After a long struggle, she had finally proved that though she was both reserved and fiery , she was no bandit! Just that morning she had been awarded a medal for her bravery.
She was happy, content and after a long while was finally feeling light enough to think of herself '
The Freshers Ball was coming up! It was held in honour of the first-year cadets and all of them were busy getting ready for it, in their own ways.
She knew she had to practice the ballroom dance'she would be required to dance with her partner that night, following formal, army tradition. And she was not too good at it, forget good, not even adequate in her knowledge of it.
So, that evening, after dinner when the mess had been cleared and bidden goodnight to for the night, she sneaked in.
Switched on a few lights , and looked around.
Was glad the chairs had been stacked in the corners, she had the canteen to herself.
She played the soft ballroom music cd she bought with her in the player and just began, randomly but consciously, in all seriousness, with her hands holding her imaginary partner's and began practicing.
'One'- a step forward, 'two'- another step'and soon , her feet ,in tune with the beats of the music , she went on.
She turned around and ' suddenly saw him!
'When had he come????'
He stood there, eyes fixed on her, his body half leaning against the wall , looking so masculine and dashing!
Her heart skipped a beat'but she had to recover and that too quickly'
He did not ask, but she knew she had to explain, so she said ' am practicing dance'Suriji said he'd teach me --am waiting for him' she told him softly.
If you are practicing dance, you should do so without the music'- he said.
A sudden smile came on her lips''Bhaiya too said the same always' she replied, but realized the gravity of what she said and stopped smiling.
He straightened and without a word walked towards her.
'What ,what is he going to say now?' she wondered.
He came and like a perfect gentleman curtseyed and his right hand extended, left hand by his side, eyes gazing directly at hers asked''May I have the pleasure?'
She had to say ' Yes'. Which girl in her right mind would refuse Capt. Rajveer Singh Shaekhawat??
But she couldn't'it was just a word, but it did not come out of her lips'she was disbelieving of him asking of her, was tremendously shy suddenly, and did not know what to do..
Butterflies in her stomach, flutterings in her heart, a very strong blush coming on her cheeks'
She just stared at him. And he stared right back, refusing to look away, speaking to her very soul through his eyes to hers for when no words flow, the eyes are the only medium!
She couldn't answer, but , hesitating, shy, nervous, stretched forth her left hand to his waiting right hand.
'Thank you' he said taking her hand immediately and with his other arm , drew her to himself gently, firmly, quickly!
She had to place her hand in his shoulder'her hand had a mind of its own she discovered. ! It was as apprehensive as she herself was and , in fact, more shy than her! It hesitated, opening out in a second, but closing in again, refusing to reach and touch his shoulder'
'Shall we begin?' he asked gently, shaking her out of her elation'
She nodded, no way she could speak!
He taught, perfect teacher that he was, so correctly.
And she, diligent student that she was, learnt quickly, keeping pace with him and dancing with him like a seasoned partner.
He had danced with many girls' but tonight, in his inner heart he was stirred.
He would have walked away if he had seen any other girl practicing, but his heart had cajoled him and made him approach her.
He seemed confident while teaching her the steps, but in his heart, was melting under her gaze, losing control over his suddenly stirred up emotion of love, which he never thought existed'till then!
He kept uttering instruction after instruction, and not for a second did his gaze shift away from her'
He was lost in her , she in him.
Both souls, carried intense private conversations with each other through their eyes .Their mouths, however, faked a casual conversation.
She had lost all her fear , in no time. In his arms she was confident of being guided and protected, should she fall - both physically and , later on, in life, too'for perfect trust in him had taken root within her heart and quiet, strong admiration, bordering on soon- to- be birthed love germinated in her.
They reached the end of the dance and had great fun when he twirled her around
Suddenly, he let go. And , obviously the dance lesson had gone so well that they were both thoroughly delighted and content. They kept smiling when speaking their parting goodnights for the night.
'I am yours, my dear! ' his eyes told her through his approving , gleaming smile.
'And , I'm yours too' her own replied, shyly as ever, dancing in glee , through her charming smile .
Rajveer and Naina just danced their way into each other's core of their very hearts that September night.
And into millions of fans' hearts too.!
They remain within each of our hearts even today, dancing gracefully, eternally, in our dreams, our wishful thinking, our fond hopes , our humble imaginings and our daily livings'.
As we celebrate the anniversary of the 'greatest romantic waltz of the small screen' in our wonderful home, our 57th FC, we wish Rajeev and Priyanka all the very best for a grand life ahead with tremendous success in their individual careers and immense happiness in their lives.
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