Dusk till Dawn.[ON HOLD]

Chapter 03. His soulmate.

 06:00 am. Northern Command Headquarters, Udhampur, India.

It was not an everyday thing when the Head of the base, Colonel Tahir Hassan walked out of his office and reached the runway to welcome his young servicemen. However today, was not like any other day. He wanted to make sure that Viyaan was safe. Despite no casualties which was a huge relief, he couldn't be certain about Viyaan's wellbeing until he checked for himself.

Anyone who knew Tahir closely, knew about his fondness for Viyaan and Sahil. The boys had a very special place not only in Colonel Tahir Hassan's heart but also in Mrs. Riwaaz Hassan's.

On reaching the runway, Colonel responded to the Good Mornings coming his way from the night duty soldiers who were waiting for the shift to change, so that they could hit the bed. He looked around trying to spot a familiar face and, failed. He had believed Sahil would be already here waiting for Viyaan's return but seems like that man was busy pulling another prank on his juniors.

Tahir had to not wait long as the aircrafts appeared in the range of his vision. The two pilots landed the carriers with such an ease that it was a sight to behold.

What India soldiers loved the most was to gloat about their efficiency. Well you can't blame them either. For, they are the best-est of the bests.

All the soldiers disembarked slowly taking their time as they were clearly exhausted.

When Viyaan was told about the important gathering of all the most crucial threats to the country, he had agreed to lead the mission with his teammates. As a result, everyone had flown directly to the Eastern Command from Siachen, walked to the combat zone and ambushed.

The rest was history.

The last one to descend was Viyaan. Not a single nerve of his looked exhausted. He was the same full of vigor Major Viyaan Bakshi, who had left for Siachen from this very base six months ago.

 Another thing that hadn't changed was his lackluster marvos eyes.

Tahir's forehead creased, he had inferred Yash was overreacting about Viyaan but now he could decipher why his soldier's father was disturbed. There was something terribly wrong with him, although what was wrong no one knew.

He came out of his musings when he saw Viyaan standing in front of the gathered soldiers ready to salute.

"Jai Hind, Sir." They bellowed in unison.

"At ease."

He ordered. Turning towards the two pilots and their co-pilots he thanked them for their service.

"I'm grateful to the Indian Air Force for helping us on such a short notice."

"The pleasure is all ours, Sir." Squadron Leader Xavier D'Silva, respectfully shook hands with the man, wearing the uniform, having a national emblem over two stars on his each shoulder.

Colonel urged them to rest into the soldier's quarters till evening before flying back.

"Officer Bakshi, I want you to wait. Got something to discuss."

Chirag was confused by the demand nonetheless agreed.

Tahir looked at the awaiting Commandos' and addressed them.

"Good work soldiers. I'm proud of each and every one of you for protecting the country's safety with your lives. I won't hold you back longer then required. Everyone is relived from your duties starting tomorrow. Live your civilian life for forty days and then be ready to pack your bags again."

Viyaan inhaled deeply and held his breath for sometime before exhaling slowly. On arriving he had expected some scolding followed by discussions of the finished mission. But his Chief had splashed cold water on all his expectations.