Phir Ek Baar

Kuch Pal

Naina was getting ready for the new day and feeling light after spending some time with Huda on the weekend. She has told Alekh and Huda informed his mother. They will wait till she decides and Naina is sure that Huda will let the rest of their friends know by evening. She was sitting in her cabin, working on a file and smiled when saw Huda's message, asking her to come to his base in Kerala. Naina was about to reply but heard a knock on the door and saw Sujal standing there. Her smile was gone and he felt bad when notices her reaction as to why she behaved with him like this.

Naina (in loud voice) : "Yes, Mr. Grewal. Please come in".

Sujal (sits on the chair opposite her and gives a file) : "Major Ahuluwalia, the first batch of drones is ready for trial. I think we should check it".

Naina (takes the file and reads it) : "Thanks Mr. Grewal. Main Lt. Colonel Verma ko inform kar deti hu. Then will fix an appointment and the team can show him the drone".

Sujal (said suddenly) : "Major Ahuluwalia, mujhe lagta hain, hum ise test karte hain unko dikhane se pehle".

Naina surprisingly looked at him as felt he was pushing it. Sujal realised what he just said.

Sujal (in low voice) : "I mean, it's better to be sure before showing this to your seniors. This project is very important to me".

Naina (nodded) : "Sure, Mr. Grewal. We will go tomorrow".

Sujal (anxiously) : "Kal mujhe kuch important kaam hain. Mr. Bhandari will not be able to explain all the things to you. Can we go today".

Naina was not able to understand why he is insisting for today as can do it later. But thought it's better to get this done quickly. So, she asked him to wait to inform her seniors. Sujal went to the parking lot happily to wait as wanted to spend some time with her. Naina came out after a few minutes to go to the drone factory. She changed from uniform and was now in t-shirt and jeans while Sujal was in a shirt, trouser and a jacket. She was about to get in her jeep but Sujal said

Sujal : "Major Ahuluwalia, can we go in my car. (Naina narrowed eyes on him) You have a military jeep and people will notice it. So, for the safe side, let's take this".

Naina didn't want to go in his car as it's already difficult to be with him in one place. But now has to sit beside and stop herself not to see or touch him. She inhaled sharply and went near his car. Sujal hid his smile and opened the gates by key button. Naina gets in, puts hands on her lap and sits near the window. He can see the gap she left but ignored it. She was looking at the road while Sujal peeks at her after a few minutes. Naina kept reminding herself that this journey will be over soon.

Sujal (to break the silence) : "Major Ahuluwalia, we will reach in 45 minutes".

Naina nodded and started replying back to messages on the phone. Sujal can see that she doesn't want to talk to him and he didn't force her. They reached the factory and the drone was tested. There were few changes that needed to be made as the drone was not getting stable while flying and the remote was too hard. The team told her that the new version will be available in a month. The work was completed here, so, Naina was walking towards the car.

Sujal : "Major Ahuluwalia, can we have lunch as I didn't have breakfast properly because of the meeting".

Naina turned back to see him with wide eyes as just wanted to go back. She saw his tired face and agreed for lunch as it will be between professionals.

Sujal (smilingly) : "Major Ahuluwalia, yaha paas mae hi ek dhaba hain, wahi chalte hain".

It was a small dhaba and few people were eating there. Its owner smiled after seeing Sujal and Naina thought that he may come here regularly. They sit at a corner table near the entrance. Naina was looking outside to avoid seeing his face and Sujal asked what she would have. She ordered a sandwich as wanted to leave quickly but he told her to try fry dal and tandoori roti as it's a special here. Naina glanced at him to say no then saw his face and thought Rajveer was sitting there. She moved her eyes as was wanted to touch his face. Sujal can see her struggle when he is near her. He ordered the food as she didn't say anything.