Mere hi department mein hain. And yes. I fell for her." Yudi accepts his love blushing profusely.

"aur woh?" asks Pooja.

"Shayad woh bhi karti hain. I am gonna ask her out after your marriage guys." Declares Yudi.

"Aapun tere liye bahot khush hain Yudi." Says Aalekh hugging Yudi affectionately. Ali and Pooja smile looking at them.

Huda is witnessing and listening all of them silently but now it is enough for him. He desperately wants to know about his new posting and here, they all are discussing Yudi's love life. "Oye Yudie, manne tere prem kahani mein koi interest naa hain. Tu bas bata de ke woh teri Kriti kya jaanti hain mere posting ke baare mein?" asks Huda, getting irritated.

"Huda you won't believe ke tumhari posting kaha huyi hain." says Yudi, getting really excited.

"Abey pehliyaan bujhana band kar aur bata de." Now Huda starts loosing his patience.

"Calm down Huda. Kyunki mere keh dene ke baad tum bilkul bhi shant nahin reh paoge. Tumhari posting Indian Intelligence mein huyi hain and the big news is you are posted as an assistant of Major Rajveer Singh Shikhawat in his new mission." Yudi utters each word very slowly so that Huda can absorb it.

Huda widnes his eyes. He keeps staring Yudi continuously. All gets excited as now Huda, Yudi and Rajveer are going to work together but they are waiting for Huda to react on this news.

"Huda bhai." Ali calls him but no reply.

Giving mischivous smile to others, Pooja pinches him hardly. Screaming in pain, Huda scolds her, "Oye kya kar rahi hain Punjaban, jaan legi kya iss jat ki?"

"Itni si chutti se tera mobile off nahin honewala. Kuch toh bol. Tere tower ne Yudi ka call toh catch kar lia naa?" asks Pooja.

As soon as he hears her last sentence, he diverts his attention again on Yudi, and before anyone could say anything, he pounces on him. Yudi tries his best to hold him as they are seating on stairs. "What are you doing Huda? Control man." Says Yudi, trying to control Huda's excitement.

"Oye Yudie kya khabar sunai hain tune. Dil khush kar dia. Main aur Captain sir.. Oops.. sorry.. main aur Major sir ek saath." Breaking their hug, Huda rectifies himself but it is not easy job for him. He always addressed Rajveer as Captain Sir. Rajveer's journey from Captain to Major was not an easy one. They all are part of this. Again bringing himself back from that evening and controling his emotions Huda asks Yudi, "but Kriti ko kaise pata chala?"

"Hum holiday pe hain. Woh nahin. Department mein aaj sham ko hi tera joining letter aaya. Ussi se Kriti ko yeh bhi pata chala ke Rajveer sir ka promotion ho gaya hain. Isiliye toh usne call kia abhi. Uska kehna hain ke you will receive your transfer orders by tomorrow." Says Yudi.

"Maja aayega yaar Yudie. Humko Rajveer sir ke saath kaam ka mauka mil raha hain. Purane din wapas aa jayenge." Huda says dreamily.

"Yes man. Main toh phir bhi technology department mein hun. But you are going to assist him man. You are really very lucky." Keeping hand on his shoulder, says Yudi.

"Oye dono miss calls, jyada jalao mat ab humein. Sach kahun toh yeh call Naina ka lagna chahiye tha. Unn dono ko saath waqt bitane ko milta." Pooja gets saddened as she thinks of Rajveer Naina.

"Yeh possibleich nahin hain." declares Aalekh. "Abhi aapun aur Naina ekdum important mission pe kaam kar rele hain. Bole toh ekdum confidential. Abhi Naina ko Delhi se koi chodnese raha." Aalekh let them know the fact that Naina and Rajveer can't work together in near future.

"Yeh toh unki duty hain guru. Unko nibhani hi padegi. Ab Pooja aur hum bhi nahin jaante ke kya humein ek saath posting milegi bhi yaa nahin. Hamara profession hi aisa hain." Ali tries to make them understand their situation as he doesn't want anybody to get sad.

"You are right Ali. Bas ab aur kuch problems naa aye unn dono ke beech." Prays Yudi while agreeing to Ali

"Nahin aayenge Yudie. Ab bahot pareeksha de di unn dono ne. Ab bas sab achha hoga. Tu dekhta jaa." Huda assures them.

"Waise unn dono ke network gayab kaha hain?" asks Pooja.

"Oye mobile ki dukan, badi mushkil se unn dono ko waqt mila hain saath. Kal phir waha, shaadi ke taiyari mein aur mahol mein kaha baatein kar paayenge woh." Huda scolds Pooja lightly.

"Yeh Huda sahi bolrela hain. Aapun ko unn dono ko ek saath time dena chaiye." Aalekh supports Huda.

"Tum dono bhi naa miss call ke miss call hi rahoge. Huda tera handset bhi purane version ka ho chuka hain. Update kar le. Main kaha keh rahi hun ke unhe disturb kare par hum..." and winking at them she trails of her sentence.

Getting her hint all smile wikedly except Ali. "Yeh thik nahin hain Pooja. Aap inn sab ko kuch galat..." but before he could have said further, they have dragged him with them.

----

After searching them almost in whole acadmy, they reach at lakeside. The sight infront of them was quite adorable. A big smile spreads across their faces as they watch them happily swaying in each other's arms. They are dancing, moving on rhythem of their heartbeats, music of their love. He is twisting and turning her with broad smile on his face, and she is following his each move with laughing and giggling like a teenage girl who just fall in love. Voice of their giggle fills the air. Today they understand what exactly the quote 'Love is in the air' means. They are experiencing their love in that air of KMA. After clearing every exam of destiny and this whole world who stamped their love as immoral and impure, today their love has become so sacred and pure.

"Agar yeh dono kabhi milte nahin naa toh yeh jat apne aap ko kabhi maaf nahin kar pata." Says Huda in his choked voice.

Keeping his hand across his shoulder, Aalekh says, "Ab chod naa Huda yeh sab baatein. Aapun toh bahot khush hain. Hum sab ke liye."

"Haan Guru. Aap bilkul sahi keh rahe hain. Khushi bas unn dono ke liye nahin hum sab keliye aayi hain. Yeh hum sabka pyar hi toh hain ek dusre ke liye jisne humein ek saath bandhe rakha hain. Aaj tak." Says Ali, smiling, entwining his hand with Pooja. Pooja looks at him and rests her head on his shoulder.

"Yaar kitni love stories bana li naa humne KMA mein." Says Huda, now getting excited on this thought.

"Yes Huda. You are absolutely right. Love between Rajveer Sir and Naina. Love between Ali and Pooja. Then Love between..." He tries to think but couldn't think of anything.

"Abe ghanchakkar, Pyar doston ke bich ka." Joining his fist with Yudi says Aalekh, smiling.

"Right chief. Love between friends. Hum sab. Hum Che. (6)." Says Yudi.

"Arey yaaron, pyar hum bhi toh karte hain Rajveer Sir se. Toh pyar unke aur hamare bich ka." Stating another love angle between them Huda joins Aalekh and Yudi's fist.

"Pyar jo hum karte hain hamari army se. Hamari army ka hi toh network tha jisne hamare calls mila diye." Says Pooja joining them.

"Pyar hamara hamare desh ke liye." Keeping hand on their joined fists Says Ali.

"Kuch chut toh nahin gaya?" as Huda felt that something is missing Naina says joining them, "Pyar hamara hamare tirange ke liye." They never realised while talking that Rajveer and Naina have been listening to them while walking up to them as they noticed them while dancing. Obviously without Naina how can they feel complete. "We are soldiers of this flag." Winking at Rajveer she asks, Right Sir?"

Smiling broadly at her he says, "Absolutely Lt. And do you all know the most amazing things about all these love stories?" asks rajveer to all of them.

They all look at each other. They are unable to think one common thing in all those love angles. Accepting their defeat they look at him to answer them. Joining them by keeping his fist on their united fists, "These all love stories are eternal, immortal. It would never end."

Smiling broadly, They look at their united hands. They are feel like they are on top of the world. Tsunami of all the emotions is hitting them together. Their eyes are twinkling with happiness as now they all are together to fight back all the problems, to win all the battles and to love each other till eternity.

Looking at each other, Rajveer and Naina mouth 'I Love You' to each other.

Indeed, Some Love Stories Never End...!!!

The End... ahmm.. Really? No. This is just a beginning of Love.