Queen

Ch 15 : The Depths of Loss

In a quiet corner of her room, Harleen sat with a heaviness in her heart that seemed insurmountable.
It's been a few days since Harleen and her family bid farewell to Noor, her body draped in the Indian National flag, a symbol of her unwavering dedication. With solemn reverence, they witnessed her final journey, offering her the honor of a soldier's farewell, complete with a gun salute and ceremonial rites.
Her once vibrant spirit was now dulled by the weight of grief. Across from her, her birth parents, watched with aching concern etched into their faces.

"Heer, beta," her father Colonel Deol began, his voice filled with the warmth of paternal love, "we know this pain is unimaginable. But you're not alone. We're here for you, always."

Her mother reached out, gently placing a hand on Harleen's trembling one. "Sweetheart, we can't take away the pain, but we can share it with you. Please, let us help you through this."

But Harleen remained distant, lost in the depths of her sorrow. Words felt hollow, unable to breach the fortress of grief that surrounded her.

Meanwhile, Smriti's heart ached with every unanswered call and futile attempt to reach Harleen. She confided in Palash, her voice heavy with longing and regret.

"Palash, I don't know what to do. I miss her so much. I just want to tell her I'm sorry, that I'm here for her."

Palash listened attentively, offering words of encouragement, yet sensing Smriti's restless yearning for Harleen's presence.

As Smriti reminisced about their cherished moments together, Jemi stood by her side, a pillar of unwavering support. With each shared memory, they sought comfort in the bond they shared, even amidst the uncertainty that lay ahead.

*INT. DEOL FAMILY HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY*

Wing Commander Joshi stands solemnly before the Deol family, his uniform a stark contrast to the subdued atmosphere of the room. Colonel and Captain Dr. Deol sit side by side, their expressions a mixture of sorrow and pride.

**WING COMMANDER JOSHI**
*(with reverence)*
Colonel Deol and Captain Dr. Deol, your daughter, Harneet,

(He pauses, allowing the weight of his words to settle upon)

She was a hero to the nation, a true embodiment of courage and sacrifice.

Colonel Deol's eyes glisten with unshed tears, and Captain Dr. Deol clutches her husband's hand tightly, seeking comfort in their shared grief.

**WING COMMANDER JOSHI**
*(continuing)*
On the day of the incident, Harneet and her co-pilot displayed unparalleled bravery in the face of danger. Despite the odds, they chose to confront the enemy head-on, with sheer determination they went head on, protecting our airspace with unwavering resolve. In the heat of battle, Harneet's instincts informed her about the imminent danger looming over her co-pilot's life. Despite the peril to her own safety, she made a split-second decision, driven by unwavering loyalty and selflessness. Without hesitation, she diverted all her focus and resources to shield her comrade, placing their well-being above her own. In a moment of unparalleled courage, Harneet made the ultimate sacrifice, demonstrating the epitome of bravery on the battlefield. The whole squadron grieves her.

Harleen, who had been listening intently, feels a stirring within her soul. Her sister's legacy ignites a fire within her, a sense of duty and purpose that she cannot ignore.

**HARLEEN DEOL**
*(rising to her feet)*
I... I need to do this.

Her parents turn to her, their eyes wide with surprise and concern.

**COLONEL DEOL**
*(softly)*
Heer...

**HARLEEN DEOL**
*(with determination)*
No, Dad. Mom.
Noor... she sacrificed everything for her country. She was... she is a hero. And I can't let her sacrifice be in vain. I want to join the army. I want to fulfill her duty. The one she left after her.

Her words hang in the air, heavy with emotion and resolve. Colonel and Captain Dr. Deol exchanged a glance, their hearts swelling with pride for their daughters.

**CAPTAIN DR. DEOL**
*(voice trembling)*
Are you sure, beta?

**HARLEEN DEOL**
*(nodding)*
Yes, Mom. I'm sure.

With tears glistening in her eyes, Harleen reaffirms her commitment to honor her sister's memory and carry on her legacy. And as she steps forward into the unknown, she knows that her journey has only just begun.