In the midst of the usual chaos of coursework and drill, the last few days had proven to be unusually hectic for Naina. As she lay in bed, the moonlight gently bathing her room, her thoughts incessantly drifted back to the recent party where she had shared moments with Rajveer sir.

The ambience of the gathering had been electric, laughter, and music mingling in the air. Rajveer sir's presence had been a magnetic force, drawing her into a whirlwind of emotions. Despite the distractions of daily responsibilities, her mind stubbornly clung to the vivid memories of that evening.

The revelation, spoken in hushed tones beneath the shimmering moonlight, echoed in her mind. It had been three days since he had expressed his feelings, but Naina's heart remained in a state of constant flutter. The unexpected confession had added layers of complexity to their connection, leaving her grappling with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

Each detail of the party replayed in her mind like a vivid tapestry – the soft glow of fairy lights, the subtle fragrance of flowers, and the rhythmic beats of the music that had provided a backdrop to their shared moments. The room, now silent and bathed in moonlight, became a canvas where the echoes of those fleeting encounters continued to paint her thoughts.

Yet, despite the chaos within, a sense of warmth lingered. Naina couldn't deny the connection that had been unveiled, and as she stared into the night sky, her heart carried the weight of unspoken emotions, waiting to find solace in the quietude of the moonlit night.

As Naina revisited that memorable evening, a blush painted her face, a vivid reflection of the emotions stirred within her. The revelation from Rajveer, sir, confessing that she was the reason he returned, wasn't entirely unexpected. However, what caught her off guard was the vocalization of his feelings.

The awareness of his affection had been a silent companion since their journey to Point 1857. The unspoken connection between them had gradually unfolded. Yet, the explicit expression of his love had taken her by surprise, casting a delightful yet bewildering spell on her heart.

Turning around, Naina discovered her roommate, Pooja, peacefully immersed in the arms of sleep. With a smile, she retreated into the cocoon of her own contemplations. Rajveer's confession lingered in the air, causing her heart to tremble with unspoken emotions.

The pivotal moment had been abruptly interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Captain Chauhan, a serendipitous intrusion that had spared her from responding in that vulnerable moment. The relief that washed over her then was palpable, grateful for the diversion that shielded her from navigating the complexities of Rajveer's heartfelt revelation.

Rajveer sir, perceptive of Naina's unspoken sentiments, hadn't anticipated a response. His understanding surpassed even her self-awareness. With a knowing smile, he effortlessly redirected the conversation.

However, it was the events during their journey back that etched a blush on Naina's face, lingering like a cherished secret in the corridors of her thoughts.

Tactfully manoeuvred into travelling with Rajveer sir in his jeep, Naina was subtly granted the sought-after solitude with her mentor. Though her friends' escape tactics were evident, she couldn't deny the secret longing for that exclusive moment with Rajveer sir. His words had stirred a pleasant turmoil in her heart, and the journey back unfolded as a cherished wish fulfilled in the company of the person who occupied her thoughts.

"A penny for your thoughts. " He had asked, a smile playing on his lips. She had responded with a smile and stayed silent.

Rajveer was an ace driver, and she knew it, having first hand experienced his skills behind the wheels. After his recent escapade, no one could deny it. But he had purposefully been driving slow, as if he had wanted to prolong the shared moment between them.

She blushed scarlet as the events of that night flooded her mind. Her face flamed, and she hid in the embrace of her pillow as she recalled the conversation for the nth time.

☆☆☆●○●○●☆☆☆

"Cadet Naina Ah... Singh itni khamosh ho sakti hai ye to mujhe pata hi nahi tha." Rajveer remarked softly as he pushed the brakes, and the jeep came to a stop.

"Nahi to, Sir. Aisi koi baat nahi hai."

"Isliye aapne muhse ye bhi nahi pucha ki hum KMA ke raaste pe kyun nahi ja rahe?"

Startled, Naina's gaze swept the surroundings, realizing she was not in front of the gates of KMA. Instead, she found herself at the edge of a beautiful lake adorned with enchanting lights, casting a magical glow over the serene water. The unexpected change in scenery added a surreal touch to the already poignant moment.

"Hum yahan kyun aaye, Sir." She asked after a pregnant pause.

"Aao, batata hun."

Rajveer gracefully stepped out of the jeep, making his way to the edge of the lake where he stood in contemplation, his gaze fixed on the rippling waters. Naina, more leisurely, followed suit, absorbing the enchanting surroundings. Her heart danced with anticipation, caught in the rhythm of the unexpected moment by the lakeside.

"Naina, jab se mai lauta hun, hume baat karne ka mauka hi nahi mila. Kabhi duty, kabhi gavahi, kabhi classes to kabhi padhai ne busy rakha hume. Kai baar dekha hai maine, kuch kehte kehte ruk jati ho tum. Baat zubaan par aakar bhi bahar nahi aati. Kya kehna chahti ho, kaho."

Caught in his penetrating gaze, Naina felt the weight of his observation, realizing that Rajveer sir had perceived more than she had thought. She marveled at the unspoken understanding he held, considering she had never explicitly expressed her emotions. The mystery lingered – how had he grasped her inner turmoil, the unspoken feelings hidden even from those close to her, like Aalekh? The depth of Rajveer sir's perception left her both intrigued and contemplative by the lakeside.

"Mai Aalekh nahi hun, Naina. I know Cadet Aalekh ko sab malum hai, I know he is very observant, but at least give my age some credit." He teased her lightly.

"Aap itne bhi umr me bade nahi hain, Sir." Naina couldn't stop those words from escaping.

Raj smiled softly and patted her head. His affection shone through his eyes. "Keh bhi dijiye, Cadet Singh. Ye mauka dubara nahi milega."

In the presence of his tender words and the profound understanding reflected in his eyes, Naina found herself unable to contain her emotions. A single tear traced down her cheeks, yet before it could meet the ground, Rajveer gently cupped it, embodying a protective embrace that captured the delicate essence of his immense feelings for her.

"Ye kya? Meri Cadet Naina Ah Singh ki aankhon me aansun?"

As her composure crumbled, Naina couldn't hold back her tears any longer. Rajveer, at a loss, grasped her by the arms with genuine concern etched on his face.

"Naina, what happened?" His voice echoed both pain and confusion, but Naina struggled to find coherent words to articulate her overwhelming feelings.

"Why did you leave me, Rajveer?" she mumbled through her tears.

In an instant, understanding dawned on Rajveer as he comprehended her unspoken pain. With utmost gentleness, he gathered her in his arms, providing a comforting refuge for her tears to flow freely. Sometimes, the healing journey begins with the solace of shed tears.

The journey back to the academy unfolded in quiet yet peaceful communion. Rajveer, throughout, held Naina's hand while driving, and she made no move to pull back. When the jeep finally halted in the parking lot, he turned to her with tender eyes.

Silence lingered between them, unspoken words echoing in the air. Breaking the quietude, Rajveer gently took her right hand, placing a soft kiss on its back.

Startled, Naina looked up, finding no shyness or hesitation in his gaze.

"Rest, Naina. I am always here. And I promise, I will never again leave you alone." His words carried a comforting assurance, a promise etched in the quiet moments shared by the lake and echoed through the journey back.

☆☆☆●○●○●☆☆☆

Aalekh had caught on to her changed mood the next day, but then her happiness had been infectious.

As she succumbed to the gentle pressure of sleep, Naina knew that there was no turning back now. The promise of his unwavering presence was the balm to her affection deprived soul. Though no words had been spoken that night, a declaration had been made. She didn't care if the world was aware of it or not, she was and it was all that mattered to her.

~~~°•°○●○°•°~~~

Phew,

Done! And somehow, this part was so difficult to write. I deleted the chapter twice before coming up with this. And rewriting this chapter put me behind the schedule by 2 chapters.

So while I go and chalk out the next update, please read and enjoy this update.

And honestly, do vote and comment, guys. I would love to hear your views.

Love ~Flavia.

PS: I need song list on Rajveer and Naina. Please drop in with your suggestions.