FF: Ishq-e-Watan *Chapter 78 Posted* - Page 82

CHAPTER 62

WORRIED RAGE

"Karan ko hosh kab aayega?" Colonel Batra asked. He stared at his adoptive son, his throat a little dry. He had seen his own son in a hospital bed once, pale and broken. The last time he had seen him alive.

"Th-Thodi der m-mein aa j-jaana ch-chahiye", Monami said. "M-Morphine ka d-dose kam k-kar diya hai m-maine."

He hummed. He walked closer, gently patting Karan's cheek in comfort. He didn't even stir. The colonel sighed. The door opened behind them. Param.

"Sir", he said. He glanced at Monami. "Mujhe aapse kuchh baat karni hai. Akele mein."

Monami nodded, quickly walking out and closing the door behind herself. "Param", Colonel Batra said. "Tumhe kuchh pata chala? Any leads regarding the spy?"

"He was poisoned through the water bottle", Param said. "Faizi ne kaha unhe lag raha tha ki koi unke kamre mein aaya tha. But... they couldn't see him in the cameras." The colonel nodded. They had told him that. "That's how he poisoned him. Probably."

"Karan ko lagta hai the spy knows how to avoid cameras."

Param tilted his head. "Maybe. Par..." He paused. "Karan aur Faizi ke kamre ka har entrance monitored hai, na? The door, the windows. It's impossible to avoid them." He frowned. "Do you think he can manipulate the cameras?"

The older veteran hummed. "Ho sakta hai. Someone in the security? Or IT?"

"Anyone high enough, actually", he corrected. "They would know how to get around." He sighed, sitting down next to his brother. "They want to put him out of the mission. Karan ne probably symptoms ignore kar diye honge." He clenched his jaw. "Gadha kahin ka." He looked at his brother, studying his face.

'Woh apni information bahut strictly protect kar rahe hain.'

'EFR ke paas zyaada resources nahi honge. So unka poora plan surprise par based hai.'

EFR played on the defensive, unless they were in danger. Working in the shadows were more of their thing. So... why the sudden offense? This wasn't like Laxman. No. They weren't scared. This was calculated.

They were switching to the offense. Which meant they were gearing up for something bigger.

---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---

Monami checked her books, arranging them quickly as she walked back from her class. Karan was stable now, resting up just fine and Faizi had told her to attend her class- taken by Sanju- while he kept watch. She had hesitated before nodding when he had shot her a stern look. One class won't hurt and she was just a few minutes away if anything went wrong.

But she hadn't been able to concentrate all that much. Her mind kept wandering off to Karan and she had been barely able to sit still as the class dragged on, wanting to run back to him and check if something had changed. Had he woken up? Had he even opened his eyes like he had that morning?

She stumbled as she slammed into something. A hand snaked around her waist, holding her up before she could fall to her butt. She blinked, looking up. Abhi.

"Monami!" He said.

She took a step back, attempting a smile. She wanted to go to Karan. She blinked as her brain registered his appearance. Ruffled hair, sweaty skin, and his cheerful face contorted in anxiousness. "Sir."

"I was hoping to meet you", he said seriously. She tilted her head. What was going on? "Karan Sir bimaar hain?"

She paused. Did the news travel throughout the academy? Should she confirm? The special agents had strictly instructed her to keep her mouth shut about the whole event, especially the details. She hadn't had too much of a chance to talk to the cadets to know what exactly the talk was in the academy. "Uh..."

"Unhe kya hua? Woh theek hain?"

"M-Main..."

He stared at her expectantly. "Monami, bolo, na? Woh theek hai, na?" She could confirm this, at least? She jerked her head down hesitantly in a nod. He let out a sigh, his entire body relaxing.

"Aa-Aap th-theek hain?" She asked. "You're so... s-sweaty and aa-aapke b-baal. Is s-something wr-wrong?"

He almost froze. "Nahi", he said, shaking his head. He took a deep breath, attempting to push his lips up in a smile. "Just... work, you know?" He glanced down at her books. "Tum class jaa rahi ho?" She shook her head. "Class se aa rahi ho?" She nodded. "Tum... Tum free ho kya?"

"Main... K-Karan Sir ke p-paas jaa r-rahi thi", she confessed. He sighed, nodding. "Aa-Aapko k-kuchh chahiye k-kya?"

He shook his head. "I had a really bad day", he said quietly. Her eyebrows furrowed. "Just work. And... tumhe dekhkar sab achha ho jaata hai aur tumhaare saath rehkar, I feel happy. Isliye I wanted to ask if you could... spend some time with me. But... you should go. Karan Sir ke paas jaana chahiye tumhe." He shoved his hands in his hoodie. "I'll see you around." He ducked his head, walking past her.

She followed him with her gaze. She almost wanted to stop him. He was really stressed. He needed to relax. But she didn't want to leave Karan either. Her mind kept drifting to his health every few minutes and she doubted, even if she stayed with Abhi, that she'll be able to give him attention.

She shook her head, turning away and quickly climbing the stairs. Abhi was worried. It'll fade away when he'll see Karan up and around in a couple of days. And perhaps, once Karan was better, she could seek Abhi out and spend some time with him.

---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---

Monami glanced at the monitor and then at Karan. He was stirring lightly for the past hour, being in and out of consciousness but the heart rate had started increasing now. Nothing concerning but above the resting heart rate the monitor had been displaying.

He cracked his eyes open. She inspected his face. He was much more awake now. A little confused, perhaps. The light was a hint too bright for him but there wasn't any pain on his face. She glanced at the monitor. Everything seemed normal.

"Chhote", Param said, darting to Karan. His eyes darted to his older brother. "Chhote... tu theek hai? Kahin dard ho raha hai?"

Karan blinked a couple of times, staring at him. He closed his eyes back before opening them. He was drowsy. "Bhaiya", he croaked out. His eyes darted around the room, lingering on some spots.

"Kahin dard ho raha hai?" He asked again. Karan shook his head a little. He pushed himself up a little and Param helped him up. Karan winced slightly. He was really sore. Monami held out a glass of water and he accepted it, taking a step. She inspected his movement. A little sluggish but that was expected.

"M-Morphine ka e-effect hai a-abhi bhi", Monami explained. "It'll w-wear off th-thodi der mein. T-Tab h-hoga dard."

Karan's eyes darted to her and then behind her. Monami turned slightly, glancing at Faizi. He was unnaturally quiet. He quietly stared at Karan, arms crossed, not even attempting to get near him. He was mad at Karan.

She turned her attention back to Karan. "Sir? Th-Thode basic t-tests k-karne hai", she said. She glanced up at Param, who nodded, taking a step back. She grabbed her flashlight, shining it in his eyes. He flinched slightly, and she inspected his eyes. Brain damage was the most concerning issue.

It didn't show up in the scans, but it developed a little later at times- especially considering he had coagulant in his body. A little too much and there were chances of a blood clot forming in his arteries. She didn't want to risk it. She clicked the flashlight off, leaning back slightly. She instructed him a few, basic exercises. He seemed fine. Although considering his carelessness regarding his health, perhaps she should book him for a psych evaluation anyone. Was he okay in the head? She took a step back. She'll just give him a piece of her mind when he gets better. He desperately needed it.

She lifted his shirt up. She poked his bruise, looking up at his face. Numbness was dangerous. "Feel h-hua?"

He stared at her. "Nahi. Main robot ho. Mere paas sense of touch nahi hai", he said sarcastically.

She rolled her eyes. "He's f-fine", she said, standing up.

Param cracked a smile, nodding his thanks. "Monami, hume Karan se baat karni hai", he said. "If you are done..." She nodded, keeping her flashlight aside.

"Main b-bahar hi h-hoon", she said. She closed the door behind herself and he turned to his little brother. He stared at him for a few quiet moments. He wasn't supposed to hit him, right? Grabbing his hair and roughing him up a little seemed like a bad idea. No, that was probably going to get him a scolding from Monami.

"Karan, tujhe kisi ne poison kara hai", Param gritted out. Faizi's nails dug into his palms. "Koi tujhe poison kar raha tha dheere dheere. Tujhe pata nahi chala? You didn't see the symptoms? Ya tujhe laga ki tujhe toh kahan hi kuchh ho sakta hai? You are Karan Shergill, right? Aam logon jaise teri body ko rest nahi chahiye, bimaar hai toh dawaaiyan, care, kuchh nahi chahiye. Kisi ko bataana bhi important nahi samjha because tujhe toh sab pata hai! Hai, na?"

Karan opened his mouth, before closing it. He had messed up. He couldn't deny that. He had screwed up.

"Tu mar sakta tha, Karan! You could have died! They planned an attack on you and woh succeed kar jaate. You know why? Because you weren't listening to your body. Your body was telling you that something was wrong, something was going on and you ignored it. Aise ladega tu? If you don't listen to your body, your body won't listen to you. It'll give up." Param shook his head, huffing. "Tu mujhe kehta hai ki tujhe sirf desh ki seva karni hai. Bachpan se lekar aaj tak ek hi cheez suni hai tere muh se. Par tu aise karega service? Khud ka dhyaan toh rakh nahi raha, desh ka kaise rakhega? Itna irresponsibly act kara hai tune. You were so utterly irresponsible, Karan."

"I am sorry", he said softly.

His brother sat down next to him, staring at him with angry eyes. He sighed, his eyes softening a little. "Tu baccha nahi hai. Tu 4 saal ka nahi raha ab. Main tere peechhe peechhe nahi ghoom sakta. Main kya, koi nahi ghoom sakta. Chhote... shahadat mein amarta zaroor hoti hai par ek shaheed desh ki seva nahi karta. Woh desh ki mitti ban jaata hai jiski seva hum karte hain." Karan closed his eyes. Their Dad used to say that.

"Tumhe apni jaan, apni khairiyat ki parwah shayad nahi hogi", Faizi gritted out, "par aur logon ko hai." His eyes darted to him. He took a step forward, his forehead creased into a scowl. "Apni kadar nahi toh kisi aur ki toh kar lo. Itne khudgarz toh mat bano."

"Faizi..."

His hands clenched. "You..." He took a deep, shaky breath. "Tumne yeh dobara kara, hum tumhaara murder kar denge." He closed his eyes, trying to blink back the tears. Karan was an idiot. He was an idiot. Why couldn't he just take care of himself?

"Faizi... I am sorry. Main theek hoon."

"Kya theek ho?" He muttered. He wrapped his arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Pata hai kitna darr gaye the hum?" Karan pushed his arms up, patting his back.

"Main theek hoon", he muttered. "I am sorry." Faizi closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He was okay. He was fine.

---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---

Faizi ran a hand through his wet hair. He had spent the past hour in the shooting range, working off his rage. Or he would have killed someone. Probably Karan.

"Sir!"

He turned around. Mridul? He paused, letting him run up. "Mridul", he greeted. "Bolo."

"Is it true Karan Sir bahut zyaada bimaar hain?" He asked, wide eyed. Faizi nodded. "Sir... kya hua unhe? Maine... Maine suna hai ki he was bleeding. Was he injured?"

"Bleeding?" He feigned. The cadets had strict instructions not to talk about it, and they wouldn't have. That meant all information didn't have a concrete base. He could deny and manipulate the details. "Nahi. He wasn't bleeding. He had a fever."

Mridul blinked. "Oh. Maine... Maine yeh suna tha." He shook his head. "Woh theek hain ab?"

"He's much better. Thode din mein he'll be up and about."

He nodded. "That's great. Jitna maine suna tha, I thought he was injured ya kuchh. Main bas... yeh puchhne aaya tha ki you don't think there is a breach of security or anything, na?"

Faizi chuckled. "Of course not, Mridul. Breach hota toh tumhaare paas zaroor aate rectify karne ke liye. That's an urgent task." He shook his head. "Karan bas... thode mahinon se zyaada stress le raha tha. It caught up. Bahut tez fever ho gaya hai use. But he'll be okay."

"But... Sir, phir upar trauma floor par itni security kyun?"

"Just a precaution", he dismissed. Mridul nodded reluctantly. "Is that all?" He nodded. "Okay, then. Hum baad mein milte hain. Hume ek class leni hai." He saluted the older agent and Faizi nodded, watching him run off.

---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---

"In-Injection se toh n-nahi l-lagta, na, aa-aapko d-darr? D-Dawaiyon ki tarah?" Monami asked, preparing one of the coagulant. "Waise, sh-shayad l-lagta hi h-hoga. Tab hi ch-checkup n-nahi karwaane aa-aaye. S-Soch r-rahe hoge ki m-main d-do ch-chaar l-lagaa dungi. Hai, na?"

Karan looked at her, eyes narrowed. "Taunt kar rahi ho?"

She sat down next to him, gently cleaning the skin on his bicep. "I th-think aa-aapko m-maarna bahut s-senses mein un-unprofessional h-hoga, isliye t-taunt se k-kaam ch-chalaana p-padh raha hai." She pushed the needle in, injecting the liquid in his bloodstream. She held the cotton to his skin tightly.

He sighed. "Tum bhi jhaadh lo mujhe. Bhaiya aur Faizi ne toh nikaal hi liya hai gussa."

She looked at him. "You're an idiot", she muttered. She stood up, throwing the syringe on the tray. He stared at her working, his gaze following her.

"Are you mad at me?"

She turned slightly. "Naa hoon? Aap m-meri jagah h-hote toh n-nahi hote g-gussa?" She shook her head, checking the drip.

He grabbed her hand before she could walk out of his reach, gently tugging her closer. "I am sorry", he said softly. "Main dhyaan rakhunga. Naraaz mat ho. Please?"

She sighed, sitting down next to him. "Please a-apna dh-dhyaan r-rakha karo, na? Aap b-bacche th-thodi naa ho. B-Bacche bhi m-muh kholkar b-bol dete hain ki k-kuchh dukh r-raha hai."

"I promise main apna dhyaan rakhunga aage se", he assured.

"R-Rakhna hi p-padega", she said. "Maine m-maar d-dena hai warna aa-aapko." He chuckled, nodding. She paused. "D-Do you know who... who p-poisoned you?" His smile faded.

"Aise questions mat puchho", he said quietly. She nodded, standing back up. She grabbed the bowl on the tray, holding it out to him.

He blinked. Soup? He stirred it lightly. His lip curled in distaste. Cabbage. "Ab k-kya hua?" She asked. "Abhi t-toh d-dawaai di bhi n-nahi."

"Patta gobhi kyun hai ismein?" He asked.

"V-Vitamin K h-hota hai. It's g-good for c-clotting of b-blood."

He looked down, holding up a spoonful before letting it fall back into the bowl. "Uske liye injection diya toh sahi. Ab yeh bhi peena padega?" She crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. He sighed, nodding. "Ji, Rani Sahiba. Jo aapka hukum."

"Aap toh b-badha kehte the h-hume ki ek c-commando ko s-sab kuchh kha l-lena ch-chahiye. Ab kya h-hua?"

"Just because sab kuchh kha lena chahiye iska yeh matlab nahi hai ki main khush hokar sab kuchh khaunga", he said. "Mere taste buds hain aur unhe kuchh khaana nahi pasand hota." He looked at the cabbage. "Patta gobhi usmein sabse upar hai."

She shook her head. "Ab b-bimaar ho g-gaye ho toh woh kh-khaana p-padega jo m-main keh r-rahi hoon. Jaldi se p-pee lo."

He sipped the soup quietly. His brother and Faizi had lathered him with taunts when they filled him in on his poisoning and their findings and Monami didn't seem to want to be left behind. And she seemed angry enough as it was. He didn't want her mad. If she left the room and refused to come back, he wasn't even allowed to run after her. She took the empty bowl, placing it back on the tray. He eyed her. "Dawaai bhi hai?"

She looked back at him. She shook her head. "Abhi n-nahi", she said. "M-Mostly aapki m-medicines IV se ya in-injection se hai. Aap d-discharge ho j-jaayenge uske b-baad th-thode time tak h-hain."

He sighed. He wasn't all that eager to get discharged suddenly. She sat down next to him, lifting his shirt up. She inspected his torso and he followed her gaze, trying to see what she was seeing. The bruises had already started to fade a little. She tilted his head a little, looking at his neck.

She leaned closer, looking at the back of his neck. His breath caught. She was four inches from him. Her breath fanned his neck and her fingers brushed his skin lightly. A shiver ran down his spine. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.

A beeping startled him and Monami straightened up, looking at the monitor with wide eyes. He blinked, staring at the monitor. What? His heart rate had shot up. His eyes darted to her. Was that... because of her?

"Sir?" She stood up. "Aa-Aap..." She tilted her head, looking at him up and down. "Aapki h-heart r-rate kyun u-upar ho g-gayi? Aap k-kya s-soch r-rahe the?"

He opened his mouth. And then closed it. "Uh... main... main kaam ke baare mein soch raha tha", he said. "Ek strategy soch raha tha."

She frowned. "Aa-Aap yeh s-sab mat s-sochiye. R-Relax kijiye th-thoda sa." She sighed, sitting down again and inspecting his neck. He closed his eyes, concentrating on his heart rate. Think of normal things. Ignore the fact that she was close to him. Ignore her breath, ignore her touch, ignore her. "Ky-Kya h-hua?"

His eyes opened. Oh. She had pulled away. "Uh..."

"D-Dard ho r-raha?"

"Thoda... discomfort hai", he confessed. "Chest mein."

She hummed. "M-Moprhine ka a-asar khatam h-ho raha hai." She gently poked his chest and agony flared up. "B-Bleeding ruk g-gayi hai a-andar par abhi p-pain r-rahega. It'll fl-flare up b-beech beech m-mein ag-agar m-morphine nahi d-dungi toh." He nodded his understanding. She smiled a little. "You'll be o-okay bas th-thode se d-din mein. You'll h-have to t-take it easy but y-you'll be on your f-feet soon."

---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---

Param took a step back, glancing over the board. The heads and deputy heads were their top suspects. He sighed. That just meant they couldn't trust their direct subordinates either. It would be easy for the spy to manipulate them into babbling information.

His phone rang and he glanced at it. Barkha. He smiled slightly, picking it up. "Hello?"

"Karan kaisa hai?"

"Hi, Barkha. Main bilkul theek hoon. Thanks for asking."

She huffed. "Param..."

He sighed. "Woh theek hai. Kuchh dinon mein bilkul theek ho jaayega." He hesitated. "Thoda zyaada hi fever ho gaya tha use", he lied. "Tum toh jaanti ho use. Kitna stress leta hai."

She sighed a little in relief. "Tumne toh mujhe dara hi diya tha. Mujhe laga... pata nahi kya ho gaya use. And phir tumne yeh commandos bhi bhej diye bahar. I thought... someone attacked him or something."

Param's hand clenched around his phone. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Nahi, Barkha", he said. "Aisa kuchh nahi hai. Bas... tum aur Baby akele ho ghar par, toh thodi chinta ho gayi thi. Mujhe bhi aur Karan ko bhi."

She hummed. "How's work?"

"Usual", he said. He looked back at the board, inspecting the faces and names of the heads and deputy heads.

"Are you working on koi mission ya kuchh?"

"Nahi", he lied. "Bas... routine work. Batra Sir chahte hain ki thoda used to ho jaaon pehle." A knock made him look up, and the door was pushed open. Sanju peeked in hesitantly. "Barkha... main tumse thodi der baat karoon?"

"Haan, of course. Bye."

He threw the phone on the bed, nodding her inside. "Karan theek hai?"

"Ji, Sir ji", Sanju said. "Monami aur Faizi Sir unke saath hogo. Thoda dard mein lag raho the par Monami ne kaho hai ki thodi si der mein woh unhe morphine de degi." He nodded. She walked closer, inspecting the board. "Sir ji... kaa aapko lagto hai ki spy ke baare mein kuchh pata lag sakto hai?"

He sighed, shaking his head. "Abhi nahi. Yeh poora move bahut zyaada calculated tha. Bahut doubtful hai ki kuchh concrete milega and... he'll probably lay low thode time ke liye. Iss sab ka point Karan ko commission se bahar karna tha taaki they can plan in peace. Plus, hume thoda cautious karne ke liye." He looked at her. "Sanju, tu inn logon ke saath sabse zyaada time rehti hai. Tu bata? Tujhe kisi par shaq hai? Unofficially?"

She inspected their faces. "Sir ji... kisi ke baare mein bhi itna badha ilzaam lagaano chaahe unofficially hi sahi... hume naa lagto hume kisi ko bhi aise jaanto hogo." She walked closer. "Par... Karan Sir ji aur Faizi Sir ji ko Abhi ki kuchh baatein ajeeb lagto hain."

He hummed. "Woh conversation?" He confirmed. "Jo uski aur Faizi ki hui thi?" Sanju nodded. "It was strange." He put a red dot above his photo. He capped the marker, keeping it next to the board. "Sun... Monami ko raat bhar Karan ke saath rukne mein dikkat hai agar, toh kal se-"

She chuckled. "Hume poori tarah yakeen hogo, Sir ji, ki jab tak Karan Sir ji discharge naa ho jaato hain, agar uski marzi hogo, toh woh wahin Karan Sir ji ke saath rahegi." His eyebrows shot up. "Unn dono ki batero banto hai."

His lips quirked up. He didn't quite care what his brother had to defend himself with. He was definitely sweet on Monami.

---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---

Monami stared at Karan, keeping a hand on her mouth. He was staring at his own hand for the past whole minute. She chuckled, shaking her head. He was adorable when he was high.

Karan's eyes darted to her. His eyes widened slightly and his mouth dropped open. She met his gaze for a couple of seconds before shifting uncomfortably. He didn't even blink.

"Kya?" She asked. He curled his fingers a couple of times, gesturing her closer. She sat down next to him and he leaned closer, quietly staring at her. "K-Kya hua?"

He cracked a smile. "You're so pretty", he said softly.

"Huh?"

"Maine... Maine tumse zyaada sundar ladki apni zindagi mein nahi dekhi hai", he confessed. He sighed a little, smiling. "Kabhi kabhi tumhe... tumhe dekhta hoon aur bas dekhta hi reh jaata hoon."

She stared at him wide eyed. She looked down, feeling her cheeks heat up. "Aa-Aapko... Aapko so j-jaana ch-chahiye", she said quietly.

"Jo hukum, Rani Sahiba", he said happily. He slowly laid down and she draped the blanket over him. She took a step back, turning away to switch the light off. His hand shot out, grabbing her wrist.

"Sir?"

"Will you be here when I wake up?" He asked. She nodded. He closed his eyes. "Okay. I'll... I'll sleep phir. Tum... Tum paas hoti toh... toh sab theek sa lagne... lagne lagta hai." He drifted off in seconds, sleeping quietly.

She switched the light off, sitting down on the couch. Faizi had watch today, but he was attending a phone call just outside the room. She would sleep when he came in. It was a few minutes later and Monami laid down on the couch.

'You're so pretty.'

She opened her eyes, staring at the dark ceiling. She smiled slightly. He thought she was pretty.

CHAPTER 63

RECOVERY

"Hello?"

"Papa." Monami took a deep breath. "Mujhe... M-Mujhe aapse k-kuchh... kuchh p-puchhna hai."

"Puchho. Kya hua?"

She launched into the happenings of the past few days, skipping over the details that would be confidential. "... aur m-main... main n-nahi figure out k-kar p-paayi ki... ki woh th-theek nahi hai." She sniffled, feeling the tears well up. "Am I... Am I a b-bad d-doctor, Papa? Main i-itna bhi nahi d-dekh paayi ki w-woh th-theek nahi hain."

There was a pause. She looked at the phone. The call was still connected. Why wasn't he speaking? "No", he said finally. "You are not a bad doctor. Tumne jo cheez miss kari, woh tumhaari inability ki wajah se nahi, tumhaare inexperience ki wajah se hai. You are a good doctor but nothing beats experience. It's not your fault." She sniffled. "Monami... woh theek hai, na?"

"H-Haan. He'll be... he'll be o-okay."

"Toh rone ki kya zaroorat hai? Wipe your tears. Kuchh irreparable nahi hua hai. Chin up, baccha, chin up."

She took a deep breath, wiping her tears away. "Th-Thanks, Papa." She took a shaky breath. "Aa-Aap k-kaise ho?"

He paused, before heaving a big sigh. "Getting used to the empty house", he said quietly. Her gaze dropped to her lap. "Tu waapas kab aayegi?"

She fiddled with a loose thread. "M-Milne bula r-rahe ho k-kya?"

He sighed. "Tu... Tu theek hai?"

A small smile spread over her face. It was the first time he had asked her that. She rested her head on the wall. "Haan. I am... I am r-really h-happy here, Papa. Mera... Mera d-dream hai y-yeh."

He sighed again. "Kuchh aur dream nahi dekh sakti thi tu?" Her smile faded a little. "Bilkul apne Mumma jaisi hai tu. Ziddi."

"Apne d-dreams ke l-liye z-ziddi hona b-bura nahi hai. Main d-desh ko pr-protect karna ch-chahti hoon."

"Tujhe kaun protect karega?"

"Main... Main a-apne aap ko i-itna s-strong banaungi ki k-kisi ki p-protection ki z-zaroorat nahi p-padegi", she said quietly. "Aur a-agar kabhi p-padhi, toh I have p-people here, Papa. Mere... Mere teammates, m-mere tr-trainers. They will pr-protect me."

He was quiet for a long time and she looked at the phone again. The call was still connected. She held it back to her ear, listening to the silence. "Monami", he said after a long minute. "I have to go abhi. I have a surgery." She hummed. "Bye."

"Bye. Apna dh-dhyaan r-rakhna."

He hesitated. "Tu bhi."

She stared at the dropped call, a small smile on her face. It had been a long time since they had talked like that. She liked it.

---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---

'You're so pretty.'

'Kabhi kabhi tumhe... tumhe dekhta hoon aur bas dekhta hi reh jaata hoon.'

'Tum... Tum paas hoti toh... toh sab theek sa lagne... lagne lagta hai.'

Karan closed his eyes. "I am an idiot", he muttered, keeping his hands on his face. He looked at his best friend, who was grinning. "Sab teri galti hai."

He laughed. "Humne kya kara hai?"

"Don't leave me alone with Monami jab main high hota hoon", he said. "Please? Main kuchh bhi bol deta hoon. Use kitna bura laga hoga. I am such an idiot. Goli hi maar de mujhe."

"Kitne dramatic ho rahe ho tum." Faizi laughed. "Waise... kuchh bhi nahi, jo dil mein hai, woh hi bolte ho." Karan looked at him miserably. "Tum ab bhi yeh deny karoge ki tumhe lagta hai woh pretty hai?"

"Ho gaya tera? Chup reh. Tujhe isliye bataaya tha taaki tu mujhe comfort kar sake. Mera mazaak mat udha." He sighed. "Kahan hai woh? Gussa hai kya mujhse?"

"Pata nahi." He hesitated. "Thoda upset zaroor lag rahi thi." Karan's face fell and he groaned, keeping his hands on his face. "Ho sakta hai kisi aur cheez ke liye upset ho", Faizi comforted.

"Hopefully", he muttered.

"Achha, rona band karo. Chodho ab iss sab ko", Faizi said. "Monami keh rahi thi agar aaj sab kuchh theek hua, tum waapas room jaa sakte ho." He looked up hopefully. "And Bhaiya keh rahe the ki aaj kal mein sab cadets ko dobara meeting ke liye bulayenge aur brief kar denge."

He hummed, straightening up slightly. "We don't know humaare paas kitna time hai. If they are switching to offense, we would need the numbers."

He dipped his head in agreement. "Hum kya soch rahe the... cadets ki weapon training shuru kar dein kya?"

His eyebrows shot up. "Abhi?" He tilted his head. "Theek hai. Par... Batra Sir se ek baar baat kar le." He nodded.

Faizi tilted his head back, staring up at the ceiling. If Sayed really was the son of the boss of EFR, there is sure to be retaliation once they had caught him. If the cadets would know how to shoot, they would at least, be a tad bit better at protecting themselves. The weapon training was needed.

---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---

"Karan Sir kaise hain?" Koel asked, sitting down on the bed.

Faizi pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her waist. He smiled at her a little, nodding. "He's fine ab", he said. "Kaafi better."

"That's great." She gently slid her hand over his, eyeing him. "Tum kaise ho? Anything you want to talk about?"

"Nahi. Hum theek hain." He squeezed her hand. "Kuchh... cheezen samajh aayi hume jo hum jaante the, par shayad... darr rahe the accept karne se." She tilted her head. His grip tightened on her. "Hum... Hum tumhe khona nahi chahte. Hum tumhaare... tumhaare saath rehna chahte hain." He looked at her hopefully. "That is... agar tum... tum bhi rehna chahti ho."

She leaned up, pressing her lips to his. "Tum buddhu ho agar tumhe lagta hai main naa bolungi", she muttered.

He smiled at her. "I love you."

Her smile widened. "I love you too", she admitted quietly. "I really missed you. Mujhse ab... ab aise door mat jaana."

"I am sorry", he said. He pulled her closer, kissing her head. "Maaf kar do?"

She leaned up, kissing his lips softly. "Of course", she said. She snuggled closer to him, sighing happily. He kissed her head, content with having her in his arms. He had missed her.

---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---

His muscles were screaming. Karan paused, leaning on his brother, and the older male patted his shoulder a little. "Koi naa", Param said soothingly. "Thoda sa bacha hai." He nodded, taking a deep breath and pushing himself to walk.

Monami had, much to Karan's dismay, kept him in the trauma room, for another night. But she had finally let him go to his room in the morning, on the condition that he would do absolutely no field work and would take it easy. He had dismissed the offer of a wheelchair but he hadn't factored in muscle soreness. Apparently, coagulants resulted in muscle soreness. Wasn't that just excellent? He wanted to sit down and sleep in the hallway floor. Why was his room so far?

"Wh-Wheelchair is s-still an o-option", Monami piped in, gesturing to the empty device she was pushing.

He shot it a distasteful look. "I would rather crawl", he said. He hated wheelchairs. Loathed them. They reminded him of his brother's amputation and the misery on his face when he had no option but to use it. He would rather stay away.

"Karan ko wheelchairs nahi pasand", Faizi explained.

"Sir ko wh-wheelchair n-nahi p-pasand. Sir ko d-dawaai nahi p-pasand. S-Sir ko patta g-gobhi nahi p-pasand. Sir ko apna kh-khayal r-rakhna nahi p-pasand", she quipped. "Bas kisi ki b-baat n-naa s-sunna p-pasand hai. Hai, na?" Faizi and Param chuckled.

"Bas karo, Monami. Kitna taunt karogi? Parso se taunt hi kare jaa rahi ho. Bas karo", Karan complained.

She narrowed her eyes. "Aa-Aarti utaaroon ph-phir?" She shook her head. "Th-Thoda sa b-bacha hai", she soothed. "You can r-rest ph-phir."

Faizi opened the door, and Karan sat down heavily on his bed, taking a deep breath. Monami was by his side the next instant, gently prompting him to lay down. He obeyed happily, closing his eyes. He wanted to sleep now.

"Faizi Sir", Monami said, and he opened his eyes, finding her handing his best friend some tablets. His lip curled in distaste. Great. "Yeh kh-khaane ke b-baad. P-Painkiller hai. M-Minimum do b-baar. M-Maximum teen b-baar. Yeh b-bole ki n-nahi hai d-dard phir bhi do b-baar toh d-deni hai." She turned to Karan, narrowing her eyes. He shot her a thumbs up. He didn't have the energy to argue. She turned back to Faizi. "K-Kuchh bhi c-concerning lage, pl-please aa j-jaana. Inka k-koi bh-bharosa n-nahi."

"Hum dhyaan rakhenge", Faizi assured.

"A-Apna bhi r-rakhna", she said sternly. He nodded. "Main ch-chalti hoon ph-phir. I h-have some homework to c-catch up."

She turned away. She paused, staring at Karan's desk. He followed her gaze. Him and Baby. His gaze drifted back to her. She had stared at it a couple of times but she had never asked and he hadn't offered too much information after he had found out. She glanced at Param, before walking out of the door. His gaze followed her out of the room till she was no longer visible.

"Bas, bas, Chhote, kitna dekhega use?" Param teased.

Karan's gaze snapped to him. "Sone do mujhe", he muttered, closing his eyes. He felt the warmth of a blanket engulf him and then someone sitting down next to him, running a hand soothingly through his hair. His brother. Under the warm blanket, with his brother's hand in his hair and the exhaustion from his tiring walk, he had no trouble falling asleep.

---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---

"Sir ji kaise hain?" Sanju asked, looking at his sleeping form.

"Theek hai ab", Faizi said. "Suno, humne humaare kamre ka taala change kar diya hai. Ab humaare aur Karan ke alaawa iss kamre ki chaabi kisi ke paas nahi hai. Spare key ek Param Bhaiya ko de denge." He held out another. "Aur ek tum rakho. Dhyaan rakhna iska."

"Ji, Sir ji", she said. "Aap ko kuchh pata chalo?"

He shook his head. She sighed. "Hum kya soch rahe the... cadets ki weapon training shuru karte hain." Her eyebrows raised. "Tumhe kya lagta hai?"

She tilted her head. Guns made the cadets feel powerful and it was thus, mostly introduced at a slightly later stage when the arrogance had been worked out of them, or at least, most of them. But their team cadets... she nodded. "Woh sambhaal lenge, Sir ji."

"Hume bhi yeh hi lagta hai", he said. "Aur Karan ko bhi koi dikkat nahi. Hum aaj Batra Sir se baat karte hain phir."

Sanju hesitated. "Sir ji... aapko woh warehouse yaad hogo?" Faizi tilted his head. "Woh hi jo Rahul ne bataayo tha? Jo jungle ke beech mein tha? Aapko aur Karan Sir ji ko jaana tha par aap jaa nahi paaye the?"

"Haan", he said. "Hum toh bhool hi gaye the. Jaane ka mauka hi nahi mila uske baad."

"Hum jaakar dekh aato hain."

Faizi shook his head. "Akele nahi", he warned. "Hum chalenge tumhaare saath. Kal parso mein chalte hain." He rubbed his forehead. "Hum uss warehouse ko kaise bhool gaye?"

"Aap aur Karan Sir ji kaafi busy rehto hain", she said soothingly. "Aap bhi thoda aaram kijiye. Itna kaam karenge, toh aap bhi bimaar ho jaayenge."

He nodded. "Hopefully uss warehouse mein kuchh mile", he muttered. "We don't really have leads."

Sanju stared at Karan's sleeping form. They didn't really have much to go on. And the spy... he had sneaked into their room and slipped a poison in. Would they really be able to stop him if he decided to attack again?

---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---

"Is the meeting tomorrow a continuation?" Sid asked.

Sanju hummed, nodding as she made the coffee. After much prompting, Sid had confessed that the coffee was a tad bit too sweet for his taste. And so, she was determined to make one that was just perfect. "Haan", she said. "Tum logon ko poori baat bata naa paayo the, na? Isliye." He hummed. She poured the milk in the cup, before handing it to him. "Pee", she said, staring at him expectantly.

He smiled, taking a sip. "Achhi hai."

"Sach sach bata. Kuchh kami hai?"

He hesitated. "Thodi... zyaada strong hai", he admitted. She sighed. "Par achhi hai. I needed strong coffee. Bahut saara kaam hai aaj." He leaned closer, and she took a step back, holding a hand out. He merely smiled, leaning back. "You want?" He held it out.

She accepted it, taking a sip. It was too bitter for her. She handed it back.

"Tum theek ho?" He asked. "Thoda... pareshaan lag rahi ho."

"Kuchh nahi. Bas... Karan Sir ji ko lekar hi thoda..." She sighed. 'Aur spy.' But she couldn't complete the sentence now, could she?

He clutched her hand. "Woh theek hain ab", he said. She nodded. "Is it related to the things jo tum mujhe nahi bata sakti?" She nodded again. He kept the mug down, grabbing her other hand too. "Jo bhi hai, sab sort ho jaayega."

She stared at him. She snaked her arms around him, hesitantly resting her head on his chest. He wrapped his hands around her, gently rubbing her back. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. Everything will be okay. It has to be.

---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---

Karan stared at them, resting his head on the wall. He had slept for the past 4 hours. He was still drowsy. He wanted to go back to sleep.

"Karan", Param said and he looked at him. "Sona hai toh so jaa. Painkillers se neend aati hai."

"Aur filter bhi off ho jaata hai", Faizi teased.

He didn't quite have the strength to glare at him. At least, Monami hadn't brought it up. And he was too embarrassed to even apologize. "Thodi der mein meeting hai", he muttered. "Dobara so gaya toh uske liye nahi jaa paaunga." He rubbed his eyes, sighing. "Sab taiyaar ho gaya meeting ke liye?"

"Haan, Sir ji", Sanju said. She hesitated. "Sir ji... hume Sanket keh raho tha kuchh din pehle ki woh jo signal hogo, na? Jo Laxman ke murder ke time hume uske phone se Delhi mein milo tha? Woh keh raho tha ki woh use trace karne ki koshish kar raho hai. Hum kaa soch raho the ki... Siddharth ko uss kaam par laga deto hain."

"Sanket abhi tak woh kar raha hai?" Karan asked. She nodded. He hummed. "Kar sakte hain."

"Hum aur Sanju kal warehouse dekhne bhi jaayenge", Faizi said.

He blinked. Warehouse? "Arey haan", he muttered. "Use toh bhool hi gaya tha. Woh hi waala, na, jo Rahul ne bataaya tha?" Faizi nodded. He wanted to go too, but he doubted he would be able to even get the words out before he would have the angry birds squawking at him. It was better to shut up and rest. Speaking of rest, his bed looked so welcoming.

"So jaa, Karan", Param said.

He looked at him, yawning. "Aadhe ghante mein utha dena", he conceded, falling to his bed and drifting off before his head had even hit the pillow.

Faizi chuckled, shaking his head. "Itne time se jo yeh raat ko dhang se so nahi raha tha, sabki kasar poori ho jaayegi", he said.

"Achhi baat hai", Param said. "Tum log kal hi warehouse jaakar check karna. Jitna late hoga, utna kam chances hain ki kuchh mile. It's probably already cleaned up but it's worth a try."

He hoped the cadets would eventually have something to offer. They needed more information. He looked at the door. They needed just a few more things. A few more pieces and the puzzle would fall into place. He hoped.

---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---

Monami stared at the trainers with wide eyes. Was this a joke? A mock mission? Some sort of training? No way there was a literal spy in the academy. Right? Her eyes darted to Karan. No amusement, no observing eyes, just dead seriousness. Nope. They were serious.

It all made sense. The spy was the one who had poisoned Karan. Her jaw clenched. She just wanted a syringe and a few minutes with the spy. She would make him rest up... real good.

"Iss room mein jo log hain, unke alaawa kisi ko nahi pata ki academy mein ek spy hai", Param said. Her eyes darted back to him. "Not with any certainty, at least. And it should stay that way. Galti se bhi tumhaare muh se yeh nahi nikalna chahiye. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Sir", they echoed.

"You guys will be our eyes and ears. Kuchh bhi suspicious dikhe, sune, tell us. Chhoti si chhoti baat jo strange lage, report. Baat desh ki security ki hai."

"Monami, aaj se you'll work in the dispensary", Faizi continued. "Hear what the patients are saying. Strike up a conversation." A conversation? She nodded nervously. "Chitra, tumhe hum kuchh agents ki list denge. Unka social media achhe se check karo. Whatever you find inconsistent or suspicious, report. Bala, grapevine. Tumhe already academy ke baare mein kaafi pata hota hai. Agents ke baare mein pata karo."

"Ho jaayega, Sir ji", Bala said, a smirk spreading over his face. He liked collecting information.

"Parikshit, Prem ji, hum aap dono ko kuchh cameras ka access denge. Aap observe karenge kuchh specific agents ko. Hum aapko instruct kar denge kinhe." They nodded. "Koel, Suman ji, aap dono workers se baat karenge. Is that clear, everyone?"

Sid raised his hand. "Main?"

"Tumhaare liye humaare paas ek tech ka kaam hai", Param said. Sid looked away from him, keeping his eyes on the others. He jerked his head down.

"I hope tum log yeh sab kaam sincerely karoge", Karan said. Everyone's eyes darted to him. It was the first thing he had spoken since the meeting had started. "It's not a mock mission. It's not an exercise. Cadets, this is your glimpse into the real missions. This is your chance to prove yourselves. Do your best."

"Yes, Sir!"

---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---

"Kh-Khaana kha l-liya, na, aa-aapne?" Monami asked. She injected the coagulant, pressing a cotton against his skin.

He sighed. "Haan", he muttered.

Her gaze lifted up. She sat down next to him, and he looked at her. "Anything y-you w-want to t-talk about?"

He glanced at the door. Closed. "You know about the spy now", he said quietly. Her eyes darkened. "I am... I am just so mad at him. And... main use naa pakad paa raha, naa uske baare mein kuchh jaan paa raha hoon. And that makes me frustrated." He sighed. "I know inn sab clues mein se jo humaare paas hai, yeh hi eventually mujhe uss spy ke paas lekar jaayenge. Par... I can't see it abhi. I am so blind and it's making me so angry. He murdered my informer. He poisoned me. He is tainting my academy. And I can't see the clues. And ab... I can't even work. Main exercise nahi kar sakta. I am confined to this... stupid bed." He ran a hand through his hair.

He closed his eyes, rubbing his face tiredly. She gently touched his arm, and he opened his eyes, peeking through. "You'll g-get h-him", she said quietly. "And y-you'll make h-him p-pay for e-everything."

He stared into her eyes. They didn't waver, holding his gaze. He took in a shaky breath, nodding. "Yeah. Yeah. We will." She smiled at him, holding out some tablets. He sighed, accepting it. He quickly gulped it down, making a face. "Kadwi", he complained.

She chuckled. "At l-least you w-won't be h-high with th-these", she said.

He froze. "Uhhh... Yeah. About that..." He cleared his throat.

She stood up. "You sh-should rest. Aa-Aap j-jitna rest k-karoge, utni j-jaldi th-theek ho j-jaaoge."

"Wait", he said. He grabbed her wrist, gently tugging till she sat back down. "I am sorry. Mujhe..." He fiddled with his hands. "Mujhe woh sab nahi bolna chahiye tha." He looked away. "I hope... tum... tum zyaada uncomfortable nahi hui hogi." Who was he kidding? Of course she was uncomfortable. Why wouldn't she be?

"It's o-okay", she assured. "You d-don't have to a-apologize. Bahut l-log kuchh b-bhi bol d-dete hain jab woh h-high h-hote hain. P-Pata hai? Ek b-baar... ek p-patient ne m-mujhe unki n-newly m-married granddaughter se c-confuse kar liya jab w-woh h-high the. And... unhone mujhe 's-sada s-suhaagan' rehne ka aa-aashirvaad de diya. S-Sid ne mera b-bahut m-mazaak u-udhaaya phir." He chuckled lightly. "So d-don't worry." She stood up again. "Aa-Aap so j-jaaiye. Rest k-kijiye. Kal m-milte hain." He hummed, following her with his gaze as she walked out.

'Bahut l-log kuchh b-bhi bol d-dete hain jab woh h-high h-hote hain.'

'Kuchh bhi nahi, jo dil mein hai, woh hi bolte ho. Tum ab bhi yeh deny karoge ki tumhe lagta hai woh pretty hai?'

He shook his head. He laid down, pulling the blanket over himself. No, he couldn't let those thoughts stay too long into his head. Monami was his cadet, his friend. That was it and that was all it was ever going to be.