The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the bustling Delhi railway station. Amidst the cacophony of announcements and hurried goodbyes, Ved stood awkwardly, a duffel bag slung over his shoulder. His eyes, a deep brown usually filled with a playful glint, were clouded with a mix of apprehension and unshed tears. Across from him stood Ritika, his childhood sweetheart, her usually fiery red sari looking dull under the fading sunlight.

Their love story was a familiar one in a city where aspirations intertwined with responsibilities. They had known each other since childhood, playing hide-and-seek in the sprawling mango orchard behind their houses, sharing stolen glances in crowded classrooms, and whispering dreams under the starlit sky. Their bond has deepened over the years, morphing into a love that felt as inevitable as the sunrise.

Law school had molded Ritika into a fierce advocate, her voice a powerful weapon for the voiceless. Ved, on the other hand, found his calling in the olive greens of the Indian Army. Theirs was a love that navigated late-night phone calls filled with legal jargon and whispered endearments, stolen weekends, and promises of a future painted in vibrant hues.

Their wedding, meticulously planned for months, was just a week away. Yet, fate, a cruel puppeteer, had intervened. Border tensions escalated, and Ved's leave was abruptly canceled. He was to be deployed immediately. The news had shattered their world, leaving behind a hollowness that echoed with every unanswered question.

A painful silence hung heavy between them. Ritika tried to fill it with nervous chatter, recounting the latest case she had won, the injustice she had fought. Ved listened patiently, offering forced smiles and half-hearted congratulations. But the unspoken truth gnawed at them both - this could be their last conversation, their last stolen moment before the world separated them, possibly forever.

As the minutes bled into an eternity, Ritika's carefully constructed facade crumbled. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the image of the man she loved. Her voice, usually strong and steady, cracked as she spoke.

"Ved," she choked out, her voice barely a whisper amidst the station's din, "They say... a soldier on duty can get married, right? Can we... Can we do it now, please?"

Ved's heart lurched. He understood the desperation in her voice, the fear of an uncertain future clawing at her. A part of him yearned to fulfill her wish, to hold her close and promise forever, even if it was a lie. Yet, another more rational part knew the burden of such a decision.

"Ritika," he began, his voice gentle yet firm, "You know I love you, more than words can express. But marriage... It's a sacred bond, a promise that needs to be nurtured. It wouldn't be right to start it under such circumstances. Main jald wapas aaunga, please believe me!"

Ritika's tears flowed freely now, tracing a silent path down her cheeks. "But what if this is all we get, Ved? What if tomorrow never comes? I don't want to be left with just what-ifs. Let's not have regrets, please. At least jaate jaate mujhe apna naam hi dete jao taki uske saahare hi sahi, main apni zindagi bita saku!"

Ved saw the raw pain, the vulnerability behind her tear-filled eyes. He ached to take her pain away, to rewrite their destiny. But the weight of his responsibility, the oath he had sworn, held him back.

"Ritika," he reasoned, cupping her face in his calloused hands, wiping away her tears with his thumbs, "Think about it. Marriage is more than just a ceremony. It's a commitment, a promise to build a life together. We can't do that right now. You know I can't promise my return, aise mei how can I do this, kaise main tumhari life barbad kar dun? No, main aisa nahi kar sakta!"

Ritika's face straightened, her eyes toughen hearing him, "why not? Ismei barbad karne jaisa toh kuch bhi nahi hai? Why are you so reluctant to give me your name? Ved, main..main tumhare naam se jurna chahti hoon taki jab tak tum waoas nahi aa jaate tab tak main ussi sahare rahun. Am I asking too much?" Her teary eyes wear him out, her question hitting his nerves.

He paused, his voice thick with emotion. "But how about this," he continued, his eyes pleading for her understanding, "Let's hold on to this love. Let's keep fighting for our future. When I come back, we'll get married with all the fanfare it deserves, surrounded by our loved ones. It'll be a wedding we'll always remember, a celebration of our love that conquered distance and fear. We deserve a grand wedding, a wedding that you always write about in your diary. Let us just wait for the right time, please!"

"Ved!!" She tried to object but he held her hand.

"Please try to understand Ritika, I can't marry you at the moment, please understand this is not the right time or place to get married. Apart from that, I'm ready to give whatever you want!!" He promised, entwining his fingers with bet

A flicker of hope ignited in Ritika's eyes. She understood his logic, the weight of his duty. But a part of her still craved that final confirmation, that physical seal of their bond.

"Tonight... can't we have tonight, Ved?" she pleaded, her voice a mere tremor. "One night to feel complete, to know that... that in every sense of the world, I belong to you, and you to me." She proposed.

Ved's breath hitched. The temptation was overwhelming. A night, a stolen moment of intimacy, could bridge the gap between them, a memory to hold onto in the long, lonely nights ahead. But his conscience pricked him. He knew that such a night, fueled by desperation and fear, wouldn't be a celebration of their love, but a burden they might both carry with guilt, if not her but he's sure of the guilt. It will not be just another night but will stain her forever and by any chance he doesn't return then it will remain with her as a sin and he can't bear that, even if he's in the grave.

"Ritika," he said, his voice filled with a deep sadness, "You deserve more than a hurried night, a stolen moment in the shadow of uncertainty. You deserve a wedding night filled with joy, a promise of a future we can build together, brick by brick. Let's not taint this night with sadness." He spoke convincingly.

"You just promise to give me anything and everything apart from marriage. How can you deny your own words Ved? Are you worried about your joining timing? If it's the matter then I'll book flight tickets for you and then a private jeep. Please, please, give me just one night Ved, please!! Don't reject me like this!!" She cried, crashing in his arms. She wants nothing but him, a night can change things for her, she will be marked as his forever and can lead a life with that moment.

"Don't make it hard for me Ritika! Tum janti ho what you're asking is not practical, it will only destry you and your reputation. Don't plead for your own destruction. We both know I can't guarantee my return, aise main one wrong step will destroy your life. I can't let you suffer because of me." He caresses her back, his words calm and convincing.

"If you reject me like this then I'm already destroyed. You can't guarantee your return and I can't guarantee my survival if you leave me like this. I would rather die Ved! Please meri baat maan lo, just one night, please!!" She begged.

"No!!" This time he denied straight forward, he knows what she's trying to do. If he doesn't return and her parents try to marry her, she'll turn down every offer and she might even disclose what she's demanding at the moment to not marry because she can never imagine to be with any other man, she'll like to suffer alone her whole life but will never get close to any man, never. And this is the biggest destruction in itself. She shouldn't be doing that, she has all the right to be happy, even if he's not around.

Ritika looked up at him, horrified. Never till that he had denied for anything this way. A "No" is a strong word coming from his side. Her tears rolled unconditionally and her gaze fixated on him.

He cupped her face, "Ritika, hum dono ache se jante hai tum ye kyun kar rahi ho par please, mujhe iss kadar mat todo ki main sukoon ki sans tak na le paun. Mera yahan se tumhe wo de ke jana jo tum chahti ho uss se tumhe siwaye dard ke kuch hasil nahi hoga aur ye tum bahut ache se janti ho main tumhe kissi bhi surat mei dard mei nahi dekh sakta, so please jidd chor do apni warna main toh sukoon se marr bhi nahi paunga. Apne desh ke liye sahid hone ki khushi se jyada main marte waqt bhi issi guilt mei rahunga ki main jaate jaate tumhari life spoil kar gaya. Please Ritika, mujh se aisa kuch mat mangoo ki mujhe tumse nazre chura ke jana pade, please!!" He requested, his eyes overwhelming with tears but he doesn't want them to flow, he doesn't want to shatter her anymore by crying before her.

Ritika looked down, her tears drying up, leaving behind a trail of salt on her cheeks. She understood. He wasn't denying her love, just protecting it from the harsh realities of their situation.

Wiping her face with a trembling hand, she straightened her shoulders, a newfound resolve replacing the desperation. "You're right," she whispered, her voice gaining strength. "We'll wait. We'll fight for our future together."

A smile, bittersweet yet genuine, graced her lips. "But promise me, Ved," she continued, her eyes locking onto his, "you'll come back. You'll come back to me."

Ved cupped her face once more, his thumb tracing the curve of her jaw. "I promise, Ritika," he vowed, his voice filled with an unwavering determination. "I'll come back to you, no matter what." He assured her.

Amidst this, the announcement crackled over the speakers, announcing his train's arrival. Taking a deep breath, Ved pulled her into a tight embrace. The world around them faded away, replaced by the warmth of her body and the frantic beat of their hearts. She held him as tight as she could, praying for his well-being.

As the whistle blew, signaling departure, Ved tore himself away. He looked at her one last time, etching the image of her tear-streaked face, her eyes filled with love and longing, into his memory. "I love you, Ritika, I really do," he mouthed, his voice lost in the cacophony.

Ritika stood there, long after the train had disappeared into the distance, a lone figure swallowed by the bustling crowd. The weight of his absence settled upon her, heavy and suffocating. But amidst the pain, a tiny ember of hope flickered. He had promised to return, and she, in turn, had promised to hold onto their love. She'll wait for him till eternity, only for him!

....

The following months were a blur. Ritika poured herself into her work, finding solace in the fight for justice. Every victory, every life she helped change, felt like a tribute to their love, a testament to the life they would build together.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and the silence stretched on. Letters, filled with love and longing, became her lifeline. Ved wrote about his training, his comrades, and his unwavering desire to return to her. He would write long letters, shyari and poems for her, sometimes he would write the names of the kids that he would name to his child with her. She laughed at his antics when she skips to talk about the baby part, he would complain and threaten her and force to give her suggestions as well otherwise he'll stop writing. The letters were more than anything she could ask for. It was like he's talking to her in person and she was happy with that, until he's back to her.

Then, one day, the news arrived. Not the news of his return, but a notification, a stark confirmation of her worst nightmare. Ved was missing, presumed killed in action during a surprise attack on the border. And his body is carried away by the attackers which they are not willing to return and the government is more concerned for those who are alive than to fight for the dead.

The world around Ritika crumbled. Grief, sharp and merciless, threatened to consume her. But amidst the pain, a fierce determination ignited. She wouldn't let his sacrifice be in vain. She would fight for justice for him and countless others who had fallen defending their nation. No matter how long it takes, the government has to take action for those who sacrifice their lives.

But all her efforts were in vain, the court shut the case stating it is the army's matter and they are not ready to intervene, Ritika was shattered, the love of her life was gone and she couldn't even get justice for him. What a pity!!

...

Year passed. Ritika became a prominent lawyer, known for her fiery arguments and unwavering commitment to the cause. She became a voice for the families of fallen soldiers, a beacon of hope in the face of loss. She probably couldn't help herself but became help for all who needed, isn't it what he always wanted? To serve the needy? Yes!! And she'll do that, for him.

In the span of this one year, she had turned down numerous proposals of marriage. Her parents were now hopeless and called upon his parents to convince her, thinking she might understand them.

"Ritika beta, why are you spoiling your life? Beta he's gone, you have to accept the truth. Aise apni life spoil karne se kya hoga beta? Apne parents ki baat maan lo aur aage badh jao, issi mei sabki bhalai hai." His father tried to convince her.

"Kya aap usse bhool paaye hai uncle? Agar aap usse nahi bhool sakte toh how can you expect that from me? Your son betrayed me, wo sab janta tha issliye bina shadi kiye hi chala gaya par mera pyar kissi shadi ka mohtaaj nahi hai. I'll love him till my last breath aur uske siwa meri life mei kissi ki jagah nahi. Uske yaadon ke sahare hai main apni zindagi guzar sakti hoon!" She exclaimed, determined to stay on her decision.

"Yaadon ke sahare zindagi nahi guzar sakti beta! Hum uske parents hai, humare paas siwaye uski yaad mei rehne ke aur koi chara nahi hai, hum chah ke bhi khud ke liye kuch nahi kar sakte. Par tumhare aage toh tumhari poori zindagi padi hai, usse aise barbad mat karo. Aaj toh tumhe sahi lag raha hai, aage ussi ka pachtava hoga. Abhi bhi bahut waqt hai beta, kissi ka hath tham apna ghar basa lo!" His mother spoke convincingly, her eyes filled with tears. She was so excited to welcome the girl as her daughter in law, but the destiny had some other plan and now they are left alone.

Ritika stood up from her seat, "meine bahut pehle aapke bete ka haath tham liya tha aur aab kissi surat mei main wo haath nahi chorungi. Wo bhale hi yahan humare bich nahi par meri har dhadkan mei wo samaya hai, uski jagah koi nahi le sakta, main kabhi kissi ka haath nahi thamungi!!" She declared and ran to her room, closing the door, to confine herself with his memories. She can never get over him, never!!

Ritika moved to the wardrobe and pulled out his last letter to her in which he confessed his desire to see her as his bride in Red lehanga, to claim her in front of the world and give her all that she deserves.
Ritika falls on her knees, holding the letter close to her chest. How can God be so cruel to them? How can he snatch their happiness in one blink? One day she was happy and blushing reading the letter and the very next day her world shattered into pieces. That's life, unpredictable!

....

After that incident, her family avoided opening that topic for some days, giving her some space and Ritika appreciated that.

Then one evening, while attending a charity event for war veterans, a familiar face caught her eye. A man, weathered by time but with the same warm brown eyes that had stolen her heart all those years ago, stood at the other end of the hall.

Ritika's breath hitched. Could it be...?

The man's gaze met hers, and a flicker of recognition sparked in his eyes. A hesitant smile spread across his face, a smile etched with the lines of hardship and a lifetime of unspoken words.

Ritika stood frozen, a million emotions swirling within her. Was it him? Was it really Ved? The man she had loved, lost, and mourned for what felt like an eternity?

Taking a deep breath, she took a step forward, her heart pounding in her chest. The answer, she knew, was just a walk away.

Her heart pounded in her chest, a mix of hope and fear. She took another step, her legs trembling slightly. As she got closer, she noticed the familiar scar on his left cheek, a reminder of a childhood scrape they had shared.

"Ved?" she whispered, her voice barely a breath.

The man nodded, his eyes filling with tears. "Ritika," he replied, his voice hoarse.

RITika rushed forward, throwing herself into his arms. Their embrace was a whirlwind of emotions – relief, joy, and a lifetime of unspoken words.

"I thought… I thought you were gone," she sobbed, her tears soaking into his shirt.

Ved held her tightly, his tears mingling with hers. "I'm so sorry, Ritika," he said, his voice filled with remorse. "I didn't know how to reach out. I thought you might hate me."

Ritika shook her head. "How could I hate you after everything you've been through?" she replied, her voice soft.

Ved recounted his ordeal, the years of captivity, the torture, the relentless hope that had kept him alive. He spoke of his escape, his journey back to India, and the fear that he would never find her.

Ritika listened intently, her heart aching with the pain he had endured. When he finished, she held him even tighter. "I'm so glad you're here," she whispered.

"Chalo, ghar chalo! Tum jaante nahi, sab tumhe dekh ke kitna khush honge!!" She exclaimed and pulled him along.

On their journey to home, she filled him with all the events of the year he was missing, her parents' determination to marry her off and her to never hold anything other than his. Ved was overwhelmed. He never knew she was this dedicated to their love, to him. The time he had survived in captivity, he had prayed for her to have a happy life but she was there, fighting for the rights of others while dedicating her life to him. How did he got this lucky to have her? How?

Reaching home, the environment escalated with cries and hues. The son they thought was gone long back was here, standing before them. His mother, did all short of aarti she remembered to ward off the evil from her son while her heart was overjoyed for the girl who brought back her son to her and who even after he was gone determined to be called by his name.

The mourning days were over, it was now the happy moment that they wanted to count on with their son.

...

Days turned into weeks as they reunited. Ritika filled him in on her life, her career, her unwavering love for him. Ved shared his experiences, the horrors he had witnessed, and the resilience he had gained. Ved realizes Ritika is not the same person he had left behind, now she's more strong, determined and focused.

One evening, as they sat by the Yamuna River, the same place where they had shared their first kiss, Ved took her hand. "Ritika," he began, his voice filled with sincerity, "I know I don't deserve you. I've caused you so much pain. But I love you more than anything in the world. Will you marry me?"

Ritika's eyes filled with tears of joy. "Yes," she replied, her voice trembling. "Yes, I will." She replied and crashed in his arms. The day she was longing for so long is going to be true, she's going to be his, he's gonna to be her!

Their wedding was a celebration of their love, a testament to their resilience. It was a grand affair, attended by their families and friends. The ceremony was filled with laughter, tears, and a sense of overwhelming joy.

As they exchanged vows, Ritika looked into Ved's eyes, seeing the man she had loved and lost, and the man who had returned to her, stronger than ever. Their love had weathered the storm, and had defied time and distance. It was a love that had endured, a love that would forever bind them together. A love, deep as ocean!!

..

The End..