This is an amalgamation of two pairs Captain Rajveer- Cadet Naina and
Dr. Shashank - Dr. Juhi.
Started on 18.10.2019
****
"You know Juhi, mujhe shuru se na soldiers ke life ke barey mein janne mein diljaspi rahi hai.",
says an excited Shashank whilst driving towards KMA.
Juhi looks towards him and smiles in amazement on witnessing his excitement.
"Their... their posture, their disciplined routine...",
Shashank shakes his head in appreciation and disbelief.
"That's incredible!",
appreciates Shashank, his eyes on the road, focusing on driving.
"Of course. Discipline se to apka purana nata hai.",
teases Juhi, looking towards him, smiling.
Shashank knits his brows wondering what particular incident must she be pointing towards.
"Apko pata hai jab main pehli baar Sanjivani ayi thi, late hone ke kaaran ek to main pehle hi nervous thi, upar se apka wo strict look dekh kar main to...",
she shakes her head, widening her eyes, smiling awkwardly as she trails off.
"Tum to? Bolo...",
prompts Shashank, wanting to know what she felt on their first meeting.
Juhi blushes, laughing a little, awkwardly then looks towards him and says,
"But you know what SIr, aap par apka wo strict avatar acha lagta tha."
Now that makes Shashank to blush.
Juhi keeps staring him, wondering.... Her smile diminishes a little and she says,
"Wo Dr. Shashank kahin kho gaye hain!"
Her soft tone catches Shashank's attention and he turns to look towards her. They stare each other for few moments, then Shashank focuses back on his driving. Chuckling, he says,
"Oh come on Juhi, tumhare samne hi to hun main."
Juhi doesn't reply to him, continuing with her staring him.
"To tum chahti ho ke main firse sadu, akdu mentor bann jaun tumhara?".
asks Shashank, humorously.
Juhi blushes shutting her eyes, shaking her head.
Laughing politely, a little, she says,
"Aap jaise bhi hain, ache hain."
That skips Shashank's heartbeat and he looks towards Juhi. Something changes between the two! The environment inside the car suddenly turns warm. Juhi could feel her cheeks emitting heat as she stares Shashank. Shashank's case is no better.
Juhi clears her voice, lowering her eyes. She then looks to her front and says,
"Sambhal kar gadi chalaiye Sir warna hum firse Sanjivani pohnch jayenge. Aur iss baar doctors bann kar nahi.... patients bann kar."
That makes both of them to laugh.
"You know kabhi kabar mujhe lagta hai ke main tumhara mentor nahi, tum meri mentor ho.",
teases Shashank.
"Ab aap iss umr mein akar bachpana karenge to apki protegee ko mentor banna hi parhega na.",
Juhi teases back, avoiding to look towards Shashank.
Shashank gives her a stern look. Juhi looks towards him, laughing, Shashank laughs too and concentrates on his driving.
*****
"Sunno Dad kahan hai?",
asks Anjali to one of the nurses.
"Ahmm... Ma'am Dr. Shashank to kisi meeting mein gaye hain.",
informs the nurse.
"Meeting mein gaye hain?",
wonders Anjali, looking towards the infinity, standing at the corridor.
"Sanjivani mein hi hai ya kahin bahar?",
asks Anjali, looking towards the nurse.
"Maine unhe Dr. Juhi ke saath car mein baith kar jate hue dekha tha. Shayad bahar hi hai meeting.",
informs the nurse.
Juhi's name shocks Anjali and as a result she knits her brows.
"Acha theek hai tum jao.",
orders Anjali to the nurse.
As the nurse leaves, Anjali looks towards the infinity, entwining her fingers she murmurs,
"Dr. Juhi koi bhi mauka nahi chorti na aap mere Dad ke kareeb rehne ka?"
*****
"Dr. Shalini, Sanjivani jaise badey hospital ke doctor ka KMA mein ana, don't take it lightly.",
warns Captain Rajveer, giving her a stern look.
"I understand Captain. Sanjivani KMA ke medical field mein kitni beneficial sabit ho sakti hai I completely understand that.",
assures Dr. Shalini.
"And Dr. Shashank, he is such a fine specimen of a brilliant doctor.",
smiles Dr. Shalini.
"Haan kafi sunna hai maine unke aur Dr. Juhi Singh ke barey mein. Aur apne jabse bataya tha ke wo yahan ane wale hain, maine research shuru kar diya tha.",
declares Captain Rajveer.
"By the way Captain, what attracted you more to this situation - Dr. Shashank ka yahan ana ya Dr. Juhi 'Singh' ka yahan ana?",
teases Dr. Shalini, folding her arms against her abdominal, eyeing him.
"Kya... kya matlab?",
asks Captain Rajveer, nervously.
"Oh come on Captain, Dr. Juhi bhi 'Singh', apki favourite Cadet Naina 'Singh' bhi 'Singh'....",
teases Dr. Shalini.
Her words 'apki favourite Cadet Naina Singh' deepens his blush, but there is no smile on his face, he is all nervous.
"Kahin apki rishtedar nikli to?",
asks Dr. Shalini, teasingly.
That comes as a surprise for Captain Rajveer.
"Meri? Meri... rishtedar kyun niklegi Dr. Juhi Singh?",
asks Captain Rajveer, knitting his brows, confused, looking towards Dr. Shalini.
"Come on Dr. Shalini, apko to pata hai na ke mera...",
before he could continue, Dr. Shalini intervenes, rolling her eyes,
"Haan... Haan ke apka koi nahi hai iss duniya mein except for us."
Captain Rajveer smiles sadly, lowering his eyes.
"Stop being senti all the time Captain. Apka koi nahi hai ye bolna band kariye aap.",
scolds Dr. Shalini, mildly.
"Let's do one thing court mein jakar register karwa dete hain ke hum sub apki family hai. Main.... Main apki behn hun.",
smiles Dr. Shalini, bowing her head.
Captain Rajveer blushes hearing that.
"Bus ek problem hai!",
says Dr. Shalini, turning serious and confused.
"Kya?",
asks Captain Rajveer, alarmed.
Dr. Shalini counts on her fingers,
"Alekh, Huda, Ali, Yudi to apke bhai ho jayenge. Main aur Pooja apki behn. Naina ko kis category mein put karenge?",
saying so, Dr. Shalini puts her index finger on her chin and wrinkles her nose as if seriously wondering.
Her words skip Rajveer's heartbeat and blush creeps his cheeks. He lowers his eyes out of hesitation. Smile touching his lips at a slow pace.
Dr. Shalini arches a brow, eyeing him, smiling naughtily.
"Naina ko bhi behn....",
and before she could continue, Rajveer intervenes as her words skip his heartbeat yet again,
"Ah.... Doctor... Dr. Shalini... aap... aap Naina ko choriye na..."
"Kya? Naina ko?",
Dr. Shalini raises her voice, acting to be deeply shocked.
"Captain main Naina ko kaise chor sakti hun? Afterall Naina to meri Bha...",
she pauses to witness the affect of her words on Rajveer.
Rajveer's awkwardness and shyness know no bounds today.
Dr. Shalini laughs and shakes her head seeing Rajveer going all crimson red.
"Acha bataiyena kaisa lagega apko agar wo Naina ki rishtedar nikli to?",
asks Dr. Shalini, getting excited.
Captain Rajveer shrugs it off as if he knows it all,
"Hun... koi rishtedar-wishtedar nahi hai Dr. Juhi Naina ki."
"Arey! Apko kaise pata?",
asks Dr. Shalini, getting serious.
Resting her elbow on her desk, inclining towards him, she asks naughtily,
"Apke paas kya Naina ke rishtadaron ki puri list hai?"
Captain Rajveer gives her a stern look, a gesture of asking her to stop with this teasing.
"Nahi... aap to the great Captain Rajveer Singh Shekhawat hain. Aap to ek kadam bhi uthane se pehle jaanch-partal kar hi lete hain. So I was just thinking kahin apne Naina ki puri history to nahi nikal dali?",
asks Dr. Shalini, and holds her tongue in between her teeth, arching a brow in all teasing mood.
Smiling sarcastically, Captain Rajveer tilts his head towards his left and says in a sugar coated voice,
"Dr. Shalini mujhe Naina ke family history ke barey mein janne mein koi interest nahi hai."
"Uuff.... desperate and all!",
teases Dr. Shalini.
That shocks Captain Rajveer. He stares her opened mouth.
"That would be the last thing for me to do - desperate, seriously Doc?"
"Rehne dijiye Captain jis velocity ke saath aap mein changes aa rahe hain na, I can assure you, you'll soon turn in a real despo!",
says Dr. Shalini, never looking towards Captain Rajveer, showing attitude to him, adjusting her tendril of hair behind her ear.
"And by the way iss mein desperation ki baat kahan se aa gayi?",
asks Captain Rajveer, intruiged, knitting his brows.
"Arey it's so simple Captain. Apko apna time waste nahi karne Naina ke rishtedaron ke barey mein jaan kar aap ko to sirf Naina se matlab hai...!!",
she taps her desk with her fingers, playing a tune, smiling naughtily looking towards Rajveer.
Rajveer stares her finding her impossible to deal with. He rests his hand on her hand to stop her from tapping the desk.
Dr. Shalini looks around, acting to be hesitant and blushing,
"Arey... arey kya kar rahe hain aap Captain main apki protegee Cadet Naina nahi hun Mr. Mentor Captain Rajveer Singh Shekhawat. Relax, ye mera cabin hai. Aap..."
And before she could continue Rajveer leaves her hand making Dr. Shalini to arch her brow, smiling - opened mouth.
"Chor diya?",
asks Dr. Shalini, making a puppy face.
"Dr. Shalini!!!",
warns Captain Rajveer.
"Okay! Okay!",
laughs Dr. Shalini.
Rajveer blushes.
*****
At the mess Naina changes the channel of the television, randomly.
"Oye kya baat hai Naina, tera mood kyun off hai?",
asks Pooja, nudging her.
"Aaj subah se maine unhe nahi dekha.",
says Naina, sadly.
"Unhe? Unhe kinhe?",
asks Pooja, confused.
Naina sets the remote on the table and looks towards Pooja, sighing.
"Ohhhooo Captain Rajveer ko..",
teases Pooja.
Naina shakes her head.
"Pasand karti hai unhe?",
asks Pooja, lowering her voice, looking towards Naina, not wanting to miss her any reaction.
Naina takes a deep breath, staring at the infinity.
"Kya farak parhta hai? Mentor hain wo mere. Isse zada mere barey mein sochte bhi nahi honge.",
says Naina, sadly.
"Agar kisi ne tujhe apne mission se hat kar kuch sochne ki wajah di. Agar koi tere mission ke alawa teri soch ka hissa bann paya, to kya tujhe such mein lagta hai tere bhavnao se wo anjaan honge Naina?",
asks Pooja, smiling politely.
Naina turns to look towards Pooja, considering her words, pondering.
*****
"Jahan chah hai, wahan raah hai!"
The words drag Dr. Anjali's attention and she turns to look towards the bearer of the voice she just heard.
"Dr. Vardhaan!",
she acknowledges him and looks away gradually, thinking about her Dad and Juhi again.
"Dr. Anjali, agar hum kisi ko chahein...",
and Dr. Vardhaan with his hands shoved into his trousers' pockets, looks towards Dr. Anjali cravingly.
Dr. Anjali despite not looking towards him directly doesn't remain oblivious to his reaction.
Getting closer to her, Vardhaan whispers into her ear,
"To uske kareeb rehne ka raasta hum kisi na kisi tarah nikal hi lete hain."
Anjali gets alert by his proximity around herself. She through her peripheral vision looks towards him for fraction of seconds then looks back towards her front. Entwining her fingers, taking a deep breath Dr. Anjali says,
"Theek kaha apne Dr. Vardhaan. Jis tarah aap ye jante hain ke kaise mera apka apne paas aana napasand hote hue bhi, apko mere paas ana hai.",
she then looks towards him through her peripheral vision.
Vardhaan feels humiliated and caught red hand. Removing his hands from his pockets, his expression giving away his disappointment and awkwardness, he gets away from her a little.
Sensing that he has walked away from her, Anjali turns to look towards him. They stare each other.
"Mere patients mera wait kar rahe honge.",
saying so she turns to leave but Dr. Vardhaan's words arrest her at her place,
"I must say Dr. Anjali, Dr. Juhi apse kayi gunah zada samajhdar hain."
That irks Dr. Anjali, she knits her brows waiting for him to continue.
"At least unhe ye to pata hai ke unki manzil kahan hai. At least wo apki tarah aise hi bina kisi lakshya ke to nahi bhatak rahin apni zindagi mein.",
provokes Dr. Vardhaan.
"Dr. Vardhaan!",
Anjali turns to look towards Vardhaan, indicating her index finger towards him, warning him to stay quiet and not cross his limits.
Vardhaan shakes his head into negative staring Anjali throughout, and says,
"Jayiye Dr. Anjali jayiye. Kahin waqt nikal na jaye aur apke haath khali na reh jaye."
That skips Anjali's heartbeat.
"Ye ungli apke apno ki taraf na utha kar unki taraf uthaiye jo apke apno ko apse durr karne ki koshish kar rahe hain.",
suggests Dr. Vardhaan.
Shaking his head whilst staring one last time towards Anjali, Vardhaan leaves, leaving behind a perplexed Anjali.
"Main kisi ko bhi Dad ko mujhse durr karne nahi dungi.",
swears Anjali, looking somewhere at the floor, as Vardhaan leaves.
Standing behind a pillar, Vardhaan smirks realizing that his plan worked.
"Teer nishane par laga hai. Dr. Shashank, ab dekhte hain kaise sambhalte hain aap iss situation ko. Kaise deal karte hain aap apni beti se.",
smirks Dr. Vardhaan.
****
"Waise Sir, jinse hum milne ja rahe hain, what was her name...??",
Juhi tries to recollect.
"Dr. Shalini.",
reminds Shashank.
"Oh yes! Dr. Shalini, KMA right?",
asks Juhi.
Shashank nods his head.
"Sir why a Military academy?",
asks Juhi, looking towards Shashank, knitting her brows.
"Ahan! Main to tumse discuss karna hi bhool gaya. Aur tumne firse pucha bhi nahi.",
smiles Shashank.
"That's right Sir. Kyunki mujhe aap par pura bharosa hai!",
smiles Juhi, confidently.
That swells Dr. Shashank's heartbeat, he looks towards her for some moment, smiling. Juhi smiles back.
"Juhi ye soldiers humare desh ke liye kitni kathinaiyon se jujh kar apna kartavya nibhate hain par fir bhi jab inhe humari zarurat hoti hai to waqt par medical facility inhe provide nahi kar patey hum.",
says Dr. Shashank, sadly.
Dr. Juhi keeping her eyes lowered, nods in agreement.
"Tumhe yaad hai humara wo patient jo tumhare internship ke dauran admit hue the? Wo bhi ek soldier the Colonel Majumdar?",
Shashank tries to remind Juhi.
Juhi tries to remember.
"Well tab Captain the, aaj Colonel hai.",
smiles Shashank.
"Oh yes Sir I remember. Jinki wife puri raat jagi rahi thi. Aur jab maine unse kaha tha ke jakar rest kar lein thoda to kehne lagin ke wo ek sipahi ki biwi hai wo tired nahi hongi.",
smiles Juhi, as she remembers that.
Shashank too smiles.
"Exactly.",
agrees Shashank.
"Kitni ajeeb baat hai na Sir doctors aur soldiers ka kaam ek dusre se bilkul alag hote hue bhi kitna ek jaisa hai.",
smiles Juhi, wondering.
Shashank nods, smiling politely.
"Wo sarhad paar reh kar desh ko serve kar rahe hain. Hum ek enclosed institution mein reh kar.",
smiles Juhi, feeling proud of not only her job but of soldiers' too.
"Haan Juhi par unka kaam humse zada difficult hai. That's... that's my personal thinking.",
says Shashank.
"Kaise?",
asks Juhi, knitting her brows lightly, intruged.
"Kadi dhoop mein lagataar kaam karna kya hota hai wo soldiers humse behtar samjhte honge.",
says Dr. Shashank.
Juhi nods her head in agreement and sighs.
Juhi looks towards Shashank and her eyes rests on his neck.
"Ab... ab apka dard... kaisa hai?",
asks Juhi, nervously, concerned.
Shashank looks towards her for fraction of seconds to understand what is she talking about and finds her staring towards his neck. Pain and concern visible in her eyes. That melts Shashank's heart.
"Main theek hun Juhi.",
smiles Shashank and stares her for some moment.
Juhi stares him back, her eyes as if requesting him not to lie to her.
"Aap shayad bhul rahe hain Sir ke main apki doctor hun.",
reminds Juhi, feeling melancholy.
Laughing a little Shashank says,
"Wo to main kabhi nahi bhul sakta Dr. Juhi...",
he then looks towards her and says,
"ke 'aap' meri doctor hain.",
emphasizing on 'aap', laughs Shashank.
Blushing, smiling, Juhi shakes her head, keeping her eyes lowered.
*****
Rajveer and Naina happen to cross paths, while walking through the corridor.
Finding each other coming from the opposite sides, their speed slows down on it's own accord. They walk towards each other, slowly, never taking eyes away from each other. This situation effortlessly reminds them of the day when Rajveer for the first time saw Naina in red saree. But surprisingly today's situation is different from that situation. That day it was only Rajveer who was aware of his feelings for Naina but Naina, she despite having felt a different sensation upon meeting Rajveer that day, but failed to comprehend what was that exactly!
As they reach each other, they keep staring each other, none saying anything verbally but their eyes transmitting their feelings to each other.
Rajveer could feel his cheeks turning warm, unable to understand whether should he speak up or not. Naina's situation is no better. Neverthless, she never tearing her gaze from him, asks him,
"Kaise hain aap.... Sir?"
And she lowers her eyes finally.
Her doing so makes Rajveer to realize how difficult it had been for her to address him as Sir again.
"Adat nahi rahi na?",
asks Rajveer, keeping his face straight, looking towards Naina.
Naina looks towards him. Her eyes reflects her disappointment.
Rajveer smiles a little.
"Taye nahi kar pa rahi!",
says Naina, simply, looking deep into his eyes.
Rajveer tilts his head a little, confused.
"Apki taraf kis rishte ko dhyan mein rakh kar dekhun?",
says Naina, slowly, looking deep into his eyes.
Her words skip Rajveer's heartbeat and he lowers his eyes, feeling awkward.
Smirking, Naina says,
"Kamaal hai na Sir? Aap mere mentor hain main apki protegee... socha tha ke agey zindagi mein jo kuch bhi seekhungi apse seekhungi."
Rajveer looks towards Naina, his cheeks warming up, anticipating what could be her next words.
"Par tab kahan janti thi ke kuch cheezein to abhi mere mentor ka bhi seekhna baki hai!",
taunts Naina, ever so politely. It is more of her disappointment in him speaking rather than her complaining self.
"Naina..",
Rajveer begins to explain Naina, but gets intervened by Naina,
"Bus haath barhane ki deri thi Sir!"
(Rajveer-Naina revolt tune begins as they stare each other)
"Darr gaya tha Naina ye soch kar ke kahin haath thamne ki jagah mujhse muh fer kar chali gayi tum to?",
Rajveer shares his fear with Naina.
Naina's heart clenches hearing that. Her eyes turn soft on him.
"Captain Rajveer Singh Shekhawat ki protegee hun! Kaise soch liya apne ke itni kamzor hongi?",
asks Naina.
Her initial words swell Rajveer's heart with pride and his eyes twinkle.
"Kya Captain Rajveer ki Cadet Naina Ah Singh, aaj uske haath barhane par, uska haath thamna pasand karegi?",
asks Rajveer, slowly, nervously, trying to gauge her each reaction to his words.
*****
In her cabin, Dr. Anjali stands resting her hands at her desk, bending a little, her eyes filled with rage.
"Dr. Juhi, bohot ho gaya ye mentor aur protegee ka natak. Main apko mere Dad ko mujhse cheenne nahi dungi. Ye jo achchayi ka mukhauta pehna hua hai na aapne apne chehre par, main usko utar kar rahungi. I'll expose you Dr. Juhi in front of Dad. I'll expose you.",
shouts Dr. Anjali while uttering the last few words, and she throws away everything that was on her desk, out of anger.
As everything falls off the table, scattered on the floor, Anjali's eyes fall on a particular picture. A picture of hers as a kid on her either sides are standing Shashank and Juhi! All three of them smiling at the camera.
Getting down Anjali picks up the picture, her eyes filled with rage.
"Dad, main aur aap, we can never make a happy family doctor Juhi. Never!!!"
She shouts as she utters the last word - Never! Tears roll down her cheeks.
*Flashback*
"Mentor? Mentor kya hota hai?",
asks tiny Anjali to her father and mother who are sitting in front of her at the lawn.
Her parents look towards each other wondering now how to explain her that.
Juhi who is sitting next to Anjali, holds her by her arms and happily explains her the meaning of mentor,
"Anjali jab humein pata nahi hota na ke life mein humein kya karna hai; kis disha mein jana hai; kis tarah apni manzil tak pohnchna hai to bhagwan humare liye ek angel bhejte hain. Humari help karne ke liye.",
smiles Juhi.
Anjali listens to Juhi with full interest.
Shashank and Smriti look towards each other, smiling.
"Hum uss angel ko Mentor bulate hain.",
smiles Juhi, then looks towards Dr. Shashank, her eyes twinkling with joy.
Shashank smiles back at her, his heart swelling with pride.
"Fir to mere mentor Papa honge. Kyunki mere angel to wohi hain na?",
says Anjali, excitedly.
All the other three laugh and smile in unison, hearing that.
*Flashback ends*
"Agar wo apke mentor hain....",
says Anjali in anger,
"To wo mere bhi mentor hain!!",
shouts Anjali out of jealousy.
"Wo mere angel hain samjhin aap.",
she shouts again.
"And I hate sharing Dr. Juhi. Especially when it's my Dad, I am very possessive about him. I love him dammit. Chali jaiye humari zindagi se aap Dr. Juhi just leaveeee...!",
shouts Anjali and throws away her pen stand which breaks into pieces as soon as it hits the ground.
*****
Naina lowers her eyes feeling awkward. Rajveer, understanding her state lowers his eyes too, letting the topic go. Naina looks back towards him slowly to read him. Rajveer happens to look towards her again at the same moment and their eyes meet accidentally taking both of them by surprise.
"Ahmm... doc... doctor Shalini... aaj badi busy lag rahi theen.",
says Naina, trying to change the topic.
"Hmm...",
saying so Rajveer gestures Naina to move forth, Naina obliges.
"Sanjivani hospital ke do (2) best doctors jo ane wale hain KMA mein - Dr. Shashank Gupta and Dr. Juhi....",
his heart skips a beat which makes him to pause abruptly as he remembers Dr. Shalini's words.
"Juhi..??",
prompts Naina.
'Alekh, Huda, Ali, Yudi to apke bhai ho jayenge. Main aur Pooja apki behn. Naina ko kis category mein put karenge?'
Dr. Shalini's words come rushing back to Rajveer and his cheeks warm up all over again.
"Sir??",
prompts Naina, dragging him out of his reverie.
A perplexed Rajveer looks towards Naina.
"All... all fine Sir?",
asks Naina, concerned.
"Yes.... Yes... Naina!! All... All fine!!",
says Rajveer, clumsily.
Naina knits her brows wondering what is up with him?
"Dr. Juhi Singh!",
smiles Rajveer.
"Oh! Okay!",
smiles Naina and looks away.
Rajveer keeps staring her, unable to tear his gaze away from her beauty.
(Rajveer-Naina slow piano key tune)
They walk forth together. None saying anything. None knowing what to talk about. But none wanting this walk to come to an end anytime soon.
"Ahmm... apko chalne mein abhi bhi problem ho rahi hai?",
asks Naina, hesitantly, looking towards him.
"Hmm...!! Par pehle se behtar hai. Tumhara gharelu nuska kaam aa gaya.",
smiles Rajveer, looking towards his feet, his hands crossed behind his back.
That comes as a surprise for Naina and she widens her eyes.
"Mera.... mera... gharelu nuska??",
asks Naina, hesitantly, not looking towards him while asking.
"Hmm!! wohi jo tumne orderly ke haathon bhijwaya tha ye keh kar ke Dr. Shalini ne bhijwaya hai ye mere liye.",
smiles Rajveer, looking towards Naina.
Naina finds it impossible to look towards him now, after getting caught red handed. No doubt, Rajveer enjoys witnessing her state and smiles staring her.
"Ahmm... mujhe laga shayad dard zyada hoga.",
says Naina, hesitantly, her eyes lowered.
"Yani tumhi ne bhejwaya tha wo.",
says Rajveer, bowing his head a little, staring her throughout. Smile playing on his lips.
Naina looks towards him confidently, not wanting to show her nervousness in front of him.
Rajveer smiles looking towards her.
"To chupayi kyun ye baat?",
asks Rajveer, softly, as they walk together further.
"Bata to rahi hun.",
says Naina, hesitantly.
Rajveer smiles and shakes his head, his eyes lowered.
"A...hun...! Tum kahan kuch batati ho Naina.",
says Rajveer.
And his words pinch her heart. She looks towards him accusingly, and immediately retorts,
"Aap bhi to kuch nahi batate."
Smiling, keeping his eyes lowered Rajveer accepts,
"Hmm... galti meri hai shayad. Main hi kuch bol nahi pata. Rok nahi pata kisi ko apne paas."
That clenches Naina's heart.
*****
"Ma'am ye mujhe kab tak karna hoga?",
asks Huda, tired.
"Jab tak ke tum ye exercise karna theek se seekh na jao.",
states Lolita Ma'am strictly.
"Ma...am....",
says a tired Huda, performing his exercise,
"Mujhe to aisa lag raha hai ke ye exercise main nahi aap seekh rahi hain."
That skips Lolita Ma'am's heartbeat as is she has been caught red handed.
"Behave Cadet Huda! Tumhari mentor tumhe jaisa kahe wohi karna hoga tumhe chup chap.",
warns Lolita Ma'am
"Zarur Ma'am lekin ye... ye jo mera haath funs gaya hai na mere sir aur kandhe ke beech mein... bus usse nikalne mein meri madad kar dijiye uske baad hai na Huda wohi karega jo usse karna chahiye.",
says a helpless Huda.
His words alarm Lolita Ma'am. Turning to look towards him, she says,
"Come again Cadet Huda."
"Ma'am... Ma'am please help kariye na...",
pleads Huda.
Rolling her eyes Lolita Ma'am helps him to unlock his hands and in retrieving his earlier position.
"Agar tum itna nahi kar sakte to pata nahi tum kya karoge.",
Lolita Ma'am rolls her eyes.
"Ma'am apko kya pata ke Huda ne kya kya kiya hua hai.",
says Huda.
Lolita Ma'am looks towards him, giving him weird expression, as if not trusting him a wee bit,
"Kya kya kiya hua hai Cadet?"
Huda turns towards Lolita Ma'am, giving her his full attention, his face expression gives away the feeling of something weird and unnatural is coming up next.
"Kabhi kisi sunsaan haveli mein akele raat guzari hai apne?",
asks Huda, his voice deep; his eyes staring Lolita Ma'am as if he is some predator who would jump on her any moment.
Merely, by his words the effect can be seen on Lolita Ma'am. She stares him in horror.
"Na... nahi... main... main... sunsaan haveli mein kya karne jaungi Cadet?",
she asks, as the horror starts surfacing her heart.
Chilly wind happens to enter their room at that very moment.
"Thand lag rahi hai apko Ma'am?",
asks Huda, whispering, as if scared of getting heard.
"Ha...an....!!",
Lolita Ma'am forces the word out of her throat. Staring here and there through her peripheral vision, not daring to turn around.
He then whispers into her ear,
"Mujhe bhiiii....!!!"
She knits her brows and gulps her saliva as the fear strangles her.
"Wahan khidki khuli hai na... isliye!!!",
he whispers into her ear.
And before she could comprehend with his words, Huda bursts out into a fit of laughter.
Lolita Ma'am still fails to understand what exactly happened. All she could focus on is the window slamming against the frame of the window at the interior of her room and the chilly wind creeping into the room and diminishing the room temperature.
As soon as it strikes to her, the meaning of Huda's words, she shouts out of anger,
"Hudaaaa....!!!"
Huda runs out of the room, laughing, before she could catch him and punish him by giving to him some strict punishment.
*****
"Shayad tabhi se dil mein ek chaah thi ke humare naujawan sipahiyon ke liye main kuch kar sakun. Outside Sanjivani, ya Sanjivani mein.... whatever.",
says Dr. Shashank.
Juhi smiles, appreciating his thought.
"I know kafi der ho gaya hai. Actually it just kept getting delayed for some or the other reason."
Juhi nods her head, understanding.
Shashank smiles whilst focusing on his driving, as an idea enters his mind and he says, never taking his eyes away from the road,
"You know what Juhi. Main aaj ye jo kuch bhi kar raha hun, iska shrey tumhe jata hai.",
smiles Shashank, proudly.
"Mujhe?",
asks Juhi, surprised, smiling.
Shashank nods his head, smiling.
"Mujhe kaise Sir?",
asks Juhi.
"Bhai jabse iss mentor ki protegee usse durr hui....",
he indicates towards himself, freeing his left hand from steering wheel.
Juhi blushes hearing his words.
"Kaam se kahin na kahin jee ubh gaya tha mera.",
says Shashank, earnestly.
That touches Juhi's heart. She tilts her head to her right, staring him sadly, as if saying -'please don't say like that!'
"Aur ab jab tum ayi to tab shayad zindagi ka mujhse jee ubh gaya tha.",
laughs Shashank, sarcastically at his own situation.
That pierces her heart.
"Sir pleasee...!!",
she pleads him to not say like that.
Shashank smiles, nodding his head.
"Main na to apke kaam karne ke juzbey ko ab kam hone dungi aur na hi apko kuch hone dungi. Believe me.",
says Juhi, concerned, looking towards Shashank.
Shashank turns to look towards her for some moments and smiles before focusing on his driving.
"Haah!!",
sighs Shashank and rests his left hand on his thigh and with his right he controls the steering wheel.
Juhi focuses on his hand that is resting on his thigh. Slowly, a little skeptically, she rests her hand upon his hand, taking him by surprise.
Shashank turns to look towards her immediately.
"Ek doctor apne patient ka saath uske akhri lamhe tak nahi chorta.",
says Juhi, staring at their hands.
Shashank looks towards her and then towards her hand which is resting on his hand.
"Apki doctor - Dr. Juhi apke saath humesha rahegi aur uss akhri lamhe ko aap tak pohnchne nahi degi.",
says Juhi, although in her heart lies the reservation for doubt of the same but in her eyes sparkles her confidence of the same words.
*****
"Welcome Dr. Shashank! Dr. Juhi! Please come.",
Dr. Shalini greets the doctors and make them sit in her cabin.
"Kya lenge aap - chai, coffee?",
asks Dr. Shalini, politely.
"No we are fine doctor. Thank you so much.",
smiles Dr. Shashank.
"Hum actually ek baar iss academy ko dekh lena chahte the aur saath saath yahan currently kya kya equipment available hain for patients wo dekhna chahte the.",
says Dr. Shashank.
"Agar kuch upgrade kiya ja sakey to upgrade karenge. New equipment kis taadat mein chahiye hoga wo hum ek baar yahan ki inspection karne ke baad hi samjh payenge.",
smiles Dr. Juhi.
"Ya, ya! Please ayiye main apko dikhati hun.",
smiles Dr. Shalini.
Together the trio check the infirmary, the equipment.
"Dr. Shalini, I feel ye jagah thodi choti hai. Jitne beds humne roughly finalize kiye hain I think they won't accommodate in this room.",
says Dr. Shashank.
Dr. Shalini gets a bit disappointed hearing that,
"Oh! So ab?"
"Is it somehow possible ke infirmary ko kahin aur shift kar diya jaye?",
asks Dr. Shashank.
"Well, that you will have to ask Brigadier Chandok.",
smiles Dr. Shalini.
"Yeah sure. But I think wo abhi hain nahi academy mein.",
says Dr. Shashank.
Smiling, Dr. Shalini says,
"That's right unhe around one hour lagega wapas ane mein.",
and stares Dr. Shashank, helplessly.
Dr. Shashank looks towards Dr. Juhi in dilemma. Dr. Juhi looks towards Dr. Shashank and smiles, silently assuring him that they can give their time and wait for Brigadier Chandok to return.
Understanding Juhi's unsaid thought, Shashank looks towards Dr. Shalini and tells her, smiling,
"Chaliye jo main khud nahi kar paya, Brigadier Chandok ne kar dikhaya."
Dr. Shalini and Dr. Juhi stare him in confusion.
"Bhai roz-roz thodi na ek military academy mein humein ane ko milta hai?",
laughs Dr. Shashank.
Dr. Shalini and Dr. Juhi smile wide hearing that.
*****
Naina turns to leave. But may be Rajveer hasn't enjoyed his fill of Naina's company yet. Hence with a throbbing heart, Rajveer asks her,
"Ahmmm.... kya... kya tum... mere saath.... coffee peene chalogi?"
(Rajveer-Naina happy tune begins)
That skips not only Naina's heartbeat but Rajveer's too.
Rajveer realizes how his words are sounding cheesy! Being cheesy is not Rajveer's thing. Yet he somehow managed to sound so, how?
Naina turns and stares him dumbstruck. How must she react to it, she wonders!
She blushes profusely.
Rajveer quickly adds, staring her, holding his breath out of shock on his own statement,
"I... I mean.... itne waqt se saa...saath mein time spend nahi kiya to socha... ku...",
he gets intervened by Naina who obliges him by bringing this awkward situation to an end by replying, her eyes cascaded,
"Chaliye!"
(Rajveer-Naina happy tune begins)
They walk towards the mess.
(Rajveer-Naina slow guitar tune begins)
"Ahmm... tum theek ho?",
asks Rajveer, hesitantly, whilst walking next to her, his hands resting in front of his abdomen and fingers fidgeting with each other.
Nervous herself, Naina replies cautiously, her eyes cascaded,
"Theek hun."
Walking further he says,
"So mujhe avoid kiya ja raha tha?"
Naina's heart skips a beat on hearing that.
Rajveer doesn't look towards her, but smiles on finding her nervous.
"Iss situation ko avoid karne ki koshish kar rahi thi.",
says Naina, her rate of heartbeat accelerating.
Rajveer looks towards her and accuses her,
"To tum ho gunehgar!"
That comes as a surprise for Naina and she turns to look towards him in utter shock.
"Gunehgar?",
asks Naina, confused.
"Ek mentor ko uske protegee se durr rakhne ki gunehgar.",
accuses Rajveer, mockingly.
Naina takes a sigh of relief hearing that and smiles.
Soon her smile turns sarcastic and she taunts him lightly,
"Apne mentor se hi seekha hai kaise khudko unse durr rakha jata hai!"
(Rajveer-Naina revolt tune begins)
Rajveer stares Naina in utter shock and he remembers how to save her and his reputation in the academy he pushed her away from himself.
He lowers his eyes out of guilt.
Naina realizes that he is feeling guilty, hence immediately changes the subject,
"Acha lag raha hai apse firse baat karke."
Rajveer's heart flutters hearing that. He looks towards her immediately, excited.
Naina on witnessing his love and excitement in his eyes, knits her brows in love for him, overwhelmed!
"Ab to aap nahi jayenge na apni protegee ko majhdhaar mein chor kar?",
she asks him, politely.
In desperation, Rajveer replies, with full sincerity,
"Kabhi nahi Naina! Kabhi nahi!"
They stare each other, smiling a little.
(Rajveer-Naina tune begins)
Taking a deep breath, before entering the mess, Naina skips Rajveer's heartbeat by saying, her back turned towards him on purpose, to avoid eye contact with him, blush and smile adorning her face,
"Mentor ko theek se apni protegee ko date ke liye puchna bhi nahi aata.",
shaking her head she adds,
"Pata nahi aur kya kya seekhna parhega protegee se uske mentor ko!"
*****
As Naina was about to drag the chair to sit, Rajveer intervenes,
"Allow me!"
(Rajveer-Naina happy tune begins)
Naina widens her eyes and blush creeps her cheeks, smile of shyness stretches on her lips.
As Rajveer holds the chair to pull it for Naina, Naina rests her hand on Rajveer, staring around nervously she says,
"Please ye mat kariye!"
Rajveer smiles as he enjoys not only witnessing Naina flustered but also the way she rests her hand on his, to stop him, almost unconsciously.
"Kyun? Kya hua?",
asks Rajveer, acting to be innocent.
"Koi dekhega to kya sochega? Ek mentor apne protegee ko iss tarah se treat kar raha hai.",
says Naina, looking around out of awkwardness.
"Kis tarah se treat kar raha hai?",
Rajveer dares her to put it in words.
Rajveer and Naina stare each other.
(Rajveer-Naina flute tune begins)
Naina realizes she has gone short of words out of shyness, hence she shakes her head, closing her eyes and occupies the seat to end this awkward moment, smiling throughout.
Rajveer enjoys witnessing her going all shy.
"Thank you!",
she greets whilst occupying the seat.
Smiling, Rajveer occupies the seat in front of her.
He orders for two cups of coffee.
Naina looks around and smiles as she remembers an incident that she shares with Rajveer.
"Apko pata hai college mein mere sarey friends free time mein apne boyfriends ke saath coffee peene jate the.",
blushes Naina.
That skips Rajveer's heartbeat. Smiling, he lowers his eyes and asks,
"Tum kabhi nahi gayi?"
Naina looks towards him and says,
"Bhaiya ke darr se kabhi ja nahi payi.",
laughs Naina.
Her words instead of satisfying him, disturbs him and he asks,
"Matlab agar Naveen ka darr nahi hota to tum chali jati?"
"Haan!",
says Naina immediately, as if it isn't a big deal.
"Hmm...",
says he, lowering his eyes.
Naina fails to notice nothing.
"Par ab koi baat nahi. Waise bhi jab aap nahi the academy mein tab maine iss baat ka bohot faida uthaya.",
laughs Naina.
Rajveer knits his brows immediately and he asks out of curiosity,
"Faida uthaya?"
Laughing out of excitement, she says,
"Haan, pehli baar I got committed."
That comes as a shock for Rajveer.
"Committed?",
Rajveer raises his voice in utter shock.
His reaction comes as a shock for Naina. She looks around to make sure that none heard him.
"Aap... aap chilla kyun rahe hain?",
asks Naina, shocked.
Rajveer knits his brows and lowers his voice,
"Kisse?"
Naina stares him, taking her sweet time in enjoying witnessing the possessive and jealous side of Rajveer.
"Kisse Naina?",
impatience grabs him.
"Kabhi kisi book ke saath committment kar leti, to kabhi kisi book ke saath.",
she teases him and purses her lips to control her fit of laughter.
Rajveer stares her in utter shock.
They stare each other.
Soon Rajveer laughs out loud. Naina follows the suit.
They stare each other. Naina doesn't ask him the reason of his reacting that way. Rajveer doesn't try explaining about the same.
"Bina course complete kiye peecha nahi chorti main ek book ka.",
explains Naina further, laughing.
Rajveer laughs too, blushing.
"Waise bhi free time mein bhi main books lekar hi baithi rehti. Aur karti bhi kya? Aap to the nahi.",
says Naina, turning gloomy.
Smirking, Rajveer teases her by asking,
"Tab main nahi tha, isliye mujhe waqt nahi de pa rahi thi. Aaj jab main yahan hun, to kyun tum mujhse annkhein chura rahi ho Naina?"
Naina looks towards him, with all her emotions for him.
(Rajveer-Naina slow flute tune begins)
*****
"Hi can we join you?",
asks Juhi, dragging them out of their precious eye contact.
Captain Rajveer and Cadet Naina get up from their seats out of respect.
"Yeah sure please.",
smiles Captain Rajveer.
"Sorry I hope we didn't disturb you.",
apologizes Dr. Shashank out of politeness.
Naina shakes her head into negative.
Rajveer assures him, smiling,
"Oh not at all Doctor. In fact apologize to humein karna chahiye apse."
"Apko kyun?",
asks Dr. Juhi, confused, smiling.
"Humein apko invite karna chahiye tha yahan.",
says Captain Rajveer, apologetically.
Dismissing his apology, Dr. Shashank says,
"Ah! Aap bulayein ya hum ayein that doesn't matter. Kuch pal saath guzar pa rahe hain, that is only important.",
smiles he.
All the three smile too in agreement.
All the four occupy their respective seats.
Coffees get ordered.
"Haan inhe to bus mauka chahiye kuch pal saath bitane ka.",
teases Juhi, smiling, ignoring to look towards Dr. Shashank.
"Waqt ki ahmiyat bakhubi janta hun main being a doctor.",
smiles Shashank, looking towards Juhi.
Juhi looks towards him, smiling.
"Aur ab to kuch zyada hi achi tarah samjh chuka hun.",
adds Shashank, smiling sadly.
Juhi softens her eyes, staring him.
"Kisi ki ahmiyat unse durr hone ke baad hi humein ehsaas hoti hai."
Naina surprises Rajveer by her words. Naina's eyes transfixed at a point on the table.
Rajveer stares Naina. After a moment or two he asks her,
"To unke wapas aney ke baad bhi unse durri rakhne ki zarurat kyun parhti hai?"
Shashank and Juhi stare Rajveer and Naina trying to read them.
"I am sorry but aap mein se kon kisse durr hua hai?",
asks Juhi.
That clenches the hearts of both Rajveer and Naina.
Naina wonders how to reply to that query of Juhi.
Rajveer smiles looking towards Juhi and says,
"Duri to bus jismo ki thi. Dilon ki duri....",
he turns to look towards Naina and completes,
"To na pehle kabhi thi aur na aaj hai!"
(Rajveer-Naina tune begins as they stare each other possessively)
Shashank and Juhi smile wide witnessing them and hearing his words.
They look towards each other slowly upon realizing how those words are apt in their case as well.
"Sahi kaha apne Captain, duri to bus jismo ki thi!",
repeats Shashank, staring Juhi throughout which makes Juhi to blush.
*****
"So sunna hai apne especially Dr. Juhi ko bulaya apke operation ke liye. Any special reason?",
asks Captain Rajveer to Dr. Shashank, smiling.
Naina looks towards Dr. Juhi, smiling.
Dr. Juhi blushes on hearing Captain Rajveer's question.
Dr. Shashank proudly tells Captain Rajveer,
"Bhai apne protegee se zyada ek mentor ko kis par bharosa ho sakta hai when it comes to his life?"
That comes as a surprise for Rajveer and Naina.
Smiles of surprise touch their faces and they turn to look towards each other.
Turning back to look towards Dr. Shashank and Juhi, maintaining his expression Captain Rajveer and Cadet Naina ask in unison,
"Aap dono mentor-protegee hain?"
And immediately look towards each other in utter surprise. Their stare convey to each other how this bond is precious to both of them.
Juhi nods in affirmative, smiling wide.
Dr. Shashank says, proudly,
"Koi shaq?"
Rajveer and Naina smile looking towards them.
"Waise aap inke...",
asks Shashank to Rajveer, indicating towards Rajveer and Naina.
"Humara rishta bhi bilkul waisa hi jaisa aap dono ka hai.",
smiles Rajveer, taking Shashank and Juhi by surprise.
That skip their heartbeats and they look towards each other.
"Mentor-Protegee ka rishta kaisa hota hai bhool gaya tha. Juhi ne wapas akar yaad dilaya.",
smiles Shashank.
Rajveer and Naina could feel the depth of the words as their case mirrors to that of Shashank and Juhi's.
"Agar durr hote hi nahi to apko yaad dilane ki bhi zarurat nahi parhti.",
says Naina, staring Rajveer.
Rajveer cascades his eyes out of shyness.
*****
"So Naina, kitna janti ho apne mentor ko?",
smiles Shashank, looking towards Naina.
Rajveer smiles and turns to look towards Naina, eager to know her reply.
Naina cascades her eyes, smiling apologetically, and surprises them, especially Rajveer by her reply,
"Bilkul bhi nahi!"
That hurts Rajveer, and smile vanishes from his face.
Shashank and Juhi stare Naina in shock.
Smiling, Juhi says,
"Aisa hi lagta hai jab kissi ko parhna humari adat ho jaye to aksar aisa hi lagta hai ke hum to unhe jante hi nahi. Utsukta unhe aur janne ki itni barhi rehti hai ke jitna hum unhe jante hain wo bhi bemaiyne lagne lagti hai."
Rajveer and Naina smile looking towards Juhi, realizing her words.
"Aur jo tumne durr hone ki baat kahi na... Naina kabhi kabhi durr hone ke baad hi dusro ke prati humare juzzbaatt ka humein pata chalta hai.",
says Juhi, which succeed in skipping the heartbeats of all of them, including Juhi's!
"Really?",
asks Shashank, turning to look towards Juhi, resting his elbow on the table and his fingers covering his chin and lips.
Juhi looks towards him, blushing.
Rajveer and Naina look towards each other, none paying attention on the expressions exchanged between Shashank and Juhi.
*****
"Hmm.... Captain Rajveer, Naina to apko bohot achi tarah janti hogi I am sure. Magar aap Naina ko kitni achi tarah jante hain?",
asks Juhi, excited.
Rajveer widens his eyes hearing that, smiling in awkwardness.
Naina arches a brow, smiling wide. This is going to be fun, she realizes.
"Bhai waah!",
laughs Shashank.
"Hmmm... Chaliye Captain ache fanse aap.",
laughs Shashank.
Naina lowers her eyes, blushing, smiling.
Rajveer smiles and says confidently,
"Aap galat kar rahe hain, apko mujhe tease karne ka mauka nahi milega, kyunki apke har question ka jawab hoga mere paas."
Gesturing Shashank to come closer, he lowers his voice and says when Shashank comes closer to him,
"Agar maze lene hi hai, to isse puchiye.",
he gestures towards Naina.
Dr. Shashank arches a brow, smiling.
Dr. Juhi laughs too looking towards Naina.
"Thank you Captain for that suggestion.",
says Dr. Shashank, smiling wide looking towards Naina.
Dr. Juhi laughs hearing that.
Naina goes crimson red out of awkwardness.
"Kyun aap dono bechari Naina ko tang kar rahe hain?",
says Juhi.
"Dekha Dr. Shashank abhi se protegees ek side ho gayin.",
teases Rajveer.
Naina and Juhi laugh, shaking their heads.
"Arey bhai to hum bhi inke mentors hain, inke rag rag se wakif hain.",
says Shashank, narrowing his eyes on Juhi.
Rajveer stares Naina lovingly.
Naina shakes her head staring Rajveer, smiling throughout.
"Humari kamzori aap achi tarah jante hain, to kya aap iss baat ka faida uthayenge?",
asks Naina, softly, looking towards Rajveer, smiling.
Rajveer smiles looking towards Naina and says,
"Naina kamzori sirf tumhari hi humein nahi pata; balki humari kamzori tum bhi jante ho. Faida to aap bhi utha sakte ho humari."
(Rajveer-Naina tune begins as they stare each other, smiling)
"Humne jo sikhaya, usse hum par hi waar karogi tum, kya tumhe lagta hai aasan hai iss baat ko sehna?",
asks Shashank, staring Juhi possessively.
"Agar ghao hum denge, to malham bhi to hum hi karenge.",
Juhi melts Shashank's heart with her words.
Naina stares Rajveer, conveying through her eyes the same as Juhi said verbally.
And the incident when Naina shot Rajveer, flashes instantly in front of the both pairs of eyes.
They lower their eyes slowly. Rajveer smiles.
Juhi, forgetting about the presence of Rajveer and Naina there, forwards her hand in front of Shashank, staring him throughout and says,
"Wada kijiye.... Wada kijiye ke ab kisi bhi baat ko; kisi bhi haalat ko humare beech mein aap aney nahi denge!"
Shashank's heart skips a beat hearing that. He stares her without blinking.
Resting his hand on her hand, he promises,
"I promise you Juhi, kabhi kisi bhi haalat ko; kisi ko bhi humare beech ane nahi dunga."
Juhi's eyes well up hearing that. She smiles stares Shashank. Shashank smiles back.
Rajveer and Naina stare each other, promising the same to each other silently.
Naina's eyes well up too as she forwards her hand in front of Rajveer and asks him,
"Jo baat dil mein ho, mujhse kehne se kabhi hichkichayenge nahi. Wada kijiye Sir!"
(Rajveer-Naina tune begins)
Rajveer very slowly places his hand in her hand and promises,
"Meri zindagi ki har baat mere alawa tumhe pata hogi, I promise!"
That clenches Naina's heart, she smiles with teary eyes.
Shashank and Juhi promise the same, silently, smiling looking towards each other.
They all relax back on their seats and look towards each other smiling.
"So ajse do (2) mentor-protegee pairs ki nayi shuruat hogi.",
smiles Rajveer looking towards the three of them.
All the three laugh lightly,
"Aur saath hi hum charo ki dosti ki bhi nayi shuruat!"
They all smile in acceptance, looking towards each other.
-THE END-
(5.9.2020)