JOURNEY WITH SAF ACADEMY

LOOKING AT HER DIFFERENTLY!

The moment she saw him, she sighed in relief. He started moving towards her, monami dropped the knife and started moving towards him. Maybe because it was the moment, or maybe it was because she was scared, even though her legs did not have the courage to walk, she kept walking...towards him. He did not stop either, it was not anger in his eyes but concern and worry, but he justified it using the cadet card. Monami hugged him as soon as they both came face to face. But Karan did not reciprocate the hug. She was breathing heavily. Both her hands were on his shoulders and her face near his neck. She was barely hanging on to him and when he felt she is about to fall, he held her waist tightly. It took her some time to finally hold herself. Karan's both hands now on her back, covering her in a protective hug. The warmth! He finally let go of her but was still holding her hands. He saw the bruise on her lower lip. Something in him burned. 

' academy chalke baat karte hai ' he said in a soft tone. He took her hand and walked out of the iron gate. The kids along with Ayesha were taken to academy. Ayesha's mother was also called to the academy.

' jab tak saare culprits pakde nahi jaate, in bachcho ko protection dena hamara kaam hai ' Faizi spoke to a police officer. 
On the drive back, Monami had fallen asleep on Sid's shoulder as he was slowly wrapping a handkerchief around her hand. The bleeding was excessive. Karan was driving, constantly stealing glances of Monami and Sid. 

They reached the academy and Sid lifted Monami in his arms and took her to the dispensary. Mr. Batra already had the report of the entire case but he especially wanted to talk to Monami and Sid. All the cadets came to know about this as well and Ayesha's mom reached the academy. By the time, the doctor was suturing Monami's wound all the cadets, kids had gathered around her. The dispensary seemed like a small room now. Ayesha was hugging her Mom. Sid was sitting beside Monami. Monami was surprised to see everyone standing there. And there he was, Karan, sulking at the corner. Monami scoffed at this thought. 

The kids were quietly watching this, until one of them, came to Monami and asked, 

' hum log game jeet gaye?? '. 

' Haa, lekin mujhe mere partner ka naam bhi to pata hona chahiye na ' Monami asked cheerfully. 

' Ishaan ' the boy replied. 

All the kids gathered around Monami happily and started cheering. 

' hume to laga tha tum bhaag gayi ho ' Premji spoke. His head hanging low. 

' waise , tum aur Sid saath me kaise aaye ' Sumanji asked, looking suspicious. 

' Agar Sid nahi hota to bachche hame kabhi nahi milte ' Monami spoke while keeping one hand on Sid's shoulder. And Sid was trying to spot Sanjana in the room. But she was busy with making a report on the kids along with Faizi. 

Ayesha's mother came forward and folded her hands in front of Monami, 

' thankyou so much, meri beti ko dhoondhne ke liye, Thankyou so much ' she said with almost tears in her eyes. 

Just then Karan came forward. 

' Akele jaane ke liye kisne kaha tha. Mujhe report nahi kar sakti thi. Abhi training complete nahi hui hai tumhari. Aur ek civilian ko tumne iss sabme kaise involve kiya ' he said while looking at Sid in an angry tone. Before anyone could say anything, the 7 years old Ishaan spoke up. 
' aap meri partner ko mat daato, Monu na hum sabko bachaya hai ' he said while standing nnear Monami. Karan squatted down on his level and spoke in a childish tone, 

' Actually iss game me aapka partner mai banne wala tha par Monu...I mean Monami ne cheating ki. Iski punishment to Monami ko milni chahiye na ' He spoke the last sentence while looking at Monami and she gulped in fear.  
Koel was happy that Ayesha was finally found. 

' Monu ko chot lagi hai, usko punish mat karo ' Ishaan spoke again in childish tone while pointing at her hand, Sid smiled at this and Monami pulled his cheeks.  

Just then Col. Batra entered the room and joined the conversation. 

 ' ofcourse, hum Monu ko punish nahi karenge. Ishaan ab aap bahar jaake kuch khaalo ' he said while pulling Ishaan towards him. The rest of the kids were brought to have dinner with the cadets in the mess area. But Kids don't eat quietly. They would jump and run and play and all the cadets would try to feed them. 

Sid was still by Monami's side. He would always be by her side no matter what.