Ishq-e-Watan

Chapter 102- Four Months Later

CHAPTER 102

FOUR MONTHS LATER...

The next few months passed in a hectic routine. The cadets fell into a cycle of studying, training and slowly being exposed to the real missions one experience at a time. The trainers, in the first month, had finally gotten the opportunity to plant their spies, leaving them a little beat up on a street they were sure EFR would pick them up from. Sure enough, within 24 hours, they were picked up and taken to a small room just towards the outskirts of the city. Equipped with devices that let the agents monitor them without even the spies knowing, it was a slow but hopeful asset. All in all, the trainers and cadets were relaxed but busy with their every day tasks.

Monami heaved a sigh, watching the tiny bubbles began to come up as the milk started to boil. It was a long day, and the therapy talked about nightmares, which was always a heavy topic. "Kya hua?" A voice said softly. She looked up, smiling slightly. Karan leaned against the doorway, a tired but relaxed look on his face. "Tum theek ho?"

She nodded, holding out her arms in a silent demand. He gently snaked his own around her, engulfing her in a big hug, as she rested her head on his chest. "Just a long day", she said softly. Her stutter had lessened with Karan- in general, too- and she stuttered on fewer words than she spoke right, mostly even speaking full sentences without stuttering if she wasn't overwhelmed. "Bad th-therapy."

He hummed, pressing a kiss to her head before pulling away. "Baat karni hai?" He asked. She shook her head, holding back another sigh. The feel of his lips on her head almost miffed her. Ever since that stupid, idiot, curly haired guy she called her best friend interrupted their almost first kiss, they hadn't gotten close enough to even have another "almost" first kiss. There were small kisses on the cheek- much more casual now, more affectionate- even sweet kisses on the forehead but they never got close enough to kiss. And Monami wouldn't deny that she really wanted to. "Aise kyun dekh rahi ho?" He asked, and she focused into his eyes.

She shook her head. "Kuchh nahi", she said. "Aapka din kaisa tha?"

He shrugged. "Busy", he said. He waved his hand dismissively. "I don't want to talk about it."

She nodded. "Kal kya kar rahe hain aap?"

"Nothing. Ghar jaane ki soch raha tha", he said. "Kyun?"

"Date?" She asked.

He smiled slightly, leaning next to her on the slab. "I have a different plan", he said softly. "Tum bhi mere ghar aa jao."

She stilled, looking up at him. "Aapke gh-ghar?" It was something they rarely discussed, and for good reason. Neither liked the topic- it was uncomfortable and mostly ended on them being unhappy with the circumstances.

He sighed. "Monami... please. Just... try, na? I know Bhaiya honge but..."

"No."

He pursed his lips, looking back at her after a minute. "Itna nahi kar sakti kya tum mere liye?" He asked finally. She frowned. That... That wasn't fair. "Just once? Ek baar toh aa jao? Main itne time se puchh raha hoon ab. And... you even talk to Bhaiya ab thodi baari. Talk to Bhabhi, talk to Baby agar tumhe Bhaiya se baat nahi karni. Please, Monami. Just... come, na, mere ghar ek baari?"

"I just need... t-time", she said, shaking her head. "Not t-tomorrow. I'll tell you when I am r-ready, Karan. But kal nahi."

He took a deep breath, looking away. He nodded. "Okay", he said. "Okay. Fine." He poured the coffee down the drain, setting the cup in the sink.

"Karan?" She said. He turned away wordlessly, stalking out of the mess. "Karan? That's not f-fair! Karan!" She stared after him, her eyes welling up with tears. He... He just walked away from her?