Chapter 2
Suman’s POV:
*The Next Morning*
Dressed in a plain, white salwar kurta, I sat on the cold floor with dried tears on my face. I was trying to process how my life had changed within the last 24 hours and how I lost the most important person in my life. For the world, he was the brave Colonel Vijay Tiwari, now a martyr. But, for me he was my father, my hero, my inspiration, my everything. Papa would always tell me that as the daughter of an army man, I should never fear for his safety as it will make him weak and that dying for his country would be the biggest honor for him. But, at the end of the day, no matter how strong I tried to act, I couldn’t help but worry for him. Now, I had lost all the energy to be strong and felt a constant sharp pain in my heart. I broke out of my thoughts as I heard a knock at my door. I looked up and saw Kanchan who had swollen eyes. She kneeled besides me and put her arms around me, “It’s time...everyone is waiting for you downstairs.”
“Maa...is she?” Mother had locked herself in her room and refused to come out. She is the strongest woman I know and seeing her like this, how could I find strength?
“It was hard but she agreed to come. I know this is the most difficult thing for you to do...to do the final rites...but Suman please be strong as you know how much Bade Papa loved you and was so proud of you. Please don’t cry.” Kanchan helped me get up and I saw my face in the mirror as we were walking out. I did not recognize myself as my hair was a mess, eyes red and swollen. Everyone kept telling me not to cry and to be strong. I tried to keep these emotions inside me but I felt like my lungs would burst. As we walked down the stairs, my eyes met another set of familiar eyes that I often found solace in. Shravan stood with a serious face in his white kurta. He was the only person who truly understood my emotions and I felt safe around him. I could let down her guards because he would never judge me. When I would be worried about Papa on a mission and everyone told me not to worry or cry, Shravan would tell me that it was okay to cry as it would make my heart feel lighter. He was right and often he would cry with me and share my worries and pain, like last night.
I walked towards my friend, my solace, but suddenly I noticed the man standing next to him and I felt rage rushing through my body and felt like I was losing control. “What are you doing here? How dare you come here?” I shouted at the man.
“Beta...I..” I cut him off.
“It’s because of you that my father is dead!” Everyone was telling me to calm down but my anger kept rising. Usually I was the calm and collected Suman but with this new life without my father, there was a new Suman. An angry Suman who could never forgive. “If only, the life of my father and the other soldiers were of more value to you than your money, they would be alive!”
“Please Beta, listen to me. I am not responsible for this and I don’t know how this happened.” He was begging to explain himself but I did not want to listen. I respected him and called him uncle but his deal to make more profits by using cheap material from his brother’s company had cost my father’s life. How could I forgive him?
“Shut up and get out. There is no room for traitors in this house.” Malhotra Uncle bent his head. Shravan’s eyes widened with shock but I refused to look towards him. My mother tried to reprimand me and told me to talk with respect to elders. But, why does this traitor and murderer deserve any respect?
“Sumo! You can’t talk to my father like this. Can you please calm down and hear us out?” Shravan held my arms and I pushed him away.
“My name is Suman not Sumo. Don’t you dare call me that again.” I said with a cold voice as I looked sternly at him. His face changed. I should’ve stopped there but I didn’t. “An apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. A traitor’s son is also a traitor and therefore there is no room for you in my life either. Get out right now.” I will never forget the hurt that splayed across his face and it would continue to haunt me for the rest of my life. Nothing was Shravan’s fault yet my anger was so out of control that I said those hurtful words to him. His jaw tightened and his eyes were full of tears threatening to spill out. But before a tear could fall, he turned around and walked out of the house with his father. At that moment, I was so angry, confused, and full of grief. I didn’t realize what effect my actions would have. But, I was still aware that I was hurting myself even more by hurting Shravan. I don’t know why I spoke to him like that because he was not at fault but they say that we show anger on those who we consider our loved ones. I know that no matter what I would say to Shravan that he would never hate me and he would always come back but I was wrong this time.
“Suman! How can you talk to them like that?” My mom angrily yelled at me.
“Suman is absolutely right. This is all that fraud’s fault and there is no room for him or his family in our house.” Dadajii said.
After the funeral, the next few days were hell for the Malhotra family. The news of Mr. Malhotra taking bribes from his brother’s company to make cheap vests for the army causing the death of many soldiers was all over the news. People threw rocks at their house. I hadn’t talked to Shravan since that day. I didn’t care about him or his family. They deserved this. I had never dealt with grief before so I wasn’t realizing how bitter and heartless I was becoming.
The next day, I came downstairs and I heard Chachi talking on the phone to someone. “Oh no! Is he okay? Today, I will send over a first aid kit with Dumroo with the food. But I really think you should take him to the doctor if he’s hurt that bad.” Hurt? Who was hurt at the Malhotra house? I knew that Chachi had been sending food to their house these past days since it was impossible for them to leave their house amidst the riot outside their house. Chachi called over Dumroo and handed him food with a first aid kit. I didn’t care, I really didn’t care but I couldn’t help but ask Dumroo who the first aid kit was for.”
“Umm...Didi...it was for Shravan. You know how people are throwing rocks at the house. He was trying to shield Avni and got hit in the head instead. They have put a temporary bandage but will have to take him to the hospital to get stitches.” Dumroo answered quietly, scared that Dadaji would hear him and find out that he and Chachi were helping the Malhotras. I ran up to my room, grabbed my phone to call Shravan but stopped...how could I show concern for the family that was responsible for my family’s misery.
The next morning, Chachi sent breakfast to their house but Dumroo returned with the food. He informed us that the house was empty and no one was there. Chachi quickly called Mrs. Malhotra. They had left for Noida in the middle of the night where Mrs. Malthora’s brother lived. They feared for their safety after Shravan got hurt. Mrs. Malhotra thanked Chachi for all her love and apologized for not saying goodbye properly before they left.
He was gone. He left. He left without saying goodbye. I was angry. How could he do this to me? How could he leave me all alone like this? I hadn’t gotten over the pain of losing my father, and now I lost my best friend. I cried myself to sleep that night because deep inside I wasn’t sure if I would see him again. I wish my last words to him weren’t so harsh.
The next morning, while eating breakfast, I suddenly heard crying from the living room. I went in to see that mother and chachi looking horrified at the TV. I read the headline, ”Businessman Devraj Malhotra Commits Suicide in Noida.” On the news, Avni was swarmed with reporters asking her pressing questions. She looked really scared and suddenly Shravan appeared protectively shielding his sister from the media. Shravan’s head was bandaged and he was quickly escorting Avni away from the media. Suddenly one of the reporters said,”That is Shravan Malhotra, Traitor Devraj’s son! Does his suicide prove that he was guilty?” Shravan stopped in his tracks and looked at the reporter. There was something different about him. His eyes that usually had a mischievous glint were replaced with dark, cold eyes. His infectious smile was replaced with a tight grim line. He opened his mouth to answer but before I could hear what he had to say, Dadaji turned the TV off and said that no one will ever speak of them in this house again.
I went back up into my room and looked from my window to his room...his old room. Everything had changed all of a sudden: my father was no more, my best friend moved away, he seemed different like a changed person. I kept seeing flashing images of his hurt face from the funeral and his face from the TV. I heard a knock on my door and my mother walked in.
“Suman...put your anger aside and call Shravan. He needs you the most right now. He is your best friend. You are the only person who knows how he feels. He too has lost his father. He was with you when you needed him most and know it’s your turn to fulfill your duty as a friend.” Mother was right. My heart had been sinking ever since I saw Shravan on TV this morning. I grabbed the phone but paused...maybe I should hide my caller ID first...I don't know what made me want to do that. What if he wouldn’t pick up the phone if he knew I was calling? I dialed his number and heard a couple of rings. My heart was racing and my palms were sweaty.
Finally he picked up and softly said, “Hello…?” I opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out. There was a long pause until Shravan said on the other side, “...goodbye Suman. Take care of yourself.” and he cut the call. I wouldn’t hear his voice again for another 7 years.
A/N: Thank you everyone for liking the first chapter! Sorry if there are any grammar mistakes! Let me know what you guys think. Stay safe and healthy.
CHAPTER 3
*Shravan’s POV*
7 years Later…
I pulled Suman towards me and we danced under the stars in a forest as the cool air blew around us. Her giggles echoed with my own. Her eyes were so beautiful, doe-like, and easy to get lost in. Her smile was bright enough to light up the night. I felt at peace. Suddenly, I felt a burning creeping up my hands. I looked down and my hands were covered in blood. How did this blood get on my hands? I looked up at Suman as her face changed and she yelled, “You betrayed me! You aren’t worthy of my friendship”. All the trees around us caught on fire. Her eyes were full of tears and she pushed me away as I tried to grab her arm to stop her from running away. I ran after her but I tripped over something and fell hard onto the ground. Suman had disappeared into the fire. I outstretched my arm, “No! Sumo! Don’t go! Please listen to me!” Suddenly I started hearing chants around me,“Traitor’s Son”.
I woke up with a loud gasp, covered in sweat. I turned off my beeping alarm: 4:30 AM. I ran my hand through my hair, a habit that I could never get rid of despite cutting my hair short. It was the same dream every night. Why couldn't I forget everything and move on in my life? It’s funny that I asked that question to myself because I knew the answer to it also. I refused to forget and let go of everything...even if it causes me pain...because that pain has built me into who I am today: Major Shravan Devraj Malhotra.
I got ready and went for a run in the exhilarating city of Dehradun. Words cannot describe how breathtaking this city is. I came back to my little apartment where I lived alone and walked up to my balcony to watch the sunrise. I took a sip of the hot coffee I made, with no milk and no sugar. I had developed a habit of getting up early to watch the beautiful sunrise over the chilly hills of Dehradun. I closed my eyes and listened to the birds chirp. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a letter. It was the letter from my father before he...it became a ritual for me since then to read that letter every morning.
Dear Shravan,
I am so sorry to leave you like this. I want you to know that I am innocent and that I did not betray this country. But, I do not have the strength and courage to face this humiliation. I know I was always very tough on you but I wanted the best for you. You have a spark within you! You are meant to be a leader. The fearlessness in your eyes always gave me a sense of pride. I know that with some motivation and discipline, you will put your bravery to good use and make a good name of yourself. I could not redeem myself in the eyes of the world. But, I leave it to you, my son, to redeem my name. Dedicate yourself to this country and its citizens. Prove that your father was not a traitor and that you are not a traitor’s son. I will always watch over you and be proud of you. I love you so much, son. Take care of yourself and our family. I hope you can find the strength and love to forgive me one day.
- Your father
Although I knew the letter by heart, I could not stop the tears from escaping my eyes after reading the letter. This letter had been my motivation to finish army school in Dehradun and then go onto army training. With years of hardwork and dedication, I finally became a Major in the Indian Army. It was not easy though, everyone knew me as the traitor’s son and at every stage I had to prove myself.
After my father’s death, my uncle was sent to jail for his fraud and deceit. Avni and my aunt moved to the United States to live with their relatives there. My mother stayed with me until I finished school but then moved to Vrindavan where her childhood best friend lived. Best friends are so special. It’s such a unique bond. You come across a stranger who becomes your solace. Yes...even after all these years, there wasn’t a single day when I hadn’t thought about my best friend.
For the longest time, I held Suman equally responsible as the others for my father’s death. She had humiliated him which caused him to take such a drastic step. I needed her when I was broken but she wasn’t there for me. After we had left Bhopal, I got a blank call after my father’s passing. I wasn’t sure if it was Suman but I tried to convince myself that it was her and she still cared about me. She never called me or tried to get in contact again in these last 7 years. Nevertheless, I missed her so much. I could have contacted her too but I didn't know what I would say. I eventually understood her anger and realized that we both went through the same pain and anguish.
After moving to Dehradun, I did not make many friends. How could I? I could never replace Suman. She was the one person who changed me for the better. I spent the best days of my life with her. I wanted to spend my whole life with her. But now, I am no longer the Shravan she knew. I admit, I have changed. For the better or worse? That’s for you to decide. We started as strangers, became friends, I fell in love with her, and we became strangers again, unfortunately. Sometimes I wonder, if everything hadn’t gone wrong, how things would be today? Would we be married?
I snapped out of my thoughts as my phone rang. “Good Morning Maa. How are you?” She often called me in the morning as I head to the cantonment.
“Good Puttar! Are you taking care of yourself? Did you eat breakfast? Did you apply cream on your wound from last week?”
“Slow down! So many questions!” I laughed. Over all these years, a lot has changed except my relationship with my mother.
“I just wanted to let you know that Naina is coming to Dehradun. I think she will be part of your upcoming mission. She is a very nice girl! I told her to come to you if she needs anything”
“Uhh...who’s Naina?” I won’t lie. I was really bad at remembering people. After leaving Bhopal, I had no interest in making new friends.
“Uff ho! She’s Neelam Aunty’s daughter, my best friend’s daughter! You’ve met her so many times! She’s an Army doctor!”
“Oh right...right! Well okay...I’ll meet her at the cantonment tomorrow with everyone else. I won’t give her any special treatment just because she’s my mom’s best friend’s daughter.” I remembered this girl now. When I went to Vrindavan to meet mom, she would be there sometimes. She was a quiet and studious girl but we never talked much.
I arrived at the cantonment. I was known for my quiet and serious demeanor. I was focused on my serving my country till my last breath. No one would have believed that I was a chirpy and mischievous boy, 7 years ago, with no goal in life. I went into my office and my junior saluted me and told me that for our upcoming mission in Ladakh, we would be having different regiments joining us and I would be leading them. He handed me a list of regiments and their soldiers. This mission was going to be the most important mission of my career. I sat down with my team and started planning out our strategies and preparing a presentation for the regiments that would be joining us tomorrow.
After working for hours, I finally decided to take a coffee break and was looking over the list: Army Medical Corps (AMC)...Dr. Naina Kapoor...Oh this must be the girl that mom was talking about. I flipped through the other lists and suddenly my breath stopped...Dhar Women’s Regiment - Led by Captain Suman Tiwari.
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A/N: Thank you everyone for the likes and comments! I will try to respond to all of your comments. I hope you like the chapter! Again, please like and comment. Also, please forgive me if I made any grammar mistakes or inaccuracies regarding the Indian Army since I have limited knowledge.
Author replies and comments:
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Ch.1:
Thank you for commenting and appreciating @Meena, @Pranushka, @luvzindagi, @Nancy, @mpreet, @harshil, @neerja, @Bucky, @Veena, and all the people that liked the post or are silent readers <3
@luvzindagi - yeah it was the obvious 😂 I just needed the event to happen so I could write about the leap
@Neerja I was waiting for some FFs too but since no one was writing any, I decided to write it myself
A/N: I added the “prepping for prom” scene and then not actually being able to go to prom together as a similarity to EDKV1 in which Shraman did not go to prom together. The Shravan in Ch. 1 is very different from who he is on our episodes. I think I made him a little soft and shy but I think he’s heading in that direction anyways considering how in love he is with her.
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Ch. 2:
Thank you for commenting and showing love @Neerja, @Meena, @Sandhir, @Mishti, @Veena, @Ann, and everyone that liked the chapter or is a silent reader (I know you’re there!)
@Mishti @Meena - Well he didn’t “leave” by choice. He was forced to leave due to circumstances but for Suman she never thought that she’d ever lose him.
A/N: The Suman in the chapter is very different from how we see her in our episodes, she’s really angry. She almost seems to show as if she has “haq” (“right”) over Shravan but she is unaware of her true feelings for him. She’s not a brat or a bad person. Even a good person can be hurt and angry. I wanted to show Suman as flawed, contrasting the Suman in our epi is literally perfect and a nice human being!
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