FF: Ishq-e-Watan *Chapter 78 Posted* - Page 52

CHAPTER 40

MEMORIES

"Karan Sir", Monami said, looking at the blood that dripped down his arm with worried eyes. A cloth was pressed tightly against it, drenched mostly in blood. He sat down on the bed of the infirmary heavily, wincing slightly.

"Sanju", Colonel Batra said. "Faizi se update lo. Agar woh wahin hai, toh go back."

"Ji, Sir ji", she said, saluting him before moving out of the room.

Monami gently pried the cloth off the wound, inspecting it. He winced slightly. "B-Bleeding r-ruk g-gayi hai", she muttered. "C-Clearly f-flesh wound hai. G-Graze hai. B-Bone aur t-tendons ko t-touch bhi n-nahi kara."

"He'll be fine then?" Colonel Batra confirmed.

She nodded. "Haan." She injected him with something, gently pressing a piece of cotton against the spot. She glanced up at him. "A-Agar woh s-stupid kaam n-nahi karenge toh."

His eyebrows raised. "Excuse me?" He asked.

"N-No e-exercise, no ph-physical t-training." She glanced at him again. "E-Exertion kam aur r-rest z-zyaada. Aa-Aapse ho j-jaayega? At l-least for a w-week. B-Baaki aa-aapki h-healing par d-depend k-karta hai."

"Tum mujhe taunt kar rahi ho?"

She shrugged. "J-Just as-asking." She gently started to wipe the blood off his bicep. He glanced down at the skin, blinking. He couldn't feel much pain. Had she given him some pain killers?

"Karan, Monami ki medical advice ko follow karna", he said sternly. "Monami, yeh nahi sunta hai, toh seedha mere paas aa jaana." She smiled at him, nodding.

Karan heaved a sigh, nodding slightly. "Yes Sir", he muttered. His gaze followed him till he was out of the door, before it darted to Monami. "Tumhe lagta hai main apna dhyaan nahi rakh sakta?"

"R-Rakh s-sakte ho. B-Bilkul r-rakh sakte ho", she said. "R-Rakhte ho ya n-nahi, n-now th-that's d-different." She eyed him. "Aa-Aapko l-lagta hai k-koi n-notice n-nahi karta?"

"Kya notice nahi karta?"

"You're a-always w-working. Always", she said. She picked up a needle and a thread, preparing them to stitch his wound shut. "S-Sundays ko bhi, k-kabhi k-kabhi. Aap D-Diwali p-par bhi gh-ghar n-nahi j-jaa rahe. You c-can tell me ki aa-aap a-apna dh-dhyaan r-rakhte ho b-but I won't b-believe it t-till I see it."

Karan heaved a slight sigh. "I have work."

"H-Hamesha r-rahega. You n-need to r-relax a l-little. H-Half an h-hour a day? K-Kuchh bhi, jo aa-aap ch-chaaho. N-Not on-once a w-week j-jab aap apne gh-ghar j-jaate ho. Th-That's too l-less."

"I relax. I talk to you."

Her fingers paused. Her gaze lifted to meet his, her lips parting in surprise. "Aa-Aapko mere s-saath r-rehna re-relaxing l-lagta hai?"

"Of course. You are... calm", he said. "Like... like I have to swim in an ocean but you're a boat, and I can rest when I am with you." The words spilled out before he could think them over. He paused. "Tumne mujhe kya diya hai?" He demanded.

"Painkillers", she whispered, a smile spreading slightly on her face. "I d-didn't r-realize aap t-tipsy hokar a-aisi b-baatein k-karte hain."

He scowled slightly. "Your fault", he accused lightly. He glanced around. "Tum yeh baat kisi ko nahi bataogi. Faizi ko toh bilkul bhi nahi. Karan Shergill aisi cheesy baatein nahi karta hai."

She chuckled. "Our secret", she assured.

"Good."

"I th-think it's s-sweet", she confessed. "Aap... Aap ko s-sach mein yeh l-lagta hai?"

He glanced away. "Maybe."

Her gaze lifted to meet his, a smile on her face. His breath caught in his chest slightly. Her eyes were... affectionate. He liked them. "You're my l-life b-boat", she whispered. "If I h-have to s-swim in an o-ocean, I know you w-would n-never l-let me d-drown. You're... you're s-safe."

His awkwardness faded slightly. "Tumhe meri protection ki, meri help ki koi zaroorat nahi hai. You're strong enough. And I won't offer it to you. But... I am sure koi toh tha tumhaari life mein jisne tumhe hurt kara hai. Bahut zyaada. I can promise ki main tumhe kabhi hurt nahi karunga. I will try, at least."

She fell quiet for a few seconds. "Aa-Aap m-mujhe ch-chah kar bhi u-utna h-hurt n-nahi k-kar sakte hain." She glanced up at his face. "But I ap-appreciate the s-sentiment." She stepped back, handing him a sling. "Yeh lo. K-Keep it on a-as m-much as you c-can. R-Recovery t-tez hogi."

He grabbed her arm when she turned away. "Who hurt you?" He asked quietly. "Kaun hai woh?"

She stared at him. "A-Ask your b-brother."

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

"Club Ecstascy", Karan muttered, typing it in his laptop with one hand. He winced slightly, feeling the pain flare up in his arm when he moved it slightly. It was apparently a chain of high end clubs. He modified the search, adding 'Mumbai' to it. He opened an article.

Amidst strictness on drug racketing by the army across India, Club Ecstascy tightens rules to entry in it.

Karan grabbed his phone, dialing a number. "Jai Hind, Sir."

"Club Ecstascy, Mumbai", he said to the DCP. "Mujhe saari information chahiye, Sir. As soon as possible."

There was a pause of surprise. "Ji, Sir. I'll get it done."

"Thank you." He disconnected the call, lowering the phone. He paused for a few seconds, before dialing another number. "Sanket."

"Jai Hind, Sir."

"Laxman ke phone ki details nikaalni hai. Ek mahina. Location saath mein dena."

"Yes, Sir. Mil jaayegi. Kal subah tak de sakta hoon."

"Okay." He kept the phone aside, staring at the screen. A knock on the door made him glance up. "Come in", he called. His eyebrows raised when the Foxtrot cadets piled in.

"Sir ji", Bala said, eyes wide. "Aapko goli lagi?"

His gaze darted to Monami, who shrank back behind Sid. "S-Sorry. M-Muh se n-nikal gaya." His gaze paused on her for a couple more seconds, briefly remembering their vague conversation from the night before.

'A-Ask your b-brother.'

"I am fine. Flesh wound hai", he said, tearing his away from the phrase his mind kept returning to. "Yahan kya kar rahe ho? Tum sab ko kuchh kaam tha kya?"

Koel gave him a distasteful look. "Aapko goli lagi hai. Hum aapka haal puchhne aaye hain", she said, shaking her head. "Karan Sir, aap bhi kabhi kabhi..." He stared at her. She faltered, looking away. "Sorry."

"Main theek hoon", he assured.

"Mujhe toh pehle hi pata tha", Bala said, grinning. "Karan Sir ji sher hain. Sher ko kuchh thodi naa ho sakta hai. Kyun?"

"Haww, #liar", Chitra said. "Karan Sir, aapko pata hai, Bala toh #almost rone laga tha."

Karan looked at him. "Mujhe goli lagi hai phir tu itna darr raha hai. Khud ko lagegi toh kitna darega."

Bala sat down next to him immediately, making Karan his head back in surprise. "Arey, Karan Sir ji, aapko kuchh ho gaya toh hume daantega kaun? Sanju Madam hain, hamesha ready, par ek hi type ki daant sunkar bore ho jaayenge. Toh do tarah ki honi chahiye."

He stared at him. He looked at the others, and then back at him. "Tu kya aaj training mein sar ke bal gir gaya tha?"

"Sir ji, meri feelings ka mazaak mat udhao. Mujhe bahut kadar hai aapki", Bala said.

"Karan Sir, aap ise chodho", Suman ji said. "Suman ji, na, aapke liye haldi waali doodh banayegi."

Karan stared at her. "Haldi waala doodh?" He muttered. He scrunched his nose up. "Nahi, koi baat nahi. Chhoti si chot hai. Khud theek ho jaayegi."

"Chhoti si chot?" Sid said. "Maana goli chhoti si hoti hai, par chot chhoti nahi lagti hai. Even if it's just a graze."

"Uchit hai", Prem ji said. "Mujhe lagta hai aapka yeh waala concept thoda hila hua hai, Sir."

"We are just #concerned", Chitra piped up. "Aap thoda toh kadar karo humaare emotions ki."

He smiled slightly. "Thank you. Par main theek hoon."

Her eyes lit up. "Can I #hug you? #Get well soon hug?"

His smile faded. He pointed to the door. "Door wahan hai. Haal chaal puchh liya? Ab nikal jao. Jao. Kaam karo. Punishment bhi poori karni hai, na? Third floor waala..."

'Third floor ke camera ki wire hi kyun kaati?'

"Sir?" Sid prompted. "You okay?"

He hummed. "Uh, punishment poori karo apni. Go", he said.

Third floor.

Could there still be something in there?

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

Param stared at the academy. His home. He hadn't come home for years. He wasn't strong enough to walk through the halls that had listened to his determined yells of being a soldier. The academy had been the witness to his passion and height. He didn't want it to witness his fall.

Barkha lightly touched his arm, smiling at him gently. "Chalein?"

"Haan, chalo, na?" Baby asked. "Mujhe Chachu se bhi milna hai. Please, jaldi jaldi."

"Baby", Barkha said, a stern note in her voice. "Maine aapko samjhaaya tha, na? Thoda chup raho abhi."

She kept a finger on her lips. "Sorry, Mumma."

"It's okay", Barkha said to her husband. "Take your time, Param. Koi jaldi nahi hai."

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes. "Hum... Hum do minute yahin ruk sakte hain?"

She nodded. "Of course."

He opened his eyes when he felt arms around his neck. He glanced over his shoulder, finding Baby hugging him from the back seat of the jeep. He smiled slightly, turning his head and pressing a kiss to her cheek. He took a deep breath. "Chalo."

He got down from the jeep, taking it in. It had grown a bit, blocks added, floors added. Even from the last time he had visited 6 years ago. He walked to the gate, holding out his ID card- not one of service anymore, but it would grant them entry nonetheless.

The guard saluted him, before opening the gate and letting the three in. He looked down when Baby clutched his arm. She smiled up at him sweetly. Barkha kept a hand on his arm, rubbing gently in comfort.

It was familiar yet strange. The smell, he remembered, but the paint was new. He walked over to the 'Wall of Fame' on instinct, pausing and staring at the plate.

Lieutenant Colonel Suraj Shergill

1992

Pushpinder Batra gently guided him in. 'Hum kahan jaa rahe hain?' A 10 year old Param asked.

'Yeh dekho', the man said. Param stared at the plate, his eyes welling up with tears. 'Tumhaare Dad... woh mare nahi hain, Param. Woh shaheed hue hain. And jo log shaheed hote hain, woh kabhi marte nahi hain. Hamesha ke liye amar ho jaate hain.'

Param reached out, touching it gently. Another memory floated in his mind.

'Karan, yeh humaare Dad ke naam ki hai', A 15 year old Param explained gently. A 4 year old Karan stared at the plate. He reached out, gently touching the plate.

'Bhaiya', he said. 'Dad ko me'e baa'e nahi pata tha, na?'

He shook his head. 'Nahi, par agar pata hota, toh bahut zyaada pyaar karte.'

He wriggled slightly in his hold, and Param kept him down. 'Aap kaise keh sakte ho?' He asked, looking up at him with teary eyes. 'Ho sakta hai woh mujhe pasand nahi ka'te', he said. He sniffled. His head bowed, and he walked back into the interior of the academy, his little body slumped.

'Karan', he called, sighing a little. He looked back at the plate. 'Dad... mujhe pata hai aap Karan se bahut pyaar karte. Aap... aap dekh kar rahe ho kya hume?' His eyes welled up with tears. 'Agar dekh rahe ho, na, toh chinta mat karna. Main hoon, na? Main Karan ka dhyaan rakh lunga, okay?' He smiled slightly. 'Haan, haan, I know. Apna bhi rakh lunga.'

He smiled. He looked at his wife and daughter. "Tum dono yahin ruko. Main Batra Sir se milkar aaya. Ek kaam karo. Tum dono Karan se mil lo."

"Yay", Baby cheered, jumping excitedly on her feet.

Barkha touched his arm gently. "Main rahoon kya tumhaare saath?"

He smiled at her, shaking her head. "Nahi, it's okay. Main theek hoon. Tum dono jao."

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

Sanju pushed through the boxes, looking around. She paused, seeing a bunch of torn up papers. "Yeh... yahan kya kar rahe hain?" She picked up a few pieces, turning them over. She frowned, seeing the part of their logo of Parakaram on one. She picked up a box, carefully putting all the pieces inside.

Back in her room, she upturned the box after turning the fan off, grabbing a few pieces.

"Commando bante samay kisi ne bataaya naa tha ki duniya jahan ke saare kaam aane chahiyo", she muttered, sighing. "Baithkar kaagach ke saath khelo ab."

It took her over half an hour to make a part of a sheet and she quickly snapped a photo of it before looking closer. Her eyes widened at the title of it.

SECURITY CODES

PARAKARAM SAF, DEOLALI

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

Karan quickly took off the sling, keeping it aside. He pulled open the door, smiling at the squeal. "Chachu!" She squealed happily.

"Aa jaa, mera baccha", he said, hugging her and kissing her head. He smiled at his Bhabhi. "Hi, Bhabhi." He bent down, touching her feet. He glanced around. "Bhaiya aaye hain kya?"

She smiled, nodding. "Haan."

His eyes widened in surprise. He let the two into the room. "Sach mein?"

"Thoda overwhelmed hain, par theek hain", she said happily.

'A-Ask your b-brother.'

'Nahi. Abhi Bhaiya se kuchh bhi puchhna sahi nahi. Woh already sab kuchh ko lekar overwhelmed hain. Thode time mein.'

"Hain kahan?" He asked. He winced when Baby accidentally touched his wound. The two females immediately frowned. "Bhaiya kahan hain?" He asked again immediately.

"Ek minute", Barkha said. She crossed her arms. "Haath mein kya hua tumhaare?"

"Woh kya hai?" Baby asked, pointing to the bed. He turned around. He winced. The sling. "Chachu, sling?"

"Woh kya hai, na... mujhe chhoti si... chot lagi. Chhoti si."

Baby crossed her arms. "Kitni chhoti?"

"Bhabhi, ise goli lagi hai", Faizi said from behind, walking into the room.

"Goli?" The two said.

"Goli kab se chhoti si chot mein aa gayi?" Barkha asked.

Karan scowled at Faizi, glaring at him. Faizi grinned, shrugging as he sat down. "Bhabhi, lagi nahi, chhookar nikal gayi. Flesh wound hai."

"Aapne humse jhooth bola", Baby said. "Main Papa ko bataungi."

"Arey, nahi nahi. Please, Bhaiya ko mat bataana", Karan said. "Bekaar mein tension le lenge. Bhabhi, iska muh band karwaao, na?"

"Naa Baby chup rahegi, naa main. Main khud jaakar bataungi", Barkha said. "Ab Param hi tumhaari class lenge. Goli lagi, aur baataaya bhi nahi. Bahut kuchh chhupaane lage ho aaj kal tum. Main aur Param dono class lenge tumhaari." She turned around, Baby in tow.

Karan glared at Faizi, who laughed silently. "Sling pehen lo, warna ek Monami aur aa jaayegi tumhaari class lene waali", Faizi said. He held it out, stifling his laugh. He grabbed it, wearing it.

"Tujhe main baad mein dekhta hoon", he gritted out, running after the two girls. "Bhabhi, suno, na?"

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

"Sir ji", Sanju said, showing the photo to Faizi. "Karan Sir ji ne hume 3rd floor dobara check karne ka kaho tha. Hume wahan tukre mile. Banaaya toh yeh bano."

Faizi stared at it. "Security codes", he muttered. He stared at the picture, zooming it. "Aaj ki date hai. Sanju, Batra Sir ke paas jao, aur codes change karwaao. Abhi."

"Ji, Sir ji."

Faizi took out his phone, dialing Karan's number. "Karan."

"Faizi, bahut pitega tu. Meri class lagwaa di tune", he complained. "Bhaiya, Bhabhi, Baby. Batra ma'am ne saath mein bina matlab aur daant diya. Mujhe pata bhi nahi kyun."

"Karan, Sanju ko kuchh mila."

"Kya?" His tone dropped into a low, alert one. "Third floor par?"

"Haan. Tum kamre mein aa jaao. Abhi."

"On my way."

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

Param stared at the apartment silently. After his meeting with the Colonel and a quick scolding to his brother, he had been encouraged to wander around the academy. He had found himself in the residential apartment they had grown up in on the fourth floor- the one that still belonged to the Batra's.

He walked in, looking around the place he had called his home. He pushed open the door to Karan's room. Memories greeted him.

'Bhaiya,' A 3 year old Karan shrieked in laughter as their adoptive mother tickled him. He wriggled out of her hold, running to his brother. Param plucked him off the ground, throwing him back gently on the bed. He bounced on the bed, giggling. 'Doba'a.' He held his arms out.

Param smiled, walking further in the room. He picked up the photo on the bedside, staring at it. A 16 year old Karan stared back, a familiar smirk stretched on his face.

He kept it down, before moving out of the room. He quietly closed the door behind him, moving to his own room. He opened the door, walking in.

'Bhaiya', A 2 year old Karan said, shaking him. A 13 year old Param groaned. 'Bhaiya!' He whined. 'Bhaiya!'

'Kya hai? Sone de, na? Khud toh kabhi bhi padhke so jaata hai.' He groaned. He buried his face deeper into the pillow, trying to go back to sleep. He groaned when he felt his brother climb up on his back. He turned on his back, making Karan fall off of him. The toddler climbed up on his stomach again, staring into his eyes. Param sighed. 'Kya hai? Kya chahiye tujhe?'

'Mumma', Karan said.

Param's annoyance faded. He hugged him close, tears welling up in his eyes. 'Chhote, abhi Mom ke paas nahi jaa sakte.'

He tilted his head. 'K'un?' Param looked away. Karan stared at him. He clutched his face with his little hands, clumsily wiping his tears. 'Mat lo.'

'Tu zyaada chinta mat kar', he said softly. 'Main hoon, na? Main hamesha tere saath rahunga. Okay? Par... Par Mom ke paas nahi jaa sakte.'

Karan nodded. He attempted to climb down, instead slipping off of him and faceplanting on the bed beside him. Param laughed a little, sitting up. Karan looked up at him, a little dazed before bursting into giggles.

Param smiled. He opened his cupboard. His gaze fell on a small box and his smile faded. He picked it up, sitting down on his bed and opening it. It was full of pictures. He picked one up. The picture of a group of army officials, clad in proud uniforms.

The woman stared at him, soft eyes inspecting him. 'Naam?' She asked.

'Param Shergill', he said.

She smiled, nodding. 'Dr. Juhi Mahajan', she introduced. 'Welcome to the team, Param.'

He picked up another picture, staring at it.

'Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Juhi Mahajan will head the mission. Second in command, Major Krishna Naidu. Third in command, Major Imran Ali', Colonel Akash Mehta announced. Param grinned, clapping as he stared at his commander. She walked to the front, hands behind her back with a familiar glint in her eyes. She had never looked more alive.

'Mission ka naam?' She asked.

'Mission Pari.'

CHAPTER 41

QUESTIONS

Sid stared down silently at the front of the academy from the terrace.

Param Shergill.

He stood with his wife, his daughter and his brother, a small smile on his face. Sid's gaze travelled lower to his legs, and he tilted his head. Were those prosthetics he saw a hint of? Was he disabled? He felt his insides twist slightly at the thought.

Deepak pointed to the door. 'Param Shergill, aaj ke baad meri beti ke aas paas bhi mat dikhna. Out! Door raho.'

Param stared at him for a silent second. Sid peeked out from behind the wall with hopeful eyes. He would protest, wouldn't he? He would fight him. He would stay. 'Okay', Param said. Sid's eyes welled up with tears. 'Main aaj ke baad kabhi nahi aaunga aur Monami se milne ki koshish nahi karunga.'

'Good', Deepak said. He turned around, storming deeper into the interior of the house.

Param looked at Sid's general direction. 'Sid', he said.

He stepped out from behind the wall. 'Aap jaa rahe ho', he accused.

He sighed. 'Sid, Sir Monami ke Papa hain. I-'

'Aap jaa rahe ho', he repeated louder.

'I am sorry. I think yeh hi best hai, Sid. Agar tumhe aur Monami ko kabhi bhi meri zaroorat hogi toh tum academy aa sakte ho. Mujhe call kar sakte ho. Whatever you want.'

Sid's jaw clenched. 'Kabhi nahi hogi', he vowed, a scowl marring his face. 'Hogi bhi toh aapke paas toh kabhi nahi aayenge.'

Param shook his head. 'Sid, tum-'

'You know where the door is', he said. He turned around, walking upstairs to Monami's room.

Sid's jaw clenched. He stepped away, turning around and walking back into the interior of the academy.

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

'A-Ask your b-brother.'

"Sun", Karan said. Faizi hummed. "Main kal Monami se baat kar raha tha."

"Aur tumhe yeh finally realize ho gaya ki tum use kitna chahne lage ho?" Faizi asked.

Karan glanced at him. "Nahi", he said. "Maine usse puchha ki use kisne hurt kara? The reason of her trauma."

His teasing smile faded. He tilted his head. "Usne kuchh bataaya?"

"Usne kaha... Bhaiya se puchhoon", he said.

"Kya?" Faizi asked incredulously.

"Bhaiya aur Monami ki trauma ka relationship hai?" He asked. He shook his head. "Mujhe kuchh samajh hi nahi raha. Aaj se pehle Monami ne kabhi aisa kuchh nahi kaha hai jisse yeh lage ki woh Bhaiya ko jaanti hai."

"Are you sure tumne kuchh galat nahi sun liya? Tumhe painkillers di thi, na, usne?" Karan scowled at him. "Hum bas confirm kar rahe hain."

"Faizi..."

He sighed. "Tum jaakar seedha Monami se puchh lo, na?"

"Puchha tha. Kuchh nahi kaha. Ignore kar diya. Main zyaada poke nahi karna chahta, yaar. Uska trauma... I don't want to scrape her wounds. Main Bhaiya se puchhna chahta tha, par woh kaafi overwhelmed the aaj, isliye main kuchh zyaada puchh nahi paaya." He looked at him. "Kya karoon?"

He paused. "Monami se nahi, Bhaiya se nahi, toh usse puchh lo jise Monami ke bare mein sab kuchh pata hai. Sid."

Karan nodded slightly. That seemed like a safe option.

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

Karan opened the door to the room, seeing Raichand sitting on a desk, writing something. He walked closer, peeking into the paper.

'Badha plan', was written in a mix of Hindi and English characters. 'Desh ka nuksaan. Log marenge.'

His feet seemed to pull him away from the room, guiding him somewhere else. He opened the door again, stepping out. But instead of the corridor of the club, the familiar walls of the academy greeted him.

He recognized it well enough. It was the third floor of the academy.

He walked into the room. There were boxes lined neatly along. He paused, seeing a page on the ground. He bent down, picking it up. 'Security codes. Parakaram SAF, Deolali.'

The paper disappeared from his hands. His feet pulled him away again, and he found himself in another corridor. He turned a corner, almost startled to see himself talking to Mridul. 'Naam hai Virat. Last name unknown. Common alias hai- Mask.'

He barely caught the words before his feet were taking him away again. He turned another corner, finding himself in the familiar hallway where the colonel's office was located. He opened the door and sat down on one of the chairs. He blinked, Faizi and the colonel on their chairs when he opened his eyes.

'Mission Blue Bird, Mission Euphoria, inn sab mein unhone sirf apne log peechhe kare hain, apna paisa peechhe kara hai. They're gathering their strength.'

His chair spun around on its own, the office fading away to the view of his room. The next moment, he found himself sitting on his bed, talking to Faizi. 'Agar Virat hiding se bahar hai, matlab... they could be planning something big. And if they're planning something big, then chance hai ki aur leaders bhi bahar ho.'

He looked at Faizi. 'Security codes', Faizi said. 'Security Codes, Karan.'

Karan's eyes snapped open. "Security codes", he muttered to himself, mostly stuck in the scenes he had recalled. "Security codes matlab academy ki information. Academy ki aisi kya information chahiye? If he's high enough to get security codes then he is high enough to get majority of the information on agents and floor plans of the academy. Toh woh bhi nahi."

He stood up, rubbing his eyes slightly. His arm throbbed violently and he almost cried out in pain when he pushed himself up. His body was sore. That was why he hated painkillers. It made his entire body feel like lead. He quietly got up, turning on his laptop.

He entered the new codes, scrolling through the confidential information. He paused on one. Alarm codes. He clicked on it. 'Intruder alarms', one of the files said. He frowned, checking how often they changed. Twice a year.

One of the only ones that were changed that less. Most others were changed every week.

His eyes widened lightly.

They were planning an attack on the academy.

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

"Three teams", Karan said. "Hum teenon lead karenge. Sabse pehle, tum dono jaakar Ecstasy dekhoge. Agar bina raid ke baat banti hai, toh that will be the best way. Main security update karta hoon. Sirf chaar logon ko codes pata honge- Batra Sir, mujhe aur tum dono ko. Uske baad hum apni teen teams mein split honge. Faizi Ecstasy aur uski information ke saath deal karega, Sanju academy ki security dekhegi aur main Laxman ki location ki lead follow karunga."

Faizi looked up from the blueprint of Ecstasy. "Laxman ki location ki lead?" He repeated.

"Laxman kaafi verify karke mujhe khabar bataata tha. Agar use kuchh pata chala toh uske physical footprints retrace karne se kuchh toh milna chahiye."

"Sir ji, Ec..." She trailed off, stumbling over the word. "Club", she rectified. "Club mein jald se jald chalto hain. Jaise Raichand shehar chodkar jaa raho tha, kahin yeh log idhar udhar naa ho jaaye."

"Choose your agents today for the team. And make sure unhe kuchh naa batao."

Both nodded. A watch beeped and the men looked at Sanju. She sighed. "Jhingoor", she said. "Class hogo."

"Tu jaa. Tum dono achhe se Ecstasy ko study kar lena aaj. Logon ko, blueprints ko."

They nodded again. Sanju saluted the two before darting out of the room. Karan shifted uncomfortably, rubbing his arm as the pain flared up slightly.

"Dard ho raha hai?" Faizi asked.

"Nahi", he lied. "Main theek hoon."

Faizi shook his head. "Tum kabhi sach nahi bol sakte ho, na? Hum Monami ko bulaa rahe hain." Karan opened his mouth. Faizi held up a finger. "Tumne zyaada nakhre kare, hum Batra ma'am ya Sir ko bata denge." Karan closed his mouth. A knock interrupted them. Faizi held up a hand when he started to move. "Hum dekh rahe hain. Tum rest karo."

He stood up, opening up the door. His eyebrows rose, seeing Monami. "H-Hello", she said.

"Andar aao", he said, smiling at her.

Karan straightened up slightly, seeing her. "Monami? Kya hua? Tum iss time par... kuchh chahiye tha?"

She shrugged. "Aa-Aap kh-khud toh a-apna dh-dhyaan r-rakh nahi r-rahe hoge. Naa dh-dhang se d-dressing ch-change kar r-rahe hoge. Yeh w-waala class ka s-slot khaali tha, i-isliye m-main y-yahin le aa-aayi ch-cheezen. Aa-Aapka k-koi bh-bharosa nahi."

Faizi laughed slightly. Karan stared at her. "Tum mujhe taunt kar rahi ho kya? Mujhe sach mein samajh nahi aaya abhi", he said.

Monami chuckled. "T-Taunt n-nahi tha", she assured. "Shirt u-utaaro, p-please."

"Kya?" Faizi asked.

Karan glared at him. "Dressing change karne ke liye shirt utaarni hai, Faizi", he gritted out.

Monami frowned. "Of c-course. A-Aur kiske l-liye?" She looked between the two.

"Nahi, nahi", Faizi said. "Hum... Hume bas dhang se suna nahi. Continue. Hume kuchh kaam hai. Monami, tum dekh lena. Theek hai?" He grinned at Karan behind her back. He glared at him lightly. Faizi stifled a laugh, moving out of the room and closing it behind him.

He looked at Monami. She didn't seem to understand what Faizi was thinking, and he was glad she was too innocent to follow Faizi's gutter mind.

"Sh-Shirt?" She said.

Karan unzipped the tracksuit, taking off the upper, revealing his sleeveless undershirt. She gently unwrapped the gauze. He winced slightly when the bandage pulled at his wound slightly.

"As e-expected", she muttered softly, shaking her head. "Aa-Aapne ch-change n-nahi kara. K-Kaam mein b-busy ho g-gaye h-hoge. Apna dh-dhyaan r-rakhne ke l-liye k-kahan hi t-time hota hai aa-aapke paas? N-Nahi?"

"Tum phir se mujhe taunt kar rahi ho?" He said. "Tum apne har patient ko hi itna taunt karti ho ya ek main hi hoon special?"

Her mouth curled up in an amused smile. Her gaze dropped back to the wound as she started cleaning it again. It had bled a little, the blood smeared around and staining his skin. "M-Mere p-patients usually aa-aapki t-tarah itne z-ziddi nahi h-hote hain. They t-take care of th-themselves.

"Main apna dhyaan rakhta hoon", he protested.

She hummed. "Tab hi aa-aapne p-painkillers n-nahi li?" She asked.

"Maine li hai", he lied.

"A-Agar li h-hoti, toh aa-aaj s-subah d-drill par n-nahi aate. Aur i-itna alert toh b-bilkul n-nahi dikh r-rahe hote. P-Painkillers h-have a d-drowsy ef-effect", she said nonchalantly. He closed his mouth. How was he supposed to argue with that?

She took the painkillers, holding one out. "Lo."

He accepted it, staring at it. He suppressed a frown. It would be bitter. "Haan... theek hai. Le lunga." She held out a glass of water. "Bola toh le lunga. Baad mein."

She crossed her arms. "Abhi!" She demanded. "Kya p-problem hai l-lene mein?"

He looked down at it and then up at her. He shook his head. "Nahi. Lene mein kya problem hogi? Bas... abhi thodi der mein le lunga."

"A-Abhi lo."

"Maine kaha, na, baad mein le lunga", he said. She narrowed her eyes slightly. She sat down on the chair, crossing her arms and staring at him stubbornly. He sighed. "Tum nahi maanogi, na?" She shook her head. He stared down at the medicine. He took a deep breath, before popping in the tablet and quickly washing it down with water. She chuckled slightly. "Kya hai?"

She shook her head. "Aa-Aapko d-dawaai lena p-pasand n-nahi, na?" She eyed him. "Aa-Aapko kadwi l-lagti hai?" He glanced away. She chuckled a little. "Special A-Agent M-Major K-Karan Shergill. B-Bandook ki g-goli se toh d-darr nahi l-lagta par d-dawaai ki g-goli se lagta hai. How c-cute."

Cute? He looked at her, raising his eyebrows. Her smile waned slightly.

"S-Sorry. I'll, uh..." She pointed to the door awkwardly. "Go." She gathered the stuff she had brought, moving out of the room quickly.

He followed her with his gaze. "Cute?" He muttered to himself. "Really?" He shook his head.

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

"So?" Barkha asked. "Kya lagta hai tumhe?"

Param smiled slightly. "It wasn't that bad", he said. "I... I liked it."

Her mouth spread in a smile. "Tum join karoge phir?"

"I was thinking... ki thoda soch loon dhang se. I don't want ki abhi emotional hokar decision le lo, aur baad mein I won't be able to deal with it. What do you think?"

She nodded. "Not a bad idea. Bas... bahut zyaada time mat lena. You will keep yourself hung up." He nodded. She pointed to the box. "Aur haan, yeh jo tum academy se cheezen utha kar laaye ho, khud hi jagah banana ab inki."

He chuckled slightly. He nodded. "Okay", he said. He leaned forward, kissing the corner of her mouth gently.

"Mumma", Baby called.

She sighed slightly. "Haan?" Barkha called back. "Aa rahi hoon." She shook her head. "Main abhi aayi." She kissed his cheek, before moving out of the room.

Param looked at the box. "Yeh bhi sab set karoon", he said to himself. "Warna yeh daant degi." He picked the box up. "Duniya jahan ke liye sweet hai yeh, pata nahi saari daant mere liye hi kyun rakhti hai yeh." He shook his head.

He opened it, pausing when his gaze fell on a photograph. It was him with the rest of the team of Mission Pari. He kept the picture down, before picking another up. It was one of him and Juhi, a random one taken by one of their other teammates.

Juhi had her head thrown back in laughter, as Param stared at something off the camera in disbelief. He didn't remember what had happened, but the terrace in the background sprang another memory.

'Kya baat hai, ma'am?' Param asked. 'Everything alright? Aap thoda disturbed lag rahi hain.'

She stared out at the city in a distance for a few silent seconds. 'Tum mujhe ek cheez promise karoge?' She looked at him. 'Agar... Agar kisi mission se main waapas nahi aayi, toh mere bacchon ka khayal rakhna.' He opened his mouth. She held up a hand. 'They have people to look after them. Jaise tumne apne bhai ko badha kara hai, waise koi responsibility nahi aayegi tumpar. But... I will be assured ki mere jaane ke baad, someone will be there jo unhe sahi raaste par guide kar paayenge. Be there for her... as a mentor.'

Param nodded. 'I promise.' He hesitated slightly. 'Aapki personal life hai, ma'am. Main zyaada intrude nahi karna chahta. Par... sab theek nahi hai kya?'

She sighed. 'Just problems jo har relationship mein aate hain. I am not sure mere husband aur Monami ek hi cheez chaahenge. I want ki koi ho jo meri bacchi ko support kare. Sid hai... par woh khud bhi baccha hi hai.'

'I will be there for her.'

Param felt the tears well up in his eyes. "I am sorry", he whispered. "I failed you. In a lot of ways. I am so sorry."

He kept the photo down, pausing when his gaze fell on a band. He picked it up, turning it over in his hand.

'Yeh lo', Monami said, pushing the band through his hand. 'Yeh aapke liye, Sir.'

He inspected it. 'Yeh kis liye?'

She shrugged. 'Sid ko lagta hai yeh sab silly hai par I believe meri wishes aapke saath hain toh aapko kuchh nahi hoga. Like... a good luck charm?'

He smiled. 'Thank you.' She beamed at him brightly. 'Tum superstitious ho?'

'Maybe. But agar mera faith kisi ko hurt nahi karta, toh kya nuksaan hai? Aapke yeh pehne naa pehne se zyaada kuchh nahi hoga, bas mujhe achha lagega.' He nodded, gently patting her cheek affectionately. She clutched his wrist when he started to turn away. She stared at him. 'Aap... Aap please mere Mumma ka dhyaan rakhna, okay? I don't want anything to happen to her.'

He nodded. 'Main tumhaari Mumma ko kuchh nahi hone dunga', he said to the 10 year old.

'Thank you', she said.

He kept down the band. "I wish..." He whispered to himself softly.

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

Faizi clicked on a key, changing the view of the club. Karan was sleeping quietly, his sleep uninterrupted for once, courtesy to the painkillers Monami had made sure he took. He had refused to take Faizi up on the offer of him taking his classes but had all but collapsed on the bed as soon as he was done eating and Monami had checked him up again.

Faizi opened up the information of the head that managed the Mumbai branch.

Gurmeet Singh, Age 47, divorced, two kids in full custody of the ex-wife, a widowed mother. The Mumbai branch had its fair share of drug charges- some ongoing and some dropped but none proved, which coincided with the report the police had sent.

He pulled up the list of employees, pulling up the personal files he had requested and beginning to read. His eyes started to fall shut slightly, and he yawned.

Beside him, Karan moved slightly, and Faizi looked him over. Was he in pain? He stood up from the desk, moving closer. He checked his wound. The gauze hadn't darkened in color, so at least, it wasn't bleeding too much, if even a little. He shifted again.

"Tum theek ho?" Faizi asked.

"Faizi?" Karan muttered sleepily. He hummed. "Suar aur saand ke saath ullu banne ka bhi shauk hai kya? So jaa, na?"

He laughed a little. "Tum aadhi neend mein bhi sarcasm nahi chodoge, na?" Karan groaned in protest to his talking. He gently patted his chest. "Haan, haan, jaa rahe hain. Good night."

"Teri chabar chabar band hogi toh apne aap hi good ho jaayegi night."

Faizi chuckled, standing up and moving to his own bed. He laid down, welcoming the sleep that came easy to him.

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

Koel entered her room, disappointment having her face fall. Faizi apparently was set to leave for somewhere about 10 and was missing from both the morning drill and the one class she had of him.

She felt a gaze on her. She lifted her head, finding Suman ji staring at her. "Koel..." She eyed her. "Suman ji ko tujh mein teen chaar hafton se kuchh badla badla lag raha hai."

"Badla badla matlab?" She asked. She held up her arms. "Muscles tone ho gayi, na?"

"Suman ji behavior ki baat kar rahi hain", she said. Koel dropped her arms. Suman ji crossed hers. "Tera kisi ke saath chakkar chal raha hai kya?" Her eyes widened. "Faizi Sir ke saath?"

Koel's eyes widened. "Nahi", she lied. "Of course not. How ridiculous."

Suman ji narrowed her eyes. "Tu jhooth toh nahi bol rahi?"

"Nahi, nahi. Main jhooth nahi bol rahi."

"Tu keh rahi hai, toh theek hai." She looked at her. "Par agar Suman ji ko kahin aur se kuchh pata chala, toh Suman ji ko bilkul achha nahi lagega."

Her stomach dropped slightly. She sighed. "Achha, theek hai", Koel said. She hesitated. "Main... Main Faizi Sir ko date kar rahi hoon."

Suman ji stared at her. "Sacchi?" She asked. Koel nodded. "Suman ji ko pata tha! Kab hua? Aur tune hume bataaya kyun nahi? Suman ji ko bhi nahi bataaya?"

"Main nahi chahti thi sab log mujhe Faizi Sir ki girlfriend ke naam se jaane."

She gave her an unimpressed look. "Kamini", she said. Koel smiled slightly. "Ab Suman ji ko sab kuchh jaanna hai. Kya hua, kaise hua, sab kuchh." She smiled, launching into the tale.