So Gaya Ye Jahan

Tu Hi Hain

The noise of soldiers discussion and clanking of utensils can be heard outside the mess at dinner time. There were some waiting for vacant seats to satisfy the hunger after a tiring day. But few are here by force who rather wanted to be in their quarters than facing their problems or fear.

Rajveer was at the end of the big line when saw Naina. She was whispering something to Raghav who shaken head amusingly while Avni before him is looking for seats. He was hurt to see a comfort in them as it was not a concern when Raghav's hand brushed her face while taking spoons from a container at top or she passed him a plate. After filling the food, they went to the corner table while Rajveer was still waiting for his turn. He was not in the mood to come here with Avni but did only for one girl who likes to stay away from him. Naina is ignoring her effects on him and doesn't want to share what is tormenting her. Whether she says it or not but he is sure of her pain which is visible whenever their eyes meet.

While the table was getting cleaned, Avni spotted seats for them from a distance and asked Rajveer to come quickly. She stopped in the middle when saw Naina and Raghav sitting there as was hoping to find some time alone with him. It's not that she dislikes Naina but jealousy hits her when Rajveer looks at his protege with soft emotions which she wants from him.

She sat on the same table unwilling next to Raghav while Rajveer with Naina. There was awkward silence in the loud noises which were broken by Avni.

Avni (glanced at Naina) : "Aap subah se dikhi nahi".

Naina takes a deep breath as his presence always makes her weak but the fragrance of cologne was decreasing the strength whichever little bit it's left.

Naina (lift her eyes) : "Ha, woh kuch important kaam tha, Mam".

Rajveer felt a relief when was near her like all the stress had gone in a few seconds. He doesn't have that satisfaction even taking a long shower by the end of a tiring day.

Raghav (chirpily) : "Naina aur Sir ek important mission par saath the. Toh report bana rahi thi. It was successful, Mam".

Avni glanced from Raghav to him who left playing with peas in plate.

Rajveer (see Naina by corner of eyes then look in front) : "Yes, it was. All the credit goes to Captain Ahuluwalia".

Naina (spoke suddenly) : "Woh isliye ho paya kyuki aap mere saath the, Sir'.

He looks at her and find mutual respect filled with thankfulness to be there for each other without even asking for it.

Avni (clears throat to break their trance) : "Congrats, Naina. Rajveer must be proud as you are his protege".

Rajveer (in a strong voice) : "I am, I had and will always be, Miss Jadeja".

Naina (in a weak voice) : "Thanks Sir".

She looked down, put spoons full of mixed dal and rice quickly to stop talking as was afraid that he may sense her unguarded sentiments. She today and all these five years was waiting to hear, 'I am proud of you' from him. So, as finally these words were spoken then the throat was choked with received appreciation and the love she is hiding flown into eyes.

A smile formed on the side of Rajveer's lips as there is only one person on this table who can guess what she must be feeling now. Her happiness and love was cleared in her orbs which she was trying to hide. Raghav guessed it as her uneasiness whereas Avni moves eyes on all of them and is still unsure of what really happened.

Raghav (put the spoon on the plate after the last bite) : "Mam, aap toh jaane wali thi".

Avni : "Flights cancel ho gayi thi. (glanced at Rajveer and said in sweet voice) Aapne kabh ki postpone karayi hain".