Shade in the Sun

Chapter 4

A few weeks later, another young couple moved into the neighborhood. Vikram was a Lieutenant in the Indian Army. Short hair, tall and fair. He would have been a model if not an Army man. His wife Kirti was a delicate-looking woman, but she was smart and confident. The couples were soon acquainted. Gaurav and Sreeja were happy to find company. Vikram was soon posted to Kashmir. Kriti being alone, got closer to Sreeja.

"How did you guys meet?" Sreeja asked.

"I used to go to the Army golf club with my dad. That was where I saw him. Dad saw me blushing. I could never believe that my dad would support me, let alone help me out with this. He got in touch with Vikram and asked if he would like to see me. We met a couple of times. For me, that wasn't even necessary. I was smitten at first sight. We got married 3 months later. I still can't believe all that happened without any hurdles. It was perfect like I have always dreamt of."

"Like I have always dreamt of..." Sreeja thought, never realizing that her thoughts were a little loud.

"What?" Kriti asked, confused.

"What? Nothing. Did I say anything? I was just... It's beautiful. Your story."

Kriti smiled back.

'If only, my life was like that.' Sreeja thought, ensuring that the words don't come out this time.

–x–

Sreeja was roaming around in the house, tense. She had been trying to reach Gaurav, but he wouldn't pick up.

" I have been calling you for so long, where were you?" she enquired when Gaurav reached home.

" I was driving..."

" We need to go now."

"Where?'

"To Kriti's mother's place."

"Why?" Gaurav asked, confused.

There was a terrorist attack in Poonch district"

"And?"

"That's where Vikram was posted..."

They went to see Kriti. She had moved to her Mother's place the day she got the news.

Contrary to their expectation, Kriti wasn't sobbing. She was just silent. Sreeja went to her and held her. She responded but didn't say a word. Gaurav stayed at a distance and slightly bowed when she looked at him. He realized not just the men, but the wives of Army men were as strong. He felt even more respect for her.