The call ended slowly. Not abruptly.
Not dramatically. Just… voices fading into static, the operator gently taking the receiver back, and the line going quiet again.

Kiran stood there for a moment longer than needed. As if her ears were still holding on to the last “khayal rakhna” from the other side.

Then she stepped back.“Ho gaya.”

Omkar nodded.“Hmm.”

No questions.

No “kya kaha”.

Because some conversations didn’t need to be reported. And some emotions… didn’t need witnesses.

They stepped out of the signals office together. The sky had turned deeper now indigo spreading slowly across the desert, first stars faintly visible.

The air had cooled. Just enough.
The jeep waited where he had left it.

This time She didn’t hesitate before sitting. He didn’t hesitate before starting the engine. For a few seconds there was Silence.

But not the same silence as before.
This one wasn’t heavy. Just… searching. Like both of them were trying to find something familiar in an unfamiliar space.

Omkar spoke first. “Sab theek hai wahan?”

She nodded.“Haan.”

A pause.

“Maaji ne poocha…”

She stopped. Then continued,“…aap kaise ho.”

He let out a faint breath.
“Kya bola tumne?”

A small shift.

“…jo sach tha.”

He glanced at her. Brief.“Accha?”

She nodded.“Haan.”

A pause.

“…ki aap theek ho.”

He almost smiled. Almost. The jeep rolled forward, tyres crunching lightly over sand. Then Something unexpected happened.

Kiran spoke again. Without waiting.
“Yaad hai… jab aap pehli baar gaon aaye the training ke baad meri nayi nayi shaadi hui thi?”

Omkar’s hands stilled for a fraction of a second on the steering wheel. That was…Before. Before everything broke.

“Haan,” he said quietly.

“Aap toh aaram se baith hi nahi paa rahe the do pal ko bhi,” she added, a hint of something lighter in her tone.

He glanced at her again.“Main?”

“Haan.”

She nodded. “Aangan mein idhar se udhar… phir chhat pe… phir baahar……aur Baldev bol rahe the ‘isko fauj mein hi bhejo, ghar mein tikta nahi hai.’”

Silence.

Then A small huff escaped him.
Barely there. But real.“Unko bolna chahiye tha khud ko bhi.”

The moment the words left his mouth
They both stilled. Because for a second It felt like he was still there.

Not gone.

Not missing.

Just… inside the sentence.

Kiran’s fingers tightened slightly over her dupatta. But she didn’t shut down.

Didn’t retreat. Instead She said softly “Woh bolte the… aap unse zyada ziddi ho.”

He looked ahead. Eyes fixed on the road.“…sahi bolte the. Bohot ziddi.”

The conversation paused. Not awkwardly. Just… gently. Like something fragile had been touched and placed back carefully.

After a minute He spoke again.
“Aap… embroidery karti thi pehle bhi?”

She blinked. The shift in topic Unexpected.“Haan.” A small nod.
“Shaadi ke baad kam ho gaya tha…”
Then quieter,“…phir band hi ho gaya.”

He didn’t ask why. He knew. Or at least… understood enough. He just said,“Accha tha.”

She looked at him.“…kya?”

“Jo bana rahi thi.”

Simple.

No exaggeration. No politeness. Just observation. Her lips parted slightly.
Then closed again.“…aapne dekha?”

“Haan.”

A beat.

“…bohot acha tha.”

That almost made her smile. Not fully.
But something close. The jeep turned into their lane. Familiar now.

But somehow…

Not the same as morning.

He slowed the vehicle. Didn’t stop immediately. Then As if something had been sitting at the edge of his mind He said,“Tum… daro mat.”

She looked at him. Properly this time.

He continued.“Yahan… kisi cheez se. Aur…mujhse bhi nahi.”

The words were steady. Not loud.
Not emotional. But clear. She held his gaze for a second. Then Very softly,
“Main darr nahi rahi.”

He raised an eyebrow slightly.“Sach?”

A tiny pause.

Then..

“…thodi si ghabrahat hai.”

Honest.

Again.

The jeep rolled to a stop outside the quarter. The lane was quieter now. A dim lantern flickered near the post, and somewhere far, a dog barked once before settling again. Night had properly fallen.

For a second, neither of them moved.

Then Omkar turned off the engine.

“Chalo.”

She nodded.

They stepped inside together.

The room still held the faint warmth of the afternoon. The steel plate from earlier had been moved aside neatly, the small kitchen space cleaned. The smell of cooked rice still lingered.

Kiran went straight toward the kitchen.“Main… khichdi garam kar deti hoon.”

He paused near the door, removing his watch.“Haan.”

Then added, almost as an afterthought“Main mess se kuch mangwa leta hoon.”

She turned slightly.“Zaroorat nahi hai.”

He looked at her.“Tumne kuch khaaya nahi hoga.”

She didn’t deny it. He stepped out briefly and called the sahayak.

“Rotiyaan aur sabzi bhej dena.”

“Ji, Saab.”

He came back in. She hadn’t argued further. Just reheated the khichdi slowly, stirring it with quiet focus.

They sat down to eat. Same table.
Opposite sides. But not as far as before. He placed the roti plate between them.“Tum bhi le lo.”

“Main khichdi le loongi.”

“Dono le lo.”

Simple.

She hesitated.

Then took one.

For a few minutes Only the sound of spoons and steel. But it wasn’t uncomfortable. Just… quiet.

He finished half the roti, then glanced at her bowl.“Namak theek hai?”

She nodded.“Haan.”

A pause.

Then added..

“Aapko kaisi lagi?”

He looked at her.“…Theek hai.”

A tiny correction.

But she noticed. And something in her expression softened again. After dinner, she began clearing the plates.
He stopped her lightly,“Chhod do. Subah ho jayega.”

She shook her head. “Abhi kar leti hoon.”

He didn’t insist. Just watched for a moment Then turned away.

The night deepened.

And then Reality returned. The rooms.
The arrangement. The unspoken structure they had been avoiding all evening. Omkar glanced once toward the smaller room.

The bucket was already half full now.

Drip.

Drip.

Steady.

Annoying.

Unignorable.

He exhaled slowly.“Kiran..”

She looked up.“Haan?”

“Tum yahan so jao.” He gestured toward the main room. She immediately shook her head.

“Nahi.”

“Wahan paani gir raha hai.”

“Main sambhal loongi.”

“Kaise sambhalo gi?”

“Rakh di hai balti.”

He stared at her. For two seconds.
Then,“Aur raat bhar awaaz aati rahegi? Aise mein neend aayegi? ”

Silence.

She didn’t answer. Because she had no answer. He ran a hand through his hair once. Thinking. Then said,“Theek hai. Main wahan so jaata hoon.”

She looked up immediately. “Nahi.”

He frowned.“Kyun?”

“Wahan thand hai… aur paani bhi…”

A pause.

“…aapki tabiyat bhi theek nahi hai.”

That stopped him. Because that Wasn’t duty. That was… concern.

Real.

Unfiltered.

Silence stretched between them again.
Then he called out toward the door,

“Ram Singh!”

A sepoy appeared almost instantly.

“Ji, Saab!”

“Ek extra charpai hai?”

“Ji, store mein hogi.”

“Le aao.”

“Abhi, Saab.”

Within minutes, the charpai was brought in. Placed carefully near the wall. A separate bedding laid out.

Clean.

Practical.

Solution.

The sepoy saluted and left.

Now Two beds. Same room.

A few feet apart.

Distance.

Maintained.

Kiran stood near the corner, watching quietly. Omkar adjusted the bedding once. Then said, “Theek hai.”

Simple.

Final.

She moved to her side slowly. Sat down on the edge. He sat on the other charpai. For a moment Neither lay down. Because this This was new.

Not entirely.

But enough.

Then suddenly A louder drip echoed from the other room. Both turned instinctively. Another. Then A thin stream began falling faster.

The bucket shifted slightly with the pressure. Kiran frowned. “Yeh toh…”

She stood up immediately and walked toward it. Omkar followed. The leak had worsened. Water now spilling over the edge. Not controllable overnight. He looked at it once.

Then back at the room.

Then at her.

Decision made.

“Chhodo rehne do.”

He turned back. Walked to the main bed. Stopped. Then Quietly,“Uspar so jao tum.”

She froze.“…kahan?”

He didn’t look at her.“khidki ki taraf. Garmi nahi lagegi.”

A pause.

“…main dusri wali charpai le lunga.”

Silence.

Her fingers tightened around her dupatta. For a second She didn’t move. Then slowly Walked back and sat Carefully.

As if even the mattress might react.
He moved to the other one.

For a few seconds Neither lay down.
Then She said, very quietly,“Pehle bhi… aise hi baithte the na…”

He glanced at her.“…kab?”

“Shaam ko… aangan mein…” A small pause.“…tab aap baat karte the.”

He almost huffed.“…ab nahi karta?”

She shook her head lightly.“…ab kam.”

A beat.

Then Unexpectedly,“…aap koshish kar toh rahe ho.”

He looked at her. Really looked. Then said,“Haan. Ajeeb hai sab.”

No denial.

They lay down. On opposite sides.
Facing the ceiling. Distance still there.
But not uncomfortable. Just… present.

After a few minutes She spoke again.
Soft. Almost teasing. “Charpai mangwane ki zaroorat nahi thi.”

He turned his head slightly.“…kyun?”

A tiny pause.

Then..

“…Us raat bol rahe the. Farsh pe bhi so sakte ho. Aaj bhi so jaate.”

Silence.

Then For the first time A proper breath of laughter escaped him.

Low.

Short.

But real.

The room settled. The leak in the other room continued faintly.
But here It was quiet. Two people.
Same bed. Still strangers. Still familiar.

Still unsure. But no longer Avoiding.
And as sleep slowly pulled them under The distance between them didn’t disappear. But it didn’t feel impossible anymore. And sometimes That was where everything began.

Meanwhile for Arminder the patrol ended later than usual. The desert had gone completely still by then no wind, no movement, just the cold stretch of sand under a moon that felt too distant to matter.

The jeep engine cut off near the fuel dump, and one by one, the men began dispersing. “Kal subah 0600 pe ready rehna,” Arminder said, voice back to its usual clipped steadiness.

“Ji, Saab.”

Rifles slung. Boots crunching over gravel. Routine. Everything normal.

He walked the remaining stretch toward his quarters alone. Cap in hand. Shirt slightly damp at the collar. The kind of tired that sat in the bones, not on the face.

As he turned into the lane He saw it.
The same sepoy. Still there.

Half-awake now, leaning against the post, trying very hard not to yawn. And beside him Rudra. Curled lazily. Tail flicking once at the sound of footsteps.

Arminder’s lips twitched.

Of course.

“Abhi tak yahin ho?”

The sepoy straightened instantly.
“Ji, Saab! Aapne bola tha..”

“Haan bola tha.”

A pause.

Then, almost casually,“Ja. So jaa.”

The sepoy blinked.“Saab… rudra..”

“Main dekh loonga.”

Relief flashed across his face.

“Ji, Saab!”

He saluted quickly, almost gratefully, then hurried off. Rudra lifted his head and Looked at Arminder. Recognised.

And Settled again.

Arminder stood there for a second.
Looking at the dog. Then at his own door and A faint exhale left him.
“Subah dekhte hain tera kya karna hai.” He pushed the gate lightly.

It creaked.

Quiet.

The house was dark from the outside.
Door shut. Windows still. For a moment He assumed.

So gayi hogi.

Of course.

It was well past midnight. He reached into his pocket. Pulled out the spare key. Then paused. A thought crossed his mind What if.. The corner of his mouth twitched again.

A new bride.

Alone.

In a strange place. And suddenly A man enters the house at 2 a.m. with a key. Without warning. He imagined it for a second Her jumping.

Panicking. “Chor! Chor!”

Or worse Hitting him with something.
The image was ridiculous enough that a faint breath of amusement escaped him.“Pagal…” He muttered under his breath and Then unlocked the door anyway.

The latch clicked softly. He pushed it open. Stepped inside and stopped.

Light.

The entire room was lit. Every single lamp. The small one near the bed.
The kitchen bulb. Even the corridor light. His eyes moved slowly across the space. Then That same faint twitch returned. “Andhere se Darr lagta hai…” He murmured.

He closed the door behind him quietly. No sound. No movement.
No sudden shouting. No flying objects.

No drama.

He stepped further in. Boots silent against the floor. The room looked… the same. Neat. Ordered. But something was Off.

He couldn’t place it immediately.
Then From the inside room a sound.
Very faint. Barely there. He stilled.

Listened.

Again.

Soft.

Broken.

Not fear. Not panic. But Something else. His expression shifted.

Completely.

It wasn’t loud crying. Not the kind meant to be heard. It was quiet.
Suppressed. Like someone trying very hard not to make a sound And failing.

A sob.

Then another.

His jaw tightened slightly. The last trace of amusement disappeared.

For a second He didn’t move. Just stood there. Listening. Trying to understand. Because this This was not what he had expected.

Not the sulking.

Not the anger.

Not the tiny furious complaints he had been almost prepared for.
This was Something else entirely.

Another broken breath came from inside. And without realising He had already taken a step forward.

The light from the corridor stretched toward the half-closed door. And behind it Her quiet, uncontrollable sobbing filled the silence of the house.

He didn’t knock. Didn’t call out her name. The sound of her crying had already done something to his chest that he didn’t quite like.

So he just… pushed the door open.

Slowly.

The room was lit too. Of course.
The small lamp near the bed, the overhead bulb everything on.

She was on the bed.

Not asleep.

Curled slightly to one side, facing the wall, her back toward the door. Dupatta half slipping, braid loose at the end. One hand under her cheek, the other clutching the bedsheet.

And she was muttering. Soft. Broken. Angry.“…bahut bure hain…”

A sniff.

“…bilkul bure…” Another shaky breath.“…mujhe yahan chhod diya…”

His steps slowed. He didn’t interrupt.
Didn’t announce himself. Just stood there for a second longer than necessary.

“…ghar jaana hai mujhe…” Her voice cracked slightly.“…maa ke paas…”
A small, helpless pause. “…yahan koi bhi nahi hai…” He inhaled quietly.

Then stepped in. The floor creaked faintly. That was enough. She stilled.
Just for a second. Then turned her head and saw him.

Her eyes widened. Not in fear. In… disbelief. Like she wasn’t sure if he was real. Then immediately Her nose scrunched.

Exactly like a sulking child. And she turned her face away again. Hard.

Back to the wall.

“…”

No greeting.

No “aap aa gaye”.

Nothing.

Just a very deliberate silence. And a louder sniff. Arminder stood there.
Looking at her. Then at the room then back at her again.

Then He bent down slowly. Untied his boots. Placed them aside. All while she continued Now very clearly Sniffling.

“…aaye bhi toh ab…” Not even looking at him. “…raat ke beech mein…”

He paused mid-motion. Then continued removing the other boot.

“…poora din pata nahi kahaan rehte hain…” A pause. “…aur mujhe… kutte ke saath bandh ke chale jaate hain…”

His lips twitched. Just slightly. He straightened. Ran a hand through his hair once. Then glanced toward the kitchen Then back at her Then again at the kitchen. Like he was trying to piece something together. Finally,

“Khane mein kya hai?”

She didn’t turn. Didn’t soften. Didn’t even hesitate.“Mainne kuch nahi banaya aaj.”

Flat.

Sharp.

Still facing the wall.

A pause.

He blinked once.“…kuch nahi?”

“Haan.”

Another sniff. Then with perfect, wounded pride, “Aapko toh mere haath ka pasand bhi nahi hai.”

He frowned slightly.“…maine kab..”

But she didn’t let him finish.“Aapne hi bola tha na,” she cut in immediately, voice rising just enough, “aap acha bana sakte ho. Main toh daal jaala deti hoon. Roti bhi.”

A small, stubborn tilt of her chin.

“Toh bana lijiye.”

He stared at her. Properly. For two full seconds. Like he was genuinely trying to understand Did she just… order him?

Silence.

Then a slow exhale left him. Not annoyed. Not angry. Just… processing.

He turned. Walked toward the kitchen and Opened the lid of one utensil.

Empty.

Another.

Also empty.

He looked back at her. She hadn’t moved. Still facing the wall. Still very clearly… upset.“Tumne khaaya?”

This time She didn’t answer immediately. Just sniffed again.
Then, “…nahi…bhookh nahi thi.”

He leaned slightly against the counter.
Studied her for a second. Then said,
“Bhookh nahi thi ya natak karke Rona tha aise?”

No answer. But the way her shoulders shifted Answered enough.

He picked up a vessel. Kept it down again. Opened a jar. Closed it. Still thinking.

And then She started again. Louder this time. Very clearly meant to be heard. “Sab log jaa rahe the…” A dramatic pause.“…Meera ji, reetu bhabhi…”

Another sniff. “…bazaar.”

He didn’t turn. Just listened.

“Keh rahe the… film waale aa rahe hain…” Her voice changed slightly now. Less angry..More… hurt-excited.
“…shooting hogi…maine kabhi film nahi dekhi…”

That landed.

Soft.

Unexpected.

He glanced at her. She still wasn’t looking. But her voice had lost its sharp edge now. Replaced by something else. Something younger.

“…main bhi jaana chahti thi…”

A tiny pause.

“…dekhna tha…” Then immediate irritation again,“…par aapka woh… woh… bada sa… darawna kutta…”

He almost huffed.

“Gate ke paas baitha tha!” Now she turned slightly. Just enough to complain properly. “…main nikli toh usne dekha mujhe!” Her eyes widened again at the memory.“…maine ‘hatt’ bola…” A small, offended scoff, “woh hatta bhi nahi !”

He crossed his arms. Leaning lightly against the wall. Watching her now.

Fully.

“…maine guard ko bhi bola…” She continued, gaining momentum.“…par woh sunta hi nahi!” A pause. “…main cheekhi bhi…” She frowned. “…par kisi ne suna hi nahi…”

Silence.

Then Very softly. Almost like she forgot he was even there,“…main akeli hoon yahan…” That one Didn’t sound like a complaint. Just… truth.

The kitchen felt quieter suddenly.

Arminder looked at her for a long second. Then down at the empty utensils again. Then back at her.

And without another word He picked up the vessel and turned on the stove.

Behind him She sniffed again. Adjusted her dupatta. Still facing the wall. Still upset. But this time Not alone.

And for some reason That made all the difference. The kitchen stayed quiet for a while. Only the soft sound of the flame and the occasional clink of steel.

He didn’t rush. Didn’t try anything complicated either. Just… simple.

Familiar.

He found the leftover rotis. Cold.
Slightly stiff. He broke them slowly into a steel paraat.

Crushed them with his hands firm, practiced. The dry pieces turning into coarse crumbs under his fingers.

Then came the ghee. Not a little.
But a  proper spoonful. Then again . Then another. The smell rose immediately warm, rich, unmistakable. He added shakkar.

Mixed it in. Pressed it together with his palm. The texture changed.
From dry to soft. From scattered to something that held.

For a second He just looked at it.
Then picked up the bowl. Inside Nothing had changed.

She was still on the bed. Facing the wall. Still muttering. Still sniffing in between.“…khud toh khana kha ke aate honge duty ke naam pe…mujhe yahan band karke chhod diya…”

He sat down on the chair. Right in front of her. Not saying a word.

She continued. “…aur bolte hain gaana gaao…” Another sniff.
“…main nahi gaaungi…ab toh bilkul nahi gaungi...na khana banaungi..”

He picked up a small portion. Started eating. Calmly. The smell reached her.

Of course it did. Ghee didn’t stay quiet. Her muttering slowed.
Just a little. But she didn’t turn.

Didn’t look. Still,“…kisi ko farq nahi padta…main hoon ya nahi…”

He took another bite. Then another.
Unbothered. Silence stretched.
Then Very slightly Her head shifted.

Just a fraction. Not enough to look.
Just enough to… notice. “…kya kha rahe ho…”

Barely audible. Almost like she didn’t want him to hear. He didn’t answer.

Just ate.

Now she turned. A little more. Eyes still puffy. Nose still red. Expression still stubborn.“Maine kuch…poocha.”

He glanced at her once. Then back at the bowl.“Khud dekh lo.”

She frowned. Sat up a little. Looked at him. Then at the bowl. Then back at him.“…mujhe kaise dikhega?"

He took another bite. Slowly. Deliberately.“Idhar aa jao. Mere pas.”

She froze. Immediate reaction,“Nahi.”
Then added quickly,“…mujhe nahi dekhna.”

He nodded. “Mat dekho.” And continued eating. That  was unacceptable.

She sat up properly now. Turned toward him fully. Hair slightly messy.
Eyes still watery. “…waise bhi mujhe bhookh nahi hai.”

He hummed. “Haan.”

Another bite.

“…bilkul bhi nahi hai. Bhookh toh.”

“Haan.”

“…aur agar hoti bhi…” She crossed her arms.“…toh main aapse nahi banwati khana. Kya pata. Kitna bura hoga. Bilkul ajeeb.”

This time His mouth twitched. Just slightly..But he didn’t say anything.

Silence again.

Then Her eyes drifted. To the bowl.
Back to him. Again to the bowl.

“…Acha hai kya?”

He leaned back slightly. Still holding the bowl. “Pata nahi.”

She blinked.“…aap kha rahe ho.”

“Haan.”

“Toh pata kaise nahi?”

“Ab tumhe kaisa pasand hai mujhe kya pata? ”

She stared at him. Suspicious.
Confused. A little tempted.“…jhoot bol rahe ho. Bohot ganda hoga.”

He shrugged.“Ho sakta hai.”

Another pause.

Longer this time.

Then He finally stood up. Walked toward the bed. Sat down at the edge.
Close enough. Not too close.

She immediately leaned back a little.
Instinct. He held the bowl out.

“Khao.”

She looked at it. Then at him. Then away.“Nahi chahiye.”

“Accha."  He pulled it back and Started eating again.

That lasted exactly three seconds.

“Thoda sa dekh leti hoon kha ke.”

He didn’t look at her.“Abhi toh nahi chahiye tha tumhe.”

“…ab chahiye.”

He turned his head slowly. Looked at her. Really looked. Her expression Still stubborn. Still pretending.
But eyes very clearly on the bowl.

He held it out again. Closer this time.

“Lo phir khao.”

She didn’t take it. Just looked.“…aap khilaoge?”

That He wasn’t expecting. A small pause. Then Without comment He picked a small portion and Held it toward her.

She hesitated. For exactly one second.
Then leaned forward slightly. Took a bite and froze. Her eyes widened.

Just a little.

He noticed. Of course he did. “Ab batao…bura hai?” He asked.

Flat.

She swallowed quickly. Looked away.
“…bura nahi.”

He raised an eyebrow.“Toh?”

“…Bohot achha hai.”

“Acha?”

She nodded. “Hmm.” Then after a pause,“…aur khane do mujhe.”

This time He didn’t hide the small smile. Another bite. Then another.
She forgot to pretend after the third one.

Just ate.

Quietly.

The bowl slowly emptied. After a while She leaned back slightly.
Satisfied. Still holding onto her fake attitude. “…kal bhi bana dena.”

He looked at her.“Roz banaoon?”

She shrugged. “Main mana thodi kar rahi hoon.” A breath of laughter escaped him. Low. Uncontrolled.

She frowned immediately.

“…has kyun rahe ho?”

He shook his head.“Bas.”

She crossed her arms again. But this time There was no anger left.

Just warmth. A little comfort. And the faintest trace of a smile she tried very hard to hide. The bowl was empty.

Completely.

Not even a crumb left.

Tejas sat cross-legged on the bed now, wiping her fingers quietly on the edge of her dupatta, still pretending she hadn’t just eaten most of it.

Arminder stood up, took the bowl without a word, and walked toward the kitchen.

For a few seconds Silence.

Then..

“…waise Inder…” she tested the name on her tongue again. It sounded too bold but she still used it.

He didn’t turn. He knew it was coming.

-“…film waale aa rahe hain na?”

There it was.

He rinsed the bowl.“Hm.”

She shifted closer to the edge of the bed. Eyes already curious again. “Sab log jaa rahe the dekhne…” A small frown returned. “…main reh gayi.”

He kept washing.“Reh nahi gayi.”

She blinked.“…kya?”

He glanced over his shoulder once.
“Abhi aaye hi nahi.”

That confused her.“…kaise nahi aaye?”

He wiped his hands calmly. “Unit abhi tak pahunchi nahi hai.”

She sat up straighter now.“…aapko kaise pata?”

He turned slightly.“Pata hota hai.”

She narrowed her eyes.“…kaise?”

“Duty hai.”

That didn’t satisfy her at all.“…matlab aap miloge unse?”

He shrugged lightly.“Ho sakta hai.”

Her eyes lit up immediately.“Sachi?”

He turned back to the sink.

“Dekhenge.”

She slid off the bed now and Walked toward him. Barefoot. Soft steps.
But determined. “Agar mile…”

She stood near the doorway now
Watching him. “…toh mujhe bhi le jaoge?”

He didn’t answer. Picked up another utensil. Started cleaning it.

She took a step closer. “Sun rahe ho?”

“Haan.”

“Toh?”

He still didn’t look at her. She folded her arms.“…aap jawab toh do.”

“Kaam kar raha hoon.”

She huffed. Then immediately changed track,“…aur woh kutta…”

He paused.

Just slightly.

“…usse kal mat baandhna.”

He resumed cleaning.

“Baandhenge.”

Her eyes widened.“Nahi!”

“Dar khatam hoga.”

“Dar badhega!”

“Aadat ho jayegi.”

“Nahi hogi!”

He rinsed the last plate. Kept it aside.
Then finally turned. Looked at her.

Calm.

Steady.

She glared back. Completely serious.

Then he said,“Theek hai.”

She blinked.“…kya?”

“Dekhenge.”

Her expression shifted instantly.
Suspicion. “…sach?" He didn’t reply.
Just walked past her toward the room.

That was not enough.

She followed him. Immediately.“Aap sach bol rahe ho na? Inder.”

He sat on the bed. Leaned back slightly.“Tum bahut bolti ho.”

She gasped.“Main?!”

“Haan.”

She pointed at herself in disbelief.
“Main Zyada bolti hoon?!”

“Haan.”

“Main toh bas..” She stopped herself.
Then quickly,“…theek hai. Abse nahi Bolungi.”

He almost smiled.

Almost.

She stood in front of him now. Hands on her hips. “Par pehle batao.”

“Kya?”

“Mujhe le jaoge ya nahi?”

He looked at her. For a second longer this time. Then,“Theek hai.”

She froze.“…sach?”

“Haan.”

Her face lit up immediately. Like a child who just got permission for something huge. Then He added calmly,“Par ek shart hai.”

And just like that Her smile vanished.

“…kya?”

“Function mein gaana gaogi.”

Silence.

Then..

“NAHI!”

She spun around instantly. Walked straight back to the bed. Sat down with a thud. Back facing him.

“Main nahi gaaungi!”

“Dekhenge.”

“Nahi!”

“Haan.”

“Nahi!”

He lay down. Completely unbothered.
She turned halfway. Glared at him.
“…aap itne khadoos aur bure ho.”

“Hm.”

“Aapko maza aata hai na tang karne mein."

“Haan.”

She blinked.“…khud maan liya?”

He closed his eyes.“Neend aa rahi hai mujhe aaj koi sawaal nahi.”

She stared at him. Offended. Then slowly Very slowly Her expression changed. Because now She was actually looking at him. Properly.

His face. Relaxed. Eyes closed. A faint shadow of stubble along his jaw. That same calm expression. Even in sleep.

Her anger…

Didn’t last.

“…itne bhi bure nahi ho…” She muttered softly. Barely audible.

No response.

She shifted slightly. Sat closer. Just a little.“…itne darawne bhi nahi ho…”
Then,“…thode acche ho khana bhi toh acha banate ho..”

Silence.

Her eyes moved again. Studying.
Curious. “…bilkul Rajkumar jaise toh nahi…” She frowned slightly at her own comparison. “…par…” A small, embarrassed pause,“…sundar ho.”

Her cheeks warmed immediately.
She looked away quickly. Then back again. And that’s when she saw it.

A faint smudge.

Near his jaw.

Probably dust.

Or dried mud.

She hesitated. Looked at him. Still asleep. Slowly Very slowly Her hand lifted. Fingers hovering near his face.

Just a little closer and then He shifted.

Suddenly.

Before she could pull back Her hand got caught. Between his cheek and the pillow and She froze. Completely.

His face Now resting on her hand.

Warm.

Heavy.

Unmoving.

Her eyes widened. Breath stuck. “Hey bhagwan…” She didn’t dare move.
Didn’t dare breathe properly.

Her fingers were trapped. His cheek pressing lightly against her palm.
Cheeks burning. Heart racing so loudly she was sure he would wake up.

But he didn’t.

He just… slept.

And she sat there. Completely still.
Mortified. Frozen. Not even realising That she hadn’t pulled her hand away.

And after few hours Morning came softly. Not with noise. But with the faint clatter of utensils and the smell of atta warming on the tawa.

Tejas had been up for a while. Much before him. Hair tied properly this time, dupatta pinned, sleeves rolled just a little as she worked around the small kitchen with quiet focus.

The rhythm was different today.
Less fumbling. Less panic. More… settled. Arminder stepped out after his shower, sleeves rolled, hair still damp, wiping his hands on a towel.

He paused near the doorway.

Watched her for a second.

She was humming.

Again.

Very softly.

Almost unconsciously.

“…aa jaa piya…”

His lips twitched. Just slightly. He walked to the table. Sat down.

“Roti jal jayegi Aaj phir.”

She jumped.“Arre!” Immediately flipped it. Glared at the tawa. Then at him.“…aap chup raho.”

He leaned back slightly.

“Main toh bas..”

“Bas mat boliye.”

He stopped. A small breath of amusement escaping him. She placed the roti on the plate. Then another.
Then sabzi and Set it in front of him.

He picked a piece. Took a bite. And then,“…Inder…”

He didn’t look up.“Hm.”

She turned toward him. Very casually.
Too casually.“…aaj  phirse churma bana doge?”

He paused mid-bite. Looked up slowly.

“…kya?”

She nodded. As if it was the most normal request in the world.

“Kal wala.”

He stared at her.“…tum bana lo.”

Immediate reaction,“Nahi.”

“Kyun?”

She frowned slightly.“…aapne accha banaya tha.”

“Bas?”

She nodded again. “Main roti bana deti hoon, aap churma bana dena.”

He blinked. Looked at his hands.
Clean. Then at the food. Then at her.

“…tumhe nahi aata banana?”

She shook her head. “Nahi.” Then added sweetly,“…par aapne acha banaya na.”

That was manipulation. And both of them knew it. He exhaled once. Put the roti down. Stood up.

This time She stood beside him.
Watching. Closely. “Zyada ghee daalna.”

He didn’t look at her.“Pata hai.”

“Kal waise hi tha.”

“Haan.”

“Thoda aur daal sakte ho.”

He paused. Turned his head slightly.
“…tumhe diabetes karwani hai kya?”

She blinked.“…woh kya hota hai?”

He stared at her. Then shook his head.

“Chhodo rehne do.”

She grinned. Within minutes The same warm, rich smell filled the kitchen again. This time She didn’t pretend.

Didn’t act distant. Just sat down properly. Waiting. He placed the bowl in front of her. She took a bite. Closed her eyes for a second.“…hmm.”

He raised an eyebrow.“Ab kya?”

She nodded seriously.“Kal se roz.”

He scoffed lightly.“Roz duty chhod ke churma banaoon?”

She didn’t even hesitate,“Haan.”

His lips twitched. They ate together.
Properly this time. Not opposite ends.
Not distant. Midway She spoke again.

“Raat ko rukoge wahin?”

He didn’t look up.“Pata nahi.”

She frowned.“…phir se?”

“Haan.”

She muttered under her breath,“Ghar bhi hai aapka hi hai.”

He heard it. Of course he did. But didn’t respond. After finishing He stood up. Adjusted his belt. Picked up his cap.

She followed him to the door. Without realising. He stepped outside. She stopped just at the threshold. Eyes immediately shifting to the side.

Rudra. Still there. Lying near the post.
Loose. Untied. No chain. Her eyes widened. She quickly looked at the guard then at Arminder.

He didn’t say anything. Didn’t even look at her. Just adjusted his cap.

Started walking.

She waited.

One second.

Two.

Three.

Turn back.

Please.

He didn’t. Not even once. Her smile Which had just started forming Dropped. “…huh.” She crossed her arms. Frowned. Then muttered,
“Thode se accha ho bas.”

Behind her Rudra wagged his tail once and then gaurd took him away. She looked at him. Suspicious.

“…haan haan jao ab.”

The dog blinked lazily. She turned back inside. Steps lighter now. And once the door closed Her entire expression changed.

A full smile.

“…nahi baandha kutta gaya…” She almost spun once. Stopped herself.
Then walked quickly to the kitchen.

Then back.

Then again.

No reason.

Just… energy.

“…itne bhi bure nahi hain.” Then Eyes narrowing slightly.“…aaj unhe tohfa dungi” She stood still. Thinking.

Then suddenly Her face lit up again.

“…gaana.” She clasped her hands together. Excited. “…unko pasand aaya tha.” A small determined nod.

“Bas unke liye gaaungi.” Then immediately,“…function mein nahi.”
She shook her head strongly. “…sirf unke liye.”

She looked toward the door. Where he had just left. A tiny smile returned.

Soft.

Shy.

“…dekhte hain phir kya bolte hain.”
And for the first time The house didn’t feel unfamiliar anymore. It felt like Something was slowly becoming hers.

And outside The cantonment road stretched in a pale strip of dust and sunlight as Arminder walked with long, steady strides.

Morning had settled properly now.

Jawans moving in lines. Distant calls. The clink of metal. Routine.

Predictable.

Controlled.

Until he turned toward one particular row of quarters. Rajveer Singh Rathore’s. Even from outside There was noise.

A whistle.

Off-key singing.

Something metallic falling. Arminder didn’t knock. He pushed the door open. And immediately paused.

“Yeh kya hai…”

The room looked like A storm had passed. And decided to stay. Boots in one corner. Shirt half-hanging from a chair. Bed  made in the military way.

And one entire wall Covered from Photographs. Magazine cuttings.
Film actresses. Models. Smiling. Posing. Laughing. Some elegant.

Some bold. Some clearly torn straight out of glossy pages. In the middle A freshly pinned one.

Rajveer stood in front of a small mirror. Shirt unbuttoned. Vest on.
Face half-covered in shaving foam.
Razor in hand. Hair slightly damp.
And Annoyingly Looking good.

He caught Arminder’s reflection in the mirror. Grinned instantly.

“Arre aa gaya tu!”

Arminder folded his arms. “…yeh kya circus bana rakha hai?”

Rajveer glanced at the wall proudly.
“Research.”

“Kaunsa research?”

“Future planning.”

Arminder stared.“…tumhe court martial hona hai kya?”

Rajveer laughed. Rinsed the razor.
Went back to shaving. “Arre bhai… film unit aa rahi hai.”

“Pata hai.”

“Toh tayari bhi honi chahiye.”

Arminder leaned against the wall.
Eyes still scanning the posters.

“…tumhe lagta hai yeh dekh ke koi heroine impress hogi?”

Rajveer turned slightly. Pointed the razor at him dramatically.“Confidence dekh mera. Impress hogi toh matlab Ghar Tak aayegi.”

“Pagalpan dekh raha hoon main.”

Rajveer ignored him completely.
Focused on his jawline. Carefully shaving. “Sun… agar ek bhi heroine mujhpe fida ho gayi na…”

Arminder sighed already knowing,
“Phir?”

Rajveer smirked. “Seedha date pe le jaunga.”

Arminder rolled his eyes. “Kal tak toh bol raha tha kisi heroine pe serious hai.”

Rajveer wiped his face with a towel.
Grinned wider. “Main bola tha heroine. Naam nahi bola tha.”

Arminder gave him a flat look.
“Toh raichand ki behen kya thi phir.”

Rajveer stepped back. Now properly visible. Tall. Broad shoulders. Sharp jaw. Hair pushed back neatly.

He picked up a small bottle. Ran fingers through his hair. Styled it again. Then Opened a drawer and Took out A pair of sunglasses.

Not the usual army issue.

Sleek.

Dark.

Clearly imported. He wore them and  Tilted his head slightly.“Ab bol.”

Arminder stared.“…nahi.”

Rajveer removed them. Offended.

“Matlab?”

“Matlab zyada mehnat mat kar. Heroine tujhe nahi milne wali.”

Rajveer scoffed.“Tu dekh bas.”

Arminder pushed himself off the wall.
“Tu apne jawan ko dekh pehle. Doosre kamre mein baitha hoga kaam ke liye.”

Rajveer waved it off.“Tu dekhna agar kisi heroine ke sath meri keep mein post ka chakkar na lagaya toh main bhi rajveer singh rathore nahi.”

“Main kyun dekhun?”

“Kyuki tu responsible aadmi hai.”

Arminder exhaled sharply.“…saale.”

Rajveer laughed. Five minutes later Both stepped out. Rajveer Fully ready now. Crisp shirt. Boots polished.
Hair set. Sunglasses back on.

Arminder glanced once. “…tu parade mein ja raha hai ya film shoot mein?”

Rajveer smirked.“Difference kya hai?”

They got into the jeep. Rajveer drove this time. Of course. The engine roared. Dust rose. And within minutes They were heading toward the C.O.’s office. Rajveer tapped the steering wheel. Excited. Restless.“Sun…”

Arminder didn’t respond.

“Kaun kaun aa raha hai?”

“Director.”

“Actress?"

“Pata nahi.”

“Actor?”

“Pata nahi.”

Rajveer groaned dramatically.
“Yaar tu bilkul bekaar aadmi hai.”

Arminder didn’t even look at him.
They reached. The office compound was already active. A jeep stood parked near the entrance.

Civilian.

Two men in plain clothes stood nearby. Talking to a junior officer.
Files in hand. Rajveer’s eyes immediately scanned..

Left.

Right.

Behind.

But Nothing. No actresses. His shoulders dropped slightly. “…sirf aadmi hi hain?”

Arminder muttered,“Kaam karne aaye hain. Tamasha nahi.”

Rajveer sighed. Unimpressed. They stepped inside. A table. Maps. Files.

The director introduced himself.

Polite.

Focused.

Rajveer sat. But his attention Kept drifting. Door. Window. Outside.
Maybe someone would walk in.

No one did. The director began explaining. Locations. Logistics.

Permissions. Arminder listened carefully. Focused. Precise.

Rajveer nodded occasionally.
Pretending. Then finally He couldn’t help it.“Sir…”

The director looked at him.“Yes?”

Rajveer leaned forward slightly.
Trying to sound casual. Failing completely.“…cast kab aayegi?”

Silence.

Arminder closed his eyes briefly.

The director blinked.“…excuse me?”

Rajveer corrected himself immediately,“Matlab… actors.”

The director smiled faintly now.
Understanding. “Woh schedule ke according aayenge. Abhi sirf recce hai.”

Rajveer leaned back. Disappointed.

“…hmm.”

Arminder didn’t look at him. But his jaw tightened slightly. Suppressing a reaction and Meeting continued.

Permissions granted. Support confirmed. As they stepped out Rajveer finally muttered,“Bekaar.”

Arminder glanced sideways.

“Kaam ho gaya.”

“Heroine nahi aayi.”

“Kaam important hai.”

Rajveer sighed deeply. Then A slow grin returned. “Par aayengi toh yahin aayengi na.”

Arminder didn’t respond. Rajveer adjusted his sunglasses again. Confidence back.“Tab dekhna.”

Arminder shook his head. Already knowing This was going to be a problem. After few hours The road to Barmer sector stretched wide and empty. Sand on both sides.

Wind dragging thin lines across the surface like restless fingers. Rajveer drove alone now. One hand on the steering wheel. Other resting casually on the door.

Sunglasses on.

Radio dead.

Mind… not.

“…bekaar meeting…” He muttered to himself. Then A turn ahead. A small bus stand. Nothing unusual.

Just a broken shed. A wooden bench.
Dust. Heat. And then He slowed.

Automatically. Because something Did not belong there. There was A woman.
Not village. Not local. Standing straight. Effortlessly. A soft, flowing outfit light fabric catching the desert wind.

A scarf wrapped loosely, not to hide but to style. Hair tied, yet strands escaping like they refused discipline.

And beside her A man. Holding an umbrella over her. Another hand fanning her with a small hand-fan.
A bag hanging awkwardly from his shoulder.

Sweating.

Clearly struggling.

Rajveer’s lips curved slowly.
“…arre wah…” He slowed the jeep.
Eyes narrowing behind the shades.

Taking in details. Posture. Presence.
Confidence. Not just beautiful but she looked aware she was. He gave a low whistle. Not loud. Just enough.

The man turned first.

Alert.

Guarded.

Rajveer checked his watch casually.
Still time.“…Chalo bechaaron ko chodd dete hain.” The jeep turned.
And Stopped right in front of them.

Engine still running. Rajveer leaned slightly out and Removed his sunglasses Hooked them into his shirt.

“Madad chahiye?”

The man stepped forward immediately. Protective. “Ji nahi, humari gaadi aa raha hai.”

Rajveer nodded slowly. Calm.
Measured. Eyes flicking once to her.
And then Back. “Yahan?” He glanced around. “Is garmi mein?”

The man hesitated. Rajveer leaned back slightly. Relaxed tone. “Main unit se hoon.” A small pause. Then casually,“Film unit ki zimmedari mujhe hi di gayi hai.”

That did it.

The man’s posture changed instantly.
Relief flickering.“Achha… aap…?”

Rajveer shrugged. “Assigned hoon. Aap logon ke liye.” Not entirely a lie.

Just… advanced truth. The man looked back at the woman. She hadn’t moved. Not even slightly.Just watching. Then finally She stepped forward.

And the moment she came closer Rajveer stilled. Just for a second.
And Recognition hit. Clear. Sharp.

Tara Raichand

The same face. The same eyes. The same Everything. The magazine pages. The wall. The obsession.

Standing.

Right.

Here.

He blinked once. Then again. And then A slow smirk spread.“Haye…kya kismat hai meri.” Inside his head Everything went quiet. Then loud.

Then very, very clear. Tara Raichand.
She reached the jeep window. Leaned slightly. Effortless. Confident. Eyes scanning him. Top to bottom. No hesitation. “Assigned ho?”

Her voice Smooth. Sharp. Not impressed. Rajveer tilted his head.
Matching her tone.“Lagta nahi?”

Her gaze flicked to his badge. Then back to his face. Then a faint smile.

“Lagte toh ho. Par aap thoda zyada hi meharbaani karne wale lag rahe ho.”

Rajveer’s lips twitched. Touché. He leaned an elbow on the window.

“Film unit aa rahi hai.”

She raised a brow.“So?”

He held her gaze. Didn’t break.“So welcome toh banta hai Miss.”

A second.

She smiled wider now. Not soft. Not shy. Sharp.“Ya impress karna hai?”

Direct hit.

Rajveer let out a low breath. Grinning now.“Aapko kya lagta hai? Dono nahi kar sakte hum? ”

She tilted her head. Studying him again. Then,“…confidence acha hai.”

He nodded once.“Practice hai.”

Her lips curved.“Mirror ke saamne?”

He laughed. Properly this time.
“Kabhi kabhi.”

The man behind shifted awkwardly.
“…madam, gaadi..”

She didn’t look back.“Chalein?”

Rajveer straightened slightly and Opened the door then Stepped out.
Walked around and Opened the back.

“Please let me help.” The man hesitated. Still unsure. Rajveer turned. Voice slightly firmer now. Authority slipping in. “Late ho jayega.”

That did it.

The man nodded quickly. Opened the door for her. But she didn’t wait. Didn’t let him.She stepped in herself.

Sat. Adjusted her scarf and Looked straight ahead. Like she belonged there. Rajveer closed the door. Then Walked back and Sat in the driver’s seat.

Started the jeep again. A small silence filled the space. Then He glanced in the rearview mirror and She was already looking at him.Not hiding it.

“Naam?”

He smirked. “Captain Rajveer Singh Rathore. Rajputana rifles. 5 years in the field." Then,“Tumhara?”

The man behind choked slightly.
But she didn’t. Didn’t even blink.

“Tara.”

Beat.

“Tara Raichand.”

As if it was obvious.

Rajveer’s fingers tightened slightly on the steering wheel.He nodded once.

“Pata hai.”

She leaned back. Crossed her arms.
“Of course pata hoga captain sahab.”
And then Very casually. Very smoothly.“Aap jaise log dekhte rehte hain mujhe.”

There it was.

Rajveer laughed under his breath.
Not offended. Not even slightly.
More interested. Much more.
Because for the first time A “heroine” wasn’t just a face on his wall.

She was right behind him. And she wasn’t impressed. Not yet. And that.
That made it a lot more fun.