Queen

Ch 23 : Duty Calls

Days turned into weeks, and a subtle shift began to unfold between Harleen and Smriti. Gradually, Harleen found herself opening up more, sharing jokes and moments of camaraderie with Smriti. While it was just a hint of the bond they once shared, it brought a sense of warmth to Smriti's heart. She cherished every small interaction, grateful for the progress they were making.

One morning, after their practice session, Harleen and Smriti made their way to the lobby for breakfast before heading to the gym. The atmosphere was lively, with the rest of the team chatting and laughing as they enjoyed their meal. However, the mood quickly shifted when two soilders in Air Force uniforms marched into the room.

Instantly recognizing their presence, Harleen rose from her seat, a sense of solemnity washing over her. The officers saluted her, and she returned the gesture with equal respect. Smriti, seated behind Harleen, couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as she observed the exchange.

Barging into the room, Smriti couldn't contain her curiosity. She watched as Harleen began to pack her bags with urgency, the room descending into chaos. Concern etched across her features, Smriti questioned Harleen about the sudden turn of events.

Harleen's response was swift and grave. She explained that she had been summoned by the Northern Command to return to her duties, as there had been a breach in the border skyline. Terrorists had launched an attack on a village near the command, and Harleen had been ordered to move. She needed to leave immediately.

As Harleen spoke, Smriti felt her heart skip a beat. The realization dawned on her—Harleen was being deployed into a dangerous mission, facing the threat of war head-on. The thought of Harleen risking her life on the front lines filled Smriti with a sense of dread, a lump forming in her throat.

Though Smriti struggled to find the words to express her turmoil, Harleen understood her silent despair. She knew that Smriti's concern stemmed from a place of deep care and affection, and it touched her deeply. 

Harleen felt the weight of the impending mission pressing down on her shoulders. This wasn't like any other assignment—her leave had been abruptly cancelled, and she was being called into action immediately. As she looked into Smriti's eyes, filled with despair and worry, Harleen knew she had to be strong, for both their sakes.

Taking Smriti's hands in hers, Harleen guided her to sit in the corner of the bed. With a gentle touch, she lowered herself to her knees in front of Smriti, speaking softly to reassure her. Harleen explained that the oath she had taken under the national flag, wearing her uniform, had made this land her first priority. She was willing to sacrifice everything, even her own life, for the sake of her country.

In that moment, Harleen made a decision. She couldn't leave without telling Smriti the truth—the truth that had been weighing heavily on her heart. Ignoring any thoughts of Smriti's recent breakup with Palash, Harleen knew she needed to confess her feelings. With careful consideration, she reminded Smriti of the letters she had once written to her.

Pulling out a bundle of letters, Harleen placed them gently in Smriti's lap. She explained that these letters held the answers to Smriti's own heartfelt words, words that had remained unspoken between them for too long. Harleen confessed that she did write back but couldn't bring herself to post them, as they contained the deepest truths of her heart.

With a plea in her eyes, Harleen asked Smriti to read the letters while she was away. It was a surreal moment for Smriti, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions coursing through her. But Harleen needed Smriti to be strong, for herself and for them both.

Summoning her resolve, Smriti rose from the bed, bidding Harleen goodbye with a charming smile. However, she couldn't bring herself to watch Harleen leave, the devastation of seeing her depart too much to bear. Instead, she remained in the room, her heart heavy with the weight of uncertainty and longing.