Ishq-e-Watan

Chapter 79- Scrutiny

CHAPTER 79

SCRUTINY

Karan checked the equipment quietly, his mind still half on what he had come to realize. He hadn't really slept last time, staring up at the ceiling. What was he going to do now? He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He needed to talk to someone. Faizi. It would make his mind clearer. He let out a shaky breath. He really needed to talk to Faizi.

The door opened behind him and his fingers paused around the rope. The footsteps were light, barely noticeable, just a slight click of the boots. Monami. He bit his lip, closing his eyes. What would he say to her?

"Sir?" She said softly. He took a deep breath. He can't ignore her. He turned around, offering her a slight smile. She smiled back, taking a step closer. "Aap... Aap th-theek ho? Aap k-kal r-raat aise ch-chale g-gaye the?" She took another step closer and he swallowed. "Aapki t-tabiyat th-theek hai? Do you n-need a ch-checkup?"

He shook his head. "I am okay", he assured. "Just... kuchh kaam yaad aa gaya tha."

She took a step closer and Karan froze. He took a step back, scratching his neck nervously. "Aap... Aap m-mujhse gussa ho k-kya? N-Naa m-meri taraf d-dekh rahe ho dh-dhang se? Did I... do s-something?"

His gaze raised to her face and he shook his head. "Agar tumne kuchh kara hota toh main bata deta. I just..." He shook his head. "I just have a few things on my mind jo... jo mujhe sort karni hai abhi. I will be okay."

The door opened behind them and he looked over her head, finding Faizi striding in, his attention on his phone. He glanced up, offering an affectionate smile to Monami. "Monami! Kaisi ho tum? How was your trip home?"

She smiled, turning to him. Karan let out a breath, closing his eyes. Why was he so nervous? It was just Monami. It wasn't a big deal. He loved her. So? There was absolutely no need to panic, was there? Count. He should count. 1, 2, 3... He opened his eyes. Faizi was eyeing him, a concerned frown on his face.

The door opened again a couple of minutes later, the rest of the trainers striding in, the cadets following. "Karan", Faizi said, and he looked at him as he walked closer. The older agent eyed him. "Kya hua hai? Itna... pareshaan kyun lag rahe ho?"

"Drills ke baad... mujhe tujhse kuchh baat karni hai", he said quietly. "Important hai."

Faizi's frown deepened. "EFR ke baare mein kuchh pata-"

"Kaam nahi hai", he forced out. "Personal hai."

His best friend stared at him for a long moment as the cadets easily fell in line. He turned away for a moment, walking over to Sanju and muttering something to her. She nodded, a confused and concerned frown on her face. Faizi walked back. "Chalo", he said. "Walk karni hai?"

"Faizi... drills hain abhi."

"Tumse kaam nahi hoga abhi", he said. "Dhyaan yahan nahi hai tumhaara. Aur ek din miss kar bhi doge toh koi aafat nahi aa jaayegi. Sanju sambhaal legi. Baaki teenon bhi hain. Chalo."

His compliance only seemed to worry Faizi more and the two found themselves in the garden, strolling midst the fresh grass, the leaves crunching just a little, soft from the dew that had wet them.

"Kya ho gaya hai, Karan?" Faizi asked after a couple of minutes of walking quietly. "Koi nightmare ya kuchh tha kya?"

He chuckled a little, shaking his head. Far from a nightmare. So, so far. "Nahi", he said. He shoved his hands in his hoodie, looking at his polished shoes. "Tu... tu sahi tha." He looked up at him. "Monami... she isn't just my friend. I... I have feelings for her. Main... Main usse pyaar karta hoon. I love her."