Love Amidst Chaos

Chapter 13

Only four hands were in the air. Cadet Ali Baig, Cadet Mayur Singh and surprising everyone, Cadet Amardeep Huda and Cadet Naina Singh Ahluwalia.

Rajveer raised his eyebrow slightly as he saw Naina raising her hand.

He first asked Ali, "Cadet Baig, what is this? Please, explain to the class." He said with a smile.

"Sir, these are Viking runes." Ali answered and Mayur nodded in agreement. 

From the corner of his eyes, Rajveer noticed Naina furrowing her eyebrow and he was again reminded how much similar she was to his best friend.

Rajveer deliberately asked Huda first. "Is your answer the same, Cadet Huda?"

Huda thought for a second. He was aware of how smart and intelligent Ali was and hence he decided to let go of his own opinion and agree with Ali.

Rajveer smiled knowingly as if he could see what Huda was thinking. It didn't take him long to read his subtle facial expressions and body language to realize that Huda decided to hide his individual opinion. He shook his head slightly as took a mental note of it. 

He just nodded in response as he lastly turned towards Naina.

"Cadet Ahluwalia..." Rajveer paused as the memories of his time as a cadet rushed to him. He was reminded how the teachers used to call Naveen, the same way. He took a deep breath and immediately continued speaking. Thankfully, no one noticed the subtle change in his expressions, except for one person who was sitting in the back, noticing it with his sharp eyes.

"Is your answer the same as them?" Rajveer asked Naina and she shook her head in no.

Rajveer was taken aback by the confidence in her voice as she said, "These are not Viking runes, Sir. This is actually a line representation of Semaphores." 

'I hope you are watching her now, Naveen. Look at the brave woman she has become.' Rajveer thought to himself as he replied.

"Please elaborate, Cadet Ahluwalia." 

"Semaphores refer to a method of visual communication using flags. Semaphore flags are a system of signaling using hand-held flags in a specific set of positions, each representing a different letter or number. Semaphore communication is a way for ships to communicate messages visually over a distance when other forms of communication, such as radio or voice, may not be possible or secure. Semaphore flags are typically held in specific positions relative to the body, allowing for the transmission of letters, numbers, and sometimes simple phrases. This system requires trained personnel who understand the semaphore code to interpret and transmit messages accurately. It has been used historically by naval vessels for communication between ships or between ship and shore, and it is still taught and used in some navies today, although it has largely been replaced by more modern communication methods." She paused and then continued while the entire class looked at her gaping by her clear yet detailed description.

"The line in the middle represents the person whereas the smaller lines represent the position of flags. Decoding this sentence, we get, 'This is called Semaphore'". She took a deep breath as she finished speaking. 

Rajveer couldn't help but feel proud of her explanation. 

"Very good, Cadet Ahluwalia. Please sit down." He said in a calm voice as he began to explain.

"So, as the Lady Cadet explained, this is a communication method called semaphore. The reason why I told you all to decode is to make something clear." He turned around to look at the class as he smiled confidently at them.

"Communication is not just about morse codes or some simple alphabetical and numeric decoding. It is vast. And hence, you cannot approach the subject of Communication and War Strategies without an open mind. Look outside the books. The answer by Cadet Baig, Cadet Huda and Cadet Singh was not completely wrong either. But..." He paused and looked at Ali, explaining him.

"The Viking runes may have some shapes which.. uh... " Rajveer paused to find a simpler term to explain the young cadets in front of him. 

"Something which is similar to a triangle. This is for understanding purpose only." He said and the class chuckled. "Whereas, the Semaphore signs or you can say, alphabets, are clear and straight lines with no particular shape." He explained as the cadets noted down the details he gave. 

The bell rang as it was lunch. The cadets thanked Rajveer as moved out of the class to the cafeteria while Rajveer stayed back and collected his things. 

As Naina passed by his table, she paused as she looked at him, as if trying to say something.

Rajveer looked at her with a soft smile, "Is there something you want to say, Cadet?" 

Naina kept standing there, fumbling with the belt of her bag as she tried to find words. 

Rajveer mentally chuckled as he whispered so that no one would hear, "You don't need to listen to anyone, Cadet. It's how life is and not everyone will be good and understanding of your situation. But..." He paused to look at her.

Naina raised her eyes to look at him, "Not everyone will be bad either. The journey that you have begun will introduce you to new people. Some will be harsh and hurt you but at same time, some will be there for you. This place...." Rajveer looked at the empty class nostalgically.

"This place will be a turning point in your life. What happened with your brother was... unfair... but do not let it stop you from exploring this place on your own. Explore this life....this place.... these people... your own way... forget what you've heard or read about this place, either from your brother or someone else. Let your instincts guide you. Be cautious and not get in trouble but don't hide in the shadows either." He told her as he looked straight in her eyes.

Naina was captivated by what he said as she couldn't help but feel relieved with his words. Once again, she was confused by how easily he read her like an open book. 

As Rajveer turned to leave the class, she whispered, "Are you the good person or the bad person?"

Rajveer turned as he smiled at her. "I'll leave it to you to decide." And just like that, he left her alone with her thoughts.

HELLO EVERYONE. KAISE HAIN AAP SAB. HERE IS THE UPDATE. I HOPE YOU ALL WILL ENJOY THIS CHAPTER.

DO LET ME KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THE PROGRESS IN THE RELATION OF OUR PROTAGONISTS. I AM TRYING TO KEEP IT AS REAL AS POSSIBLE. SO, REVIEW THEM FOR ME AND TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS.

THAT BEING SAID, I HOPE YOU ALL ARE WELL AND GOOD. SEE YOU ALL SOON. UNTIL THEN, TAKE CARE. AND OF COURSE, I AM REALLY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND TRUST, EVEN THOUGH I AM TAKING LONGER TIME TO UPDATE THE CHAPTERS. I'LL TRY TO UPDATE SOON. I'VE BEEN CAUGHT UP IN A FEW THINGS FOR SOME DAYS BUT I'LL BE BACK ONCE I SORT THINGS OUT.

LOVE YOU ALL. ❤️

NEXT UPDATE ON: NOT DECIDED YET

WORD COUNT: 1744 WORDS

DATE: MARCH 31, 2024