In the prestigious Air Force Academy, love takes flight in the unlikeliest of circumstances. Sahasra, a determined widow with dreams of becoming an Air Force pilot, finds herself bound to Nikhil, a widower, in an arranged marriage. As they navigate...
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Both her mothers and Dadi were crying tears of happiness, proud of Sahasra's achievement. "Aap tino na serial mein kaam karlo," she laughed.
"Come, we need to go to the auditorium," Ramya nudged her arm and Sahasra parted from her family, heading towards the theatre where the graduation ceremony was taking place.
The higher officers started calling out the names. When it was Sahasra's turn, she went on to the stage and saluted the Air Marshal. Taking the certificate and the badge, she looked straight ahead towards the Tiranga on the opposite wall.
I did it. I'm an Airforce pilot now! She said to herself.
Lehra do, Lehra do, Sarkashi ka parcham lehra do. Gardish mein phir apni, Sar zameen ka parcham lehra do.
Her eyes shed happy tears, she felt immense pride in her hard work and her supportive family. She went to the ladies who blessed her and gave her hugs. Sahasra soon started missing her husband again and sadly went back to her seat.
Actually, Nikhil was there all the time — he was sitting somewhere where Sahasra couldn't see him. His eyes were filled with tears of pride. He never cried in public, but today he was proud of Sahasra — his wife, his hippo.
He heard the officers and captains talking about her potential and grit. The Air Marshal had himself told Nikhil that Sahasra was one of the best female fighter pilots he'd seen in his career.
Nikhil lied to her about not coming in order to carry out his plan. He wanted to surprise her and confess his feelings, Sahasra had to wait just a bit more.
After the ceremony was over, Sahasra took leave of her friends and went out with the three ladies for lunch. She ordered her favourite dishes, but her mind was preoccupied by Nikhil — her husband, her gadha.
"Beta, you've been playing with the biryani since 15 minutes. Why aren't you eating?" her mother-in-law scolded.
"Aap logg khao na, mera khaane ka mood nahi hai," she blurted out. The ladies kept quiet — they knew she was missing Nikhil. They were also aware of the fact that Nikhil wanted to surprise her so they kept quiet.
"As you wish... Listen, you have to stay with us tonight in the nearby hotel. We've booked a room for you," her mother-in-law informed.
"Fine," she said half-heartedly.
Sahasra took the ladies to Total Mall — the most popular mall in Bangalore. She wanted to buy a lot of things, and even visit the spa, but all she thought was about her husband.
How can a gadha affect my day so much? She asked herself. Because you love that gadha, her heart replied.
She assisted the ladies in their shopping and ventured around the mall, but by the time they left, it was night already. It was time to go to the hotel and retire for the day. Sahasra dropped the ladies in their rooms, and then took the keys for the room from the receptionist.
She sighed and opened the door — it smelled good. She switched on the light and her eyes went wide.
Nikhil was standing in the middle of the room, his hands holding a picture of the graduation — of her receiving the Air Force badge. Below it, the caption read: I LOVE YOU HIPPO.
Sahasra froze. She smiled and cried at the same time. She didn't know how to react.
Gathering courage, she spoke and said "I love you too," in a muffled voice as she was still crying.
"My pilot wife...you did it!" Nikhil remarked and kept the picture on the desk. Walking towards her he said, "I'm proud of you."
"I-I...It's because of you and family support," she looked directly into his eyes.
"But it's all your hard work," he said, wiping her tears and cupping her face.
"Y-you were there the whole time?" she asked.
"Of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world," Nikhil said and Sahasra blushed. "I wanted to confess my feelings before, but I waited for the right time."
"And you really picked the best time. I wouldn't have imagined it any other way," She stood on her toes and gave him a kiss, blushing as she did it.
"It's kinda cool that we came so far. From enemies to lovers," Nikhil remarked.
"Yes, we rewrote the stars and carved a beautiful love story," she winked.
And they spent the night completing their suhagraat that didn't take place on the night of their marriage.
In the morning, Sahasra informed him about being deployed to Kashmir.
"What?" Nikhil's face paled.
"Why, what happened?" Sahasra looked at him, worried.
"Nothing, it's just the toughest base."
"I know, but I will be fine. Plus, you're stationed at Delhi so you'll be close by."
"True," Nikhil replied, holding her hands and kissing her cheeks.
Then they took out the three ladies outside and all of them tasted the delicacies of Bangalore.
Soon it was time for them to return to their respective duties. Sahasra accompanied the ladies and Nikhil to the airport. She hugged Nikhil goodbye, but when he was about to board the plane, she ran to him and said, "I love you."
"I love you more than you ever will," Nikhil replied, kissing her cheeks. "Take care."
"Pahuchkarr phone karna," Sahasra waved.
"I will," he said and then disappeared into the aircraft.
――"💌"――
Vote and comment if you think Sahasra and Nikhil rewrote the stars to carve a beautiful love story <3
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