Chapter Twenty Five

Sherry is just in the process of serving herself food when Abhimanyu appears beside her in the line.

"I'm going for a walk around the grounds after dinner."

She raises her eyebrows at him. "Okay?" He raises his eyebrows at her in return and she finally gets it. "I thought we agreed that we weren't going to do that again while you're still employed here?"

Abhimanyu doesn't quite turn red, but it's a very near thing. "That's not... you know that's not what I meant."

"Do I? I'm not certain I do." She's pulling his leg now, grinning, when they're interrupted by a cough from behind Abhimanyu.

"If you two are quite done with the potatoes, could you move along?" Shalini asks them, raising her own eyebrows.

"Of course, ma'am." Sherry replies politely, before giving Abhimanyu a small nod.

She doesn't know why he wants to meet her in private, but she's not about to refuse him.

/

He's pacing when she finally arrives, unable to stop himself.

"So, um, why have you called me here at this time?" Sherry asks as she steps towards him. "Because I'm fairly certain that running into each other on our morning jog is a lot less suspicious than this."

"I know, but I couldn't hold it in until then." He looks so serious that she knows it's important, but she just can't help herself.

"You mean your fervent and undying love for me?"

"What, no? I mean.."

"Ah, you don't love me then, and here I thought..." she sighs wistfully, as Abhimanyu's hand snakes out to take hers, pulling her towards him.

"Of course I do, but I... you're messing with me again, aren't you?"

She grins, "So you love me, do you?"

As much as he tries not to, he can't help the smile that comes to his lips. "This is serious, Sherry."

"I would hope it would be, if we're talking about love."

This sobers Abhimanyu sufficiently. "We are here to talk about love, just not ours."

He sees the moment she becomes nervous, the stillness in her expression as she tries not to react. "What are you talking about?"

Abhimanyu places his hands on her shoulders, looking into her face. "It all makes sense now, Sherry, I understand why you couldn't tell me anything. It wasn't your secret to tell."

Sherry's eyes flick away from him. "I really don't know what you're talking about. I'm fairly certain I'm the only one here hiding a secret."

"Really? Then tell me Sherry, why would your brother be a hypocrite and why didn't those photos ever reach you? How was it that you and Naina knew about Dr Mishra from the very beginning? How did you know that I was the one that set him free? You had no idea when you arrived here and overnight your attitude towards me changed."

"I, uh, I managed to speak to Bhaiyya, I couldn't tell you at the time..."

He shakes his head, lifting one hand to tilt her face back towards him so that she has to look at him. "You don't have to cover for Naina anymore, Sherry. It took me awhile but I finally figured it out."

She swallows, nervous, but doesn't interrupt him this time.

"The first time I met Naina, she was holding the photo of your brother that Brigadier Chandook had just thrown from the Wall of Fame, looking down at it. I didn't think anything of it at the time, but later I realised there was something she was hiding. She was too good at everything, she knew too much. I thought that she was a spy at first until you set me straight about that."

"I remember that, fun times." Sherry quips.

"I've been trying to work out how she would even know Raj, since it's obvious it wasn't through Naveen. It was when she was kidnapped, wasn't it? Those three weeks that she won't talk about, there's a reason she can't tell Naveen what happened then."

Sherry is silent, a muscle in her jaw ticking and Abhimanyu sighs. "It's not breaking her trust if I've already worked it out."

Cautiously, Sherry relaxes her posture. She looks away from him for a moment, thinking, before she meets his eyes again. "I'll need to tell Naina that you know and under no circumstances whatsoever are you to tell any of this to Naveen."

"I can't just conceal it from him!"

"And would you like it if someone told Bhaiyya about us before you got a chance to? If Naveen isn't smart enough to work it out by himself he can wait to find out."

He takes both of her hands in his, squeezing them gently. "Fine, I promise, now please tell me what happened."

Sherry looks down at their joined hands and then up again. "He saved her from her kidnappers, then brought her back to safety. Somewhere along the way they fell in love and he agreed to let her try to prove his innocence."

"And they've been in contact since she arrived?"

Sherry nods. "He calls sometimes, they organise the times in advance so that she'll be near the phone."

"And is it only because they're in love that you couldn't tell Naveen and I, or is there another reason?"

Sherry shakes her head. "I was honest about that part. There's something we need to do to help him and you can't be involved. I'm sure there's people watching you, if you were to try and help us it would compromise the entire plan."

Abhimanyu nods, showing that he trusts her, and squeezes her hands before dropping them. "This really does explain a lot. She's even picked up some of his mannerisms. I'm surprised she would agree to do so much for someone she only spent three weeks with though."

Sherry tilts her chin at him. "How long have we known each other exactly."

"More than three weeks at least!"

"We haven't spent every moment of every day together during that time though." Sherry argues back. "She's going to be my sister-in-law."

"She already acts like she is." Abhimanyu mutters, thinking back to the number of times she's told him off lately. "How are you so certain about that?"

Sherry rolls her eyes. "She's wearing his ring around her neck. I know my brother, there's only one reason he would have given it to her."

"Dear god, that means she'll be my sister-in-law one day too." Abhimanyu shakes his head. "I'm going to spend my life getting told off for things."

Sherry stands, staring at him. "Did you just..."

Abhimanyu does a double take, realising what he just said. "No! I mean... maybe when I'm no longer your teacher that's something we could... consider... after actually dating normally for awhile of course."

Sherry grins at him. "You want to marry me."

Abhimanyu opens his mouth to argue and then realising it's a lost cause, grins back at her. "Maybe I do."

Sherry's lips quirk. "Maybe don't lead in with that when you tell my brother about us."

Abhimanyu laughs. "I'll try to work him up to the idea instead. We've still got a lot of things to do before we can reach that stage."

"Prove my brother innocent. Prove my father guilty." Sherry shrugs. "We'll be dating openly by the new year."

He pulls her to him then and hugs her tightly. There's a moment when she thinks he might kiss her until he pulls back again, clearing his throat. "Alright, you head back first. I'll go for a walk and come back a bit later."

Nodding her agreement, Sherry treks back to the hostels, grinning the whole way.

/

"So, uh, Captain Abhimanyu knows."

Naina's head whips up from where she's been eating her breakfast, hastily swallowing. "Knows what?"

Even Aalekh looks up from his own breakfast, deciding that this is much more interesting than his food.

"About, uh, exactly why you're here."

Naina pauses, clearly worried. "How did he find out?"

"Well, he heard you on the phone yesterday then put rather a lot of things together." Sherry grins, attempting to smother it. "He is quite clever."

Aalekh cuffs her gently against the side of her head. "Get your brain back from where you've left it. What's he going to do now?"

"Well nothing, obviously. He's agreed not to tell Captain Naveen."

"Thank goodness for that," Naina sighs. "That would be the very last thing I need at this stage. He didn't object?"

Sherry covers her mouth to smother a laugh. "I might have reminded him that Raj isn't the only one dating someone's sister without their knowledge."

Aalekh snorts, Naina looks back at her incredulously. "You're not really dating though, are you?"

"Well, not technically, but then neither are you and Bhaiyya technically, dating would usually involve dates of some description."

"What are you doing then?" Naina narrows her eyes. "Because for Captain Abhimanyu's sake, the answer had better be 'not much'."

Sherry grins. "He's right, you really do sound like my sister-in-law already. Don't worry, we'll be on our very best behaviour until he leaves the academy."

Naina raises her eyebrows. "Which means you've already discussed it."

"As if you and Bhaiyya haven't, when you have far more obstacles between you."

Aalekh shakes his head. "Saala pyaar, turns you all into idiots."

"Don't worry, Aalekh, we'll find you a girlfriend just as soon as all this is settled."

"I don't want one."

"A boyfriend then? We're very open minded."

Sherry is still laughing as Aalekh pushes her away from him, muttering about what he did to deserve such friends.

/

"Cadet Naina, would you stay behind?"

Naina looks up in surprise from where she's been replacing her weapon. She hadn't expected to be the one Captain Abhimanyu would call out to, but she nods anyway, stepping towards him as the others walk towards the academy.

"Yes Sir?"

"I wanted to ask you... how is he?"

Naina's carefully blank expression changes into something warmer as she looks back at Abhimanyu. It makes her happy to know he still thinks of Raj, that he worries about him.

"He... what he went through affected him greatly. He still struggles with what happened, but I know how much yours and Naveen's support meant to him. He never doubted that you would still be fighting for him and I think... I know that he now has the hope he needs to truly fight for himself."

Abhimanyu smiles at her. "Hope you gave him."

Naina looks back at Abhimanyu, completely serious. "I won't fail him, I can't. There's not long now, we almost have everything we need to act. The recording of Major Bhargav might not be enough to convict Lala Gehlot but we'll figure something out. You and Bhaiyya need to concentrate on gathering evidence against Ritu Mishra, that will be the key to proving his innocence."

Abhimanyu nods, and places a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, we've got it under control. Much like you, Naina, I came here for one reason, to try and prove his innocence. I won't be leaving here until I have."

Naina's lips quirk. "You'd better be successful then, because I have it on good authority that your own love story can't advance until you do leave."

Abhimanyu laughs. "My own conscience wouldn't allow it even if you weren't here to keep an eye on us. She's worth waiting for, no matter how long."

Naina smiles. "You have my approval for now, just know that it can be very easily retracted."

Unable to help himself, Abhimanyu hugs her, brief and loose. "Of course, Bhabhi, should I touch your feet now?"

Naina laughs, "Save it for when we're all free to be open about our feelings."

They separate, and clapping her lightly on the back, Abhimanyu gives her a push in the direction of the academy, walking beside her. They're halfway there when they meet Naveen, approaching them with a frown on his face.

"Were you just hugging my sister, Chauhan? I'd better not have spent all this time worrying about you and Cadet Sherry to find out you're this secret boyfriend of hers I've heard about."

Naina rolls her eyes at him. "Don't be ridiculous, Naveen."

She leaves them then, continuing to walk towards the academy as the two Captains remain where they are, Naveen still looking at Abhimanyu strangely.

"For god sakes, Naveen, I'm not interested in your sister." Abhimanyu tells him. "It was a very innocent hug."

"Yeah well, it had better stay that way. It was bad enough when I thought you were interested in Sherry Gehlot, let alone my own sister."

Abhimanyu coughs, covering his hand with his mouth. "Were you coming here to speak to me about something?"

"Yes, my date with Dr Mishra tomorrow and our plan to search her room. Start early so that you have enough time to complete the task and get everything back into place. I was also thinking it might be good to keep an eye on my room in case she has plans to send someone there while I'm gone."

"That's a good idea. I'd suggest asking Naina to organise it, you should be able to come up with an excuse for her to be in or near your room."

"I'll do that." Naveen agrees before he pauses. "I'm planning to take a decoy security card with me in case she tries to steal it. I've been thinking about what she wants from me and my conclusion is that she's still after the triggers. She'll try to get to them through me, like she did with Raj."

"It wouldn't be safe for me to have both of them on me at once. I'm going to suggest that you approach Naina for this too. You don't need to tell her what it's for, just that she needs to guard it carefully."

Naveen looks at Abhimanyu, his eyes narrowed. "From the person who originally thought my sister might be a spy, you've certainly developed a lot of trust in her now."

Abhimanyu grins. "What can I say, she managed to win me over with her charm."

"I'm going to hit you now."

/

"Naina, how did you know you were in love?"

Naina looks up from where she's been polishing her boots and over to where Pooja is laying on her bed, a dreamy look on her face. "I, uh, I don't... what made you think I am, Pooja?"

"Please, doost, your signal is loud and clear to me. Despite all the Jat's efforts, you never even looked in his direction, you even made him change his ringtone. That, and I've seen the ring you wear around your neck enough times, you always hold it just before you go to sleep."

Naina laughs self consciously. "I suppose I haven't concealed it as well as I thought I did. Why are you asking though, Pooja?"

"Well, I..." Pooja stops, suddenly hesitant to continue. "I came here searching for Rohit, but along the way I've started wondering whether I want him back at all. He jammed my signal and went out of range, how can I trust him again after that?"

"You can't." Naina responds simply. "He's not worthy of your love, Pooja, and I hope that you can let him go. It's better that it happened before you were married, when you can put your life together more easily. If someone betrays you then don't trust them again, it's not worth the risk."

"Have you ever been betrayed in love, Naina?"

"No, not me. Someone I care about was though, in a way that will affect him for the rest of his life. Is this about Ali, Pooja?"

Pooja blushes. "Maybe I've been playing my ringtone louder than I intended too."

Naina smiles. "Not too loudly, I'm just observant. You've become closer, haven't you?"

"He's been my best friend since I joined the academy, at first I didn't even think about it because of Rohit, but Ali is kind and sweet and handsome and..."

"Loyal." Naina adds. "Ali would never betray his principles or someone he cared about."

"Exactly! And lately his are the only messages that seem to be entering my inbox, I don't even think about Rohit anymore. So I was wondering..."

"If you were in love."

Pooja nods. "What do you think, Naina?"

"Would you do anything for him?" Naina asks her seriously. "Would he do anything for you in return?"

"I... I think so. I think I would, I think he would too."

Naina smiles and comes to sit beside her roommate on the bed, putting an arm around Pooja's shoulders. "My advice is, don't rush into it. Don't make a decision until you're entirely sure. Get rid of Rohit entirely from your life and let Ali know he's gone then see where it takes you."

"Thanks doost, you've helped to clear my signal. If you ever need help from me then send me an sms straight away."

"I'll do that, Pooja." Naina tells her friend fondly. "And remember I'm here anytime you need to talk."

For whatever reasons Naina might have come here, she'll remain grateful for the friends she found as a result.

/

"Naina!"

She is on her way to the entry the next morning, intending to wait nearby for Raj's phone call, when she hears her own name, Naveen hurrying towards her.

"What is it, Bhaiyya?"

He pulls her aside and Naina is aware of the seconds ticking onward, praying that Raj won't call until she's done.

"I need to ask you to do something important for me, Naina. A great deal depends on it."

"Of course, Bhaiyya, anything. You know you can trust me."

He nods decisively, pleased at her seriousness and quick agreement.

From the corner of her eye, Naina spots Aalekh heading for breakfast. She makes a gesture to him just as Naveen turns around to check if anyone is nearby, pointing towards the phones.

Ever quick to understand, Aalekh nods and heads to the desk, waiting there just in case,

"I'm taking Dr Mishra out tonight. While I don't expect she'll let anything slip it's a good chance to have Chauhan search her room. I don't want to take a risk that she has the same idea about mine though. I'd like you to wait there until I return, have your friends assist you if you can."

"What if Lolitaji finds out I'm not in the hostel?"

Naveen grins. "I have it on good authority that I'm not the only one going on a date tonight. Suriji is taking Lolitaji out as well."

Naina smothers a smile, pleased that Suriji had finally met with some success in his quest to win their strict warden's affections. "I'll be there, Bhaiyya. I'll keep the door locked from the inside until you return. You lock it from the outside too so that nobody suspects. Aalekh and Sherry will both keep a watch from outside in case anyone does make an attempt."

In the background, Naina hears the phone ring and tries not to glance towards the desk. The orderly calls out "Cadet..." and then is suddenly silent.

She can still make it to speak to him if Naveen finishes soon.

"There's one more thing, Naina, the most important part of all..."

Naina forces herself not to worry and to listen instead.

/

"Cadet..."

Aalekh grabs the receiver out of the orderly's hand, cutting him off. "For Naina, right? I'll take it."

"But you're not..."

"Do I look like a girl? Of course I'm not Naina. She told me to take it if she couldn't."

Giving the orderly a glare, Aalekh brings the receiver up to his ear. "I'm Aalekh. Naina is speaking to her brother."

"Is everything alright?" Even through the phone line, Aalekh can hear the worry in his voice and he finds himself approving. The first real friend he ever made in his life, she deserves to have someone who cares about her so much.

"Everything except the Captain's timing. Tu bol, I'll tell her in case she can't make it to the phone."

"Do you have a pen and paper, Aalekh?" Raj asks, and he quickly takes one from the orderly to write down the phone number and then listen to Raj's instructions on how to summon him to the PCO.

"I'll make sure she knows. When will you call back next?"

"I'll try tomorrow before dinner, your Diwali break starts next week, right?"

"Haan, we have some plans for it."

"Tell Naina to stay safe, Aalekh, and you stay safe too." Raj's voice is warm on the end of the line, like a friend's might be. "I can't tell you how grateful I am for everything you've done for me, and for being a true friend to Naina."

It touches Aalekh, that thanks. When he had agreed to help he hadn't thought about anyone except Naina, and what he could do for her. Since then he's come to understand her dedication to the man she loves, from small snippets of stories that both she and Sherry drop. Raj is a good man, Aalekh doesn't doubt that. He thinks Raj might be like the other two captains, the type of officer and hero that Aalekh would like to be himself one day. The type of man he's begun to believe that he can be.

"I'll do whatever I can for her, for you too."

"Hopefully I'll be able to thank you in person one day soon. Tell Naina I'll speak to her soon and that..."

"I understand." Aalekh tells him. "I will."

"Thank you, Aalekh."

The phone call is disconnected and Aalekh waits as Naina speaks with Naveen, watching as she listens seriously to her brother's words. Looking down at the paper in his hand he memorises the number, knowing it's best to in case he needs to one day use it himself.

Finally, Naveen finishes, squeezing Naina's shoulder affectionately before he leaves. Naina waits as Aalekh makes his way over.

"What did he say?"

"He sends you his love."

She almost blushes. "He did not."

Aalekh shrugs. "It was understood. He gave me his number and instructions on how to contact him."

He hand over the piece of paper, repeating them quickly, even as Naina stares at the paper, memorising the number on it.

"Thanks Aalekh, I was worried for a moment what would happen until I saw you."

He still finds it hard to accept thanks or affection, so rarely received in life before now. Maybe with the friends he's found here he'll get used to it in time.

"It's nothing. What did your brother want?"

It's always interesting to see the way Naina's expression changes when she has a mission to fulfil, the determination that comes there as if she won't allow anything to get in her way.

"He's given us a task," Naina tells Aalekh. "Something important we need to do. Are you in?"

At this point she doesn't even need to ask.

A/N: I have to admit that while I am very very close to finishing the fic the writing of the epilogue is going sloooooooowly. I'm still confident that it'll be done by the time we reach there though.

A big thank you to the guest who commented, and yes it probably is a good thing that Abhimanyu was the one to find out given his own circumstances 😉 They're in the home stretch now so they will need to be doubly careful from now on.