When she returned to her room after their walk, the first thing she did was to pack up all her novels and books in a carton and saying a short sorry to them, she kept it in one corner, hidden from her vision.
Picking out the book for his subject, that night Naina stayed awake till late, normal as usual with a book but that book made a huge difference. Instead of her novels, she had a subject book in hand.
Today's conversation broke her heart and she knew the damage wasn't something which couldn't be repaired. She'll bridge this gap. And not only that, she'll decorate it with beautiful flowers on the railing.
The cadets have their first semester exams starting 2 weeks after, for which he had kept this mock test, she didn't perform satisfactory in this but she'll not give a chance to him in the semester ones.
The next few days Naina was nowhere seen in the game room or mess, she would spend all her time in her room or in the library. Even missing out on food to study a bit more. The datesheet was out and they had their strategy and communication exam on his birthday. And she knew what gift she'd give him. Though she'd still meet him for their walks as usual but would return early on the pretext of headache or something else. He didn't mind though. She was his priority. And her health was necessary. He had also prepared special herbal tea for her and packed in a thermo flask for her to have, to cure her frequent headaches.
Rajveer had told all the cadets to come to him for any doubt and many even came, but the one he expected, didn't. She was avoiding him. As he thought. Maybe because he was continuously nagging her to study ? But that was for her betterment. He was ready to sacrifice his everything so she could achieve something.
I hope you perform well Naina. He wished before closing his eyes that night. The next day was her exam. And he was more worried.
Rajveer was an hour into sleep when he heard a small knock at the door. Thinking who it could be, he opened the door only to find a smiling her.
"Naina! Tum iss waqt ?"
"Umm...wo...wo mai ander aa jaaun" she asked. And without a word he gave her way. She entered the room holding her book.
"Ek doubt hai...aapse pooch na tha" she told her him with nervousness as of what he observed.
"Ofcourse. Baitho na" he was about to sit when she asked him if she could have water. He went to his kitchen counter to get it for when he found her fondling with his files kept on the table. He was curious. Though she always had access to his room but she never touched his official documents or files. It was strange that she was doing so today. When he returned, She was normal now. Not nervous like before. Taking the glass from him, Naina thanked him and asked about a paragraph to be explained.
Something strange again. This was one easy chapter so he gave the cadets to prepare and each had to explain one paragraph. And she was the one to take up this paragraph and she did a commendable job. Then why was she having a doubt now ? But not minding it he explained it to her and giving a beautiful smile, she went to sleep not before wishing him a good nights sleep.
---
The next day, after her last and most important exam, Naina visited him in his room with her gang and found he was reading a book. Finding the door to open without a knock he knew who it could be.
They all chatted with him telling about how their exams went but she was silently looking here and there and not paying attention to the talks. He thought may be she was tired about her long exams and decided to ask her about it later that night.
---
When they met again near the deserters bell, Naina presented before him a bowl of fruit cream with she made with suriji's permission in the mess. "Happy Birthday Rajveer" she lovingly wished with her pretty eyes glittering and a big smile on her face.
He was surprised with her actions. As far as he knows he didn't tell her his birth date but then he remembered, Naveen's diary and there was his answer. Someone for the first time after Naveen wished him for his birthday and made him feel special for being born.
They sat there under the tree till late, him, gently holding her hand as they talked. Naina apologized to Rajveer for wishing so late reasoning how she wanted to surprise him and wish in the morning itself but due to their exam, the cadets were rushed into the hall. She also told him how she first planned for a party in mess but then decided against it as she knew he would like their intimate celebration rather than a huge crowd. He was so thankful. He just wanted her and that's what he got. Though the fruit cream was cherry on top.
During their talks Naina cautiously asked him if he had checked those files which were kept on the table. Not understanding her question he denied telling how they were there just so he could keep them in his cupboard.
They talked further untill it was really late and then proceeded back to their rooms not before shring a hug and her wishing him again.
I hope you liked it. Next update on Friday ! Thanks for reading, voting and commenting. I'll reply to the texts soon.
Signing off
Kikaberry
