As they made their way back to the academy, Rajveer's mind was consumed with thoughts, and Naina couldn't help but notice his distant expression. Concerned about his well-being, she gently spoke up, suggesting they stop at a restaurant since it was already late and the mess would no longer be serving dinner. She believed it was important for Rajveer to nourish himself before returning to the academy.
"I'm not hungry, Naina," he responded, mustering a sad smile, indicating that his lack of appetite was rooted in deeper emotions.
This was why Naina had refrained from disclosing Lala Gehlot's betrayal to Rajveer earlier. She had wanted to gather substantial evidence before breaking the news, not wanting to cause him unnecessary pain. Pleading with him, she urged, "Please, Rajveer sir... don't punish yourself for someone else's crimes. You must continue living... if not for yourself, then for me."
In a resigned tone, Rajveer suggested, "I have groceries in my room. Could you perhaps cook something for me?"
Instantly agreeing to his request, Naina responded, "Yes, of course."
Upon their return to the academy, Naina accompanied Rajveer to his room. Rajveer made his way to the living room, where he sank into one of the couches. Memories of joy and the what-ifs surrounding his deceased parents flooded his mind, causing tears of anguish to stream down his face.
(Imagine him casuals.)
Meanwhile, Naina ventured into the kitchenette area of Rajveer's room. From there, she quietly observed the traces of tears on his face, evidence of the deep pain caused by Lala's betrayal. Empathy filled her heart as she recognized the profound sense of isolation Rajveer must have been experiencing in that moment. Determined to provide solace through her actions, Naina set about preparing a meal for Rajveer. As the aroma of spices filled the air, Naina's nimble fingers gracefully maneuvered through the ingredients. She sliced vegetables with precision, their vibrant colors adding a touch of life to the otherwise somber atmosphere. Each movement carried an unspoken message of support and understanding, silently assuring Rajveer that he was not alone in his struggles.
As the food sizzled on the stovetop, Naina's thoughts intertwined with her actions. She contemplated the depth of Rajveer's pain, realizing the profound impact that Lala's betrayal had inflicted on his trust and emotions. With every sauté, stir, and simmer, Naina poured her love and care into the dish, hoping to mend the wounds of her mate's heart.
Finally, the meal was ready. Naina arranged the food on a plate and placed it before Rajveer on the coffee table. His eyes, red and puffy, met hers, reflecting a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. She joined him on the couch, the silence between them speaking volumes. Naina understood that sometimes words weren't enough; it was through gestures of compassion that true healing began.
Rajveer directed his attention towards the plate in front of him, and a hesitant smile slowly spread across his face. Naina had prepared his favorite comfort food: fried rice with chicken Manchurian. Intrigued, he couldn't help but ask, "How did you know this is exactly what I needed?"
Naina responded with a playful smile, "Remember 'Veeru Puran'? Your best friend had documented almost ALL of your secrets in there."
Rajveer rolled his eyes in mild exasperation. "If I had known what that fool was up to, I would have given him a good thrashing," he grumbled, before finally taking a bite of the delicious meal.
As Rajveer took his first bite, the flavors danced on his palate, momentarily transporting him away from his anguish. Naina watched, her heart swelling with a bittersweet blend of joy and sorrow. She knew that the path to recovery would be long and arduous, but she vowed to walk alongside Rajveer, offering her unwavering support every step of the way. Naina smiled at him affectionately and started running her fingers through his hair. Rajveer threw her a pleased smile but continued eating.
After some time, Naina informed Rajveer, "Sir, you don't have any groceries for breakfast. Could you arrange for a delivery? I want to prepare breakfast for you tomorrow."
He asked, pulling out his cellphone to call Lt. Bunty Chaubey, "Won't Ms. Lolita say something if you come over to my room so early?"
"I'm planning to stay with you tonight," Naina replied.
Rajveer's head snapped up, and with a look of disbelief, he questioned, "Are you certain? I mean..."
"Yes, I'm sure. I want to spend the night with you. Is that alright?" Naina asked.
"Yes, of course. I'll... I'll inform Chaubey about the groceries," Rajveer responded, feeling a mixture of excitement and anticipation."
Although they had stayed together in the tent during their mentorship camp, this would officially be the first time Naina would spend the night with him. He felt an unfamiliar nervousness coursing through his body.
Rajveer called Chaubey and, after exchanging greetings, he said to his subordinate, "Chaubey, I need groceries for breakfast. Please have them delivered to my room within an hour."
"But sir, why do you need them? Don't you usually have breakfast at the mess?" Chaubey asked, sounding confused.
"Actually, Naina is staying over tonight and wants to prepare breakfast tomorrow," Rajveer explained with a smile.
He understood why Naina wanted to spend the night with him. She was concerned about his emotional well-being after the significant betrayal from his Godfather. She wanted to ensure that he was okay and didn't feel lonely.
"Ohhh... I understand everything, sir! Don't worry! I'll get you my 'morning after' special groceries," Bunty Chaubey enthusiastically assured him before ending the call.
Rajveer gave his cellphone a perplexed look and thought to himself, "What an idiot!" "He said the groceries would be here in an hour," he informed Naina.
Naina nodded, even though she had overheard their entire conversation on the phone clearly. "By the way, remember when we were watching Col. Handa's confession and you mentioned something about that Redbox?" Naina asked, recalling the moment out of the blue.
Taking a serious tone, Rajveer turned towards her and replied, "I think I've cracked Naveen's secret code."
"Naveen bhaiya's code? The one we found on the recorder? 'Strawberry Basket in the hub'?" she inquired.
"Yes, that's the one. I believe when Naveen mentioned 'Strawberry basket,' he was referring to the Redbox, where he hid all the evidence against Lala Gehlot, Nair, and the rest of the Eagle gang," Rajveer whispered cautiously, making sure no one eavesdropped on their conversation.
Naina gasped as she caught on to Rajveer's revelation. "So, 'the hub' must be the location of that hiding place," she deduced.
"Exactly," Rajveer nodded confidently, convinced that he had deciphered his best friend's code.
"Guess Naveen wasn't as much of a pervert as I thought," Naina mumbled to herself.
Hearing her comment, Rajveer burst into laughter. "Naina, you never fail to amuse me!" he exclaimed. "Why do you always assume the worst about Naveen?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Naina rolled her eyes. "Oh Naveen bhai's Veeru, don't forget that I have all of Naveen bhai's diaries. And not all of them are 'Veeru Puran.' He had quite the list of girlfriends, one-night stands, and friends with benefits. He even wrote down his tips and tricks for charming those ladies into dating him," she shared, sounding slightly annoyed. "Did you know he took five of his girlfriends to a place called 'Point 1857'? I don't know where that place is, but I'm sure it's a lover's point or something similar to that."
At this point, Rajveer was laughing uncontrollably, collapsing sideways and shaking with laughter.
Naina playfully smacked him on the shoulder and scolded, "Quit laughing already! It's not amusing. My brother was a certified playboy, no doubt about it." She grumbled, crossing her arms firmly across her chest. Meanwhile, Rajveer continued to laugh uncontrollably, unable to regain his composure enough to utter a single word.
Naina let out an exasperated huff, exaggeratingly rolling her eyes. "Honestly, Rajveer sir, I can't understand what's so amusing. You're acting as if you were completely oblivious to Naveen's playboy nature."
Rajveer finally managed to regain control of his laughter, wiping away tears of mirth. "I apologize, Naina," he said, his voice still tinged with amusement. "It's just that the memories of Naveen's playboy antics are overwhelming. They bring back our academy days."
"Well, I hope you're thoroughly entertained," Naina retorted, pretending to be annoyed but with a mischievous smile lingering on her lips. "But let me enlighten you about Naveen's exceptional playbook. It could give any Casanova a run for their money. It was filled with clever lines for every situation, dating tips for all occasions, and even a specially curated playlist for romantic encounters." She shook her head in disbelief at her older brother's audacity.
Rajveer's laughter subsided slightly, yet a mischievous spark remained in his eyes. "A playbook, huh? Did he ever mention a signature move, like 'the Naveen sweep' or 'the smooth Naveen charm'? I recall him boasting about discovering one such move someday."
Naina erupted into laughter once more, unable to resist the opportunity for a playful response. "Oh, you have no clue! He did have a move like that, and he aptly named it 'the Naveen dazzle.' It involved a carefully choreographed combination of smoldering looks, a charming smile, and a flawlessly timed hair flip. According to him, it worked like pure magic."
Shaking his head in disbelief, Rajveer remarked, "Unbelievable! I can only imagine the whirlwind of chaos he left in his wake with those smooth moves and fancy tricks. It must have been an adventure being his sister."
Naina chuckled, playfully nudging him. "Oh, there was never a dull moment, that's for certain. However, let's not overlook the fact that beneath that playboy exterior, he had a heart of gold. Despite his charm, he remained fiercely loyal to those he held dear." A soft smile graced her face as she reminisced about the spirited sibling rivalry she shared with Naveen.
Rajveer's laughter faded, replaced by a warm smile. "That's true. Naveen may have had his playboy moments, but he was a true friend when it mattered the most. I miss him."
Naina's expression softened, her playful demeanor giving way to a touch of nostalgia. "Me too, Rajveer sir. Me too."
In that moment, their laughter mingled with a shared understanding, appreciating the complexities of Naveen's character and the cherished memories he had left behind. They may have teased and joked, but deep down, they both knew that Naveen's playboy persona was just one colorful facet of a person they loved and missed dearly.
...-...
...-...
...-...
Lt. Bunty Chaubey arrived at Rajveer's room precisely an hour later, his hands full with all the necessary groceries to prepare both traditional Indian and Western breakfast. Rajveer had excused himself to the washroom, leaving Naina to answer the door. With a warm smile, she greeted Lt. Chaubey, "Good evening, Chaubey ji!"
Chaubey stood there, momentarily taken aback, his mouth agape. Naina looked absolutely stunning in her saree. Quickly reminding himself that she was his senior's girlfriend and undoubtedly Rajveer's future life partner, he cleared his throat to regain his composure. "Good evening, Cadet Naina. I've brought everything you and sir will need for tonight and tomorrow morning," he managed to say, offering her the grocery bags with an exaggerated grin.
Accepting the bags, Naina couldn't help but feel puzzled by his peculiar comment. "Thank you," she replied, unsure of how to respond.
"No problem. Enjoy yourselves," Bunty said with a mischievous wink before departing.
"What a strange fellow!" Naina muttered to herself, slightly bewildered, as she carried the grocery bags towards the small kitchenette.
(Something like this.)
The living quarters of KMA's faculty members were thoughtfully designed with three distinct sections: a cozy living room, a comfortable bedroom, and a compact yet functional kitchenette. Despite its limited size, the kitchenette was well-equipped, featuring essential appliances such as a refrigerator, a fully functional oven, a stove for cooking, and ample storage cabinets for keeping essentials organized. Additionally, nestled within the kitchenette was a charming breakfast nook designed for two, providing an inviting space to enjoy morning meals and intimate conversations.
Naina carefully placed the grocery bags on the small breakfast table in the kitchenette, ready to unpack. Rajveer joined her, eager to lend a helping hand. As Naina rummaged through the bags, her hand unexpectedly landed on a small rectangular box. Perplexed by its presence among the ingredients, she pulled it out, only to feel her eyes widen in disbelief. It was a brand-new packet of condoms. Startled, she swiftly placed it back in the bag, taking a few steps back from the table, as if afraid the packet would spontaneously leap at her.
Observing her reaction, Rajveer grew increasingly puzzled. He inquired, "What's wrong? Why did you just step away like that?"
Naina, looking flustered, asked, "What exactly did you ask Chaubey ji to buy?"
Perplexed, Rajveer replied, "I told him to get groceries for breakfast since you're staying the night. Why?"
Naina silently pointed at the bag, indicating the cause of her distress.
Curiosity piqued, Rajveer cautiously opened the bag she had been unpacking, and his eyes widened in sheer shock. Alongside the condom packet, he discovered another box containing a morning-after pill. Taken aback, he instinctively jumped back from the table and exclaimed in a panicked tone, "I swear I didn't ask him to buy ANY of these things!"
Naina nervously bit her lower lip and averted her gaze, feeling an overwhelming wave of shyness wash over her. Suddenly, a memory resurfaced of what Chaubey had said when handing her the bags. "So that's why he mentioned bringing everything we would need 'for tonight and tomorrow morning,'" she managed to utter with an embarrassed chuckle.
Naina's words hung in the air for a moment before Rajveer's frustration took over. He clenched his fists and exclaimed, "I'm going to kill that moron!" Pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation, he paced back and forth in the kitchenette, his mind racing with thoughts of how to handle the awkward situation.
Naina couldn't help but stifle a giggle at Rajveer's intense reaction. Trying to lighten the mood, she playfully interjected, "Well, it seems like Chaubey ji took the phrase 'groceries for breakfast' a bit too literally!"
Rajveer paused, glancing at Naina with a mixture of annoyance and amusement. Despite the uncomfortable circumstances, a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "I guess he wanted to make sure we were well-prepared... in more ways than one," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm.
Naina couldn't help but burst into laughter at Rajveer's dry humor, the tension in the room dissipating slightly. She walked over to him, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "Don't worry, Rajveer sir. We'll sort this out. Chaubey ji probably just misunderstood," she reassured him, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Rajveer sighed, his frustration giving way to a sense of amusement. "I hope so. I don't know if I can handle any more surprises tonight," he said with a half-smile.
Naina cast a sympathetic glance towards Rajveer, recognizing that he had experienced numerous shocks in a single day. They continued unpacking the groceries, and Rajveer discreetly placed the packets of condoms and morning-after pills in his bedside drawer. He knew, deep down, that these items would never be necessary for them. Naina's unique circumstances made pregnancy impossible, and Rajveer's lack of sexual encounters ensured that he remained free from any sexually transmitted diseases.
...-...
...-...
...-...
"So... how do we do this?" Rajveer asked, feeling nervous. Naina and Rajveer were standing on the opposite sides of the bed.
Naina chuckled. "The way you always do. You will go to bed and I'll sit beside you, caressing your hair," Naina told him before a naughty expression came to her face, "Or are you hoping to use the stuff Lt. Chaubey brought?" she asked in a teasing tone.
Her question had the desired effect. Instantly, Rajveer had turned red from embarrassment. "NAINA!" he exclaimed, "Come on, love! Don't tease me!" he whined.
Naina couldn't help but laugh at Rajveer's reaction, finding his embarrassment both adorable and endearing. She walked closer to him, closing the distance between them, and gently placed a hand on his cheek. "Aw, my poor mate," she cooed, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. "I'm just teasing you. No need to be so flustered." She leaned in and planted a soft kiss on his lips, trying to convey her affection and playfulness.
Rajveer's embarrassment started to dissipate as he felt the coldness of Naina's lips against his own. He couldn't help but smile, melting into the kiss, as his nervousness was replaced by a surge of desire. His arms instinctively wrapped around Naina's waist, pulling her closer, deepening their connection.
As they broke the kiss, Naina's eyes sparkled with tenderness. "I love how easily you blush, Rajveer sir," she said softly, running her fingers through his hair. "It reminds me of how genuine and pure your love is."
Rajveer's heart swelled with affection. "And I love how you always find a way to make me smile, even in the most awkward moments," he replied, his voice filled with adoration. "But do you HAVE to add the suffix 'sir' with my name? I mean you're my girlfriend, Naina... my soulmate," he complained.
Naina's smile widened as she listened to Rajveer's words. She realized that her endearing habit of using the respectful 'sir' with his name had become a source of playful banter between them.
"Alright, my Rajveer," she teased, her tone filled with affectionate amusement. "I suppose I can drop the 'sir' from now on. After all, you're not just my superior officer anymore, but also the love of my life."
Rajveer's eyes sparkled with delight, and a grin spread across his face. "That's better," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of joy and relief. "I want us to be equals in everything, Naina. No ranks or titles, just two souls bound by love."
Naina nodded, her gaze filled with adoration. "I couldn't agree more, Rajveer. From this day forward, it's just you and me, navigating this journey together as equals."
Rajveer reached out, gently cupping Naina's face with his hands. His touch was tender, filled with a profound love that words could never fully express. "You are my soulmate, Naina," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity. "And I'm grateful every day that our paths crossed and our hearts found each other."
Naina leaned into his touch, savoring the warmth and love radiating from him. "I feel the same way, Rajveer," she murmured, her voice filled with emotion. "You've brought so much light and joy into my life, and I'm eternally grateful for the love we share." Then, she leaned her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "Let's forget about everything else for now," she whispered looking up to meet his eyes. "Just you and me, in this moment."
Rajveer nodded, his gaze locked with Naina's. Together, they climbed onto the bed, sitting side by side. Rajveer leaned back against the pillows, and Naina sat behind him, her legs draped over his, embracing him from behind. She tenderly began caressing his hair, her touch sending soothing shivers down his spine. They sat in comfortable silence, enjoying the simple intimacy of the moment. Rajveer closed his eyes, savoring the sensation of Naina's fingers gently running through his hair. It was a small act of love, but it meant the world to him.
Naina continued to softly caress Rajveer's hair, her touch becoming even more rhythmic and soothing. As she felt the weight of his body relaxing against her, a gentle smile graced her lips.
Lost in the moment, Naina started singing softly, a song full of love, obsession, and dedication. The soft notes filled the room, creating a peaceful ambiance. The lyrics flowed effortlessly from her lips, carrying her love and possessiveness for Rajveer.
Dil Yeh Tere Bina
Maanta Hi Nahi
Kuch Bhi Tere Siwa
Maangta Hi Nahi
[The heart doesn't accept
Anything except you
It doesn't ask for
Anything except you]
Tu Zaroori Sa Hai
Ab Toh Har Haal Mein
Iske Aage Koi
Raasta Hi Nahi
[You are absolutely necessary
Now, in every circumstance
There is no other
Path beyond this]
Aaa Tujhme Fanaah
Kar Doon Meri Zindagi
[Ah, I'm lost in you
I can devote my life to you]
Iss Ishq Mein Marjawan
Kuch Bhi Kasam Se Karjawan
Hadh Se Bhi Guzarjawan
Kuch Bhi Kasam Se Karjawan
Ishq Mein Marjawan
Ishq Mein Marjawan
[In this love, I'm ready to die
I swear, I can do anything
I can cross all limits
I swear, I can do anything
I'm lost in love
I'm lost in love]
(I think this song matched my Naina's emotions perfectly. Listen to it while reading.)
Her voice, tender and melodic, wrapped around Rajveer like a warm embrace. The sound of her melodious voice combined with the gentle strokes of her fingers through his hair created a serene symphony that seemed to lull him deeper into relaxation. Rajveer's breathing gradually slowed, his features softening as he succumbed to the tranquility enveloping him. With each soothing note, his mind began to drift, entering the realm of dreams. The worries and stresses of the day faded into the background, replaced by the comfort of Naina's presence and the soothing melody that filled the room.
As Naina continued to sing, her voice carried all the love, tenderness, and reassurance she felt for Rajveer. The song became a lullaby tailored just for him, expressing her desire to protect him from the world's troubles and to be a source of solace in his life.
Yeh Pyar Hai Ya Phir Mujhko
Junoon Hai Tera
Tere Ishq Pe Sabse Zyada
Haq Hai Mera
[Is this love or perhaps
It's your obsession
On your love, above all else
I have the most right]
Yeh Zid Hai Toh
Zid Se Hi Kya Pata
Bas Tu Rahe
Har Gham Mera
[If this is stubbornness,
Then let it be through stubbornness alone.
Just stay,
You are my solace in every sorrow.]
Iss Ishq Mein Marjawan
Kuch Bhi Kasam Se Karjawan
Hadh Se Bhi Guzarjawan
Kuch Bhi Kasam Se Karjawan
Ishq Mein Marjawan
Ishq Mein Marjawan
Ishq Mein Marjawan...
[In this love, I'm ready to die
I swear, I can do anything
I can cross all limits
I swear, I can do anything
I'm lost in love
I'm lost in love
I'm lost in love...]
Gradually, Rajveer's eyes fluttered closed, and a peaceful smile graced his face. In that moment, he felt an overwhelming sense of peace and contentment, as if all was right with the world. Naina's loving presence and her gentle song had woven a magical spell around him, transporting him to a place of serenity and bliss.
Naina continued to hum softly, her voice a gentle whisper in the stillness of the room. She leaned forward, placing a tender kiss on Rajveer's forehead, and whispered, "Sleep well, my love." Her words were barely audible, but they carried all the affection and devotion she held for him.
As Rajveer drifted off into a peaceful slumber, his dreams were filled with images of a future where love, happiness, and togetherness were their constant companions. And as Naina sat there, watching over him with a heart full of love, she knew that their journey was just beginning, and their love would continue to grow with each passing day for hundreds of years to come. Naina vowed to make sure of it.
Silently making a vow, Naina decided, "I will patiently wait for Rajveer until he completes his service in the army and retires. Once he has retired, I will change him. This way, he won't have any regrets about leaving the army, and we will have the opportunity to be together. Until that moment arrives, I will be there to protect him."
...-...
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A/N:::