AR FF season 2 - Welcome Back !Updt[Part 3 & 4] - Page 3

Thank You for the wonderful responses..
I hope the story interesting 😊..

Today is my son's birthday so I am a little busy but will surly update by wednesday !

Wow its amazing Shanti. Enjoyed a lot. Waiting for the next chapter.

No problem we can wait .. Please wish you son from our side!

wah shanti what a treat dear/.......loving it wil reply aaraam se phir

Originally posted by: shanti05

PART 2

Later that night, Ragini was busy finishing of the medical notes, looking up and outside the window she noticed it started pouring heavily and in no time there was heavy downpour with thunder and lightening...

Removing her glasses and keep it on the table she walked up and stood to one side of the window..Luckily the UPS (uninterrupted power supply) /generator was on .. , since the heavy Delhi rains always followed by a blackout for atleast half hour. And blackout was not so good for Ragini, she would be terrified......she will be a doctor soon , but sometimes somethings scare you don't they..

Remembering that day

Anmol stood by the entrance of the out house with a candle. Ragini had tried to make him go home, but he wasn't going to leave her all alone in a dark house. Dada, Dadi and jai were out for a while,at the near by temple....

Jai had come down for a break finishing his 11^th exams...and came down to spend time with Dada , Dadi and his lovely di...

He knew she was afraid of the dark. If he couldn't fulfill all his promises, he would at least keep her safe and unafraid. At this point the winds were picking up and it looked like a big rain storm was coming. He began to shiver slightly. "I hope she's okay in there", he thought to himself. The candle light began to flicker furiously with the wind.

The thunder roared in the dark sky making Ragini flinch. The light flashed through the window, shadows of invisible objects lurked here and there. But she swallowed her fears and looked out the window. She watched her best friend Anmol shivering in the cold. She couldn't stand it when he was so stubborn. She practically begged him to go back, but of course he wouldn't. He was so he'll bent in keeping her happy that he never thought of himself. A frown etched on her face at the thought. She was afraid that quality of his would cost him one day that was tomorrow he was leaving I need to let him go his opportunity his dream of being a pilot, and he's here in the wet weather. What if he neglected himself too much for her?

Half an hour passed, she still sat by the window and he still stood outside. Suddenly rain drops began to shower down vigorously. Anmol's candle went out. His clothes soaked through with water. "Damn! Where am I going to get light from now?" As he thought of what to do next a pair of hands pulled him inside portico of the house. , the wind was still blowing and she rushed in the hall with him finally away from the wet weather secure inside..

"Are you crazy? Why were you still standing in the rain?", Ragini asked flaring her nostrils and adjusting her glasses. "Oh wait! I forgot that Anmol Sareen does what he wants no matter how stupid it is. Look at how wet you are. Don't complain to me when you get sick. Kal jana hai aur tum essay ho !!"

She took off her dupatta and began to wipe his face and neck with it. She was blabbering non stop about how irresponsible he was, while Anmol stared at her trough eyes that had a spark in them. There was a lop sided grin on his face.

Ragini dropped her dupatta and moved her hands to unbutton his shirt. "You'll get a cold in these wet clothes", she said as she undid his buttons. She wondered why he was so silent and looked up at him. He looked at her with an intense passion that she had seen in his eyes before. They have been close for more then time can tell they shared every incident, they laughed and cried to the silliest things...,

but now his closeness and those gazes was something she was imagining she thought to herself..'

Suddenly the room temperature felt hotter than it was. Ragini cleared her throat and took her hands of his shirt. He grabbed her hand and rested it on his chest.
☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️
"Kya hua? Rukh kyun Gaye? "

Ragini felt the blood rush to her face. Thank god it was dark enough for him not to see her blush.

"Anmol thumhey thand lag jaeyge na isilye maine soccha..."

He put his finger on her lips and whispered, "Chup, bilkul chup."

For an instant she was lost in his eyes. A few stray stands off hair were dripping with water. She automatically ran her fingers through his wet hair. He closed his eyes in response. Slowly she she moved her hands moved to feel the rugged cheek...

"No! Don't go!", Ragini blabbered without thinking.
"But you said your not scared."

"I did, but I didn't mean about the dark.", "I meant '.."

"Ragini , bolo na kuch....please Ragini..I know I didn't tell you earlier..Ragini..."
☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️

( I must say ragini's dream is rocking 😉😆 ❤️)

"Ragini Ragini , he started tapping her cheeks, "the power is back and my hair is all dry thanks for the towel .You'll miss me na bolo yaar....Ragini ...yaar 7 month will fly so fast..."

Still leaning against the window panel she watched the rain drops make its way down the tiny stream on the road. A smile on her lips followed by a tear rolled out of her eye..,Hearing her dadi call she quickly she wiped the corner of her eye..

"Beta Ragini , Its very late, go to bed.. Tomorrow you have to get up early for hospital ..

"Haan dadi I was just closing the window...and getting to bed.." she replied to her concern granny..

"Kal Anmol bhi wapas aa raha hai Binni is happy ...", she kept blabbering as she pulled the door behind her.

Removing her glasses and lying down on her cozy bed .. she looked up at the ceiling and slowly closed her eyes, leaving a smile on her face.. what was she thinking.. about Anmol and what would she say...

The dawn of a new day arrived...

Sitting on the twin bed in his room he bent down to tie his shoe laces,he started with the right one followed by the left, when there was a bang on the door...

"Yaar Anmol we are running late, last bus is waiting the driver honked twice already , the flight is leaving in an hour "

It was Vikram his roommate who also happened to be his friend from high school..They had spent 5 good years together, he went ahead to do aeronautical engineering but fascination for planes and to the air force pulled him to the same base as Anmol...All these months they were together..Many a times they were competing with each other, be it vigorous marathon, swimming or flying practices..

Anmol and Vikram were neck to neck in all play , competitive spirit and enthusiasm kept them going these months away from home and family.

They were both returning to their homes to start of their journey as fighter plane pilots which was their passion...

Finally after tying his shoe lace he stood up adjusted his Narrow blue gray nylon belt with chrome plated IAF crest on belt buckle. , walking up to the dresser he quickly brushed his hair and flung the brush right into his duffel bag. Then taking a final look at his clean shaven face, he picked up his Peak Cap/Navy Blue turban with authorized turban badges and adjusted to sit in place. Taking quick steps towards his duffel bag still on the floor, bushed the brush which was popping out and pulled the zipper and tossed it behind his shoulder and eventually opened the door..

"Sorry yaar, I had to make one last dive in the pool .. last day here and I needed to chill out ..", he apologized , he took a few steps ahead and closed the door behind him and they both took quick steps and hurried down the stairs and caught the bus waiting for them in time..

"Anmol you are the last guy to jump in for the ride , another minute and I would have left.., "came the troop commander.

"Sorry Sir ," saluting to him, Anmol pushed his bag on the carrier above his seat and occupied the one last window seat available. The seating were limited and single window seating arrangements on either side.

Resting his back on the seats head rest he took a breath, his cap tilted to cover his forehead..Home sweet home ..closing is eyes he gasped, for a few minutes till the bus halted with a jerk of forcefully applying the break, and shifting him a bit from the seat.

The guys pulled out their duffel bags and anmol set his cap right and picked up his bag , and following the rest of the troop they thumped their way to board the plane, which was waiting to depart with these 10 newly become lieutenants.

Meanwhile at home the alarm is buzzing....... a hand comes out of the duvet and hits the alarm clock to shut it.and she got back to her sleep.. It's 7 already Ragini get up don't you have to go to the hospital aur phir shayaam ko ... Anmol is coming Radhika and Binni are going you want to go....."

Peeping her head out from the duvet with a good amount of looks at the clock "Baap rey I am late for hospital ," she took the claw clip from the bedside and bundled her hair clipped it and went to the wash room, quickly brushed her teeth and simultaneously switched on the shower..

Stepped into the shower and quickly got out in pink bath robe..

Walking to the cupboard she opened it wide and removed a beautiful green color Lucknow kurti, a similar shaded slip and a pair of skinny jeans.. She preferred this dressing as the hospital was a hectic job and any thing comfortable is what she always went with. Removing her bath robe she picked up her slip , followed by her kurti and then pushed her legs through her jeans finally picked up her glasses which were usually placed at the side table before she goes to bed.

Then she quickly wore her mojaris the most comfortable for her feet. Walking to the dressing table , she pulled opened the drawer , and removed a bunch of photographs. Many pictures were taken before he left. They took a few together. He looks adorably at his family picture , she kept a copy of that.

Scanning through them again her eyes caught the one which they took pictures she is eating an apple...sitting on the counter top and he making "V"ears for her...

Visualizing it in front of her....

She'd forgotten her phone and only called once a night to talk to her dada & dadi..Jai was there too for a break finishing his 11^th exams...and came down to spend time with Dada , Dadi and his lovely di...

Anmol walked into the kitchen just as his mother was cooking. He gave his mom a bear hug,and they had a head knock.. Ragini was there chatting with Radhika...She was telling her that the rectal exams are the worst punishment someone gets during internship. And thankfully she hasn't got it as a punishment but a part of her routine duty usually only one a month..They both had a good laugh

"So good to have you home Ragini" Radhika said. "Too bad that you're home coming ties in with Anmol's departure."

"Anmol's departure" Ragini asked as she bit into an apple and sat on the counter.

Jai who also had come to greet them took some pictures for his collection,

"Anmol dont't crash into any planes ", jai was teasing him as they posed...and wished Anmol and hurried out...

"Oh, that's right you don't know do you?"Binni dadi added. "Anmol got an his training call"

"What?" Ragini said.

"Anmol why don't you explain," Radhika suggested.

As she turned around, Anmol could not only see the shock in her eyes but her anger as well.

The rest of the day she avoided him and deliberately stayed away from him she was off from her duty. Anmol too got distracted in packing.

It was that day and now....

The phone on the table was buzzing its usual ringtone..

Still in her thoughts she ignore for a few seconds and finally got to pick it up.

"Hello ragini yaar I am waiting down my scooty is loosing its gas.. jaldi aoo Dr Gill will take our class if we are late" Rashmi yelled on the phone..

"Ha ha sorry I am just coming ", she picked up her files and placed it in her laptop bag and hurried down to the living room

"Ragini beta take your lunch", came a call from dadi...

"And you are going to the airport to receive Anmol na", dadi questioned!!

"Dadi I want to go...I hope Dr. Gill spears me...", she went around her dadaji and hugged him "

"Bye dadu !" and grabbed a banana from the fruit stand and walked out of the door,

A pillion ride on Rashmi's scooter was like sharing the road or carpooling..

They took turns driving the scooter, and Ragini wanted to give Rashmi a break!!

"Today the wait is over... , " she told as they parked the scooter..

Removing her helmet Rashmi looked at Ragini's twinkled eyes, which were slightly moist, though its hard to read behind those glasses...

"Wow you must be excited, airport jana hai.."Rashmi pulled her closer as they walked to the entrance of the hospital..

"Pata nahi if I get free from all my duties and Dr. Gill lets me go.. Internship final year phew , no chain ki saans"

"Arrey no worries yaar after all to meet your dear friend Anmol you can get excused ", Rashimi teased..

Sitting in his seat as the plane took off into the air, he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. He'd been away from home for seven months. For seven months he was undergoing vigorous training. For seven months he slept on a twin bed which took time for him to adjust as it was way to hard for him, but he had no choice, and the food in the mess was good but maa ka khana he missed.

For the seven months day or night any time for him flying the most advanced aircraft in the country is only one of the many responsibilities associated with a career as an Air Force pilot. Your leadership skills and character are of paramount importance as you take charge of training and commanding crews to accomplish missions. This was great for him, an experience in getting trained to use them and fly over the country drop down the bombs at enemy target.

They were isolated from the real world and less communication due to rules and security reasons..therefore emails and phone calls were very few.

Vikram who was sitting next to him was busy reading the newspaper Heavy rains in delhi in the past 24 hours. Road traffic blocked , black out at many places..."

hearing "heavy rains.. "Anmol Remembering that day '.

Anmol had gotten the call just three days before and he was quite apprehensive even though it was always his dream to fly... He'd signed up for the Air Force Training camp, never really thinking that they'd call him due to tough competition, much to the dislike of his father due to reasons he is still unaware of.... When he received the call there was only one thought on his mind Ragini. How was he going to tell her? Of course it didn't help matters that she was away in a med camp ...and busy with her internship year,

Her angry eyes were still fresh infront of her...How can he forget that day....

It was late in the evening when he finally sneaked into the Sharma residence to see Ragini. It was quite dark and the light drizzle had started...He came out with his a candle as he could'nt trace the torch due to the power failure..

"Ragini," he called.

She looked at him and instantly wiped her tears.

"What do you want?" she asked bluntly.

"We need to talk," he said as he closed gate behind him.

"What's there left to say? You've decided that you're leaving. You didn't feel it necessary to tell me. So go'just go," she said.

"Don't be like that Ragini," Anmol requested.

"Please Anmol go away " she insisted....and he started dripping in rain..

"Anmol , Anmol, where are you lost.."....came a jerk from Vikram

"Yaar I am talking from so long you seem to be lost somewhere...." Vikram grumbled again..

And for seven months, he missed her. His best friend...

To be continued...

Please let me know if you liked it.. I am getting the characters in place .. There is quite back and forth in the above portion so making it seem like thoughts going through the characters mind...

I will continue in a few days time....

one word- AWESOME! plz continue soon!

Thank you Poonam and Amitoz for your feed back!!
I am writing the next part will post it soon, My laptop crashed but I was able to get all the stuff especially the data !!

@Poonam yaar Anmol is totally in love wit aircrafts so he dose'nt see beyond that 😉 lets see who he falls in love with
Ragini ka dil to pagl hai !!😉

PART 3

Excited about her son's arrival Radhika called chutki to help her clean up Anmol's room. She took the room key from the key holder, where it was placed all this while and climbed up the flight of stairs with chutki following her with a duster, broom and dustpan.

With a slight force she opened the door. The wood must have expanded due to the change in weather and that has caused the door to warp.. She walked in and asked Chutki to dust the study table, the lamp shade the side table, the head rest and finally his closet door.

Towards the bed side was his Bose Music system wall mounted with 4 speakers around the room to give a surround sound, Anmol loves music and he had a CD tower consisting all genre of music, soft songs of the 80 and 90, hard rock Areosmith, Pink Floyd ( his uncles collection) Savage Garden, and loves songs from the recent years. He divided his collection into English and Hindi. The hindi collection consisted of many for the 90's and the 2000. Most of them were his mothers choices since she was a big music fan especially hindi music.

Walking towards the study table, she opened the drawer and pulled out a picture frame.

Taking the end of her pallu she wiped the frame to see the picture of her handsome son.. A mothers eyes longing to see her son had reached its peak as it was 7 months since she had last seen him. This was the first picture he sent soon after he took with a mig 52 aircraft. He looked really smart and handsome holding his pilot helmet in one hand and wearing his uniform. To Mom with Love Anmol was inked in the corner.

"Maa ji Bhiyya wil be back today na you must be really happy", chutki said looking at Radhika's teary eyes.

"Yes , I am so happy he is coming back, a mother always misses her child, and Anmol is my ladla beta , the precious one..", she smiled wiping her tears with her index finger and ordered chutki to finish dusting.

While arranging his books and his other stuff on the table, she came across a box of mini planes..

"Hey Mrs. Radhika Sareen , Aaj say you will be called Lieutenant Anmol Sareen's mother Radhika Sareen and I will bring a small plane for your collection . Till then keep looking at all these planes I have collected with the pocket money you gave me for helping with the many chores all these years"

"Maa ji what shall I do with these clothes, " there was no response, Chutki called again "Maa Ji "

"O yes Chutki what did you say", she asked as she was lost in her thoughts a little while ago before the interruption.

She asked Chutki to place it in the drawer and remove the old bed spread and replace it with new fresh linen

The sheets where well tucked in.. and chutki showed it to Radhika who appreciated her efforts

"Always maaji bhiyya is coming back he needs his room neat and tidy and I am sure he missed it for these many months."

Chutki took the old sheets and put it in the laundry basket , while Radhika opened his closet , she pulled out his shirt and stood in front of the mirror. This was the shirt which he got when he won first place in the first level of airforce academy training. There were only 10 candidates from Delhi out of which Anmol stood first and got his conformation for the training he left 7 months back.

She turned it around and looked at it again with a smile of a proud mom.

"Radhika Radhika , did you finish sauteing the vegetables(saabzi) and curry, shall I make the dough and keep??" came a call from the kitchen.

As excited Radhika was equally excited Binni daadi was. She wanted to make sure her grandson would get nice warm food on his return thinking about what all he got to eat thought the food in the academy wasn't that bad

Quickly shutting the closet she picked up the duster, while Chutki who was just finishing off the sweeping and mopping of the floor picked up the laundry basket and both walked out and down the stairs to the first floor.

"Maa I have made the saabzi, all we need to get is the rotis done, she said as she cleared up the dinning area and looking at the clock. Couple of hours were till to go but it seemed forever in al the excitement.

She had to inform the kids. There were about 6 kids coming this evening for tuition and she needed to inform them that she has canceled the class for this evening. Taking the cordless she looked into the address book and made successive calls to inform that the class his canceled for the evening.

"Vijay what time is Anmol's flight arriving?" asked Radhika, clearing up all the papers scattered in the living room

"I have'nt seen the time yet, you were the one who spoke to him yesterday I thought you had written it down..", he muttered...as he was busy on his laptop making his presentation for his next class.

Radhika then went up to the phone table and pulled out a sheet of paper "Its coming at 5 pm , flight 246".

Turning to Vijay she sat on the chair next to him. "Did you inform at campus that you will not be coming today?" she asked looking at Vijay still at home . He would be out by now to IIT and return sometime in the evening.

Vijay informed her that he had a substitute covering up for him since he had only two lectures today and was off for the remaining day.

"Thats good at least then we wouldn't have to wait for you and now all of us can go to the airport." she was delighted as they all had gone when Anmol left 7 months back, and now again the proud parents are going to receive him.

Vijay kept his hand on hers assuring her that he is equally happy that his son is coming back.

"Arrey Sharada is Ragini coming to the airport?? she promised me that she will come ", Binni was busy talking to Ragini's grandma..

On the other side Sharada informed her that Ragini said she would try to make it , finish her work at the hospital and come directly to the airport. She wants to surprise Anmol and hope it can all happen.

"Ok Sharada, I hope Ragini can make it.. O I am soo excited that Anmol is coming back, and I know you are also equally excited. We should celebrate once he comes back", and she hung up nd informed Radhika about Ragin's coming

Meanwhile at the hospital, "Ragini why don't you take permission from Dr. Gill and go, you don't have any patients to check upon and I can cover up for you .. ", Rashimi suggested as they both were siting in the cafeteria and having their lunch..

Ragini finishing off her last bite of her sandwich " hmm yaar I want to go Binni dadi told me to come defiantly I don't want to diss point her.., lets see, O my buzzer is calling, and so is yours we need to be I the OT for viewing and recording lets go"

Both quickly left the cafeteria and went to their cubical and walked to the OT.

Dr, Gill was getting ready for his surgery , while the interns where suppose to sit in the viewing area to write down the notes. Today Ragini was suppose tp assist Dr. Gill , but he had already assigned another intern so Ragini was asked to jot down the notes and procedures and the operation progressed. ..

The clock was ticking and the interns were busy observing the way Dr. Gill was making the insertions by taking the necessary instruments . The monitors where being also observed to write down the ECG level, and the different peaks it reaches during the surgery. Finally after 45 minutes the surgery was over. Dr, Gill came out and went to the wash room an assistant helped him to remove his surgical gown and his mouth piece and keep it aside .

"Sir excuse me , " came Ragini rushing holding her file and pen.

"Actualy I need to talk to you,"she looked at him as he was washinh his hand.

"Dr. Sharma , meet me in my room in 5 minutes, I need to finishing seeing the patient chart I will be there. " he ordered setting his hair right.

Ragini nodded her head and made way for him to leave.

Rashmi who followed Ragini out pulled her aside , " Ragini this is your chance the surgery went on well you go to his cabin and ask him for permission. Ragini go now ",

Ragini removed her glasses and wiped it with a tissue and from the table top and looked at Rashmi worriedly "I hope he agrees, I told Binni dadi I will come, I kinda promised also..",

"And your best friend is coming a haaa..", Rashmi gave her an elbow knock which almost made Ragini drop her glasses.. and she looked a little angry at her.

Walking quickly through the corridor both stopped near Dr. Gills cabin. Ragini straightened her dress gave her file to Rashmi and was about to go inside when Rashmi pulled her hand..

"Ok listen give me a thumbs up if he okeys it, now go " and she gives her a small push

knocking at the door she asks for permission to enter.

"Please come in Dr. Sharma. ". pausing a bit he continued "So did you get to jolt down everything from today's surgery ??" he got his glasses down a bit and looked at her.

"Dr. Gill I have everything written down.. and finished up with my rounds in the morning", she replies standing with her hands behind her.

Phone rings and he excuses himself and talks to someone who wanted to confirm the surgeries . He gave him the details and procedures.

After hanging up he started flipping through some patient documents, Ragini was still standing there. She looked thought the glass portion of the door where Rashimi was indicating her to ask now ..

Turning back to Dr. Gill and clearing her throat "Excuse me Sir I want to take your permission, I need the rest of the day off, actually evening ", looking at her watch remembering its almost 4 pm.

"Dr. Ragini, but you have to look at the patient in the NICU at 5 pm and note down the improvement , " looking at the duties of all the interns for today.

She informed that the child is doing well and the required medications has already been given . All that needs to be dine is take the temperature and note down the readings.

"So who is going to take care of that ?", he looked up again through is glasses !

At once the door opened and an impatient Rashmi rushed in..She stood next to Ragini and started " Dr. Gill I will cover up for her. I have 3 patients to check on in the NICU so I will take care of Ragini's also"

Dr Gill looked at both of them and finally removing his glasses and keeping it on the table and siting back and holding his hands he gave his reply "Alright Dr. Sharma you may leave and I want an update f the patient frst things tomorrow morning !"

A broad smile ran across their face and they looked at each other , Ragini thanked Dr. Gill and they both walked out from his cabin happily.

"Rashimi thanks for covering up for me, "she held her hand and acknowledged.

"Areey Ragini com on ! You don't have to say thanks, you know I could do anything to see that you are able to go na, so thats it !!, now quickly go get your stuff, and listen take my scooty, you can go faster, ".Ragini nodded, and they walked to their cubical,

She removed her lap coat and put it in the locker, with her stereoscope , closed her laptop and put it in her bag. Got her phone out and Rashmi gave her the keys to the scooty .

"Chal I am going I will see you tomorrow ," she gives her a peck on her cheek and rushed down the stairs to the parking lot.

Removing the helmet she wore it to sit firmly on her head , hug her bag in front and placed her mobile in the front pouch. Mobile rings , "Hello Ragini are you coming to the airport, I tried a couple of times earlier , but it was switched off, " came the voice form the otherside

"Ji dadi I was in the O, I saw the missed calls was about to call but you called back,I am on my way I wil meet you and Uncle aunty at the airport. " she confirmed and hung up.

Off she drove.....

Meanwhile sitting back he placed the earplugs in and rotated the disc to choose his song on the Ipod . The air hostess was done taking away the food tray so he pushed back the tray table and closed his eyes listening to one of his all time favorite Bryan adman everything I do I do it for you. He did love soft love songs with a pinch of hard rock..

On the other hand Vikram who was sitting next to him was flipping through the sky shop magazine and wonder what he could buy. But to be frank the sky shop magazine products are way to expensive compare to what you get in the store so he finally shut it and pushed back to relax.

They had about a hour before landing.

Meanwhile at the traffic light Ragini's mobile buzzed.. She picked it up and saw

"Reminder !! return books at the libraray !!, Today is the last day !!"

O no she told herself, the books at the library as it was due today, looking at the watch she had about 45 minutes and the air port was a little out of the way from the library, calculating the time she decided that she would first finish with the drop off of the books and then proceed to the airport.

She took a U turn and drove through a short cut to the library. Parking her bike she took out the books and placed it in the drop box !

Mean while Radhika , and Binni dadi all dressed up walked out of the house, Vijay was already sitting in the car waiting for them. He got out and opened the door for Binni dadi while Radhika took the front passenger seat next to him.

" Its just time , to beat the evening traffic" he said and read the airport, off they drove.

Parking the car after a good 20 minutes drive , They got out and went to the arrival lounge..

Rahika went to the arrival monitor display to check on the time. Flgt 246 ON TIME 5 pm was flashing on it.

Dadi and Vijay were seated and Vijay was checking some thing on his mobile, whle dadi was watcing the passengers comng in and getting greeted by their family.

Back on he road Ragini looked at the watch while she was focusing on the road.. Delhi traffic is pretty bad during the evening hours she thought, most of th time she leaves after 6 :30 so that the roads are pretty clear, but today was a special day her best friend was coming back and she didn't mind the crowd cause he was one among the crowd and she was excited to meet him after 7 months .

She had some usual feeling, her heart was beating faster thinking about him, she knew him from so long more than time could tell but months had passed and still the thought lingered even more and was eager to meet him talk to him and find out how things were..

Announcement : Passengers please fasten your seat belts we will be landing shortly. And the seat belt sign came up

"Anmol wake up yaar we will be landing soon", Vikram knocked him as he was fast asleep enjoying the music.

He sat up and removed the earplugs and twined it on his I pod and put it away. Fastening his seat belt he said "Home Sweet Home , I will relax for the next two days and from Monday we guys need to get to HQ!! otherwise commander will give his 3 line whip, training is fun and vigorous , and now more work...."

"Well Yaar I want to relax longer but yes we have a mission as airforce officers and we need to get back to it..", "Arrey Anmol is someone coming to the airport?" asked Vikram

Anmol smiled with his prominent dimples giving its way , he told him that well his parents are coming and hopefully his sweetheart and his best..

"Sir please keep your seat up right" interrupted the air hostess.. Vikram adjusted his seat and continued...

"Wow Anmol you are a girlfriend .. You never told me ," he teased ..

"Well when we reach you can meet her...", Anmol gave a wicked smile...

Vikram told that his mom would be coming as his dad was outstation..

PART 4

Meanwhile, rushing through the traffic, Ragini maneuvered her scooty pretty well and was about 3 miles from the airport when she felt the scooty wobble and there it was her front wheel had a flat tire..

"Gosh this had to happen now ", she cried.. and looking around luckily spotted a mechanic's garage.

Getting down she slowly pushed the scooty to the shop.

"Excuse me Sir, I have a flat tire and a spare one can it be replaced quickly I am in a hurry..", she pleaded to a mechanic who was busy with another vehicle..

"Madam give me 5 minutes I will be with you "., said calling out from the side .

Parking her scooty. She sat on a wooden chair. Looking at the watch she knew it would be a good half hour before she reached, with the killing traffic on the free way at this hour even though the airport was around 3 to 4 miles..

Looking up in the sky she spotted quite a few planes moving in the direction of the airport.

Thinking about his flight brought a smile back on her face which was almost in tears a few minutes ago due to her scooty

"Maadam please give me the keys let me remove the spare tyre ," finally the mechanic came upto her and she gave the keys..

Her phone rang and she looked at the id "Radhika Aunty ", she signed.

"Beta Ragini where are you? The light is arriving in 15 minutes , come quickly ", a voice from the other side spoke.

Ragini informed her that she had a flat tyre and she is just waiting for it to be replaced and she would reach as quickly as possible..Rashika asked her to drive carefully and come, they hung up.

The mechanic was almost done with the replacement and tightening the nuts and bolts.

Meanwhile "Cabin crew please take position for landing ", came the announcement from the pilot.

Delhi here we come, was running in Anmol's mind as he looked out of his window seat, the Qutab Minar, Lotus temple, Rajtrapathi Bhawan and the cosmopolitan capital of India was clearly visible, after last nights heavy rains.. The sky seems clear and he smiled ear to ear.

Waiting to get the signal the aircraft was taking a few circles in the sky..

It finally made a smooth landing on the ground to its destination.

Ragini in the meantime checked on her scooter and the tyre was well replaced. The mechanic quickly git anther guy to patch up the flat tre and she was all rest to go back on road.

"Thank for everything, how much did it cost", she asked removing her wallet.

The mechanic asked her to pay 80 rupeess and wanted to know if there was a quicker way to reach the airport. The mechanic guided her a fast track route which would aoid the traffic.

Taking his advices she was able to reach on time just when the flight landed.

Paking the scooter and quickly reaching the arival lounge, she went up to Radhika Aunty tip toed from behindand cver her eyes.

Holding her hand and removing it from her eyes, she turned around "Finally Ragini you are here . I hope scooter is fine "

Ragini told her the whole story.

"Ragini the flight just landed, Look at the flashing on the monitor," shes showed " It will take about 20 minutes for him to come out, Ragini I think you should surprise Anmol, why don;t you hide behind the pillar and we'll have some fun." she prompted.

She agreed and gave her a hand shake.

Twenty minutes later the first passengers were seen coming out of the terminal. Each passenger was dressed in their uniform, with a duffel bag tossed behind their shoulder. Each passenger wore a smile on their face as they were greeted by happy family and friends.

Finally, the face she'd been searching for came in front of her eyes. She finally let go of a breath she hadn't know she was holding as tears filled her eyes. These tears were happy tears because after so many months, he was back. He as back alive, safe and sound. She knew that he was just fine but her eyes had to see it for themselves so that she could put her mind, heart and soul to rest. Her best friend was back after so many months. Only a few emails she received from him and spoke once now seeing him was the best that could happen to her.

She watched from behind the pillar as he dropped his duffel bag as he was greeted by his family and hers. She watched as everyone took turns hugging him and kissing him, happy that he was finally home. She watched quietly as she took in his presence.

"Mom , hey why are you crying ", he cupped her face and wiped her tears.. "See I am back ", he gestured her to smile with his hand moments and she got her smile back. Vijay also hugged him and was a little teary eyes, but took them back as he was lad his son is back from the training he went for a little unwillingly.

"Sweetheart I missed you , "he walked towards his Binni daadi.

"Anmol beta I missed you soo much," she wept holding him

"Arrey my sweetheart stop crying see I am back there mom cried here you are crying , now I wonder who else is left for me to pacify ", and a refection caught his eyes , which also was indicated by daadi and looking at the direction it came from, Anmol slowly went behind the pillar and with a strong caught hold of a beautiful slender arm and pulled her around..

Standing in front of her was her best friend Anmol..

"So you were hiding from me..., thanks daadi " he continued after looking at Binni, " and you thought you will surprise me, see I did that for you ," still holding her arm he held the other hand "Ragini I missed you ",

She kept looking at this handsome air force officer. Not a blink just looking at him who she missed for so many months. Tears rolled from her eyes.

"Oye hello Dr. Ragini what happened you also joined the gang with mom and daadi . Now I have to wipe your tears , and removed her glasses ,used his thumb bed and wiped her tears , and put her glasses back. She was still like a statue until then.

Stepping back he checked her from top to bottom " Gosh Ragini are you eating or not you have lost so much weight", he teased and she smiled back nodding her head !

"Anmol I am soo happy to see you , 7 months seemed like forever.. ", she held his hands and wished him back. The longing was so visible in her eyes, he placed his hand on he and blinked his eyes..

They walked towards the family.

Vikram by then had spotted Anmol and he came and introduced himself to them , He introduced his mom also and shared information that he knew Anmol from high school and kept knocking with each other and finally med in airforce training academy..Anmol introduced Binni daadi his sweetheart , and his best friend Ragini.

Vikram later to claim his baggage and walked out.

" Anmol go and get your luggage it must have come on the conveyer ", his dad called and he excused himself and went to get his luggage while Ragini stood still and kept looking at him his uniform his air force cap and his handsome face with the smile which she missed for so many months.

Getting all the luggage , Anmol and Vijay came up to the trio..

"OK mom you wear this " and he put the cap on her head, and continued " I will follow the car with Ragini."

"Sure beta make sure you bring her carefully", Radhika told Anmol and patted his cheek.

"But when was this decided ?" Ragini asked looking at everyone since she had no clue that this was happening.

"Beta I don't want you to drive back alone and I have asked Anmol to bring you back home ", Vijay explained while Anmol nodded with his eyebrows up and a smile on his face.

"Lets go ", he gave an elbow and Ragini placed her hand through it and they walked , while his folks took their way towards the car.

Near the scooter, "Give me the keys Ragini , " he demanded.

"No ways I will drive and you sit at the back "she said back, the wind was blowing a little and her hair was failing on her face.

Noticing that Anmol moved her hair lock behind her ear and firmly told her that his dad has asked him to bring her back home , that means he will be driving and he grabbed the keys from her removed the helmet and sat down and started the engine.

Ragini gave in to this and she sat behind him

"Hold me tightly so that we can reach quickly " he said. For Ragini it wasn't the first time she sat behind the scooty or sat behind, when he was driving, but today after so many months it did feel different, He was her friend she knew him from years ,, but still why that distance, what was her thought, she should be normal or not, Well putting everything aside she moved a little closer and held him by the waist.

"Shall we , " he asked turning a little

"hmmm" she signed and he dove out of the parking lot.

"Delhi hasn't changed much right , everything seems the same , Rajtrapathi bhavan , Lotus Temple, Qutab Minar....." he teased.

"Anmol com on how can those things change , you have'nt changed your sense of humor is still the same", she patted him with her right hand..

He kept his eyes on the road and in no time turned to a known place..

"Bengali Market ??", she said looking at the place..

Anmol parked the scooter and the jerk she almost bumped on him.

Removing the helmet he turned and looked at her, by then Ragini had got down

"Anmol why are we here ??" she asked

"Well Ragini you remember what I had promised to you before I left , ", he asked placing his hand on the helmet and lifting his right eyebrow...

"Nah ", she noded..

"I told you that I will treat you to bread pakoda and kulfi and Chandu's dhabba..." he told her.

She put her hand on her head as she totally forgot, but she was worried that everyone would be waiting at home, but we know Anmol he has already set things and then come to Chandu's dhabba..

They walked to the dhabba and Anmol was greeted by the owner who happens to know them since many years.. They always used to hang out there with a few other friends..

"Hello Anmol what a pleasant surprise and beta Ragini ", the owner greeted them ..

"Hello Chandan chacha, you seem to have kept the dhabba the way I left and went", he said looking around . It had a beautiful ambiance, clean and neat with a few tables and chairs under umbrellas at regular intervals.

They took their usual spot near the corner and ordered Bread pakodo ,

"Hmmm yum , I missed these so much , and my mom's cooking ...", Anmol said while relishing his snack, and he signed a thumbs up to the owner.

Ragini also enjoyed her bread pakoda, and she kept watching him enjoy it after so many months.

"So Dr. Ragini how are you doing? How is your hospital , Dr. Gill still taking the charge " he teased her

Smiling at his queries she told him that its quite hectic , and she is waiting to finish and start practice, She and Rashmi are quite busy..

"So how was your training ?' she started.

"Very hectic, No time to breath, I was in air all the time ," he laughed

He explained that they had to get up early and do the physicals and then go for marathons and fight training..There were a few girls in this academy and they were also put for vigorous trainings..

Ragini was patiently listening and having her kulfi.. Anmol started his kulfi were again was truly delicious which he missed all these months and continued with his experience...

"Arrey I forgot to tell there were a few doctors also, they were in the training, but were base station doctors, and we had to go for check ups and BMI readings since it was very important for us to keep ft and fine. One such doctor was Naina...Dr. Naina...she was an eye doctor, what are they called ", he asked resting his chin on his hand.

Ragini who was having his kulfi stopped " They are called ophthalmologists".

Anmol kept telling her about Dr. Naina and the way she used to come once in 15 days to check the eyes and make them go through exercises so that they have 20/20 vision. He told her that she was really sweet and answered all the questions the guys put forth in terms of knowing how to focus to get clear vision while flying and every detail.

She gave a half smile . As if she was'nt too interested in knowing details about an ophthalmologists, was she annoyed , na why should she be Anmol is back he is happy she is happy..

The phone rang, "Beta are you on your way back? Its getting late na ", inquired Radhika from the other side.

Ragini informed that they were leaving and will be there pretty soon.

Anmol thanked Chandu halwai the dhaba owner and sat down on the scooter and they drove back home.

All along the way Ragini was pondering about Dr. Naina as Anmol kept talking a lot about her and that she would be joining the airforce hospital soon probably early next week. Is Ragini disturbed with all this talk, she thought , but didn't give too much into it and glad that Anmol is back, sitting back the ride was enjoyable.

As they reached home Anmol parked the scooty and they both walked inside.

"Anmol beta I am soo glad you are back , " came sharad dadi walking across the corridor with open arms ans she saw this handsome Lieutenant walk in

They embraced each other and he placed a kiss on her forehead. Tears flew from her eyes and he wiped them and made her smile.

"I missed you too dadi ", he hugged her again. Then he walked up to Ragini's dada ji and touched his feet . He got up and hugged him and wished him all the good luck.

Ragini was standing seeing this beautiful bonding and had a film of tear in her eyes.

He wished them good night and told them that he would come by tomorrow.

He then held Ragini's hand and took her outside..

Handing by the gate and hold her hand he said, " Ragini I have got something special for them I will bring it tomorrow, its a surprise"

She noded, he wished her good night by patting her cheek and started to walk out...

As he moved towards the street leading to his place he screamed

"Ragini I have got something for you too, How can I forget to get for my best friend !!!"

She smiled and waved with a twinkle in her eyes thinking of what it could be...After all he leaves a smile on her face and she went in, closed the door behind her and stood behind the door with a sign of happiness..

As he walked across the block, Col Rastogi stopped him and talked to him he was delighted that he finished his training and go back. He truly is now a air force pilot. "I am proud of you my son !!, I am sure you will do great in your endeavor ", he patted him

"Thanks uncle, " he said..and hugged him. Col. Singh has seen him as a child and saw his love for flying and becoming a pilot.

He walked across the street. He'd been away for seven months and he knew they missed him. He knew they worried about him every day that he was gone. best friend and neighbors..Finally reached home. He stopped ,the house was dark he wondered why since the neighbor was lit up ,he rang the door bell and waited for it to be answered. Seconds later, his dad answered the door and welcomed him in. Just a split second later, the lights went on through out the house as people jumped up yelling "Surprise!"

He plastered a smile on his face, thanking everyone for their warm wishes.

"Welcome home Anmol," a voice called.

He turned to look at it was Ragini …....

[To be continued]

Friends I apologize for the delay in posting. Please do give me your feedback, it gives me inspiration to write more !

I will continue soon !😊

@shanti..it was worth waiting for the update..😊